#how to plan for an affordable luxury trip

[queers-gambit]

Bloodhounds

prompt: you and your husband have a different kind of foreplay that include disguises, sneaking out of the castle, and sometimes, fucking in an alleyway... Or two.

pairing: Aemond Targaryen x highborn!female!reader no specified House

fandom masterlist: House of the Dragon

word count: 5.7k+

note: also NO physical description of skin, hair, but height IS mentioned inna way and weight IS insinuated because - let's face it - fucking against a wall ain't easy!! this is a STAND ALONE.

warnings: poor excuse for smut, explicit / descriptive language, i guess this is porn with a plot?? (surprise!) there's cursing, Cherry needs to get laid ASAP, stop giving her internet access!! half-edited, author mildly gave up. ✅ spoiler free

"My Lady, how go your studies? Aemond says you're making grand progress," Alicent smiled, leaning back in her high-back chair with a goblet of wine in her always-tight manicured grip.

"Oh," you quickly swallowed the bit of food in your mouth, perfectly trained to take small bites for moments such as these - but also, because it was 'unladylike' to eat with fuller cheeks. With a quick dab of the cloth napkin left on your lap, you nodded at her, "My Lord husband likes to exaggerate. Studies are going well enough, My Queen, but surely, I've much farther to go."

She hummed in contemplation, "From what I've heard, you're planning a trip to Pentos?"

Ah, so this is the reason she wanted you alone.

"I am wrestling with the idea, Lady," you assured softly, "yet, there has been no decision made, nor am I swaying any which way more heavily." You watched her carefully, "You have an opinion on the matter, do you not?"

"How can I not, sweet child," she sighed, setting her goblet down as you did the same to the utensils in hand, "when there is a possibility my son is leaving?"

You couldn't help it, truly. But the laugh was genuine, "My Queen! There is not a world in which I would dare take your son from you. If I decided to venture to Pentos, it will not be with my white-haired husband and his 180-year-old dragon. That warrants attention I do not wish for."

"You are a Targaryen now - "

"I do not look it," you nodded. "I have a no-name face and can still travel undetected. Your son cannot afford the same luxury."

"And yet, I cannot shake this feeling..."

"That feeling you feel is natural for every mother," you nodded, taking a sip of water to clear your mouth and throat of residue. "It is the dread that your children are growing up and will leave, like you were forced to as a girl." Her face was painted in earnest shock. "Do not think so little of me, Your Grace, I've done my fair share of familial research - but also, the maids like to gossip." Alicent chuckled some. "I am truly sorry for your mother, and that you had to leave home to live with your father here... But there will come a time your kids are going to spread their leathery wings and fly. If it's something I've learned in the few, short years of marriage? You cannot hold dragons back. Believe me when I say, I do not want to take your son from you, but should he make his decision, that's only his to make. For now, I am simply weighing pro's and con's. The idea of adventure is a little too tantalizing."

Alicent regarded you for a long moment before slowly nodding, "Then it shall be his decision."

"If you'd like, if I go and end up in Braavos or other, I'll send a barrel of spiced wine."

"Oh, you," she chuckled, waving you off some.

"How fairs the King?"

Alicent paused to smile softly at the woman she married her son to, and for a moment, let her heart beat with pride at such a fine young woman joining her family. Y/N L/N was a woman of great beauty and even greater brains, a woman her son could engage with; a woman she was pleased to see fit in effortlessly. There wasn't a single soul in the entire castle who did not like her - and it came in handy at times.

Y/N was also the only one who ever bothered to ask about Viserys anymore, too. So, Alicent smiled and nodded, "He has his good days and bad."

You nodded slowly. "I remember when my grandfather started to lose his mind... It was gradual, then one day, it was like a switch flipped. For the last few years of his life, he didn't know who I was, but with Mum and Da' out, workin', doin' whatever they needed to, I was with him day in and out... It wasn't easy."

"You've never spoke of your family before," Alicent sat up in intrigue. "Three years being married, six months of courting before that - and you've never spoke of them," Alicent looked at you with a sense of wonder.

"Some family's aren't worth the effort to discuss," you shrugged a bit. "The moment you sent word for the courting season, away I was swept, and my father was adamant on making a match. Can you imagine how happy he was to learn I was courting the Prince?"

"Was he?" Alicent asked softly, giving a knowing look.

"He kept asking if it were true, and asked if his dragon took his eye," you snickered to her. "Kept asking what rumors were true."

"Gods," she chuckled.

"I told him outlandish things," you admitted with a snicker. "He caught on eventually, cursed me to all Seven Hells... Stopped writing, and then word reaches me of his passing. Hm," you shrugged a bit.

"Well, you're better off without, yes?"

"Indeed, I'd say... Look, Your Grace, I have not made any decision about my travels. As of right now, I'm okay reading my books and letting my mind go on adventures - I will tell you when I have made a decision."

"All right..."

"You will be the second to know, after Aemond, of course."

She smiled, "Yes, yes. Of course."

You glanced out the window to the sun's position, finding it nearly completely gone, and turned to your mother-by-law. "Speaking of, I'm sure he's expecting me soon. I'll be going now," you stood slowly, waiting for her to stop you.

"Of course, yes, yes, go on," she smiled. "Thank you for tonight."

"Always my pleasure," you promised with a curtesy, turning after, and exiting the room. "Have a good evening, Ser Cole."

"And you, Princess," he nodded with a soft smile. "Good supper?"

"Oh, you know I have a love-affair with Chef Hayford's cooking," you chuckled, watching him return it with a nod of agreement.

Turning forward, you only had to travel a short way; mostly turning down three different stone corners to reach a more secluded hallway. Aemond preferred solitude, so, when you married, you snagged up the suite in the Western Wing that was newly renovated - but it was "sadly" away from most of the castle's traffic. So, of course it was perfect for the pair of you.

When you slipped in the door, Aemond was standing at the basin of water, shirtless, leaning heavily on the stone and wiping the back of his neck while lost in thoughtful contemplation.

"Aemond?" You questioned softly, shutting the door, and rushing for him. "Are you all right?" When in the light, you saw the discoloration of his skin, whispering, "Oh, my love..."

"It's not so bad," he answered in the same lowered tone.

"Liar."

"No, truly, it's not the worst I've had," Aemond straightened up, looking down at you with a soft smirk. "Hi, poppet."

"Hi," you smiled, letting him lean down some as you rocked to your toes to kiss him in greeting. "How was your day?"

"Cole was brutal in training, but it was good," he nodded, dropping the washcloth after wringing it out. "And yours, my love?"

"Well... Your mother's caught rumor of our plans..."

"What's that mean?"

"She directly asked if I mean to go to Pentos and if I mean to take you with me, as if to take you away from her."

"Gods," his eyes rolled, "swear, the walls have ears in this place."

"Tell me of it," your eyes rolled. "I think she's off the scent for now, but we should be more diligent and a little more careful..."

"Hmm," he considered, nodding after. "Yes, love. Right, then."

"Are you hungry?"

"I could eat."

"How about at Kavvin's?"

"In the city?"

You nodded with a grin, "Feelin' up for a game, love?"

Aemond turned to you fully, hands on your hips and a grin on his lips. "Yeah... Yeah, yeah, I could go for something to eat."

"Start there, then," you whispered.

"You've the time it takes me to clean up and change to get out of here," he smirked, forehead on yours.

You dashed around the room to change into a tunic, trousers, boots, and a thick muted-color cloak. Aemond chuckled to himself as you blew him an air kiss before sneaking through secret passage door... And away you went.

Once out of the Keep's grounds, it was easy enough to lose yourself in the city's streets; but kept to the plan and made for Kavvin's tavern. You slipped in and made quick work of finding the young lad, working on sopping up a puddle of ale, and dashing over to him.

"Princess," he chuckled some, eyeing you up and down. "What's it for you tonight, then?"

"Send him down the Street, I wanna see how far he'll go," you smirked some, squeezing his elbow as you slipped him a Gold Dragon as a tip.

"All right," he shrugged. "Want a drink while you wait?"

"Oh, please, you and I both know that man takes the longest fucking strides in the bloody Realm," you laughed a bit, Kavvin nodding in agreement. "If I want to win, I've gotta go."

"Back door's open," he smirked, pointing you off.

In fact, he had to restrain a laugh when not a full five minutes later, Aemond was stalking into the tavern - eye sweeping the area. He decided that for tonight, he was on your side, and made himself busy with other customers to stave off telling Aemond anything.

However, nobody flagged Kavvin down when they noted the hooded man with one eye stalk up to him.

"My Prince," Kavvin greeted softly, tossing the cloth he was using over his shoulder. "You're out late, aren't you?"

"Hardly," Aemond sighed some.

"Well, you will be," the lad smirked.

"Where's she off to?"

Kavvin shrugged, and Aemond slapped a Gold Dragon to his hand. "Uh, think she made mention of... Well, now that I think on it, 's a bit fuzzy, yeah?"

"Where, Kavvin?" Aemond growled, another coin dropped to his hand.

"Hm, yes," he examined the coin, "think she said something about goin' off down the Street, yes?"

"No, she didn't."

"Swear it, honest," Kavvin nodded. "Said she wanted to see how far you'd go tonight. You do somethin' to piss her off, mate?"

"Not that I'm aware of - though, she might think 'twas I who told the Queen of our plans."

"Well, that makes little sense," Kavvin chuckled, "for even I know, the idea to leave this wretched city was your own..."

"She's an easier scape goat for the courts and help to gossip about," Aemond frowned a bit. "The Street, you said?"

"Street of Silk," Kavvin agreed softly, offering a coin back, "honest, that's where she said she was headin'."

Aemond nodded and turned, leaving the bartender with his hand extended; but it quickly recoiled with a smirk as Aemond took leave. After a chuckle, Kavvin thumbed the coin to flip in the air; catching it in a swipe, then turning as he pocketed his extra coins as a few men grew louder and sloshed ale around - leaving Kavvin in for a long night tending his bar.

The Street of Silk was alive tonight, as it was all other nights. Lowly lit torches hung on the walls lined your way; most wearing hoods and darkened colors to hide themselves. Whores and Mistresses hung out of doorways and windows; hollering, snarling, laughing at any passing customer.

You didn't often dare to venture down this way, but tonight was special; you were in it to win. So, you ducked down a darkened alley and knocked three times, in a specific pattern, at the wooden door.

A moment later, it pulled open.

"What're you doin' here?" Tiyana smirked to you, leaning on the doorway. "My brithday or sum'thin'? Here ta treat me, is it?"

"Not tonight, my sweet," you smirked. "Carry a message for me?"

"To who?"

"My husband."

"Ain't no way," she shrugged. "He don't come down this way, no, ma'am. Ain't nobody seen the One-Eyed Prince 'round these parts since - well..."

"Yeah, yes, yes, I know. But he'll come this way, and I need you to catch his eye. Tell him to go by the markets."

"Oh - I get it," she laughed. "You two playin' that game, innit? Yeah? You two li'l freaks, is it?"

"A bit," you mused softly. "Will you do as I've asked?"

"Gonna come back and entertain me a bit?"

Your head cocked, eyeing her up and down, "Perhaps - though, my husband is often insatiable."

"Say that like I haven't eaten his cum out your cunt before, hey?" She smirked. "All right, yeah, fine, I'll tell 'im if he comes ta see me, yeah?"

"You're my favorite for a reason," you smirked, holding your hand out.

"Lady," Tiyana gasped, weighing the gold in her hand. "Th-This is more than I make inna month, it is! What'chu givin' it ta me for?"

"You've always been loyal and discreet," you eased. "Don't fail me tonight, love."

"Wouldn't dream of it," she grinned. "You're a right Gods-sent Lady, you is. I'll tell yah husband what you want - markets, you said?"

"Yeah, the market stalls," you nodded. "Thank you."

"Yeah, yeah, 'course," she smirked, nodding as you pushed off again into the city's streets.

This time, Aemond was slower to arrive on scene. He stood at the mouth of the rambunctious street, eyeing it with malcontent, but something in his stomach solidified and moved him forward. Bad thoughts and haunting memories swarmed Aemond's guts and mind, but still, he let his feet glide down the natural decline.

His eye surveyed the promiscuous activities around him, finding it would be the perfect place to catch you - but then, someone else was catching his eye.

She leaned in a low-bearing window, tits nearly fully popping out of her shirt; eyes rimmed in coal, and hair pulled off her neck. Her eyes ran over his hood and then noted the lack of an eye, motioning him forward. He didn't want to; there had been many who gestured to him all night, but for some reason, this was different... He glanced around, then moved forward.

"She's been to see you, Tiyana?"

"Not without you, Lord," the whore smirked, sitting herself on the window sill. "She's very loyal, that one."

"Being why you're helping her?"

"I'm helpin' yah both!" She laughed. "I want you both ta get laid, hey? So, listen, right? She went down that way," she pointed, "but said meet her in the markets?"

Aemond paused, lifting his gaze slowly. "Down that way?" He asked, pointing down the alley.

"Mhm - took a left, down there," Tiyana pointed, leaning out of the window a bit. "Can I ask something?"

Aemond sighed, glancing around them to the bustle of the drunken crowd. "Sure, what is it?"

"Why's it you two do this? Hey? Just wonderin' - life so bloody boring, you two need sex games?"

Aemond smirked a bit, "More like... We prefer to keep things interesting. You find new ways to get the blood pumping."

"I know a few ways," she smirked.

"I know," he whispered in agreement. "But you know the agreement - not without my wife."

"Wasn't tryna persuade yah, Princey, just wonderin' why yah's do this," she smirked.

"Keeps things... Fresh."

"Hmm," she nodded.

"Think a hunter and prey, yes?"

Tiyana grinned, "Ah, yes, there it is - yeah. All right, fair enough, my Prince. She went that way, but said markets."

"You're a hidden gem," Aemond smirked some, dropping more coins in her hand.

"And you two are me favorite customers," she winked. "Go on, get goin', she's waitin' on yah out there! Fuck 'er good for me, lad! Hey-hey!" She laughed loudly as Aemond pushed off, heading down the alley he was pointed towards.

Slowly, the sounds of the city fell behind him and Aemond noted the way this path took him closer to the water-ways. With a small smirk, he made a judgement call and ducked down a different alley; peering around to slink in the darkness.

Like a bloodhound on the scent after a weakening deer, the pair of you danced around one another; where one ducked into an alley, the other was tip-toeing away. He grew tired of waiting and decided to look around the market like you had said.

It was there in the maze of market stalls that you saw him, smirking as you quickly exchanged your cloak for a different colored one. From there, you picked up an abandoned basket and slunk around the outskirts of the stalls. You kept an eye on Aemond, moving when he did; keeping distance between you but feeling a little frisky.

So, you took a risk, and casually strolled by him as if intent on picking from the plum cart.

He didn't notice you; your eyes watching from under the hood as his tall figure allowed him to peer over heads. Again, you ducked around the few carts and stalls, just watching him for another moment.

Then, you ventured close to the apples... And again, Aemond was too busy glaring at a man who bumped into his shoulder to notice. You took another risk, and dared asking the vendor a question - voice clear on the air. Still, he did not notice.

After another few minutes of watching him turn in confusion, wondering where you could've gone, Aemond started towards the closest tavern - thinking maybe you were hidden in plain sight.

How right he was, but unknowing.

You crept around, exchanging your cloak again before jogging after your husband. However, when you peaked around the doorway of the tavern, you noticed how the white-haired man you loved and adored had effortlessly melted into the crowd, and now, you were back at a disadvantage.

Learning from past mistakes, you quickly turned and let your legs pump with effort to rush away from the markets.

Around a few corners and down two alleyways, you were arriving at the bay port - but only had a moment to recognize your surroundings before a hand clamped over your mouth as another quickly coiled around your middle to pin your arms.

You gasped into the calloused hand, feeling the strong chest slam into your back before forcing you back a few steps. With gritted teeth, you were slammed into the stone wall of one of the darkened alleyways. However, your eyes settled on your 'attacker' and quickly slitted. "Husband," you identified.

"Wife," Aemond smirked. "You're getting predictable, love."

"How'd you know?"

He shrugged, "I felt your eyes on me in the markets and figured I could blend in at the tavern. From there, I knew you'd follow to keep an eye on me, so, I waited, and when I saw you rush away, I took a shortcut."

"Mhm," you hummed, lifting your chin as he leered over you. "I did learn something tonight."

"What's that, my darling?"

"You blend in rather effortlessly when your hair's covered," you muttered as he slowly stepped closer so you were nearly cowering into the brick behind you. "Might do us well, after all... Should we choose to leave..."

Aemond's one hand rose to hold your jaw as the other planted against the wall to corral you to him. "You say that as if my mind's changed."

"Has it?"

"Not in the slightest," he promised, petting his thumb over your lips to catch the bottom one. "Where you go, I go, and away from this wretched fucking city is where I want us to be."

"You'd leave them?" You asked with a smirk. "Leave your family? For me?"

"For my own family?" He corrected, nodding, "Yes, I would've left yesterday if I knew."

"How fucked everything has become?" You whispered sadly, lifting a hand to pet down his collarbone and rest against his pectoral.

"Something like that," he nodded, lifting a knee to separate your legs. "You'd go with me? When the time comes, you'd go with me?"

With a sigh, you nodded, trying not to grind down on his thigh. "Anywhere, my Prince - anywhere you want, we'll go."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," you all but whimpered as the hand that once caressed your skin then moved to a bruising grip around your neck.

"Hold still," he nodded, "I won, yes?"

"Mhm."

"Then hold still while I claim my prize," he smirked, yanking his dagger from under his cloak and slowly dragging the pointed tip down your stomach. He didn't press hard, instead, dragging it between your skin and the cloth of your trousers. "Good girl," he crooned as he let the dagger's blade slit the seam of your pants.

"Aemond," you glanced up the alley nervously, body nearly trembling from anticipation.

"Shhh," he nodded, leaning in to breath in your scent. One arm wrapped around your waist, the other working to literally cut a slit in your trousers; letting his tongue flatten against your pulse point.

"Aemond," you whimpered, holding onto him tightly.

"Good girl," he purred again, sheathing his dagger and letting his hand drop again to then pet up your dampening slit from outside the cloth of clothing. "Easier, yeah?" He smirked against your ear, breathing deeply as he let his pointer finger push into your heat, praising, "So warm for me. But I need you wetter than this to take you - don't wanna hurt you, pet."

You groaned a little, holding onto him while keeping a leg up his hip. "What if someone sees?" You whispered against his mouth, practically mewling like a bitch in heat.

"Let them," he nodded, "all they'd see is a man, pleasuring his wife." Your breathing subtly changed as his mouth hung over your ear, promising, "Splitting her in two, watching as she takes his cock so fucking well. That's all they'd see, pet."

"Fuck."

"Hmm, fuck you how?" He smirked, letting a second finger join his first. "Want me to bend you over? Fuck you on the floor? Find those barrels back there?"

"Against the wall, want you t'take me against the wall," you nodded, a sheen of sweat slowly forming over your skin. "Wanna feel you in my fuckin' lungs, yeah?"

"Whatever my pretty girl wants, she gets," Aemond growled, slapping your hands off him and readjusting you two. "C'mon, love, earn it - up, jump up, c'mon." When you did, he caught you easily, grunting, "Atta girl. Hang on," he panted then, pressing you against the wall as he adjusted to hold you against the wall while freeing his cock.

"Aemond, please, please," you begged softly, holding his jaw with both hands, "Gods, I need you to fuck me so bad."

"C'mere," he seethed, hoisting you a little higher to adjust his cock at your (cloth-cut) entrance. You both gave guttural moans as he let you sink onto him, grinding your hips into his to better adjust. "Fuckin' grippin' me too tight, love," he growled, hands squeezing your hips as you kept hold of his neck and shoulders.

"Gonna last f'me?"

"Might just have to pump you full, hmm?" He smirked, using his chest to slam into yours and righten your spine. His hand shot up to constrict around your neck, the other used to hold you on his hips; making your legs work overtime to stay atop him.

"Oh, Gods, fuck," you whimpered, hood still over both your heads as Aemond rammed into you.

"Told you - wasn't wet enough," he cursed in your ear.

"Feels fuckin' amazing, please, don't stop," you begged him, hearing his small grunts and growls start up as both hands moved to hold either thigh and keep you spread against the wall. "Oh, my Gods," you sobbed, truly unsure if you were feeling pleasured or not from the feeling of Aemond fucking through you.

"Ah, fuck, fuck," he hissed, hips stuttering as he met his first orgasm.

"Wow... That was record time," you teased quietly when he paused to keep you full to the hilt of his emptying cock.

"I warned yah," he smirked some, readjusting his hold as sweat coated his skin. "My cum just makes you wetter, hey? Yeah, look at that," he hissed, eye cutting down to watch his cock slowly pull back; revealing webs of cum between you and him.

Your hands pawed at his neck, tugging him forward; whining against his mouth, "I need more, please."

He smirked, "Gonna be a good girl and hold it all in until we get back to the Keep?"

You whispered, "What if I can't?"

"I'll just have to fill you again..." His cock twitched, making his throat bob. "Want your belly swollen with our kid, 's 'bout time, isn't it? For the Gods to bless us?"

"Yet you talk of leaving the city - "

"All the more reason," he promised, still holding you spread as he let his hips start up again; rutting into you slowly. "Protect you, protect our kid," he muttered into your neck, "get away from this fucking place - be safe. Be together - oh shit," he moaned.

"Yeah," you grinned, holding him to your neck; clenching your muscles to make him whine, "that's right, emotional intimacy turns you on, doesn't it? Hey?"

"Fuck - yes, yes, it does," he promised, starting to pick up his pace. "Just want you pregnant already, fuck's sake."

"Then fill me," you purred, clenching your teeth when his fully-swollen cock once more stabbed through you. "I wanna make you a Daddy."

"Shit," he breathed, turning his head when he heard noises; but did not stop. Three men and two women stumbled down the alley, drunk, cooing when they saw the couple against the wall.

"Ye-ahhh!" One leered.

"Give it to 'er!" Another hollered.

"Fucking fill me," you followed right after in his ear. "Oh, fuck, yes, please, right there," you hissed as he pinned you harder to the cold stone behind you, the group of five passing with their eyes glued to the pair of you. It was oddly erotic, spurring Aemond on as your mouth hung open in a silent scream.

His balls jackhammered into the wet apex of your cunt as his arms all but braced against you to keep you in place. You were moldable, you were limp, you were taunt with pleasure at the same time; you were a twitching, moaning mess when feeling returned to your limbs as his thumb found your clit.

"Take it, I know my girl can take it," Aemond growled, humping up into you to create friction at that special, gummy spot on your inner walls. "Oh, so fuckin' good, just take it, my precious girl," he praised, hearing the group still stumbling about at the other end of the alley.

"Why don't you fuck me like that?" One of the girls growled in annoyance.

"I can't hold yah like tha', by the Gods," her partner laughed.

Your hand slapped outward against the stone when your husband rubbed your clit in time with his thrusts; letting his mouth open slightly to bite at your shoulder and encourage you to do the same.

You came with a cry, mouth full of his shoulder's flesh; rolling your hips into his with your booted heels pressing into the meat of his arse as waves of pleasure rippled across your beings. Aemond wasn't far behind and when his cock was almost strangled by the clenching of your walls, he came for a second time.

It was enough for you both, panting in effort as your legs were numb. Aemond slowly pulled out of you, hearing you stutter to breath as his cum instantly pumped out to drip onto the pavement beneath you.

"Gods," Aemond breathed in shock, watching the puddle slowly grow.

"Ah!" You yelped when he lowered you, and your legs gave way; his arms darting out to instantly cling onto you as the back of your head thumped into the wall.

"Shit, love, all right?" His hand pressed to the tender spot as you pouted some. The group that watched had since passed, leaving you alone again with split trousers that grew wetter from the ooze of cum. Aemond was trying to catch his breath and support you at the same time, readjusting your clothes for you best he could. "Got it, love?"

"Can't feel my bloody legs," you complained lightly.

"C'mere, I've got you," he promised, arms tight around your waist. "Did good tonight, pet."

"But I lost?"

"'S not about winning or losing, in the end, we both reap benefits, yes?" You nodded. "And as you said, tonight gave you reassurance we could blend in across the Narrow Sea, did it not?"

"It did," you agreed. "But I want to wait until next month, I want to know if it's stuck."

"I'll fuck you everyday until then, yes? Breed you, like I know you want me to," he smirked, one arm holding you up to walk in front of him as the other fingered down the crack of your arse. "Keep walking, don't make a scene," he whispered in your ear, pushing his fingers into your cunt as you lead the way through King's Landing. It wasn't the most comfortable, but Aemond made it doable; pausing in another alleyway to push your chest to the stone wall.

"Aemond," you cursed his name into the wall brushing your cheek.

"Easy," he chuckled, nudging your feet apart. "Take me once more and I'll carry you home."

"Aemond?" You reared back a little when his hardened cock pushed into you again.

"What do you need?"

Your hand raised to pet over his cheek, back bowed to hold yourself up and keep him inside you. "Make me a Mommy, please," you whispered, earning a sharp slap to your arse cheek before his hands seized control of your hips.

"Hold it in this time, then," he teased, starting to thrust into you like a wild horse; bucking his hips into yours to create ripples across your flesh. It seemed as if your frantic motions in the middle of the alley deterred anyone from turning down it, leaving a brief moment of privacy in the sweltering city night.

One of his hands slithered up your front to fondle your breast, tweaking a nipple until you were nearly collapsing into the wall. Aemond had to hold you slightly as you bent lower, almost desperate to take him to the hilt as you fucked back against him - and he took full advantage of your new position.

Aemond kept his feet with your own, hands on your hips; thrusting harder into you as sweat beaded on his skin to roll down his pearly flesh. "Fuck, Gods be fucking good," he cursed, "how's it you're this tight, still? Hey?"

You whimpered wordlessly, gasping when one of Aemond's thumbs came to gently rim around your puckered hole. He didn't often let himself explore your arse, but sometimes, to catch you off guard, he liked testing your limits. After making him venture down the Street of Silk by himself, he figured a little payback was in order.

A stranger started down the alley and actually paused to watch the pair of you, Aemond's spit being spat from his mouth onto your holes; winking in the distant moonlight.

"Take it," Aemond growled when your legs gave way, and sent you both careening into the dirty floor. It only spurred him on further.

"Don't stop," the stranger recommended, loosening his breeches to take his cock out and pump himself to life.

Aemond, fully enraptured with the feel of your cunt, let his hand latch onto the back of your neck to hold you in place as he thrust harder, harder, harder into you. Your hips bruised from the way he pounded you into the cobblestone, growling as he glanced at the stranger.

"Oh, shit," the man nodded, pumping faster. "Yeah - look me in the eyes, mate, that's it."

"The fuck?" You whispered, glancing up to watch.

"Eyes on him, Princess," Aemond demanded, fully hunched over you as he felt his stomach's coil tighten; informing you, "almost there, precious girl, keep bein' a good fuckin' girl - oh, ah fuckin' Hell!"

"Oh, yeah," the stranger nodded. "Can I cum on her, mate?"

"You wanna die?" Aemond snapped.

"Lemme use her mouth," the stranger complained, head tossed back and eyes screwed shut. "Betta yet, lemme a turn!"

Aemond gasped behind you, stalling his hips into the meat of your bum while letting his cock pump you full of his seed. He recovered much quicker than you, kissing your temple as he unsheathed himself from your velvet warmth to stand, tuck himself away, and stride up to the man still masturbating to the sight of your swollen, dripping cunt.

"Woah - hang on - wait, wait, wait!" The man gasped as Aemond stabbed him non-fatally in the ribs.

"Go - before I decide I need your life for even looking at her," he sneered, shoving the man away while yanking his dagger free. A splatter of blood echoed in-between your heaving breaths.

When he turned back, he smirked at the sight of you; fucked-out and unable to find your feet, limp on the dirt-riddled cobblestone. "You didn't have to do that," you told him softly when he neared you to adjust what was left of the tatters of your clothes.

"I did," he smirked. "C'mere, up yah get. Think my wife's earned a hot bath, don't you?"

"Will you join me?" You asked, letting him lift you bridal style. The cloak was long enough that when he picked you up, it covered your cum-soaked hole in his arms.

"I can't resist you, pet," he frowned, "we wouldn't be doin' much cleaning, hey?"

"So?" You smirked, arms tight around his neck. "I want to make you a Daddy, Aemond, best we... Do our due diligence, yes?"

"You make a fair point, Princess," he smirked. "If you can handle it, I'll fuck you the rest of the night, yes?"

"I'm an orgasm behind," you reminded softly as he chose a lesser-used secret entrance into the Red Keep.

