Sweet Escape 1
Warnings: non/dubcon and other dark elements. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.
Summary: A strange man crashes into your life.
Characters: Jim Hopper
My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.
As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging.
Your soles crush the wet twigs as you keep your hand out for balance, slick leaves threatening to slip beneath you. You touch the rough bark of each tree as you make your way toward the loud ripple of the river. The smell of rain lingers and draws you in.
You crest the subtle rise in the forest floor and make your way down to the smooth rock that sits only a few feet away from the river's edge. You set down your basket and take out the beat-up casio and check the tape inside. You keep it at low volume as you hit play, Carole King's tone adds to the ambiance of the space, not overpowering or misplaced, but illuminating what is already there.
You near the water and peer down into the silty floor. Frogs hop in the shallows and minnows wiggle through the depths. You spread out your raincoat in the mud and sit atop it as you open your journal.
You put your head down and set to writing about a land of lost princesses and ravenous trolls. You're hoping for a half-chapter at least and expect to be up half the night typing it. One day, you'll have a full transcript... who knows if it will ever go anywhere after that.
You hum along to the speakers' buzz, the sonorous peace of the space breaking suddenly and violently. You hear the rustle from across the river, somewhere in the trees. You hover your pen above the page as you look up into the gloomy space between the leaning trunks. You never heard of any bears around here.
You cry out as the burly figure runs out and splashes into the water. You snap your book shut and drop your pen as you struggle to stand, stopping yourself only as you realise it isn't some deadly grizzly. It's a man, furiously unbuttoning his shirt and scrubbing at his chest and belly. He throws water over his face and snarls out "blech, damn bastard!"
The putrid skunky smell wafts over to you as you stare. The man grumbles, tilting his head as he searches the river's edge, "what is that noise?" He first squints at you and then the Casio. You blink at him dumbly, he must've got himself sprayed, the skunks always come out after the rains.
"Who are you?" He asks, almost as if he is the lone denizen of the woods. He sure looks like he could reside there with his scruffy facial hair unkempt tufts on his head.
"Um..." you gulp and give your name cluelessly.
"Uh," he seems to remember himself and pulls his flannel shirt shut, hiding the pudge beneath, "I, er, ran into a white-tailed bastard..." he growls and shakes his head at himself, "what am I saying, you don't give a shit. Do you give a shit?"
You look around, put off by his demeanour. You push your shoulders up and give a sheepish smile. You tuck your book under your arm and bend to grab your goat, shaking off the mud.
"I'm sorry," you go to the casio and stop the music, "try tomato juice. For the smell."
"Huh, thanks," he huffs, "didn't mean to scare ya off."
"It's... fine," you utter. You're not used to being disturbed out here, it's the very reason you make the trek.
"Just try to avoid the ravine. That little bugger was hanging out there," he calls to you as you put your things in your basket.
"Thanks, I'll keep an eye out," you mutter.
He doesn't respond, not with more than an agitated grunt and the slosh of him wading back to shore. He grumbles to himself as you set off back down the path. Maybe you could hit the library instead.
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ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ( ❀ ) ˙ ˖ modern!námo ⠀〳 reader⠀ ❜࿔
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ prologue
· ⊰ synopsis. your beloved friend irmo takes it upon himself to bring up an idea to help you unwind a bit. a new lifestyle: bdsm. and with a dom that he is certain you will be head over heels for. ( minors dni ៸៸ sexual content ៸៸ bdsm aspects ៸៸ dom/sub dynamics ៸៸ honestly just a romantic comedy with a bunch of smut )
· ⊰ note. finally got the prologue of this fic published. listen I am fully aware that this is excuding self-indulgence but come on. námo as a dom?? sign me up.
( ❀ ) ˙ ˖ masterlist | ao3
“Oh you don’t understand, he’s just so — !”
“horrible,’’
“and such a — !”
“misery.’’
“I was going to go for jerk, but I suppose that works.’’
“Oh, is that an upgrade from dunce?”
“Why do I feel as though you’re amused?”
