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#thank you to everyone who suggested i should do this and gave me characters
jyoongim · 2 months
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A Deal With God
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Themes: fem!reader, Morningstar!reader, Angst, mention of character death, secrets, religious themeAlastor being Alastor, fluff, slight smut, deal-making,  soul possession, Lilith a shitty mother/wife/sister, established relationship, difficult family dynamic, there’s a trope in here I just don’t know what to call it?
Chapter 1
chapter 2
You had ordered Niffty that some rooms needed to be spruced up and took the liberty to tidy up the lobby yourself.
You hummed to the sound of the song playing on the radio as you neatly stacked whatever plans Charlie was coming up with in the night.
Charlie.
Your heart ached for the Princess.
After Lilith left, the Princess had founded a hotel to help redeem the souls of the damned.
You were unsure of her plan, but you could never deny her.
damn those puppy eyes.
So here you were, seven years later, helping your niece with her wild endeavor.
But you weren’t alone; 
“Aaahh just the doll I wanted to see!” A radio-like voice chirped.
Alastor.
You smiled in greeting to the lanky demon.
Alastor, the famed and fearsome Radio Demon.
You were a bit skeptical when he showed up at your door, but when he offered to help Charlie you took him in.
Who were you to say no to help? You needed the extra hands.
”Hello Al, did you need something?” The tall demon smiled down at you as he shook his head.
”Nooo just thought I would check in. How’s Charlie’s new plan along?” You laughed “ooh their a coming thats for sure” nodding towards the board she had made the other night.
An idea popped into your head “Why don’t you make a commercial Al ” He went to make a comment, but you interrupted him “A proper commercial. The sinners need to know the benefits of the hotel and that there is hope”
you waltz up to him, a soft smile on your as you batted your eyes at him ”pretty please?” You wrapped your arms around him, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
He hummed, seeming to mull over the thought, chuckling
”fine fine”
You grinned “Thank you”
He whistled as he walked out the room, you smiled after him, getting back to your task.
Your phone ringed and you answered without seeing who called. “Hello?”
A nervous laugh responded “Heeeyyy bitch”
Lucifer.
You rolled your eyes “Hello to you too Luci ”
He groaned at the nickname.
”Ugghh so hows things been….” He wanted something.
“Whaaaaat? N-Nothing what makes you think I want something?” 
he couldn’t see your face, but you were making a pointed face.
”Okay okay its just- hows-hows Charlie?” He asked.
You frowned “Charlie is fine, through it wouldn’t hurt if you came by and saw your daughter Luci”
You hadn’t forgave him for setting Charlie up to chat with Heaven months ago when he should have been the one to settle things between them.
Charlie might have a optimistic view of the world, but she lacked experience. You should have been the one to be at that meeting.
But nevertheless.
”I-I don’t know about that…” he trailed off. But you were quick to fix that avoidant nature of his.
”Come to the hotel. Come see what your daughter is trying to do. No one would take this seriously if the King doesn’t approve himself. If not that, just come see your daughter Luci, she needs more than just me around” you felt bad for guilting him but this had to be done.
Charlie was growing into an excellent leader, you were sure she would make a great queen one day.
”so you’ll be here tomorrow? Great see you then. And don’t forget…I can see you so don’t make me drag your ass here tata”
———————————————————————————————
Charlie had gathered everyone to the lobby to come up with ways to recruit sinners to the hotel.
 Charlie was nothing if a perfectionist and always took on more than she could chew.
”Hey babe maybe its time to use some of that royal privilege” Vaggie suggested, she gave a quick look in your direction, making Charlie shake her head feverishly
”no no no my auntie has already done so much! I can’t ask her to do anything else”
You smiled, but chimed in to support Vaggie “She’s right Charlie.” Your niece gawked at you.
You approached her, slipping a arm around her shoulder in comfort “Now I know it’s been rough and weird between you and your father buuuuuuut I took the liberty in inviting him here” she groaned “what? Noooooooo” you shushed her whining
“Now now you’ll get to show him that what you’ve been doing is good for the kingdom. That your heart’s in the right place. He’ll help I promise”
Charlie rested her head on your shoulder, groaning in defeat
”w-when will he be here?”
”Oh in a hour”
”WHAT?!”
———————————————————————————————-
“OH Charlie its so good to see you!” Lucifer exclaimed pulling his daughter into a tight hug.
You smiled, giggling as Charlie choked out a response to her father. You pulled him away from her, giving him a hug
”Nice to see you too Luci” the King blushed and looked around.
”sooooo this is what you two have been up to? It sure got some….character ” he said nervously.
“Well we had some help” you gestured to Alastor. Lucifer eyes narrowed slightly “uuuhhh hhhuuuhh suuurre and who might you be?” Alastor eye twitched before quickly shaking his hand “Alastor! Pleasure to meet you sir… I must say you are…much unimpressive than what I imagined” he mused, causing the man to deadpan.
You cleared your throat “Alastor here has been a tremendous help with the hotel. I don’t know what we would have done without him” you praised.
Lucifer growled as Alastor wrapped an arm around your waist pulling you into his side.
Alastor sneered at the monarch “Aaah yes what creative ladies I have here. I am HAPPY to fulfill any wish they desire” he grinned down at you, giving you a slight squeeze.
”hmmmm sister dear why don’t you show me around” he whacked Alastor’s hand with his cane and pulled your arm away from him with a tight smile.
Charlie and Alastor followed the two of you as you gave a quick briefing of the hotel, letting Charlie take over and show her dad around.
You sighed happily, it was nice to see Charlie interact with her dad. You hoped that he would see the big picture and offer her some guidance and support.
You leaned your head against Alastor’s shoulder, turning to return to the lobby
”Let’s leave those two to catch up shall we?”
He huffed but followed you anyway.
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“Well it is a very good plan b-but I don’t know Charlie” Lucifer sighed. Charlie’s face dropped. “Daaad this is the only way to prove to Heaven that sinners deserve a second chance”
Lucifer looked away from his daughter “Charlie you don’t understand-” she huffed,frustrated “what don’t I understand?  That my own father don’t believe in me? If Auntie can why can’t you?” She was holding back tears.
You were on the fence at first too, but you were willing to help her out. You supported her crazy ideas and even encouraged that she gave it her all. 
Yes it might have been far fetched,  but you believed that Charlie could do what Lucifer could not.
”Heaven wont listen to you Charlie! They didn’t listen to me. What makes you think you can change their minds?” 
You knew it was a tough question.
Charlie didn’t know the hardship of how Heaven operated.
How much Lucifer had spent centuries trying to convince them that humanity was capable of doing amazing things.
Hell, if sinners had mortal souls why couldn’t they change after death?
But you knew. Heaven was convinced that the rules were black and white. Hell was made to punish the most severe sinners.
of course this is flawed for several reasons
Hell was a punishment to all who fell.
Lucifer knew this.
But why couldn’t things change?
Charlie turned to you, a look of frustration and sadness on her face. You intervened. “Luci just one meeting. One meeting with Heaven so Charlie can at least try. I know you can’t see that things could change, but think about the possibility. Why should a sinner be damned if there’s a second chance? Heaven shouldn’t be able to decide what a person’s soul is capable of”
Lucifer sighed.
You always had a way of making him see possibilities in things.
If you believed in Charlie, then that must have meant…
”what are the odds in this succeeding” he asked you
You blinked. 
You knew what he was asking.
Your sight of everything was always nearly right.
”Theres a few bumps to sort out, but it’ll be fine” you said.
he grimaced.
”Ill even go to Heaven with her” you offered.
Charlie was going to need all the backup she needed up there.
Angels could be a piece of work.
Lucifer sighed, before turning to his daughter “Fine. One meeting-” Charlie launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around his small frame and she jumped around
”thank you thank you thank you!”
He smiled, returning her hug.
Charlie ran off to find Vaggie and tell her while you watched Lucifer.
”It wont stop anything” he said as you ushered him into the office.
You hummed, pouring a cup of tea as you looked out the window into the city on the horizon.
”You don’t know that” you whispered.
Silence filled the air between the two of you.
”H-have you…you know” he started to say nervously
You turned to him, seeing him fiddle with his wedding ring.
Your stomach curled.
”what” you growled out unintentionally 
he swallowed “Have you seen Lilith?”
You stilled. Your wrist burned in warning
promise me
”I can’t tell you that” you said curtly.
Lucifer glared at you “you’ve been saying that for years!”
”and you always get the same response” you said back
He stood up and angrily approached you.
”Have you no shame? I know you. You can’t lie to me!” He was starting to raise his voice
”Luci calm dow-” 
“NO! You can see everything! Everything and everyone! so tell me sister have you seen my wife…have you seen Lilith?!”
he was grabbing your arms, shaking.
You hated the look of despair on his face, hoping that you would at least tell him something.
But your wrist burned at his question, and your anger of being put in such a predicament got the better of you.
You hissed at him “No.” you held his glare, before he sighed letting you go. He ran a hand through his hair, backing away from you “Im sorry i-i didn’t mean that”
You clicked your tongue at him sighing
”Oh Luci…” you cupped his cheek, you couldn’t tell him where she was, no Lilith made sure of that,but you could show what you’ve seen.
Lucifer’s eyes widened as flashes of his wife appeared in his mind. He didn’t know where she was,but she seemed…happy.
”I know you worry about Charlie but I will never let anything happen to her. Heaven can act all high and mighty, but surely someone up there will see reason” you said to him, breaking him out of his trance.
He shook his head slightly, giving you a soft smile, nodding.
“Sooooo you and that bellhop…” he wiggled his eyebrows at you teasingly. You tensed, looking away embarrassed. He laughed “Oh? Shy? Not you” you glared at him, folding your arms across your chest in defense “w-what? Theres nothing wrong with me trying to pursue someone” you grumbled. Lucifer smiled. It was cute at how flush you were. 
You were always the serious one.
Never really doing things for yourself.
You always held duty and responsibility above all things.
So seeing you blush over some tacky, old times fuck  guy was refreshing.
So he teased “Oooh no the Queen can do anything or anyone she likes”
You growled at him, making him laugh harder as he gave you a hug and bid you goodbye as he teleported, leaving you with your thoughts.
“Well that was interesting” you whipped around to see Alastor walking from the shadows.
You laughed nervously, “Alastor! I didn’t hear you come in…how muuuch of that did you hear?”
He smiled down at you, tilting his head “ooooh nothing I wont repeat my dear” he tapped your nose.
He rested a hand on your lower back to escort you to your room like a proper gentleman.
He kissed you goodnight before venturing off to his radio tower. He had to organize some of his thoughts.
Alastor knew you were powerful he admits only that! but he hadn’t expected you to be the Queen of Hell itself.
Yes you were the Princess’s aunt but he just chalked it up to you just having power by blood alone.
The Queen of Hell….hmph. 
