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onceuponastory · 2 years

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normal - steve kemp x reader: chapter nine: survival instinct

“In the land of Gods and Monsters I was an angel living in the garden of evil” - gods and monsters by lana del rey

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Steve Kemp x Female!Reader Chapter Warnings: As always, 18+ ONLY PLEASE. This chapter has mentions of death, murder, stabbing, cannibalism, serial killers, kidnapping, manipulation, a lot of blood, graphic descriptions of violence and injuries, and weapons (specifically knives). Also a tiny smut mention. Once again, everything Steve does to people in Fresh is a warning. And of course, Steve Kemp and Nick Fowler, because those two are warnings all on their own, let alone together. As always, if I miss any triggers, please let me know. Notes: The penultimate chapter is here! Can you believe we’re on number nine already? I’m sorry it took me so long to write it, but I hope you like it. I’m not sure if my taglist was notified about chapter eight, so if you haven’t read it, please read that first. This chapter is not beta’d, so any mistakes are my own.

Also, hope you all like the new header I made!

As soon as he’s finished reading the note, Steve’s blood boils, and he throws the letter down angrily. “Shit!” He hisses, angrily kicking one of the kitchen cabinets. He’s going to kill that bastard. Yet, despite his anger, an overwhelming feeling of guilt overtakes Steve. If he hadn’t been so angry and listened to Y/N’s worries, or even went back to the house with her, this wouldn’t have happened.

And now, she might be dead. But even if she’s not dead, what if she hates him? What if she resents him for failing to keep her safe? That possibility tears him up inside. Y/N’s the love of his life. He can’t lose her. Honestly, Steve’s still confused by his seeming complete change of heart and personality for Y/N. After all, he used to relish in terrorising her, just like everyone else he’d ever met. Yet Y/N was different from everyone else. From their first meeting, he sensed some kind of connection, and strange feelings he had towards her.

They were unexplainable at first, but now he knows it was the first sign of him falling in love with her. That’s partly why he was so unwelcoming to Y/N at first, hoping that scaring her away would stop his strange feelings for her, the one woman he could never have. The person who would always see him as a monster. In fact, keeping her away only made the feelings stronger. When he finally admitted it to himself, he felt so much better. Even though he knew he couldn’t tell Y/N, not wanting to put her at risk. After all, the whole reason he took her when he broke out was to keep her safe. Safe from people like Nick Fowler. And now he’s completely failed, and might lose the one person he loves the most in this world. He can’t let that happen. He has to save her.

Grabbing the letter, Steve looks over it once more. ‘Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, and dust to dust. When we all fall asleep, where do we go?’ Steve knows where Nick means immediately and he quickly rushes out of the door. “Just hold on Y/N. I’m coming.”

Pain. That’s all Y/N recognises. Pain. The back of her head is throbbing, and her entire body feels like it's screaming at her. Everything hurts, even breathing. As Y/N winces in pain, she can taste something metallic in her mouth. It doesn’t take her long to realise what the taste is. God, Nick must’ve hit her pretty hard. A strange moaning noise fills the air, and Y/N doesn’t even want to think about where it’s coming from. She just wants to leave and go back to Steve.

Steve. God knows what he’s thinking right now. No doubt he thinks she’s fled and gone to the FBI and CIA to spill everything. “No. He won’t think that. He can’t. Steve loves me, and I love him. He has to know that.” She thinks. Their argument flashes through her mind again, and Y/N sniffs. The last thing she and Steve did was argue. And now she might never be able to tell him she’s sorry. Steve’s pained face haunts her memory. He looked so hurt by her words. Not that she blames him, though. After all, she basically told him she hates being with him. Or at least, that’s how it came across. Hopefully, he heard her screaming or realised something was wrong, and he’s looking for her.

Even though at this rate, Y/N’s not holding out much hope. So, it’s time to save herself. Using all her strength just to lift her body off the floor, Y/N tries to sit up, clenching her teeth to get through the pain. Immediately, she regrets her decision as the pain in her head amplifies, and she becomes even dizzier. Yet despite how weak she feels, Y/N knows she has to push through, because her survival depends on it. She tries to use her hands to steady herself, but she can’t move them. She wiggles her wrists, feeling the hard plastic of a zip tie digging into her skin. Shit.

Still, she tries to push herself up, but her body is too weak to support itself, and it drops. She lands with a dull thud against the floorboards, the sharp pain in her side intensifying as her body hits the ground. A moan of pain escapes her lips, and she sobs. So that’s where the moaning noise was coming from. Her. “Please…someone. Help me.” She whimpers, too weak to even try to scream. Her words come out as muffled, and Y/N realises that Nick’s probably stuck tape over her mouth. The building is silent, aside from the noise of the storm still raging outside. Would anyone even hear her scream? Wincing, Y/N looks around wherever she’s being kept.

She realises where she is almost immediately. There are two stained glass windows, one across from her and one a few feet away. Their faces stare down at her, as if they’re judging her. Nick brought her to the church, and by the looks of it, stuffed her in a cramped back room somewhere. The room is musty and dirty, and Y/N realises it’s definitely not been used in a while. So she’s going to die in an abandoned church. Great. In a way, the room’s musty smell reminds her of the cabin. But at least that place was a home for her, somewhere for her to live her dream life with Steve, even if only for a little while. This place is a nightmare, rather than a dream.

Yet strangely, the sight of the stained glass windows and their judgemental faces almost makes Y/N laugh. After all, her parents and co-workers always thought her job made her a monster. And now, Nick’s brought her to be judged before she dies. Even though Y/N doesn’t want to die, deep down, a part of her wonders if it’s what she deserves. Dying all alone, with everyone she knows hating her.