Porcelain is placed down to reveal gloss lips curling at the corners. “You mistake me, my friend. It is merely amusing seeing you so worked up.’’ You cannot help but roll your eyes at his comment before waving your hand in a dismissive manner. “Well, I am so happy that you find amusement in my anger.’’
“Aww, are you puffing your cheeks out now?”
“Irmo!”
He relents with a hand held up in apology. “Yes, yes, I know. Forgive me.’’ He croons and his smile - frustratingly - is contagious enough to bring your pouting lips into one as well. You supposed that was the very purpose of this meeting. Irmo had a knack for whisking you away from either your studies or work and to this particular cafe in an effort to relax your poor little head. Then again, you weren’t so sure whether the aroma of caffeine eased your worries or served to remind you of your newfound addiction — but it was safe to say that Irmo himself was enough to raise your mood.
“You have to find light in such situations. At this rate you look as though you will fall over any minute, what with your —’’
“Yes, I am very aware of my tardiness but! I have an excuse! Classes are —” A new voice joins, one of melodic chirping before immediately dropping once its holder sets eyes upon you. “Oh dear, what happened to you? You look as though you’re two seconds from letting the ground gobble you up.’’ Violet hues shine with concern and the maiden of ebony tresses slides into the seat beside you - which you half wished to pull out beneath her for her former remark.
“Erulissë, thanks for the compliment.’’ You frown yet sigh with contentment as she cups your face in her soft hand and runs a thumb upon your lower eyelid. “How much sleep have you been getting?” “T’was my exact question, Lissë.’’ Irmo pipes up after another sip of his chai blend.
“Our dear friend resembles a racoon, does she not?”
“Hmm. A cute racoon, but a racoon no less.’’
“Very funny you two.’’ The smile on your lips dips back into a frown as the woman beside you orders her drink. “In fact, she was just complaining about Daeron a moment before you arrived.’’ “Daeron?’’ Erulissë spares a glance with her own frown. “Has he been worrying you again?” You couldn’t help but slump into your chair at her words — again.
“Yes, again.’’
“He seems to do that often. Are you sure working under him is even worth it anymore?” Exhaling at Erulissë’s point, you push yourself away from the backrest of the chair in favour leaning your elbows upon the polished wood of the table. “Surprisingly enough, he is the only Professor looking for an assistant at this stage. And an English one at that. I’d rather just stick it out and hope he refers me to the institution.’’
The two exchange a look before Irmo turns back to you with a softened countenance. “My friend, surely there must be another way?” “I hate to be the pessimist -’’ Erulissë flinches at her own words. “ - but how are you so sure he will even refer you? If he really is as bad as you make him out to be, how do you know he won’t simply leave you in the mud?”
Bracelet-adorned wrist bending to form a platform for your chin from your hand, you sigh. “Well, at the very least it’s a decent amount of work experiences.’’ “Yet not a decent amount of pay.’’ “That’s fine, the cafe covers the rest of the expenses.’’ Why was studying so expensive? You suppose the majority of students had the financial aid of their parents or guardians —
No, that was not an option.
“The cafe which you might just pass out in should you keep this up.’’ You cannot bring your gaze up to meet Irmo’s, for you knew that what he spoke was - frighteningly - not entirely false. If it wasn’t work, be it as Daeron’s assistant professor or a barista at this very cafe, then you were burying yourself nose-deep into literature extracts and linguistics notes in a desperate attempt to perfect your studying. Even if exams were a good few months away.
“Yes, yes. I am very aware of my lifestyle choices. Now stop giving me those judgemental eyes.’’ Wafting your hand with a jingle of your bracelet, your drink of choice finds its way to your lips once more. The last thing you wished was for this to turn into another therapy session — and with Irmo of all people, that was highly likely.
“It is the fact that you are aware of these habits that are concerning.’’ You release a muffled groan into the cup and cause a splurge of bubbles into your drink — all courtesy of Erulissë’s reprimanding statement.
