#it's my own clumsy fault - I tripped on the living room rug | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

writings-of-a-hufflepuff · 3 years

Text

A Piece of My Soul

Fandom: The Mentalist or rather the Marcus Pike fandom

Collection/Series: N/A

Pairing: Marcus Pike x GN! Artist Reader

Writer: @writings-of-a-hufflepuff aka @hufflepuffing-all-day-long

Rating: G

Warnings: Hurt/Comfort, Lots of fluff, but there’s that undercurrent of angst as the reader has been hurt before and made to feel less than important so if that’s too much right now that’s okay!

Summary: Marcus has always known that you protect your art, that it is a reflection of your soul and something you guard after being hurt one too many times. He never expects you to share your sketchbooks with him, assumes he will never have the honour and he’s okay with that because he’s happy to just have you. Until, one day, you show him just how much you trust him.

Notes: For me, I always feel like when I share my art with people they’re very meh about it or they are backhanded or even mean. I’ve not had the best experiences when sharing my sketchbooks or my work with people in my life and the idea of someone being so wholly awestruck just by the trust and openness of sharing something like that gets me. So here we go back on the Marcus Pike train because if I could ever explain what I want in a husband, he’s the man.

Archiveofourown

Comment and Feedback Form

Taglist Form

Marcus had known of your love of drawing from the first date. You had been a little shy when he’d asked about your hobbies and interests, when you’d quietly and cautiously told him you liked to draw. When he asked for more detail, the mediums you used, the style you preferred, it had opened you up just a little more, his interest making you preen a little. Although still cautious, gauging his reaction to your answers. It had been like seeing a part of your soul that you kept hidden from people, it had made him simultaneously proud and angry.

Proud because you trusted him, from that first moment, to take you seriously, to listen to your interests and passions and not dismiss them. Angry because at some point, at some time, it was clear someone had dismissed you, made you feel like you weren’t worth listening to, weren’t worth investing time in. It was maddening to think that anyone could make you feel like that, like anyone couldn’t see your worth.

It was baffling because he found you captivating in all your passions and quirks. The way you ranted and rambled on for minutes, sometimes even hours, about something you were passionate about, never failed to draw him to you like a moth to the proverbial flame. The way you managed to trip over anything and everything, clumsy to a fault, was as endearing as it was concerning and he found himself eager to compensate, to pre-empt you going flying because of a step or a crack in the floor. He found the small things, not just the large things enthralling and enamouring, the concept that anyone might think different was just unfathomable.

So he worked to cultivate that trust, to show you that he was interested in you and all the things that made you up. He listened when you talked, never told you he was bored or showed a shred of disinterest. He remembered things you mentioned or were interested in, brought you books on the subject or sent you a link to an article he’d seen.

Watching the way that trust bloomed, the way you opened your heart and soul up to him in little pieces was nothing short of amazing. Still, he knew your art was precious to you, a piece of your soul. Your interests, desires, thoughts, opinions, and preferences are all laid out in pages and pages of thick white paper and red pencil marks. He never pushed it, never asked to see what you were working on or to show him your art, not because he wasn’t interested but because he respected the intimacy of it. You were not some famous painter who put their work on display for the world to see and scrutinise. You were just you, just someone who used art as a form of stress relief and self-expression, someone who guarded their work like they guarded their heart.

So the little trickles of your soul that you shared with him were enough, it didn’t matter if you showed him it all or only select pieces, anything was enough to tell him you cared, that you trusted him, that you wanted his approval. Not because you needed him to give it, not because he was that fundamental or important, but because recognition from him made you smile, made you feel important. You were important whether he liked your work or not.

He still remembers the excitement you exuded, happiness blinding and bright and so brilliant, when you’d finished a new painting and bounded to show him. You’d bundled it up safe and made the drive to his house, rushing up the steps so quick, he’d heard you trip before he heard you knock.

You’d been bouncing on the balls of your feet, painting kept within a folder, nondescript, the sort you kept your certificates in. The wide grin on your face, the shine of your teeth, and crinkles at your eyes had him smiling the moment he opened the door to you, leaning a shoulder against the door frame to watch you adoringly.

“I finished it! It only took me 20 hours but I finally finished it!” You’d rushed inside, pulling him by the arm so fast he had to laugh as he nearly tripped over his own rug. You’d been so excited and so proud as you’d sat him on his couch and carefully pulled the A4 piece of watercolour paper from the folder, plain back to him.

He’d been patient, watching you with the softest of smiles as your eyes flicked back and forth between him, sat with hands clasped between his thighs, elbows on his knees, and your painting. As you grappled with the gravity of showing him a piece of your soul and not knowing how he’d respond, how he’d behave. Patience was the least he could think to give you, and it had brought the best sort of ache to his chest when you’d shyly turned the painting around to show him.

20 hours of work and you looked away, eyes focusing on a plant he had in the corner of his living room rather than on his expression or what he might think. You’d been so nervous to show him and he’d taken the time to truly look at your painting. The colours, the composition, the subject, it didn’t ultimately matter to him whether he truly liked it or not, although he did, because he’d love it anyway. He’d love it anyway because you’d chosen to share it with him, when you were oh so private and careful with your art.

“Sweetheart…” You’d been prepared for rejection, to face the fact that your boyfriend didn’t like your painting, your art, that it was something you just shouldn’t share with him in the future. “It’s amazing! 20 hours? Can I?” He’d gestured to take it, to hold it and get a better look and you’d let him, a little stunned, but overjoyed that he liked it, that he wanted to look at it.

That had been the starting point for you sharing more little bits of your soul with him. You’d bring him finished paintings to look at, occasionally the odd doodle here or there that you completed at work. Not everything, and never your sketchbooks. Those were off limits, something he’d respected because he knew they were more than just a tiny piece of who you were, but quite a large one. Pages and pages of you sat for perusal and to have that rejected would hurt more than anything. So Marcus had been grateful for what little pieces of your art you did choose to share with him.

He’d always made it a point to show how much he liked your art, to shower you in praise and to make you feel listened to, seen, important. Your art was amazing to him. He was an art history major, he loved art, hence his job, but he wasn’t an artist. He’d never had the patience to sit and develop the skill set and so he focused on the work of others, yours was quickly becoming his favourite. You had your own unique style, something he found hard to describe or explain, but that he’d know if he saw your work. He’s almost certain he’d know if someone tried to pass a fake off as your own and if anyone asked who his favourite artist was he’d probably change his answer to you.

Still, he had hoped that one day you’d share that last bit of yourself with him. He hadn’t expected to actually happen, just a hope, a little dream, something he thought about at night before falling asleep.

Certainly not something he expects on date night.

He’s cooking dinner for the two of you, your favourite main and dessert, because he hasn’t had the chance to see you in a good week due to a hectic case, when he hears the tell tell sound of keys in the front door. He’d long since given you your own, letting you come and go as you please, with the excuse that when he was away on a case it meant you could keep an eye on the place and make sure he didn’t get robbed. In truth he liked having you around, liked that you came over just because you wanted to, that you felt welcome and at home and if he wasn’t so dead set on not scaring you off, he might have already asked you to move in. But, he wanted to take his time, not rush it.

“Marcus?”

“In the kitchen, honey!” He’s wiping down the side quickly, hiding the fact he’s a messy cook, when you walk in a heavy looking tote bag over one shoulder. It peaks his interest and from the little laugh you let out you can see it on his face.

“Are you busy?”

“No, it needs a good half hour before I have to check it again, why?” You watch him wipe his hands with a towel and brush at a small stain on his white t-shirt, the one that clings to his arms just right.

You're nervous, you know he can tell from the way your hands grip the bag straps tight over one shoulder to how you bite your bottom lip. He’s always been able to tell. One of the beautiful things about Marcus was the attention he gave to people, not just people he cared about, but people in general. He learnt everything he could about them, stored it away in his mind, and used it to show them how much he cared, how much he knew them, really knew them.

“I...I want to show you something.”

You grab him by the hand, the same way you always do whenever you want to share something, and begin pulling him towards his living room. It’s cosy in here at this time of night, warm light from a couple of lamps, soft blankets thrown over his couch, the ones he’d brought after realising how much you loved a good blanket. It’s a calming thing, to be in here, with him, somewhere you associate with home.

It often seems so silly to you, just how nervous you get about sharing something with Marcus, but you know it’s not. Know it’s not his fault either. Marcus has never given you any reason to doubt him, but other people have, so you push past the nerves because you do really want to show him and watch his face light up like it always does.

You sit him down in his seat, and curl up next to him, kicking your shoes off and placing the bag on the ground. He’s so warm and for a moment you just lean into his side, enjoying the warmth of his body and the way he nuzzles a kiss into your temple, nose tracing little lines gently for a moment. He brings you peace and it is that, that gives you resolve and has you reaching down for the items in the bag.

It doesn’t go unnoticed by you that Marcus places his hands at your waist, worried you might take a tumble off the couch, something you’re prone to. It warms you inside, that he cares so much, that he’s so casual with his affection and so concerned with you and your safety. Even something as simple as making sure he can catch you if you start to fall.

You come back up with a couple of books in hand, plastered with stickers over the front and a little dogeared at the corners. Marcus doesn’t remove his hands from your waist, just pulls you firmly back against his side and watches as you anxiously smooth your hands over the cover of one of them.

“I..I wanted to show you my sketchbooks, or well...the two most recent ones anyway. I...I don’t really show people them...but I want you to see them.” Your eyes are so wide and earnest when you look up at him, that he can’t help but cup your cheek in his hand and rub his thumb across the apple of it. God, he never thought...he never thought you would. Always thought you’d keep this little part of yourself private, separate, guarding it like a dragon guards a horde of gold. But, here you are, so earnest, so nervous, so open, telling him that you want to share this piece of your soul with him and he can’t stop himself from pressing his forehead against yours. Can’t stop himself from the gentle nudge of his nose with yours or the slow press of his lips against your own.

It’s a surprising reaction from Marcus, the way his nose presses into your cheek as he presses a firm but still tender kiss to your lips, the way his hand slides down to cup underneath your jaw, thumb pressing into the hollow there. It’s so surprising that it distracts you for more than a moment, to the point your eyelids take a little bit of time to flutter open after he breaks away, you leaning further into him.

“What...what was that for?”

“For trusting me.” He’s so warm and earnest, but still, he’s patient. He doesn’t grab for the books or open them himself, instead he waits for you to pull back and pick one up, settling it between the two of you.

He waits as you find the courage to open the cover and turn to the first page and every breath leaves him at what he finds there. It is a sketchbook and so it is messy, that’s the nature of it, it is practice and experimentation and you enjoying yourself, and it’s so clear, as each page turns, that this is you in book form.

Each page is either a confirmation of a fact he already knew about you or a new discovery. It tells him little things like how you prefer to draw certain subjects and the colours you lean towards when you reach for markers or coloured pencils. He’s reverent in the way his fingertips brush the paper and trace over the lines, in awe of the way your hands have worked in tune with your mind to put these things to paper and he can’t actually help the tears that start to well up in his eyes. Because you trust him so much, you’re opening the last part of your soul up to him with only a hope that he will not crush it or throw it back at you, that he will not abuse it.

“Baby, why are you crying?” You’re so concerned for him, hands pawing at his cheeks, brushing the rivulets away and cupping his jaw to make him look at you. Brown eyes watery but so happy, so in love and he hopes that you can see that, see how desperately he loves you. “Are you okay? Did...did I do something wrong?”

It hurts him so much to know you assume that you’re at fault. That his tears are bad or that they are a product of you doing something wrong, when they’re a result of just how much he loves you and just how happy he is at the trust and faith you have in him, the love you have for him, that you’ll bare your soul. It’s those moments that make him angry at the people before him. Family, friends, lovers, people who took your trust and crushed it, bent it out of shape and tossed it back malformed and damaged.

“Nooo, no, no, honey. Sweetheart, I'm crying cause I'm happy,” He covers your hands with his own, pulls you impossibly closer, “I’m happy because you trust me enough to show me this and I...I never thought I'd earn that.”

“Oh...well, I love you.”

“I love you too.” It’s said with a laugh, but not at you, the sort of laugh that’s just a bit of a huff of happiness, that comes from being overwhelmingly happy. It’s enough for him that you come to his house, that you share little bits of yourself with him and that you love him enough to do that at all.

While dinner cooks, you keep an eye on the time more than Marcus, he continues to flick through the pages. He comments, sweet little things. How something looks cool or how he likes the colours on a page. Each comment thrills you, fills you to the brim with pride and joy, to the point your cheeks ache from smiling. Perhaps to some people it seems understated, boring, the sort of date night that some would hate, but to the two of you it’s more than just date night. It’s a bonding experience, a sharing one. He feels impossibly lucky to look at your work, to have you there leaning on his shoulder, pressing kisses to his neck, impossibly lucky to have a piece of your soul right there in front of him.

It’s that moment that he knows; you’re it for him. He’s certain. You’re the person he’s going to grow old with, with your sketchbooks in a dedicated bookshelf and he’ll die saying his favourite artist is you.