"Hm, yes, I seem to owe you one," he smirked in agreement. "Better stay awake, then."

requesting rules and masterlist

HOTD masterlist

#aemond targaryen #aemond one eye #prince aemond targaryen #prince aemond #aemond targaryen x reader #aemond targaryen x female reader #aemond targaryen smut #aemond targaryen imagine #aemond targaryen fluff #aemond hotd #hotd #house of the dragon #hotd imagine #hotd smut #hotd x reader #aemond the kinslayer #aemond x y/n #aemond x reader

[gonesgone]

[🧷] / so close, yet so far, part one.

[🫀] \ bridging the gap, part two.

— synopsis: as you distance yourself from Izogie, she decides to take a different approach.

— pairing: Izogie x black!fem!reader.

— author’s note: decided to make this a three part series. this part is quite lengthy but it’s my way of saying thank you for all the support on the first one. happy reading, everyone.

almost two weeks.

that’s how long you had been avoiding Izogie.

ever since you overheard her expressing a lack of interest for love, you wanted to lose any romantic feelings you held towards her.

“she will be miganon one day,” you thought. “pining after her was a big mistake in the first place.”

that same night, you decided to take matters into your own hands and do what was best for you.

so, at the start of the week, you kept yourself out of Izogie’s line of sight. you also made sure not to draw the attention of others as well.

luckily for you, your initial plan started off smoothly.

a new group of trainees had arrived at the palace and most of the focus was on getting them settled in and trained. per usual, Izogie was the one chosen to show them the ropes and because of this, she was quite occupied. you didn’t mind though. it made sneaking around a lot easier.

on top of that, relief washed over you when you found out that you were now training with Amenza, Nanisca’s right hand woman. it would’ve been embarrassing to train with the newcomers, especially under Izogie’s guidance.

what you needed was for enough time to pass so that your love for her could fade. but as the days went by and you saw less and less of her, you wondered if that was what you really wanted.

at times, when you heard her voice in the distance, butterflies erupted in your stomach and you wished it was you she spoke to. when you walked into a room and got a whiff of her scent, you found your eyes searching, needing to catch a glimpse of her.

but what you wanted didn’t matter.

Izogie wasn’t looking for love and even if she was, you wouldn’t be her first choice.

the thought of that felt painful but you needed to come to terms with it. you had to lose feelings and for once, you planned on succeeding at something you put your mind to.

so, you focused on your trainings instead. when you had time, you engaged in fun activities with the few friends you had and carried out your daily duties. going forward, you swore to never feel this strongly for another person ever again.

love seemed to be a luxury you could not afford.

as the week drew to a close, all was still going well. until the arrival of the second week.

everything started one nightfall. the agojie, as well as the trainees, were fast asleep. the only people awake at the time being the guards who kept watch.

in your quarters, you found yourself restless and after a while, you decided to take a trip to the bathhouse. it was the perfect place for you to clear your head.

upon arriving though, you thought you heard a sound come from the inside but nevertheless, you proceeded to walk down the stone steps.

soon enough, you were greeted by the serene, deep blue color of the water. candles on the walls were lit, giving the space a dim, orange glow.

off to the side, you noticed some clothes were neatly folded. as you wondered whose they were, the owner came up from the water, wiping her face with both hands.

it was Izogie.

you stood frozen in place as her brown eyes locked on yours. in the water’s embrace, the complexion of her skin glistened even more and her gaze was low, almost as if to invite you in.

all you could do was stare, way too absorbed with how good she looked from afar. for what seemed like an eternity, neither of you said a word to each other. soon, her eyes left yours as they traveled down the rest of your body.

Izogie licked her lips slowly as she watched you. instantly, your heart pounded furiously. when her eyes returned to yours, a glint resided in them and you held your breath, nervousness coursing through your veins.

then, she swam towards you.

immediately, all types of warning bells went off in your head. this wasn’t good at all, especially for your blood pressure. you needed to leave, you thought. but as she got progressively closer, you couldn’t find the strength to move.

before you knew it, Izogie was in front of you.

well, at your feet to be precise.

she still hadn’t gotten out of the water but something about looking down on her made your legs weak. she looked softer, tiredness having settled deep on her facial features.

in that moment, you wanted her head buried between your neck and shoulder as you caressed her back. you wanted to enclose your thighs around her waist as you whispered sweet nothings in her ears. you wanted to feel the weight of her body on yours as she slept.

but what you wanted didn’t matter.

before Izogie could step out of the water, you quickly turned on your heel and ran up the steps, exiting the bathhouse. you didn’t stop running until you reached your quarters, unable to sleep for the remainder of the night.

the next day during training, you were working on rope tying with Amenza when you felt an extra set of eyes on you from across the courtyard.

they were from none other than Izogie.

under the hot sun, her skin was oiled well, further highlighting her muscles. she had one hand rested at the hilt of her weapon as she walked around, monitoring her trainees’ progress.

but every so often, her gaze wandered over to you. soon, it began to stir up mixed emotions inside you.

for one, a part of you felt elated. in the past, Izogie rarely looked at you. and whenever she did make eye contact, it was usually when she was scolding you. but for today, even when you caught her staring, she never looked away.

it made you want to smile as your hands fiddled with your rope.

it felt nice.

it felt hopeful.

but then again, being seen by her was not a part of your plan. at the bathhouse, the feelings you had been working so hard to get rid of only amplified when you were in front of her. in the end, it was you who suffered the sleepless night.

you couldn’t keep putting yourself through that.

as you worked on your knots, Amenza noticed how tangled your rope (and mind) was. she smiled softly as she placed her hand on top of yours. you quickly snapped back to reality and apologized.

not long after, you, as well as Izogie’s group, were called to gather around.

the new trainees would be going on a tour today to learn about the different routes the agojie used. you already knew all about them but seeing as you didn’t graduate, you were still required to tag along.

Amenza and Izogie each formed a group and divided the trainees until you were the last one left. then, they allowed you to choose who you wanted to join.

you quickly ran to Amenza’s side. for your sanity, you needed to stick to your plan.

she gave you a small chuckle as she began to explain further rules. but while she spoke, you made the mistake of allowing your eyes to meet Izogie’s.

she was already looking at you but for the first time today, it was her who quickly averted her gaze upon meeting your eyes. as Amenza continued to address the group, you couldn’t help but feel that Izogie was refraining from looking in your direction.

this is for the better, you thought.

but as both groups began departing in different directions, you wondered if that was a lie you could really keep telling yourself.

as for the tour, the first half went quite well. Amenza explained the various routes in an understanding way and answered questions thoughtfully. once in a while, she even allowed you all to take a quick break.

this time, the group had stopped by a small stream to rest. some birds were chirping high in the trees as the sound of water flowing filled the air.

off to the side, you noticed some of the girls were stone skipping while others dipped their toes in playfully. you decided to take a seat at the bank of the stream in order to enjoy the scenery.

soon, your relaxation time was cut short when you spotted three trainees not too far from you.

they were huddled up, laughing obnoxiously as they pointed in your direction. you sighed as you did your best to ignore them. nowadays, they didn’t even hide the fact that they were talking about you.

as you tried to focus your attention on other things, you couldn’t help but overhear their conversation.

“i’m surprised they still let her stay here. i thought Dahomey needed warriors, not an extra mouth to feed.”

the other two girls snickered and you felt anger bubble inside you upon hearing her comment.

Nanare.

she was one of the trainees who arrived a week ago but for some reason you weren’t aware of, she had a strong dislike for you.

the funny thing was that you didn’t even know her prior to joining the king’s guard and till this day, you never once had a conversation with the girl.

from what you heard about her from Fumbe, she had willingly signed up to join the agojie and was beyond competitive. as of late, she was the only trainee at the top of all her classes.

you also found out that you were older than Nanare. but seeing how everyone knew of you failing to pass the final test, you figured that was why she felt emboldened to speak about you anyhow.

at times, you thought of reporting her to Amenza then later brushed it off. her behavior was childish and you only hoped she would grow out of it soon.

you still didn’t want to draw any attention to yourself and besides, the agojie did not tolerate any form of bullying against one another. if any of it was found out, it was Izogie who handed out punishments.

if anything, you were saving Nanare by keeping quiet.

but then, the younger had the audacity to utter a specific sentence and for the first time in your life, you felt provoked to hit a woman.

“maybe she’s sleeping with King Ghezo.”

you instantly got up and started walking in their direction, both of your fists balled at your side. you may not be the best fighter here but in that moment, something in you felt compelled to swing first, deal with the consequences later.

before you could act though, Amenza called out for all the trainees to gather around.

the other two girls smirked at you as Nanare eyed you up and down. she then bumped into your shoulders as she went to join the rest of the group. you simply stood there, watching in disbelief.

soon, Amenza waved you over and you had no choice but to join the rest.

for the duration of the tour, the younger’s insults lingered in your mind. although it’d been frustrating to hear, Nanare’s words couldn’t compare to the headache the next day would bring you.

per usual, the afternoon started off particularly hot. Izogie, along with the trainees, were heading out for training. before they left, she asked you to sharpen the agojie spears that had grown dull.

on your way to gather up the weapons, you noticed one of the palace workers, an elderly woman, struggling. she was trying to transport pots of indigo dye and you remembered that festival day was in a few days.

it was a celebration of Dahomey’s prosperity in the trades and towards the end, various goods were given up as offerings in hopes of the success continuing.

since last week, all the workers had been busy with making clothes, jewelry, palm oil and more. the busiest being the indigo dye makers.

upon spotting her, you offered to help move the dye to storage for safekeeping. she thanked you graciously and you got to work.

you didn’t mind the heavy lifting but soon, one trip turned into two, which turned into four and before you knew it, the sun was starting to fall. the trainees would be back any time soon and you still hadn’t sharpened a single spear.

you quickly parted ways with the elderly woman as she thanked you even more.

then, you scrambled to collect the spears and made your way to the sharpening station. when you arrived, you set everything on the floor and wiped the beads of sweat that trickled down your forehead.

not long after you sat down to work, Izogie entered the space. instantly, you felt your heart drop. her face and shoulders were covered in sweat. as she walked further into the room, you noticed some of her hair sticking out of place.

“why did she have to come straight here?” you thought.

as you set your tools down, she watched you with a blank expression. then, you slowly got up from your seat to address her. in that moment, everything in you wanted to run but you knew you couldn’t.

so, you stood straight, mentally preparing yourself.

“i gave you all afternoon to sharpen these. why have you not finished?”

in your chest, your heart was pounding as you looked up at her. Izogie was only a couple inches taller but it always felt like she towered over you. not just height wise, but in other aspects as well. one example being her voice.

it was always deep and firm, easily sending goosebumps through you. for a split second, you even found yourself wishing her lips were speaking directly into the shell of your ear.

she raised an eyebrow at you and you realized that you had just been staring. you quickly cleared your throat.

“i’m sorry. i was helping one of the older women move indigo dye and it took some time. i’ll stay up until i’ve finished these.”

Izogie looked at you for a while, not saying a word. soon, it was becoming hard for you to maintain eye contact and the air in the room felt very thick. then, she broke the silence.

“is the job i asked you to do that hard?”

you were taken aback by the question. the last thing you needed was for her to think you were dodging the tasks she gave. you tried to explain again.

“no, no. it’s just that the woman was elderly and—.”

you couldn’t even finish your sentence because she started walking towards you, a stern look appearing on her face.

“so now you can disobey my orders and do as you please?”

you furrowed your eyebrows at her. was she trying to pick a fight with you? because it felt like she was deliberately ignoring your explanation.

“none of that was my intention. i just couldn’t let that woman do all the work herself. she had no help.”

Izogie stopped in front of you.

“do you want me to applaud you for being a good samaritan?”

now, you were getting irritated.

“excuse me?” you asked, way too exhausted to be doing this. “what was i supposed to do? just walk by as she struggled?”

in the past, you had never spoken back to Izogie whenever she scolded you. that was because at the time, you believed the things she was saying made sense. and it did.

but at the moment, this specific conversation seemed quite nonsensical to you. it’s not like you completely abandoned your work. you came back and told her you would stay up until it was done.

why was she so upset?

you snapped out of your thoughts when she brought her face closer to yours, mere inches separating the both of you.

“it seems you have forgotten the first rule of training because i don’t talk to you as much.”

you could feel your entire body getting hotter by the second. if she wanted to take it there, two could play that game. you spoke up in a strict tone.

“Izogie, you’re not who I answer to anymore. when you asked me to sharpen the spears, I agreed to do so because it is part of my duty as a trainee. it was not because I needed to obey you.”

she smirked, the whites of her teeth showing.

“so now you can talk. you must be happy not having me as a teacher.”

the look on her face was genuinely pissing you off.

“i am happy. at least Amenza teaches me instead of criticizing everything i do and then avoiding me.”

her eyebrows raised slightly, smirk fading.

“do you want me to hold your hands like a child for every single thing you have to do?”

you instantly scoffed at her, tears beginning to pool in your eyes. deep down, you knew you always tried your best but for her to not see that, it stung.

“you would be a terrible miganon. you know that, right?”

instantly, she looked shocked by what you said. you tried to keep your composure but soon, a tear ran down your cheek.

“all you see me as is some sort of burden you don’t want to deal with. Izogie, if I was bleeding out on the battlefield, you would leave me there to die wouldn’t you?”

Izogie stood frozen in place, pain engulfing her eyes.

was that what you thought of her?

your words kept replaying in her head, cementing themselves in her mind. as your tears continued to flow, a pang of guilt spread throughout her body.

she instinctively brought a hand up to your cheek but you quickly swatted it away as you spoke.

“please. just go back to ignoring me.”

then, you stepped out of the room.

Izogie stood there alone, a dazed look on her face. she inhaled and exhaled shakily as her gaze landed on the spears. she stared at them for a while before her jaw clenched, tear drops falling from her eyes.

you on the other hand, felt like you couldn’t breathe.

it was as if Izogie knew how to stitch and unravel the fabric that was you and there was nothing you could do. it was your own heart and yet, she controlled its beating. none of it was fair.

you were still crying but you needed to collect your bearings. so, you tucked yourself away in a far corner of the palace and waited an hour or so. then, you headed back to the sharpening station. thankfully, she wasn’t there anymore and you got back to work.

as you sharpened the spears, you found yourself at an internal crossroad. a part of you felt that you had gone too far with what you said to her. but at the same time, another part felt proud of you for voicing your thoughts.

as night fell, you decided to stop thinking so much and focus on the task at hand. once you were finished, you leaned back in your chair, too tired to move. as you reminisced about the encounter, sleep soon took over your mind.

the next day, you woke up groggily and rubbed the pain from your shoulders. you could hear indistinct chatter in the background as events from the night before came flooding in. you tried to adjust to the bright light, only to realize you were in your quarters.

girls were busy getting ready for the day and some were even eating breakfast already. you turned to the side and saw Nawi who was rubbing oil on her skin. she smiled brightly as she looked at you.

“finally, you’re awake. Fumbe wanted to get breakfast with you but you just kept sleeping. she eventually left like half an hour ago.”

instantly, you were confused. did you end up coming back here? but you were sure you had slept on the hard, wooden chair. you decided to ask.

“Nawi, did you see me come in last night?”

she looked at you for a couple of seconds, a smile threatening to fall from her lips.

“Izogie brought you in.”

you looked at her like she had nine heads.

“what?”

Nawi laughed.

“I stayed up quite late talking to my mother and on my way back, I saw Izogie carrying you.”

now, you were even more confused. there was no way what Nawi was saying could be true. not after last night. but then again, Nawi had no reason to lie.

as you kept thinking, you heard a last call for breakfast and quickly bolted up. at the serving station, there was one bowl left, wrapped up with leaves on top.

it was a bit odd but you didn’t think much of it. as you reached down to grab it, a server stopped you.

“i’m sorry but this dish is reserved.”

this morning just keeps getting odder and odder, you thought. since when did anyone reserve breakfast? you were about to explain to the server that you hadn’t eaten yet when someone interrupted.

it was the elderly lady you had helped move indigo dye for. she had a smile on her face as she grabbed the bowl and handed it to you. she then turned to the server.

“don’t worry. Izogie was saving the food for this girl, not herself.”

you blinked twice, wondering if you had heard wrong.

“Izogie?”

she nods.

“she told me this morning to make sure that the girl who helped me yesterday ate. isn’t she kind?”

you stood there, unable to comprehend what was happening. quickly, you thanked the server and the elderly woman as you returned to your quarters.

little did you know, Nanare was off to the side and she overheard the entire conversation.

throughout the day, you tried many times to speak with Izogie but there was never an opportunity. this time though, it wasn’t because she was avoiding you. it just happened to be one of those hectic days.

you figured your best opportunity to see her would be at night so you waited. when the time came, you snuck out and headed to her quarters. it was located on the other side of the palace but you didn’t mind.

upon arriving, you saw her on the front steps. she was sneaking a flask under her shirt and you took in a deep breath before walking up.

“Izogie,” you called out.

she turned to look at you, her face tired from the day.

you fiddled with your hands, unsure of how to even begin the conversation.

“i just wanted to say thank you for bringing me back to my quarters and for the food.”

she stared at you with a low gaze, saying nothing. you mentally told yourself to keep going.

“i also wanted to say that i’m sorry for what i said to you last night. it was not right of me and i will accept any punishment you give.”

Izogie still said nothing as she watched you. soon, your mouth was moving faster than your mind.

“can you please say something? if you hate me and never want to speak to me again, just let me know.”

she kissed her teeth slightly as she averted her eyes briefly. soon, she motioned you over with her hand.

“walk with me.”

the night’s air felt cool against your skin as you walked alongside her. both of you were silent, watching few palace workers go by. occasionally, she drank from her flask, staring straight ahead.

then out of nowhere, she spoke.

“i want to apologize to you as well.”

“what?” you asked, staring at her side profile.

“i want to apologize to you. i should’ve done it first.”

you turned your head back to the front.

“tell me what you are apologizing for specifically.”

she scoffed and began counting on her fingers.

“for speaking harshly to you. for avoiding you. for not spending more time helping you as you struggled. for last night.”

she paused before continuing.

“i’ve never once saw you as a burden.”

you heart skipped a beat as she drank some more of what was in the flask.

“there are lots of things inside me that i struggle with. old wounds. i don’t know how to handle a lot of them but i promise, i won’t let it affect how i treat you anymore. i’ll be better to you.”

you quickly took a couple of steps forward, now standing in front of her. she looked down on you as you admired her face in the pale moonlight.

all you ever wanted was to be close to Izogie. everything about her made you curious and for the first time since you liked her, you felt that she would finally allow you to learn.

“thank you,” you said. “for saying those words.”

a small smile formed on her lips and you felt like you were floating. it was the first one she’d ever given you and it was beautiful.

as you both stood there, you eventually cleared your throat. you didn’t want to say goodnight just yet.

“what is it you’re drinking?” you asked.

she looked at the flask before handing it to you.

“like i told Nawi, it’s the only thing the white men bring worth having. they call it whiskey.”

you eyed the drink skeptically before tasting it.

as soon as the liquid hit your tongue, you spat it out immediately, face scrunching in disgust.

Izogie smirked as you quickly handed the flask back.

“how do you drink that nonsense?”

she shrugged.

“it’s an acquired taste.”

you were about to voice your displeasure for the drink even more when you felt her thumb come in contact with the side of your mouth.

you instantly went still, heart pounding.

apparently, a trace of whiskey was left on your lips and she was taking the liberty of wiping it off for you.

her finger maneuvered around the area, not wanting to scratch you with her nail. then, she retracted her thumb, only to put it back in her own mouth.

your lips parted slightly.

“why did you just do that?” you asked, butterflies erupting in your stomach.

Izogie smiled.

“i cannot let good whiskey go to waste.”

she patted your shoulder and continued walking straight ahead. you slapped your cheeks softly as a way to collect yourself before jogging to catch up with her.

at a distance, Nanare stood, watching you both.

eventually, you went back to your quarters but you couldn’t fall asleep. every time you thought about her, a smile found its way onto your face. now that she apologized, it felt like a huge fog had been lifted.

as you replayed all of her words, you prayed to the ancestors that all of it wasn’t a dream or worse, a lie.

the next day, you found out that your hand to hand combat lessons would be with Izogie, not Amenza.

it had been a while since you both trained together so it made you nervous. at the same time, there was also a newfound excitement for the future.

in the middle of the training ground, you both stood across from each other. the sun was beating down on your oiled bodies and soon, class began.

Izogie had her hands behind her back, a focused expression on her face.

“throw a punch,” she said. “i need to see what you’re doing wrong.”

you got into your stance, punching the air once.

“again.”

you steadied yourself and punched again.

she walked over and bent down to your knees, tapping them.

“first of all, your knees. they’re too stiff. loosen them.”

you quickly shook your legs out before getting back into your position.

she then stood in front of you and held both of your hands up to your face.

“always keep your elbows tucked in and your guard up. you need to protect your chin.”

you nodded as you made a mental note.

she grabbed your right arm.

“you swing your arm when you punch. don’t do that. keep it straight as you follow through with the jab.”

she quickly demonstrated and you copied, determined to execute it properly.

after a few practices, you were getting the hang of it. Izogie’s nods of approval also made you feel better.

the first hour went by and you felt accomplished. at this rate, you would get better in no time.

then, she wanted you to try hitting her once.

you thought she was joking at first until she said in a no nonsense manner,

“we will not leave here until you have succeeded.”

in your head, you had already deemed the task impossible but since you were in training, you couldn’t disobey.

for the rest of the afternoon, you threw punch after punch at her but none of them landed. to make matters worse, you had to bare witness to that smirk she always had on her face, as well as her taunting.

“you move just like Nawi. very sloth like.”

you rolled your eyes as you kept your guard up, ignoring the sweat that covered your face.

“you still talk too much, Izogie.”

you gave her a two piece combination but she dodged with ease. you screamed out in frustration and as she laughed, an idea entered your mind.

you quickly gave a convincing wince, holding your right shoulder. her face instantly turned serious as she eyed your arm and then you.

“what happened?”

you faked a look of pain.

“i think i pulled something in my arm.”

“let me see.”

she came over and held your right arm, examining it. you mentally smirked as you thought,

this was going to be too easy.

when she saw nothing wrong, she began to set your hand down and that was when your left hand went directly for her face.

Izogie instantly weaved back, causing you to miss. you quickly swung your right hand but she grabbed it. before you could fully grasp the situation, she drew you close to her and turned you around. your back was now against her chest.

adrenaline ran through you as you felt her hands travel down your waist, holding you in place. you felt her breath down your neck as you heard her smirk. the heat radiating from both of your bodies, as well as the sun, was driving you crazy.

then, she brought her lips to the shell of your ear.

“did you think i was born yesterday?”

your legs instantly felt weak at the sound of her voice. you shook your head no because your mouth couldn’t seem to form words.

she gave you a small laugh as she spun you around.

you were now facing her and you saw beads of sweat cascading down her forehead. her chest heaved up and down as she looked at you.

“why did you just do that?” you asked, voice low.

Izogie brought her face down to yours.

“you were having trouble hitting me so I came closer.”

your eyes flickered down to her lips and you felt the grip she had on your waist get tighter. you stuck your tongue out to wet your lips and as if on instinct, her head inched closer to yours.

in that moment, you uttered two words.

“thank you.”

then, your fist collided with her jaw. you quickly detached yourself from her grasp as she held her face. you kept your distance, face lighting up with joy.

finally, you thought.

you were done for today. as you headed out, her voice stopped you in your tracks.

“come here.”

you turned around.

“what?”

Izogie beckoned you over as she tried to hide a smile.

“i said come here. do not make me ask you again.”

you shook your head in a no way.

“you said if i hit you, training would be over. i just did that so i don’t have to obey you anymore.”

before you knew it, Izogie was chasing you around the training grounds. as you sprinted away, laughter bubbled from your chest.

unbeknownst to the both of you, Nanare had seen the whole ordeal.

the next day, you were on cleaning duty.

to be honest, you didn’t really mind. it gave you ample time to think about her, focus on something other than training.

per usual, all the trainees were assigned to a specific section of the palace and it usually took quite some time to clean. for today, you were working on one of the agojie quarters.

the space wasn’t too disorganized and that meant you would be done a lot faster. you set your supplies down and got to work.

not too long into cleaning, you spotted a bracelet sitting inside a small clay bowl.

it was gold and had colorful stones running through it. you gently picked it up and admired it. you never had jewelry this beautiful and you wondered who it belonged to.

as you held it, Izogie and Esi, another agojie soldier, walked into the room. the moment Esi saw you with the bracelet, she rushed over and took it from you.

“do not touch another warrior’s belongings.”

Izogie laughed as she looked at the bracelet.

“especially that one. Esi is sensitive about it.”

she pretended to hit Izogie who ducked away quickly.

you apologized.

“i’m sorry, Esi. i shouldn’t have touched it in the first place. i just thought it was beautiful.”

Esi sighed as she set her bracelet down.

“no. i’m sorry for snatching it from you and yelling. my mother made it for me and it’s the only thing from her i have here.”

you fidgeted a bit.

“did your mother pass?”

Esi laughed.

“no, no. she’s alive and well. she actually sells these in the marketplace but the townspeople can’t look upon the agojie so i haven’t seen her face in a while.”

you nodded in an understanding way as Izogie spoke.

“do you like it?”

you looked at the bracelet and nodded yes.

Esi smiled and patted your shoulder.

“don’t worry. when i go to the marketplace again, i’ll get one for you from my mother.”

you gave her a surprised look.

“really?”

she nodded. you thanked her well and went back to cleaning. soon, you could hear her and Izogie in the back arguing about who the better fighter was.

you smiled, a feeling of warmth spreading through you. these days, it really felt like things were starting to fall in place for the first time in a long time.

but little did you know, tragedy would soon be knocking at your door.

the next day, you started on your duties as you typically did. but, you felt that something in particular was off. all morning as you worked, you noticed the eyes of others constantly on you.

it was becoming quite burdensome because it wasn’t just from the trainees. most of the palace workers, as well as two of King Ghezo’s wives, were watching you as well.

whenever you entered a room, it immediately went silent, only for the whispers to pick back up the moment you left.

for the life of you, you couldn’t figure out what was going on. had you done something wrong? but if you had, wouldn’t someone have called you by now? you were mentally racking your brain when Fumbe came up to you.

she pulled you to the side and you both sat, her soft facial features displaying worry.

“Fumbe, are you alright?” you asked.

she looked at you for a while before speaking.

“is it true?”

you furrowed your eyebrows at her.

“is what true?”

she sighs.

“don’t tell me you don’t know what i’m talking about.”

you looked at her with an even more confused look and she realized that you really didn’t know.

“you haven’t heard what’s being said about you?”

your heart started racing and all of a sudden, you were hanging onto her every word.

“Nanare told most of the palace that you were sleeping with Izogie.”

in that moment, your ears couldn’t even comprehend what you were hearing.

“excuse me?”

Fumbe continued. “if you are, i’m not judging you. i’m just worried about what King Ghezo might do.”

instantly, you laughed hard.

it might’ve been the hardest you laughed in a while.

Nanare spreading a rumor like this was actually funny. you would give her that.

Fumbe looked at you sternly.

“this is not a laughing matter. are you really sleeping with her?”

you quickly shook your head no.

she let out a sigh of relief.

“thank the ancestors. i didn’t want to see you exiled. you need to clear your name though.”

oh you were going to clear your name alright.

you? sleeping with the soon to be miganon?

so this is what happens when you give people an inch, you thought. they decide to take a mile.

you weren’t worried though.

you would gladly drag Nanare down the mile she so desperately wanted to go.

right then and there, you wanted to confront the younger but you still had work to do.

so, lunchtime it was.

as noon drew closer, you prayed that Izogie hadn’t gotten wind of the nonsense circulating.

luckily for you, because festival day was in two days, some of the agojie soldiers were sent to retrieve large quantities of meat from the nearby butchers in the village. she was a part of that group.

it put your mind at ease to know she wouldn’t be here for the confrontation.

then, lunchtime arrived.

when you got to the serving station, some of the girls were already eating while others waited in line.

your eyes searched for Nanare and soon, you spotted her and the two girls she was always with. they were sitting in a circle on the floor, food in hand.

you walked over to them and kicked the younger’s bowl hard. the contents spilled everywhere and some trainees took notice.

the other girls scooted back in shock as Nanare looked up at your looming figure.

“stand up,” you said to her, tone commanding.

she scoffed as she rose to her feet. after dusting her uniform off, she locked eyes with you.

“well, well, well. if it isn’t Izogie’s whore.”

the palm of your right hand immediately met her cheek with a resounding slap.

now, the entire courtyard was watching. Nanare held her face as you spoke.

“you must think i won’t put hands on you because i allow your insults to pass, right?”

she smiled slyly.

“it seems being with Izogie has you feeling bold.”

you stepped closer to her.

“i’m going to make myself clear. i’m not with anyone at all, so keep my name far away from your mouth.”

she eyed you up and down.