“How about,’’ Irmo hums, breaking the silent stare between you and the woman with a brief clear of his throat. “We find something for you to do? To help you unwind and relax a bit.’’
You part your lips - “Working at the florist does not count as relaxing,’’ - you shut them again, pulling them into a small pout.
“I write.’’
“And we know you adore it, but is it really relaxing? What, with all those ‘requests’ you are always talking about.’’
“Hey, fanfic is fun. Sure it is a little taxing but. . .’’
It was evident that your two friends were beyond worried for you, yet you couldn’t help but feel an anxious swell within the pit of your stomach. As though they were silently judging you — despite knowing it couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Well, since the two of you are oh so well-versed in the art of relaxing,’’ you earn a titter from each. “What do you do to help relax when you’re not gorging yourself with work too, hmm?” Your tight-lipped smile was mostly directed at the head of gossamer hair before you, and so he smiles. “I paint, mind you. I also quite fancy gardening.’’ He turns to Erulissë, eager to prove a point. “And what about you, Lissë?”
She seemed to murmur something into her straw, something which you were unfortunate enough to catch. Choking at your drink, you immediately place your cup down and snap towards her with eyes teary and wide, momentarily ignoring Irmo’s confused expression.
“Did I hear right?”
“What? What did she say?”
“I said I get my back blown out,’’ she hums with a sheepish smile as she brings the crux of her finger to curl into one of her dark tresses. From the corner of your eye, you catch a grin tugging upon Irmo’s lips. He leans back into his seat with an approved chirp. “Actually, that is one of the more common ways to relieve stress. Why so surprised, my friend?” Your look of surprise leaves them both snickering.
“I just - I just didn’t expect it to be said so bluntly, is all.’’
“Oh come on,’’ Erulissë sighs, throwing her head back. “If I had to work days on end on cases and not get my back broken on weekends I’d surely be a walking mess.’’ An innocent smile breaks through and she cracks open an eye. “Much like you, Y/N.’’
You twist a face of playful offence and place a hand over your chest. “And what makes you think that I don’t hmm?”
No quicker than the words left your lips did you feel a sliver of embarrassment as violet eyes met lavender and the two burst into a short exchange of laughs. Your ears burn, knowing damn well that you had that coming and instead settle for sipping at your drink with a hushed whine and a small swat to Erulissë’s shoulder. “Yeah, yeah, very funny. Laugh at the virgin.’’
“Forgive us,’’ Irmo chuckles off the last bit of amusement yet tidbits of his smile still remain. “However, I would have to say that Lissë makes a good point.’’ Oh no. You knew where this was going. “Why not try that method of relaxing?” “You can’t just have sex with anyone, Irmo.’’ There’s a playful roll of his eyes. “Who said anything about needing anyone else? There is always. . .’’
Erulissë lets out a laugh at your flushed face and now it is her turn to deliver a small swat to Irmo’s arm. “Irmo, look at her. You’ll turn her beet-red at this point.’’ “You know, for a smut writer, you certainly do get flustered over this entire topic.’’ Once more their laughs flood your ears and you shoot them a glare, albeit weak faltering and half-playful. “Haha, real funny you too. You’re just full of jokes today, aren’t you?”
Once more the laughter dies down — yet the look in Irmo’s eyes did not. Your chest tightens. Eru, what was he up to now? You knew that look more than anyone. While Irmo appeared to be the more mature of you three, deep down, you knew he must have been insane. Perhaps you were looking too far into i —
“You know. . .”
There it is.
“I actually have a proposal for you.’’
You avoid his gaze, a nervous looking finding your own as the table suddenly looks most interesting.
“Uhuuhh. . .’’ is your cautious response.
“I actually know a guy who’s looking for a sub.’’
You didn’t need your drink to choke you this time, as it seems the air did the job for you. After your nerves ease from the abrupt shock of his words, you face him in an attempt to find even a fragment of jest in his expression — but you know Irmo well enough to decipher that he was far from joking with this.
“A sub?” You clear your throat. “What do you think this is, a fanfic?”