Pride swelled in his chest at the thought as well as a wicked smile graced his lips His darling was one of the most powerful in all of Hell that gave him a power trip and a lingering thought
How the fuck were you the Queen? 
Just how powerful were you?
And one last thought before he turned on his broadcast
How could he use that power you wielded?
@dasimp777 @projectdreamwalker @fairyv-ice @stygianoir @k1y0yo @thewinchestah @imgonnadielaughing-blog @purplecatsandhearts @blinderthanabats-blog @saphiresai @th3-st4r-gur1 @evedenn @queenariesofnarnia @yoitsnetto @alastor-simp @alastorsaries @alastwhore666 @alastorsdear @peachedtv
@tpks @siiv3r @markster666 @okay-babe @strawberrypimp666 @coleisyn @simphornies @lunaramune @alastorsdarling @prosciuttosblog @ioniiaa @fizzled-phoenix @horrorartsworld @polytheatrix @dennsfz @yourdoorisunlocked @stawberrypimpsimp @alishii @alleystore @preciousbabypeter @yunimimii @peachedtvs @karolinda007-blog @chewbrry @aviradasa
comment below so i can see if I’m missing anyone who wants to be tagged…ALSO each chapter is linked to the last and next…
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misc-obeyme · 4 months
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I tried to resist. (I didn't try at all.)
Instead I got carried away and wrote this.
*drops the Satan cat collar smut and runs*
(Special thanks to everyone who gave me some input on this idea. I'm still rusty with writing at the moment, so I apologize if it's terrible. I'm considering writing an alternate version involving some pegging... so let me know if you wanna see that lol.)
Okay, you can read the alternate version here.
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GN!MC x Satan
NSFW MDNI
Warnings: soft dom!MC, cat collar with bell and cat ears, praising, use of Tantan as a nickname (because I love it lol), lil bit of biting, penetration (reader receiving), please let me know if I've forgotten something
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It might be difficult to tell from an outside perspective, but you knew that Satan was soft for you. The way he trusted you entirely with his feelings, even his anger, let you know that he was perhaps more comfortable with you than anyone else.
So it wasn't entirely a surprise when you started to pick up on some little hints of something he didn't seem to have worked up the courage to ask you directly.
You weren't sure what was happening right away. It started one day when he showed you a collection of cat collars that were for sale online. He scrolled through the pictures on his phone, finally stopping on one with a little bell.
"This one is especially cute, don't you think?" he asked.
You smiled indulgently. "Yeah it is. Are you going to get it for one of the strays in the garden?"
Satan blinked as if he was surprised by this suggestion. He looked at you and the confusion in his eyes was clear. Then you watched as a deep blush spread across his face. "R-right," he said. "Yes."
He immediately changed the subject, but you couldn't stop thinking about his reaction. Like maybe the two of you had been talking about different things.
You puzzled over this for a little while, a suspicion starting to form in the back of your mind.
Confirmation came in the form of a cosplay catalog that Levi left in the common room. The cover featured an anime character wearing cat ears and a collar.
Satan picked up the catalog and you could tell that he had known it was there. "Levi must have left this here," he said. He showed it to you. "Wh-what do you think?"
You looked at the cover. "Hmm," you said. "I like the cat ears. The collar should have a bell, though."
You watched in satisfaction as Satan's face flushed so hard and fast you thought steam might come out of his ears.
After that, you knew what you had to do.
You were careful about your purchase. You made sure it was obtained discreetly.
The collar itself was thick and black with a large silver buckle and a round silver bell. You had chosen black cat ears to match. You left them on Satan's bed with a note that said, Is this what you had in mind? MC.
And then you waited.
The next time you saw Satan was at breakfast. He sat across the table from you and met your eyes directly. He held your gaze for a moment too long before looking away. Nobody else seemed to notice and he acted completely normal the rest of the day.
You had no other indication of his reaction to your gift. For days, you waited for him to do something or say something. Was he upset? He wasn't acting angry.
And then one day you walked into your room and nearly died on the spot. As soon as you recovered, you closed the door and made sure it was locked. And that's when you remembered that everyone else was out of the house today. Was that what Satan had been waiting for?
You turned back to your bed to take in the sight of him.
There he sat, on his knees, with his hands pressed onto the bed between them. The collar was clasped perfectly around his neck, the bell and buckle shining. The cat ears were nestled in his hair, their black tufts a nice contrast to his bright blond. He was frowning, his eyes were closed, his face flushed, and he wore absolutely nothing else.
You slowly approached him, watching him as he stayed still. When you got to the edge of the bed, you stopped. You cupped his cheek, tilting his head to look up at you, even though his eyes stayed closed.
"Look at you," you said softly. "What a beautiful boy you are."
Satan's blush deepened, but he opened his eyes. You saw desire and pleasure and nervousness and embarrassment tumbling through the shades of green.
You brought up your other hand and held his face. "Don't be embarrassed. You look amazing."
The frown eased just a little. "I didn't think you would actually want to do this."
Your eyes widened in surprise. "What? Why would you think that?"
Satan looked away from you. "It doesn't… make you uncomfortable?"
You rested your hands on his shoulders and kissed his forehead. "No. It makes me horny as fuck. And I can see what it's doing to you, too."
You looked down deliberately where Satan's cock had been steadily growing as soon as you got close.
Satan buried his face in his hands, causing the bell around his neck to jingle slightly.
"No, no, no," you said softly, pulling his hands away. He opened his mouth like he was going to protest, but you cut him off with a kiss.
Satan responded to you instantly, opening his mouth for you. As your tongues entwined, you let go of one of his wrists to reach up and grab the collar. You used it to pull his head back, giving you easier access to his mouth as his hand now tugged on the edge of your shirt.
You pulled away to kiss the wrist of the hand you still held, trailing your lips down his arm and up his shoulder. He was breathing heavily as you traced your tongue along the edge of skin where the collar stopped, ringing the bell playfully with your fingers.
Satan moaned, his tugs on your shirt feeble but persistent.
You gave in, moving away from him to remove the shirt quickly, along with all the rest of your clothes. He waited patiently, mouth open, skin flushed, cock straining.
You sat beside him on the bed, putting two fingers beneath the collar to pull him toward you. He moved easily with your guidance, the bell tinkling ever so softly as you caught his swollen lips with yours again.
You ran a teasing finger along the shaft of his cock and it came away covered in pre-cum. Satan whined against your lips and the sound of it sent a shiver through your body.
You pulled away just a little bit. "Use your words, Tantan. Or would you rather meow for me?"
Satan shuddered and the bell tinkled. "Please, MC," he said, his voice low and gruff. It seemed he wasn't quite comfortable enough to meow and his eyes were closed again, his face turned slightly away.
"Look at me," you said.
Obediently, Satan opened his eyes and looked at you. He might have been frowning if he wasn't so overcome with lust in that moment. You took in the darkness of his eyes, the heat clearly visible on his skin, the expression that vacillated between need and embarrassment.
You realized you could tease him for hours if you really wanted to. You also knew that he would let you. Something about the way he was looking at you let you know that he was trusting you entirely. That he was putting himself in your hands, letting you do whatever you wanted to with him.
Certainly, part of this had been previously discussed. The two of you had an established routine, after all. But he was entrusting you with more than he normally did and you recognized that extra vulnerability.
The light of your room hit the silver of the bell around his neck. You took in the collar, the ears. Maybe next time, you could get him to meow for you.
For now, though, you wanted nothing more than to hear that bell chime with every thrust.
You leaned forward, running your fingertips down his cheek. "You're such a good boy," you said, loving the way he seemed to melt whenever you praised him.
You took hold of his collar again, this time pulling him with you as you lay back on your bed. You had considered other positions, but you wanted to see that bell as it sounded through the room.
Satan moved where you guided him, but when you let go of the collar, he no longer waited for your direction. He put his lips on your neck, his hands on your hips, and you could feel the tip of his cock pressing gently against you.
Satan hesitated, pulling up to look into your eyes. It was as though he caught himself being too eager and now he needed your confirmation.
You smirked. "Go ahead. You've earned it."
Satan didn't wait for anything else and he sank his cock into your heat. You arched as sensation filled you, your eyes fixed on the brightness of the bell around his neck.
To your great satisfaction, that bell did indeed jingle with every thrust, louder than it had from anything else. The sound mingled with your own moans as you gripped Satan's arms. He was rumbling deeply, seemingly okay with purring if not meowing.
Satan didn't seem to notice anything other than what he was feeling inside you, but he couldn't hold back from nipping at your skin. You gasped every time his teeth pierced you, a little zing of pain to go with your overwhelming pleasure.
"S-Satan," you moaned out, feeling yourself getting close, the tension rising.
Satan seemed to understand what you needed. He reached between your bodies so he could stimulate you further with his hand. You gasped and your hips rose up into him.
You reached up to grab the collar, wanting to hold onto it as your entire body tensed hard, the brightness shattering behind your eyes as you cried out Satan's name, the bell continuing to tinkle merrily through it all.
Satan strained hard against the collar, but you still had it in your grip. You felt the warmth of his cum filling you and your fingers slipped away as you collapsed back against the bed.
Satan looked at you, a question in his eyes. The cat ears were still on his head, but they were askew, poking oddly out of his blond hair.
You reached up to fix them. "Promise me you'll wear these again."
Satan let out a huff, frowning. "I couldn't refuse you even if I wanted to."
You smirked. "Good thing you don't want to, then."
Perhaps next time, you would bring a little leash, too. You were curious about how he would react to such an addition. Although he seemed unlikely to do this again when his brothers were around, so you might have to wait. You caught yourself kind of hoping one of his brothers would come home just to hear the consistent jingling of the bell on Satan's cat collar.
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masterlist | Thank you for reading!