------------------------------

All Works Taglist

@charradelange @belfry-bat @gabile18 @beccaboo929

Marcus Pike Taglist

@bdavishiddlesbatch

#marcus pike x reader #marcus pike/reader #marcus pike #the mentalist #the mentalist reader insert #readerinsert #reader insert #gender neutral reader #artist reader

26 notes · View notes

joy1579 · 4 years

Note

Can you expand more on the clumsy MC with Jumin? Because Hi! Guilty here! 😅 I have the coordination of a shoe .One time I almost lost an eye because I was packing groceries on my backpack and I took the sharp package quickly to close to my eye (got a cut on the eyelid instead, luckily), I felt 2 times on the shower, slip on the street and felt in various occasions (and from tall places in 2, one time chasing a cat) I even choke on my own saliva, if I'm still living is just luck I swear!

sure and no worries Hun same i legit managed to crack my glasses while they were on my face. if not for them i swear i’d only have one eye. as i was writing this i asked my friends about things i could add and all i got were “do you remember when you....” so yeah all of this might be based on things I've done.

clumsy MC part 2

jumin

- when you broke your ankle stepping off a curb in heels he got rid of all your heels and made sure he had his arm around your waist ANYTIME there was a curb from then on (his grip makes it legitimately impossible for you to fall)

- when you accidentally maced yourself the one time you went out with your sister, san’s body guards, he decided body guards where non-negotiable that way you didn’t need to carry personal protection

- when you fell in the shower there was a 3-week period of showering together (he made it seem like it was something sweet and cute but you knew it was worry)

- he legit does EVERYTHING he can to prevent you from getting hurt

- he encourages yoga because it helps balance and flexibility both of which are supposed to help with clumsiness

- he also read an article about how poor memory and slow response time can affect coordination so he asks if you want to do brain games and memory puzzles together (their actually really fun and it means a consistent date night with jumin so how could you say no)

Yoosung

- when you fell off the weird scooter thing the doctor gave you for your broken ankle he was torn between angry that you where pushing yourself and sad that you where hurt and didn’t ask him for help (he gently scolds you before setting you up in the living room with everything you need and under his watchful eyes)

- when you two are enjoying a vacation and you accidentally tumble into the hotel pool you grab for him on the way down and suddenly both of you are soaked laughing at each other’s soaked and surprised faces until the horror of the situation dawns on you. you dropped your phones (and his glasses) as you fell and now they reside at the bottom of the pool

- when you trip, accidentally spilling the entirety of dinner across the floor and burning yourself in the process he’s rushing too your side only to slip himself and fall as well thankfully NOT burning himself in the process. you two spend the better part of an hour helping each other recover before you return to the kitchen and remember the mess that still needs cleaning

- he doesn’t know how to become less clumsy so mostly he just tries to disaster prove the important stuff protective cases for his lolol figures, computer and phone. shatter proof or plastic dishes things like that

- but most importantly he starts getting fluffy rugs and pillows so if you fall (at home at least) you’ll have a softer landing

- he also gets really REALLY good at first aide he knows all the home remedies (partly thanks to him asking his mom) and starts slowly but surely creating a first aid kit for the both of you

- you start calling him dr. yoosung because he tends to all your bumps and bruises and that makes the poor boi nearly implode the first few times

saeyoung

- when he see’s you slam your hand in his car door by accident you swear you’ve never seen him move so fast. he’s got ice on your hand before you can even feel the pain. you joke saying you thought he’d be more concerned about his car than you but he’s definitely not in a joking mood and he scolds you for even thinking like that he’d give every last one of his cars away for free if it kept you safe

- when rip over one of the cords for his many gadgets consequently almost giving yourself a concussion he saeran and vanderwood spend the rest of the night dedicating themselves to wire management and though saeyoung may never admit it without joking around it does make his tinkering and work much easier

- when you two where having a tickle fight on the bed and you fell off the bed hitting your head on the counter of the bedside table he got you too the hospital in 10 minutes even through the drive normally took 35 minutes he fidgets the entire time you get stitches and it takes a while for you to convince him that 1: he didn’t hurt you it was an accident and 2: you aren’t mad or even hurt that bad you’ve had stitches plenty of times it’s not a big deal

- he may be all fun and jokes sometimes but anytime you get close to ACTUALLY hurting yourself he gets right down to business

- he knows it’s impossible to protect you from everything but if he CAN fix it he will

- if he is even tangentially the cause he has a tendency to fall back into his old habits of pushing you away for your own good so you have to remind him that he’s the only one for you and explain that it probably wasn’t his fault anyway

zen

- when you tumbled off the stage at one of his rehearsals and actually had a concussion he started purposefully positioning himself between you and ledges wether it’s the edge of the stage, sidewalk, or even the bed. thankfully his history with acting and stage performance means he has experience in blocking and being aware of where exactly you are compared to other people so it’s not too hard for him

- when you crack your glasses (while they are in your face) he swears he saw his life flash before his eyes. you point out he wasn’t in danger and he says “i saw YOUR life flash before my eyes jagi!” he thanks the lord for your glasses where their to prevent what would have happened if you had hit your eye! of course he would have loved you anyway and called you his pirate princess. but there’s no way you could fully appreciate his beauty with one eye!

- when he absentmindedly tosses you a water bottle for the first time and you fumble it accidentally soaking your outfit he gives you his signature jacket and apologizes so much you eventually decide to shut him up and the resulting flustered red faced zen truly is a beautiful sight

- he wants to protect you as much as possible but he’s so used to his own grace and athleticism that he forgets you may struggle a bit more

- - still he thinks you’re the cutest person in the whole world and may even think your clumsiness makes you even cuter!

Jaehee

- when you barely managed to catch yourself but not the tray of dirty dishes you were carrying she rushed to make sure you weren’t hurt looking over your hands for cuts from the glass you were scrambling to clean she scolded you for not waiting for her to bring the broom

- when you give yourself a pretty nasty burn while frosting a cake she physically pulled you to the sink to run your burn under cool water. after about a week patching you up she sneaks off to take a legitimate first aide course she wants to do everything by the book perfect when she’s taking care of you.

- the valentine’s day dlc where y’all get locked in the storage room. yeah you accidentally broke that lock several times simply because of how often you tumble into it while trying to juggle boxes.

- she adores how hard you work to make sure you don’t spill drinks or mess up cake decorations

- she’s so confused by how you can have such a steady decorating hand and such shaky balance

- whenever you’re feeling down about messing up something at the cafe because of your clumsiness she kisses your cheek and reminds you that you’re an amazing cook and the only one that can make those cookies that sell out within minutes (it’s a family recipe that you plan to teach her next valentine’s day)

Saeran

- when you fell down the hill in the park he dropped the picnic basket to try and save you thankfully the food was only a little jostled and you were only a little scraped up. he still insisted and cleaning and bandaging your scrapes with the little kit he keeps with him (you’d be insulted but it’s come in handy more times than you’d like to admit)

- when you fall into the rose bush in his garden he completely panics he’s afraid you’ll blame him for how hurt you got because OUCH! you assure him you aren’t angry but you would like some help with all the cuts pricks and thorns. after that he looks into roses without thorns and starts replanting you feel a little guilty until you see how excited he is to plant all the different type of thornless roses he’s found

- when a stranger bumps you accidentally and you lose your balance tumbling down the stairs Saeyoung has to physically restrain him until he hears you sobbing and comes to his senses he rushes you to the doctor and waits anxiously while you get a cast. he swears he’s not crying but there’s a definite wetness to his eyes when he hugs you gently and promises he won’t ever let something that awful happen ever again

- he’s pretty hyper vigilant simply because of his past but the longer you and he are together the more he turns the focus of his hyper vigilance from “don’t upset anyone because abuse” towards “potential trip hazard protect MC”

- there’s not a soul out there that’s as gentle as he is when he’s trying to treat you. he’s mostly self-taught and it’s a lot of home remedies but the actually help a lot

14 notes · View notes

havethetimeeofyourlifee · 5 years

Text

Heaven

Hi everyone! So this is my first ever story that I’m publishing on here and I’m very nervous about it, so be nice!!! Please let me know how you liked it!

SMUT

I got really lucky when it came to your university schedule. Most people I knew had to go every single day and most of their classes staggered in time, so they spent endless hours on campus, but I only had to go twice a week and started at 8 in the morning, so I was able to be home before dinner. It was nice because I was still able to work on the days I wasn’t on campus and I was able to see Harry a lot more than last semester.

After my last class ended, I went straight home in hopes that Harry would be back from the studio and ready to give me the attention I had been craving all day. Entering our house, I was welcomed by the heartwarming sight of my long-term boyfriend standing at the kitchen counter putting his finishing touches on a roast he must’ve been cooking all day. He was clad in a pair of dark wash jeans that clung to him in all the right places without being too form fitting and a ratty, old band tee that was starting to thin due to being washed too many times was tucked into the trousers. I tried to make a quiet entrance, but my plan was foiled when I tripped over Harry’s shoes that he must’ve kicked off the second he walked in the door.

“Love?” He turned quickly, startled by my clumsiness.

“Didn’t mean to scare you.” I responded, picking up his shoes and putting them on the shelf where they were supposed to go. I put my own shoes next to his and hung my coat on the hook and my purse on the floor before finally entering the kitchen. The smile that erupted on Harry’s face warmed my heart and I couldn’t help but reciprocate that smile.

“’M so happy you’re home, love. Missed ya all day.” It was a simple response, but it made my heart beat a little faster as he walked around the table and wrapped me in hug. My face was buried in his neck, inhaling his scent and letting it engulf my senses. A wave of comfort and familiarity washed over me and I hugged him a little tighter around the waist before we broke apart and Harry’s nose brushed over mine softly before he placed a chaste kiss on my lips.

“Made dinner for ya. One of those roast things you’ve been lookin’ up recipes for online. Called mum to ask her ‘bout ‘em. She said she already gave ya some secrets when ya called her last week and wouldn’t share ‘em with me too cuz it was a secret.” His confession made me smile up at him and nod once before stepping away.

“It’s not my fault your mother loves me more than you, H.” I teased her. He chuckled quietly before turning and placing two plates down at the table with the most delicious looking roast I had ever seen.

“We bothknow that’s actually true, love. No point in rubbin’ it in now, is there?” We both laughed together as he pulled my chair out for me, letting me sit and take in the wonderful dinner he had prepared for me, all on his own.

“Looks lovely, Harry. Thank you for doing this for me.” The sincerity in my voice made him shiver and I could tell from across the table. He just smiled back at me and looked down at his plate to try and cover up the blush that was dusting his cheeks now.

The meal was delicious and Harry’s ego seemed to get bigger every time I told him so. He was a man who loved being complimented, so I did it as often as I could. I collected the plates and put them in the sink, rolling my sleeves up to wash them before we settled down for the evening, but Harry grabbed my hands before I could pick up the sponge and led me into the living room.

“Dishes can wait, love. Missed ya today, I told ya so.” He was being needy and I loved it. Usually I thought I was a clingy girlfriend and that eventually Harry would realize how annoying I was and would dump me, but he found it endearing I guess, because it’s been three and a half years and he still enjoys my company. Tells me so as much as he can.

Harry gently pulled my hand, making me follow him into the living room and onto the couch with him. My feet skimmed across the plush carpet of the area rug before I slid next to Harry and snuggled into his side, relaxing instantly. The fireplace had already been turned on and the small crackle noise that radiated from it sent a wave of comfort over me as well. Harry’s hand was tracing imaginary patterns on the exposed skin on my side from where my skirt rode up when I sat down.

“You know what would make this better?” I asked Harry, turning my head to look at his beautiful face. His green eyes boring into my own before I saw something mischievous flicker in them.

“Sex.” He deadpanned, making me snort and smack him playfully in the chest.

“No, you knobhead. I was going to say wine. A nice, big glass of wine.” I rolled my eyes playfully at him and he rolled his back before standing up and making his way into the kitchen to get a glass for the both of us.

“Your majesty.” He teased as he handed me a large wine glass filled over halfway. I smiled back and gave him a loving peck on the cheek before he sat back down next to me. The next half hour or so was filled with a comfortable silence as we sipped on our wine and just sat in each other’s company by the fire. It was a reassuring thing for me. Sometimes I just felt a need to do absolutely nothing with this man, because he made them all exciting.

I knew it was time to start heading up to bed when his hand started creeping higher up on my waist. My shirt was bunched up and sitting under my bra and he rubbed my back in its entirety. I unfolded my legs and placed my now empty wine glass on the coffee table to be cleaned up in the morning and reached for Harry’s glass to do the same. Once they were both empty and soundly placed awake from anywhere we could knock them over, I grabbed his hand and led him up the stairs to our bedroom.

We moved in almost perfect harmony as we entered the bedroom. The nightly routine was something I cherished and needed. At the beginning of our relationship, Harry was on tour and I spent endless nights alone in his old apartment just counting the days until he would be home with me again, holding me tight and letting me fall asleep on his chest. I made my way toward the en suite bathroom, brushing my hair out, washing my face and brushing my teeth all before I went to pee. Harry walked while I was on the toilet and just smiled at me. I smiled back, but knitted my eyebrows at the look on his face,

“Can’t a girl pee in peace around here?” I teased him, making sure my knees were touching and bringing my hands down to my lap so he couldn’t see anything. The same smile graced his face as he grabbed his toothbrush from the cup and wet it before applying the toothpaste.

“Don’t be getting’ all shy with me now, baby love. Ya know ‘m gonna wreck ya in justa coupla minutes.” His eyes locked with mine in the mirror and I could feel my cheeks getting warm. I had to look away from the glorious man in front of me who had already taken his shirt off before coming to wash up.

On my walk out of the bathroom, I couldn’t help myself and I ended up stopping to wrap my arms around Harry’s naked torso. My hands ran up and down his back and my head rested on his spine. I placed a few gentle kisses on the muscles I felt contracting while he brushed his teeth and then stole a shy glance over her shoulder before leaving one last peck on his shoulder before reaching around and gently squeezing him through his boxers. He groaned and his head tilted back when I left a loving bite on his shoulder. I unwrapped myself from him and giggled to myself while I walked over to our bed and stripping down to my panties and throwing the shirt Harry had worn today over my body.

The comforter was pulled back already so I slid into bed and nestled into my side, waiting anxiously for Harry to finally put his money where his mouth is. My cheeks were already flushed from the wine, but now that I was turned on from simply thinking about what Harry would do to me, I knew my chest was most likely tinged with pink as well.