She squeezes her eyes shut, hoping that if she tries hard enough, she’ll wake up, everything will be over, and Nick Fowler will be far away from her. She knows it’s useless to try, but it’s not like she has any other options. It’s like what she used to do when she was a child: hiding under her blankets and singing to herself in the hopes it made the monsters go away. Her parents told her to do that, actually. She knows now that they did it so they didn’t have to deal with her waking them up every night, but back then, she thought the power of her singing could save herself. Of course, the real world doesn’t work like that. In the real world, monsters are a lot less easy to spot. She knows that for sure now.

Another memory enters her mind then, one from a few days ago. Steve had found an old radio in the cabin, and with the help of George, got it working. Steve pulled her up to dance as the room filled with music.

“Oh no. I can’t dance. Trust me, you do not want me stepping on your toes Steve.” Y/N laughed, but Steve pulled her close, grinning as he twirled her under his arm.

“Y/N. I have been waiting months to hold you and dance with you like this.” He whispered, peppering kisses all over her which made her giggle. “And I’m not letting go of you yet.” As the music played on, Y/N and Steve danced together, safe and comfortable in the other’s embrace. Soon, the vocals of Ella Fitzgerald played, and Steve smiled. “Come on, sing with me.”

“Absolutely not. I can’t sing either.” Steve laughed.

“That’s such a lie. I heard you in the shower.” Still though, Y/N shook her head, and Steve sighed. “Stars shining bright above you. Night breezes seem to whisper…’I love you’” Steve mouthed, kissing her once more.

Y/N would give anything to return to that moment. To be safe with the one she loves, dancing to Ella Fitzgerald in their new home together.

With a groan, Y/N rolls over onto her back. Even though she knows it doesn’t work, it still doesn’t hurt to try singing again. And besides, at least she can close her eyes and imagine she’s singing to Steve. And at least she’ll die doing something that brings her comfort. Taking a shaky breath, Y/N begins to sing. “Stars shining bright above you. Night breezes seem to whisper, ‘I love you’…birds singing in the sycamore trees…dream a little dream of me.”

As time goes on, Y/N drifts in and out of daydreams. Her pain has subsided a little, but that doesn’t mean that this nightmare is over. As she lays there, thinking over the good times she had in her life (mostly with Steve), she wonders what’s going to happen to her. Maybe she’s just going to be left here to die slowly from all her injuries. Or maybe Nick is coming back to finish the job.

Whatever it is, by this point, she just hopes that it’s over quickly.

“Look who’s awake!” Nick’s voice sounds, and a chill fills Y/N’s blood. Speak of the Devil. Immediately, her mind goes back through all her training and what she’s supposed to do in this sort of situation. And to think she used to be terrified it would be Steve doing this to her in a situation like this, and thought Nick would be the one to save her. If only she knew back then how wrong she was. Steve has left marks of love and protection on her, and Nick has only caused pain and destruction. Y/N casts her mind back to the times she spent with Steve, and to the love they shared. Finally, after everything life put her through: all the rejection and the pain, she was happy.

And now, she’s about to lose it all.

Nick peers down at her, the fear on Y/N’s face making him smirk. “Did you sleep well, sweetheart?” He mocks, knowing how much she hates hearing that nickname from him. The more he calls her that, the more Y/N wants to punch him. “I’d say I was sorry about all…this.” He sighs. “But I’m not though. This is what you get when you don’t do what you’re told, Y/N. You should’ve kept your nose out of this.”

Y/N stares up at Nick, using her eyes to plead with him to let her go…or at least to just make things easier for her. “You know, even though I wish you kept your nose out of things, for an FBI Agent, I’m surprised it took you so long to realise that I was behind everything. You were so sure you’d stop me, and thought you were better than me because you discovered my secret.” He leans in close, grinning maniacally. “Little did you know, you hadn’t even scratched the surface of just how bad I am. All you cared about was a few little lies on my file. Bet you’re regretting it now, aren’t you?” He asks, and Y/N nods.

“Just play into his narcissism. Don’t fight him. Fight it, and we die.” She tells herself. Even though she knows she’s going to die anyway at this point. People like Nick don’t leave witnesses.

“But look where we are now, and how everything has changed. It all ends here, Y/N. And I win.” He laughs. “Oh, don’t worry, though. Steve’s coming to save you. He should be here soon, actually.” Immediately, Y/N’s heart rate increases. Steve’s coming? Here? Even though she knows it’s foolish, hope fills her body. She might actually be okay after all. Seeing the optimism on her face, Nick chuckles. “Yes. I knew it was no fun without him here, and besides, you’re both important to my endgame, so I left him a note telling him where we are. Not that I made things easy, though.” He sighs. “He really loves you, you know? It’s so…pitiful. He could’ve been so great, so evil, but he just had to let love get in the way.”

Y/N ignores Nick’s comments, too happy and comforted by Steve coming to save her. He does love her. They’re going to stop Nick, and then they’ll live happily together. Just like they deserve. And then, something hits her in the side. Y/N screams as more pain shoots across her body. Although the tape across her mouth muffles it, the sound is still loud, and Nick laughs. “Unfortunately, though, just because he’s coming to save you doesn’t mean that you two are getting out of here alive.” Another kick lands on her body, and another moan of pain follows from Y/N. “And it doesn’t mean that you have to be in a good condition for him either.” Another kick lands, and Y/N whimpers in pain, her body shaking. “God, I love that noise.” Nick grins. “Especially when it comes from you.”

A Few Days Earlier.

“You’re saying…what?” Y/N’s boss frowns incredulously.

“That there’s something shady going on with Nick Fowler.” The man who almost bumped into Nick replies. “He got a text, headed to the bathrooms and then shot out of here like a bat out of hell. I don’t know what it was about. It could be nothing, but given everything that’s been going on recently, he might have a lead and is holding out on us.”