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IVORY GRANITE
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Disclaimer: I do not own Maliksi, or Makisig (the Tamawo bros). Full Credit goes to HC - @ask-emilz-de-philz. Please check out their blog for amazing art and the wonderful world of Planet Puto.. All involved characters are adults. This might or might not be a self insert, please don't come for me. TW: Suggestive, Slight NSFW
Unlike the other binibinis that arrived, Maliksi tolerated your presence. Not that he sees you as someone special amongst the women who are there to be a potential surrogate for their kind, but rather your calm and composed attitude is refreshing to see. You did not mindlessly fawn over his brother, Makisig or any other Tamawo like a half-wit human who's a slave to their worldly desires. You just kept patient and let Makisig tend to the other ladies first- you are not in a rush afterall since time flows differently in Biringan City. You spent your first week roaming around, exploring, relaxing, and to Maliksi's amuzement- just enjoying being there. "Hey, not gonna throw a tantrum like the other gal earlier? My Kuya's comforting his... 5th binibini for today." Maliksi asked nonchalantly, a lollipop stuffed in his cheek as he plays video games in the living room, sulking since his older brother is too busy giving attention to the ladies instead of spending time with him. "Nope, I've been fully informed of everyone's set up here, thanks for asking though." You softly chuckled before taking note of how bored and irritated Maliksi looks. "Need a player 2?" He reluctantly throws one controller at you, which you were able to catch. "Tch. Make sure you don't suck or I'm taking that back." That single interaction was the start of an unlikely acquaintanceship between the two. Maliksi never liked humans, but this one- this small, soft, and friendly human is kinda tolerable to be around with, not that he will admit it. You were always easy to talk to, you were always soft and kind to him, despite him being not so friendly most of the time. You were able to sense if he's been having an extra difficult day, not getting angry when he's too snarky and sharp with his words. Of course those words don't just go unnoticed, it's still annoying to be honest. That is why he stopped dead in his tracks, eyes wide open the first time he heard you talk back to his sarcasm and rude remarks. "Say that again." Maliksi gritted his teeth. He was having a bad day after some binibini started acting up that his Kuya Makisig needed to cancel their video game night for the third time this week. He knows he's being rude to you but he's too prideful to take it back. "I said, you're a jerk for being all snarky and mean to me when I didn't do anything wrong to you!" You slightly raise your voice, brows furrowed in annoyance. You could've stopped there, but you were just mad at how unfair he is, using you as someone he can just talk down to whenever he's having a bad day. "This is why the other ladies mess with you purposely every chance they get! Your Kuya must've been tired of hearing them rant about your trashy attitude all day long. Maybe I should-" "Should what? Do the same as the others? Act like a goddamn brat?" Maliksi scoffed. "My Kuya doesn't do anything about brats...but I do." Maliksi coldly said, looking at you dead in the eye.
"Do what? Think I'm scared of you, Maliksi? I think you're all bark and no bite! Just a little spoiled brother waiting for his kuya to give him love and attention -" Before you knew it, Maliksi was already dragging you into his own room, bending you over his lap before lifting the hem of your dress up, slapping one of his hands on your behind, staining your skin red with his handprint. 
"Count." Maliksi said in a cold tone.You let out a soft yelp as his palms made contact with your backside once again.
"M- Maliksi." You softly whined, biting your lips from the slight pain. "Oh, not too happy to be disciplined, huh? I said f*cking count, brat!" he said as he gave you another slap. "Three.." You softly said, tears slowly forming in your eyes and you're not sure if it's from the sting from where his palms made contact on your behind, or from the humiliation of being disciplined like this. "I can't hear you, missy." "Four.." "Five.." He didn't stop until you were sobbing, saying your apologies for yelling at him in between sniffles.
"How many was that, Y/n?" He softly said, his tone gentle as he rubs his hand soothingly on your red stained skin. "T..Ten."
"That's right. Have you learned your lesson? You're not gonna give me attitude now, yes?" You slowly nodded.. "That's my y/n. Now be a good girl and let my fingers and tongue apologize for being rude to you earlier." 
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thewalkingwillowtree · 9 months
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Safe Haven
Series Part Listing Found Here
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Neteyam x Original Na'vi Female Character
Summery: Seeking refuge, Xilä and her father venture to the lands of the Omatikaya clan, in the hopes that the Toruk Makto would be generous in allowing them to stay. This is her story about not only finding her strength, but finding love. 
Warning: This story contains smut, violence & abuse (please don't read if these topics will affect you)
Some characters have been aged up. Neteyam in particular is 23.
Xilä is my own creation.
~
Part 8 - Misunderstandings
Although Salveen and Jxo’s tent was relatively small, ever since Xilä had moved in, it had quickly become a social hub- much to the elder’s delight.
Salveen loved to entertain guests. So whenever the Sully siblings, Spider and any of their other friends came by to visit Xi, Salveen was always happy to whip up something tasty for them. 
The kids- as Salveen liked to call them, although all adults now, with the exception of Tuk, had started a weekly game night involving a combination of human and Na’vi games- resulting in a fun but boisterous atmosphere, especially when things turned competitive. 
Neteyam had learned early on that Xilä was quite competitive herself. He enjoyed sitting back and observing her taunting words towards her opponents, the excited glint in her eyes when she was about to win, her banter with his brother and Spider when things got heated, the little dance and handshake she and Kiri would do whenever they’d beaten the guys. 
She was a sight to behold and it was always difficult to look away. 
Tonight however, the first thing he noticed was that she seemed different. She was quiet. Reserved. Almost as if in a daze. 
Neteyam had arrived late and smack dab in the middle of a heated game between Lo’ak, Spider, Kiri and three other guys they usually hung out with. They were all seated around the rounded table in the centre of the tent, talking loudly and animatedly to each other. 
“You’re such a cheat monkey boy! I saw you hide something under your butt!”
“Oh yeah?” Spider taunted. “Come see for yourself then,” he said suggestively. 
“Don’t be gross man, that’s my sister,” Lo’ak grumbled over a mouthful of whatever treat Salveen had prepared that night. “Xi, are you sure you don’t want to get in on this rou- Tuk, would you let the girl breathe already?! She hasn’t even gotten a turn yet!”
Tuk, who was seated in Xilä’s lap, spat out her tongue at him. “We’re having girl talk Lo’ak!” 
Kiri snorted. “Tuk do you even know what girl talk is?” 
“Of course I do. It’s when girls talk. Duhhhh,” she sassed with an eyeroll before turning back to Xilä to continue to say whatever she was before. 
“See this is why I say we should leave her at home,” Lo’ak complained, “but noooo, because mom says if she wants to go, we have to bring her along.” 
“Neteyam, hey man,” W’aote said, being the first one to spot him arrive. “Sub in for me this round will you? I’ve got to piss,” he requested, standing and leaving before Neteyam could even respond. 
Neteyam sat in his spot, greeting everyone as he did. He looked over to where Xilä and Tuk were seated on the other side of the table with an expectant stare, waiting for her to acknowledge him..….but she didn’t. 
Clearing his throat he asked, “ Where’s Salveen and Jxo at?” 
“D’avi’s,” they all replied simultaneously with the exception of Xilä.
“Xi, do you want to play this round?” he called out with a grin, but it soon dropped and his ears fell backwards when all she gave him was a polite smile and a quiet, “no thank you.” 
Throughout the night it became abundantly clear Xilä was avoiding him and he fucking hated it. She still smiled and laughed and participated in a few of the games, but he knew her so well by now, he could tell something was wrong. 
She was not herself….she was not herself with him specifically. Her smile never met her eyes when they fell on him, it was almost as if she was forcing herself to be around him. 
Later into the night, when he finally got paired with her for a team game, she kept her head tilted so that her hair cut off his view of her face. His jaw clenched and he ground his teeth in irritation and his desperation to find out what caused this sudden change, intensified. 
They had no privacy being in a room full of his siblings and friends. A few times he asked her under his breath if she was okay, and each time she’d smile and say she was fine.
It was a fucking lie of course. He was fighting a powerful need to toss her over his shoulder, march them out of there and make her tell him the truth. 
Neteyam was so focused on Xilä, and trying to figure out what had happened in the few hours he had left her alone, he was oblivious to his brother’s concerned glances. 
Lo’ak seemed to be the only one to pick up that something was off between the two. He didn’t comment on it of course, but decided to keep the others distracted and unaware of the strained tension emitting from them. 
During their final game, Xi was the first to lose. Feigning a headache, she stood and bid everyone goodnight before making an escape to her room. 
Neteyam cursed under his breath when Kiri stopped him from trying to covertly sneak after her- announcing to everyone, it was his turn to play.  
By the time the night was truly well and over, he stayed behind when everyone had packed up and left. Making his way into her room, he stooped and flicked on her lamp, ensuring it stayed dim. She was snuggled under a thick pelt, fast asleep. 
Refusing to leave her just yet he laid on his side, propped up on his right arm as he stared down at her serene face. He frowned while he traced her features with the pad of a finger- noticing the slight puffiness under her eyes for the first time. 
Had she been crying?
His feather light touch smoothed over her baby soft skin, her little twitching nose and those fucking kissable lips. He needed her to wake up already so he could see her eyes. He felt like he hadn’t seen them properly all night. 
What was he missing? Why wouldn’t she look at him? Why wouldn't she talk to him?
Giving up trying to figure it out, he kissed her forehead and gently pulled her into his arms. She murmured incoherently when he moved her, then snuggled into him unknowingly as she settled against his chest and slept on. 
He only wanted to hold her for a little while. 
~
When Neteyam awoke in his own bed the following morning, he felt like the universe was out to get him. 
He had one goal and that was to get to Xi’s tent first thing, but no he could not....because his father woke him at the crack of dawn to inform him that he had to leave to attend to a situation.
This meant Neteyam needed to step in for him to conduct an evaluation on one of the warrior units- which was scheduled first thing. 
Neteyam was irritable and cranky. He was snapping at everyone as he tried to get himself ready for the day. It truly seemed like his family members were all purposely trying to piss him off. 
He felt horrible after because he had even made poor Tuk cry by yelling at her when he noticed she had painted flowers on the handle of his lucky dagger- thus ensuing an earful from his irate mother. 
“Get out!” Neytiri hissed through clenched teeth after her long angry berating. She had had enough of his bad attitude. “What is with you today? This is not like you Neteyam! Your mood has been like this all morning! Fix it or don’t come home.” 
“Bro. Bro!” Lo’ak called out, jogging to catch up to him when he stormed out. 
Neteyam made his way through Home Camp while adjusting the jewellery and comm device he had put on badly in haste. He blew out a breath, strapping a visor to his forehead. “Leave it Lo’ak. I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Fine,” he said with a condescending grin. “I just thought in case you hadn't realized, and to reiterate what mom said...but you’ve been a massive dick.” 
Silence greeted Lo’ak as he continued to keep pace with his seething brother who was now fiddling with the strap of his riding satchel.  
“Is this about you and Xilä?” Lo’ak asked, going the direct route.
That had Neteyam halting and turning to stare at his brother suspiciously. “Why would you ask that?”
“A hunch?” Neteyam didn’t look like he believed him, so he went for the truth instead. “Look, I don’t know if you guys see yourselves, but usually you’re all….touchy and flirty. You two can’t keep your hands to yourselves, at all,” he said with a grossed out face. “You’re both completely oblivious to the sexual tension you create.” 
Neteyam swallowed. He honestly didn’t care at this point who saw them together. “So?” he said.
“So, I noticed she was all weird around you last night, okay? When you came in, she didn’t even glance your way…if anything, she looked tense. Normally Xi can’t wait to plaster herself to your side, and then you get this stupid goofy look on your face.” 
Neteyam’s ears lowered and a lodge formed in his throat. “.....I thought I was being crazy. It was weird, she was different- distant. I tried talking to her but all she did was fucking smile and say everything was fine!” 
“Are you going to go find her now?”