It didn’t take long for Harry to finish up in the bathroom and make his way over to me on the bed. His eyes were filled with arousal and his boxers had tightened considerable from when I grabbed his junk minutes prior. I gave him a mischievous smile and pulled the rest other side of the comforter back for him. Harry grabbed it from me and folded down to the end of the bed, which is what we did whenever we had sex because honestly, the comforter was hard to wash and I always complained when we had sex under it because it would get all sweaty and stinky.

“Gonna be a good girl fo’ me tonight?” Harry all but slurred. His voice got deeper and slower when he was turned on, which turned me on more. My head nodded at him, but I had no control over my own body in that moment. The picture perfect man in front of me blurred my vision and clouded my mind. I watched him remove his boxers before he grabbed my legs and repositioned me so I was completely on my back with my legs parted slightly. His hardened cock had slapped against his stomach and left a small trace of sticky, wet reside behind that glistened in the light coming from the lamp on the bedside table. He was terribly hard at this point and I was going to do everything in my power to satisfy this man.

“H,” I breathed out, stopping him from parting my legs, where I knew in just a matter of seconds, he was going to have me wreathing uncontrollably underneath him. He looked up at my lust filled eyes and licked his lips, but his eyebrows knitted together in confusion on why I stopped him. “Let me pleasure you, baby.” I finished, reaching my hands up toward his face so I could fix the hair on his forehead and then play with the longer, shaggy hair at the back of his neck. He leaned down to hover closer over me and nestle his head into my neck, leaving wet kisses in his wake. His hands worked diligently to rid me of his old shirt and started to play with the band of my panties.

“Let me taste ya, love.” He moaned into my neck, making my toes curl as I gave his hair a particularly rough tug.

“Ladies first.” I shot back, pushing at his chest so he would get off of me so I could pleasure him. He hit the mattress with a groan and I wiggled my way out of my panties finally and crawled on walked on my knees to situate myself over his hips. My bare center was pressed firmly onto his taunt stomach and I could feel it flex underneath me in anticipation. One of my hands was placed on his butterfly tattoo as I swiveled my hips to tease not only myself, but Harry as well.

“’f ya keep doin’ tha’, love, ‘m gonna cum ‘fore I even get in ya.” He was struggling to even form sentenced, the veins in his neck were protruding wildly and his hands had a death grab on the sheets underneath him as I continued my attack on his body. My hips were moving faster and my hair was falling out of the bun I had it in, I could tell. I made one miscalculated movement and I felt my center brush over the tip of his cock and before I could try and get back to what I had been doing, Harry had me pinned back down underneath him and his fingers were checking me to make sure I was wet enough for him to enter me. We both knew I was, but he still checked every single time and it made my heart soar.

“’Nough messin’ about, love! ‘m gonna show ya who’s really in charge.” His eyes were dark and I was reduced to a puddle of moans and groans as two of his fingers entered me and his other hand held my waist down so I couldn’t move. I reached down to grab him and lead him to where we both wanted him to be most and Harry didn’t complain one bit. He pushed my legs apart and left one last searing kiss on my lips before he sank into me. The moan he released into my neck was animalistic and I didn’t feel like I could even control my own body. I wrapped on of my legs around his waist and applied pressure to his ass so he would sink in deeper.

“Move! H, baby, you gotta move!” I cried out as he stayed seated in me fully, just barely swiveling his hips, teasing me the way I had done him. I pulled frantically at his hair again as I pulled his face to mine and we met in a searing kiss. Our tongues moved in tandem for what felt like years before Harry left me with a bite on my lower lip before he pulled out almost all the way before thrusting back into me with great force. My head lulled backward and rested on the pillow below me as I moaned out his name.

What started out rough, soon turned into loving as we made eye contact and Harry rested his forehead against my own. Your hips move together in an easy rhythm and all you could really focus on was how his cock stretched you so perfectly. You could feel him everywhere. His teeth dragging along your neck, his cock pushing so deep into you, you were starting to see stars, and now, to top it all off, his fingers moved to tweak your nipples and relinquish all the power you thought you had. You were putty in his hands.

“Gonna cum fo’ me, love? Gonna be a good girl and cum all over this cock o’ yours?” His hot breath was fanning over your neck as he moved one of your legs up to rest higher on his hip so he could reach deeper into you. You screamed out when he perfectly hit that spot deep inside you that always made you snap. Your head started nodding quickly to tell him you were going to cum soon and his hips picked up speed. A groan from somewhere deep in Harry’s throat made itself known and made you clench around his as he continued his attack on you.

“I’m so close, H.” The confession startled him, but he nodded his head quickly and moved his hand down to my clit, massaging it with his calloused fingers, applying all the right pressure. My head fell back and my back arched as I felt myself start to spiral. Harry was chanting words of encouragement as I felt myself snap and my vision turned white as I collapsed back on the bed. Harry was still terribly hard, but waiting patiently for me to settle so it wouldn’t be too much for me. His lips were leaving sweet kisses up my shoulder and over my neck, on a mission to lick at my sweet spot. My hips rose to let inform Harry he could move again so he could finish himself off and after a few thrusts, I could tell he was about to release.

“Where do you want it, love?” he panted, his thrusts becoming sloppy as the pleasure was becoming too much for him. The love and sincerity in his voice filled my body with warmth. His eyes found mine and I pulled him impossibly closer as I just nodded my head to egg him on.

“Cum in me, Harry. I need you to fill me up.” My confession was all he needed to finish him off. He thrust his hips particularly deep inside of me before releasing all he had to give. My toes curled at the feeling of his cum soaking my walls and filling me to the brim.

Harry collapsed on top of me, completely spent from all the pleasure that just rushed through his body. I massaged my fingered through his hair and left delicate kisses on his neck before he fell over onto his back and dragged me on top of him. He pulled his cock out of me and we both moaned in unison at the feeling. I felt his cum dripping out of me and onto the sheets below us, but I couldn’t get myself to care at all in that moment. My fingers played with the splatter of chest hair that was currently matted onto his chest as our legs mingled together under the comforter that Harry reached down to pull over our naked bodies. I snuggled into his warmth as he played absentmindedly with my hair and traced imaginary lines up and down my naked body.

“I love you, you know that, right?” Harry spoke into my hair before leaving a couple kisses in his wake.

I nodded my head against his chest and hummed before looking up at him and kissing his firmly on the lips.

This was heaven, I was sure of it.

#harry styles #harry styles smut #harry styles imagines #harry styles fanfic #harry styles fan fiction #fan fiction #harry #styles #smut #harry styles imagine #harry styles blurb #harry styles burbs #harry styles cute #harry styles fluff #harry styles x reader #my writing

388 notes · View notes

ladyvegeets · 6 years

Text

Edible 4

-For all those asking for more Edible. Inspired by @okebtrash’s adorable picture of Bulla patching up her papa with bandages.-

Read Edible on AO3 or FFnet.

~xox~

Vegeta stared down at the beautiful woman he — by some stroke of luck — called his wife. Bulma lay sprawled beneath him. The soft glow of morning highlighted the rise and fall of her chest, flushed cheeks, and matted hair. ‘Thoroughly fucked’ was one of his favorite looks on her.

The column of her throat beckoned. He leaned in to kiss it while contemplating an encore.

“Mmm,” she sighed sleepily.

Ah, he knew that tone. She was exhausted, even now her breathing was evening out. What time had she come to bed? He couldn’t recall, having fallen asleep waiting up for her.

Damn. Perhaps waking her up so early for this wasn’t the best of ideas.

He gently pushed off. She made a half-hearted sound of protest as he wiped her clean, but was half-way asleep by the time he tucked her in under the blankets. With a final kiss to her brow, Vegeta pried himself away, ignoring the instinct to stay and watch over his mate.

He headed for the spare bathroom by the kids’ rooms so as not to disturb Bulma’s sleep while he cleaned up. Along the way, hushed voices caught his attention. He slowed to a halt.

Trunks and Bra were coming down the opposite end of the corridor, the older boy bent to whisper in his little sister’s ear. “—just remember, don’t tell Dad or—”

“Don’t tell me what?”

Trunks froze, the color draining from his face.

“Papa!” His daughter’s face lit up and she came dashing towards him. “I’m BLEEDING!”

What?! For a sickening moment, Vegeta couldn’t breathe.

“Bra, you snitch.” Trunks slapped a hand over his face with a groan.

Bra came to a halt by his boots and raised her skirt to show off her bleeding knee. A tiny wound. But the impression it left was huge. Vegeta scooped her up before laying murderous eyes on his son, the same glare he had leveled enemies with. “Boy, you have five seconds to explain yourself before I send you to the afterlife.”

“Dad, c’mon. We were playing outside and she tripped. No big deal, I swear.”

“Tunks says I might get a scar like you, Papa!” Bra announced excitedly.

“Bra!” Trunks hissed with desperation, begging her to stop making the situation worse.

Vegeta tightened his fingers over his daughter. “Oh, he better hope you don’t. Trunks, go make breakfast. Your mother worked late last night, so you’d best be quiet. I’ll deal with your lack of common sense regarding the care of your sister later.”

Trunks made a sour face but dragged himself off to the kitchen without further protest. Vegeta shifted Bra’s weight in his arms, brushing back her fly-away hair. “Let’s get you fixed up.”

“Okay.”

He carried her to the bathroom and set her on the sink. “Is this the only place you’re hurt?” he asked, looking at the graze on her knee. It was already scabbing over. Thank you Saiyan genes.

“Uh-huh.”

Such a wound for a Saiyan was inconsequential, but he wasn’t about to take any chances with his little girl. He cleaned the wound and dug around in the cabinet, pulling out a box of all-purpose band-aids.

“Nuh-uh, not dose ones. I wannit the ones with the staw-bees!”

Vegeta sighed and kept searching.

“Papa?”

“Hn?”

“You have lotsa scars.”

Glancing down, he saw Bra scrutinizing his torso. It was the same look Bulma gave when puzzling out a malfunctioning invention.

“Did you fall down too?” his daughter inquired.

If anyone else accused him of tripping over, Vegeta would have ended them. Permanently. But Bra’s world-view was small and innocent. She meant no insult, and she certainly couldn’t comprehend the suffering or horror that he had endured and inflicted to earn his scars. Like hell he was going to ruin that innocence just yet.

“…Something like that.”

“Oh… You’re really clumsy, Papa.”

His cheek twitched. Thankfully Bulma wasn’t around to hear that one; he never would have lived it down.

“So it would seem. But what’s important is that I picked myself up again. Every time.”

Her little brow furrowed with contemplation. “You didn’t cry?”

A few unpleasant memories resurfaced. “…Only when it really mattered.”

She fell silent, and he resumed his search for the bandaids.

Ah. Finally. A box of bandaids with cartoon strawberries smiling obscenely at him was tucked away in the far back corner. Someone really needed to organize this cabinet better. Vegeta dug it out and peeled open a plaster, smoothing it over his daughter’s knee.

“How’s that?”

Bra lifted her leg to examine his handiwork. “It’s crooked.”

“Then fall more symmetrically next time.”

She laughed, her whole face lighting up. At least someone got his sense of humor. The sound was infectious, wriggling under his skin and easing the tension in his body he wasn’t aware he carried.

Despite himself, he smiled back. “Alright, Princess. Let’s go check on your brother.”

“Okay.” She made grabby hands, and Vegeta picked her up. As they walked towards the kitchen, her chubby fingers traced a scar on his shoulder.

“Papa, did your Papa help fixit your hurts too?”

His mouth thinned. His father? Now that was an old wound. Time had mostly healed it over but it still stung when dug at. “No, he didn’t.”

Couldn’t.

Or wouldn’t.

A side-glance found Bra watching him with big blue eyes. He stopped his thoughts before they ruined the morning.

“What do you think Mommy would like for breakfast?”

Bra gasped and bounced in his arms, excited to know the answer. “Staw-bee pancakes!”

Vegeta smiled and carried her off to the kitchen as she chanted the words over and over.

~xox~

Bra wasn’t watching where she put her spoon. It missed her mouth, smearing mashed sweet potato over her cheek. She rubbed the mess away with the back of her hand, eyes fixed on her parents.

Papa sat on a kitchen stool, his face as grumpy as the troll in her Saturday morning cartoons, only the troll didn’t usually bleed bright red from a cut on his brow. Mommy was sewing up Papa’s hurt. he didn’t look happy about it, but still he allowed her to fix him. After all, Mommy was very good at fixing broken things; she had fixed her toys more than once.

“Can’t you and Son ever go easy on each other?” Bulma asked.

“Tch. That is not how true warriors train. Besides, I gave Kakarot as good as I got, and more.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Bra adjusted her spoon and this time found her mouth. Blergh. Her nose scrunched at the taste of cold vegetables. With a careful glance to make sure her parents weren’t watching, she spat the food back on her plate.

“This is entirely unnecessary,” Vegeta grumbled. “You know it will heal on its own.”

“Not before bleeding all over the damn place. Besides, it’s deep enough that it might scar, and I think you have enough of those.” Bulma finished her stitches and put a bandage over the wound. With a warm smile she leaned in, nudging her nose to Vegeta’s. “There. As rugged as that might look, I’ve grown fond of your face the way it is.”

He huffed, his large hands grabbing Bulma’s hips and pulling her closer. “Why do I tolerate you?”

Bulma nuzzled his cheek. “Let’s go to bed and I’ll remind you.”

He started to smile, but then his eyes slid to the side where Bra was still pretending to eat. “Echalotte.” She snapped upright at his sharp tone. “Did you finish your dinner?”

Her plate was mostly untouched. “Uh… not yet, Papa.”

“Stop dawdling.”

Her head lowered at his reprimand. Papa rarely told her off; she didn’t much care for the experience. Sullenly, Bra pushed her vegetables about on her plate, kicking her feet into the kitchen counter below.

“I’m going to wash off,” Vegeta said, and left Bulma to pack up the first aid kid.