“if you’re not with anyone, then why are you allowed to stay here? it’s not like you contribute anything.”

you felt your blood boiling.

“does my presence annoy you that much?”

she nodded her head yes.

“i really hate people like you.”

you furrowed your eyebrows.

“i don’t even know you. why do you feel you have the right to keep speaking to me like this?”

Nanare rolled her eyes.

“i don’t need to know you to know you’re weak. latching onto the strong to survive. do you think Izogie will always be there?”

now, you were just confused.

“where is all this coming from?”

she clenched her jaw.

“stay away from Izogie. stand on your own for once.”

a thought quickly ran through your mind.

“Nanare, do you have feelings for Izogie?”

the younger immediately laughed hard in your face. this went on for a couple of seconds and you found your patience wearing thin. soon, she spoke.

“love makes you weak. i don’t have a care in the world for it.”

she then leaned in and delivered what you deemed to be the final straw.

“just know that on the battlefield, Izogie won’t be running to save you; the girl who opened her legs to get there.”

you instantly punched her in the jaw.

Nanare stumbled back but you kept raining blows at her head.

all the trainees watched in awe but no one dared to step in.

soon, she fell to the ground and you got on top, pinning her underneath.

you sent punch after punch at her face but she managed to keep her guard up.

then, somebody grabbed you by your waist, lifting you off of her.

they threw you down.

it was one of her friends.

you quickly got up.

as the girl’s hand swung for your face, you ducked your head and wrapped around her torso, knocking the both of you over.

you got on top and began punching her as well.

the girl’s nose started leaking heavily so you stopped.

then, someone put you in a headlock from behind.

it was the second girl.

she raised you up but you could feel she was struggling to hold you.

you began elbowing her in the ribs in order to break free but immediately, Nanare ran up and punched you in your stomach repeatedly.

the girl released her grip on your neck and you doubled over in pain.

as you tried to crawl, someone kicked you hard in the face.

you fell on your side, tasting something metallic on your lips.

due to the sun, you squinted as you looked up to see Nanare. you spoke, voice hoarse.

“if you want to prove your strength, fight me alone. don’t involve your friends.”

anger flashed across her face as she kicked you in your stomach.

you winced in pain.

over the sound of your heartbeat pounding in your ears, you could hear some girls begging for the fight to stop.

you quickly tried to stand but someone kicked you in the back.

you fell down and another stomped on your rib.

you could feel your breath growing weak as the sun’s sweltering heat was becoming too much to bear.

then, the blows came frequently.

your head, your back, your ribs, your thighs and essentially your entire body was met with fists and feet.

instantly, your vision began to blur.

you entered a fetal position, weakly putting your guard up.

soon, all the noise started to fade.

your eyes rolled to the back of your head.

then, you blacked out.

the end.

[🫀] \ bridging the gap — extended scene.

in a grassy field just outside the palace, Nanisca and Amenza set up their lunch picnic style. as both women ate, they occasionally took in the view.

soon, the older of the two spoke.

“has Izogie confessed to that girl yet?”

Amenza immediately started choking on her food. she coughed a couple of times to clear her throat.

“you know about that?”

Nanisca gave a small laugh.

“even a blind man can see how she looks at her.”

they sat in silence for a while.

“you’re not upset with Izogie?” Amenza asked. “you remember what happened last tim—.”

Nanisca quickly interrupted her, voice firm.

“we promised not to speak of that situation again.”

the younger sighed. Nanisca continued, a look of sincerity on her face.

“besides, i cannot be angry with Izogie. that child carries so much pain but for the first time in a long time, my successor seems happy again.”

worry found its way onto Amenza’s features.

“but do you not fear the past repeating itself?”

Nanisca sighed.

“in this line of work, of course I do. but for Izogie’s sake, i pray the ancestors are not that cruel.”

Amenza nodded in agreement as she ate a fruit.

“so, do you want me to tell Izogie she has your blessing?”

Nanisca scoffed playfully.

“do not push it. i’m already having trouble getting her to focus in my class nowadays.”

Amenza chuckled lightly.

“she really does like that girl.”

as their conversation continued, they spotted Nawi from afar. she was with some agojie soldiers at the gate and they were carrying heavy boxes made out of straw.

Migan’s men greeted them and quickly took the containers inside. while looking around, Nawi then saw Nanisca and Amenza and went to join them.

“good afternoon, mother. good afternoon, Amenza,” she said as she sat down on the grass.

“how was your trip to get meat for festival day?” Nanisca asked.

Nawi rubbed both of her shoulders in pain.

“remind me to hide the next time they ask for volunteers.”

Amenza laughed as she spoke.

“where is Izogie by the way? we did not see her at the gate with the rest of you.”

Nawi grabbed a fruit from Nanisca’s plate.

“she said she was going to stop by the marketpla—.”

before the youngest could even finish her sentence, an ear piercing scream rang out in the distance.

all three women immediately bolted up and looked in the direction it came from.

on the pathway up, a trainee was running towards them at full speed. her hands waved frantically as she yelled, trying to get their attention.

the women looked at each other, concern spreading across their faces.

when she finally arrived, they noticed she was crying furiously and hyperventilating.

Amenza quickly rested her hands on the girl’s shoulders in order to calm her down.

“breathe, my child. what has happened?”

the trainee spoke between sobs, her body shaking.

“they were just fighting at first. a normal fight. that’s all. none of us thought it would go that far. we should’ve stopped it sooner.”

Nawi’s brow furrowed.

“a fight? between who? where?”

the trainee sniffled as she spoke rapidly.

“at the courtyard. it was between y/n, Nanare and her friends. y/n was confronting Nanare about something and then they started fighting. we all thought it would be over after a while but then, all three of them starting beating her even though she was on the ground and—.”

the girl stopped talking and started crying into her hands even more. Amenza squeezed her shoulders as Nanisca stepped in front of her, slowly loosing her patience.

“pull yourself together this instant. what happened?”

the girl removed her hands from her face as she looked up at Nanisca.

“miganon, y/n isn’t breathing.”

Nanisca immediately ran in the direction of the palace as Amenza’s eyes widened. Nawi covered her mouth in shock as she stumbled back.

Amenza quickly turned the trainee to face her and spoke urgently.

“go into town and find the palace physician. he should be buying herbs for festival day today. bring him back to the palace as fast as you can.”

the girl nodded and took off running.

Amenza turned to Nawi who had tears building up in her eyes. she held the younger’s shoulder tightly.

“Nawi, I need you to find Izogie and keep her far away from here for as long as you can. no matter what, do not tell her what is happening here.”

Nawi stood frozen and before Amenza could speak again, rustling was heard in the grass.

it was from Izogie.

she was standing not too far away and she eyed the both of them suspiciously.

as she walked closer, Amenza sighed, lowering her head in defeat. Nawi fell to the ground, a tear running down her cheek as her hand still covered her mouth.

Izogie raised an eyebrow as her gaze shifted between the two of them. on one of her fingers, a golden bracelet with colorful stones dangled. she slid it into her pocket as her facial expression turned serious.

“do not tell Izogie what?”

#izogie #izogie x reader #izogie x black!reader #the woman king #lashana lynch #agojie #gonesgone

[cosmicpuzzle]

9th House and How you Travel ✈️

Aries on 9th : Travel plan is made quickly and you could like travel by roads and deserts more than planes. If plane, you may prefer chopper and mountaineous travel.

Taurus on 9th: You like to travel in luxury, you probably enjoy food on plane, leg space and may be wine and cookies on your plate.

Gemini on 9th: Your travel needs to be short -not more than 2-3 hours. You like to purchase that novel or Encyclopedia or learn French in 30 days at the airport.

Cancer on 9th: You will probably take home made food during your trip. You may like cruises more than airplanes. You will help old people with their seat belts or luggages.

Leo on 9th: You like to travel in grand style, you may prefer business class just for the status it brings or may fancy sitting nearby a celebrity. You will buy something just to show you can afford.

Virgo on 9th: You like planes that are compact and clean. You probably like to pack everything in one suitcase. You will be worried about using the restroom on the plane and possible bugs on seat.

Libra on 9th: You will probably like to travel for your honeymoon or vacation. You like to travel with some company preferably the opposite gender. You may watch the movie on your seat board. And yes you will check out all the air hostess and try to strike a convo.

Scorpio on 9th: You will be worried about the Bermuda triangle while travel. You may also read about missing planes before your trip. You could look at the deep oceans from the plane and fear what if the plane sinks deep into the ocean.

Sagittarius on 9th: You will probably travel a lot for sake of travelling abroad. You will probably travel to all countries. You will exaggerate about your travel as if you are the first to travel all over the globe.

Capricorn on 9th: You will probably travel only for work. You will book economy class and reimburse the business class amount. You will be thinking of the free food and coffee you could get on the plane.

Aquarius on 9th: You will probably try to sneak in the cockpit while boarding or exiting to see how the pilots operate the plane, the electronic boards and technology behind it. You will check if internet works in the middle of a desert.

Pisces on 9th: You will probably sleep during the trip or drink a lot of water. You will probably imagine about aliens, outer space and your mind will wander until you land and come back to reality.

#astrology #astrology observations #astro observations #vedic astrology #9th house #divination #zodiac signs #zodiac #houses in astrology #astro notes #astrology community #astrology notes #aries #pisces #taurus #flight travel #travel in astrology

[apteryxparvus]

Love, found in the simplest of gestures.

Characters — Oikawa Tooru, Bokuto Koutarou, Kozume Kenma, Suna Rintarou, Miya Osamu

Word count — 912

Content warning — none

Summary — the Haikyuu!! boys and their love languages.

💕 Oikawa Tooru — words of affirmation

Tooru is the epitome of affection — he never misses a chance to show his love and care for you. Each day starts with a good morning text in which he declares his undying love, always accompanied by a blurry yet endearing selfie. Throughout the day, he showers you with little messages of encouragement, wishing you good luck, and ensuring you feel his presence even in your busiest moments. And whenever he manages to squeeze in some extra moments during his packed schedule, he takes the opportunity to send you lengthy voice messages, expressing how much you mean to him, and how grateful he is to have you in his life.

Despite his busy days, he always manages to find a way to let you know you’re always on his mind.

Whenever he graces your apartment with his presence, there’s always a trail of colorful sticky notes following his wake — from the fridge door and bathroom mirror, to the hidden nooks of your kitchen pantry and beneath your pillow. Each note contains a heartfelt message, a testament of his affection.

And as you accidentally stumble across these surprises, a blush spreads across your cheeks, your heart stirring.

💕 Bokuto Koutarou — physical touch

Koutarou has always had an inclination towards affection, even before you became an official couple. Yes, his touchy nature extends to teammates and friends, but with you, it has always been different.

When he embraces you, wrapping his strong arms around, a warm, comforting aura would envelop you. Even before the two of you became a couple, you couldn’t help but notice how his touch would linger, how he’d hold you more intensely, just a tad bit longer.

Now that you are together, you eagerly anticipate his touch, his tender gestures. His touches demonstrate his depth of love — whether it be by a gentle caress of your arms and neck as you prepare breakfast in the morning, or his offer of a soothing back rub and shoulder massage after a long day of work.

💕 Kozume Kenma — gift giving

Kenma loves to give you presents. Even in his days as a high school student with limited pocket money, he would surprise you with thoughtful gifts. He’d meticulously plan affordable dates, all revolving around your shared interests, hoping to create meaningful and lasting memories.

Now, with his thriving career(s) and increased financial stability, he takes pleasure in spoiling you even more. But rather than opting for generic luxury gifts — gold necklaces and ruby earrings — he continues to channel his thoughtfulness into personalized adventures. From romantic getaway weekends to nearby hot spring towns, where you can both unwind and enjoy each other’s company, to day trips to amusement parks, VIP access included and unlimited rides that would send your adrenaline soaring.

But it’s the little gifts that truly warm your heart. Such as the newest book from your favorite author, complete with their signature, or a carefully crafted scrapbook filled with cherished photos and memorabilia.

💕 Suna Rintaro — quality time

Time spent with Rintaro is precious, every moment is a treasure. You know how demanding his volleyball career is, yet he goes above and beyond to carve out as much time as possible to be with you.

Sometimes, it means embarking on intricately planned dates (oftentimes, with the help of his teammates). And in those moments, it’s just the two of you, savoring each blissful moment of peace, reveling in each other’s presence like there’s no tomorrow. Other times, you find yourself casually joining the half dozen spectators during his team’s practice sessions. Seated on the bench, you witness his display of talent and dedication to the sport.

Amidst the whirlpool of your busy lives, there are simple moments when you and Rintaro unwind after a grueling week filled with an endless stream of demanding clients (for you) and arduous training matches (for him). In those stolen moments, you find solace in each other's presence, and as the day draws to a close, you find yourself nestled close in a tender embrace while watching TikTok videos on his phone.

Despite everything, Rintaro ensures that every moment you spent together is filled with love and quality time.

💕 Miya Osamu — acts of service

Osamu’s genuine love and care manifests through the bento boxes he so lovingly assembles for you. Your little tradition began during your high school days, when, as the volleyball team’s manager and the representative of your class, you juggled a busy schedule. You’d attend the team’s practice with a rumbling stomach and an embarrassed face — you barely had time to prepare lunch, let alone queue up at the cafeteria in hopes of grabbing a sandwich or a curry. Osamu was quick to warm up to you, and within a week of you joining the team, he began bringing you lunches.

He was quick to learn your preferences, despite the few hiccups — like accidentally making something you were allergic to (more than once). Nevertheless, to this day, years later, he rises a bit earlier than you to prepare a colorful bento box. On occasion — once or twice a month — you return from a tiring day at work, met with a delicious and fragrant dinner at a candlelit table.

Sure, the majority of Osamu’s week is occupied by his culinary job, and of course, witnessing the smiles of satisfaction on his customers’ faces brings him joy. But seeing the way your face lights up and the twinkle in your eyes as you savor the meal he so carefully prepared… there’s nothing more precious than that.

Author's note: hiii, im back from the dead... for now... until university starts:))) hopefully i'll have some time to write a chapter or two of my smau

#haikyuu imagines #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu x you #haikyuu x y/n #oikawa x reader #oikawa x you #oikawa imagine #bokuto x reader #bokuto x you #bokuto imagine #kenma x reader #kenma x you #kenma imagine #suna x reader #suna x you #suna imagine #osamu x reader #osamu x you #osamu imagine #haikyuu drabbles

[the-really-lonely-mountain]

Along for The Ride - Part 1

Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Summary: Transported to Middle Earth, you must Join Thorin Oakenshield's Company as they travel to reclaim Erebor! OR: My take on the classic 'modern girl in Middle Earth' troupe. With this first installment, we are following the first movie of The Hobbit trilogy, and falling in love with Kili on the way! Slow burn with this one y'all, nothing spicy till the next work I'm afraid.

Tags: Kili / Reader, Reader-Insert, Slow Burn, Modern Character in Middle Earth, During The Hobbit, How Do I Tag, Canon-Typical Violence, Kíli Is a Little Shit (Tolkien), wrote this while I had covid, in like 4 days lol, implied soulmates, Dwarf Culture & Customs, Freeform, Holding Hands, Cuddling & Snuggling, Sleepy Cuddles, Protective Thorin Oakenshield Company Members, Dwalin & Thorin Oakenshield Friendship, Fluff and Humor, Domestic Fluff, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Where In Middle-Earth Is Gandalf?, Hair Braiding, Dwarf Courting, My First Tumblr Fic, Alternate Universe - Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies, Fíli & Kíli & Thorin Live, Thorin Oakenshield Lives, Fíli Lives (Tolkien), Kíli Lives (Tolkien)

Word Count: 6,292

A/N: I was utterly appalled by the lack of Kili writers on here and Ao3. Y'all who write for Kili, I've been eating your crumbs like it's the shit (cause it is) for weeks, but one can't be sustained on crumbs alone so I've prepared a feast!! This is the first fic I've ever wanted to post, please be gentle. Comments, Likes, and Reblogs are loved and treasured!!

Tagging the amazing Kili writers I've been living off of for the past few weeks and who have inspired me so they might share in the feast as well lol go check out their stuff too: @mikathemonster, @cowboybeepboop, @littleenglishfangirl, @ethereal-inquisitor, @sweetpeakili

Photo credit: @immawriteyouthings

Divider credit: @cafekitsune

You were having one of those days that made you want to run away from everything. Instead, you walked on the golf course behind your house after hours; no phone, no umbrella, no bag this time, just you. You had what you could fit from your hands in your jean pockets as you walked the grassy field. Something twinkled and caught your eye on the far side of the fairway, there was a sparkle in the ferns. You walked over and began looking through the underbrush. Your hand grazed a smooth stick with a mangled end that encased a gem. You picked it up hoping for a better look but were transported to another world instead!

You appeared in the new world holding the staff. You were standing beside an older fellow with a pointy hat and long grey beard. You looked around and saw many other gruff, burly-looking men sitting in an encampment. They looked as confused as you. You did the only thing you could think of doing at that moment.

You turned around and took off running as fast as you could.

The wizard whose staff you were running away with asked the younger dwarves in his company to fetch you for him. They ran after you as quick as the wind. You dodged trees and hurdled bushes, making an all-around great effort. You were slowing down though. You stopped for a moment to catch your breath and plan. A twig snapped in the distance; quick footsteps closed in on you. You took off again. You needed a place to hide, a moment to think for God's sake. You were afforded no such luxuries. They were gaining, you were tiring. In your drained haste, you tripped on a bush which sent you stumbling and struggling to regain your footing given your momentum. You finally fell and scampered to take cover behind the roots of a great tree. Their footfalls grew slower and drew nearer. They were so close you could hear their words now.

“…She’s hiding, Fili,” one said much closer than you expected them to be.

You tried your best to steady your breathing. Your heartbeat was so loud you knew they could hear it.

“Stop scaring her Kili,” The other chastised. “You know she’s got to be scared half to death”. He walked past you, studying the ground. The other came up the other side of the tree doing the same.

You gripped the staff preparing yourself to be found. They turned in unison following the same tracks and looked up at you simultaneously. They were both panting but not as hard as you. Fili, the elder and more experienced of the two knelt where he stood a few yards from your curled trembling form.

“My name is Fili” He put his hand on his chest and motioned to the man next to him, “This is my brother Kili. We mean no harm to you.” He kept his distance and showed his empty hands. You stayed firmly pressed against the tree trunk, your chest heaving rapidly and your eyes as large as saucers. They could have tackled you, beaten you, or done any number of terrible violating things, but they kept their distance and spoke softly.

“What’s your name?” Kili asked, with a charming smile as he crouched beside his brother.

“Y/N,” you said in a shaky freaked-out tone.

“Y/N, that’s our friend wizard’s staff,” Fili said, “If anyone can figure out how you got here, he can.”

“But you gotta come back to camp with us,” Kili said reaching out his hand as a peace offering. So many horrible things could happen to you in the wild of this new world, but even more on top of that could if you didn’t go with them.

“How can I trust you?” You asked them. They looked at each other.

“How can we trust you?” Kili threw back at you with a suspicious look and recoiled his hand.

“Touche” you nodded returning his look.

“Seems we are at an impasse then,” Fili huffed at his brother, “You want to get home, and our wizard can do that. The only way that can happen is if you come with us back to our camp. We can only offer you our word and promise on our honor as dwarven princes that you will not be harmed by any in our company.”

You thought for a moment and nibbled at your lip, “You promise?” you looked up at Kili this time.

Kili looked you deep in the eyes, and very seriously said: “No harm will ever come to you, on my honor as a prince.”

You nodded at this, “Very well”, and tried to stand up but were stuck against the tree. The 2 men easily lifted you back to your feet. You followed them back to the camp.

You tried your best to hide behind Kili as you approached the wizard smoking a pipe. You peeked from around his shoulder at the other men in the camp. They were looking at you.

“Please sit, my dear,” The wizard said to you, motioning to the rest of the long log beside him “We have much to discuss.”

Your legs wouldn’t move you from behind the dwarf. You were still quite afraid.

“She seems to have taken a liking to you Kili,” the wizard said to him. The rest of the company let out a soft chuckle of agreement. You couldn’t see it from your angle, but Kili smiled and nodded.

“Sit down child, we aren’t going to hurt you,” One of the dwarves sitting across the fire said. You took a deep breath to gather your courage. One false move by any of the others would have you bolting again.

You moved from behind Kili and sat beside the wizard still clutching the staff.

“May I take that from you?” the wizard politely asked. You handed it to him. He explained how this type of thing had happened to a couple of his wizard friends before, but he didn’t know the remedy or spell to undo it or how to prevent it from happening again. You sat quietly listening and nodding. He explained to you and the rest of the company that he was leaving to travel to his friend and inquire about your predicament. In the meantime, he convinced the company and its leader, Thorin you came to know, to keep you in the company as an innocent bystander to help around the camp and whatnot till Gandalf (the wizard) could figure out what to do with you. Gandalf gave you a small sack of coins, instructing you to get a bag, a bedroll, clothes, and any other necessities you’ll need at the next town.

As the fire died down so did the company. They got out their bedrolls and sleeping gear like a synchronized unit and as quickly as they started, they were all asleep snoring softly. Kili had first watch and was sitting on the ground next to you leaning against the log you were on. You slid onto the ground next to him curled with your knees to your chest. He looked over at you. You looked over at him.

“I don’t know what to do now,” you said not hiding the waver in your voice very well, “I’m so scared.” You couldn’t hold back the tears anymore. You cried into your hands as quietly as possible, so you didn’t disturb and anger the others. If you had looked at Kili, you would have seen him in a slight panic and at a loss for what to do, he didn’t know how to console crying women. You sobbed into your hands knowing you just needed to let it all out then you’d be fine. Kili looked at the fire and put his hand on your back. Physical contact of any kind back home was next to nonexistent, it felt nice to know he was trying his best to comfort you. After a few minutes of uncontrollable sobbing and hiccups wracking through you, you began calming down. When you were able to breathe properly, you wiped your face even though tears kept falling. You sniffled and rested your chin on your knees letting the tears fall silently now.

“Do you feel better?” Kili guessed in a soft tone and rubbed his hand on your back.

You nodded at him, “Yes” You took a deep breath and wiped the tears from your eyes as best you could, “Thank you” You looked at him and smiled a little. He smiled and nodded too, still concerned but returned his hand to his lap. You sniffled and looked at the fire.

“Really though I don’t know what I’m doing,” you said. “I’ve never been camping before,” you paused to think. “I don’t know how to fight or use a sword or make a fire or hunt or-or—” You were working yourself up and starting to cry again. Kili cut you off before you could start sobbing hysterically again.

“WOAH! Woah!!” alarmed, he put his hand on your back again, “It’s ok. Calm down.” he said harshly, “Take a deep breath, that seemed to help last time,” He mumbled the last part under his breath. That made you smile despite yourself.

“You don’t know how to console someone, do you?” You took a deep breath and wiped your eyes. He shook his head and took his hand from you. “Seems we’re both out of our depth then,” you said making the mood a bit lighter.

“In my defense, I was raised in a pack of manly men,” He smiled fondly “It’s a wonder my mother got through to me at all.”

“So, you do have a mother,” you said, making him look at you quizzically “I assumed you were raised by wolves,” You shrugged. He laughed and you couldn’t help but smile.

“You’re not completely wrong about that,” He smiled, looking over at the men across the fire. There was a momentary silence. “We’ll teach you those things, how to fight, how to make a fire, all that,” He looked over at you, “I mean who knows how long Gandalf will be, and you’d have to be pretty stupid not to pick up a thing or two even from this bunch.” You smiled and nodded; this calmed your nerves a little. A moment of silence fell between you again.

“Is it ok if I stay up with you?” you innocently asked, “I’m not very tired.”

“Sure,” he said casually, “May I ask about your life back in your world?”

“OK,” You nodded.

“What do you do?” he asked, you gave him a weird look. “Like for a living, how do you make money, how do you spend your days?”

“I’m a student at university at the moment.” He looked at you confused this time. “I spend my days studying at a desk, it’s boring and dull” You quickly summed up.

“Ooohh,” He said, “No wonder you couldn’t run for shit,” He laughed.

You scoffed, “So rude,” You huffed, failing to hide your smile. He was glad you were cheering up a bit.

“If it’s so boring and dull, why don’t you do something else?” He asked, naive to your world and its ways.

“It’s…complicated” you sighed “I have to study to do what I want to do for work even though I don’t want to work or study or do any of that, but I have to make money somehow because I need money to do stuff and buy things because the world I live in is shitty that way and it’s so frustrating sometimes,” you gritted your teeth to make your point.

“Well, what do you want to do then?” he asked, trying to understand your strange world.

“Sit on the beach,” You said without hesitation “…Listen to the waves…sleep on a blanket in the sun,” you sighed wistfully. “Die happy and rich.”

“That does sound nice” He agreed “I’ve never seen a tropical ocean before, the seas near the Blue Mountains are all frozen over.”

“Surely there’s a beach somewhere in this world,” You refused to believe the universe sent you to a world without a beach.

“There is! I’ve heard stories of Southern Gondor, where the sun makes the sand hotter than forges, and the water falls over the horizon in every direction.”

“That sounds like the beaches from back home,” You felt a little bad for him. You’d been practically raised at the beach because it was the only free thing to do in your hometown.

“May I ask a question?” you asked this time.

“Of course,” He shifted to lean against the log and face you.

“What are you guys doing?” you gestured to the camp around you.

“We are on a quest!” He said proudly, “A quest to take back our ancestral home from the dread dragon Smaug,” he said in a sinister voice. He explained about Erebor and the dragon and Thorin to catch you up. You listened, nodded, and took it all in, asking questions and giggling at his jokes. He was a decent storyteller.

“And I’m just along for the ride I guess,” you said deflated about your role in all this.

“If it’s any consolation, you’re quite good company,” He indulged; Kili always got so lonely on watch.

“Yay!” you said over a yawn, “I’d hate to bore any of you,” you replied, genuinely fearing your stories may never measure up to theirs. You leaned over and laid on the soft grass, curled in a ball with your arm as a pillow. You tried not to shiver from the cool evening breeze. You heard some shuffling of fabric, and then a blanket fluttered on top of you. You looked at Kili who smiled and said: “I’m quite the furnace at night, I’ll be fine without it,” he reassured.

“Thank you,” you said over another yawn. You didn’t expect to fall asleep but the next thing you knew it was early morning and you were awoken by the clanging of pots and spoons. You sat up and looked around to get your bearings.

‘Still in the same strange world’ you thought not fully awake. Kili appeared, greeted you good morning, and handed you a bowl of white goo he called porridge. You thanked him and ate your breakfast in silence like the rest of the company. While the men packed up the camp you were tasked with washing the dishes in a nearby stream. You were struck by the beauty of the incredible woods around you even in the dim morning light. You returned to camp and put the dishes in their bag, which was taken by one of your new companions. You felt out of place without a task among everyone who knew what to do. Balin saw you standing in the middle of the camp looking lost. He asked Thorin what they were to do about their lack of an extra pony for you. They decided you could ride with Kili seeing as he was the lightest (next to Bilbo) and his pony could take the weight and because you seemed the most comfortable with him. The old dwarf with a white-grey beard curled up at the ends approached you with as much of a nonthreatening air as he could muster.

“Good morning, my dear!” He greeted you with a chipper smile. “My name is Balin”

“Good morning,” you replied. “I don't quite know what I’m to be doing,” you said sheepishly.

“That’s ok lass, it’ll come with time,” he reassured, “For now, you’ll ride with Kili so you can see if he needs help getting ready.”

“Ok,” You nodded and started walking in Kili’s direction. You stopped in front of his pony and petted its nose and down its neck. “I’ve been told that I’m to ride with you,” you said timidly looking at him adjust his saddle. Kili looked at you and nodded.

“I’ll be happy to have a lovely conversation again” He smiled and looked back at his saddle, making the final arrangements.

He turned to you and said, “I’ll give you a leg up,” And jabbed a thumb at his pony. You nodded and approached the animal. You put your hands on the ponies back and bent your leg waiting for him to help. He leaned forward so he could whisper in your ear: “Wrong leg”. You blushed quite profusely at that and switched legs. He heaved you with such strength he nearly threw you over the other side of the pony. You made yourself comfortable behind the saddle before he hooked his foot in the stirrup and carefully mounted so he didn’t knock you off.

“You ok?” he asked over his shoulder.

“Yep!” you smiled. He nodded. You were excited to see new lands even though you feared what they harbored.

“If you need to hold on to me when we get going you can,” he said, making you both blush despite yourselves.