Y/N’s boss sighs, massaging his temples with his finger. “I see. Thank you.” The man nods and leaves the room. “Fuck. Two missing agents, an escaped cannibal and now one agent might be dirty. That’s just what I need.”

After raining down a few more blows, Nick stands over Y/N, watching as she whimpers and writhes around in pain. Then, the muffled sound of a creaking door echoes across the building, and Y/N’s heart almost stops. “Okay Fowler, I’m here. I came alone, just like you said.” Steve calls. “Now, where is she?” Y/N almost starts crying. Steve. He’s here. Nick was right, he’s come to save her. Immediately, a look of dark excitement takes over Nick’s face. One that chills her blood. Disregarding the tape on her mouth, Y/N tries to scream a warning out to Steve, hoping he hears her. Nick harshly grabs her arm, yanking her up and holding her at his side. His tight grip on her arm makes Y/N cry out in pain.

“Now, now, there’s no need for that.” He tuts. “I’ll have to kill you both sooner than expected if you keep acting up. And I’ll kill you before you can say goodbye to your boyfriend properly. Do you want that?” He asks, and Y/N shakes her head, her tears and whimpering now just a sniffle. Nick grins. “Good girl. Just do as you’re told, and everything will be fine. For now.”

Nick opens the door and walks into the main room of the church. Y/N registers something, probably a knife, being held at her throat, and she tries to hide her tears, knowing that it’ll give Nick even more of a sick gratification. Mostly, though, it’s because she knows that the second Steve hears her cries, he’s going to hurt Nick. And whilst she wants him to save her more than anything, and she knows Steve is more than capable of handling himself, Y/N also knows that Nick is unpredictable, and he’s the one in control here. The last thing she wants is for Steve to end up dead.

Y/N and Nick round the corner, and come face to face with Steve. “Hello Steve. How nice of you to join us.” Nick smirks. Steve’s face drops.

“Nick. Let her go.” He orders, his voice the lowest and the most threatening Y/N has ever heard it. “This is between me and you. You can do whatever you want with me. Just don’t hurt Y/N. This has nothing to do with her.”

In response, Nick laughs. “Oh, look at you trying to play at being the hero like that’ll work. Like you’re not as much of a psycho as I am. What, you want me to let her go so she can run away and tell everyone the truth, and then I’ll have the whole of the FBI and CIA breathing down my back?” Nick shakes his head. “I don’t think so. And besides, Y/N has everything to do with this. After all, she’s the one who brought us all together!”

Y/N glances over at Steve. His face seethes with a rage she’s never seen from him before, and both his fists clench angrily. “You really have no idea who I am, do you, Steve?” Nick asks.

“An annoying piece of shit?” Nick laughs sardonically.

“Not that. When you first started out with your little…operation, do you remember hearing about the one at the top? The one everyone wanted to be, and the one everyone feared? You’re looking at him.” As a look of confusion dawns on Steve’s face, Nick grins. “Yup. Y/N’s little theory was right after all. Even down to the bite marks. I was you before you even existed, Steve.” He chuckles, before continuing. “We’re so alike, you and I. Except I don’t get caught, despite the attempts of both you and Y/N.” Steve looks back over at Y/N, an apologetic look on his face. Y/N nods, hoping he understands she forgives him for not believing him. “You were determined back then. I’ll give you that. But you were also a pest, who threatened my spot at the top. Just like your little girlfriend here.” Nick’s voice becomes angrier, and he steps forward, dragging Y/N with him.

“Nick, listen to me-” Steve tries to argue back, but Nick ignores him and continues his tirade.

“And that’s why you had to go. Just one call from a ‘concerned business partner’...and the problem went away.” The realisation strikes both Y/N and Steve immediately.

“That was you?!” Steve gasps. Nick nods.

“I’ve been working my whole fucking life to be at the top, and if you think I’m letting some nobody agent and failure like you take it away from me….” Nick hisses, laughing breathlessly. “Then you have another thing coming.” He looks between them both, his smile manic. The look he gives them both terrifies Y/N even more. She’s never seen him this unhinged before. “And that’s why we’re all here now. Because I have two problems that I need to solve.” As Nick grips Y/N’s body even tighter as she tries to squirm out of his grasp, she yelps in pain again.

“Nick, she was just doing her job. I’m the one you have the issue with. So again, let her go.” Steve orders. Nick huffs, shaking his head.

“How many times do I have to tell you-” He grunts angrily. However, Nick stops himself mid rant, and he regards Steve with a frown. “You know something, Steve? For how much you like to pretend that you’re the one in control, and that you’re the true monster…you really are so weak. You could’ve been great, like me. But you let yourself get clouded by love, and now you’re throwing everything away for her. Is that really what you want, Steve? To choose Y/N over all the fame and fortune?”

Y/N can see that Nick’s words are impacting Steve, as he takes time to choose his next response. As the time it takes Steve to reply increases, Y/N becomes more and more worried about what he’ll say. She knows he loves her, and he came back to save her, but what if she’s not enough anymore? What if he goes with Nick? After all, the first few times they interacted, Steve was arrogant, and he definitely enjoyed tormenting and manipulating her. When she challenged his character, he was furious with her. Of course, running a cannibalistic enterprise isn’t exactly Y/N’s idea of a dream life, but she can see why it would be so appealing to Steve, especially after being deprived of it for so long.

Suddenly, Steve speaks, cutting into Y/N’s worries. “You’re right. It would be nice to be at the top again, and to have all my notoriety and money back does sound appealing.” Steve admits. “But I can get that back later. I love Y/N, and I brought her here so we could finally be together, and so I could protect her from people like you. So I choose her.” Y/N breathes a sigh of relief, and Nick scoffs.