Still sulking, Bra smooshed her peas into her plate. “Mommy?”

“Yes honey?”

“Why do you helpit Papa? I don’t think he likes getting fixed.”

Bulma laughed. “Ah, your father just thinks he’s too tough for help. But truth is, he’s not used to getting any and doesn’t know how to ask for it.”

“He doesn’t know how?” Bra asked, amazed there was something Papa couldn’t do.

“Nope. So I just help him.”

Bra reflected on that as she swirled her food into paste. Papa was always helping her and Tunks and Mommy and even the whooooole universe from evil bad guys. It didn’t seem fair that he couldn’t ask for help in return.

“Mommy?”

“Yes?”

“Thanks for helping Papa.”

Bulma smiled and came to sit by her. “Of course.” She brushed Bra’s bangs out of her face. “That’s what families do: help each other. Because we love each other, right?”

Bra beamed. “Right!”

“Now finish your dinner.”

“Ugh,” Bra whined, dropping her head forward in defeat.

~xox~

Blood splattered the ground where Vegeta walked. His wife would be pissed. Bulma hated when he made a mess but in a roundabout way, this was her fault. Sure, he might have asked Bulma to increase the intensity of the training bots but she was the one who exceeded his expectations. If he didn’t know any better, he would think his wife was trying to kill him.

Goddamn she was amazing.

Still, he had underestimated her upgrades and now suffered the consequences. With some luck, he hoped to make it to the bathroom before anyone noticed.

He limped passed the living room where Bulma’s mother was keeping an eye on Bra.

“Oh my!” Panchy exclaimed. “Vegeta sweety, don’t you look a fright.”

So much for not getting noticed.

At Panchy’s announcement, Bra’s head jerked up from her coloring book, her eyes going wide seeing the state of her father. “Papa! You’re hurt again?”

He paused. “It’s nothing. Keep drawing.”

Bra ignored him, hurrying over and grabbing his hand. It made his heart tighten to see how tiny her fingers were compared to his. Bra examined his wounds, her brow furrowing mightily. What had got her so worked up? She had seen him injured before. But before he could ask, Bra sprang off down the hall. “Wait, Papa. I’ll helpit!”

Ah, goddamn it. Off to fetch her mother, no doubt. With a heavy sigh, Vegeta followed. May as well get this over with.

But he didn’t get far. The patter of little feet heralded Bra’s return, a box of bandaids held in her chubby hands. She looked at him with the same determination he had seen countless times on her mother’s face.

“Okay, Papa. Let Bra take good care of you!”

Well fuck. How could he say no to that?

With a sigh, he sunk into a sitting position before her, and allowed his daughter to play nurse.

Just like her mother.

“You have so many hurts,” Bra tutted as she stuck plaster after plaster on him. At least it wasn’t the goddamn strawberry ones. “Don’t worry, Papa. Families helpit each other.”

He peeled open an eye to look at his daughter’s earnest face. Family… Did he ever imagine he could have such a precious family after everything that had happened to him?

Bra was opening another plaster when he scooped her up into his arms and hugged her tight.

“Aren ilgnen kalor, Echalotte,” he whispered fiercely in her ear.

“Papa!” she squealed, and soon her laughter filled the corridor as he tickled her sides and nommed her tiny neck.

~xoXox~

#edible #vegebul #echalotte #ladyvegeets #okebtrash #fanfic #edible au #bra #bulla #bra briefs #vegeta #trunks #bulma #papa getes #staw-bee #briefs family

206 notes · View notes

necrobonello · 7 years

Text

Shattered Kingdoms Part 2: Orenan

Summary: After thousands of years after the war that eradicated the original diamonds and nearly all of that generation’s gems, a new trio of diamonds have risen to power and are at war for dominance. A lone pearl is fighting for her sisters, hunted down by Black Diamond and various bounty hunters. But little does she know that she will be a part of something much bigger than her own revolution.

Shattered Kingdoms Part 2: Orenan

Black Diamond’s stronghold was in an uproar. Gems of all ranks scattering throughout the decorated halls, each rushing to work on their specific tasks. Guards remained alert, drones were as lively as ever, and whatever pearls were around were cleaning and helping their superiors as much as they could. A momentous day was on the horizon. In three days, the neutral gem harvest was about to commence. Three lava drones carried crates of bubbled gems to safes and teleporters.

“This year’s trade is going to be the best yet!” One said.

“We’ve managed to capture quite a few of Purple Diamond’s quartzes. We’re bound to make tons!”Another one cheered.

“And all the pearls. With that rebel force taking em left and right, they’re in a real high demand now. War effort is important and all but once this is all settled we’re gonna need good servants and entertainers.” The third one added.

“And what? We’re not good enough to fill that role?” The first one said.

“Not as good as a pearl anyway.”

They all laughed as they rushed to their station. But then one of the lavas tripped over a crease in the ornate rug that lined the hallways. She stumbled over and landed on top of her crate, the lid popping off and several of the bubbled gems rolling out. She quickly scraped most of the bubbles into her crate, but in her desperation accidentally clawed the last bubble, popping it. Her friends placed their crates down and attempted to pick up the spherical stone, but the gem already began to regenerate. The three lavas stepped back in terror as a blue light formed, showing the gem’s massive frame. The light dispersed from the frame, revealing the gem to be Dalmatian Jasper. The lavas placed themselves in front of their crates, hoping the freed gem wouldn’t smash and release the rest of the captured gems. She gazed down with an enraged glare at the clumsy lava.

“Hey. You got a Camel Jasper in there?” She asked.

The lava shook her head, and the angered quartz cracked her knuckles.

“Well I guess I’m gonna have to smash those little boxes til I find her little ga-”

Dalmatian Jasper gasped as she felt something sharp pierce her back, and then felt another sharp pain in the back of her head. She was silent for a second as the lava’s stared at her in confusion.

“Aw come on I just got he-” Dalmatian poofed away, leaving behind her gem and a pair of yellow sai.

The lavas looked ahead to see one of the higher ranked gems heading towards them. The clumsy lava flopped over and immediately bubbled the gem, rolled over to place it in the box, and scrambled to her feet to salute her superior.

“Thank you for your help sir! I accept full responsibility for my actions and will not repeat them again sir!” She shouted.

The other lavas were afraid of what would happen to their friend.

But the superior gem merely went past them. The lavas looked, confused at the lack of punishment. They saw him smoothing out the carpet with his foot.

“No need to worry. I saw what happened, not your fault.” He said in a smooth voice.

He spoke with confidence and bravado. He gazed at the timid drones with a lazy yet intimidating stare. His pewter pupils unfocused and yet they still felt like they pierced through them like his sai that pierced through Dalmatian Jasper. His long, abalone hair was tied with a white bow three fourths of the way down. His shirt was like an apron, as the pearl river cloth covered only the front of his torso, his shoulders, and a small strip of his back and sides. His twin clear, rectangular gemstones, his shoulders, and most of his back were exposed, showing off his toned frame and white skin. Lastly he wore black slacks and wrought iron colored dress shoes. Though handsome, his looks masked a facade that only the higher ups knew was all too real.

The poor lava was stunned by her superior. She only saw him in the halls every now and then at long distances. She had never even heard the sensual tone in his voice. But she managed to snap out of her daze before he could call her out on that as well.

“Thank you for your mercy commander White Topaz!” She blurted out.

“Understand that I am being lenient on you due to someone else’s incompetence. Undoubtedly another one of your cut has screwed up keeping this place in perfect condition. They’ll receive a talking to as they nearly made you look incompetent. But know that an accident should only happen once around here.” White Topaz warned.

“Yes sir.”

“Now get back to work. I have my own business to attend to and you have bosses that will say what I have to say anyway.” White Topaz ordered.

“Yes sir! Thank you sir!” All three lavas said as they rushed back to fulfil their duty.

White Topaz smiled as he continued on his own business. He walked through the busy hallways and chambers until he finally made it to the giant door to his diamond’s throne room. The door opened for him and he entered inside. His diamond was gazing upon him. The gem bowed his head and approached her grace.

“Good morning my diamond. What have you summoned me for?” He asked.

“Good morning, White Topaz. As you’ve seen, the whole colony is in a tizzy because of the upcoming auction. We have much to offer and much to gain as per usual, and as you know someone has to bid in order to get the best of the best. I would like that to be you.” She offered, “I would go myself, but due to that bit of...terrorism that occurred last time, I’d rather not spoil the affair for all of us.”

White Topaz nodded.

“Anything in particular that I should pick up for you?”

“I’ll send Pyrite-0 to accompany you. She will be your personal assistant and the one in charge of my shopping list.” Black Diamond said.

White Topaz bowed once more.

“Consider it done. When do I leave?”

“Now. I’ve prepared a ship for you and the pyrite shall be your pilot. You depart to K-051. The auction isn’t for another three days so please enjoy yourself before then. You’ve captured many gems for me so it’s fair that you receive a proper reward.”

“You’re too kind.”

“And one more thing. Just in case something still goes wrong, I’m sending Jet to accompany you.”

White Topaz raised an eyebrow.

“Jet? But isn’t she off planet as well?” He asked.

“Yes but knowing her she’ll finish her assignment before nightfall on K-051. Rosen will be with you on the day of the auction as well. She’s busy right now gathering a last minute supply of gems. Purple Diamond has managed to capture a fair share of our troops and Red Diamond is has nabbed a few of our troops as well.”

“I thought that Red-”

Black Diamond rose from her throne.

“White Topaz! What business I have with Red Diamond is strictly confidential. She is an uncontrollable beast that acts on her own accord but she can still be reasoned with to some extent. Our relationship is mutually beneficial despite her troops going off on their own agenda. So I will ask that you do not question my decisions. Are we clear?”

White Topaz bowed his head.

“Yes my diamond.”

She sat back down in her throne, resting her chin on the back of her hand.

“Go.” She uttered.

White Topaz turned around and left the throne room. Black Diamond pressed a button on her throne’s other armrest and a hologram of a wavelength appeared.

“Yes my diamond?” A young sounding voice answered.

“Send a message to agent Jet to go to K-051 as soon as she obtains the package.” Black Diamond ordered.

“Right away.”

/**/

On a cold, desolate planet far beyond Black Diamond’s supervision, a lone Amethyst warrior was running through the snow covered tundra towards a large arm shaped ship. Violent winds sent a flurry of snow from the ground and sky, masking her in the blizzard. Despite the thick blizzard, a couple of Amethysts standing guard outside of the ship managed to see their sister. They waved to her, happy to see their friend, unaware of the terror she is experiencing.

“Open the ship doors! Get it running, we have to leave!” She screamed out.

The violent winds were overpowering her pleas. The once happy Amethysts were now confused at the desperate cry of their sister. Their confusion was then eradicated as they saw their sister’s form as she emerged from the blizzard. Her arm was missing, a chunk of her long hair was burned off, and she had a nasty, gray cut in her stomach inches away from her gem.

“I said start the damn ship!” She screamed.

One of the Amethysts rushed to her sister while the other one opened the door to the ship. The three quickly rushed into the ship, the injured being carried by her counterpart. As they entered, a couple more Amethysts rushed over to the injured friend.

“V-022! What happened to you!?” One of the new Amethysts asked.

“I’ll explain later! You have to get us out of her before she arrives!” V-022 begged.

“We’ve been trying to start the ship up! It’ll take another four minutes before it reaches optimal power levels. This damn blizzard is making it hard to move out of here.” The Amethyst that brought her in said.

The group of Quartzes were interrupted by a sudden alarm.

“Attention all available units! The ship will be ready to depart soon with the cargo. However we see an abnormality outside of the ship! A...cloud is on the ground!?” The announcer shouted.

V-022’s eyes went wide. She knew what was coming. She grabbed one of the gems by her uniform and pulled her in close to her.

“You have to make them start the ship up! Lift us up now and worry about coordinates later! We can’t let her in here! She destroyed my squad!”

“Who did!?”

“One of Black Diamond’s generals is here! She destroyed all-” V-022 was interrupted by the sound of glass and metal being torn asunder.

All quartzes looked at the door and saw a black sword decorated with gray nubs down the middle of the blade pierce through the ship’s door. A gray liquid dripped off the sword, sizzling as it hit the ground. The quartzes all stood their ground, gearing up for the fight, except for V-022 who was still lying on the ground.

“NO! You have to run away and get as many troops as you can together! She’s too strong!” She pleaded.

“Can you stand?” One of the Amethysts asked.

V-022 stood up slowly. The sword was effortlessly gliding through the thick door as V-022 was being pushed away from the group.

“Warn the others and get some destabilizers! We’ll stall them as long as we can!” The Amethyst assisting her said.

“I told you there’s only one gem!” V-022 shouted.

“Then she’ll be gone before the cavalry arrives. But just to be safe, go!” The quartz closest to the door shouted.

Begrudgingly V-022 ran, clutching her stomach as she abandoned her stubborn friends. She made it to the end of the corridor as the four amethysts looked to see the blade almost done making a circle through the door. The free bits of metal started to slide from their position and into the hallway. They were about to tilt over and fall, but an unknown force pushed them downwards. As they fell, a surge of snow and fog flew into the corridor. Dazed by the sudden burst, the amethysts were caught off guard by a shadow in the fog. One of the Amethysts was cut in half, her scream was accompanied by the sound of liquid being spattered across the wall, followed by a sizzling noise. The next three amethysts quickly fell as well, each one bisected in some form, causing them to poof away.

V-022 looked over her shoulder to see the fog of death leak into the hallways. Her fear reached its peak as she sprinted as hard as she could to reach her crewmates.

“Gotta tell em! Gotta warn em!” She thought to herself.

The fog was closing in on her from behind, but she saw her remaining squadron of gems rushing to her. She smiled as she dashed towards them. She saw ten quartzes all armed with destabilizers and blasters.