A few moments later Thorin called out: “Company ready?” in a deep booming voice, “Aye!” They all replied in unison. “Company, move out!” He bellowed and urged his pony forward. The rest followed behind him one by one. When your animal lurched forward you grabbed Kili's waist for dear life. The company was silent till they got to the end of the forest. You had your cheek pressed against Kili’s shoulder and your chest against his back. The fur of his coat was very soft against your face as you turned your head to look over his other shoulder. You yawned but didn’t realize you did it right next to his ear and breathed down his neck. He determinedly kept his eyes on the pony ahead of him to keep the blush rising in his chest at bay.

“You can take a nap if you need to,” he said over his shoulder in a soft voice for only you to hear.

“That sounds like a good idea,” You yawned again. You buried your face in the soft spare fabric of the hood on his back and cuddled closer to him to rest your head on his shoulder. You closed your eyes and sleep swiftly took you. He knew this because he could feel your breathing slow on the back of his neck. He was happy you could sleep and couldn’t help his smile. You shifted now and then, turning your head one way then a while later turning it the other. Kili tried not to talk or move too much in fear of waking your delicate slumber. By midday, you felt very well rested. You took a deep breath and released your grasp on Kili to stretch your arms above your head, arching your back to wake yourself up. You quickly slipped your arms around him again, so you didn’t fall.

“Good morning!” He chirped, “Well afternoon really,” he corrected with a smile, “Sleep well?”

“Mhm,” You hummed against his shoulder “I haven’t slept that well in a long time,” you said thinking back on the restless weeks before your arrival in Middle Earth.

“Good,” He nodded. “Happy I could be of service.”

“Yes, you make quite the comfortable bed,” you replied.

An easy silence settled between you for a while. You contentedly watched the landscape pass by while he kept the pony on the path.

“What’s a good weapon for a beginner?” You asked knowing you needed to start wrapping your head around the fact that you could be stuck here forever and needed to protect yourself. He thought about that for a few moments.

“I’d have to say a bow,” He shrugged, “I don’t know honestly, lemme ask Fili,” he kicked up his pony to walk faster to be next to his brother. “What is the best weapon for a beginner?” He asked him. Fili glanced at you and thought for a moment.

“Hmm I think a sword would be easiest,” He replied, contradicting his brother.

“A sword?!” Kili said incredulously “No that’s one of the harder ones,” He swatted his hand as if to swipe the words from the air.

Fili scoffed “For you maybe,” he said barely keeping his teasing smile under control “But not to the rest of us, my weapon-challenged brother.” That made you giggle. Kili huffed and pulled his horse back, so he wasn’t beside his brother anymore.

“Are you that bad with a sword?” you asked, trying not to laugh too much.

“No!” he exclaimed, “I’m just better with a bow and arrows,” he pouted.

‘Awe he’s so cute when he pouts’ Your thought took you by surprise.

“Perhaps you can teach me, Archer,” Your voice was lower than you intended, making you both blush. Your breath ghosted over his ear making him shiver just a little. He turned his head to look at you over his shoulder, his face so close to yours. He looked at your lips then deep into your eyes holding eye contact.

“Maybe I will,” he said in a deep gruff whisper that made you gasp and goosebumps rush over your skin. He turned back and smiled; proud he could get a rise out of you. You huffed and distanced yourself from him by leaning back, needing the space to calm down.

As night drew closer, Thorin led the company to the edge of a forest and found a shallow cave, more like a cliff overhang to make camp for the night. He told Fili and Kili to take care of the ponies and Oin and Gloin to make the fire. After the meals had been handed out Thorin told you to take Fili and Kili a bowl. You walked through the forest and found them looking at a downed tree in panicked awe.

“Something took 4 of the ponies,” Fili said to you, hoping you’d have the answer to their predicament.

“Yes, and…” you nodded at them trying not to panic yourself “What are you going to do about it since it’s your problem?”

The brothers decided to see what took the ponies and if they could handle it themselves, no need to worry Thorin, right? You followed them as they tracked the pony-nappers. Kili hid behind a tree and peeked around, you hid behind him and peeked over his shoulder. 3 large trolls were something to worry about, and a sight that made that dreadful feeling drop from your chest into your stomach. Your grip on Kili’s coat tightened.

He turned to you and said in barely a whisper, “Go back to camp and tell Thorin”.

Fili was immediately against it, huffing and puffing from behind his tree. Kili shrugged and motioned with hands as if to say, ‘What else would you have us do?!’ Fili huffed again and snuck around the tree. He tried to cut the rope fence with his sword, but he took too long. The trolls caught him. They were deciding ways to eat him when Kili looked at you in alarm and told you to go back to camp. You ran as fast as you could.

“Ponies! Big grey troll things took the ponies!” You said out of breath pointing the way you just came “Fili…in…danger”. Thorin cursed in dwarfish and rallied the company. Balin told you to keep your distance, so you didn’t get caught in the fight.

The dwarves fought bravely but were captured. Bilbo bid for more time while you thought of a plan. You heard the trolls complain about daylight coming and that gave you an idea. You saw the trolls had made camp in the shade cast by a large boulder. You wedged a branch under the rock and used the leverage to try to roll it. It was very heavy, and you were not. It took everything in your power to push the branch to roll the boulder down the ditch edge it rested on. The trolls were washed in sunlight, turning them to stone and freeing the company. They cheered when you stepped over the branch and into the clearing. You helped them from their confines and smiled and blushed when they praised your good job.

Back at camp the company gathered their things and discussed what to do now. Fili suddenly hushed the company.

“Warg howls in the distance,” He whispered to Thorin “They are coming!”

“RUN!” Thorin yelled at the company. Following Thorin everyone started running. You all ran as fast as you could onto a hilly plane sprinkled with trees and boulders. You ran and ran till the Wargs finally caught up. They began to encircle you. The company fought the beasts, taking them down as still more came at them. You went to hide behind the rock formation but fell into it instead. You climbed out as the Wargs were closing in.

“Down here!” you called “There’s a passage this way!” you slid down to make room for the others. Thorin was the last one, as he slid down a horn was blown near the entrance to the passage.

“I can’t see where it leads, do we follow?” One of the dwarves asked.

“Yes! We follow!” Thorin barged through the dwarves and led the company through the narrow pass. You all walked for a few minutes, but then Thorin rounded a corner and slowed as he realized where he’d unwittingly led the company. The rest kept walking around him, but Bilbo stopped and said in admiration: “Rivendell”. You stopped as well to take in the view before you. It was the most beautiful thing you had ever seen. A small town on the side of a mountain with water flowing from beneath some of the glittering structures.

As Thorin led the company over a bridge, you grabbed Kili’s arm to steady yourself as you looked around and took in the ornate statues and architecture of the front steps of a large building. A man much taller than you or the dwarves approached the group.

“We would like to speak to Lord Elrond,” Thorin said through gritted teeth. He was swallowing his pride for the betterment of the quest, that much was clear through his clenched fists and tense shoulders.

“Lord Elrond isn’t here,” The elf said regretfully.

“Then where is he?” Thorin’s patience was growing thin. A horn was sounded on the other side of the bridge you’d just crossed. Everyone turned to see a group of horses galloping towards them. The dwarves began shouting in dwarfish and closing ranks with their weapons ready for battle. You were pushed into the very center of the circle as tall horses and riders circled you. They stopped suddenly and the one on a black horse dismounted.

“My Lord Elrond,” The elf who first approached you said with a bow.

“Lindir” Elrond bowed his head at him then turned to the leader of your group, “Welcome Thorin son of Thrain,” He looked over the dwarf “You have your grandfather's bearings.”

“I’m afraid I know you only from the stories my grandfather told me,” Thorin was doing his best to be polite. (You were later informed that the stories were mostly about him being a ninny.)

“I’d like to offer you and your company a taste of our elfish hospitality,” Elrond said with a warm smile.

“Does that mean we’ll eat?!” Bombur called from the back. The company chuckled at him.

“Yes Bombur, that means we’ll eat” Dori replied. The company cheered at the prospect of a full belly and a warm hearth.

Not long after, you were sat next to Bilbo and Kili at a large table. The salad appetizers were very good despite the dwarves not liking green food very much. You giggled at their jokes about how bad the music was or how they wanted chips and meat. Thorin was sat at another table across from Elrond discussing something you couldn’t hear, but you could tell it pained Thorin to be in the other man's presence.

You turned to Kili beside you. “Thorin looks constipated,” you said in a low voice barely containing your laughter “He can’t even pretend to be enjoying this”. Kili looked over at his uncle and laughed with you.

When the meals were served there was boisterous laughter and general dwarfish shenanigans, the usual at any merry dwarfish gathering. Bilbo looked like he was having PTSD from when they were doing the same at his house at the beginning of the quest. At the end of the meal, Thorin and Balin disappeared with Elrond to discuss a map. You asked Kili if he would escort you to the markets with as much innocent girlish need as you could muster to solidify your security. He agreed and walked with you through the corridors and to the market. He helped you get a fair price on a bag, a blanket, and a bedroll. The next thing you needed was clothes to blend in.

“What do the women around here wear exactly?” You asked him. He shrugged.

“It depends, I guess” He had his hands shoved in his pockets as he followed you around the clothing stalls like a puppy.

“Gee, that’s a big help.” You teased.

After some more wandering you found a stall selling clothes that looked your size. You purchased a dark blue form-fitting tunic that stopped above your knees and had slits on the sides that went up to your hips. It paired very nicely with the brown pants and brown coat with dark blue highlights you bought as well. Kili helped barter with the merchants since you didn’t know the fair price of things here. In another section of the market, you bought spools of black, blue, and pink thread. You put your belongings in your new bag.

“Are we done?” Kili asked, sounding slightly annoyed. He was ready to go back to the others and be away from so many elves. You sighed and rolled your eyes playfully and nodded. He led you through the busy crowded markets by holding your hand. You were thankful he was in front of you so he couldn’t see your blush. You made it back to the group, who had set up camp in a courtyard garden at the end of a hallway. Just as you arrived two female and two male elves came down the hallway.

One of the males stepped forward, “The bathhouse is ready for you now” he said to the group.

“Bath?! We don’t need no stinkin’ bath!” Exclaimed a dwarf from behind the fire. The rest heartily agreed, not ready to drop their pants on elvish soil it seemed.

“I’d like a bath” you timidly said, not wanting to make a fuss but very much wanting to be clean.

“Very good mistress dwarf, if you’ll follow us,” one of the female elves said. You were tense as you followed the four elves down the corridor, not sure what you were doing.

“You best go with her lad,” Dori said to Kili, “You never know what an elf might try to pull.” He glared at the back of the elves as they walked away. Kili nodded and ran after you.

“Y/N!” He called making you and the elves stop.

“Oh, change your mind, Kili?” You asked with an innocent smile, happy to have his company.

“Yeah, I guess so.” He smiled too.

You were led to a large door that opened into a covered hot spring that flowed over the balcony to create an assumably gorgeous waterfall. Columns lined the outer edge of the room which was split down the middle by a cloth partition. The male elves walked to one side of the divider with Kili in tow, while the females walked to the other. The elves asked that you wash under the heated shower of water off to the side before entering the hot springs. They left you to your own devices.

“I’ve never seen anything like this have you?” You asked Kili across the large room.

“No” He smiled at the wonder in your voice from seeing new things and making discoveries. He thought it was very cute.

You placed your bag and new clothes on the vanity in the corner. You undressed and stepped under the warm shower. You used the bar of soap you found to wash your hair and body. It was the best-smelling soap you’d ever had the pleasure of experiencing.

“Hey, Kee?” You hollered.

“Yeah?” He yelled back.

“Do you plan on keeping your soap?”

“No…Why?”

“I’ll take it then. I’ll need extra anyway,” And you were so happy you did. That soap made your hair silky smooth and stronger than ever. You rinsed the suds away then stepped into the hot springs.

It felt luxurious. You couldn’t help but moan a little as the heat pulled every knot and tense muscle from you. Relaxed, you floated in the steamy water.

“You still there Kili?” you asked suddenly nervous he’d left you.

“Yeah, I’m here” He replied, “We shouldn’t take too much longer though, Thorin could be back any minute and who knows what kind of a mood he’ll be in.”

That made you enjoy the bath a little faster. Not long after you began drying off and getting dressed. You took the hairbrush and beads and other miscellaneous hair trinkets that were on the vanity. You looked in the mirror at your new outfit. It fit as you thought, though a little snugger in some places than others, hugging your curves to allow for movement yet still baggy for breathability and insulation. Overall, a nice ensemble.

“Ready Y/N?” Kili asked from across the partition.

“Yeah, you can come over, I’m just packing my things.” You replied, folding your old clothes, and putting them in your bag with the rest of your things.

“Here’s the soap” He handed it to you.

“Thanks!” You smiled at him; you simply wrote his flushed cheeks off to the hot water. When you stood, he was able to get a much better look at you in your new clothes.

“A perfect fit I see” He smiled, looking you up and down. He couldn’t help but imagine what you’d look like wearing nothing but his tunic. A line of thought he blushed at and quickly willed away.

“Does it look alright? I don’t know how it’s supposed to fit” You fussed with the hems and the folds trying to make them lay better. He grabbed your hand to make you stop fidgeting.

“You look great,” he said with a genuine smile. You smiled and nodded your appreciation.

You walked back to camp, making moneyless bets on what mood Thorin would be in when he returned.

As you approached Fili saw you in your new outfit and said, “Well look at this…” Making the rest of the company look at you too, “Our wee lass looks like a bona fide middle earther now!” They cheered at your near-complete indoctrination.

“Now she just needs to learn how to fight like one.” Bofur quipped from beside the fire.

“Then I wouldn’t need any of you to protect me!” You put the back of your hand to your forehead feigning a damsel in distress, making the company laugh. You sat on the ground beside the long chair Kili was now examining his weapons in and leaned against it. You held out a stone fish figurine to him.

“As a thank you for helping me” you cleared your throat “…And for being my friend.” You couldn’t meet his eyes, but you knew he was smiling a little around his reed pipe. He took it from your open hands. You know it wasn’t much but it’s all you could offer.

“Maybe one day you can return it to the ocean,” you said, referring to your previous conversation.

“Maybe I will,” he smiled down at you with genuine fondness.

“Bombur!” Bofur called before throwing a sausage to his cousin. The table, which took skilled elfin craftsman months, even years to craft and carve out of solid wood, collapsed under the massive weight of Bombur. Everyone erupted in laughter, it was nice to be part of the group and share in the merriment.

~~

Thorin stopped Balin on their way back to the camp, “We should leave her here,” He said, “She is a liability.”

Balin had a terrible sinking feeling in his round tummy when he thought of splitting you up.

“So what if she is, Thorin?” Balin said near pleading. “Have you ever seen your nephew that happy or open with a girl that quick before? I’ve never seen the lad so engaged in a conversation that didn’t have to do with weapons before last night. So what if she dies on our quest, at least we gave them a chance to happen, and if fate finds their pairing favorable it will all work out!” Balin was desperate to keep you and the young prince together if only to keep the sinking feeling at bay.

Thorin huffed, “Very well, but her blood is not on my hands,” He walked away and into the camp.

~~

Thorin and Balin returned, and the tone became slightly more serious—slightly. The company settled and laid their bedrolls in the grassy parts of the garden. You laid yours out as well and prepped for sleep by removing your shoes and coat. The night was warm enough that your blanket would suffice. You looked up at the stars wondering if any of the constellations were the same as back home. You cuddled your coat to your chest relishing the feel of the soft fabric. The low conversation between Fili and Kili, while they sat on watch across the fire, lulled you to sleep.

Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

#Reader-Insert #Slow Burn #Modern Character in Middle Earth #During The Hobbit #How Do I Tag #Canon-Typical Violence #Kíli Is a Little Shit (Tolkien) #wrote this while I had covid #in like 4 days lol #implied soulmates #Dwarf Culture & Customs #Freeform #Holding Hands #Cuddling & Snuggling #Sleepy Cuddles #Protective Thorin Oakenshield Company Members #Dwalin & Thorin Oakenshield Friendship #Fluff and Humor #Domestic Fluff #Tooth-Rotting Fluff #Where In Middle-Earth Is Gandalf? #Hair Braiding #Dwarf Courting #My First Tumblr Fic #Alternate Universe - Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies #Fíli & Kíli & Thorin Live #Thorin Oakenshield Lives #Fíli Lives (Tolkien) #Kíli Lives (Tolkien) #kili x reader

[nowgiveusakiss]

as long as you love me so

pairing: eddie munson x fem!reader

summary: eddie’s never liked christmas but maybe you can fix that. 8.9k

warnings: brief mentions of a neglectful childhood

Eddie wasn’t one for celebrating Christmas. Always throwing out excuses like ‘it’s capitalism at work’ or ‘it’s based on some made up story about some random dude’ when his friends ask him what his holiday plans are. He doesn’t actually hate the holiday, he’s just never seen a point in it. Most of his childhood was spent with a drunk father and a runaway mother, so Christmas was never even on the table.

Constantly listening to the other kids talk about what they got for Christmas or what they were writing on their lists or trips to some ski lodge. Eddie can’t sit here and say that it didn’t hurt. When he was still in elementary school, before Uncle Wayne, he used to make up stories about gifts he got. Creating this fantasy world where his parents were picture perfect and spoiled him with everything he could ever desire.

Once he was in middle school, he stopped playing make believe. His dad’s mistakes finally caught up to him and his mom never came back, so Uncle Wayne stepped up. His view on life became pretty cynical after that.

Wayne tried his hardest to give Eddie a normal Christmas but Eddie was no fool. He knew Wayne couldn’t afford the Christmas he used to dream about. After watching Wayne calculate and recalculate bills all for some silly holiday, Eddie assured him that it wasn’t necessary.

“Wayne, I don’t need anything. I can’t even think of anything I would want anyway so don’t worry about it.” A lie. Eddie could think of plenty things he wants but none of it was worth watching Wayne work himself to the bone for. Wayne tries to argue with 12 year old Eddie but both Munsons are stubborn as bulls.

After Eddie threatens to sleep outside and skip school every day in protest, Wayne finally relents. He knows deep down that financially, he can’t make it happen. No matter how badly he wishes he could.

Christmas was a luxury the Munsons couldn’t afford.

They grow accustomed to the mundaneness of it all. letting each Christmas pass them by as if it were any other day. Never any decorations. No lights, no tree, no cookies for Santa. Rather than indulging in the traditions that come with the season, Wayne and Eddie use this time to rake in some extra cash. Wayne picking up shifts at the plant so the guys with families can celebrate with their own. Eddie offering house calls for an extra fee, taking advantage of the fact that kids need something to take the edge off but are trapped in their homes by demand of the parents. Both boys not giving a second thought to the day. It never mattered, especially not to Eddie.

Until he met you.

You’re the pretty little thing that works at the local record store. A quiet girl. Probably doesn’t even realize how pretty she is, Eddie thinks. He remembers you from Hawkins High, having meant to graduate in the same class as you but Eddie never claimed to be a scholar. Now here he is on his third try of senior year. But this year is gonna be his year. He can feel it.

Eddie is a frequent visitor to your store. He visits at least four times a week. He could lie and say he comes in so often to keep up to date with new releases but really he comes in for you. To see how you styled your hair, what color skirt you picked out, whether you decided to wear makeup that day. He’s even got your schedule memorized, only now realizing what a creep he must seem like to you.

What Eddie doesn’t know is that you remember him from school too. He sat up one desk and to the right from you in Mrs. Demoine’s algebra class. He doesn’t know you used to watch him solve the problems in his head. Or that you picked up his habit of sticking his tongue out when he’s focused. Or that you admire the boldness of him being unapologetically himself in a community that thinks him evil. You know better than them. You saw the way Eddie took those kids under his wing, treating them as if they were his little brothers. His prodigies.

A few months pass of Eddie silently pretending to look through records before he decides to finally speak to you.

You’re lost in cataloging the newest shipment of The Smith’s latest album, having been selling out fairly quickly.

“Do you guys have any Metallica?” You snap your head up at the familiar voice, doubting there’s anyway he could be speaking to you. When your eyes meet his, you realize that he is, in fact, speaking to you.

The Eddie Munson is currently leaning over the counter you’re working, into your personal space. breathing your air, asking you a question. You fumble with the tape you’re holding and it clatters down on to the countertop.

“Shit- um, yeah. Yeah, we have Metallica. Are you looking for something specific?” Your hands are shaking as you try to put the tape back into it’s case. How were you supposed to keep cool when Eddie was staring at you with those big brown eyes? It’s practically impossible.

Eddie sees you’re shaking and fears that you might be scared of him. He knows what people say about him. Maybe you believe them. Maybe he should just walk away from you before you tell all your friends how the freak tried to lure you into his satanic cult.

But then again, you’re looking up at him with the kindest eyes he’s ever seen. He can see that you’re nervous but maybe that’s the lingering shyness he remembers from high school, not fear.

“We actually just got the vinyl’s for Master of Puppets last night, if that’s what you’re looking for.” You’re trying to fill the silence that Eddie left, not answering your initial question. Instead just staring at you. But you seem to snap him out of whatever trance he was in and he visibly relaxes his shoulders.

Your soft smile puts Eddie at ease. There’s no way a nice girl like you would ever believe those stupid rumors. The way you’re looking at him as if he’s the only person in the room makes his stomach churn.

“You read my mind.” He flashes a cheshire grin, all teeth and round cheeks. You tell him where he can find it as if he doesn’t know exactly what section Metallica is under. Eddie turns around in a slow circle to examine the entirety of the shop, feigning ignorance. When his gaze finally meets yours, he gives you his best ‘lost in the woods’ look.

“Well you know, miss, I’m not the brightest crayon in the box. Would you mind showing me the way?” Your immediate reaction is confusion. Eddie probably knows this store better than you as much as he’s here. He’s even bought a Metallica tape from you before. He’s got this look on his face, like he knows a secret you don’t.

It clicks.

Eddie Munson is flirting with you.

That was in march of ‘86. You two have been inseparable since. You’ve met all his friends, gone to his D&D sessions, met Uncle Wayne, even cheered him on at graduation. But neither of you has taken the risk of asking the dreaded boyfriend/girlfriend question. Preferring to stay in the comfort of friendship and occasional flirting.

Okay, frequent flirting.

It’s actually through this innocent flirting that the topic of christmas comes up. Eddie’s got on this huge red sweater with a bow stuck to the front, a gag gift from Dustin for Eddie’s birthday. You just had to see him in it before it eventually landed in the dump.

His face is screwed up in pure disgust. Yours is alight with amusement. Giggling and clapping as if it’s the funniest thing you’ve seen all year. It’s definitely in the top three.

“Real handsome, teddy. You look like a christmas present that I’m just dying to unwrap.” You finish with a cheeky wink and laugh as Eddie’s ears turn a lovely shade of pink.

“Really? A Christmas present? I’m gonna hurl.” Eddie let’s out a cackle at your face, his crude language always catching you off guard. You’re the sweet to his sour. Once he’s ripped the sweater off and chucked it in the bin, you ponder his response.

“What do you have against Christmas, Munson?” You throw your legs over his and settle back onto the arm of the couch. His warm hands immediately seeking out your calves, rubbing up and down.

“Christmas is just another way the man keeps us in the cycle. Making money off us for their own gain. Plus, the whole red and green thing, totally not my style.” He looks over at you to find you’re looking at him as if he’s personally offended you.

“How pessimistic of you. I love Christmas!” Eddie watches in awe and adoration as you list off all the things you love about the season. Ranting and raving about gift giving and putting up a pretty tree with handmade ornaments. While he loves your enthusiasm, he just can’t seem to get on board.

Thus begins the months long debate over Christmas. Slight jabs at his bah humbug attitude and nicknames like Mr. Grinch and Scrooge. But it’s around July that Eddie really starts to comprehend your love of the holiday. And maybe he’s coming around to the idea of celebrating. You joke that his heart has grown two inches, although that would be near deadly considering how big of a heart the boy has already.

As the holidays approach, your badgering becomes a daily occurrence. You show up at the auto shop where Eddie is now working as a mechanic on an early November afternoon. He's covered in grease and his hair is held back in a loose ponytail. Your mouth goes dry at the sight. His sleeves rolled up to show off his tattoos, sweat dripping down the front of his unbuttoned uniform despite the chill in the air.

“Munson, your girls here!” His coworker calls out to him over the sound of machines whirring. You flush at the idea of being Eddie’s girl. Eddie doesn’t correct him.

“Well, well, well.. what’s a pretty girl like you doing in a place like this?” It’s a harmless comment. No where near as scandalous as some of the other things he’s said to you. Yet, you’re shying away like some lovesick school girl.

He’s beaming at you as he meets you halfway, not wanting you to get too far into the shop. He’s always scolding you for wandering around, lecturing you on how dangerous it is. Always receiving an “okay, daddy. whatever you say.” in jest, clearly mocking him in your tone. Eddie ignores the feeling that kicks up in his abdomen at the name. He is also trying to ignore that same feeling when he sees the skirt you’re wearing. Instead focusing on the motions of wiping his hands on the rag he kept tucked in the back pocket of his uniform.

“I came to ask you a very serious and important question.” Eddie halts his movements, white knuckling the rag in his fist.

“Okay, lay it on me.” He gestures to a more secluded area, away from the ears of his coworkers. His hand is hovering over your lower back as he leads you, not wanting to dirty your top. Especially if you’re already upset with him. He’s running through everything he’s said or done in the past week that could have upset you. His chest feels tight and he can’t suck in a full breath.

Your arms are crossed over your chest as you finally blurt out this so called important question.

“What do you want for Christmas?” Eddie visibly deflates, crouching over with a hand on his knee and the other slapped to his chest.

“You can’t do that to me, sunshine. Feel like i’m having a heart attack right now- fuck.” His heart is racing like a horse in the Kentucky derby and you’re not helping. Looking down at his crouched figure and letting those soft giggles escape your pretty mouth. You’ll be the death of him, he swears it.

“Sorry, Eds. I didn’t mean to make you freak. But to be fair, this is a very important question.” He returns to his full height, now he’s the one looking down at you. He doesn’t look too thrilled to be talking about this. And truly, he’s not. But he’s glad you came to see him anyway. Regardless of the motive.

“Maybe it’s important to you but it isn’t really all that special to me. It’s all kinda stupid,” he replies, waving his hand as if brushing away the question flippantly. One look at your face and he regrets the words the second they leave his mouth. He didn’t mean to come across so callous. The dejected look that wipes off the small smile you were holding sends a pang to Eddie’s chest. He knows Christmas is something you care about and he loves that about you. And now he’s gone and basically called you stupid for it.

Your heart sinks in your chest. Showing up like this was clearly a mistake. You didn’t expect him to be jumping up and down at the idea of celebrating Christmas with you. But you also weren’t expecting complete rejection.

You’re fumbling through apologies and making up excuses to leave. Maybe coming here and bothering him at work over something you know he has no interest in wasn’t a good idea. A phone call would’ve been fine. Or just leaving him alone all together. You’re regretting ever coming in the first place.

As you start to step back after a stuttered goodbye, Eddie reaches out for your wrist. He doesn’t want you to go.

“Wait, please stay. I didn’t mean for that to sound so harsh. It’s not stupid, poor choice of words. It’s just I’ve never seen the point in the whole thing. But I love that you love it.” The smile returns to your face. Eddie wants to press his finger into the crease that forms on the side of your mouth. “I just meant that you don’t need to worry about me.”

You take his apology in stride. Something about the way he looks at you and the way he says he loves that you love Christmas makes you want to forget he even hurt your feelings in the first place.

“Well too late because I’m always gonna worry about you, teddy.” His heart soars in his chest hearing that you care enough about him to worry. Eddie tries to brush off the initial question, repeating the same excuses he’s used on Wayne in the past.

“Sweetheart, really. There’s nothing I even want!” But you’re persistent. There just has to be something he’s been after. Eddie never buys himself new things. He’s a boy who deserves the world but would give it away in a heartbeat if you asked him to.

“Not a single thing? I find that very unconvincing, Eddie.” He pretends to think on it. Finger to the chin, eyes cast to the sky. You can almost see the little lightbulb over his head when he finally thinks of something.

“How about this? Hows about you come over on Christmas and grace me with your presence? I’ll take that as my gift.” Eddie is grinning from ear to ear. A compromise that he feels is sufficient enough. Easily a gift just to be around you but a gift that costs nothing. He seems pretty proud of his answer.

“But I always come over! And you know I’ll spend time with you whenever you ask so that doesn’t count as a gift. Just my presence isn’t special enough!” You’re arguing with him like a toddler. You even resemble one considering the pout on your lips. Eddie mimics your pout and bends over to be eye level with you.

“I wholeheartedly disagree with you on that one. You are more than special enough.” The pout falls off your face and your eyes widen. The two of you share a look of knowing. Both wanting the same thing but both being too scared to admit it. Eddie’s gaze flicks down to your lips for the briefest of moments. You wish he would just kiss you and get it over with.

Instead he holds eye contact with you, searching for something he knows is there. Secretly hoping you will make the first move, but he knows you’re shyness would never allow for such boldness.