“Well, it’s your choice.” He shrugs. “Just as long as you remember, I kissed her first…and fucked her first, too.” Nick’s words set off Steve’s anger, and he charges forward, his fist held out for a punch. Before Steve can strike Nick, however, Nick presses the knife deeper into Y/N’s neck, and she lets out another cry. “I really wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Nick smirks, and Steve backs off. “Good boy. You know, when you two ran away, I was so angry. But now that we’re all together again, I can finally enact my new plan.”

“What are you going to do to us?” Steve asks. “Kill Y/N and take me back to prison? Because I swear to you, Fowler, I will fight and argue until my dying breath about what you are until someone listens.”

“Oh no, you’re both going to die. Make no mistake about that. I can’t have any loose ends, I’m afraid. And poor Y/N will be the first to go.” Nick removes the knife from her neck and begins tracing it down her cheek, laughing as she whimpers in fear. “You know, I really love that noise, don’t you, Steve?” Y/N’s eyes look over to Steve, watching as he seethes with rage. “And I’ll make sure you hear it all.” Nick promises. Y/N and Steve’s eyes meet once again.

“I’m sorry.” Steve mouths. Her eyes welling up again, Y/N nods. And then, an idea enters her mind. Gesturing her head towards Steve, Y/N then moves her head towards Nick slightly. She does it a few times until he realises what she means. Out of the corner of her eye, she can see Steve nodding. Another, small breath of relief escapes Y/N’s lips.

Hopefully, this plan works.

“Poor Y/N, kidnapped and murdered so brutally by the cannibal who she thought loved her. Just don’t ask which cannibal it was, though.” Nick laughs, the sensation of his hot breath against Y/N’s neck making her squirm. “But not to worry, because Nick Fowler saved the day and killed him too. In self defence, of course. It’s just a shame he couldn’t save Y/N too. At least the heroic welcome will be worth it.” Nick grins.

Quickly, whilst Nick is distracted looking at Y/N, Steve rushes forward once more, tackling him to the ground. The force makes Nick release his grasp on Y/N, and the knife clatters to the floor. Immediately, Steve unleashes his anger on Nick. The pair roll around on the floor as the air is full of the sound of moans and punches. Y/N goes towards them to help Steve, even though there’s not much she can do with her hands tied. As soon as she takes a few steps forward, she falls to the floor. She doesn’t even take time to register the pain shooting throughout her legs, and instead begins crawling away from the scene and towards safety as best she can.

And then, something glinting on the floor stops her. The knife. Her and Steve’s chance out of here. Whilst Nick is still distracted, she grabs it, disappearing behind the pews. Holding it in her hands, she tries to cut through the ties binding her wrist, hissing every so often as the blade pricks her skin instead of the hard plastic. The sounds of fighting and moaning continue to fill the air, and Y/N doesn’t even want to know who’s making that noise anymore. She just wants to get Steve and get out of here as soon as possible.

Once she’s finally freed herself, Y/N peels off the tape covering her mouth, taking a few deep breaths as she’s finally able to breathe properly again. Grabbing the knife, she stands up. Although she’s still a little unsteady on her feet, Y/N stalks towards Nick and Steve, the knife held in her outstretched hand.

“Nick!” she calls, the sound of her voice causing both men to stop and look at her. Both of their faces are bloody and bruised, and Nick is still gripping Steve’s arm. “Let him go. Now.” She orders. Nick smirks.

“Y/N, it’s okay. I’m okay. You should just get out of here and let me deal with him.” Y/N stays where she is, promising not to leave him. Nick looks between them both, grinning as an idea forms in his head.

“You know, Steve, I’m surprised you’re fighting so hard for her. Because you know what’s going to happen when this is all over, right?” Nick asks. “Your one true love over there is going to call her superiors, and your ass is going to get hauled back into jail again for another life sentence. This time in a maximum security prison, with no visitors.” Steve stops, frowning. “What? Do you think she wouldn’t? Oh please, don’t be so naïve. It’s what people like Y/N do. They save the world from monsters like you and I, and then they lock us up and throw away the key. You’re no different just because she supposedly loves you.”

“No. You’re lying. She wouldn’t.” Steve shakes his head. Yet, despite Steve’s attempts to seem controlled, something in his facial expression shifts, causing Nick to smirk.

“Oh, are you sure about that? Go on then. Ask her. See how much she actually trusts you.”

“Steve, come on. He’s trying to manipulate you. It’s what he does.” Y/N argues. “I trust you. I promise.” Despite her insistence, Steve looks conflicted. Strangely, though, he seems more upset than angry at the idea of Y/N’s betrayal. And that look tears her up inside.

“Just tell me the truth. Are you going to put me back in prison? After everything we’ve gone through? After I came back for you, and I chose you?” Steve asks, his voice softer and on the verge of cracking. Y/N’ frowns, wondering why the hell Steve’s choosing to listen to Nick Fowler right now, especially considering the bullshit he’s saying. However, her silence speaks volumes to Steve, and he gasps angrily. Still, she sees a look of hurt crossing his face, which tears her up inside. “No. No, no, no. If you think I’m setting foot in that fucking prison again, you have another thing coming.” He hisses. Nick lets go of Steve’s arm, and he chuckles.

“You know, I wanted to kill you both first, but this is just so much more entertaining. Tearing the star-crossed lovers apart.” Steve’s fist clenches angrily, and he turns back around.

“You better-” But Y/N gets to him first. Without another word, she drops the knife, walks up and rams her elbow into Nick’s face. It connects with his nose with a sick crack, and he swears, hissing in pain. Then, Y/N brings her fist back once more, connecting it with the side of Nick’s head. He tries to fight back, clawing against her face, but Y/N’s fury is too much for him, and she continues to strike him. After a few more punches, Nick collapses to the floor.

“That shut him up for once.” Y/N states.