“I fucking wish,” he sighed, “I’m due to conduct an evaluation right now. Dad asked me to step in for him since he’s off dealing with some situation or the other...I’m already late and she’s all the way on the other side of Camp. I’ll have to find her after.” 
“Do you know what you did?” 
Neteyam rubbed the space between his eyebrows as if in pain, without response. That was all he thought about all night. He had no clue what he could’ve possibly done. 
So why was his idiot brother so adamant that he did something? 
“Not that I know of okay? And this could be all just a one off. We don’t know that something happened for sure.”
“Did you fuck her?” Lo’ak asked crassly. 
“What the hell man!” Neteyam hissed venomously with a backslap to Lo’ak’s arm, glancing around to make sure no one had overheard.  
Lo’ak simply shrugged. “I’ll take that as a no then. Did she want you to fuck her and you said no?”
Bewildered, irked and utterly pissed off, Neteyam stormed off, muttering an, “I’m fucking done with this conversation,” as he went. 
But the annoying pest that was his brother seemed to be resilient. “I’m just trying to help you, asshole!”
“Well I didn’t ask for your help!” he seethed over his shoulder. “Lo’ak, will you stay out of it?! This is none of your business!”
“Maybe, but I’m making it my business! Xilä is upset over something you’ve done and you need to fix!”
Neteyam stopped and rounded on his brother again, braids flailing around dramatically as he poked a finger to Lo’ak’s chest. “You keep saying that! What the hell makes you think it was something I’ve done?! Huh? What do you know? And quite frankly, why do you even fucking care?!”
“So what if I care!” he roared. “And I don’t know anything, alright?! I’m not the one she’s being weird around. It’s you dumbass! So I suggest you figure out whatever the hell it is you did you did, grovel your ass off and fix this shit!” Lo’ak yelled, giving his brother a two handed shove for good measure before he stormed away. 
Spider, who had observed the entire ordeal from afar, jogged after Lo’ak. He shot a bewildered looking Neteyam a curious glance as he went. “Hey cuz, what was that about? You two looked pretty heated.” 
Lo’ak shook his head as he headed straight for the labs. “Trying to talk some sense into him is all…Hey did Xi say anything to you yesterday?” he asked. 
“Uh…like what?” 
“About Neteyam? She was all weird last night.”
“No she didn’t and shit, I didn’t notice,” he frowned. “She seemed fine though. I don’t get why you think something’s wrong.” 
“Yeah I’m sure you didn’t notice,” Lo’ak said sarcastically. “Probably because you were so busy flirting with my sister,” he grumbled, ignoring his best friend's splutter of denial. “She’s not fine, Spider. It’s Neteyam she’s all off with. Something’s changed.”
“Um, no offence cuz but ah, you know the bet’s off right? You won….Why are you so worried about this? I care too but it’s not like it’s our problem to fix. They’re adults, they can work it out themselves.” 
Reaching the outskirts of the labs, instead of heading inside, Lo’ak sat on the steps of one of the trailers with a heavy sigh.
“Do you remember what I told you I overheard my parents arguing about a while back? About what the council wants from Neteyam?”
“Mhm, yeah I remember. It’s shitty,” Spider said, climbing onto the railing to perch on top. 
Lo’ak snorted. “Shitty is putting it lightly, he’s the eldest, so it’s expected of him. And you know the idiot…he’s all about following rules and tradition…so he’ll just go along with whatever they want- be their fucking puppet.”
He became silent for a moment. “That could have easily been me... except it’s not. I get to do whatever the fuck I want and he doesn’t. His whole life is already planned out,” Lo’ak explained. “They didn’t get to control my mother, so they’re trying to control him instead.”
“It bothers you…you feel guilty, don’t you?” Spider said seriously, staring at his friend with a frown. 
“Yeah,” he admitted. “I know I can be an asshole sometimes but I do care about him and I at least want him to be happy about the person he has to spend the rest of his life with- she’d be part of the family after all and…I’d rather it be someone I could put up with,” he added quickly, trying to play off the deep emotions he was suddenly sharing with his best friend. 
Spider ignored his joke and considered his words. “And you think that person is Xilä?”
Lo’ak gave him an “are you for real” look.
“Have you seen him this happy with anybody else? If they don’t sort this out themselves soon I’ll have no choice but to meddle…….His time is running out.”
~
Xilä stood from afar, watching with weighted breath as a team of ikrans swooped in complete synchronisation. One rider in particular caught her eye, causing a flutter to tickle her stomach. 
The riders landed one by one, gracefully dismounting before either releasing their beasts to open air again, or leading them over to the ikran enclosures a couple feet away. 
Neteyam spotted her the moment he landed. A prickle of relief and happiness tinged with uncertainty at the sight of seeing her there- waiting for him, flooded his chest. 
Although it hadn’t even been a full day since he’d seen her, he missed the heck out of her. All morning he contemplated last night’s events. He just wanted to hold her already- he felt deprived. 
Hurrying to dismount, he released Buddy to the open air again.
“Hey kids,” he called out to a small crowd of children who were all excitedly watching the warrior’s arrive. “Careful alright? Not too close to the fence,” he advised as he passed them, reaching out to grab his satchel that was hooked on a fence spike.
“Yes Sir.”
“S-sorry Sir.”
“You guys that was Neteyam,” one of them whispered in awe. 
Not stopping for a second he quickly closed the distance between him and Xilä as he removed his riding visor and then unstrapped his bow and arrow carrier, tucking them all into his long riding satchel before swinging it across his back. 
“Hey, sweetheart,” he said when he was finally toe to toe with her. “Are you- have you been waiting for me?” he asked hopefully, focusing intently on her face, taking his fill of her.
She stepped back trying to create some space when he cupped her jaw. “Yeah,” she smiled softly, keeping her eyes averted. “Can we talk for a few minutes? I won't be long, promise.”
Neteyam nodded, feeling a little a swoop of dread. “Ye-ah,” he replied, his voice cracking. 
He was beginning to hate that polite smile of hers. All he wanted was to see her light up the way she always did whenever she saw him. He wanted to lean in and hug her or even kiss her, but he refrained. 
He was also going to take more than a few goddamn minutes thank you very much. This sudden awkward thing they had going on was going to drive him insane- it needed to end.
Before he could lead them somewhere more private however, a voice called out to him. 
“Nete!” Leati hurried over, having just landed. Slowing to a stop in front of them she touched his bicep. “Where are you going? There are still a few more routines to run through. My team is gearing up right now, I already called for the direhorses to be escorted ov-”
She abruptly stopped, just noticing who he was with. She side eyed Xilä, then continued to relay to Neteyam all the drills he would miss as she turned her back so that she stood between the two of them, blocking Xi from Neteyam’s view.  
Xilä stepped back and looked away uncomfortably, she didn’t want to see them together. She was on a mission to end things between her and Neteyam- she just wanted to get it done and over with but she refused to stick around and have them rubbed in her face. 
She had had a good cry fest yesterday- getting everything out of her system, as Salveen hugged and soothed her while desperately trying to figure out what was wrong- Xi didn’t tell her though.
Later on, after assuring Salveen she was fine, the reluctant elder and her husband eventually left to spend time with their pregnant daughter and son in law. 
Xilä retired to her room until late when her friends started to arrive for game night. She had concluded the entire situation between her and Neteyam must have been one big misunderstanding on her part. 
The more she thought about it, the more the signs were all there. No wonder he kept saying they shouldn’t have been doing what they were doing. No wonder he kept stopping them from going further. 
She felt as if she missed something from D’avi's explanation about mating and relationships, but then remembered Neteyam was the son of the Olo'eyktan. The rules must have been different for him. She’d forgotten there were many customs she must not have been familiar with and deduced this must have been one of them.
If anything, she simply felt stupid. Leati was right- she had stupid silly hope that somehow she and Neteyam would end up together……forever- mated and bonded as one for life. But that was all it was- silly hope. A daydream. 
Yet it was all very real to her... Xilä was in love with him. 
The realisation had sent her into another round of bitter tears and as much as she loathed Leati, she couldn’t bring herself to continue to sneak around with her betrothed. She refused to be like some of the women who would blatantly sleep around with her father- knowing well he had a wife.
And so, Xilä decided she definitely needed to officially end things between her and Neteyam, and fast- not only because she was not a cheater but also to protect her own heart. 
Not wanting to stay any longer she said, “Um, Neteyam we can talk later, I’ve got-,” but she was cut off when he quickly side stepped Leati and reached out to take hold of her hand- preventing her from leaving with a fleeting panicked and pleading expression across his face. 
“Yeah I know all that Leati,” he said, turning serious as he faced the female warrior again. “But something important has come up. Why don’t you guys break for lunch and I’ll page Gwuyle to finish the rest of the session for me.”
He should have done that in the first place and gone after Xilä first thing that morning. 
Xi frowned, staring up at him. She wasn’t sure if he was even aware of his actions because not only was he holding her hand, but when she tried to pull away, his tail wrapped around her thigh.  
Leati made a strangled noise and blinked disbelievingly. Her eyes darted from Neteyam who was suddenly paging Gwuyle right then and there through his comm device, to their linked hands, to his tail curled high around Xi’s upper thigh- its tip, completely hidden under her skirt. 
Xilä, who had somehow momentarily gone mute, yanked her hand from his grasp, wide eyes on a murderous looking Leati. ‘Oh shit,’ she thought, swallowing guiltily.
However- Neteyam, who seemed oblivious to the tension and reactions of the two women- only because he was still on the line with the clan’s second in command, simply tugged Xi closer with an arm around her waist, so that her front clashed flush against his side.
She stumbled and clung to his warrior belt for balance, cheeks purpling from his actions. 
She was stuck. Immovable by his hold. To anyone looking their way, they were the picturesque image of a romantic couple.
Accepting defeat, Xi slumped against him, smushing her face into the space between his pec and bicep. He seemed to have taken that action as her being affectionate, because as he wrapped up the call he pressed a casual kiss to the top of her head. 
Misreading Leati’s muted, shocked expression, Neteyam continued on as usual. “Relax Leati. Gwuyle is just as good a reviewer, you’ll be in good hands for your team’s evaluation. Have some lunch and have your team check in after.”
Leati sputtered pathetically. “I- what..but, but it’s not even lunch yet! Nete can’t you-” she stepped forward to caress his free arm but Neteyam cut her off with an exasperated sigh.
“Then have an early lunch, Leati, run a practice drill or something. Anyone else would gladly take advantage of extra time before an appraisal- Oh great, the direhorses are here.” He whistled to his own amongst the herd being guided over by a group of wranglers. 
“Nete, please stay,” Leati pleaded. “What is so important anyway?!” she snapped, glaring at the back of Xilä’s head unnoticed.
“Don’t worry about it,” he said distractedly as he watched Antoyle approach. 