“Hey! Munson! You gonna finish this lemon or what?” The same coworker who insists on calling you ‘Eddie’s girl’ interrupts your moment. Eddie lets out a loud laugh before straightening his back.

“I’ve worked on that car about 5 times in the last month. Pete just won’t give it up.” You have no idea who Pete is but nod and chuckle as if you do. “I’ll see you tonight then?” Eddie’s got a gig with Corroded Coffin tonight. You haven’t missed a single show as long as you’ve known each other yet he still seeks the reassurance that you will be there. It’s sweet.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, teddy.” You flash a bright smile at him before waving your goodbyes but not before yelling a, “you’re getting something for christmas whether you like it or not.” Leaving Eddie blushing red for the remainder of his shift.

The topic of gifts has been put on the back burner, Thanksgiving now the forefront of everyone’s minds. It’s just Eddie and Wayne this year, it always is. Thanksgiving being much more financially achievable for the two man family.

Eddie doesn’t hesitate to invite you. Not that he wasn’t planning on doing so, but the constant interrogation from Wayne about what your plans were was driving Eddie up the wall.

When he asks you, he can see the look of disappointment on your face. Pouring out apologies and explaining how you're visiting your grandparents out of state.

He should’ve known better. You’ve got a family to do those things with. The normal things that Eddie has never known.

You want to tell your parents ‘fuck the trip’ and stay with Eddie, but your grandparents are old. It’s grim but the fact is, they probably won’t have much time left. And it’s not like they can travel to you. But seeing Eddie’s face when you have to turn him down makes you want to cry.

In the quiet moments of the night, snuggled up in Eddie’s bed while he’s on the floor, making notes in the margin of his well-loved copy of Lord of the Rings, you remember you’re going away. In the light of the day, surrounded by Eddie’s laughs and his lewd jokes and his constant fidgeting, you were able to forget. Eddie was always good at distracting you from any negative feelings that may plague you.

You watch his brows furrow and his tongue poke over his upper lip as he underlines a quote he finds significant. He’s rubbing his rings against one another emitting a soft metallic clicking. You can see his lips barely moving as he mouths the words to himself. A subconscious habit, you figure.

You watch the way his chest rises and falls. How his lashes brush his cheeks when he blinks. The way his face shows every emotion he feels as he reads. The slight stubble that’s grown since he shaved this morning. The way he is totally lost in his book yet completely in tune with you, reaching back every so often to touch you. To rub your leg as a reminder to you that he hasn’t forgotten you’re there. His subtle way of thanking you for being here with him.

All these little things are becoming big things. You look away from him, staring up at his ceiling instead. Looking at him just exist close to you is enough to have you overwhelmed with emotion. You’re not coping well with the fact that you won’t feel his hand on your calf or hear his laugh for a whole week.

You realize how silly it is to be so upset. It’s not like you’re going away forever, but this will be the longest either of you have gone without seeing each other. You’re not sure you remember how to be without Eddie Munson.

“I wish I could shrink you down so I could carry you with me everywhere, teddy.” The sound of pages being slammed shut and a pen being dropped to the floor brings your gaze back to him. He laughs a little before crawling off the floor and into the spot next to you. He’s got the softest smile you’ve ever seen on his face as he lays mere inches away from you.

“And why’s that? Think that would get annoying after a while.” He’s teasing you but you’re dead serious. You want him around always.

“Because I don’t like to be without you. I never want to be without you, Eddie.” The smile drops from his face as tears fall from your eyes. His heart is racing and he can’t pinpoint why. He’s thrilled at the notion that you want him around all the time but he’s upset that you’re upset. But then again, you’re so pretty when you cry. But you’re also crying over him. And why are you crying over him? Is there something else going on? He’s a mess of emotions right now.

“Sweetheart.. it’s only a week. I’ll still be here when you get back.” He pulls you into his chest and lets you cry there for a moment. Once you’re reduced to occasional sniffles and swollen eyes, you pull your face out of his chest. The pair of you stare at each other for a moment before you’re bursting into laughter. Eddie is so lost but you’re laughing so that must be a good sign.

“That was so stupid, holy shit. I can’t believe I just cried like a baby over that. I’m sorry,” you’re a giggling machine and Eddie can’t help but laugh along until the quiet finally returns. It lingers for a long time, so long Eddie thinks you might have fallen asleep.

“I meant what I said. I do wish I could carry you around with me, teddy.” He feels your warm breath through the fabric of his shirt, words whispered directly to his heart. Eddie sucks in a breath. Is this it? Is this when you finally ask him the question you’re both itching to hear? Or say the three words he’s dying to tell you too?

“If I had a magic lamp, that’s what I would wish for.”

so maybe not tonight.

But as you drift away, Eddie stays up thinking about anything and everything. Most of the thoughts revolve around you though. How you want him around, the way you’re wearing his favorite sweater, why you started calling him teddy, how he wishes you could carry him around too.

And then he gets an idea.

Maybe you could carry him around, metaphorically speaking.

Now, Eddie had zero plans to get anyone anything for Christmas. He never had and he wasn’t planning to change that now. But the perfect opportunity and the perfect person have presented themselves to him on a silver platter.

He starts to do the math in his head. Thanksgiving is in 4 days. Making Christmas in 31 days, so he really has 30 days to get the gift ready. You’ll be gone for a week starting on the 25th, which gives him 11 days to save up. If he picks up extra shifts at the shop and does a couple deals, he can save up some extra cash to make sure it’s perfect. He can pick up the supplies while you’re gone too.

The tricky part is going to be hiding it all from you. You two are practically attached at the hip and Eddie knows the second you’re back in town, you’ll want to be near him. And he’ll be dying to be around you too. He also knows that you’re smart and there’s no doubt you’ll catch on.

You spend the remainder of the four days in Hawkins working around Eddie’s work schedule. You’re a little ticked off that he took up so many shifts when he knows you’re about to be gone for a week, but maybe he really needs the money. And you can’t stay mad at him when he makes such an effort to see you even after he’s worked himself to the bone.

His schedule also gives you the perfect opportunity to get one of his Christmas gifts together. Making a trip to a print shop out in Marion, a couple cities over from Hawkins. It being the only place you could track down that would print designs onto guitar picks. Who would’ve thought it would be such a to-do?

When you handed the guy Eddie’s hand drawn logo for Corroded Coffin, he seemed to recognize the name. You got to talking to the guy and it turns out he’s made a couple trips out to The Hideout to see Corroded Coffin. He swears they’re gonna be the next big thing. You tell him all about Eddie and how this is a Christmas gift for him. The employee, Zach, says he can give you the sample today but the rest will have to be shipped.

“I’ll make sure they get there well before Christmas. Just make sure you remember me when your boyfriend gets famous.” He chuckles and hands you the pick as you flounder for words. You don’t tell him Eddie’s not your boyfriend, letting yourself live in the fantasy that he is for this moment.

Eddie’s second gift comes from a second hand store you used to visit when you were a kid when you’d stay with your grandparents in Wisconsin.

Eddie had commented multiple times on the sun pendant you wore around your neck. Even using the name ‘sunshine’ for you once in a while. Since then, you’ve been on a hunt for some kind of jewelry with a moon. But finding something like that in Eddie’s style is damn near impossible. Your last ditch effort being scouring every thrift store within a 20 mile radius of your grandparents house.

You’re ready to give up and just stick to the guitar picks and maybe a t-shirt. It’s not like he cares all that much about gifts anyway.

Until you visit that old store run by Marty, who used to ‘forget’ to charge you for an item or two. He’s still managing the place, even now that you’re all grown up. He’s beyond happy to see you, asking all about your life now. Who you’re friends are, where you’re working, if you’ve got a special someone.

During this chat, you obviously have to brag on Eddie. You have a bad habit of working him into every conversation.

Walking up and down the aisles with Marty, he tells you all about the repairs he’s had to make to the shop over the years. The wood flooring wearing down, shelves rusting, roof leaking. But he loves it all the same.

“I’ll keep this place standing with duct tape and a dream if i have to.” You snort, knowing he means that one hundred percent. He’s showing you some renovations in the back he was able to afford back in March, when you just glance at the small jewelry case. It doesn’t hold much, mostly old wedding rings or a pair of clearly vintage earrings.

You don’t really give it a second thought until Marty is pulling you over to show you a necklace he recently acquired. He says it’s from some lady who passed away who was apparently an heir to some fortune. It’s a beautiful piece but you can’t bring yourself to care when what you’ve been searching for is staring you in the face. A beautiful silver ring with a crescent moon, oversized and chunky. Very clearly worn by a previous owner with scratches and scuffs. So clearly Eddie.

“She had this grandfather who owned-“

“Marty!” You damn near startle the poor man to death with your shout. “How much for the ring?”

You’ve got eyes bigger than saucers, practically bouncing on your feet waiting for his answer. He doesn’t quite know what you’re so excited about. It’s nothing special, no diamond or gold.

“Well that depends. who’s it for?” Marty knows it can’t be for you, considering it’s clearly made for someone with much thicker fingers. And based on how excited you got, it must be for someone special. If Marty is anything, he is one nosey old man.

“It’s for my friend I was telling you about. Eddie. I’ve been looking everywhere for something like that!” Marty considers you for a moment. He takes a second to replay the last hour you’ve spent in the store, bringing up this ‘Eddie’ no less than a million times. He’s lived a long time, seen a lot of things.

“Yes, this boy who you ramble on about but is just a friend. That one?” you roll your eyes at his insinuation.

“Yes, Marty, that one.” You let out a huff at Marty’s infuriating grin. The one where he looks like he’s got you all figured out.

“In the spirit of love, you can have it free of charge.” The shit eating grin he gives you is bigger than the state of Texas.

“Jesus… You’re lucky I like you, old man.” He bags up the ring and slides it across the counter. He gives you a stern look before letting you take it from him.

“You tell that boy he better be good to you or Marty here will have to pay him a visit. Can’t be having my best girl with some rascal.” You shake your head fondly at the man, bid him goodbye as he tells you to visit more often. You promise him you will and he waves at you until you can’t see him in the rear view anymore.

Back in Hawkins, Eddie’s room is a mess of fabric and sewing needles. This tiny jacket he’s sewing is giving him hell. He’s pricked himself approximately ten times in the last half hour. He’s really putting his artistic skills to the test. Utilizing every ounce of knowledge he’s picked up from painting D&D figures and sewing patches onto his battle vest. This whole gift idea is turning out to be a lot more time consuming than he anticipated.

He spent a solid five hours in every toy store in the near vicinity, even traveling as far as Indianapolis. He spent every last cent he owned on fabric and paint and gas to acquire said items. It will all be worth it though to see the look on your face when he gives it to you.

When you knock on his door for the first time in a week while he’s in the middle of painting a tiny patch of denim, he’s scrambling to hide the evidence. Determined to not spoil the surprise. He flings open the trailer door to see you standing there in sweatpants and his sweater, which he could’ve sworn he lost about a week ago.

“You know, it’s not very kind to steal, sunshine.” Eddie thinks his eardrums have suffered some serious damage after the way you squeal his name. Practically tackling him back into the living room with arms tight around his neck. His hands seek you out just as quickly, one gripping the softness of your waist and the other resting gently on the back of your head. He can’t suppress the grin that spreads over his face, eyes squinting from how hard his cheeks push up.

“Missed you so much, teddy.” The words vibrate in his neck. He can feel you smiling against his skin. When you pull away, it takes every muscle in his body to not keep you tucked against him until there’s no way to know where he ends and you begin.

“I missed you even more.” You’re still grinning up at him and he has yet to let go of the grip he has on your waist, tethering you to him for as long as you’ll let him. He’s missed being able to touch you, see you, talk to you. Before you left, he had tried to argue that he should get to call you at least once but you weren’t having it. The rates for out of state phone calls were beyond either of your budgets.

Eddie would’ve paid anything, done anything, just to hear you speak his name.

Once you’ve finally settled into the couch, legs thrown over Eddie as he strokes up and down your calf, he finally asks you about the trip.

You tell him all about your grandparents and how things have changed since your last visit. The new dog they rescued and the chickens that wander in the house through the doggy door.

Eddie is trying his best to listen. He really is. But it’s hard to pay attention to the words coming out of your mouth when he’s too busy admiring you. The miniscule movements of the muscles in your face as you shift through a range of emotions. You’re practically vibrating with energy as you retell your every movement while you were away.

He’s snapped out of his trance at your next words.

“And… I’ve got your Christmas gifts, Mr. Munson.” Eddie opens his mouth to respond before he takes a second to replay a specific word in that sentence.

“Hold on. Gifts, plural? As in multiple?” You’re grinning like the cat that ate the canary. You watch as Eddie tosses his head back onto the couch and runs his hands down his face. He rubs his eyes out of frustration and gives you the meanest glare he can muster.

Which isn’t very mean for a guy who’s nickname is teddy.

“If looks could kill.” Eddie snorts and rolls his eyes. You know what he’s probably thinking. That he doesn’t deserve anything. That he’s not worth the effort or the money.

And you’re right. Eddie’s mind is full of self doubts. He doesn’t think he deserves the gifts but more importantly, he doesn’t deserve you. Someone who cares enough to want him to have a good Christmas, despite his constant criticism of the holiday.

He wants to insist you take them back and push you as far away as he possibly can. But there’s a part of him that wants to be spoiled, just this once. The part that wants to keep you all to himself and let you shower him in love.

He’s looking at you with those big, sad brown eyes and you just can’t stand it anymore.

“It’s just two things, teddy. Three if you count my promise to spend the day with you.” He huffs in your direction and you decide it’s enough of a response, shifting the topic back to your travels.

“Marty told me to tell you that if you hurt his best girls feelings, he’s gonna have to pay you a visit. So you better play nice, Munson.”

“His best girl? I might have to pay him a visit first.”

Eddie spends the remaining weeks in secrecy. He’s barely let you step foot in his trailer lately. He’s starting to run out of excuses until it’s finally Christmas day. He spent all Christmas Eve finishing up his project, adding final touches and stitches.

You’ve finished opening presents with your family and have now set up post at the telephone to wait for Eddie’s call. You’ve got his gifts wrapped in metallic black paper you were able to dig out of the bottom of a bin at the local craft store. The clerk gave you a weird look when you put it on the counter, shocked they even carried such an item. But Eddie didn’t seem like the snowflakes and Santa wrapping paper kinda guy.

You’re all kinds of nervous. It’s silly to even think such a thing but what if he hates them? You don’t want him to pretend he loves them if he doesn’t actually love them. But you’ll also be heartbroken if he seems unimpressed. And he’s been acting all weird lately so that’s not helping.

You’re chewing on your fingernails when the shrill ring of the phone startles you.

“Hello?”

“Well hello there, do tell. Were you on the nice list this year?” You can hear the smile on Eddie’s face through the speaker.

“I don’t know, I don’t think Santa checked his list twice this year. There’s no way I ended up on the nice list.” You can hear a chuckle on the other end.

“Personally, I’m dying to find out if I’m on your naughty or nice list. Why don’t you come on over and break the news in person?” You don’t have to see him to know he’s got his hand to his chest, feigning a shot through the heart. You tell him you’re on your way and rush out to your car.

Hawkins winter is anything but forgiving as you plead with the heater to kick on in your old Volkswagen. You don’t have the patience to wait for it to cooperate as you speed over to the Forest Hills trailer park. As you pull up to the Munson’s residence, Eddie is sat on the couch on the porch smoking a cigarette. He’s not even wearing a coat, just his everyday attire.

“Teddy! You’re gonna freeze to death out here!” You’re chastising him as you run up the steps, careful to keep a grip on your gifts.

“So dramatic, sunshine.” He finishes off his cigarette and stomps out the butt with his sneaker. He blows the smoke away from your face as he slings an arm over your shoulders. You let him lead you into the warmth of the trailer. You know Uncle Wayne more than likely cranked it up for you, wanting you to be comfortable even if it means a higher electric bill this month. If he was here, you’d chastise him too.

Eddie helps you take off your winter coat before you toe off your boots, leaving you in your Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer socks. As you settle onto the couch in your designated position, legs thrown over Eddie’s thighs, he makes a comment on said socks.

“Killer socks, bub.” You roll your eyes and shove your gift boxes at him.

“Shut up and open your presents, dingus.” Eddie jabs that you’ve been spending too much time with Robin as he opens the first gift.

Eddie seems to hesitate as he sees the black velvet box, immediately recognizing it as something that carries jewelry. And not just the cheap jewelry he gets from the halloween store once a year. The real shit. He sucks in a deep breath before flipping the top of the box to reveal a thick silver ring.

“Is that a-“

“A moon? Yeah, ya know cause you always call me sunshine. I figured we could match, it’s okay if you don’t want to though.” You interrupt his question with your rambling. He can tell you’re nervous but he can’t do much to settle your nerves, too busy staring at it like if he blinks it will disappear. His chest feels tight and his heart swollen. He can’t stop his eyes from watering.

He’s pondering the unintentional meaning behind him being the moon and you being the sun. Besides the obvious, he can’t help but find a parallel between the two of you and the way that the moon only shines at night because of the sun. When the two align, it’s magic.

You are the sun to his moon.

Eddie has never experienced love like this. Sure, Uncle Wayne and his friends all love him. But this is different. You’re different. This gesture which seems so small in the grand scheme of things, feels monumental to Eddie. To be loved by you is life altering.

“I can’t… I can’t accept this. It’s too much, sunshine.”

“I think it’s just enough.” Your words are reassuring but not overly so. You know if you say what you want to say, which is the fact that it’s not nearly enough, Eddie would shrink away. Just enough to remind him that you think he’s worth it. That he’s deserving.

Eddie looks up at you then. Your eyes are wide as you try to decipher what’s happening in that head of his. You’re waiting for a reaction that isn’t humble denial as he slides the ring onto his marriage finger. You try not to read too into that.

Eddie holds his hand out in front of his face, examining every groove and scuff mark. It’s imperfect but a perfect fit for him. He’ll cherish it forever.

“Thank you. Seriously. It’s beautiful.” Eddie reaches for your hand, squeezing it in his gently. He’s looking so deeply into your eyes you’re afraid he’ll be able to see your thoughts. Clearing your throat, you pull your hand from his grasp to pick up the second gift.

“You still have one more to open. And might I say, I’m quite proud of this one.” Eddie’s smile is dazzling. Finally allowing himself to become giddy. To allow his inner child to make an appearance.

He rips open the paper like it’s life or death. This time it’s just a small cardboard box. He sighs quietly in relief as his hope that whatever is inside isn’t an expensive item grows.

He tears the cardboard box completely apart, guitar picks spilling all over the floor and into his lap. You heave a sigh of Eddie’s name but can’t help the smile from growing as he rushes to the floor to pick them all up. His movement scattering the pile on his lap to the floor as he gets on all fours in front of you. He’s muttering apologies and looking up at you with those stupid brown puppy dog eyes.

Once he’s scooped them into a pile, he makes a comment about having needed more picks considering all of his are lost to the filthy, sticky floors of The Hideout. He hasn’t even looked at them up close.

“Eddie, you have to actually look at them.” He looks confused before picking one from his neat little pile on the floor. He squints his eyes as he registers what has been printed onto the little black pieces of plastic.

“Holy shit! Is that my design?” He’s grinning from ear to ear. His very own guitar picks for his very own band. He didn’t even know you could do that! He’s made his own Corroded Coffin t-shirts before but those were strictly homemade, and very obviously so.

But these. These are professional. The kind of stuff a real band has.

“I figured when Corroded Coffin gets famous, you can toss these into the crowd. Like Kirk Hammett or something.”

When. You said when, not if. Eddie feels like he could burst. You have so much faith in him that his success is a sure thing.

Eddie practically body slams you back into the couch, pressing all of his weight into you. The epitome of a golden retriever who thinks he’s a lap dog. Rambling off a thousand thank you’s into your shirt his head is buried in. You stroke your hands up and down his back, soothing his energy back to it’s normal state.

Before you can say anything, he’s yanking his body away and darting down the hall to his bedroom. You hear a crash and a curse before Eddie emerges back into the living room, gift bag in hand.

He clocks the smirk before it even forms, cutting you off before you can make some slick comment.

“Just because I’m not fond of Christmas doesn’t mean I can’t indulge. So this is for you.” He holds the very worn Christmas bag out to you with both hands. It’s got Eddie written all over it. From the chicken scratch of your name to the mismatched tissue paper to the mustache and devil horns combo he drew over the painted Santa Clause.

You hold the bag in your lap, not daring to look at it let alone open it. You know Eddie has never given a Christmas gift to anyone. Ever. But here he is, giving you one. The affection you feel in your chest is liable to kill you. Paired with the bashful look on his face and his fidgeting hands, you’re not sure you’ll make it to the new year.

“You didn’t have to…” You start to say but Eddie will have none of it.

“I know I didn’t. But I want to. So open it already, you’re giving me a heart attack over here.” There’s no hiding the nervous waver in his voice. You want to tell him not to be nervous. Eddie could gift you a pile of dirt from the front yard and you’d love it. Just because it came from him.

You slide the tissue paper out of the bag so carefully that Eddie wants to jump in and rip it out himself. You’re not sure what you were expecting, but it definitely wasn’t what lies in the bottom of the bag.

You stare at the teddy bear for a moment, afraid to touch it. Swallowing a breath, you pull the bear from the bag and nearly pass out onto the floor.

The teddy bear is the exact shade of Eddie’s brown hair, the fur even holding a slight curl to match. He’s wearing a tiny version of Eddie’s signature Hellfire Club t-shirt and tiny black jeans that Eddie clearly ripped himself. He even fastened a chain to the pocket that clinks when it moves. Even more impressive is the denim vest Eddie had clearly sewn himself, on top of a leather jacket that was probably made for a baby doll.

Flipping the teddy over, your eyes feel swollen with tears as you see that Eddie hand painted an exact replica of his Dio patch onto the vest. You examine every inch of this bear, marveling in every detail Eddie put into making it look just like him. Even cutting the leather sleeves to add those little chains he crafted to fix the zipper of his life sized jacket.

What really sends you into a state of shock, is the messy stitching on the foot. In red thread, it reads ‘your teddy’.

Eddie is internally panicking at your frozen figure sat on the couch. It’s too quiet. So he fills it with his shaking voice.

“I know it’s silly but I just thought it would be kinda cool to make a mini me for you. Cause you said you wanted to carry me around with you and, like, now you totally can. Or not, if it’s too childish. It’s not the prettiest-“

“I love you.”

Eddie freezes. You’re still as a statue. You couldn’t stop the words from coming out. Your mind just screaming ‘iloveyouiloveyou’ on a loop until it breached your lips. Finally taking your gaze away from the bear to look up at Eddie.

He looks shell shocked. His face is void of color and his adams apple bobs as he swallows harshly. He’s not sure how to respond to the suddenness of your confession. His mind is begging him to say something. To tell you he loves you too. To kiss you. But for the first time in Eddie Munson’s life, he’s lost for words.

“I-I’m in love with you, Eddie. Have been for a while now but I didn’t want to ruin our friendship,” you set the bear gently on the couch next to you as you rise to your feet, standing almost toe to toe with the boy. “You don’t have to say it back. I’ll always be your friend and I don’t want you to feel obligated-“

Eddie slams his mouth into yours. It’s not pretty or gentle like the movies. It’s overeager, desperate and messy but it’s everything you both need. Your hands seek out his face as you hold him to you, moving your mouth against his. His nose is smashed so hard against your cheek he can’t breathe, yet he’s still pushing into your mouth harder.

His hands are gripping the fat of your hips so hard there’s sure to be Eddie shaped bruises tomorrow. God, you hope there are. You want to be marked with him. Leave no room for any doubt that you belong to one another. Two souls merged into one. No longer ‘you’ and ‘I’ but ‘we’ and ‘us’.

Eddie lets you pull your mouth away from his, chasing your lips in a desperate attempt to lure you back in. You hum against him as you peck one last kiss onto those swollen pink lips of his.

He’s close enough that he’s breathing your air. He can feel the huffs of your warm breath fanning over his face. Hair moving gently against the pressure of it. He soaks in it for a moment. Letting his eyes stay closed as he just feels.

Feels the warmth of your palm on his cheek, contrasting the chill of your cold fingertips against his temple. The give of your skin beneath his grip on your hips. The softness of your tummy and chest as it smushes against his. Your forehead mussing up his bangs.

He shifts his face just far enough so he can look at you but close enough that he can still feel you breathing. The way you look at him could have him melting into a puddle on the floor. So pretty, he thinks.

He moves one hand from your hip to rest on the side of your neck, brushing his thumb over your jaw. Eddie tilts his head down so he’s at your level. An equal.

“I love you.” Eddie drops the ‘too’. It feels flippant. Like he’s only saying it because you said it. Not because he truly feels it.

He can see you visibly relax, reassuring you that he does in fact, feel the same way. He chuckles a bit as the tension starts to dissipate. A lighter, giddier feeling in the air.

“Not sure how you didn’t notice. I mean, the only reason I even went to the record store was to stalk you.” You fake a gasp as if he had scandalized you, slapping the back of your hand against his chest gently.

“You’re telling me you had ulterior motives this whole time, Eddie Munson?”

“Well it worked, didn’t it?” You roll your eyes before leaning back in for another kiss. This one lasting longer than the short peck you gave him earlier. Just lips pressed to lips, nothing more but nothing less. You realize you never got to tell him how much you love his gift. But frankly, Eddie’s forgotten all about it.

“If it wasn’t obvious, I love my teddy. Both the mini and the life size version.” Eddie blushes, flustered at your shameless flirting mixed with a genuine appreciation for the gift he worked so hard on.

You pull Eddie back to the couch. This time not just settling your legs in his lap, but your whole body. Your knees pressed into the couch on either side of his hips. Eddie tries not to think about the fact that your ass is pressed into his thighs and if he pulled you an inch closer, he’d feel the warmth between your thighs.

He doesn’t know you’re thinking the same thing, knowing that a shift in the right direction would have his bulge pressed right into your center. But you’re also thinking about how pretty he looks and how natural it feels to be in his lap. To have his hands settled on your hips.

You file those thoughts away for later, picking up the teddy bear you abandoned earlier. You sit him in between the two of you, stroking one of his fuzzy round ears.

There’s a moment of quiet before you launch into a full college level dissertation about that damn bear. Listing every single detail you noticed and why you love it so much. Asking Eddie how he found the perfect shade bear and where he got the clothes and the paint and the tiny chains and, and, and…

Eddie wants to kiss you silly.

So he does. It starts out sudden, using the kiss as a method to shut you up before it turns soft. Pure adoration spilling from his mouth into yours and from yours to his. Tongues sliding against each other and soft breaths against cheeks. Eddie fumbles as he attempts to suck your bottom lip into his mouth, losing the suction too early, making an obnoxiously loud popping sound.

He attempts to keep your lips pressed together but your giggling is making it very hard for him. He can’t find it in him to be frustrated considering how sweet your giggles taste as they fall into his mouth.

You can barely even call it a kiss as this point. Both too busy laughing to focus on the task at hand. Eddie let’s out the tiniest snort that vibrates against your cheek and it triggers a laugh so deep in your belly that it almost feels like a cramp. Your head is tossed back, letting yourself laugh unapologetically.

It might be ugly and unattractive but Eddie has a way of making you feel comfortable like that. No fear of judgement or harsh comments.

On the contrary, Eddie thinks this is when you look most attractive. Neck straining from the weight of your head, smile so big it hurts, tears in the corners of your eyes. It’s so utterly you.

Once you’ve caught your breath, you pick your head back up to look at Eddie. Still wearing a bright smile, just softer than before.

“Merry Christmas, teddy.” You press a gentle kiss to his cheek, letting it linger for longer than you’d care to admit. You settle your face into the crook of his neck, nuzzling your nose into his soft skin. You feel his hum tickle the tip of your nose. He rubs soothing circles into your back, closing his eyes in utter bliss.

It stays like that for a little while. Both in a state of complete relaxation before Eddie finally speaks.

“I think I might like christmas.”

thank you so much for reading!! likes are always appreciated! reblogs get smooches under the mistletoe!!!

i live for soft boy teddy. and the thought of him holding up his hair to hundreds of teddy bears to find the right shade… i’m proposing.

#eddie munson x reader #eddie munson #stranger things x reader #stranger things 4 #eddie munson x fem!reader #eddie munson drabble #eddie munson headcanon #eddie munson blurb #eddie munson fic #my writing #christmas fic #plus sized reader coded #all of my works are implied plus size reader #but i try to make my writing as inclusive as possible

[into-crazy]

be my valentine

Arthur Fleck x Reader drabble

Summary: Valentine's Day with Arthur♡

Warnings- consumption of alcohol, but mostly fluff, ages 18+(🍷in this case 21)

I wanted to get this out in time so I hope it's not too bad. Happy Valentine's Day💝

As Valentine's Day approaches, it's certainly not hard to notice with the numerous gifts which filled the shops in Gotham city. All the bright pink and red colors. The words I love you and Happy Valentine's Day plastered every where. Teddy bears carrying little plush hearts. Boxes filled with luxurious chocolates. Heart shaped balloons. Bouquets of flowers both real and plastic. Shelves full of cards with sentimental phrases. Various bottles of wine. The list can continue.