Meanwhile, back in the FBI H.Q, Nick's contact sits in an interview room. He watches as Y/N’s boss circles him. “Tell us what you told Nick Fowler.” The contact says nothing, looking at Y/N’s boss with a smirk. “Come on. We all know you’ve been speaking to each other. No phone is untraceable.” Still, the contact is silent. Huffing, Y/N’s boss pulls out a file. “Kid, you’re looking at multiple charges here. It's just…we’re all wondering what a prestigious agent like Nick is doing fraternising with someone who has a criminal record as long as yours.” The contact scoffs, finally breaking his silence.

“Prestigious? Is that what he told you? You don’t know anything about what he’s truly like.” Y/N’s boss frowns.

“What does that mean?”

“Oh, I don’t think so! It doesn’t work like that. I’ll only tell my secrets if I get something out of it.”

“We planned for that. You’ll get a reduced sentence, but only if you tell us everything about your relationship to Nick Fowler.” The contact grins. “Do we have a deal?”

“I think we do.”

Meanwhile, Y/N and Steve watch as Nick sleeps, still out cold. “Okay, we should go while he’s knocked out.” Y/N orders. Yet, Steve doesn’t move. “Steve, what are you doing? Come on, let’s go!”

“Not before you tell me if you’re sending me to prison. Because I’m not leaving with you just so you can send me back there.” Huffing, Y/N rolls her eyes.

“Steve, do we really have to do this now? I don’t know what’s going to happen!” Despite her frustration though, Steve’s disbelief and distrust of her breaks her heart. Does he really think so little of her?

“Stop bullshitting me and just answer me!” Steve orders, the volume and tone of his voice making Y/N jump. “Am I going back to prison?” Y/N sighs.

“I don’t know! Probably! But it’s not like I’m going to have much of a choice, is it? They’re going to assume everything I say to save you is because I have Stockholm Syndrome or something.”

“So you’re not even going to fucking fight for me? Is that it?” Even though he’s still trying to put on a brave face, Y/N can tell there’s something more to it, and that Steve is more hurt than angry.

“I didn’t say that! What I did say, though, is that Nick’s just trying to manipulate you. Clearly, it’s working. Why are you listening to him anyway, after everything he’s done to us both?”

“Because!” Steve snaps. When he sees the look on Y/N’s face, his face falls, and he sighs sadly. “Because…I love you so much, and when I found out you were missing and Nick had you, it destroyed me. I’m supposed to protect you. It’s why I brought you here, after all. And I failed.” He dips his head for a moment, and Y/N swears she can hear a sniffle.

“Steve….”

“On the way over here, I was so worried that you were hurt. And well…you are.” He sighs. “And after our argument and your kidnap, I thought you stopped loving me. I know it sounds stupid, but the last thing I want to do is lose you and have you stop loving me.” He admits. Y/N’s face softens. How could he ever think that she’d stop loving him? She reaches out to touch Steve, but he flinches away. “So when Nick said you were going to turn me in, I thought it was true. But to be honest…a part of me thinks I deserve to spend the rest of my life in prison. Especially after everything I’ve done to you.” Steve scoffs. “God, so much for me being a scary monster, huh? Nick was right, after all. I am a weakling.”

“No, you’re not.” Y/N sighs. “You came to save me. That’s not weak.” Looking over at Steve’s heartbroken face, Y/N knows that there’s no way she’d ever let him go.

If only she could convince Steve of that.

“You know, though, I used to pride myself on being strong and scary. Especially when I first met you.” Y/N and Steve laugh, remembering the memory. “But somehow, as we grew closer, I think I stopped caring about not being scary. And even though I acted like it at first, I don’t want to hurt you either, or to chop you up. All I care about is you. You bring out the best parts of me, ones that I thought didn’t exist anymore. Or at all.” Steve sighs. “And if you turn me in, I don’t know what sort of person I’d be anymore.”

“Steve.” Y/N begins. “I promise you, I will not turn you in.”

“And why should I believe that?”

“Because I love you Steve!” Y/N sighs, tears stinging at her eyes again. “Fuck, I love you so much. I never stopped, even with this. These past few days with you have been the best time of my life, and I’m not ready for it to end yet. To be honest, I want to stay with you forever, and I’d follow you to the ends of the earth to make that happen.” Sniffling, she takes a breath. “But if you want to go, I understand. Go be free.” Saying those words feels like a knife is twisting in her gut, but she means every word. “Let me end this alone. I started this whole mess, and I’ll finish it.”

And yet, Steve doesn’t move. Although she’s so thankful he’s not running away and leaving her for good, his lack of movement still confuses her. Even after everything he said, she still thought he’d choose his freedom first. “Oh god, Y/N. I’m so sorry about everything. For not believing you right away, for the argument, for letting this happen to you….” Steve gasps suddenly, kissing her all over her face and body. “I love you so much.” He mumbles. And this time, Y/N believes him fully. “Y/N, you’re safe. You’re finally safe.” With those three words, everything hits Y/N at once. Yet, despite the chaos and danger of the moment, all she wants is to be held by Steve, to hold him in return, to be kissed by him, and kiss him all over. Because he came back for her, and he chose her. Immediately, Y/N falls into Steve’s arms, sobbing. He holds her tightly and protectively, and Y/N even swears she hears Steve crying too.

“I love you too.” She presses her lips to Steve, kissing him passionately. The pair stand there for a few moments, each savouring the embrace of the other. Because deep down, they know it could still be the last time they see each other.

“Y/N, go. Run as far away as you can and never look back.” Steve whispers. “I can’t let you put yourself in danger. Let me end this. You’ll be safe from us both, and you can finally live a normal life.” Y/N shakes her head.

“Normal? My life hasn’t ever been normal. And I told you. I’m the one that brought us into this mess, and I’m going to help you finish it.” Steve tries to argue with her, but Y/N is staunch in her decision. “I’m not leaving you.” She takes his hand, squeezing it tightly. “And besides, we’re too intertwined with this care to separate now. We met trying to solve this case, and now we’ll end it together.” Knowing it’s foolish to argue with her any longer, Steve nods, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

“God, I love you.” As Nick stirs, Steve squeezes Y/N’s hand. “Ready?” He asks, and she nods. “Then let’s go stop a serial killer.”