“Girls quick! Forget about me and shoot-” She was cut off as the dark sword of the intruder flew through her neck. The blade melted her form like a hot knife through butter, sending a splash of gray liquid and purple blood spurting from the exit wound. As it flew towards the others, the entirety of the blade could be seen. The chappe was shaped like a skull, with the guard shaped like sharp, curved horns pointed towards the blade with a black jewel in the center. As V-022’s form and the sword dissipated, the group of quartzes saw a figure in the fog.

“Kill her ass!” One of the quartzes shouted.

There was a brief flash of light from the shadows and then the ten quartzes fired their blasters at the figure. Green light illuminated the hallway, piercing through the fog and hitting the walls. Explosions, the sound of decimated metal and glass, and the war cries of the quartzes echoed throughout the corridor. After twenty seconds of continuous fire, one of the quartzes raised her hand to signal the others to hold their fire. They all did as instructed, but remained on guard. Smoke was mixed in with the fog, but the majority of it started to clear up. It finally cleared, revealing the hall littered with rubble, the walls and ceiling littered with holes of all sizes. One of the amethysts tapped the other on the shoulder.

“You five check the rubble for her gemstone.” She ordered.

Her comrade nodded and five of the troops did as instructed. They pointed their blasters at the ground as they kicked over the chunks of rubble.

“Be careful with how you kick that stuff V-048, we’re gonna need that stuff when-” One of the quartzes let out a small yelp as they felt something burn their shoulder.

“What was that V-042?” V-048 asked as she turned to her friend.

V-048 felt her shoulder and felt something burning her. She looked to see something eat its way through a bit of her shoulder. She looked up to see one of the larger blast holes had an edge coated with a mysterious gray liquid. She suddenly realized what had just happened and turned to the other gems.

“She’s in the vents!” She screamed out.

Gray fog came flooding out of the hole and the quartzes were in a state of panic. The shadowy figure dropped from the hole and swung her sword in a circular arc, cleaving V-048 in half and flinging acid at the other gems. The liquid spattered over all five of the gems around her, causing each of them to scream out in pain as it burned through their forms.

“My eyes!” V-042 screamed as she tried to desperately scratch the liquid out of her eyes.

The figure rushed towards the other quartzes and swung wildly at them. She managed to take down one of the burly gems before they begun to strike back with their destabilizers. Two stabbed at her, but the assassin dodged the first attack and parried the second one to hit another quartz. A loud buzzing noise roared out over the chaos and a burst of light showed the forms of each of the gems. The assassin was a little over half the quartzes size. In that flash, the assassin slashed at the quartz that attacked her, cutting through her head and causing her to retreat into her gem. A couple gems that were investigating the rubble poofed away as well, the acid eating too much of their forms away. One of the quartzes managed to grab the Black Diamond agent’s arm, holding her sword in place as the second quartz aimed her destabilizer at her torso. The trapped gem dropped her sword onto her captor’s foot, it sinking and melting it as the tip effortlessly melted through her. The small gem let out a torrent of fog from her mouth, the violent hissing noise complementing the intense pressure of the gas battering the face of her enemy. She pulled another sword out from her chest and slashed the quartz across the chest, creating a deep cut filled with her acid. In the background, one quartz managed to aim her blaster at the assailant as the remaining amethyst writhed in pain.

“Evil...bitch!” She screamed as she pulled the trigger.

The mystery gem grabbed the remaining amethyst and jerked her downwards. She caught the large gem in one arm as it took the brunt of the blasts. She hurled her sword in a forward arc towards the trigger happy quartz. The gem she took as a shield poofed away, but before the last quartz could deliver a deadly shot, the sword cleaved through her right shoulder and a large portion of her chest. She poofed away, and the only remaining gem and noise came from the last quartz still crying in pain. The fog started to clear up as the assassin calmly walked towards her wounded prey. She summoned one final sword from her gem as she approached the downed gem. As she raised her sword to deliver the finishing blow, the quartz swiftly grabbed her by the ankle and yanked her off her feet. Black Diamond’s agent fell on her back and the quartz quickly got on top of her, grabbing her small head with her giant hands. She started to squeeze tightly, the large stomach wound from the acid spray began to leak blood onto the agent as she strained all her muscles to crush her enemy’s skull.

“Die you piece of shit!” She seethed.

Black Diamond’s agent screamed out in pain, but she managed to force herself to thrust her hand into the gem’s wound. The amethyst winced and clenched her teeth in pain, her vice grip loosening slightly. The hand inside of her felt like a blade, but she mustered all her strength to try to win this struggle. But as the gem’s fingers began to spread and pull back inside of her, her strong grip began to soften as she yelled out in pain. In an instant her form vanished as her downed enemy’s hand ripped through her chest from the inside. The fog was finally clearing and Black Diamond’s agent breathed heavily, the pain from her head slowly going away with each breath. She got up onto her feet and looked down at her gray hand. It was coated with purple blood and the fingers looked jagged and sharp, as if they were made out of crystal.

“It’s been a long time since I had to use this technique. I’m getting careless.” She thought to herself.

A light enveloped her hand and her fingers returned to normal. With a quick flick of the wrist she whipped the purple liquid from her hand. She reached into her cool gray sash located around her slim waist and pulled out a black sphere. She pressed the side of it with her thumb, activating it and displaying a wavelength.

“Are you finished commander Jet?” A gruff voice asked.

“Yes. Send in the clean up crew. I’m going to the control center to see if there’s anyone left.” Jet answered.

“Right away.”

With that Jet walked out of what little smoke and fog remained, revealing her form. She had straight black hair that reached an inch past her shoulders, with bangs covering one of her blue gray eyes. She wore a shoulderless black dress with three gray frills going vertically down torso. The dress split a little above the knee level, revealing a pair of dark gray boots with white gray toe boxes and heels. Her black, spherical gem was located in the center of her upper chest. She had a mid sized, flat dorsum nose and mildly thick lips coated with oxford blue lipstick. She had a stern stare on her face as she approached the cockpit of the ship.

She opened the door and saw a large room filled with chairs and benches of uniform size. The rim of the ship was lined with control panels littered with various buttons and electronic boards, and a glass window surveying the outside of the ship. Inside the cockpit were three terrified pearls. One had her hands on the control panel, but was motionless in Jet’s presence.

“Don’t bother. We’ve been jamming your ship’s signal. You’re ours now, and you will cooperate otherwise you’ll be imprisoned like your security. Understood?” Jet ordered.

“Yes!” One pearl blurted out.

“Good.” Jet moved to the center of room and sat down, “Set your coordinates for planet K-051. Your cargo is now our cargo.”

“Yes miss!” One of the pearls uttered, “It will take us about ten minutes to do so!”

“Good.” She uttered.

/**/

A red, rectangular cruiser flew through space at light speed. Meteors were shattered into dust as it blitzed through the cosmos. Inside the ship housed Crazy Horse, Fluorite, and a couple of red pearls which were piloting the ship. The two mighty gems were resting in the back. Fluorite was reading a paperback book titled “The Relic” while Crazy Horse was scrolling through a public newsfeed via a holographic touch screen. She stopped when she noticed her and Fluorite’s names on a headline titled “Red Diamond’s Forces Spread Chaos on K-024!”. The featured picture showed Crazy Horse stomping on a Black Diamond quartz while Fluorite tore into a Purple Diamond amethyst with her teeth. She chuckled and nudged Fluorite.

“Hey buddy, check it out. We made the main feed again.” She boasted.

Fluorite looked away from her book and at the hologram, made a noise of mild amusement and then went back to her book.

“Wow what a riveting reaction.” Crazy Horse joked.

“It’s all the same anyway. Some story trying to downplay the incident we caused. Nothing but watered down crap.” Fluorite responded.

“Yeah I guess it gets a little boring after a while. But this was a good haul. A couple of Black Diamond’s troops, a few of Purple Diamond’s, and even some neutral gems.”

“They should’ve known better than to try anything.”

“I know right? We just wanted to relax and have a nice time, view some of K-024’s calming and gorgeous scenery when some of Black Diamond’s grunts throw a shit fit. In our infinitely merciful and empathetic natures, we assisted in quieting down the jerks and then we get blamed for it. Neutrals have no form of respect.” Crazy Horse commented.

“Well of course they don’t they don’t have any authority figure to watch over em.” Fluorite said.

“At least they offer some safe zones to relax. Had a couple interesting conversations with people on the other side. A lot of them ended in bloodshed but the talks were interesting before it got to that point.”

“Mhm.”

Fluorite turned the page of her book and continued to read on.

“You know a lot of human literature was transferred to digital text, right?” Crazy Horse said.

“Of course. But I prefer this. I like the texture of these antiques.” Fluorite said.

“Well if we’re good you might get a chance to grab some more antiques.” Crazy Horse said, “Human shit’s always been an oddity to me.”

“We oughta be thankful for it. If it wasn’t for them sparking the first revolution all those years ago we wouldn’t be where we are now.”

“With a new troop of diamonds at war with each other in order to establish dominance over the others instead of a singular order?”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing. I was speaking more of the general acceptance of gems as what they are. The views on fusion have also shifted drastically.”

“What’s got you in a philosophical mood all of a sudden?” Crazy Horse asked.

“You know I’m in a more talkative mood after I crack some skulls.” Fluorite said.

“Fair point. And yeah I get what you mean. Status quo is still around though, not that it’s that big of a deal. Wish I could’ve met at least one human before they all bit the big one. Least we can replicate their wares to an extent-”

A sudden beeping interrupted the two gem’s conversation.

“Incoming transmission from the home planet. It’s from Red Diamond!” One of the pearls announced.

“Well what are you waiting for, answer it!” Crazy Horse demanded.

The pearl pressed a button on the control panel and a large rectangle holographic display appeared before the two large gems. The display showed Red Diamond. She sat on a crudely shaped throne of stone. A flow of lava fell behind her like a blazing waterfall. She was a massive gem with a demonic motif. She had a wide face with an equally wide and wicked smile that showed off her jagged and sharp teeth. Her eyes were covered by a dark red, metallic mask with iron mesh covering her eyes. Her clawed hand scratched her pointy chin, bright red nails scratched her blood red skin. Her clothes were nearly destroyed. A black chain mail covered most of her torso, though one sleeve was ripped off, the over was covered with holes, and the torso had a few minal rips. She also wore ripped up leggings. A dark circle was housed on each hip, inside the circle another one that was an even darker shade of crimson, and pants were now as long as shorts, littered with holes near the thigh level with the back of what remained of the pant’s legs hanging off the base of what remained of her clothing. Her ruby hair reached the back of her neck, and from her forehead sprouted a pair of scarlet horns that intertwined and tangled around her head to make a crown. Her spherical gem was located in her chest.

“Hello my babies!” She gleefully shouted in a deep tone.

“Hello mama!” Crazy Horse waved to her.

“I read your article. No doubt they censored a lot for the masses.”

“Yeah it was a bloodbath!” Crazy Horse boasted.

“Of course it was my pride and joy! And you captured what you could?” Red Diamond asked.

“Yes. We got a bunch of em.” Fluorite commented.

“Goodie! Now I have even more of a reason to give this order. I want you two to go to planet K-051 in preparation for the upcoming auction. You know how big of a deal this is.” Red Diamond ordered.

“You’re putting us in charge?” Crazy Horse asked.

“Oh no no no! You’ll be second in command. Obsidian is already there.” Red Diamond said.

Crazy Horse and Fluorite flinched at the mentioning of that name.

“Whaaaat? Why’s that stick in the mud in charge?” Crazy Horse whined.

“Because she made it there first. Plus she’s the one who’s been supplying us with excellent gear and ships. She knows what materials we need the most and that’s why I sent her.” Red Diamond said, “So get there and be on your best behavior. No fighting til the auction’s over!”

Crazy Horse pouted.

“Yes Mama.”

“Good! Fluorite, you watch your sister and make sure she behaves herself. I’ll deposit a bit of walking around money in your accounts to make sure you have some normal fun.”

“Alright but if anyone gets in our face like earlier today we’re going to have a problem.” Fluorite said.

“Be as violent as you want so long as you can justify it to the security drones there. But I’d rather you not get banned from going there. Anyone can do this but it’s such a nice place to be.” Red Diamond said.

“We’ll get you what you need Mama.” Fluorite promised.

“Good! Alright see you soon.” Red Diamond said her goodbyes and the transmission ended.

Fluorite went back to her book and Crazy Horse slouched in her chair.

“Can’t believe we gotta deal with her.”

“Just suck it up. Obsidian isn’t that bad.” Fluorite said.

“Yes that geezer is.”

Fluorite rolled her eyes and flipped the next page of her book.

/**/

On Purple Diamond’s planet, Sardonyx, Sodalite, Carnelian and Chalcedony were riding a cabana boat along the lazy river towards a giant gilded pyramid. They are on their way to personally meet with their diamond, who has summoned them shortly after the cleanup of the base that was destroyed by Number 8. Carnelian was at the helm of the ship while Chalcedony looked over the side. Sardonyx was sitting in the shade at the back of the boat while Sodalite sat in her own corner eating fruit she acquired from the orchard. She gobbled down the delicious purple fruits with one bite each, throwing the ruined leftovers over the edge of the boat. Sardonyx had an irritated look on her face.

“We have rubbish bins here you know.” Sardonyx brought up.

Sodalite ignored her and continued to feast.

“Oh let her be Sardonyx. Her scraps feed the fish.” Chalcedony said.

Sardonyx eased her glare and looked over to Chalcedony.

“The fish eat fruit now?”

“Oh yeah! They eat anything that falls in here.” She pointed to a purple fin cutting through the water at the helm of the ship. The fin swerved to the side and went towards one of the discarded fruit cores that was floating in the water. A giant, violet and white, arapaima like fish raised it’s head out of the water and swallowed one of the cores in one swift motion. A school of them soon followed, leaping out of the water and splashing Chalcedony.