It fills your chest with warmth, as you find the concept of the holiday rather sweet. It's a sweetheart day. And well, you just so happen to have a very special sweetheart. Arthur Fleck.

You plan something very special for Arthur as the date comes up. From having saved up a generous amount of money and requesting to leave work early in advance, you made sure that you were prepared to pull it all together.

This past week leading up to Valentine's day, you'd spotted a perfect gift for him in the window of a gentleman's shop. There was a rack containing a few men's belts. Your eyes had instantly glued to a really nice brown one. Surprisingly it was made of durable quality for an affordable price. You immediately bought it for Arthur and hid it in your dresser under all your clothes.

You were keeping everything regarding your plans concealed from Arthur, as it was going to be a wonderful surprise for him. After all, he deserves it.

Finally, the day arrives. February 14th.

Your morning went by like usual. After work, you stopped at the local market and a second hand shop to pick up everything that you'd need before rushing home. Smiling all the way there as you're unable to contain your excitement.

Once back in the comfort of your shared home, you set the bags on the counter and waste no time in getting everything ready.

You'd found a lovely pair of smokey brown wine goblets from the thrift store. From the market, you picked up a bottle of wine, a small gift bag for the belt, a balloon to tie on the gift bag, and the ingredients needed to make chocolate covered strawberries.

After placing the wine in the freezer to chill, you get right to work on the strawberries. Your heart swells while you prepare the fruit. Dipping them in melted chocolate, then decorating them with pink and red sprinkles. They looked so pretty and very fitting for the occasion. Although, you were most excited with what you had in mind for a few of them. Some of which, you decorate with little Carnival clown smiles. Using decorative colored frostings that matched Carnival's clown makeup.

The smile on your face continues to grow wider with every smile you draw. You knew how much Arthur loves performing as the clown. So you just know that he would adore these.

Once finished, you placed the decorated fruit in the fridge so the chocolate could fully harden. They all came out perfect, especially the Carnival ones. You get everything else ready- washing the wine glasses and bagging up the gift. Then you eagerly await Arthur's arrival.

Soon enough, you hear his usual little shuffle outside the door and your heart leaps. You rush to greet him at the entrance, nearly tripping over your own feet in excitement.

Arthur steps inside and his eyes brighten as he smiles at you. In his arms, he's carrying a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates, and an envelope. He holds them out for you.

"Hey y/n, happy Valentine's day!"

"Oh, thank you so much baby!" You graciously receive his gifts. The flowers look so radiant, you bury your nose in them. "Ah, they smell lovely."

"Yeah, I picked out the very best ones for you." He nervously rubs the back of his neck. "I.. I know it's not much. But I hope you like it."

You look at him, unable to accept what he just said. Because to you, this is a lot. You know that Arthur must have saved up a lot of his hard earned money to buy you these things, when he really didn't have to. So you make sure to let him know how much you truly appreciate his gifts and his efforts. "Aw Arthur, what do you mean? This is amazing, I love it! I can't thank you enough for this, baby."

Reassured by your words, he leans in and gives you a kiss on your forehead. He is always so sweet and loving to you. "You're welcome, my love. Do you want me to hold those so you can open that?" He points to the envelope in your hand.

"Actually um, I have something that I want to show you first. Is it alright if I open this up right after?"

"Sure."

He follows you from the entryway into the kitchen. His eyes instantly widen in awe at the sight before him.

"Happy Valentine's day to you too, Arthur!" You exclaim with glee.

There on the kitchen counter, he spots a small gift bag with a heart-shaped balloon neatly tied to it. Along with two wine glasses and a platter full of chocolate covered strawberries. He notices the little Carnival smiles on some of the fruit and his eyes gleam with happiness.

He's left speechless. It takes him a moment to take it all in. He doesn't know where to even start, so you set the items in your arms down and take his hand to guide him.

"Would you like to open your gift?"

He gives a yes and you hand him his gift to open. He reaches inside and pulls out the neatly wrapped belt. Running his fingers along the leather material as he tries not to cry or break out in a laughing fit. He's been needing one of these for a while and he appreciates that you had noticed. "I love it! Thank you so much, my love."

You place a soft kiss on his cheek. "You're very welcome."

He sets the article down then sheepishly moves to caress one of the strawberries. Rather delicately, as he is afraid that he'll mess them up. He traces the red smile, taking in all the details. It's an exact likeness to his Carnival makeup. "These are- wow. You made these?"

"Yep." You can't help but giggle at his tender display of sweetness, "and it's alright, Arthur. You can pick them up. I made them just for you."

He does so at your word. Picking one up to closely admire the little red smile. You take the time to pull the wine from the fridge and pour a glass for both of you. All the while he thanks you repeatedly for the gifts. It fills you with warmth. You are delighted that he likes his Valentine's day gifts.

You hug him tightly and move in for a kiss, taking this time to thank and love one another with your mouths. As you pull away, you reply, "and thank you for my gifts, baby. How about I open up that envelope now?"

"Yeah," Arthur agrees. "I'll get it for you."

He picks it up and hands it to you. There are a bunch of tiny scribbled hearts all over the envelope. You smile at the fact that he drew them on there. Written also in his handwriting is my love in the middle of the cover. Opening it up, you find a handwritten letter from Arthur inside. You silently read the entire note, letting out a small sigh at a few sections. He poured all his love out for you in that letter.

Tears formed in your eyes, and you sniffle as you wipe them away. "I love you so much, Arthur."

"I love you too, beautiful." Arthur grins heartily and hands you a strawberry.

Simultaneously, you each silently take a bite and stare lovingly into each others eyes. Both wondering how you'd gotten so lucky.

#into-crazy #arthur fleck #arthur fleck imagine #arthur fleck x reader #arthur fleck x you #joker 2019 #phoenix!joker #valentine's day

[anlian-aishang]

Kinktober Day 5: Hot Spring

“Levi and reader are in Japan on their honeymoon reader has a curvy body big boobs thick thighs and a peachy ass you’re in either a hot spring or a sauna and reader’s towel is struggling to stay wrapped around her chest this is making Levi hot and horny his starting to get hard reader notices a tent in his towel or if his naked his tip popping up of the surface of the hot spring they end up having intense steamy sex ;)”

Word count: 2100

Tags: levi x reader, smut, modern AU, fem!reader​

Ever since he bought those flight tickets and booked the hotel room, you had fantasized about this getaway. Admittedly, at times, you anticipated it even more than the wedding itself. 

Fat checks for the newlyweds afforded plenty of luxuries for the trip, allowing the two of you to treat yourselves this honeymoon. Levi’s eyes were drawn to Japan’s most state-of-the-art suite. A hot onsen bath on your private back porch, overlooking the mountains. A small but satisfactory sauna just a few paces from your bed. In the eastern countryside, you and your introvert planned to have it all to yourselves. 

Such isolation from the outside would remind you how much you loved each other, depended on each other - culminating night after night, helping your spouse to orgasm in that pristine king bed. 

That was how you envisioned it.

But even in marriage, Levi was full of surprises. 

Jet lag had you up before sunrise. So excited, it was cute, how you nudged him awake and hushed, “Levi, Levi!” Eyes sparkled as you looked out the window: pink sky behind blue mountain range, purple clouds between. Increasingly violently, you shook his stirring figure. “Get up, lazybones! Let’s enjoy what we paid for.”

I am, this bed. Levi’s mind always quick for snark, even fresh out of a deep sleep. Waking up the insomniac after a twenty-hour flight should have been a crime. Instead, he turned the other cheek for his wife, for you. A tired smile and a tousle of your hair, “You make a pretty cute alarm clock, you know that?”

Shortly after, though, cute was not the word that came to mind. It was custom to enter the hot spring naked, and surely, you newlyweds were not going to break that tradition now. Still, in the frigid morning air, you chose to wear a towel from the bedroom to the bath. 

Levi was respectful and mature, he could be in your bare presence and remain totally calm. Oddly enough, it was your nearly naked self that managed to rile him. How that tiny towel did very little to cover you. The top seam teetered above your left nipple but below your right. Yet, pulling it up just an inch would expose what was below. Your cute little cunt, thick thighs, peachy ass would sneak out the bottom. Lips parted, hands hurried, as you tried to find an alignment that would cover all the essentials, but with a towel that small, it was obvious to your lover that such an alignment did not exist. 

At your frenzied scene, Levi felt his heart race. Your nervous smile and hints of embarrassment made it easy to get out of bed and join you outside - more attractive than any sunrise. 

You dipped your toes in the water, and instantly, you were won over. A low hum brewed from your middle, a sound only he had ever managed to get from you. A pang of jealousy hit him, washed out by the yearning to hear even more. 

Stepping in, steam encased your body like morning dew on blades of grass. White foam decorated your features, an accent along all your curves. In the boil, your figure seemed to melt, and Levi appreciated even more how your breast flowed into your waist, how your hips met your ass. Finally, he understood, just what all that onsen hype was about. He had seen your body a hundred times before, but never like this.

Crossed arms perched themselves over the rim of the tub. Atop your elbows, you rested your chin, attention fully on the nature before you. Ripples and currents danced along your skin, covering temporarily only to expose you shortly after. So captivated by the scenery, you did not notice the water’s tricks yourself nor the way that Levi so deliberately noticed it.

Once confident you would not turn around, Levi himself began to thaw from his frozen state. Pupils dilated. Muscles relaxed. He too began to admire the view, though his focus was on the foreground: you. Levi spread his arms over the edge and stretched his fingers, rolling his neck back, a satisfied sigh. 

Both of you were convinced: it was the perfect moment. If life was just that, you would have been content to stay forever. That forever was cut off shortly after, though, when Levi felt a familiar blood rush down to a familiar spot. Not familiar was the ensuing sensation, an erection that stood tall. Broken through the water’s surface: his shaft remained blanketed in heat while his tip was harshly exposed to the cold 5 AM air. Instinctively, his fingers curled around the ceramic in an attempt to ground himself, doing all he could to keep his composure, allowing you to savor this moment. But goddamn that cold!

The timing was almost comedic, though Levi was too embarrassed to find the humor, how you spoke exactly what was on his mind: “It’s a little chilly out here,” chattering teeth interrupted occasionally. “Should we try that sauna out?”

A silent sigh of relief, you really were perfect for him. Levi pinched your chin and pulled you to his lips, “You’re just full of ideas this morning, aren’t you?” A single kiss, one lip bite, and a finishing swipe of his tongue. Your smiles were close and mutual, just like the way you grabbed each other’s hands and looked to the sauna together.

Crawling out of the spring, adorable shivers accompanied the scramble for your towel. The spaces it failed to shroud were instead covered in prickling goosebumps. “F’Fuck,” another voice of yours that, until now, had only been coerced by his mouth on your cunt or his cock at your cervix. Your song was followed by tiny whimpers and shallow breaths as you hurried to the sauna. 

Even in his wildest imagination, in the wet dreams after nights of abstinence, Levi never would have envisioned the display you had on now. Tits sprung in and out of your wrap. Upper thighs and above exposed. The sheen of glistening water remained, making your bouncing curves impossible to ignore. Paces behind, Levi threaded his fingers through his hair and gripped tight, cursing himself under his breath, “Fuck me.”

Beneath the towel of his own, he felt a patch turn damp. Saturated, the clear started to drip down his length and to his thighs. At that moment, he knew he was done for. Not a matter of if he could stick it out, but how long he would last. 

But when you sat yourself across from him and got a good look at your husband for the first time all morning, you felt yourself falling hard and falling fast. Lingering cold had his mauve nipples peaked, his washboard abdomen shivering. Heat had turned his cheeks and chest red - a miracle disguise for his true fluster. Your husband was shimmering in an immaculate blend of nature’s condensation, sauna steam, and his own sweat. A fire in your core, you bunched fists in your towel and dragged the bundle to your middle. A sneaky attempt to smother the burning itch.

Levi pursed his lips, hiding a smile, seemed you had forgotten who you were married to, for even if he was not in this state, he was always in touch with everything about you. As you fidgeted with the towel, revealing and hiding yourself a million times a minute, Levi rolled his eyes and laughed, “Just can’t help yourself, can you?”

The new ring on your finger shone especially bright in the red light, flashed particularly loud in response to his comment. You shoved your hand towards him and waved, “I believe you like that about me, Mr. Ackerman.” You grinned and leaned back against the wooden wall, propping your crossed ankles on top of his groin. Hands folded behind your head caused your towel to drop again, this time, you did not even attempt to salvage it. With pride, you teased, “And if you don’t like it, too bad. You’re stuck with me now.”

Levi maintained the flat in his lips, his ever plain tone, “You’re right, I hate it.” However, that muted expression and feigned distaste were thwarted by the pitched tent that begged to differ. 

Foggy lenses were quick to catch that symptom. Biting your lip, you wrapped your toes around the peak. Heel rubbed the top of his tip, his towel providing both agonizing separation and unique sensation - a combination that made his veins run red. In the blazing sauna, your husband was shivering. A cocky smile spread across your face, can’t help yourself. “Guess we’re alike in that way, aren’t we?”

Though his mind was keen to clap back with a shut up, the snap failed to emerge, blocked at the entrance of twitching lips and clenched teeth. Poor little thing couldn’t even speak, so fucking adorable.

His sworn life partner sauntered to his side. Arm over his quivering shoulders, fingertips traced his pecs. Whispering in his ear, helping him along, “Then, would it be fair to say…” you dragged your fingernail along his throat, propped beneath his chin, forcing his eyes to yours, “...that you also want to fuck?”

Eye contact met, faces just inches away, his tried exhales turned audible. A mislead to the strength he used in clamping your wrists together and yanking them above your head. Fierce was the press of his lips to yours, fast was his tongue’s dive past. 

Maintaining the kiss, Levi whipped your towel off, finally freeing the body you had futilely tried to hide. Calloused fingers found a familiar place in your folds and began their ferocious rub.

The bed was just out the door, but still, the sauna remained locked shut. You gasped into his mouth, “H-Here?!”

“I can’t wait,” Levi growled, “and I know you can’t either.”

He could smell it - could taste it: the passion sticky between your thighs. Could feel it: how slippery you were when he cupped his hands beneath your legs and hoisted you against the wall. 

Still manicured from the wedding, fingernails dug into his nape. Braced in habit, flinching when Levi hissed in your ear, “Hang on tight, babygirl.” Levi ripped his towel from his waist and wrapped himself in your legs instead. Teeth grazed the cusp of your ear, sting soothed by a lick of his tongue and chill tone, “I’m not holding back.”

With a tilt of your head, “You’d better not.”

For his wife, never. Levi took a deep breath and plunged himself past. Shudders seized his figure, so in love with your feel. Chasing for more, his hips bucked forward. Each push dual-purpose in providing both of you pleasure. 

Your pussy felt unlike ever before, for you and for him. So warm. So smooth. A velvet hug. The environment let Levi slide in and out so easily, but not effortlessly, evidenced by the constant ripple of his muscle and grunts that bounced off the walls. 

“So wet… so wet for me.” Levi admired, his own precum adding to that mixture.

“F’Fuck, Levi!” Knees arched in recoil, “You’re so hard…!”

Levi’s hand slapped down upon your ass, fingers squeezed in a white-knuckle grip. “And why do you think that is, huh?” A vicious jiggle. “That goddamn towel, my princess spilling out of it, so fucking distracting.”

His thrusts grew harder, faster, reaching places you did not know you had, drawing screams neither of you knew you were capable of. Levi snickered, “You like that… You like that, don’t you?”

Hardly managing a squint past, you met his steel gaze, eye contact shaking along with the rock of his body, “Isn’t… that… obvious?”

The diamond on your band glared blindingly bright. A white light that drew him closer. A reminder of your commitment to him, reinforced by the way you hugged him closer in the throes of your own climax - your calves pressed to the small of his back. Levi had fucked you raw, but you were the one to thank. It was you who he owed his orgasm to. With his trembles and moans, the sentiment was all but spoken. 

A sentiment that leaked - your gush of cream and his white stream - and pooled onto the bench beneath you. The smell of sex and sweat had tainted the steam. Out of breath. Hot. So fucking hot! Still, neither of you wanted to leave. Nor did you have to - in that recovering eye contact, you both remembered: there were still two weeks to your honeymoon.

// Kinktober Year 3 Masterlist //

#levi x reader #levi ackerman x reader #levi #levi ackerman #levi x you #levi ackerman x you #kinktober year 3 #anlian writes #my writing #alias's #specials #smut #2022

[angelsanarchy]

Tangerine Skies: Possum x Y/N Series CH 2

Tagging: @svgarcaine @icarus-star @romanroyapoligist @tempt-ress @madamemaximoff06 @shady-the-simp @liquidsmoothdomme @auggiethecreator

Possum walked through the woods searching for a place to set up his tent for the night. Thing's got a little hairy at the last place he set up so he decided him and his little brother would take shelter on the other side of the woods.

"Zip up your coat baby brother. I don't want you catching a cold." Possum adjusted the coat on his little Opossum and fed him another oyster cracker as they walked. He stepped suddenly when he tripped over a string attached to a bunch of empty cans.

"Uh oh..." Possum put his hands up in the air hoping that whoever had set up this alert system was friendly and not a weed grower with a shotgun.

"Possum?" He looked up an saw Y/n standing with a baseball bat.

"Diner Angel." He smiled at her.

"How did you find me?" She asked lowering the bat and walking towards him.

"Um..I wasn't really looking for anyone...I just kind of go where the wind takes me." Possum explained as she knelt down and helped untangle his legs from the string.

"This is a very high tech set up you have here." He said almost stumbling once he was free.

"I honestly forgot I even put it up. I just like to know when someone is approaching in case I need to take off." She laughed standing back up and smiling at him.

"Are you camping out here?" Possum asked and she waved him over to follow her.

"I've been parked up here since I got here months ago. It's not too far from the water but not close enough to get super cold at night." She explained as he RV came into sight. Possum's eyes lit up.

"Wow that's luxury." He smiled seeing that she already had a fire lit and seemed to have set up a laundry line.

"It's not much but it's home." She felt proud of her RV. She worked really hard to afford it. It was her baby.

"Would it be okay if we camped near by? We won't be too loud or anything." Possum asked but Y/n seemed confused as to who he was talking about.

"Are you traveling with someone?" She asked curiously and Possum spun around to reveal a Opossum sticking out of the back of his travel pack.

"It's just me and my little brother." Y/n's face lit up.

"Possum! He's adorable!" She covered her mouth and noticed his little matching jacket with him.

"Yeah the family resemblance is pretty intense." He smirked pushing his hair back.

"You guys are more than welcome to set up camp here. I was just about to start dinner if you wanted to join me? I don't know how you feel about hot dogs-"

"Love em. I love dogs...and encased meats. Just not dog meat.." Y/n laughed shaking her head at him. She sat by the fire cooking dinner while Possum started setting up his big orange tent. It didn't take him very long considering he had done it so often. He knew this tent was only going to last a few more weeks and he would need to get a new one if he planned to survive on the road for much longer.

Possum plopped down next to Y/n on a log by the fire, little brother in hand as he sat him on a pillow next to him.

"Thanks for letting us hang out. Most of the people we come across out here are...wild." Possum took a hotdog from the plate Y/n offered him and he noticed little crackers and cheese.

"Those are for him!" She swatted Possum's hand. He place the snack plate on the pillow and watched his little brother go to town on it.

"Hey he likes it. Don't be too nice to him or he'll never want to leave." He explained eating the hotdog.

"I think it's sweet you have matching coats." She commented. Possum looked at his coat and then at his little brothers.

"Wow I didn't even notice that. I guess we have the same taste in clothes too." Possum chuckled.

"I never asked, are you from Emerald Triangle?" She asked sipping a drink.

"No I'm just a wayward traveler. I've been thinking about going home soon...I miss my mom...but don't tell her that." Possum put his hand on her knee and she laughed.

"Your secret is safe with me but I'm sure she misses you too." She smiled making Possum blush.

"How long are you sticking around here for? I've been here a while and you've seemed to kind of settled into the chaos of Emerald." He wiped the crumbs off his hands and Y/b shrugged.

"Still saving up a little more cash before passing through. I haven't decided where I want to go next. Any suggestions?" She asked seeing his eyes grow wide with excitement. He ran into his tent and she could hear him going through his bags before emerging with a map and sat directly next to her.

"Where do I start? This place as the best sunrises and this is where all the pretty waterfalls are. Don't go here because everything smells like that weird dried up flowery shit that grandma's keep on coffee tables..." Possum was searching his brain for the word

"Potpourri?" Y/n said confused. Possum snapped his fingers.

"That's it! That shit is awful and the smell gets stuck in your hair." He shivered like the memory made him physically ill.

"Noted. Do not go there." She laughed as Possum spent most of the evening showing her all the places he's been. He had been to way more places than her and she loved hearing his stories. The only thing that stopped him from continuing his story telling was the snores coming from the Opossum next to him.

"He's a terrible bunk mate. Snores like a blender." Possum whispered.

"I'll let you guys get to bed then." She stood up and Possum stood with her.

"Um...we'll be out here if you need anything. J-just give us a shout." He offered a sweet smile and she gave his arm a squeeze.

"Stay warm Possum. Just knock on the window if you need anything." She offered and he nodded sitting back down on the log as the fire was still going. He watched her walk into the RV and shut the door. She had a view of him sitting by the fire from her bedroom window and she couldn't help but stare at him. He was so interesting and despite him seeming impaired most of the time, she could tell that it had become a part of his personality. He still was able to carry conversations and keep her interest even when he started to rattle off about aliens and the government.

She wouldn't mind him sticking close by until she decides to take off out of Emerald Triangle.

#Welcome to Willits #Possum #Possum x Y/n #Tangerine Skies #One Shot Series #Tangerine Skies Series #Rory Culkin #Culkin Cult #2/9

[peggy-sue-reads-a-book]

The Garden of Innocence

Summary: Dionysus is not a Joe Goldberg tier weirdo following her around the beach because he would never be so that.

Chapter 5

She waited for despair. But all that came was more anger. Stupid Theseus. Stupid man and his stupid honor, his proud parents, his princely laurel, and all the other things he should have thought of before accepting her help. It was ridiculous.

She wished she’d been quicker that morning on the beach, negotiated with him. Had she been thinking, she might have played on his guilt and convinced him to deliver her somewhere safe. Surely, surely there was somewhere for her. Circe, her aunt might take her.

Perhaps it wasn’t too late. She thought of the fig tree again. She tore through the woods, never tripping, never looking down. Even if she did not find it, there had to be others. She was hungry. And more than anything, thirsty.

…

The argument has been pretty dull. The man moaning about his kingdom and his crown. The woman, indignant. Dionysus was a young god, but already one mortal squabble was the same as the next.

He sighed and tried to leave. He could not. Uninterested as he was in the scene, he had planned to sleep for the entire week and their voices were growing louder.

Will you shut up! he cried. And a flock of gulls squawked overhead. One of them even shat, barely missing the man’s hair. A petulant wave slammed into the hull of the boat, indicating that they really had ought to get a move on. Couldn’t they take their domestic problems back to wherever they came from?

When the man finally boarded his vessel, Dionysus was sure to give it an encouraging little push.

“Zeus be praised,” the man muttered, bowing his head piously.

Zeus, my ass. He wouldn’t notice the likes of you if were to fuck his mother with your hair on fire. Now get out of here. And look where you’re going, would you? Nevertheless, Dionysus drew a breath and released a gentle puff, just enough to fill the sail. It stretched against the wind like the wing of a great crow.

Dionysus wasn’t an expert in sailing, but it looked to him that the man was harried, juggling tasks. Maybe he was just sunburned. That is when he struck him that the woman was missing. Mortals were not generally afforded close scrutiny unless they had very much offended him. For Theseus, he felt only a mere pinprick of dislike. Just enough to draw him from his ennui.

The a wave split against the prow. For an instant, the sun was blistering bright. Dionysus squinted against the sudden glare.

She’ll die, you know.

“Shut up, Apollo,” he muttered.

Theseus startled. Of course, he could not hear their voices but he sensed a threat. They always did. Dionysus decided Theseus was a liability. If he stuck around for long enough for the god’s presence to send him into cardiac arrest, the chances are some other god would be offended. Probably one of his sisters. After all, he was handsome. A little taller than Dionysus himself, actually. Aphrodite’s type, come to think of it.

The god took his leave. Underwater, he allowed himself to take form, if only to feel the pleasure of a cool current against his sides. His body was sleek, with beautiful wrists and jutting hipbones. The salt stung his face where the sun had burned him in its sudden flare. He was glad. He knew why humans occasionally pursued pain in their lovemaking; it rendered pleasure so much sharper, clearer. It was perhaps why the luxuries of Olympus failed to hold his attentions.

When he returned to the beach, the girl was crying. Not loudly. She perched on a rock in the shadow of a larger rock, inconspicuous. Theseus would not see her if he looked back.

Of all things, she was tearing ruffles her skirt. The lovely sandals were gone from her feet. She bandaged them in the strips of linen. Makeshift shoes, he supposed. She didn’t look hurt. Another strip she used to secure her hair in a braid.

With her hair back, he could see she was a sweet-faced girl, despite how sour her expression. Once the boat was out of sight, Ariadne climbed down from the rocks and began walking slowly inland. The beach was full of scrub and yellow flowers. None of it remarkable from the rest. She found a branch jutting from one of the taller bushes and tore another strip from her skirt, marking the branch with a tight not.

Dionysus watched her, bemused. As the forest grew thicker, she snapped twigs from trees as she passed them, leaving them to dangle. And every few paces, she would tie another marker to a branch. Her dress — what was left of it — was brightest blue. The same cheerful aqua as the sea at midday. It looked well against her warm skin. Sometimes, she would stop and frown, with the appearance of listening for something.

At first, he did not understand the pattern of her movement through the woods, until it became obvious she chose paths leading downhill. She was looking for water. Dionysus felt stupid for having taken so long to have guessed. Then again, he needed nothing for mere survival.

There were streams on the island, plenty of them. But where there were streams there were naiads. They might see her pretty face reflected in their own vessels and turn salty out of spite. Worse were the river gods. They would be all to pleased to find a pretty mortal, parched and alone. He knew. This place was rich with divinity- even Theseus had felt it.

Well, she’d been through enough for one day. Apollo had said she would die soon. There wasn’t much he could do about fate. But give her today. Thirst was a terrible way to go. Hidden in the shade of an oak, he shut his eyes.

“Oh!” Ariadne cried, jumping. Where her foot last struck the earth, icy water spurted. As she stared, more water shot from her own footprint, taking the most perfect shape of a small fountain. Dionysus smiled at his handiwork. Dispensing blessings was fun. Usually, they slaughtered a cow for you, maybe even pledged their firstborn to your holy service.

He waited for her smile, her hands clapping in relief. Instead, she was terrified. Ariadne stared at the water, obviously desperate for it. She looked around, eyes large and frightened. She knelt by the fountain. Instead of drinking, she prayed.

“Please. Please, please.” Though barely audible, she was begging not to be poisoned.

Dionysus rolled his eyes. Humans were pitiful. You show them a miracle and still they grovel. Tentatively, the girl reached her cupped hands and drank from them. The water was perfect, as he knew it would be. Colder and purer than melted snow, which even she had never tasted. It would probably sustain her even in her hunger.

She splashed her face in it, her arms, her feet. Watching her joy, it struck him how dirty she was. Sandy and sunburnt. Once she had cleaned up and had her fill, she knelt again and bowed her head. “Thank you,” she whispered.

To his surprise, she unpinned a golden broach from her bodice, dropped it in the fountain like a child making a wish. It was so mortal of her. Attempting to pay you in their trinkets. Probably just afraid of being smote. She took a last sip of water and left. Who knew what she was looking for now. Food maybe. It was anyone’s guess what a human being did when it was lost. He’d never paid much attention.

Dionysus did not follow her immediately. He stopped to look at what she’d dropped in the fountain. The thank you gift. It was no fatted calf but the gold was nearly pure, yellow as a bee. The broach was in the shape of two dolphins. Nose to nose, tails brushing. He felt bad for taking her treasure, and almost left it behind in the fountain.

Then again, nymphs nearly all had sticky fingers and any number of them were running around gossiping already about the fountain in the footprint. The gold warmed in his hand. He took it with him.