“I am serious, my friend.’’
“Absolutely not.’’
“Y/N!”
You shoo away his pouting countenance as your expression pulls into one of panic. “Are you even listening to yourself? Having sex with a stranger?” “He’s very experienced,’’ Irmo quips and now it is Erulissë’s turn to give him a look. You weren’t quite sure what it was, but she too did not seem displeased with the idea. “I think it would do you some good. People in that community take this sort of thing very seriously.’’ Violet hues soften as they meet yours and a gentle hand finds its way to yours.
“Besides, you need some sort of normality in your life -”
“Bdsm. You sure that relates to the mundane?”
“ - and having a dom around might help you unwind and place the responsibility in someone else’s hands.’’
You visibly flinch. The idea of placing such trust — responsibility, in someone else’s hands sounded daunting. Exciting, but daunting.
Lowering your gaze back into your cup, you take in your reflection. You see what they mean now. Your tired eyes, the dark circles. Perhaps you were more of a mess than you would like to admit — perhaps a little. . . release of responsibility would do you some good.
Hesitantly, you look upon the woman beside you who offers an assuring smile and then Irmo whose gentle countenance also awaited you.
Eru, was this really happening?
“Fine.’’
Your exhale is greeted with grins and a small rub against your shoulder. “There we go. I promise you won’t regret it.’’ Irmo’s reassurance brought a small relief to your otherwise tense muscles. “Mhhm! You’ll thank us later.’’ The wink Erulissë sends you surfaces a small flush to your face but you brush her off and lean back into your chair.
“I’m sure you’ll love him. He is quite caring when it comes down to it.’’ Irmo smiles.
“Handsome too.’’ Erulissë giggles. Ah, so she did know who he was talking about. “Definitely seems like your type of guy.’’ You almost wish to protest and ask how would she know the type of people you would be interested in — only to immediately derail the thought where it stands. She has read multitudes of your work and been on the listening end of your lovesick rambles for fictional men.
“I’ll trust you two.’’ Seeing as though your drink was finished, you push it forward on its little plate before piping up once more. “I must ask though, what makes you so sure that I’m a sub, huh?”
With a quirk of his brow, you can all but watch as Irmo lowers his line of vision and when you glance down you take notice of how he eyes your hands. Your long nails which you recently decorated with your favourite polish and a small jewelled stud here and there since you were feeling generous. The vala turns his head, in sync with Erulissë who you only just noticed was also looking upon your hands. Their eyes lock and it takes only a moment for you to catch their drift before you are clicking your tongue in reprimand and scowling at their choir of laughter once more.
“That means nothing!” You defend after subconsciously bringing your hands into your lap. Despite your flushed cheeks, for the umpteenth time, you cannot help the smile tugs onto your face as you watch their exchange of amusement. However, that look of endearment would melt away instantly as vibration met your thigh. Within the span of two seconds, you slip your phone out and peer at the lock screen.
The groan followed by the slump of your shoulders was enough of an indication for the two of them to put together the puzzle. Their grins and giggles turn into frowns and furrows as they watch you gather your belongings and rise to your feet.
“Work?” Irmo asks, despite knowing the answer damn well.
“Work,’’ you respond, feeling a small stab to your heart at Erulissë’s sigh. Nevertheless, the two present you with a sympathetic gleam.
“Try not to overdo it. You will certainly need all your energy for your new dom.’’ You clear your throat at Irmo’s words, as though you almost forgot the new arrangement. “Right, I assume you’ll get back to me on that, then?”
“Of course,’’ he assures with a brief wave of his hand. “I’ll let you know of his response. But I’m convinced he’ll simply adore you.’’
Heat rises to your cheeks but you bother not on scolding him for his teases, instead, you wave the two off and rush out of the cafe. Yet while the unpleasant image of Daeron’s critical face and slew of undeserved rebukes typically took up the majority of your thoughts — you couldn’t stop the one, wavering question at the back of your mind.
Just who was this man that Irmo was so adamant about?
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