Neteyam’s massive direhorse chuffed in greeting. A small squeal escaped Xi when she was suddenly hauled up onto the massive beast- Neteyam keeping a large palm on her thigh to keep her steady. 
“I’ve gotta go Leati, good luck, alright?” he said, giving her a parting smile before easily mounting the creature behind Xi and securing an arm around her once more.
Xilä caught one last withering glare from the female warrior before Neteyam was charging them off. 
~
Riding hard and fast, Neteyam led them deep into the forest. He knew it was petty and probably overly possessive of him, but he was purposely taking them somewhere far. Not only for privacy, but also so that she couldn’t escape without his help to get back. 
Passing through a thick wall of vines, they found themselves in what Xilä could only describe as a hidden cocoon of serenity. 
A small tricking waterfall flowed in the far corner, pooling in a somewhat shallow well of rocks. The flora was thick and abundant.
Glowing plants illuminated the sunless hideaway, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere. 
“What is this place,” Xi asked, momentarily distracted by its beauty.  
“It is niwan loreyu, one of the many beautiful secrets of the forest,” he said over her head as he pulled them to a stop. “Very few know of its existence,” he continued as he dismounted and disconnected his queue. 
“I feel…” she couldn’t quite explain the feeling but it felt good- as if she were being hugged lovingly.  
“It is Ewya you feel,” he explained, while removing his comm device to stuff into his bag- he didn’t want any interruptions. He then tossed his satchel to the soft flooring. “Her presence resides heavily in this place.” 
“Did we really need to come all the way out here?” she grumbled as she accepted his help to get down- legs aching slightly from the long trip. Antoyle trotted off to graze on a patch of rich grass. 
“Yes,” he grinned, tugging her hips closer, relishing in the feeling of her finally in his arms. 
“You didn’t need to leave your duti-”
“I wanted to,” he said earnestly. “God, I feel like I haven’t seen you in weeks,” he groaned, nuzzling his face into her cheek, affectionately. He froze when she suddenly tensed up. 
She swallowed as a guilty flutter emitted within her. “You shouldn’t have done all of that,” she whispered, stepping out of his arms as she avoided his stare. 
“Done what?” he asked, allowing her to go but itching to pull her back. 
“Leaving with me…holding my hand- the tail thing, the touching- all of it! Especially in front of her.” 
He frowned at her with a tilt of his head but stayed silent. 
“It doesn’t matter,” she whispered more to herself than him. Squaring herself she faced him head on. “We need to stop, Neteyam.”
There was a small tightening in his chest at her words. He knew what she meant but asked anyway. “Stop what?”
She didn’t exactly know how to label it. “What we’ve been doing…you and I…everything we’ve been doing for the past-”
“No.”
Her jaw dropped. “What do you mean, no?!”
“I don’t want to,” he said simply.
“Neteyam, the sneaking around- it has to stop.”
“Then we will stop sneaking around. We will stop hiding. I know we never talked about it, but we can do that. We don’t have to remain a secret if that is what’s bothering you. Sweetheart, I’m sorry if you feel like I’ve been hiding you,” he said sincerely. 
She stared at him incredulously. “You want us to go public?! We can’t do that, what will-”
His ears fell back. “What’s so wrong about that?” he snapped.
“Neteyam,” she said, sounding so broken he felt a small part of him crack. “I don’t think you’re thinking clearly.” She rubbed the heel of her palms into her eyes. “Shit. Why is this so hard to do? I can’t stop thinking about you and all those stupid orgasms and now we have to sto-”
“You didn’t didn’t like the orgasms?!” he asked, alarmed- ears twitched high as his tail went limp. 
“No! Yes! Yes, okay! I liked it, I wanted it, I mean I practically begged for it didn’t I?” she shrieked somewhat hysterically. “But that’s not the point,” she said in frustration. “That’s not what I’m talking about. I’m telling you we need to end this!”
“Why?” 
“What?”
“Why? Tell me why? Why do you want to stop? Give me one good reason and then we’ll end things.”
Her face scrunched up in hurt. “Because I like you...much more than I should, but I know the truth now and I don’t want to come between the two of you…I-” She faltered and took a shuddering breath. 
Neteyam’s frown deepened- clearly not understanding. “Xilä what are you talking about?” 
“You don’t need to pretend anymore!” she snapped, folding her arms in vulnerability. “What I don’t get is why you didn’t tell me! I get that it’s supposed to be this big secret until you decide to announce it but- gosh Neteyam I feel like such a fool!” 
“Xilä,” he said seriously, staring at her in great concern. If anything he was looking at her like she’d gone and lost her mind. 
But she misunderstood his worry. “It’s okay,” she said quickly. “I’ll keep it a secret…‘Teyam, you’re my friend and I want us to stay that way even after- I don’t want to mess this up and I’m not blaming you…but I really don’t get why you didn’t say anything.”
When she noticed his clueless expression she mumbled out, “I know about you and Leati. She told me.”
He raised a questioning brow. “Me and Leati, what? Baby I don’t understand anything you’re saying right now. I honestly feel as if we’re speaking two completely different languages.” 
“Neteyam,” she said in a shaky voice, eyes pooling with liquid. “Why didn’t you tell me you were betrothed?” 
A beat of silence filled the air. 
“What?” he breathed out, incomprehensibly. 
Filling the sudden silence, she began to ramble as she fidgeted with her fingers. “Well I know it’s technically none of my business but well I thought maybe that’s something friends share with each other. Especially friends who did the amount of kissing and touching we did.” 
Shaking out of his reverie, Neteyam closed the distance between them, halting her movements by loosely linking his fingers with hers. 
Tilting her chin up he said very seriously, “Xilä…I am not betrothed.”
“But- yes you are.”
“Sweetheart, I’m pretty sure I’d know if I was intended to be bonded for life with someone,” he said intently. “Who the hell did you hear that shit from?” he demanded. 
“Well from Leati. She- I…” Xi spluttered, not meeting his gaze. “She said you two were…since months ago! Before you and I. You don’t just make that stuff up! You don’t lie about things like that! Why would she-”
Neteyam muttered a, “goddammit Leati,” under his breath as he tugged her closer so there was no space left between them. “Eyes, Xilä.”  
She knew the drill and looked up immediately. Her chest pressed against his upper abs so she had to arch her spine slightly to see his face properly. 
“So let's just go over this, shall we? Clear the air so that we’re on the same page.” 
She nodded, trying hard to focus on his stern voice and contain the flutters swooping around in her tummy from their proximity. Neteyam however looked like he was fighting to reign in his annoyance. 
“Xilä, I am not betrothed to Leati. I am not betrothed to anyone. Alright?” 
“But-”
“When did she tell you that?” 
“Yesterday.”
“Mm. That why you avoided me all of last night?” he asked, irritated.
A guilty expression appeared on her face. “Yes.”
All of the pieces were finally coming together now. Neteyam released a heavy sigh, nodding in understanding. He cupped her face and pressed a quick peck on her forehead.
“Come’re.” He hoisted her up the way he always did and her arms and thighs automatically wrapped around him. He couldn't deal with the distance between them anymore.
In short strides, he stepped into the rippling pool and took a seat, slumping against the rocky wall as he adjusted them into a comfortable position. The water was warm in comparison to the cool air but felt good, relaxing her slightly sore legs.  
Straddling his lap, the water covered her from her waist down. Her skirt fluttered around her hips, before sinking as it became soaked. His knees jutted out of the clear water when he propped them up, causing her to slide forward which made her core land flush against the skin just above his loincloth.
A large palm slid up her back, arching her towards him while his other soothed along her thigh. “Can I have a kiss? Please?” he pleaded- one small taste was all he needed. 
Xilä felt a bit emotional but held it in. Shaking her head up and down eagerly, she cupped his jaw, and with a soft, “yes,” she kissed him. 
The kiss was fleeting but it was very much needed in the current situation. Neteyam broke them apart with a final one, two, three sweet pecks before he was pulling back to see her face. 
“So we need to talk. There are some things you need to know, Xi,” he said seriously. 
“Alright,” she nodded, bringing her hands together to fiddle with his battleband. 
“First of all, Leati-” He tsked. “I think she probably misinterpreted a particular situation- which I will tell you about now. I’ll be sure to speak with her and clear the air of course but this is all honestly one huge misunderstanding.” 
“Well I’m quite curious to know what it’s all about. She was very territorial over you.”
“I’m sorry sweetheart. I know how she can be sometimes.” He took a breath and rubbed her thighs under the water. “Xi, when I turned eighteen the council told me I was required to find a wife by twenty-one. They thought I’d take a woman already by then…but when I hadn’t, they decided to give me a deadline.” 
Xi’s brows rose high and her jaw loosened. “They can do that?! Why would they even do that to you?”
He shrugged. “Because they can. Apparently it’s a mandatory tradition to ensure and secure the line of leadership. I’m not even going to go on about the heir they also require,” he said with an eye roll. 
“Wait wait wait. They’re giving you a deadline for finding a mate AND they are telling you when to have a baby by?! That’s ridiculous!”
Neteyam held his laughter. Her upset reaction was too cute for him to handle. “Yeah…but I put my foot down about that one. Don’t worry, no babies to worry about right now.”
“Okay…uh, continue,” she said with a blush. 
“So I’ll be honest I didn’t really try all that hard to find someone. I was too focused on my position. My training and skills were my priority- the whole mate thing, as much as I agreed, it was a lot of pressure. So I ignored it for a long while.
By the time I was a couple months away from the deadline, the council decided to take matters into their own hands. The fucking rumour mill ran wild when it became public knowledge I was looking for a mate. Every eligible female was practically being shoved down my throat.”
Neteyam shook his head. “Anyway let’s just say I learned the hard way that not all women wanted me for me. Quite a few only cared about the fucking title and the perks that came with it.”
Xilä bit down an angry retort about said women, but stayed quiet instead, soothing her palms along his chest, comfortingly. 
“The council was pissed when still I had no one chosen by my twenty-first birthday. They were all so disappointed... but I knew this was my duty. I knew I had to follow through and do it anyway. So I begged my father to plead my case and get me three more years. It was granted but it came at a cost. If I didn’t find someone by then, they’d choose for me.”
Xi's angry protest was interrupted when Antoyle chuffed, annoyed by an insect flying around his snout.
“A couple months ago, Leati’s mother- Fe’ska suggested I take her daughter as my mate. That was all it was…a suggestion. Leati and I, we don’t run in the same circle but our mothers are friends, so we’ve known each other since childhood. But I could never and have never seen her in any romantic light,” he assured, staring directly into her eyes. 
“You remember the meeting I attended a while back? The one you said I was all prickly afterwards?” 
She nodded. 
“Not only did I get another warning that my time was running out, but they decided on Leati as their final choice if I don’t succeed....If I don’t find anyone by my birthday next month, I’ll end up with Leati. She and I never spoke about it…but her mother must have said something. So that’s the only reason I could think of her making such an assumption, which is ridiculous anyway you take it.”