As Nick wakes up, the pain hits him. Along with the sensation of blood trickling from his nose. “Fuck.” He hisses, standing up. Y/N and Steve stand across from him, watching his every move. Steve protectively stands in front of Y/N, shielding her with his body. Nick scoffs. “Aww, you two think you can stop me. How sweet.” He mocks. “I’d advise you both to just quit whilst you’re ahead, because this little plan of yours is not going to work.” Neither of them move. “Alright. It’s your funeral.” Nick shrugs. “Let’s start with the girl who started it all.”

“No.” Steve orders. “You start with me. And I’ve been waiting for this one.” He charges forward again, punching Nick right in the face. As the pair start fighting again, Y/N grabs a discarded piece of wood, slamming it into the side of Nick’s head. The hit stuns him for a moment, and she hopes it gives Steve an advantage. Unfortunately, Nick doesn’t go down as she hoped. Instead, he turns his attention to her.

“You fucking bitch.” Nick hisses. Letting go of Steve, he grabs Y/N and throws her against the wall. Y/N immediately and harshly jabs her fist into Nick’s chest, pushing him back. When he frowns, she chuckles.

“Did you forget I did self defence in the FBI?” Instead, Nick laughs.

“No. Did you forget I did it in the CIA too?” He readies himself to strike her again, but Y/N is too quick for him. She shoves him back again, so hard that he stumbles.

“I told you I wanted to solve this case, and I am going to. Dead or alive.” She hisses. Nick tries to strike her again, but she dodges his blows once more, even striking him a few times. Whilst Nick is distracted, Steve hits him again. With a huff, Nick shoves Steve so harshly that he falls back, hitting his head against a pew and landing on the floor with a sick thud. He doesn’t get back up. Immediately, Y/N stops fighting Nick.

“Steve!” She screams, feeling her heart almost stop. She runs towards him, but Nick’s voice sounds from behind her.

“Well, that was underwhelming.” Nick sighs. “Your turn, Y/N.” Nick grabs her leg before she can reach Steve, and he pulls her down. She hits the ground hard, but doesn’t even have time to register the pain before Nick is on top of her. He kneels on her chest to stop her from moving and to cut off her airway, grinning terrifyingly as she gasps for air. Y/N kicks at him with all her might, trying to push him off of her. It doesn’t work, yet she still continues to strain, clawing at Nick’s hands and head, hoping he lets go.

“Get…off me!” She gasps, even though she can feel herself becoming more and more tired. Y/N glances back at Steve, still lying on the floor, unresponsive. She keeps staring at him, hoping that somehow, if she keeps looking at him for long enough, he’ll wake up. “Please….” She whimpers. Even though, deep down, she knows it won’t work.

“He can’t save you this time. It’s just me and you.” Nick grins, peering down at her. “I have to commend you though Y/N. You really are a fighter, much more than my other victims. It’s just a shame you have to die.”

“Go to hell.” Y/N hisses. She still tries to fight back, but it’s becoming more and more difficult to breathe. She reaches her hand out, hoping to grab something, anything, to stop him. But there’s nothing. Even the piece of wood she used is too far for her to grab. A horrible realisation dawns. She’s going to die. This is when it all ends. Nick smirks.

“Is that the best you can do?” He presses his knee deeper into her chest, and Y/N lets out a moan of pain. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees what looks like a small flicker of movement from Steve. Yet, as Nick continues to press down on her chest and small black dots appear in her vision, Y/N swears the movement from Steve was just a hallucination. Something her mind is letting her see before she dies. Still though, Y/N looks over at Steve. Just in case there’s a chance he might save her after all. Yet there’s no other movement, and her heart sinks.

So this is when she dies.

“How does it feel, Y/N?” Nick asks. “To know that I’ll always be your one failure, the one you couldn’t catch? To know that I’ll win?” Y/N can’t even find the strength to say anything. Seeing her slowly slipping away, Nick grins. He leans over, reaching out for his knife. As he does so, he moves his knee from her chest slightly. It’s only a slight movement, but it means that Y/N can finally get some more breath. As her lungs fill, a sense of injustice and a survival instinct kick in too. This isn’t how she wants to die, without even doing everything she wanted to with Steve. It’s not fair. She shoves Nick once more, enough to knock him back slightly, and he releases his grasp on her. Her sudden strength clearly surprises them both, but there’s no time to think about that now.

It’s time to survive.

Y/N scrambles to her feet, trying to run towards Steve and to safety. But Nick is too fast for her. He grabs her and slams her against the wall once more.

“Why are you being so difficult?” Nick hisses. He holds out the knife, the metal of it glinting in the light. “Now, stay still. It’ll all be over soon.” Nick grins. He thrusts his arm out towards her. Quickly, and without a second thought, Y/N grabs his wrist, pulling the knife away from her chest. His hit stabs her in the side, but the adrenaline and shock she’s under means she doesn’t feel it right away Even though he’s glad to have hit her, Nick’s still clearly shocked by her strength…as is Y/N. Yet, Nick readies the knife for another blow. “You know, I really am sorry Y/N. There’s just no other way for this to end.” Nick sighs. As he reaches out to stab her again, Y/N grabs his wrist once more. Despite the growing pain at her side, she turns Nick’s wrist, shoving the knife into his abdomen. A sickening noise sounds, and Nick groans in pain. He grips her shoulder tightly, trying to hold himself up. Y/N leans in close.

“Yes, there is.” She hisses. “And this time, I win.”