“You should get away from the side before one of them hits you.” Carnelian warned.

“Oh please that hardly happen-” Chalcedony was silenced as one of the giant fish headbutted her as it breached the water. The cloudy gem was knocked to the ground and the fish bounced off the side of the boat, flopping back into the river. She got up and shook her head.

“What did I just say?” Carnelian asked.

Carnelian rubbed her head and Sodalite let out a hearty laugh.

“This is why I do this. I love seeing those big guys jump.”

Sardonyx rolled her eyes but then immediately perked up when she saw the pyramid her diamond resided in. A large, rectangular protrusion housed a gate at the end of the river. Carnelian raised her hand to the gate. Inside, two pearls confirmed who she was via holographic identification and went then opened the gate. The gate rose up high and the boat powered through the current to enter the inner sanctum.

Inside there was a great lake of purple. On the surface of the lake were various facilities floating on islands of gold. Quartzes and pearls alike worked in luxury, weaving tapestries or fishing for the mighty creatures that made the ancient lake their home. The ceiling of the pyramid was translucent bronze, shielding the gems from the harsh rays of the sun while allowing them to still warm them. Great palm trees rose from the surface of the lake, bearing fruit of the most wondrous variety. At the center of the concealed city, raised above all via it’s own pyramid, was a giant square cloaked in golden silk. Inside the outline of their mighty diamond watched over all gems.

“Awright no time for dilly dallying. Let’s get to business. Full speed ahead!” Sodalite called out.

“There’s a speed limit here for a reason you dolt.” Carnelian said, “Besides we’re almost there.”

“Whatever.”

The four gems made it to the steps of the pyramid and began to walk up. Two Amethyst guards opened the veil to them, revealing their diamond. She was laying down on a cushioned, biedermeier bench. She sat up straight when she saw her champions enter. She smiled down upon them as they all kneeled before her.

“Rise my knights.” She requested in a calm, yet authoritative tone.

The four gems did as they were told and looked up at their diamond. She sat with her legs crossed. Her thick, deep plum lips were pursed into a smile, and her violet eyes, which had twin markings underneath them, conveyed a warm emotion to her servants. Her long black dreads mostly flowed backwards, pushed back by a gold crown that housed her diamond shaped gemstone, which was located on her forehead. Two long bands of hair bound at the ends by gold clasps fell to her shoulders. Her neck, shoulders, and upper torso were protected by a gold armor piece. From the shoulders a black veil flowed down to her feet. A white top covered her breasts, but left a v-shaped gap in the middle which revealed a portion of her chest. Her midriff was exposed, and a curved gold belt wrapped around her hips, bending downwards to a sharp tip. From the bottom sides of the belt a white dress bottom wrapped around her hips, growing longer as it wrapped around her legs and eventually reaching down to her ankles at the back of her legs. In the middle of the belt was another black veil that covered her white pants piece and flowed down to her feet. Her biceps and shins were covered by gold bangles and her flats were snow white.

“What business do you have for us, my diamond?” Sardonyx asked.

“As you know auction day is coming very soon. I need a representative to go there and purchase as much military power as possible. The cargo we have acquired was pillaged by one of Black Diamond’s commanders, and we need all the help we can get.” She said, “Sardonyx, I want you to transport our trade goods to the auction house along with Sodalite. Carnelian and Chalcedony will fill in for your roles while you are away.”

“But my diamond, we were just recently attacked! We oughta stay behind and let the two of them go and-” Sodalite started.

“I am fully aware of what happened and I appreciate your concern, but what happened was just a simple group of Red Diamond’s marauders. Their barbaric actions surely won’t be repeated unless Red Diamond has decided to do a full scale invasion. Luckily for us our scouts out in space have confirmed that no other ships have come by us ever since that day. So what we need now is a pair of gems that I can trust and have enough authority to influence and intimidate any and all potential buyers that will attempt to take what we need.” Purple Diamond explained.

“You have specific requirements?” Sardonyx asked.

“Go to the shipyard and leave immediately. One of our pearls will give you a listing of what we need in order of priority. You should arrive by the end of the day. Hopefully by then Tanzanite will have made it there as well.” Purple Diamond said.

“Tanzanite’s already left?” Carnelian asked.

“Yes, she’s currently in an attempt to pursue Number 8.”

“Again? Doesn’t she get that shi...gem is next to impossible to get? He’s like a ghost. And even then capturing him is just gonna paint a huge target on her, or worse yet us. Lots of rebellion factions need him for missions against the other diamonds, not to mention the personal crap he does for Black Diamond.” Sodalite ranted.

“He has to have some sort of hidden agenda with Black Diamond. He at least does good work at taking out threats.” Carnelian said.

“It’s true. Though he is an enemy he is also our ally. No matter who the target is, no matter what faction, he will go and get the job done by any means necessary. I fear the day that he decides to settle with one faction. It may very well tip the balance of this war.” Purple Diamond said.

“If only we could hire him.” Chalcedony said.

Purple Diamond furrowed her brow and scowled at the cloudy blue gem.

“Chalcedony I am disappointed in you. You know very well that I will not allow a mercenary to be associated with my name. The neutral dogs that see this war as an opportunity to gain wealth rather than for a cause we diamonds have established for our people. Though the neutral factions have done well to battle the other diamonds and help mitigate the pressure upon us, they should just allow us to protect them under my name instead of clinging to their own petty ideologies. They had their chance after the first diamond war thousands of years ago, they can’t try to force their hand again now that we three have come back to restore order to this untamed universe.” Purple Diamond lectured.

Chalcedony hung her head in shame, averting her gaze from her diamond.

“Yes you’re right. Forgive me my diamond.” Chalcedony said.

Purple Diamond smiled and pat her sullen servant with one finger.

“Don’t fret over it. You’re just thinking of any possibility to help me end this meaningless fight.” Purple Diamond said.

“I am my diamond. I’m sick of this war. Why can’t we just be together?”

“As am my, my child. But the war long ago has taught us that order through intimidation and class isolation will lead to our ruin. Black Diamond wishes to establish the old ways of ruling that caused their downfall long ago. I’m more than familiar with my sister’s devious and underhanded methods to enforce order. I do not wish that upon any of you, or any of her gems for that matter. Red Diamond’s chaotic nature will drive us all to destroying each other. The universe can’t thrive under chaos. The only true way is through lawful order. We will make a just land where law rules over all under a watchful guise rather than one enforced by fear. But we cannot do that unless we have the proper military power to take on my sisters.” Purple Diamond said.

The gems nodded. Purple Diamond pointed towards the ship yard, east of her chambers.

“Now go! Fulfil your duties!” She commanded.

“Yes my diamond!” The four gems called out as they rushed out to leave. The great diamond laid back down and rested on her bench, watching the four gems rush over to the shipyard.

In two minutes the gems made it to the docks of the shipyard and rushed over to a purple ship in the shape of an oval. A pearl dressed in robes bowed before them and guided Sodalite and Sardonyx to the ship. The two gems turned back as the ship began to ascend. They waved each other goodbye as the ceiling of the pyramid opened up in a spiral manner. The two gems backed up as the door to the ship closed and the two gems were escorted to the main control chambers.

“By the way, my mistress Sardonyx, I made sure to send the coordinates to Tanzanite. Her pearls should know where to meet you.” The pearl whispered to her.

Sardonyx smiled and followed Sodalite to her seat.

/**/

In the lone reaches of outer space, a lone ship lazily floated along a cosmic trail of color. Inside, Number 8 sat in his captain’s seat, looking at a locket. It was circular and had a rusted exterior. What little metal that remained untarnished shone silver, and nearly all of it’s chain has rusted away, leaving only a couple links hooked to it. He stared inside of it longingly, aged for eons, nearly broken and yet it holds something precious to him. Something that he stares longingly at when he is alone. Something irreplaceable.

His trance like stare was interrupted by a notification noise. He recognized the sound as a transmission request. He pressed a button and a tray in his chair shifted open. He closed the locket and placed the it inside the tray. As he closed it he answered the transmission call. A holographic display appeared, showing an angered gem.

“You’re not getting away with your crimes this time you mercenary scum!” She yelled.

Her light blue hair was long, fluffy and reached to her lower back, covering the entirety of the back of her chair. She glared at Tourmaline with her lavender eyes and her full lips were pursed into a scowl. She had a toned body, and the protrusion of her crossed legs gave of the impression that she was a very tall gem. She wore a set of purple earmuffs with circular cups etched to look her diamond’s fruit insignia and ocean blue band wrapping around the back of her head. She wore a cyber grape leotard with long sleeves that turned into fingerless gloves. The leotard had six stripes at her center, the top three and the bottom three meeting in the middle with a raspberry stripe, then a boysenberry stripe and the outline of the pattern was lined with a razzmic berry stripe. Her hips and thighs were exposed, but the royal purple skin of her legs was mostly cut off by a pair of royal blue high heel boots. At the tip of each knee rested a small, diamond shaped purple gem stone.

Number 8 rested his cheek on his fist and lazily gazed at the enraged gem.

“Must we do this every time I have an appointment on one of your planets Tanzanite?” He said.

“You’ve gone too far this time. Attacking a base on the same planet as my diamond, attempt to assassinate two of my subordinate officers, decimating one of our most important research facilities, and insulting our military might by just running away from a fair fight with Sardonyx! I’ve had enough of your despicable actions against my dynasty! Get off your ship at these coordinates. You don’t deserve it, but I will take you in honorably.” Tanzanite threatened.

“Yeah I’m not doing that.”

Tanzanite chuffed.

“Then you’d rather I blast you and bring what shattered remains back to my planet?” She threatened.

“That isn’t happening either. I’ve made sure that this ship has a shield strong enough to take a blast from a diamond cruiser. Your ship doesn’t have a chance in hell to pierce it.” Number 8 stood up and walked over to the hologram, “Why do you always have to be the one gem who feels the need to chase me around. It’s pointless.”

“Have you not been listening to a single word I’ve just said?” She asked.

“Oh please this is no worse than that time I sabotaged one of your cruisers, or blown up a few of your injectors on P-04. But to make it up to your diamond, I make the other diamonds suffer as she does.”

“You act like that makes you a better person.”

“I’m never said I was a good person. But I’m good at what I do, and I’m going to make sure I can keep doing what I’m good at until I have what I need.” He stated.

“And what exactly is that?” She asked.

“I don’t have to explain why to you. Just understand that once I have what I need, things will change for everyone.”

“Well knowing that doesn’t make me want to stop tailing you.”

“You’re that obsessed with getting to me? At this point I’m starting to think you just like following me around instead of doing your job Ms. Commander.”

“My job is to keep my diamond and my people safe, and that can’t happen if you’re here prolonging this war for everyone.”

“You could at least let me do some damage to your enemies as a way of saying I’m sorry first.”

“I think I’ll be happy with you in a bubble.”

“Love to continue this conversation, but I have some important business to take care of on K-051.”

Tanzanite raised an eyebrow and smirked at him.

“Really? Well so do I?”

“Is it about me?”

“Not everything I do is about you.”

“Really feels that way.”

“Well maybe if we have a little spare time I can take care of you. Then you won’t have to worry about work ever again.”

“Sounds like a dream, but a really boring one. I’ll see you around.”

“Yes, you will.”

The transmission ended and the display vanished. Number 8 heaved a sigh and went back to his chair. He had a smirk on his face.

“At least she keeps things entertaining.” He thought to himself.

/**/

Deep inside the Pearl Sanctuary, within Black Pearl’s ship, she, Green Pearl, Akoya Pearl, and Champagne Pearl have all gathered around to discuss an event of great importance. They were all sitting in their own cushioned chairs sitting in a circle. They were waiting on someone to deliver them some information. The door opened up and in came a single pearl. She wore a set of shades with cadet blue rims and aqua lenses. Her sky blue hair was tied in a ponytail which was pressed down by her shades. A choker of alternating teal diamonds decorated her neck, contrasting with her midnight blue skin. Her cerulean shirt and shorts were decorated with dark blue and turquoise rings. She wore sky blue leggings and dark purple shoes.

“I have just finished contact with our informant. The auction will be held in three days.” She said.

“Great. Any information on the auction Night Blue Pearl?” Black Pearl asked.

“The first section will be for captured soldiers. The second section is weaponry. The final section is pleasure and slaves.” Night Blue Pearl explained.

“Meaning pearls.” Champagne said.

“Yes.” The blue pearl explained.

“Then we need to go now.” Green Pearl said.

“Three of us will go. Me, Green, and Night Blue.” Black Pearl said.

“Can’t I go too?” Akoya asked.

“We said that only three of us would come. Too many of us around and it might raise suspicion. We summoned you here to let you know that you will be assisting Champagne in our absence.” Green Pearl said, “The sanctuary must remain in order. We’re going on our most dangerous mission yet.”

“But if we are successful, we will free dozens of pearls from enslavement.” Champagne said.

Akoya had a determined look on her face.

“Alright, I’ll hold down the stronghold with Champagne.” She walked over to the blind gem and helped her up.

“Thank you.” Champagne said.

She looked in Black Pearl’s direction and smiled.

“Good luck.”

“We’ll need it.” Green Pearl said.

The two pearls exited the ship and then Night Blue Pearl leaped up to the pilot seat. The ship began to rumble as it levitated off of the ground. In a matter of seconds, the ship began to rip through the air, into one of the meteorite’s holes. It escaped the tunnel and began to shoot off to its destination.

“We should arrive a bit after our contact. From there we will obtain our safe house and we can begin to construct a plan.” Night Blue Pearl declared.

“Excellent. Now then...let’s get to work on our disguises.” Black Pearl declared.

Green Pearl looked over to her friend.

“What did you have in mind?”

“Hmm...I’d say this.”