“Wow,” Xi whispered, slightly overwhelmed by the information thrown her way. 
“Yeah, that’s it- all of it. That’s everything.”
He seemed worried as he tried to read her emotions. “I um, I just want you to know, I wasn’t hiding all of this from you, purposely. I’ve actually been trying to get some more time but- they’re not budging.”
“It’s okay I get it. I don’t get the entire situation though. Can’t your father do something? He is Olo'eyktan!” 
Neteyam shrugged. “He can, he’s offered to step in, but I already agreed when I was eighteen. There’s a binding contract and everthing, so I have to keep my word.” 
“What are you going to do, then?” she rasped, uneasiness sinking in her stomach. She hated the whole Leati as his mate, deal.  
He pursed his lips and stared at her in silence, thumb tapping on her skin. “It depends.”
Her brows furrowed. “On what?”
“You, baby.”  
Her ears flickered. “Me?” she squeaked.
“Earlier, you said you like me too much…is that still in effect after everything I just shared?” he asked hopefully. 
“Umm, well. Honestly, I may have downplayed it a bit,” she said sheepishly. “It is more…love, than like.”
Xilä held her breath as she watched his expression morph from apprehension to understanding, to pure giddiness. 
“You love me?” he said with the widest grin on his face she had ever seen as he leaned in while simultaneously tugging her forward. “As in, love love? In love with me?”
Xilä giggled at his teasing and sailed her hands up his body to grip his neck, thumbs stroking his skin. She bore a matching grin while he nuzzled her cheek, trailing along her face to rub their noses together. 
“That’s quite funny,” he said, “because guess what, sweetheart?”
“What?” she hushed against his lips, crinkling eyes boring into his. 
“I’m in love with you too.”
She knew it was coming, his teasing tone had said it all but yet she still felt that bubble of emotion surface. 
Neteyam’s face softened into a concerned frown. “Sweetheart. Xi what’s with the face?”
She choked on a laugh, shaking her head. “I’m okay. Sorry,” she smiled through teary eyes. “It’s stupid.”
“Tell me anyway,” he said, kissing her scrunched up nose.
“I’ve never had anyone say those words to me before,” she admitted shyly. “It felt good, that's all.” 
“Fuck….” he whispered, in upset. He seriously loathed her parents more than anything at that moment. 
“Then I will make sure you hear those words every day for the rest of our lives, okay? Baby, I will try my hardest to make sure of it,” he promised sincerely. “I love you Xilä.” 
“I love you too Neteyam.”
~
“Can we stay here forever?” Xi sighed, in complete contentment. 
“If you want,” Neteyam agreed easily. 
He’d give her the damn universe if she wanted it. 
Xilä sucked the last of the sweet juice that coated her fingers, humming happily as she did. “Well that was delicious,” she said, tail sailing like it usually did whenever she ate something yummy.
They were still in their little hideaway. Seated side by side, they munched on some picked, ripe fruit as they dried off on the soft, sweet smelling grass. 
Neteyam’s legs were splayed and propped up, but he’d dragged and draped her both thighs over one of his. Xilä leaned her temple against his bicep and took his hand to play with his fingers on her lap.
“Will they have a problem with it? Well, with me?” she suddenly asked, feeling a bit insecure. 
“Who? The council?” he asked over a mouthful of fruit. 
“Sure, but more importantly your parents. I’m probably not who they were hoping you’d end up with,” she admitted.
He looked down at her with a crooked little smile. “My parents will probably understand more than anyone else. My father is from the stars, remember? Against all odds they fell in love and chose to be together. And as for the council….” he shrugged. “I don’t fucking care. You know why?” 
She shook her head. 
“Because I. Choose. You.” 
Beaming, she stretched up and used a hand to tug on his neck, begging to be kissed. He obliged eagerly, sweeping a tongue along her bottom lip so she’d open up for him. 
With a simple move, she was scooped into his lap. Her palms danced down his chest, fingernails grazing his nipples as she trailed her way to his bare midriff. He had taken off his belt and left it out to dry. 
“I always liked these,” she mumbled against his lips as she stroked his abs appreciatively. 
“Mmm, I know. I’d see you staring at them all the time whenever you thought I was distracted,” he smirked, chuckling when he heard her shocked gasp. 
Xi sat back. “You did?!” she shrieked, feeling thoroughly embarrassed. 
Neteyam licked his lips and plopped the last of his fruit into his mouth.
“Oh yeah,” he murmured, leaning back on one arm comfortably while the other reached up to pinch a pebbled nipple through her top. “These would get all showy, and your tail would flicker all eager like,” he teased. 
“Oof, I can’t believe I was so obvious!” she wailed, slapping a palm across her face in horror while he laughed out loud. She lightly smacked his chest in retaliation. 
“It was cute, baby,” he said, licking away a drop of juice that escaped him. Xilä stared as he tried and failed to catch it, so she leaned forward and licked the bead from the corner of his lip for him, sucking on the skin a bit. 
When she pulled away Neteyam smirked again. “You're quite a spicy little minx you know that?” 
She shifted in his lap and wiggled her little butt into him. Her eyes glinted, knowingly- a stark difference to her blushing disposition a few moments ago. 
He knew that look all too well by now. Sitting up, he pulled on the tie behind her back and instantly removed the strip of cloth from her chest. Eyes locked on hers, he tackled the tie on her hip next, pulling the slightly damp skirt off of her, flinging it to the side as well. 
“What do you want Xi?” he asked, reaching down to free her of the under cloth she usually wore. 
She knew the drill by now. Tongue or fingers. 
“Wait.” Gripping his wrist, she stopped him from tearing the poor flimsy cloth off of her. “You can’t keep doing that,” she said sternly with a hint of amusement. 
In quick succession, her nimble fingers undid the tiny knot and then she was finally bare to him. 
“I can always get you new ones made, you know?”
“Yeah? And how’s that going to look if you’re constantly requesting them from the seamstresses? What are they going to think?” 
Neteyam shrugged. “Probably that I am keeping my mate thoroughly satisfied?” 
“Your mate?” Xi asked, lighting up by the thrill of his words.
They had spoken about it not too long ago.
When he officially asked her to be his, she hadn't been able to contain her excitement. Xi had practically tackled him with slew of yeses and kisses. She was actually going to be his wife and would be forever grateful to the Great Mother for blessing her so abundantly.
Realizing what he said, Neteyam’s ears flickered backwrds and his cheeks tinged purple. Xi thought he was freaking cute whenever embarrassed.
“Sorry, I just- well you know what I meant…” he stuttered, rubbing at his temple bashfully. 
 Xilä’s smile was relentless. She loved the sound of those words coming from his lips. 
Having enough of the roles reversed and Xi’s giddiness at his embarrassment, he tossed a sudden curve ball at her. 
“I want you to ride my face.” 
Her smile slipped right off when she understood his meaning. “Uhhh, um. How will that work? Won’t I stifle you? How will you breathe?” she asked innocently. 
“I just won’t,” he teased, playing with her breasts as if they were his favourite toy. 
“You could die, Neteyam!” 
“And I will die a happy death,” he countered, lifting her to her knees so he could suck on the rounded flesh of her chest. 
All the while, poor Xilä was contemplating the logistics of his request. There was apparently a lot she still didn't know. D'avi had obviously not been able to educate her on everything, so she knew she’d have to learn and figure out the rest herself.
“Relax baby,” he said, seeing her concerned expression. “I’m teasing. I won’t die because I’ll have plenty of air. It's only my mouth you’ll be riding anyway. If you don’t like it we can stop. You don’t even have to do-”
“No, I want to do it!” she protested. “I want to try. Oh and um, I choose both by the way,” she said, realizing she’d never responded to what she wanted from him. “Tongue and fingers.”
Neteyam shook his head with a laugh. “Yes, Ms. Little Greedy Butt, as you wish. Now come here. You’ll get your tongue first,” he said, lifting her entirely as he laid back. 
Xi was in for another sore legged journey.
~
What a rollercoaster this one was! It was touch and go for a minute but so happy it was all cleared up.
Do you guys hear the wedding bells?!!!
I think Lo’ak was my favorite part though lol
Okay, so hadn’t planned on it, but please let me know if you want the rest of the spicy scene from the end or if it’s fine that way. I’ll add it to the next part if you do.
As always lemme know that you guys think :)
@jakesullyfatjuicypeen @granddearduck @riatesullironalite @strawberri-blonde @earthling55 @innercreationflower @duckworthbean @gyuventure
If you'd like to be tagged or I forgot you by accident, please let me know.
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danikamariewrites · 9 months
Note
what do you think about reader being in a relationship with rhys and she’s a secret author and she is writing fanfics about rhysand and when nesta is reading her books she starts to recognize him and shows him the book, and rhys knows it’s reader, potential smut👀😋
Muse
Rhys x reader
A/n: his ego would get so big LMAO! Love this anon thank you for the request
Warnings: very suggestive at the end
Nesta enters the sitting room where Feyre, Elain, Emerie and Gwyn were sitting. All currently entertaining your and Rhys’ toddler, Seren. Nesta had a book in her hand, one of her smutty novels, and cleared her throat. The females turn their attention to her. Elain spoke up first covering Seren’s ears. “If that is one of your dirty books do not read it out loud Nesta.” She says sternly.
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not going to read it. I’m reading a character description. I need to know if I’m going crazy or if you all agree with me.” Her eyes scan the page for the underlined words. “Listen, ‘his violet eyes sparkled looking down at me. I try to avoid his piercing gaze but all that’s in front of me was his broad, muscular chest. Good gods, it was unfair how beautiful he is. Like he’d been crafted by the Mother herself. And those warriors tattoos were divine. Proof that he was truly the strongest male among the others. The only one that could protect me.’
“Sound like anyone we know?” Nesta asks sarcastically. Everyone’s jaws were practically on the floor. “It sounds like Rhysand. Who’s the author?” Gwyn asked. She shut the book to scan the cover. “It’s by Turner Marwood.” Gwyn tilts her head curiously, lost in thought as she mouths the last name. “I think y/n’s mothers maiden name was Marwood but I’m not totally sure. I know the Marwood’s we’re a noble house a long time ago. Other than that I don’t know it.” The others shook their heads as well.
But Nesta’s brain was working a million miles a minute. Feyre broke her from her thoughts as the murmurs died down. “Yes but anyone could describe Rhys. His looks really stay with you, he’s beautiful.” The others hum in agreement but Nesta wasn’t listening.
“Yeah,” Nesta whispered, slowly turning to leave the room. She headed straight for Rhys’ office to see what he knew. Knocking on his door she entered without being told. Rhys looked up from his paper work raising an eyebrow at her.