“You…fucking bitch.” Nick hisses. Y/N pulls out the knife, and blood pours out of the wound as Nick drops to the floor. As his breath becomes more and more strained, he looks up at her, chuckling slightly. “I was right after all…you do have some darkness in you.” And then he slumps forward, and finally goes silent. Y/N stares down at his body, waiting for him to get up and attack her again. The longer time goes on with no movement from Nick, the more Y/N realises that he’s not getting up.

“Oh god. Shit, oh god. Fuck. Oh god.” She mumbles to herself, panicked. “What did I just do?!” she gasps, feeling her body shaking and her heartbeat rising. Immediately, Y/N drops the knife. Blood stains her hands, and she has no idea who it belongs to.

“Y/N!” Steve is at her side in seconds. The happiness of having him okay and by her side again doesn’t even register, as she’s too panicked to think about anything else than what she’s done.

She’s killed Nick Fowler.

She’s a murderer and a monster, just like everyone used to say about her.

“I think I killed him, Steve.” She sobs. Steve takes her into his arms again, gently rocking her and shushing her as she cries.

“You did the right thing. It’s okay. It’s okay.” He repeats, kissing her all over. “You saved us both, and all those women. You did it. My beautiful Y/N.” He soothes. As she cries, he continues to calm her down. “It had to be done. You stopped him all by yourself. It’s finally over. You’re safe.” At that moment, the shock and adrenaline wear off, and the full extent of the pain in Y/N’s side finally hits her. Wincing, she drops to her knees, Steve falling with her. “Y/N? What happened? Are you okay?”

“He…he stabbed me. In my side.” She hisses through gritted teeth. Immediately, Steve presses his hand to her side. “How’s it looking, doc?” Y/N chuckles, immediately regretting it as it shoots further pain up her body. As he removes his hand, Steve is silent, and Y/N can see a deep crimson covering it. The sight makes her gulp. “Oh. Not good then.”

“Come on Y/N, we need to get you to a hospital.” Steve insists, trying to help her up. Y/N shakes her head.

“No. No, no hospitals. They’re going to take you away from me…and send you back.” Steve sniffles.

“Y/N, if you don’t go, then you’re going to die. I’ve almost lost you before, and I’m not losing you again. I don’t care what happens to me anymore. I want you to be safe.”

“But I care about you.” She insists. “It’s okay. I’ll be okay.” She promises, even though she can still feel blood pouring out of her, despite Steve’s attempts to stop it. Y/N can hear the faint sound of sirens in the distance, and she raises her hand to cup Steve’s cheek, wiping away the tears slowly running down his face. “If you don’t go, I’m going to lose you forever. Go. Be free.”

“And what’ll happen to you?”

“I don’t know, but I do know that it’ll be better than what’s going to happen to you.” As the sirens get closer, Y/N’s worry for Steve gets stronger. “Go. Quickly. I’ll come find you.” Yet still, Steve doesn’t move. “Steve! Go! Please!” she begs. Sighing, Steve presses a kiss to Y/N’s lips, one full of passion and pain.

“I love you so much. Never forget that, okay?” Y/N nods, and Steve smiles.

And then, he’s gone.

A/N: I am still continuing this story, so don’t worry. This is not the end! The next chapter is going to be a final epilogue style chapter.

TAGLIST: @buckysboobs, @sebastianstansqueen, @lavendercitizen, @amanda-says, @enchantedbarnes, @eclecticpatrolroadlawyer, @kristophalis, babebr, @nerdypinupcrystal, @marve2014, @sgt-seabass, @themightyloki, @hallecarey1, @phoebethenarwhal, @lxdyred, @potato-with-hair, @chernayawidow, @gabewerk, @snugglingbucky, @late-to-the-party-81, @abbieff, @shadow-dragonz, @fandomblogs-stuff, @hallecarey1, @rach2602, @littlemissthistle, @booksandbenbarnes, @engie115

#steve kemp #steve kemp x reader #steve kemp fanfiction #steve kemp x you #steve kemp x y/n #brendan steven kemp #brendan steven kemp x reader #brendan steven kemp fanfiction #normal onceuponastory #normal fic #fresh the movie #fresh sebastian stan #fresh fanfiction

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legitalicat · 5 days

Text

The Dragon of Valhalla

An Assassin's Creed Valhalla x The Last Kingdom x House of the Dragon crossover

AN: I am so excited to share this with you! Special thanks to Lana ( zaldritzosrose ) for the header and dividers, and to Foxy ( foxyanon ) for your consultation on Nordic customs.

Masterlist here!

Songs this chapter

Blood Red Sails (from the AC Valhalla soundtrack)

Summary: Destiny, divinity. Whatever it takes to bring heroes together.

CW: Titles used as a way to install fear, brushing off one's mother and Jarlskona.

Word Count: 1.3k

Next Chapter

Chapter 1

893 AD

Ravensthorpe, Kingdom of Mercia

Ravensthorpe, for a moment at least, was peaceful. Children played, reminding Eivor of how small her own daughter once was. She hadn’t seen her in four years. But she could understand the importance of such a journey, of finding oneself and properly testing one’s mettle. Though if rumors were to be believed, that was about change.

Randvi had received a message just that morning that Anya had been seen once more in the rivers of England. Already, Eivor could feel the difference in the air. It was almost like the wind carried the whispered fears of Saxons.

In the twenty years since their arrival in Mercia, they had managed to build their reputation. The Raven Clan stood out to Danes and Saxons alike by now. It was not usual for a Dane settlement to prosper so completely in the way Ravensthorpe had. Most of it was due to Eivor’s leadership. Though, it was Anya’s name that had, at some point, stood out just as her mother’s.

The Saxons were terrified of her. At first, she was called Anya the Ashen, as wherever she raided was left as nothing but ash. But eventually, they adopted one word from the Danes to speak about her. One way to describe her. The name they whisper in fear, as though calling her to them should they speak it out loud.