A white light enveloped Black Pearl’s form for a brief second, completely transforming her outfit. Her hair changed from her natural form having a tapered cut on the sides and back with a big mound of curls on top curled towards her forehead. She wore a purple dress top that covered her breasts and abdomen, though her shoulders and back were exposed. Her hips and thighs were covered with a black cloth, and her legs were covered with spandex.

“I think this works best. A bit more fetching and it’s color coordinated for what we’re doing.”

Green Pearl eyed Black Pearl for a second, shrugged, and then transformed to have the same outfit, though her hair was let down past her shoulders rather than Black Pearl’s style.

“Looks nice on you too.” Black Pearl complimented.

“Whatever. The sooner I can change back to my normal outfit the better.” Green Pearl looked up to Night Blue Pearl, “Are you going to get changed soon?”

“I’ll look at your outfits and copy them before we land. I need to focus on getting us there. But that should only be about five or so more minutes.” Night Pearl responded.

“Great.” Green Pearl looked back to Black Pearl, “So who is this contact we’re meeting? A pearl on the inside?”

“No. My contact is a very old friend of mine. She’s on our most neutral side so I can still trust her.” Black Pearl said.

“Neutral side? You mean Purple Diamond’s court?”

“Yes. Don’t exactly agree with her methods, but the conditions she puts the pearls in are far more tolerable than what Black Diamond and Red Diamond are doing.”

“You know about Black Diamond first hand, don’t you?”

Black Pearl looked away.

“That was a mistake I shouldn’t have made.”

Green Pearl frowned.

“Sorry I didn’t mean to-”

“No it’s fine. We both know why I left, and why I went there. But it’s in the past, and I’m going to make sure no other pearls make the same mistake.” Black Pearl said.

“You mean we all are.”

Black Pearl nodded.

“I fought to make sure the status quo wouldn’t exist anymore long ago. And I will continue fighting until the dream my friends and I had is realized. It’s what he would’ve wanted.”

“He?”

Black Pearl frowned.

“Forget you heard that.”

“Alright.”

There was a beeping noise coming from the ship.

“Planet K-051’s check in is contacting us. Give me one second.” Night Blue Pearl said.

She opened the communications option and typed away at her keyboard, submitting a code in an alien text. She sent the text and it vanished into the aether. She waited for a few seconds and then received a cheery tone and a confirmation message. Night Blue Pearl smiled and jumped out of her seat and then bounded down to the others. She eyed Black Pearl and Green Pearl for a split second.

“Alright! We’re good to go. Just let me change…” A light enveloped her form and she wore the same outfit, though her shades were gone, revealing her ice blue eyes, and her hair was no longer bound in a ponytail, “...and now we can meet up with our informant!”

Their ship slowly ascended down towards the planet’s surface. The planet was bright red with patches of green. As they descended downwards towards a specific patch of green, they began to break through fluffy clouds and peered down at the intensely large continent. On the surface it was completely bare. Massive forests and vast fields of green as far as one could see, even thousands of feet in the air. As they sank downwards towards a field, a hidden gate opened up, revealing a bright metallic tunnel. The pearls’ ship was swallowed by the hole. They all looked around to see that the tunnel revealed multiple floors with ships of all kinds parked. Like a migrating bird, their ship automatically knew which direction to go in. It floated down to the lowest level of ships and parked itself between two spherical cruisers.

Black Pearl was the first to exit the ship, looking both ways to see if their escort was nearby. The other two followed, both were extremely cautious.

“It’s too quiet. You think we were set up?” Green Pearl asked.

“Absolutely not. The line I contacted our friend with was completely secure. And if Black Pearl is putting this much faith in this person, she’s clearly worthy of our trust.” Night Blue Pearl stated.

Black Pearl continued to scan the environment for her contact, but then saw someone come down through the lit complex. She smiled as she recognized who it was.

“I was beginning to get tired of waiting for you.” Her deep voice called out, “But I knew you wouldn’t pass on an opportunity like this. You’ve always been too headstrong to quit.”

Black Pearl beamed as she ran up to the large gem. The others followed and Black Pearl lept into the arms of her friend. Her giant friend embraced her in her strong arms.

“It’s great to see you Sardonyx!” Black Pearl exclaimed.

“Good to see you too little lady.” Sardonyx shot back.

The other two pearls looked on at the two gems with mild confusion.

“I knew you were good friends but this seems like much.” Green Pearl said.

The two rejoicing friends stopped and looked at the other pearls. Sardonyx let Black Pearl down and smiled down on the other two.

“So you’re her partners in crime? Glad to finally meet you!” Sardonyx said.

“Alright, very nice and all but we shouldn’t be talking like this here. There are most likely security cameras.” Night Blue Pearl brought up.

Sardonyx nodded.

“Right. Let's go somewhere a bit more busy. My associate is waiting for us at one of this city’s establishments. It’s human themed.” Sardonyx said.

The four of them began to walk out of the parking lot. Black Pearl had a smirk on her face.

“Human themed?” She asked.

“Yep. Gems around here are very interested in human culture, so they have establishments that replicate what humans used to do.” Sardonyx explained.

“Very interesting.” Night Blue Pearl added, “I wonder how accurate it all is. All documented footage of humans must be centuries old.”

“It’s pretty accurate. I’m speaking from experience.” Sardonyx said.

The group of gems made it to a glass elevator. The four squeezed inside and Sardonyx pressed a button labeled K-051c. The elevator began to sink down and pass through various levels of the Earth.

“The first two levels are basic needs. Security, authorities, and refueling. They keep an eye on everything that goes on at the main level. Luckily this is a neutral planet, so you three don’t have to worry too much about unfair persecution unless you stir up trouble.” Sardonyx said.

“But that’s why we’re here” Black Pearl added.

Sardonyx chuckled.

“I know, I know. Just make sure you start trouble when you really need to.”

They passed through the first two layers and began to descend down to the city. Despite being underground, it was massive and well lit. Street lamps of bizarre architecture lined the cobblestone streets and an artificial sun floated at the rock ceiling. Liquids of various psychedelic colors soared through the air, and the lapis lazuli’s that controlled them danced with them. Gems of all kinds from all factions littered the streets. The buildings were modeled like human stores, but the gem’s architectural style gave them all their own unique feel. In the center of the city was a giant fountain covered with all sorts of Earth and Alien fauna.

The pearls were in awe at the beauty of the city.

“Yep, I had about the same reaction when I came down here. Welcome to Orenan!” Sardonyx declared as their elevator finally stopped. The gems walked out into the bustling city. Sardonyx led the way through the thick crowd. Each pearl stayed close to her as they walked down the busy block.

“Don’t worry, it’s right here.” Sardonyx assured them.

They came upon a cube shaped, gray building. On it was a neon sign that read “Musician’s Hideaway”. The group went inside and were again blown away by the decor. It was filled with high quality chairs and booths. Tapestry’s of old human album covers littered the walls and the interior carpet was white and covered with musical notes. At the center stage there was an alien DJ booth where two gems were jamming as they played the establishment’s music. There was a bar with a back wall decorated in bottles of all kinds. Gems of all shapes and sizes celebrated here. Drinking human drinks of all kinds, be them alcoholic or not, tasting human food, reading about human music cultures, it was a paradise of foreign information.

Black Pearl looked on in awe at everything, even recognizing a few album covers on the walls while Sardonyx guided her and the other pearls to their table. They could see Sodalite already eating her share of fruits and vegetables while Tanzanite rolled her eyes. The four of them sat and began to talk.

In another part of the restaurant, White Topaz and Jet were looking at each other across from their table. At the bar, Fluorite and Crazy Horse were drinking themselves into a stupor, waiting for Obsidian to meet up with them.

Unbeknownst to all of patrons at the club, a dangerous threat was about to enter the restaurant. An agent of controlled chaos that was hunting his prey. Number 8 was walking through the crowded streets and towards Musician’s Hideaway.

#gemsona #gem oc #fic #Black Pearl #shattered kingdoms

4 notes · View notes

mariequitecontrarie · 7 years

Text

Beguiled

Summary: When Belle decides to woo Rumplestiltskin, Jefferson gives her pointers on how to be more alluring with interesting results. Rating: T | Word Count: 3863 A/N: Written for @a-monthly-rumbelling: “You have a lot of nerve saying ‘hello’ like nothing happened.” An early birthday present for the wonderful @still-searching47, who was excited about Dark Castle fluff with Jefferson in the mix. Happy Birthday, love!

{ON AO3}

“Try pushing your shoulders back more,” Jefferson suggested, tenting his fingers. “And lift your chin.”

Belle rolled her shoulders twice and stuck her chest out, pressing her book against her abdomen. “Like this?” she asked, sucking in a deep breath.

“Not quite.” He wasn’t even looking at her as he rose from the plush fireside chair to study the display cases lining the walls of the great hall. He sipped his tea with an ungracious slurp. “But you’re, ah, getting better.”

Belle snorted. “If that’s you feigning nonchalance, you’re a worse actor than I am, Jeff.”

“Fine,” he snapped, spinning on his heel. “I was trying to be kind, but if you’re going to take that attitude, I’ll give it to you straight: for the love of the gods, Belle, didn’t your nurse teach you anything about feminine wiles?”

“She taught me how to read and speak twelve languages,” she said tartly. “I was rather busy.” Her cheeks warmed with the implication that she was lacking.

Jefferson rolled his eyes. “Nobody likes a know-it-all, love.”

“Yes, well nobody likes a giant arse wearing a top hat either, but here you are!” Belle flung her long, chestnut curls over her shoulder, retreating to her chaise by the fire.

She slumped over her book in defeat, more annoyed at herself for her failure than she was with Jefferson. He was only trying to help, but she’d been peevish with him the moment he knocked on the door. She’d told him what happened with Rumple, and now he was brimming with pointers on how she could be more alluring.

Posing felt ridiculous and unnatural, like she was a set of wares on display, instead of a person. She didn’t know how to behave like the silly, simpering maidens in the village where she had grown up, pursing their lips and pushing their breasts together to entice and entertain. Content with her books, learning how to apply rouge and tighten her corsets until she couldn’t breathe were foolish lessons she had been happy to live without.

Attracting another person had never interested her—until she’d met Rumplestiltskin.

Oh, she knew she was pretty; she’d been told often enough. But beauty wasn’t as important to her as brains or bravery. Besides, all the beauty in the world couldn’t make up for her clumsiness; Belle had been awkward from the womb. For as long as she could remember, she’d been prone to dropping things, tripping over her own feet, and running into walls.

Since coming to the Dark Castle as Rumplestiltskin’s maid, her gracefulness hadn’t improved. She’d lost count of the times she’d let the kettle boil dry, over-steeped the tea, or burned the cakes. Last week, she’d dropped a candle on the floor while reading and set fire to the carpet that lined the great hall. The magical tome she’d filched from Rumple’s laboratory had narrowly escaped the flames. The priceless heirloom rug from Agrabah, on the other hand, hadn’t fared so well. Belle cast a guilty look toward the scorch marks at her feet.

For all his seductive words and smooth ways, her former fiancé Gaston hadn’t fooled her. He wanted her purely for her title and fortune—nobody liked a clumsy girl, he had said. When she spilled champagne on herself at their engagement party, he suggested that instead of reading books she balance them on her head. “A man needs a graceful, elegant wife, Belle. We wouldn’t want you to trip on your way down the aisle and embarrass yourself.”

When compared to a lifetime shackled to Gaston, the decision to be Rumplestiltskin’s price for saving her village was an easy one. The Dark One—the most fearsome being in the realm—had never teased her about her awkwardness. Not once had he scolded her for dropping a plate or breaking an expensive artifact. He even insisted on taking his tea out of the teacup she chipped on her first evening of work. Rumple was kind, thoughtful, sensitive. Or he had been, until she had spoiled everything.

“Come now, Belle,” Jefferson coaxed, rising from the settee. “I’m sorry. Let’s try again. And tug your bodice down…maybe half an inch?”

“No.” She tried to focus on her book one more, but tears burned her eyes and the words were a blurry mess. A fat tear dropped onto the page and she rubbed the stain with her finger. “He won’t be impressed that I’m prancing around with my breasts on display.”

“Balderdash. You haven’t seen the way he looks at you when you’re not paying attention. It’s as though you’ve hung the moon in the sky.”

“Then where is he?” She dabbed at her wet eyes with the starched corner of her apron. “Two days ago he disappeared without a word. No goodbye note, no mention of when he’s coming home. Nothing but a crimson poof of smoke!”

Jefferson frowned. “He’ll be back…eventually.”

xoxo

It was her own fault.

She’d driven him away by kissing him in front of the villagers. She had embarrassed him in public, and now he would never forgive her.

All because the townspeople refused to sell their goods to the Dark One’s harlot. Bread? No. Fruit? Go to the next shop, Miss. Spices? We’re all sold out!

Even the straw Rumple had requested was denied. They took one look at her, and their faces had gone white with fear. They sprinkled holy water, scattered herbs, and shuttered their shops. Every door was barred; every tent flap closed. One man with venomous eyes had even spit at her feet when she’d taken a wrong turn on the long walk back to the castle Two Days Earlier

“How is it you’ve returned without any of the supplies?” Rumplestiltskin didn’t look up from his spinning wheel when she entered the great hall. “I let you out of the monster’s lair to travel to town for some fresh air, to spend time in the company of normal people…is this is how you repay my lenience, Maid?” he asked in a teasing tone.

Belle set down the heavy basket of gold he’d given her to buy goods and dropped her cloak on the back of a chair with a sigh. “I tried to buy everything on the list. They wouldn’t help me.”

“What do you mean?” He stopped spinning, his amber eyes flaring to a dangerous bright yellow.

She twisted her fingers, hesitating. He’d been in a good mood a moment ago and the last thing she wanted was to anger him. “I’m sure it’s nothing. I’ll try again tomorrow.”