“Hello?” Nesta gave him a mischievous smile. “Hello Rhys.” She says airily, closing the door and striding over to take a seat in front of the desk. She dramatically drops her book on his desk pushing it toward him. Rhys looks from the book back to Nesta. “Is this another smutty book?”
“Look at the name, sound familiar?” Rhys reads, nodding. “Marwood was y/n’s mothers maiden name. It could be a relative of hers.” Nesta lets out a hum as she opens a marked page. You and Nesta had spent some of your wine nights talking about your sex lives and other girl things. So she would know it if she read it. “Just thought you should read this. I don’t know, you might find it interesting.” Nesta goes to leave and Rhys picks up the book and begins reading.
———
Rocking and humming Seren you look down at her relaxed face and closed eyes. Laying her down in her crib you quietly shut her door and head to your and Rhys’ bedroom.
Your husband is sitting on his side of the bed, legs crossed at the ankles while reading a book. As you get closer you squint your eyes at the cover.
Oh shit.
Rhys looks up at you with a feline grin. “Hello, darling. See something familiar?” You try, and fail, at hiding your shock. Never in a million years did you think Rhys would pick up one of your books. It was your biggest secret, even from him!
You had started writing way before you met Rhys. It was something you started doing in your twenties, then for fun sent letters to publishers about a book you wrote, the next thing you knew you had a best selling series. You thought it would just be the one but they kept selling. You were up there with Sellyn Drake and you didn’t want to quit.
You couldn’t help but feel caught and now the truth had to come out. No avoiding it now that your husband was reading one of your books that was definitely about him. “Where did you…” “Nesta gave it to me.” You sucked in a harsh breath and looked down. Dam your wine nights.
“So…anything you want to tell me my dear wife?” He drawled. You plopped down on the end of the bed letting out a defeated sigh. “I started writing when I was younger. I never used my real name, always a fake one. I never imagined I’d get published and when I did it was the best feeling ever. My books were bestsellers, but I didn’t feel like I could share my writing with those closest to me. You remember how private I was when we met.
“So when we started getting serious you sort of became my muse for the romance genre. No one had ever treated me like you have Rhys. And you’re just the perfect male, how could I not write about you? So, yeah, now you know everything.”
Rhys crawled over to you, pulling you to sit between his legs, your back against his chest. He wraps his arms around you and rests his chin on your shoulder. This was a good sign that he wasn’t mad you were writing about your sex life for thousands of people to read.
“I’m really your muse?” You can hear the smirk in his voice. You roll your eyes, “Yes Rhys. As much as I hate boosting your ego.” Pivoting a little, Rhys takes his chin off you so your eyes locked. Your face is serious as you say, “You’re everything to me, Rhys.” He looks at you like you’re the only person in the world. That look made you feel so special. So unconditionally loved.
“You’re everything to me too, y/n.” You lean into each other, nuzzling your noses. Rhys’ mischievous look returns. “What do you think,” he moves closer brushing his lips over yours, “about me giving you some new material to write?” He kisses you slowly. Your tongues exploring each others mouths.
Rhys climbs over you, gently pushing you down slotting his thigh between your legs to press against your sex. As the kiss got more and more heated you start to grind on him, desperate for friction. Your moans of want swallowed by him.
Rhys moves down your neck, pulling your shirt off you and continuing to trail down your stomach. He toys with the waistband of your pants. Looking up at you through his lashes he purrs, “Have enough yet?” “Not even close.” You breathe out.
tags: @nyotamalfoy @auggiesolovey @bubybubsters @baybay123455 @msiecrane @aroseinvelaris @twsssmlmaa
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sleepynxri · 2 months
Text
“In hindsight, I should have looked at the instructions"
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A/N: THE DEMO IS FINALLY OUT OMG!! Congrats to the devs and the whole team for releasing the demo!! I love it so much to the point I think I'm the first one to make an x reader of it lol. But I chose my favorite (for now)Vince!! And a certain person might like it as much as I do hehe. I might not get his full personality right since it is still the demo and the characters might change their personalities depending the route you pick on the official release, but do enjoy everyone! And requests will be open until further notice. And of course spoilers for the demo!!
P. S. The reader is demisexual! If you don't know what it is it means a person who feels sexually attracted to someone after creating a close bond with them! It made sense to me since in the demo the mc was a bit rude and judgemental in their thoughts regarding their interactions with the different love interests. But hey! If you don't like it then just ignore this part! Enjoy it however you like hatchlings!
Pairing: Vince Matador x gn! reader
Warnings: curses, no use of Y/N only You/I
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What did I get myself into?
A sigh of exhaustion released itself from your mouth as you headed out from the diner where you now currently work at.
Who knew that you had to use the first few weeks of your summer in an unknown town after your car suddenly broke down in the middle of nowhere?
Fuck Fate and itself.
You started on walking around the streets of the said town, it was interesting to say the least. Almost everyone in this vicinity at least knew each other if they were a neighbour or a regular. You felt out of place whenever someone pointed out or asked if you were new around.
The only thing that wavered your mind was the interaction inside Cup o Jo Mama. The new part-time job you’ll be doing until you’re able to pay for both the hostel you were staying in and the repairs of your broken down car. (Srsly how did I should have checked it out before going on a long ass fucking road trip??)
Chris was quite a timid character to have as a co-worker, but I am quite the observing person to see how he changes personalities so directly. It concerns me sometimes but it wasn't my business to get into anyone’s personal lives.
And that Wyatt fellow…. Can’t say that the headlines were wrong about his looks. He was attractive, but his personality is that of a stereotypical rich people lifestyle. It's best to not not meddle myself into his work and business, if he was staying in Brine Bay in the meantime.
Placing your headphones over your ears, you started to tune out the noises, you needed some alone time after all the shit that just happened. Familiarising your steps to avoid on getting lost - (Fuck you btw Dante) again.
Clicking your tongue slightly in annoyance after remembering a certain front desk employee who didn't tell you the actual direction towards the diner you were supposed to go in.
Without you knowing, a familiar sheriff and an unknown male suddenly were seen in the corner of your eyes. Jean looked optimistic as ever, but to your surprise- he was with someone else who looked like the opposite of him.
Why not see what they’re up to?
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So… . The guy’s name is Vince. Jean momentarily left you both together to help with the white haired males socialising skills. You didn't mind, but you did feel guilty for forcing him to be with you. So you thanked him for staying with you.
You didn't expect the male to give you a half- smile. It almost caught you off guard. It was so pretty…
You shook your thoughts away and gave your own warm smile. Vince was a nice fellow, since he didn't know what to show you, you suggested that he showed the areas where he likes to stay at. You bonded with him with his different favorite places in Brine Bay. You were touched on how he could trust you to these places. You knew it held something for him to show you these areas.
Then you met Kevin….
You almost laughed loudly after hearing the nickname Vince gave him.
A fucking highlighter? You didn't think the male held so much humor. (Or your humor is just broken)
Kevin was a nice fellow. A bit flirty (then again who isn't? Almost everyone - not Dante- has started flirting with you before you could even muster a response to any of their introductions) but a passionate theatre kid.
‘pre’?? Is that a word or a different language? You’ll probably ask the next time you interact with him.
After saying goodbye to the green haired male. You and Vince were left alone together again. You pointed out how it was getting late so you and him started your way back to your hostel.
“Are you enjoying yourself? “ You paused after hearing Vince’s words. You… didn't expect someone would ask this question towards you. I mean it is technically your first day here after all.
You can feel the stare of Vince from the corner of your face as you racked up an answer for him.
“I… . Can't say much. My car broke down, Jean found me, he drove me here, I met a lot of people, found a part time job… . It's overwhelming to say the least” a flash of worry crossed the eyes of Vince as he tried to find the right words to reply.
But you beat him to it.
" But… I am enjoying it. I never expected to have an adventure while on summer break. It's new…. But not unwelcoming" a chuckle escaped your lips as you watched the sky growing darker.
“That's… . Good to hear” Vince relaxed his shoulders with another pretty smile he has. Your heart flutters after seeing it again. This was the second time you’ve seen it but you already knew you’ll always remember that smile he has.
Exchanging numbers with him was… eventful. It was cute to see him flustered while nervously asking if you wanted his contact number (who wouldn't accept his advances?)
You knew you had to take your chances and placed “Vimpire" as the contact name for Vince. (He’ll probably be disappointed but who’s to say he’ll just chuckle after you have him a silly nickname)
You told him your farewells and headed back to your temporary room. Doing your nightly routine and wearing your night wear.
You decided to call someone before heading off to sleep. The first person that popped up from the idea was Vince.
“Ah.. who is it?"
“You forgot about me already?" You teased slightly with a small chuckle as you looked outside the windows while watching the luminescent sky radiating from them.
“It's you… . I-i didn't expect that you would be calling me already” you wanted to tease him more but you asked him first if he arrived home already. He was still walking from home and you both decided to stay in the call for a while.
“Can I ask… why the sudden call? “
Fuck it.
" Is it bad that I wanted to hear your voice before I head to sleep? “
A pause could be heard from the other line. You grew worried when the call suddenly hung up and you panicked. You tried texting him but he suddenly beat you to it with a call.
“I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I panicked!" A rush of apologies came after you answered the call. It was a relief to hear that you weren't stepping over boundaries and you asked him if everything was alright.
He reassured you, telling you that he just took time to process on what you said before. You couldn't see it but he was smiling on the other side of the phone (if Jean saw this he would be supportive yet teasing the poor boy).
“Hey uhm… if you have time after your shift ends… I could show you more around town? “
You were shocked again after hearing his words. This is the second time you got shocked by this man alone. You wonder what he got plans for you next.
" I would like that” you smiled warmly from the invitation. As you both continued chatting until you both shared your farewells.
You yawned and stretched your body and headed off to sleep.
You hope you can see Vince’s smiling face again.
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Threads of You: Beyond the Bay
Lavendeer Studio Discord Server
Disclaimer: I am not part of the Lavendeer Studio team, I'm just placing the links here to whoever wants to play the game or wants to join the server for more updates and upcoming events!!
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theforgottenmcrmy · 5 months
Text
Oaths~ Part 1/3 (Ser Harwin Strong x Reader)
᯽ Please note that this is an overall Part 21 to the series Growing Strong. The masterlist, and part 1, can be found HERE ᯽
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Pairing: Ser Harwin Strong x Tyrell! Female Reader
Warnings: GOT typical sexism, canon divergence, mentions of past character death, super mildly suggestive themes
Summary:
But the core issue at hand was not of your own fate, or even your husband’s. You did not think yourself as strong as Rhaenyra; having to bury any one of your children just might destroy you. And Rhaenyra had pleaded with you to consider all of your options. If betraying a friend of many years and sacrificing whatever semblance of honor House Tyrell still had could ensure the safety and survival of your children, why would you not consider it?