@dionysian-daydream @hycinthrt @withlovefromolympus @kebriones @margaretkart @lefty-scissors @human-still-developing @a-world-of-whimsy-5 @axhicleos @shitfacedalways @johaerys-writes?

#greek mythology #the garden of innocence #ariadne #dionysus #theseus #naxos island #love triangle #my writing

[songmingisthighs]

Ignominy

introduction pt. i | pt. ii | pt. iii

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ch. lix - i'm calling HR

hybrid!san × human!reader

buy me coffee ?

everyone wants to belong, it's basic human need to connect with people around them. what happens when you're responsible for someone who belongs to two worlds but at the same time belongs to neither ? worst part is, what happens when it's your ex ?

"This is nice," you sighed as you sunk into the warm bubbly water.

San chuckled as he took a sip from his glass of champagne, "And you threatened to call the HR on me," one of his eyebrows was raised to poke fun at you. You squinted your eyes at him and poke his toned stomach with your foot in the water which San just chuckled.

You didn't realize that San had prepared a whole evening for you two. Initially, you thought that he wanted to just hang out watching dumb cat videos on youtube and then have a quickie. So imagine your surprise when you arrived at San's condo (using the keycard he gave you) to be welcomed with an ultra-fancy dinner (take out my ass) and a promise to take a dip in his gigantic bathtub that he had filled to the brim with bubbles, surrounded by candles, and with a bottle of Moet in an ice bucket and two chilled glasses. It really felt like he put an effort to plan the evening and it just felt nice to be treated like that. Even by your boss.

With a roll of the eye, you jokingly kicked his leg just hard enough that a bit of water splashed onto his chest. "I didn't threaten you, I promised you I would if you do something that pisses me off," you pointed out as you took a sip of your own champagne. "And what would piss you off? Giving you a luxurious experience you've never had before?" San smirked cockily as if to make the point that he was just being nice to you which means that you were wrong. "An experience I've never had before?" this time you raised an eyebrow at him, realizing that he didn't know much about your life, especially about your lifestyle, "This is probably only the fourth best bathtub I've ever been into." Surprised, San sat up straight and placed his glass on the side, "Excuse me, what do you mean fourth best bathtub? How many guys' bathtubs have you been into?" though he was only asking, he couldn't deny that there was a slight offended edge to his tone which was kind of funny to you. "I mean if I count the Aman Hotel in Tokyo, the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam, and the Four Seasons in Anguilla, yours rank after that and honestly, you're only able to rank that high because you own your bathtub," the look of surprise and confusion on San's face was priceless. "The fuck?" he scoffed, "How do you know the baths in those places?" in hindsight, that question was a rather stupid one. But you couldn't blame San for asking what basically was a "how did you afford to experience such luxurious places?" question just less accusatory.

Though the question was a rather simple one, you couldn't help but feel a heaviness in your chest. The drop in your expression didn't go unnoticed by San (surprisingly). So he reached for your hand under the water, taking it in his gently as a sign of support and reassurance to whatever you had to say. You know that San didn't know and you know you didn't have to tell him anything. Heck, if you say you weren't comfortable being candid with him, you know he would understand it well. But you wanted to, you wanted to share one of the hardest moments in your life.

"My... My parents died in a plane crash," the oxygen was knocked out of San's lungs momentarily, not expecting you to say something that heavy. Immediately, his grip became significantly harder on you and you took it as his reflex when hearing a piece of rather uncomfortable news than anything else. "It was years ago, I think close to a year after our incident. My dad was sent on a business trip by his company and they had this trial deal thing with an old private plane charter company that was trying to make a comeback. Thinking that it was fancy and stuff, my dad took my mom and they didn't think to take me because my dad said it was just gonna be business talks among business people so I relented. Then their plane engine blew up mid-flight and it turns out that the pilot and co-pilot already addressed their concerns to the company prior to taking off but because they were trying to make a good name for themselves, they decided to check the issue after the plane landed in the destination." The water rippled and your eyes flitted to see San shifting to sit up and leaning closer to you, his focus was completely on you and he was waiting for you to let whatever you needed to let out be let out. "After the accident, the company initially didn't want to pay damages to my family while the charter company tried to pay my family some hush money. My uncle, who now took care of me and my family's finances, decided to sue and not surprisingly won since there were black-box recordings and records of negligence from the charter company and the company was liable because the charter company's vehicle report and trip records are public record and were even in their proposal, so we got all this money and all we had to do was lose my parents. While my uncle took some money for him to develop his academy, most of them were invested and left alone for me and I resented him for taking the money because it felt like they were just accepting their death," you chuckled darkly at yourself. Almost immediately, San pulled you in his strong arms with your face tucked into his neck. The water heater provided nothing in comparison to the warmth that San was giving you. You instinctively inhaled and you noticed that he smelled like musk, something woodsy, but there was a hint of sweetness to it. You liked it, it was comfortable, it felt safe.

For a second, San didn't say anything as his brain couldn't formulate the words that he wanted to tell you, the things that he wanted to convey to you. It kind of came crashing down on him, how hard your life has been after he left you and he never even thought to check up. At that moment, he blamed himself for thinking too much of his own hardships that he hadn't even considered that you would be in a predicament yourself. Of course, how could anyone expect 'parents dying from a plane crash' to be the problem, but he felt like it was such a dickish move on his part to not even consider keeping up with your life mainly because he claimed to have cared for you so much.

Wanting to be completely candid, San said the first thing that popped into his head.

"You meant to tell me you've been working for me just because? You didn't even ned the money? Your salary could have been reduced and it wouldn't have made a difference or you?" the slap you delivered to his chest let him know that his attempt at making you feel better was working and he couldn't but chuckle at your response. "Excuse me, my salary is pretty fucking justifiable considering the headache I have to deal with," you joked back. San faked a gasp and pulled back slightly to look at you, "Excuse me, did you just call me a headache?" to which you replied with a dramatic exhale, "Thank fuck you realized it on your own." With your comment, San pulled you into his lap, effectively surprising you as you settled with a yelp and your hands on his shoulders. "Take that back," he demanded, eyebrows furrowing in faux anger and knowing that it was so, you scrunched your nose and shook your head at him, "I don't think I will."

As quick as your quip, San pulled you into a kiss, bodies now flush against each other. You moaned into his mouth at the feeling of his lips melding with yours. San is a rough guy by nature, and now you were more aware of how it became so, but you loved how his kisses were soft and careful, seemingly calculated even but never complicated nor overly planned. It was odd that you were so fixated on the way he kissed, but with all the shit he spewed on you during your first week of work, it's nice knowing that it can do great things too. San's hands slowly trailed down your body and settled on your ass, giving it a light squeeze that made you gasp. "Is it weird if we have sex now?" he asked as his lips moved to litter kisses all over the lower part of your face. As a response, you simply shifted and sunk your cunt onto his hard cock, shuddering as you go down. San paused momentarily to watch the look on your face as you took him in with no trouble. He just loved how the candles illuminated your soapy skin, making it seem like you were glowing and perhaps you were and San was just glad to be able to see it.

Just as San was about to grip your hips so he could fuck you, you reached for both of his hands and took them out of the water, spreading them gently on the edge of the tub before pecking him on the lips gently. "You've done a lot for me tonight, let me show my gratitude." San's pupils dilated when he saw you lean back with a smirk, one hand placed gently on his chest as you began rocking. With everything going on, San didn't know where to focus first; the feeling of water splashing on his skin, the smell of sex wafting in the air, your cunt hugging his cock, or even the sound of you letting out the cutest little moans and pants as you work him. God, he felt powerful in that position for no reason. San wasn't a power-hungry person per se, nor was he obsessed with dominance. But at that moment, seeing you pleasing him, he do wonder if it was how full hybrids feel especially those who were born as alphas. He knew animal instincts during sex could win over his own basic human instincts (heck, he had his own experience with it), but this is a new feeling and you brought it out of him.

"Fuck, you're enjoying fucking yourself on me, aren't you, little bitch?" he groaned, bucking his hips out of the blue that almost had you toppling forward with a gasp. "Yes, San, yes- fuck!" you duck down and began nibbling on his milky skin, leaving trails of red marks down the side of his neck to match the red lines your nails left on his chest. "Can I please cum?" you whined lowly, wanting to cum as soon as your high hits. Feeling rather gracious, San slipped a hand down your body, tweaking your nipple, then pressing the pads of his fingers directly on your clit to give you more stimulation on top of having his dick in your cunt. It felt so so good, the extra friction that was caused by his stagnant palm.

It didn't take you much to throw your head back and cum on San's dick. Although San would've liked it more if you warned him, he couldn't complain when he had your chest shoved to his face. When he came not long after, he made a show of taking your whole left tit in his mouth, sucking it harshly while his cum made a mess inside your cunt. "God- San!" you whimpered, body doubling forward and draping over his. Your body tingled and visibly shook with the feeling of San's warmth inside you and his mouth turning your nipple raw.

When you came down from your high, you pulled away slightly to cup San's face gently. There was a string of saliva that was attached from his lips to your nipple and when he looked up at you, he looked oddly innocent and even adorable even in such a promiscuous position. He was looking at you with such curious eyes and at that moment, you saw him as himself. Not as corporate leader San, not as a Choi Family Pack member, not even as wolf hybrid San, but as Choi San. He had every reason to not want to listen or know anything about you and your past but he spent his time listening to you which was how you were able to see the glimmer of the old San in him. The San you fell in love with, the San who was just so sweet to you and wasn't a jerk despite coming from such an affluent family.

Neither of you said anything, simply basking in each other's after-sex glow in such a romantic setting. San felt safe enough to close his eyes and enjoy the feeling of your soft touches on his cheeks, caressing the area lightly with care. Then you surprised him, making his heart skip a beat and his breath hitch by giving him a soft peck on his forehead. His hands immediately wound around your waist and gripped you tightly.

Silence remained between the two but that's because both of you knew that no words were needed. No words could describe or explain what was going on between the two of you. The moment was just there. It was perfect. For that moment.

taglist :

@90s-belladonna @kodzukein @phenomenalgirl9 @miaatiny @shinotani @jayb17 @dreamlesswonder86 @mayonnaisehoeshit @bbymatz @yunhorights @tinybinnie @blaaiissee @yunhobug @kwanisms @yoongiigolden @kpopnightingale @maddiebabyxoxo @dea-nimus @meowmeowminnie @x-bluee @itsbeeble @gxlden-bxbyy @charreddonuts @x-woozi @jwnghyuns @marvelous-imagines-for-all @baguette-atiny @jessi-outdated @dogsongy @kirooz @ateezourstars @memorymonster @yoonguurt @atinytinaa @naiify @cecedrake2217 @spooo00oky @flamingi @thesolarplanetarysystem @hijeongguk @hongjoong-lovebot @linhyyboo12 @leeknowsnothing @knucklesdeepmingi @doom-fics @yesv01

#ateez #ateez scenarios #ateez scenario #ateez imagine #ateez imagines #ateez social media #ateez social media au #ateez smau #ateez social media u #ateez fanfic #kpop #kpop scenario #kpop scenarios #kpop imagine #kpop imagines #kpop social au #kpop social media au #kpop smau #kpop fanfic #hongjoong #seonghwa #yunho #yeosang #san #mingi #wooyoung #jongho #smt social media au #smt smau #smt ignominy

[ghost-party]

Previous || Masterlist || Next || AO3

Pairing: Sosuke Aizen x F!Reader (Modern AU)

Word Count: 5.2K

Warnings: transactional relationship, sugar daddy arrangement, age difference, power imbalance, alcohol, manipulation, oral sex (female receiving), swearing, discussions of sex, sex room, sex toys, dom/sub dynamic, mild choking, blindfold, handcuffs, brief nipple play, spanking, riding crop, use of "good girl," possessiveness, aftercare

A/N: Fun fact! The Dark Room is an actual restaurant, minus the secret rooms in the back. (From what I know, at least.) IF YOU ARE A MINOR, DO NOT INTERACT!

The next two months pass by in a blur. You and Sosuke see each other at least once a week, if not more. 

Sometimes he takes you on lavish dates. Expensive dinners, shopping trips, after-hours wine tastings at museums and galleries. You’ve spent several evenings in his private box at the opera, though he seems less interested in Puccini and Verdi than sitting you in his lap, his teasing slow and bordering on torturous as you struggle to keep quiet.

But you’ve learned that while he doesn’t hesitate to spend exorbitantly, he’s just as content to plan something simple. He savors meandering weekend mornings spent walking in the park near his high-rise. His favorite breakfast is French toast from a family-owned diner across town, dusted with powdered sugar and drenched in maple syrup. It seems that every used bookstore owner knows his name, and the two of you spend countless hours perusing their latest arrivals.

While you usually sleep over at his apartment, he’s spent several nights at yours, seeming wholly unbothered by its small size. At first, you felt overly-conscious of your IKEA furniture and collection of mismatched, thrift store coffee mugs. But as far as you can tell, it doesn’t faze him. He’s made a habit of coming over after practice at his fencing club, wearing sweatpants and a hoodie, carrying bags of takeout.

There’s something so strange and yet so right about watching him move around your tiny kitchen in the early morning hours. His hair is always messy from sleep, and his glasses have a penchant of slipping down his nose when he’s not paying attention. He always greets you with a soft smile and a fresh cup of coffee, prepared exactly how you like it.

You have to remind yourself more and more that your relationship isn’t what it seems. This arrangement is purely transactional. Never mind that he treats you like a boyfriend would, and you’re fairly certain he’s not seeing anyone else. When you look at his Luxe profile, it shows that he hasn’t been active since the night you first met.

It’s dangerous to assume he’s in this for anything more than your occasional company, both sexual and otherwise. And the regular checks he gives you remind you of his end of the bargain. 

He’s not your boyfriend. Even though you wish he were.

•••

It’s mid-September, and you’re riding the private elevator up to his penthouse, examining yourself in the wall-to-wall mirrors. Since the summer swelter seems determined to linger, you’re wearing a thigh-length dress Sosuke picked out for you, along with a pair of shoes you never dreamed you would be able to afford. You enjoy looking nice for him. And it’s the least you can do when he’s so quick to gift you with comfort and luxury.

When the doors slide open and you step into the entryway, you’re surprised to hear unfamiliar voices carrying down the hall. There’s no point in trying to be discreet. You’re expected, after all. But even so, when you appear in the kitchen and are met with a sudden silence, you can’t help but feel as though you’ve stumbled into a private conversation.

Sosuke stands at the island, looking as if he just stepped out of the shower. His hair is wet, making it seem darker than usual, pushed back from his forehead. He’s barefoot and wearing a white bathrobe, his expression placid as he uncorks a bottle of wine.

Standing across from him are two men, but only one looks in your direction as you enter. He has silver hair that falls over his face, nearly hiding his eyes. His smile is thin and stretched wide, almost unnervingly so. You’re surprised by his casual dress — track pants and a zip-up hoodie. With a large duffel slung over one shoulder, he looks as if he’s on his way to the gym.

His companion is more difficult to read. He has dark skin and even darker hair, intricately braided and knotted at the nape of his neck. With his eyes concealed behind tinted glasses, it’s hard to determine the direction of his gaze. He appears less relaxed than the other stranger, his arms crossed over the front of his black jacket. You can see that he’s wearing leather gloves despite the oppressive heat still burning off as the sun sets.

Sosuke greets you with a warm smile. “Come in, sweetheart. These two were just leaving.”

“Such a shame,” the silver-haired man says, his voice light and almost teasing. “Especially when you’re opening a bottle of wine. Some might call you a poor host, Sosuke.”

“And some might call you presumptuous,” Sosuke retorts, pouring two glasses of pinot noir. He beckons you closer, pressing one into your hand. Redirecting his attention to you, he explains, “These are two of my colleagues, Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tosen.”

You glimpse a hint of icy blue when Gin looks at you, his eyes somehow reminding you of a snake. Something cold and discomforting coils in your stomach, even as he inclines his head and murmurs, “You’re just as beautiful as he said. I should be careful, lest I grow jealous…”

“Your manners are lacking,” Tosen says. His assessment is softer than you expect, each word seeming carefully weighed before finally spoken. “It’s time for us to go.”

Gin momentarily pouts, the shift in his expression almost jarring. “You’re right, as usual. I can’t be late for my workout, after all.” He hefts the gym bag, smiling once more as he raises a hand, turning on his heel. “Have a good night, you two. Make good choices.”

Sosuke chuckles as both men disappear, and soon enough, you hear the elevator doors open and close once more. Taking a sip of your wine, you look up at him, noting the tiny droplets of water still clinging to his collarbone.

“Did they catch you by surprise?”

For the briefest moment, he looks confused. But then he smiles and nods.

“Something like that.”

Placing a hand on your back, he guides you to the living room, sitting beside you on the couch.

“Do they work with you?” you ask, too curious to resist. “You’ve never mentioned them before.”

Although he’s been open about his past — his childhood, his family, his college years — Sosuke rarely discusses his work. He often makes the excuse that none of it’s especially interesting, and he would much rather talk about your day than his. It’s only natural that you would hold onto the first tangible detail you’ve been given, apart from his job title and basic responsibilities.

He sets his wine glass on the coffee table, his expression unchanged. “Yes. And I suppose I haven’t. You know I prefer to leave work at work.”

“Was there some kind of financial emergency?” You hope your gentle teasing disguises your eagerness for answers. But at the same time, you know very well just how perceptive Sosuke can be.

“Not exactly.”

When he lowers himself to the floor, kneeling in front of you, your mind goes helplessly blank. Any follow-up questions you had planned on asking vanish in an instant, your lips parting as his large hands settle on your knees.

“I love this dress on you,” he murmurs, sounding reverent as his gaze slides from your thighs up to your chest and then your face. “I should buy it in every color.”

It feels impossible to look away, and you swallow hard as his hands move, pushing the hem of your dress higher, exposing more and more skin.

Soon enough, he’s pushed your legs wide open, propping one on his shoulder as he drags his lips along your inner thigh. A shuddering gasp escapes you as his tongue swipes at your clothed cunt, tasting your arousal through the flimsy fabric of your panties.

“You’re always so responsive.” He sounds pleased, his hot breath against your core making you squirm beneath him. “Have I told you how much I love that?”

You’re not sure if he actually expects a response, but you manage a stammered “yes” as he pulls your panties to the side. You can only see a glimpse of his face now. But there’s a possessiveness in his gaze, an undeniable hunger that’s dizzying in its intensity.

That same hunger is evident in the way he uses his tongue to unravel you, his lips sucking on your clit just enough to make you keen, one of your hands fisting in his damp hair.

Even as your thighs instinctively move to close around his head, he groans with pleasure. You’ve learned not to hold back with him, to give in to every wanton sound, every desire to touch him, pull him closer.

After you’ve cum on his tongue, Sosuke looks up at you with an expression both sated and prideful, his lips and chin glistening in the dim light of dusk pouring through the wall of windows.

And by the time he’s finished with you that night, you’ve forgotten all about his unexpected visitors.

•••

“So, things are still going well?” 

Rangiku is staring at you with avid interest, her salad seemingly forgotten in favor of delving into your personal life. 

She was ecstatic when you first told her you had met someone on Luxe, and the more you shared, the more she begged you to gush. You suspect she’s trying to live vicariously through you, especially since her job is keeping her busier than ever these days.

“Yeah, everything’s great.” You take a sip of your lemonade, trying to ignore your friend’s look of exasperation.

“Details, please.”

Sitting to your right, Yumichika smirks, resting his chin on his hand. “Desperate much?”

Before Rangiku can fire back a retort, Momo leans in and places a hand on her arm. “Did we want dessert? I was thinking about the cheesecake.”

This is something you sorely missed in the weeks prior to meeting Sosuke. As soon as you realized you were unemployed, you cut expenses wherever you could, including lunch outings with your friends. Even though they always offered to cover your portion of the bill, you always felt too guilty about it to fully enjoy your time together.

Now, however, it’s a complete nonissue. You could order anything on the menu and never have to double-check the price. You could even settle the whole tab without hesitation. Sosuke’s generosity has left you more financially comfortable than you’ve ever been.

After dessert orders have been placed, Rangiku refocuses her attention on you, leaning across the table with all the seriousness of a prosecutor. Maybe she’s picked that up from her boss.

“Define ‘great.’”

“You’re really not going to let this go, are you?”

She looks borderline offended by your question. “One of my best friends is living my dream, a life of ease and total luxury —” Yumichika snorts, earning him a glare. “— and she only gives me the vaguest details.”

“I tell you about our dates!” you protest, idly refolding your napkin in your lap. “And the money part of it.”

“Sure, yeah, whatever.” Rangiku dismissively waves her hand. “But what’s his name? Can we see a photo?”

At that, even Yumichika’s interest seems piqued. “She has a point. Descriptions only go so far. And besides…” His tone turns more scandalous. “What if things go south and we have to identify him for the police?”

Momo looks horrified. “Are you suggesting he’s going to kill her or something?”

“You never know with men you meet online,” Yumichika drawls, prompting you to roll your eyes.

“You’ve really got to cut back on the true crime bullshit,” you grumble. But even as you do, you dig in your purse for your phone. 

It only takes you a moment to scroll through your camera roll and find a photo of Sosuke, one that you took while the two of you had after-dinner drinks on the restaurant’s rooftop terrace.

When you flip your phone around, all three of your friends seem drawn to it, as if reeled in by a gravitational pull.

���Well, fuck,” Yumichika mutters, eyeing Sosuke’s expensive suit and the way he’s pushed his hair away from his face, almost artfully tousled.

“He’s… Oh. He’s handsome.” Momo sounds almost shy in her admittance, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink.

“I know you’ve said it’s an off-limits topic,” Rangiku says, her voice grave. “But please tell me you’re fucking this man.”

Even when you give her an exasperated look, she refuses to back down, seeming to stare straight into your soul.

With a small huff, you murmur, “Yes… We’re…” Unable to continue, you mutely watch as the server arrives, serving up slices of cheesecake and lemon meringue pie.

Rangiku has the decency to wait until your group is alone before releasing an enormous sigh of relief. “Thank god. Because that dick must be —”

She’s interrupted by the sound of Momo choking on a sip of water, her face now even redder.

“Momo, honey…” Yumichika scoots his chair to the side so that he can pat the petite girl on the back. “Breathe.”

“I’m okay,” she insists, swatting his hand away. “It’s just that — We’re in public.”

“This just means we need to have a sleepover,” Rangiku declares, batting her lashes at the waiter as he drops off the checks. “It’s been eons since our last one.”

Momo seems much more relaxed now, tucking her credit card into the leather folio. “The one Ikkaku tried to crash?” she asks with a giggle.

As you listen to your friends talk about days that would work best, debate pizza preferences, and compile an exhaustive list of easy cocktails you could make, you begin to think you’re blessedly off the hook. 

But as the four of you step out onto the sidewalk, Rangiku smoothly links arms, pulling you close and giving you a knowing wink. 

“He’s a freak, isn’t he?”

Now it’s your turn to splutter. “W-what?”

“You’re so cute,” she coos, waving goodbye to Yumichika and Momo as they split off, heading in different directions. “Fine, you don’t have to tell me. I’ll keep my dirty thoughts to myself.”

“As if that ever happens,” you quip. But her question needles at you, looming over your thoughts as the two of you walk towards the nearby parking deck.

“We haven’t… done anything crazy. Just the usual kind of stuff.”

Rangiku briefly looks surprised that you’re willing to discuss the intimacies of your arrangement with Sosuke. But she’s quick to school her expression. “I’m sensing a ‘but’ there.”

Chewing on your bottom lip, you weigh your words for a moment before you slowly admit, “But I wouldn’t mind doing more.” You shift from one foot to the other while the two of you wait to cross the street. “It’s weird. I feel like, with him, I’m more… curious.”

“Adventurous, maybe?” Rangiku suggests, and you nod.

“He makes me feel comfortable. More than anyone else I’ve been with or dated.”

It’s the first time you’ve come close to voicing your desire for a closer relationship with Sosuke, and it has your cheeks growing warm. But you can’t deny how drawn you are to him, how badly you want to experience everything with him — even things you’ve always been too shy to think about, let alone ask for with previous partners.

“Maybe he feels the same way, like the two of you are ready for more.” Rangiku squeezes your arm reassuringly, her voice a little softer. “From what you’ve told me, he’s good at reading you. Like, scarily good.”

You laugh a little. “True. He reads me like a book. I guess my face is too expressive.”

She shoots you a warm smile. “You say that like it’s a bad thing, but it’s not. I’ve always loved that about you.” 

As the two of you head into the deck, she advises, “Wait and see how things pan out. But from what I can tell, he’s the kind of guy who always has a plan. He’s also head-over-fucking-heels for you. Don’t even try to deny it.”

Her words echo in your head the whole way back to your apartment, and you think yet again about how much you’ve changed in only two months. 

Your appetites are different now, from your palate to your preferred forms of pleasure. You feel almost insatiable, as if some part of you, all hunger and desire, has been woken from a long slumber.

It scares you a little, if you’re being honest. How much you care for him, rely on him, think of him, want him, in every possible way.

But more than that, you can’t resist wondering how else being with Sosuke Aizen might change you — what you might become.

•••

Later that week, Sosuke tells you he’s planned something special for your next outing. You spend the day wondering what it might be, what extravagant ends he might go to this time.

The only hint you receive is a delivery early in the afternoon — a pristine white box tied with an emerald ribbon. Inside, beneath layers of delicate tissue paper, is a gown made of the softest black silk. Even before you slip into it, you know it will hug every curve, showing you off for everyone to see.

It’s a more provocative choice than most of the other garments he’s bought for you, and it only deepens your curiosity. But every attempt to pry information out of him is met with swift, gentle misdirection, until you finally give up and decide to wait and see.

You never would have guessed he would take you to a sprawling boutique hotel, where he leads you down several carpeted halls before entering a whiskey lounge — and pushing one of the bookcases in, revealing a secret door.

“The Dark Room,” he says, steadying you with an arm around your waist. Because the name of the restaurant is all too apt. The only light in the narrow corridor comes from red tapered candles mounted in metal sconces, and there’s little change when you step into the small dining room. 

As the two of you are led to your table, your eyesight gradually adjusts, taking in the strange, hidden space. Tables made of dark wood, plush velvet seating, crimson walls with gold-framed art that glints in the low light. You start when you open the menu, brightness making you blink. Realizing it’s a tablet, you scroll through tonight’s offerings, feeling pleasantly disoriented.

“Have you been here before?”

“Several times,” Sosuke answers before a waiter joins you, inquiring about your selections. You nod in your date’s direction, giving him permission to choose on your behalf. A formerly picky eater, you’ve found pleasure in trying new things, guided by someone whose palate is enviably expansive.

“I’ve always found the concept alluring. Romantic, even.” In the flickering candlelight, his smile seems to have a sharp edge to it. “But what you see isn’t all of it.”

Perplexed by his comment, you glance around, looking for a door leading to a separate dining space, or even a cocktail lounge. Maybe there’s another hidden door, you think.

You’re soon distracted by your meal, a several-course affair, as you’ve come to expect from many of the restaurants Sosuke frequents. Scallop, tomato, and cucumber gazpacho is followed by achiote-rubbed prawn and adobos-seared oysters. The spice rubbed salmon nearly melts in your mouth, and the chili chocolate panna cotta is sugared to perfection, the blood orange syrup thick on your tongue.

After the bill has been settled, Sosuke speaks quietly with your waiter, who gives a quick nod and vanishes into the back. When he returns, he’s carrying a golden key hanging from a red ribbon.

“Time to show you the real Dark Room,” Sosuke says, his voice low as he takes your hand and leads you to the opposite side of the room. There are only three other couples present, cloaked in near-darkness as their cutlery clinks against their plates.

It’s less of a surprise this time when the wall gives way, revealing another door. But the hallway beyond is wide and features five doors on either side, each one numbered with small plaques. 

“If none of this appeals to you, we can leave at any time,” Sosuke warns you, turning the key in the lock. “As always, I want you to be completely honest with me.”

You’re unsure what he means until you enter the room, taking everything in with widened eyes.

The light is dim in here, too. But there’s enough of it for you to see a large, round bed, two black cabinets pushed against the wall, and several pieces of unfamiliar furniture. It’s only when Sosuke pulls open the cabinet doors, perusing the wares inside, that you fully realize where you are.

“This is a sex room.”

As you step forward, you can see all sorts of toys and restraints sitting on shelves and hanging from hooks. Handcuffs, a riding crop, ball gags, harnesses, blindfolds, strap-ons, small metal instruments designed to elicit pleasurable pain… There are condoms and lube, sanitary wipes and latex gloves. When you look to your left, you see an attached bathroom, with both a walk-in shower and a claw foot bathtub.

Sosuke nods, drifting over to one of the strange pieces of furniture. “This is a queening chair. It’s designed to make face-sitting and oral sex more comfortable.” He reaches down to touch the black leather, and you see what he means, from the hole in the center of the seat to the padded space beneath, perfect for resting a head.