“Out with it!” he ordered, pointing a sharp nail in her direction.

“They think I’m your mistress,” she confessed, her cheeks flaming.

“Why…how dare they!” Rumple leapt to his feet, overturning his stool. His teeth were bared in a feral snarl. “I’ll turn them all into snails. Every. Last. One.”

Belle watched wide-eyed as he waved his hand; his dragon hide cloak materialized between his thumb and forefinger as he stomped toward the door.

“Well?” he barked, swinging the spiked garment over his shoulder. “Come along then. Time to teach some villagers a lesson in manners.”

“No! I can’t let you do this. Rumple, those people…they were afraid of me. Storming down there won’t solve anything.” Belle laid her hand on his forearm in an effort to calm him.

“I’ll give them something to fear all right,” he said, rubbing his fingers together as he often did when he was prepared to cast a spell. “Let’s go!”

She donned her cloak and hurried after him, hoping she could stop him before he transformed the entire population into slugs.

xoxo The Present

“Come on, Belle. It’s not like you to give up. Let’s do this without the book, maybe. And stand…here.” Jefferson pointed to a spot in front of the hearth and flexed his fingers, his knuckles cracking.

Belle groaned in complaint but acquiesced, taking her place by the fire. Jefferson stood behind her and rested his hands on her shoulders, pressing them down and back. “Relax,” he whispered, an edge of mocking in his tone. “Pretend I’m Rumple.”

She screwed her eyes shut, trying to imagine the warm body at her back being several inches shorter, wiry, and clad in leather, that the fingers kneading her neck muscles were long, clawed, and sparkling with gorgeous golden flesh. It was a challenge, to say the least. Jefferson wasn’t Rumplestiltskin; he was nice enough and they were friends, but having his hands on her felt all wrong. He didn’t cause her palms to sweat or set her blood on fire.

A hot tear leaked from her closed eyes, escaping down her cheek. She wanted Rumple, and even standing here with Jefferson touching her felt like a betrayal.

xoxo

Rumplestiltskin staggered, clawing against the stone wall for purchase, his breath coming in gasps. Seeing Belle in his oldest friend’s embrace made him want to raze a village, cast a curse, smash a castle to smithereens—anything to erase the image of his friend and the woman he loved entwined like lovers.

His eyes narrowed. Perhaps choking the life out of a certain milliner would suffice.

Despair settled in his gut as he watched Belle lean back against Jefferson, the traitor’s hands drifting down to frame her hips. Bastard. He would cut off his hands and display them, dripping with blood, on a pedestal in the great hall. He would shred every one of his infernal hats and make him watch…He would rip out his heart and crush it to dust with the heel of his boot. He would…

“Relax, Belle,” Jefferson muttered, squeezing her shoulders, and Rumplestiltskin nearly burst into the room like a wounded animal, howling at him to unhand his maid.

But that wasn’t an option.

He had to act natural, to pretend their trip to the village hadn’t meant anything. None of it mattered. Not the sweet glory of Belle’s lips against his, nor the silken feel of her hair against his cheek, nor the comfort of her arms clinging to his worthless neck.

Belle was within her rights to move on, even with his former friend. It wasn’t as though many people came to the castle to visit the likes of him; naturally, she was lonely and would seek companionship. That, and he had hidden away from her in his laboratory for two days, terrified to face her after acting like a complete fool.

He’d been through worse, though—recovered from Milah, triumphed over Cora, even survived allowing his only son to slip through a portal. Surely he could bear losing a slip of a girl with bright blue eyes and a dazzling smile. But no one had ever made his heart trip and tumble the way Belle did. His darling, absentminded bookworm who was forever burning dinner and forgetting the tea, who dusted with a cloth in one hand and a book with the other. Belle was the only person who spoke to him like he was a person, like he mattered.

xoxo

It was his own fault.

He had escorted Belle to the village, kissed her, and then fled like a child. He had embarrassed her in public, and now she would never forgive him. Two Days Earlier

Rumplestiltskin charged out the door and down the mountain in the direction of the village. Belle skipped and sashayed a few steps behind him, struggling to keep up. She tripped over a rock, and he caught her by the wrist before she pitched forward into the dirt.

“Thank you.” Belle slid her arm through his, cupping his elbow with the opposite hand.

She beamed at him, and he grunted in reply, his cheeks growing warm under her soft gaze. All he’d done was keep her from falling on her face.

They wound their way along the path to the village at the foot of the Black Mountains against the breeze, the tangy spring air blowing in their faces, arms looped together.

Once they reached the village, he escorted Belle to each shop and stand that had banned her, leveling threatening stares at the shopkeepers. The vendors’ hands shook as they served her, their brows damp with sweat, but not one of them rejected his money or refused to sell Belle anything she wanted. They eyed him warily, stammering their thanks each time she handed them a gleaming spool of pure gold.

When the gold was almost gone and the basket filled with food and supplies, Belle grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the bustling bakery. “Mmmm, do you smell that, Rumple? We should buy you some fresh rolls that aren’t blackened to a crisp. I’ll get better with the oven someday, I promise.”

“It’s no matter,” he assured her. She’d burned the bread every time she made it in the six months since she had come to live with him and it was of no consequence. He craved her company, not her service. “I don’t mind crunchy bread.”

“Crunchy. Ha! You’re kinder to me than I deserve,” she said, squeezing his hand.

He arched an eyebrow, thinking of the dungeon he’d cast her into when she’d first come to work for him. “You have a strange definition of kindness, Belle.”

“You have a strange definition of servitude,” she replied.

The aroma of the fresh loaves was tantalizing, though, and he and Belle purchased several kinds of bread. He smiled as she tried to balance them on top of the basket.

They turned to leave the shop just as a throng of children came running into the bakery, bouncing toward the display case like a litter of spring bunnies. A little towheaded girl with pigtails bumped into Belle, and she tumbled sideways, upsetting the contents of her basket. Bread, spices, books, and bolts of fabric went flying, as did Belle.

He caught her in his arms and their gazes locked. Smudges of flour decorated her cheeks, and he wiped them away with the pads of his thumbs. Belle’s eyes darkened, pupils blown wide, and Rumplestiltskin shivered. No woman had ever looked at him that way. Her hands slid up his chest and around his neck and she pressed her lips to his with a tiny moan that was his undoing. He crushed her against his chest with a groan and plundered her mouth, his tongue demanding her sweetness.

Through the roar of blood in his ears, he heard a throat clear and he released her mouth, his breath thready.

His lips tingled slightly from where they had been pressed against hers, and his tongue swiped at the lingering taste of her on his bottom lip. She was there, merely inches from his face, ready to be kissed again, and Rumplestiltskin felt the darkness recede in the presence of her light, the love he felt for her piercing through the blackness of his heart.

“Ahem.” There was a cough, and Rumplestiltskin turned toward the bakery case. Fifteen pairs of curious eyes were fixed on them, including the baker, and he looked back, his brain a hazy mess of confusion and desire.

“Mama,” a little girl whispered, tugging on her mother’s skirts. “Why is that monster kissing that lady?”

Belle giggled at the child, but he recoiled at her words, slumping his shoulders and backing away like the coward he was. He had lost control in front of a hoard of villagers, showing himself to be every inch the animal they’d claimed him to be. Horrified, he snapped his fingers and transported himself to his tower, leaving Belle alone in the crowded bakery.

xoxo

Present Day Rumplestiltskin sneered as Jefferson leaned down to whisper into Belle’s ear. He had no excuse for his bad behavior, but he was still the Dark One, and he wouldn’t play the fool in his own castle. He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned in the doorway. The Hatter would pay for this outrage.

“Hello,” he said quietly.

“Rumplestiltskin!” Belle stepped away from Jefferson, her eyes alight with an emotion he couldn’t quite place. “You’re home!”

“Good evening, Belle. Hatter.” He grunted at Jefferson’s broad back and pushed off the wall with a clenched fist. How dare he be so cavalier? “Belle didn’t tell me you were here for a visit.”

“I didn’t know you were home, or I would have,” Belle said evenly. “I…”

Jefferson whirled around to face him, his jaw hard and eyes stormy. “You have a lot of nerve saying ‘hello’ like nothing happened.”

“Jeff,” Belle swung pleading eyes in the Hatter’s direction. “Don’t—”

Rumplestiltskin held up a hand. “Let the ingrate speak, Belle. Do you have something to say to me, Hatter?”

Jefferson’s eyes flashed like lightning bolts. “How can you treat Belle so badly? She deserves better.”

“You are treading where few who have dared to tread survive.” Seething, Rumplestiltskin stalked toward Jefferson, conjuring a fireball in the center of his palm.

“Rumple, stop!” Belle begged. “What are you doing? Jefferson is our friend.”

“Friendship is a farce,” he said through clenched teeth, holding the fireball aloft.

The Hatter shrugged. “Threatening me with parlour tricks won’t change the facts. You don’t love Belle.”

He lowered his arm and blinked at Jefferson in confusion. Is that what Belle thought? “Who says I don’t love her?”

Jefferson eyed him askance. “When a man kisses a woman and disappears for two days, that’s the impression he leaves.”

So Jefferson knew all about his shameful showing in the village. Once a monster, always a monster, it seemed. And once again he was paying the price. Tears blurred his vision and he hurled the fireball toward the hearth, triggering an explosion of flames and thick black soot.

“Impressive.” Jefferson smirked, waving his hand in front of his face as the smoke cleared. “Rumple, there’s no need for all this drama. Just be good to her.”

“Or you will?” he countered nastily.

“You have the wrong idea, my friend.”

“Is that why you were pressed up against my maid in my castle in front of my fireplace?”

“I was trying to help.”

“Your help is not welcome.”

“Yes,” he said, his voice thick with sarcasm. “I could tell by the way you were handling—”

“Oh, both of you shut up!” Belle screamed.

Rumplestiltskin whipped around to see Belle standing on top of the table in the great hall, her hands on her hips, her face flushed, and her breasts heaving. She was annoyed. She was angry. She was magnificent.

“Belle…” He gulped. While he was arguing with Jefferson he had completely forgotten her presence, and from the way her eyes were snapping, she was not happy about it.

“If I wanted to be squabbled over as though I were not in the room like some ridiculous prize to be won, I would have remained in Avonlea and wed Gaston,” she said crisply, climbing down from the table. “Enough of this madness. Jefferson, would you please go? I need to talk to Rumplestiltskin. Alone.”

Jefferson tipped his hat and swept Belle a deep bow before slipping out the door.

Rumplestiltskin hung his head in shame, too miserable to even acknowledge Jefferson’s departure. He would apologize to Belle, and then he would leave so that she could pack her bags and plan her future.

“I’m sorry, Belle,” he said after the door closed behind the Hatter. “You’re free to go. To be with Jefferson or anything you want. I won’t…hold you here any longer.” He stole one last longing glance at her, memorizing her beloved features before drifting towards the door.

Her sweet face would be branded on his heart for as long as he lived.

xoxo

“Rumple, wait!”

He turned around slowly, and Belle watched myriad emotions rippled across his face. He did care for her. But he was afraid of his own shortcomings, just as she feared hers. She hurried across the room, then stopped when she was still a hands breadth away. She longed to be in his arms, but first she had to know.

“You don’t understand. Jefferson was trying to help me…um, be more, um, noticeable. That’s what we were doing when you saw us. Practicing.” Belle felt her cheeks heat with the admission.

“What?” He shook his head. “Belle, sweetheart, you don’t have to do anything to win me over. You’ve owned my soul since the moment I saw you in your father’s war room.”

She studied him, her throat thickening with tears at the endearment. He looked tired and scared, like a little boy who had gotten lost on a long journey. “Never mind that now. It was a foolish idea. Is what Jefferson said true? Do you love me?”

His eyes were wary and his throat bobbed. “I do.”

“Oh, Rumple!”

She launched herself at him, hurtling into his arms as she had at the bakery two days ago. Only this time, she fell on purpose. She peppered his cheeks, chin, and forehead with kisses, touching him everywhere she could reach. “I’m so sorry. I was never angry with you about the kiss; I thought you were angry with me for being so clumsy.”

“No, Belle,” he said, “I could never been angry with you. I love that you read and walk into walls. I love that you can’t make a decent pot of tea. I love that…” He shrugged. “I love you. And I’m sorry for running away. I thought that you…I’m a monster Belle. I always have been, I always will be.”

“You’re not a monster,” she chided. “Those people that looked at you like we were doing something wrong by kissing, by being happy, they are the monsters.”

He didn’t look convinced, but it didn’t matter. She had a lifetime to show him that she was right.

His stomach growled and she offered him a smile as she toyed with the soft curly hair at his neck. “You haven’t eaten anything in two days, have you? Would you like tea? Some of the bread we bought at that bakery? It’s probably stale now but maybe you could freshen it with a little magic. What would please you?”

“What would please me is to hear you say nothing more to Jefferson for the rest of the year,” he complained, tightening his grip on her waist.

She kissed his ear. “I’ve already told you, there’s no reason to be jealous. Jefferson is not lover material; he’s more like the brother I’ve never had.”

“Aye, a halfwit brother, dropped on his head when he was a babe.”

Belle laughed at his grumblings. “In any case, I don’t think he’s going to be a problem—at least for today,” she said.

“Good.” He sighed against her neck, then rubbed his nose into her curls.

“I’m going to kiss you now,” she teased, lacing her fingers behind his neck. “Will you promise me something before I do?”

He tilted his head, in that impish adorable way she adored. “I’m not very good at keeping promises. What do you want?”

“Promise me that when I kiss you, you won’t run away.”

“That I can do,” he said, lowering his head. “That I can do.”

###

#rumbelle #rumbelle fic #rumplestiltskin x belle #jefferson #a monthly rumbelling #dark castle rumbelle #beguiled #mqc writes

79 notes · View notes