Nidhogg, Harbinger of the End.

The Saxons only knew that the mythical creature was evil. They did not quite realize they were equating Anya to a being powerful enough to end the entire existence of them. Anya preferred they did not know. She thought it amusing that they unknowingly gave her a power they thought only their God could have.

Hytham walked up to Eivor, who had been leaning against the entrance to the longhouse. He saw his wife look longingly at the docks of Ravensthorpe. Though she was not, this time, hopeless looking.

“Randvi told you?” he asked, wrapping an arm around her waist.

“She has told me many things,” Eivor said nonchalantly.

She had calmed a lot as she had aged. There was once a time in which Eivor would be piling into a longship and sailing off to greet their daughter in a raid. But now, now Eivor would allow a proper arrival for her. It wasn’t much to most, but it was a lot for Eivor.

“And was one of those things the rumor she brings with her a dragon?” Hytham asked.

“It cannot possibly be true, can it?” Eivor asked. Part of her could only believe that it was the Saxons being dramatic again.

But there was the fleeting thought that maybe her daughter truly was a Harbinger.

Horns sounding from down the river. People started shouting. Eivor and Hytham both started walking forward to see more of the waters. It was like their words had spoken true.

In the distance, there was a great green winged beast, as large as their longhouse if not larger, soaring through the sky. And in the river below came a longship with Anya’s red banner bearing the symbol of the Raven Clan. ( 1 )

By the time Eivor rang the bell, alerting more people of the arrival, and made it to the docks, the ship was pulling in. The crew of warriors she had taken with her had aged. Their journey had taken its toll on them. The dragon landed on a hill just to the west outside Ravensthorpe, shaking the earth all around them.

Anya stepped onto the docks with a quiet but obvious thud as her boots hit the wooden docks. Small sections of her auburn hair had been braided and tied together at the back, keeping it just enough from her face but allowed it to be free flowing otherwise, a feather of a raven tucked behind her ear. She wore a bright red shirt and black pants under her leather armor pieces. Her face held softly defined lines. She looked much more like Eivor’s mother than either of them, though her hair seemed to be made of fire in some lights, and with Hytham’s eyes in both shape and color.

When she looked to her parents, her axe strapped to her back, Eivor swore she felt the winds shift. The cool breeze that once blew over Ravensthorpe going east seemed to have suddenly changed it’s mind. It now went south, dislodging the feather from her hair and carrying it away.

“Ma, da,” she greeted them with a smile before walking over to them and hugging each tightly.

Even now, Eivor could see she was changed. Anya was much like Sigurd in the fact that she left a girl and returned a woman. But unlike her uncle, she was not weighed by beginnings of madness. She did not try to hide coughing up blood or paleness around the eyes. She looked stronger than ever, more sure of herself.

Anya was joined by two men Eivor did not recognize. One from the ship and the other from the direction of the dragon. And again, Eivor could not help but think of Sigurd returning to Norway after his travels, flanked by Basim and Hytham. The man from the ship had raven hair and deep brown eyes, wearing what appeared to be a full armor set fashioned from metal. The man from the dragon had hair so light in color it almost glowed. He wore an eye patch over one eye, the other was a light purple, and he was dressed in leathers.

“Who are these men?” Eivor asked.

“We will speak in private, ma. And with luck, all will be explained. But first, I speak to Valka. Alone. I trust you will help my friends get acquainted in the meantime,” Anya said. She motioned to the blonde man. “This is Aemond, Prince of a realm known as Westeros. And there is his knight, Ser Criston. Make it known they are here as my guests.”

Anya did not give further explanation. She merely began walking up the hill, towards Valka’s Hut.

Kingdom of Wessex

It was midday when Uhtred told his men to stop. They had been marching for hours, making their way towards Mercia.

Rumors of the Raven Clan preparing to welcome The Ashen home had only just reached Coccham that morning when they were leaving. And Uhtred planned to be there. The seer Skade had pushed Uhtred towards this goal, promising victory to fall at his feet.

Sihtric approached Uhtred, both as his soldier and friend.

"You truly think Mercia will be any better? Their king still holds, no matter what this girl says," Sihtric said. His distrust of Skade had been immediate and obvious, viewing her already as a poison to Uhtred. "We should be going straight for Dunholm. Or Bebbanburg. Even East Anglia is a better choice."

Uhtred looked to Sihtric. He had fought beside Sihtric for years, just a few shy of a decade to be exact. He trusted Sihtric, knew as a fighter there was almost none to match him. Yet, for all of Sihtric's positives, he did not possess the ability to see divine truth. Not as Skade could.

"We rest. Then we continue to Mercia. Ravensthorpe would not be a bad place to have allies, if nothing else," Uhtred told Sihtric. "Destiny shines upon this plan, Sihtric."

Sihtric only nodded, very slightly. He muttered something about deciding to hunt, that he would return by night. Uhtred watched as he stalked off.

Sihtric felt the wind once more. He had felt it all day, though he appeared to be the only to notice the way they shifted. When they left Coccham that morning, fifty men behind them, he spoke to Uhtred, Finan, and Osferth of feeling changed. Of feeling a pulling that he did not understand. Not even could properly explain it.

When he stepped out of sight of Uhtred, there was a sudden gust of wind. It caused a sway in the trees, begging them to bend to such a force. Sihtric almost continued forward, needing more space from the camp that was being formed.

Then a feather of a raven fell at his feet, a few strands of flaming air wrapped around it.

Taglist: @foxyanon @zaldritzosrose (if you wish to be added send me a message!)

#dragon of valhalla #assassin's creed valhalla oc #assassin's creed valhalla #the last kingdom oc #the last kingdom #house of the dragon oc #house of the dragon #aemond targaryen #sihtric kjartansson #anya the ashen

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