He points around the room, reciting names with easy familiarity. “Massage table, spanking bench, yoga swing… There are other rooms here with cages, but I prefer a more hands-on experience.”

Turning to face a large metal X-frame in the corner, he continues, “And this is often called a St. Andrew’s cross.” You swallow hard when you spot the metal loops at each point of the X, perfect for restraining someone.

Noticing your silence, Sosuke steps closer, placing his hands on your shoulders. “Sweetheart… Look at me.” When you do, he smiles reassuringly. “If you don’t want to be here, just say the word. There’s no pressure to do anything.”

As he gently rubs your shoulders, easing some of the surprised tension that had crept in, you take a steadying breath. “I’m not upset or anything. I — I like it. Really. I’ve just… never been someplace like this.”

He nods. “It can be overwhelming the first time. If it’s too much —”

“No, no, it’s fine.”

And it is. As you look around, the shock you initially felt begins to ebb, leaving behind an unmistakable curiosity — a desire to learn, to experience, to test your limits. It’s just as Rangiku said. He practically read your mind, bringing you to a place like this.

You trust Sosuke to guide you, and to put your pleasure before all else. If there’s something you don’t like or a boundary you’re unwilling to cross, you know he’ll immediately stop.

Admittedly, you weren’t expecting something so elaborate. You feel as if you’ve been made privy to something deeply personal about him, a side he usually conceals with effortless ease. 

But you can’t say you’re disappointed. Not in the slightest.

Sosuke searches your face, looking for any sign of hesitation or reluctance. When he finds none, however, he smiles.

“Take a look around. Tell me what appeals to you. Or…” He tilts his head, and you swear his gaze visibly darkens. “You can let me choose. Whichever you prefer.”

It only takes you a moment to decide. How can you resist testing that perception of his, especially when it’s brought you so much pleasure?

“You can choose,” you tell him, speaking softly, trying to steady the anticipatory tremble in your words. “You’re in control.”

Sosuke reaches out, his hand just barely closing around your throat. His fingers squeeze a little, and you can hear your heartbeat pounding in your ears. As his thumb lazily strokes up and down the column of your neck, his smile widens.

“Yes… I am.”

You stand very still as he blindfolds you, the black fabric thick enough to completely obscure your vision. With one of your senses inhibited, it almost feels as though your others have heightened. You fight back a shiver as his hands move over your body, carefully divesting you of your dress. You can feel it pool at your feet, a pile of smooth silk, before he guides you to step out of it.

“Do you feel comfortable, sweetheart?” he asks, and you nod. “Good. If, at any point, you want to stop, use your safe word.” His hands slide down to your waist, grasping it. “Let’s go with ‘mirage.’”

He leads you to the bed, where he maneuvers you into a kneeling position before restraining your hands. The cuffs are lined with something soft, and as he tightens them, you realize your breaths have quickened. 

When he unexpectedly touches your breast, a small gasp escapes you. “So sensitive,” he teases, his voice low, soft like velvet sliding against your skin. His thumb brushes across your nipple before he gives it a pinch. This time, you whimper.

“Don’t move.”

For an instant, his tone sounds colder, his command absolute. You go very still and listen to him move around the room, wondering what will happen next. There’s a small part of you that feels something akin to fear. But your curiosity and desire easily overwhelm it.

Noticing how your body tenses as he returns to the bed, Sosuke makes a noise low in his throat, something like a laugh, on the verge of derisive. “Now, now… Relax.” He leans in closer, his breath hot against your neck as he whispers in your ear. “I have a feeling you’ll enjoy this.”

The next sensation you feel is him pushing you down, your arms stretching out in front of you as your ass lifts into the air. The briefest moment passes before something cool and hard strikes you from behind, your tender skin stinging as you instinctively cry out.

As the object connects again and again, Sosuke’s hand lingering at the small of your back, preventing you from rearing back up, you focus on the feel of it. The riding crop. But knowing what it is does nothing to dull the pain, and you find yourself panting, your cheek pressed into the bedsheets.

“I wish you could see yourself right now,” Sosuke murmurs, now sounding almost awed. “You’re beautiful like this, submitting to me…”

He drags the flat leather flap over your ass, his movements slow and methodical, before he pulls away. You then feel his fingers slipping under the waistband of your panties, dragging them down until they’re hitched around your thighs.

“You’re enjoying this. Don’t think I haven’t noticed.”

A startled noise climbs up your throat when the riding crop pushes between your legs. You can feel the leather drag against your bare cunt, and Sosuke’s hand, large and heavy, returns to your back, stroking your heated skin.

“Wet already,” he murmurs, and you can imagine him examining the implement, his smile wicked. You can hear that much, at least, in his voice. “Dirty girl… Do you like being helpless?”

When words fail you, he spanks you again, this time with his other hand. It seems he’s set aside the riding crop in favor of touching you himself, and the effect it has on you is profound. As his fingers slide down further, tracing the curve of your ass until he reaches the core of your arousal, your bound hands clench, fingernails digging into your palms.

“Answer me.” It’s another order, the same coldness present in the sharpness of each word. “I know you want to be obedient — a good girl. You don’t want to disappoint me, do you?”

This time, you shake your head and thickly murmur, “No…”

“Then tell me… Do you like being helpless?”

“Y-yes.”

He hums, pleased with your response. “Do you like it when I’m in control?”

“Yes…”

Two of his fingers trace along your folds, another just barely brushing against your clit. It’s an effort to still your hips from moving instinctively, seeking the friction you so desperately want.

“And are you mine to play with?” 

His voice is softer now, a hint of desperation bleeding through. The bed dips as he climbs up onto it, his body looming behind you. You can feel his warmth, familiar and reassuring. And then you hear the clink of his belt unbuckling, the gentle movement of fabric sliding against itself, something being tossed onto the floor.

“Yes.”

With his hand still buried between your legs, his other returns to your throat, grasping it harder than before. He gives it a squeeze and groans when you whimper, tears prickling at the corners of your eyes, hidden by the blindfold.

“Again. Say it again.”

Your answer is practically a sob, your thoughts emptied out, consumed by your need. There’s nothing you want more than him. You don’t think you’ve ever wanted anything more. If he were to pull away now, you feel as if you would collapse in on yourself, alone in the darkness.

With him, you’re never alone in the darkness. You’re there together.

“I’m yours,” you breathe, and you know he’s heard you when he pushes your legs open wider, his cock hard and heavy as it rubs against you. “Y-yours, Sosuke…”

You don’t miss the satisfaction in his response, a low growl resonating in his chest as his hand tightens around your throat.

“That’s right… You’re mine.”

•••

You sink a little deeper into the warm water and lean back against Sosuke’s chest. Even with your legs stretched out in front of you, your toes don’t touch the opposite side of the bathtub. It’s nicer than any spa you’ve been to. And the quiet privacy of his penthouse lends itself to relaxation.

Sosuke’s hands cradle yours beneath the water, his thumbs gently tracing over your wrists. Even with the soft lining, the cuffs have left your skin a little tender to the touch.

“I’m fine,” you insist, resting your head on his shoulder. “I already told you, I liked it.”

“I know.” Sosuke’s voice has regained its usual softness, and you smile when you feel his lips brush against your temple. “But I hope I didn’t push you too far.”

Turning your head, you press a kiss to his neck, and he hums in response. “You gave me a safe word. If I’d needed to use it, I would have.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

He releases your hands and wraps his arms around your waist, his legs spread wide and bracketing your hips. Outside, it’s started to rain, pattering against the wide windows overlooking the heart of the city.

“Thank you for trusting me,” Sosuke finally murmurs, and you close your eyes, feeling enveloped by his warmth. Pleasured. Protected. Possessed.

“I meant it, you know,” you whisper, unable to resist. You feel closer to him than ever, and the fine line separating what you have from what you want seems to be blurring.

“I’m yours.”

“I know,” he says again, but this time, there’s a hint of satisfaction there, along with something else you can’t quite name. His arms tighten around you just a little, and outside, thunder rolls in the distance, the storm slowly growing nearer.

#desperate measures #bleach #sosuke aizen #aizen x reader #sosuke aizen x reader #aizen sosuke #aizen sosuke x reader #tw sugar daddy #tw age difference #tw power imbalance

[gravity-barbie]

Vacationing with the Sparrows HCs

Request

Masterlist

Marcus Hargreeves

-Marcus is pretty reluctant to the idea, he doesn’t want to leave the sparrows or the city alone, his siblings are such menaces he truly believes they could undo years of his hard work in a week if he leaves them unsupervised

-But you’re quite insistent, particularly because you believe he needs time away from those very things to unwind, and luckily for you, Marcus is willing to bend if it means making you happy

-Despite his lack of enthusiasm, he splurges on travel, accommodations, meals and so on, if he has to go it’s going to be a five star experience

-It takes a while for him to relax, but all the uninterrupted time with you and the fun you force on him does steadily really brighten his mood, this break is actually so good for him, it brings him a temporary peace you’ve never seen him have

Ben Hargreeves

-Ben doesn’t need a lot of convincing, using the high-life to distract himself from his angst is a tried and true coping mechanism of his, and if you’re there with him and it makes you happy too, it sounds perfect

-Plus, he’s a show off, especially where you’re concerned, so he revels in showering you in the luxury he can afford on this trip

-He’d rather not spend that much time at the popular tourist sites (especially since he’s bound to get swarmed there), but he’s very interested in seeing things like the local museums and art galleries

-Ben is already generally freer and softer around you, but vacationing with you really puts that side of him in the front seat, without all his pressure and family drama, his guard is lower than ever

Fei Hargreeves

-Fei is so on board, she takes every opportunity she can get to take a break from the academy and get out of the city, it gives her a sense of freedom

-She’d love to get out into nature on your trip, and privacy is also important, so if you’re not looking to go international, something like camping, or a road trip with stops at the occasional inn would be preferable to any resort

-As a calculated person, the planning stage is crucial, her hyper-focus on the practical may take the wind out of your sails in the moment, but when you two do go, it’s amazing how smooth everything runs and how comfortably you’re set up

-She’s a wonderful person to travel with, fun and adventurous, but also smart, one minutes she’s joking around with you, and the next she’s acting like a professional tour guide

Alphonso Hargreeves

-Alphonso is a bit of a homebody, so he has mixed feelings about a vacation, sure he’s not one to turn down a fun time, especially if it’s with you, but the crowds, travel, and lack of familiarity just sounds nightmarish

-Preferring a chiller environment, something like a cruise suits him best, you hardly have to plan anything, and you’re never too far away from the comfort of the room you’re staying in

-He’s a bit picky when it comes to participating in activities or visiting the stops along the way, but lounging around the ship is something he gets used to quickly and has a wonderful time with, most the staff end up hating him though

-Having had such a strict childhood, and sticking close to the city all his life, Alphonso was actually way more nervous than he’d ever let on about this trip, but he ends up glad you convinced him to go

Sloane Hargreeves

-This was inevitable, you being willing to accompany her is the only push Sloane needs to finally act on her dream to see the world, and boy is she stoked, actually the happiest you’ve ever seen her

-You’re unbelievably lucky to have her to do this with, she’s already done so much travel planning, she’s educated on so many cultures and speaks several languages, and plus it’s just always pleasant spending time with her

-However on the flip side, her enthusiasm could be a little overwhelming, she has a helluva to-do list that she doesn’t want to waste any time on, and sure, she’d never pressure you out of your comfort zone, but if you’re intent on keeping up with her, you’ll have your work cut out for you

-This vacation truly puts the last 30 years of her life to shame, honestly she never wants to go home, and if you keep indulging her maybe she never will

Jayme Hargreeves

-Jayme has never cared to travel, she’s pretty disinterested in it, but she’s also daring enough to try it on a whim for you, you could legit be out of the city overnight if you want to

-She doesn’t want to act ‘touristy’, you’d have to really press to get her to join any organised activities or go to popular sites, as she’d rather lay low and try the local experience

-She does like exploring less busy areas when it’s just you and her, and you find a lot of great hidden gems that way, it may actually be the best parts of the trip

-She enjoys the fresh scenery and lack of responsibility, but she doesn’t really act like she’s on vacation, or change her routine, still spending her days watching movies, strolling the neighbourhood, committing petty theft and getting in street fights until it’s time to go home

#marcus hargreeves x reader #ben hargreeves x reader #sparrow ben x reader #fei hargreeves x reader #alphonso hargreeves x reader #sloane hargreeves x reader #jayme hargreeves x reader #tua x reader #tua x you #the umbrella academy x reader #the umbrella academy preferences #the umbrella academy imagine

[jujumin-translates]

Event | 5th Anniversary: The Way Back Home | Chapter 3 - Autumn Planet Story

*Contains spoilers for Act 12 - eternal moment*

Banri: …Aight, looks like everyone’s here.

Banri: So let’s get this training camp location decided on.

Omi: I wonder what kind of place we should go with.

Juza: It’s gotta be somewhere where we can think of ideas for the spin-off performance.

Azami: Then it’s probably better to go with a place that’s different from the usual one. That way it’s somethin’ new to help us come up with more ideas.

Omi: I bet we could get some great ideas from seeing some beautiful scenery and experiencing things in person.

Taichi: If it’s possible, I wanna go somewhere with good food! And somewhere where we can all have fun too~.

Sakyo: I already have a place in mind.

*Papers being passed out*

Juza: A pamphlet…?

Omi: Oh, this place is close. It’s only about an hour or two away by car.

Azami: What the hell is it?

Sakyo: Although we have a budget in place, we don’t want to put ourselves in debt. So I’m making cuts where I can. That’s why I looked for somewhere as close as possible.

Taichi: Eh! This is where we’re going for the Autumn Troupe training camp…!?

Banri: Already figured that with Sakyo-san around, there was no hope of having a luxury plan.

Sakyo: It ain’t the place that matters, it's what we get done there.

Banri: And what we get done is mostly just rehearsals and meetings.

Omi: I hope we can still get the training camp experience, even on a budget…

Taichi: Ah! Then how about wint-camping!?

Sakyo: Hah? The hell is wint-camping?

Taichi: Winter camping! I’ve seen a lot about it on social media lately and it seems to be pretty popular.

Taichi: They say the prices are cheaper than in the summer and the air is cleaner too, so the scenery is even prettier!

Taichi: Umm… Here! What about this place!?

Juza: There’s a special feature on winter camping in the pamphlet, huh.

Sakyo: I see. If the prices are cheap and the budget can afford it, let’s go with that.

Banri: Won’t campin’ in the middle of winter be cold as hell.

Omi: Well, there’s lots of physical activity in camping, so it’s something that’s perfect for Autumn Troupe.

Juza: And it’s gotta be better than campin’ on that deserted island.

Taichi: I’m sure it’ll be great! Let’s all go wint-camping!

Azami: Guess it’s a better change of pace than just rehearsing and discussing things than our usual training camps.

Banri: Guess you’re right. We can def probably get some good inspiration from there.

Banri: Aight, then Autumn Troupe’s training camp will be wint-camping.

Taichi: Woo! Now that that’s decided, we’ve gotta get ready! We’ve def gotta have curry when we’re camping.

Azami: We eat that all the time and you still want to have it while we’re camping.

Sakyo: The only thing that we “def” need to do is discuss the content of our spin-off performance.

Sakyo: We also need to express our gratitude to those who have supported us up until this point. And we need to make it clear that we’re going to continue to protect MANKAI Company.

Sakyo: Not to mention that this special performance is also to reaffirm our commitment to winning the Fleur Award.

Omi: Of course.

Juza: Yeah.

Banri: With the new theater, it might be a good idea to keep in mind our origins.

Banri: Sakuya said that his solo-trip was a good experience…

Banri: And it was a good experience for me to think about why it had to be our theater during the MANKAI performance.

Sakyo: Not bad. If it’s coming from our leader, guess we need to keep it in mind.

Omi: I agree.

Azami: No objections here.

Juza: Sure.

Taichi: Our origins… Well then we can’t forgot about our naked socializing!

Banri: No, that wasn’t what I was talkin’ about.

Azami: This pamphlet says there’s a lot of places to go sightseeing around there.

Taichi: Look, look! There’s a pirate ship there!

Juza: Pirate ship?

Omi: The photos of the ship’s interior are beautiful.

Taichi: ANIMS are space pirates, so it’s perfect for us. Since we’re gonna be around there, we gotta head onboard!

Sakyo: True, we might be able to get some good inspiration for the spin-off’s content there.

Sakyo: We’ll try to go there.

Taichi: Yaaay! It’s settled then!

Sakyo: Tch… We’re not going to have fun.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Omi: I’ve got all the cooking stuff packed.

Juza: Got all the tent stuff packed too.

Izumi: There sure is a lotta stuff needed for camping, huh. Is every okay? Do you need any help?

Omi: Thanks. But we can handle this.

Izumi: By the way, where did all this authentic camping gear come from?

Juza: Borrowed it from Yosei’s camping club.

Taichi: It’s the perfect way to cut down on costs!

Izumi: I see.

Taichi: When I realized how fun camping is, I was invited to join the club.

Sakyo: All the luggage is packed. Time to head out.

Omi: Got it.

Banri: No one forgettin’ anything? Then let’s head out…

Banri: Wait, oi! Why’s the driver’s seat empty? The hell, when did everyone get in?

Azami: Didn’t you hear when we said that you’re the one driving today, Banri-san?

Banri: Who the hell decided on that!?

Taichi: Don’t worry about it. C’mon, we’re all counting on you, Ban-chan!

Banri: Tch, whatever…

Banri: Aight, let’s go.

Azami: We’re off. Don’t stay up too late, Director.

Omi: There’s leftovers in the fridge for you to eat.

Sakyo: Make sure to call if you need anything. We’ll be keeping in touch too.

Taichi: We’ll get you lotsa souvenirs!

Juza: See ya.

Izumi: Bye! Stay safe.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Azami: We’re finally here…

Taichi: S-So cold…!

Sakyo: You’re the one who said winter camping was a good idea.

Banri: Yeah, it was your idea, don’t act so surprised.

Taichi: But~…

Omi: Well, the air really is clear and the scenery is beautiful.

Azami: True. The wind is pretty cold, though.

Juza: So, what should we do first?

Banri: Can’t get anything else done until we get the tent set up.

Omi: Right. Alright, let’s get to work.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Omi: Put this here and… There.

Azami: Nice that we got a high-tech tent that stays warm in the winter, it’s a pain in the ass to set up though.

Banri: Oi, I told you that goes there!

Juza: Haah? Don’t tell me what to do.

Banri: The hell!? You’re the one fuckin’ things up in the first place--!

Taichi: Aah, they’ve started already.

Azami: So this is them camping, huh.

Banri: Wanna try me? I’ll drop you in that lake in a heartbeat.

Juza: I’d like to see ya try.

Banri: Bastard…!

Taichi: Oh, no, no, no, they’ve grabbed onto each other! They haven’t been this bad in a while…!

Omi: This might not end well.

Azami: Chill out!

Sakyo: Tch, didn’t think I’d have to use this again, but…

Omi: Hm? Sakyo-san, what are you…?

Taichi: Aah! Those handcuffs look familiar!

Banri: !?

Juza: --.

Sakyo: You’re the one who said we should keep our origins in mind… Right? I’d be happy to bring you closer like I did back then.

Banri: That ain’t what I meant!

Juza: …Sorry.

[ ⇠ Previous Part ] • [ Next Part ⇢ ]

#a3! #a3! translation #banri settsu #juza hyodo #taichi nanao #omi fushimi #sakyo furuichi #azami izumida #// had this done for well over a month and somehow just. forgot to post it

[human-psyche]

HOUSE OF THE RISING RED.

CHAPTER 1

Y/n was never quite like the rest of her family, she is different and perhaps that sets her apart from her mother and puts her at odds with her sister. When all was said and done, she accepted the situation as what it was, even if she felt furious for her father's old habits, or stressed by her mother's ire, even if her sister continues to be full of caprice. Even if, behind them, she attempts to salvage their bonds一 not the home of four decorated walls which is no longer theirs, but the home they built atop unsteady rocks and memories, wedged apart by personal ambitions and selfishness. Something is missing, it doesn't mean she wasn't affected like them by the sudden change of their lives, she knows what it entailes and how nothing can reverse their circumstances. She was glad to lose just a front row to a life of riches and lavish than the people she cares about, capable to adapt to anything she needs to.

Her father likes women, he likes to drink, play cards, skip nights at home and overstimate his success, he's by far not a worthy husband or an attentive father. Her mother is the epitome of an independent, fake woman who could not tolerate their current lack of luxury, a harsh mother and a wife who detests her role. As her older sibling, her sister gives the impression that her greatest achivement is to destroy her happiness, which comes in many forms. She's caught in the middle, between the precarious marriage of her parents and the strained relationship with her sister, and thus L/n Y/n has become the sane axis of their family, a girl with a creative mind reflected into her passion and the ability to understand so much. She's true to herself, she's unique in her own right and misunderstood.

People watch her through tinted glass, they see her colors, not her depth. In a garden of posh flowers, she is a coarse rose, growing a backbone woven of thorns. She's pure and raw at the same time, a trait of naturality that seems to cause her mother's dissapointment and earn her sister's envy. 

Their three storey house in New York center is gone, their perfume store, their restaurant, their money, their popularity, their friends and socialites, their influence and title, their vacations and events: it's all over. Both her parents contributed to this ending, and ocassionally her sister. Left with nothing but a part of the money they received after selling the house and covering debts, the family is now on their trip to retire to Belle-Île-en-Mer, located off the south coast of Brittany, western France. Her father has spoken of a mansion owned by a distant relative who has inherited it from someone they knew as "old Franco" during their childhoods, a grandfather common down the line of ancestry between three separate families, their sole plan to starting over without being so deprived that they would need to rent a small, dingy apartment. 

Her mother insisted it was a good way to begin again but she too complains. Y/n knows why she fought with her father to get them to proceed with this move, she is not used to doing house chores and leaving the city's elite meant she'd have no choice. Here, she can afford the maids hired by the owner for the maintenance of the mansion, and a little prestige to her neighbours who'd believe they are still somwhere up on the ladder of society. It's a winning deal from a perspective, and a worse chapter from another. 

To her, Belle-île-en-Mer presents a fresh scenery, with its solitude, sea views and architectural tendencies. To her mother, it's deplorable and depressing, to her father fruitless of his businesses and what he was used to in America, and to her sister it feels like a joke: she's already bored of it.

In order to get there, the family took a more traditional method of travel after getting to to another french city via the plane, boarding a boat that also transported their baggages, and then renting a car once they got off at the port. With its population and vast nature, the island extends as a settlement made up of towns and several other areas, littered with cliffs, shorelines and beaches, many of its attractions including visiting tourist intended spots. It appears to be peaceful and practical.

"This place is awful, I miss the city." Her sister's tone elicits annoyance from the backseat of the car, her arm hanging off the wide open window.

"We are not going back to New York and that is final." their mother clips in return, her sharp retort silencing her eldest daughter.

Y/n takes out her earbuds, opting to enjoy the pictoresque, refreshing atmosphere passing them by throughout the car ride. She's actually satisfied with the climate and overall island, or atleast what she sees so far, she prefers it over the exhausting hustle and bustle of the city. In the warm, summer light of the day soaked with the clear smell of ocean, it seems like a dream: there's not one thing out of place to stir unease.

Their father clears his throat, though he sounds resentful: "Jeon Jungkook is the owner of the mansion. He's waiting for our arrival and will likely give us a tour so that we can get accustomed to the town."

"We know his name but how old is he?" her sister asks.

"A little bit older than Y/n. So I've heard. Old man Franco brought him one day to the mansion and he's lived there ever since, apparently he's his nephew from a distant branch of the family. Not even your aunt knows much. After grandfather's death, everyone was surprised when his will was opened: Jungkook inherited the mansion and all the land."

"Technically, it should have belonged to us or to Namjoon's extended family."

"Hmm, so he's rich and a good looker."

"Whoever told you that?"

"Aunt Charlotte did."

"If you'd marry him, that will be wonderful for us all. You would also own the mansion after marriage." the mother's scheming a potential future already. 

It was always like this: one of her sister's top priorities is targetting a suitable guy she'd marry, with the support of their mother.

"Where is his family?" Y/n wonders, leaning forward into her seat.

"Dead. A horrible car accident." Her father replies.

That's a little strange but not unusual. It can occur to anyone, the rate of accidents is high. She perceives it as a tragedy worth of compassion, although she can't find it in her to believe Jeon Jungkook needs sympathy...maybe because she imagines him as a cold, recluse land owner. Plus, her sister has dibs on him, and he's a bit older than her, she has no intention to try and get along with him.

The background progresses into a richer neighbourhood as their car ride continues, the streets being lined with mansions and not the modest houses at the bottom of the hills.

The last mansion on the left proves to be their destination seeing as her father slows down and parks the car in front of a set of ominous, solid gates. Their mother tells them to get out, a man dressed in an impeccable white dress shirt and slacks, as well as white gloves, ushering them inside the property's premises.

"Welcome. I am Kim Seokjin, the mansion's butler. Mr. Jeon is waiting for you." he's stone faced, not a hair out of order and he speaks as if he has no time to spare them.

While her mother and sister strut confidently, Y/n glances around, feeling dwarfed by the large home laid before them. The trees guarding the path to the front door, the rose gardens, the statues, stairs and balconies complementing the antique style of the building, its structure settled on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea below in the back. 

She spots a male approaching them halfway, who must be Jungkook.

Even for her, a girl who is hard to impress, he has an undeniable appeal. His hair is slicked handsomely to one side, lighting his sharp yet soft features. He sports a regular suit, his shirt unbuttoned that it teases a strip of his skin, his chest looking like sculpted marble. His poise is aristocratic, there's an inviting air to his mien, definitely not what she expected.

"Mr. L/n, glad you made it." he exchanges a firm handshake with her father, followed by kissing her mother's hand, earning her appreciation with the gentlemany act.

"Mrs. L/n, I hope you'll enjoy your new home. It'd be a pity if a woman as beautiful as yourself doesn't receive our best accomodations."

"You don't look your age yourself, Mr. Jeon, thank you. You have such a young face." Her mother throws her head back, laughing.

"Hey there. It's a pleasure to meet you." Her sister sticks her hand out, which he kisses just as he did their mother's, her eyes roving his body.

"The pleasure is all mine, miss." he smirks, turning to the one family member he had yet to meet.

When Jungkook sees her, his expression darkens, shock flashing into his gaze. His fingers twitch akin the whim that he's about to reach out to her, to touch her, except he doesn't, only a whisper passing through his parted lips: "Vernice...?"

"Sorry?" she's a little freaked out. "My name is Y/n actually, it's nice to meet you, Mr. Jeon."

Despite the slip up of mistaking her for a woman from his past whom he was very tightly connected to, Jungkook regains his composure quickly with a charming smile, every trace of his earlier reaction gone like it wasn't ever present. "I apologise. Please call me Jungkook, Y/n. Just that, for you."

"But I���" 

His palm lifts, signaling to shush her, that should she call him "Mr. Jeon" ever again, he'll take it as an offense. 

She nods reluctantly and tags behind her sister as he guides them inside the mansion, the way he spoke to her having sounded different than how he did to her family, dare she say, more intimate...

If the mansion exhibits such authenticity on the outside, its interior is even more elegant and grandiose. Spiralling stairs and artistic statues, chandeliers, portraits, antique items, such as vases, clocks, and so, so many books. Its value and preserved state could put a museum to shame, all kept in good shape and not touched by the decay of time.

"Mr. L/n, Mrs. L/n, your bedroom is upstairs, the first door on the right. Y/n's sister, yours is next to your parents. Y/n..." Jungkook lists their living arrangements, contemplating her placement within the house. "You will take the fourth room on the left." he decides.

It turns out her room is by far the best, it isn't as spacious as her parents's bedroom nor set for a princess like her sister's, but the view it provides from the balcony compensates for the tighter space. It has a bed, a table and a chair, a cherry wood crafted vanity, a closet, and its own bathroom. Three withered roses are forever dried in the crystal vase on the nightstand. Everything's cleaned and devoid of dust, yet that single detail makes Y/n question if someone had inhabited this room a long time ago.

That night, she sits on the bed, cross legged, curiously browsing the internet about the island and its history...as if that would provide insight about a certain someone.

Nobody really knows why their grandfather preferred Jungkook of all people other than his own close, blood relatives but there has to be a reason to it...

a/n: thank you for all the likes! do reblog, and follow me for more bts content.

#jungkook #jungkook x reader #jeon jungkook #jeon jungkook x reader #jeon jungkook x y/n #bts jungkook #x reader #bts #kim seokjin #bts seokjin #bts taehyung #kim taehyung #bts v #romance #dark fantasy #vampire #mystery