A/N: As stated in the preview, I have no excuses, only apologies. Thank you to everyone who has continued to read this story. 🖤 And to anyone who's new since the last update, welcome. I hope you all enjoy. Next part is planned to be posted 11/23.
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The late night had given way to the earliest hours of the morning.
After finding a mutually agreeable means of which Harwin and you could expend some of your pent up energy, sleep had finally claimed you at long last. However, not unlike the vast majority of nights over the past few weeks, your sleep was light and mostly dreamless. Not even your arrival at the haven that was Dragonstone had been sufficient enough to subdue your inner turmoils and ever-growing fears.
It was not long at all before you rose. It was prompted by a gentle, but still very apparent, dipping of the mattress beside you.
You blinked several times, trying to will the haziness away. You felt your face scrunch, a frown coming to your lips as you looked over at the space beside you with mild confusion. “Harwin?”
Though your sight was still a bit foggy, you took the silence that followed as your answer. Most assuredly, had someone besides the two of you been so bold as to have entered your chambers unannounced, Harwin would have had some sharp words at the ready for them.
If not a well placed strike with his fist or sword.
Once the grog had lifted, you were able to make out your husband’s figure standing across the room. His back, still bare, was towards you. In the blink of an eye, he had swiped up whatever it was that he sought, and moved to return back to the bed without delay. You lifted up the sheets for him as he neared, and he softly smiled at you in silent gratitude.
He hastily settled into the bed once more, tucking the sheets back around himself before scooting over closer to you. He pressed a brief kiss to your temple, and his next words out of his mouth were little more than a quiet mumble. “Forgive me, My Love, I did not mean to wake you. You should get some more rest, whilst you still can.”
Between the mere fitful bouts of rest you had been able to snag thus far, and the simple fact that you knew your husband was now wide awake, it was abundantly clear that there was little chance of Harwin’s suggestion coming to fruition. Instead, with a raised eyebrow, you pivoted, “What do you have there?”
Sheepishly, as if knowing his own refusal to succumb to sleep was part of the reason you would not be resting either, Harwin presented you with the object he had deemed necessary to retrieve from the other side of the room at the odd hour.
The letter from Dowager Queen Alicent Hightower.
“I could not sleep,” Harwin explained as he cautiously began to unfold the letter. With the seal having already been broken by you earlier, the parchment gave him little resistance at all. “I know you wished to discuss this with me later, but my curiosity got the better of me.”
It was as best a time as any to have the conversation, you supposed. You had wished to discuss Alicent’s letter with Harwin immediately after returning from dinner with the royal family- before the two of you had gotten swept up in one another. But in hindsight, you had no qualms about how you and Harwin had chosen to spend the time that had passed since.
Besides, Queen Rhaenyra expected an answer from the two of you in the morning, by way of whether you and Harwin attended the council meeting she intended to call.
You had been wary of Harwin’s reaction to the letter ever since it had been presented to you. You carried that hesitancy with you still, and silently watched with an increasing sense of apprehension as Harwin read the dowager queen’s letter line by line, word for word.
The look on Harwin’s face as he finished reading over the terms was practically indiscernible. Perhaps that was what gave you pause the most.
“Say something, Dearest,” you bid him pleadingly after a moment, concern painting your every word.
Harwin’s eyes remained locked on the parchment in his hands.
Since the day you had met, he had been mindful of his infamous temper, and how he managed it, around you. But something of this nature was almost completely uncharted territory for either of you.
You reached out for his closest hand slowly. “Harwin?”
Hearing his name, along with your hand coming to rest upon his own, finally snapped your husband out of his stupor. Harwin blinked up at you blankly one, two, three times. “... I do not know what to say.”
Of all the ways you had imagined Harwin would react to Dowager Queen Alicent’s letter, a lack of a reaction altogether had not been a possibility that you had considered. Regardless, you felt the response was completely valid.
You pursed your lips, still waiting for Harwin to make the first move.
As you had initially expected, anger was the first emotion Harwin eventually settled on after the shock had passed. His brows furrowed sharply, his normally calming eyes turning dark in the already dimly lit room.
“The nerve of that woman. Is the dowager queen truly so daft as to believe her demands are anything less than an insult to any one of us? Not only would we be stripped of our own birthrights, but how could she truly expect us to disinherit Selwin in such a disparaging fashion? … The Crown may have many powers, but whilst members of our blood still live, the line of succession for House Strong and House Tyrell is business of none other than its current lord and lady.”
You remained silent, sensing that was not the end of Harwin’s musings. Your suspicions were proven true less than a moment later.
“And I’d rather eat my own boot before pawning off my son to carry a sword for that insufferable Cole, let alone that oaf of a cousin of hers all the way over in Oldtown.”
You fought your initial instinct to laugh at your husband’s chosen phrasing. “If we take the Usurper’s offer, it would mean sacrificing our plans for our houses’ inheritance, yes.”
You had intentionally refrained from acknowledging Harwin’s final phrase- any topic dealing with the disgrace that was Ser Criston Cole had the propensity to send your husband on a long-winded tangent. Perhaps rightfully so.
“If we take the Usurper’s offer?” Harwin countered. He looked over at you with wide eyes, and in a tone more imploring than harsh, he questioned, “You cannot seriously be considering such a thing?”
Despite knowing that Harwin meant no harm, you could not help but flinch. Fortunately, the movement was so miniscule, Harwin had not even perceived it. Withdrawing your hand from Harwin, you sat up straight, taking the sheets on your side of the bed along with you. As serious of a conversation as it was, conversing in anything less than a decent state would have felt a bit improper.
“I do not wish to concede to the Usurper’s terms,” you assured him truthfully. “But our queen has asked us to at least give some thought to it, and I agreed to heed her. We owe her just as much, do we not? The realm is on the brink of war, Harwin- we cannot pretend that whatever decision we make, whether it be to support Rhaenyra or join ranks with the Usurper, will be entirely free of consequence.”
Harwin sighed, making him sound even more tired than you already knew him to be. “I know, My Love. But conceding to these terms would be foolish at best, and could spell disaster for our family at worst… Did you read of their intentions for Luciya?
A grimace that sprang to your lips at the thought. Still you persisted. “She would have a title of her own…”
“And though I think she is equal to her brothers in deserving as much, and though I believe with my whole heart that she would grow to be just as capable as her mother in shouldering the responsibility that would come along with it, would any of it be truly worth the price we would pay? The price she would pay? We would be selling our daughter to your foul cousin’s son. Is that something you could make peace with? … Whether or not you’d be able to stomach it eventually, I do not think I ever could.”
You suspected Harwin would have a difficult time coming to terms with any betrothal arrangement for your daughter, but the point he was attempting was fair. If the proposed betrothal and subsequent marriage went through, Luciya would be nothing but a pawn in the long-standing and twisted game your cousin Lord Garrett Redwyne had been attempting to engage you in for the better part of twenty years. If wed to Luciya, the young Lord Justan would inevitably become Lord Tyrell in all but name. And far be it from your cousin to rise above attempting to exercise control over his son as a means to achieve his own ends.
“I detest the very thought of it, Dearest. But they are both young, and would not have to wed for some time. And in the meantime, I would still rule in Highgarden as regent. Ten years, if not more, is ample time for us to find a way to undermine the betrothal. We could agree to the terms now, and make our own arrangement, one more agreeable to us all, for Luciya after.”
“And how would such scheming transpire, when your every move will be scrutinized by an advisor of the Usurper’s choosing?”
It was your turn to sigh. Though sleep did not call to you, your mind felt suddenly heavy. Your eyes fell to your hands, where your fingers weaved in and out of one another with absentminded worry. “I understand that all I have said may seem futile. But I am only wanting to ensure we have discussed this matter thoroughly.”
“That you are attempting to see any good at all in this egregious proposal from the dowager queen speaks to more than just that.”
Your fidgeting hands stilled when Harwin’s gently captured them. You took a moment to watch your entwined hands, before looking up to meet his gaze.
Harwin’s eyes held nothing but love and concern. It was a damning combination that had proved you as more than a willing victim to his multitude of persuasions time and time again. It was so moving- practically overwhelming, really- that it was very tempting to look away. But you could not.
“What is on your mind?” he pleaded. “If you have any doubts, share them with me. There is no need for you to shoulder such burdens alone.”
Never, in all your years, had you doubted your decision to support Rhaenyra as the successor to her father’s throne. Nearly twenty years past, your own father, joining many other lords and ladies of Westeros, publicly swore such an oath. When he’d passed, your brother had done the same.
And when fate had placed the lordship of House Tyrell upon your own shoulders, you too had made such an oath. Now, you were bound to Rhaenyra’s cause by honor. Honor you had inherited, both by the name of House Tyrell and by the actions of your father and brother, and honor you had intended to carve for yourself. You had knelt before King Viserys and publicly swore that you, your house, and each and every one of your bannermen would uphold Princess Rhaenyra as King Viserys’s one, true heir.
Even as the years passed, and when not one, not two, but three sons had been born to King Viserys since your father’s oath had been made, doing anything but keeping the honorable word of House Tyrell was simply unfathomable. The thought of breaking the oath you and your predecessors had made had never, ever crossed your mind.
Until today.
It was no mere whim that tempted you to break your oath. Just the thought of betraying Rhaenyra was nearly painful. So harsh was the idea, that it almost outweighed the fear that her inevitable wrath would inspire.
But the core issue at hand was not of your own fate, or even your husband’s. You did not think yourself as strong as Rhaenyra; having to bury any one of your children just might destroy you. And Rhaenyra had pleaded with you to consider all of your options. If betraying a friend of many years and sacrificing whatever semblance of honor House Tyrell still had could ensure the safety and survival of your children, why would you not consider it?
You were a Tyrell long before you had become Harwin’s wife. As the lady of your house, you owed just as much to the Tyrell name as Harwin owed to that of House Strong. You and Harwin were blessed with a union that was mutually agreeable, and working together to further the interest of both your houses proved easy more times than it did not. But ultimately, the fate of House Tyrell, and the furthering of its line, rested upon your shoulders alone.
Becoming fully entrenched in a war was a gamble, and a risky one at that. Whatever glory House Tyrell could possibly earn from bloodshed in a quest to restore the rightful heir to the Iron Throne would be all for nought if you paid for it with the lives of any of your children. What was the point in furthering the grandeur of the Tyrell legacy if there was no one left to inherit it?
Neutrality was not an option, so it was a shame that Alicent’s terms were simply unacceptable. Not only were the terms demanding, but you had little to no faith in her ability to keep whatever petty promises she had made. Perhaps her intentions, however misguided as they were, were as pure as she suggested in her letter… But Otto Hightower’s certainly were not. And, as Aegon’s supposedly chosen Hand of the King, it would only be a matter of time before that forked tongue of his earned him the Usurper’s ear and trust. Whatever power the dowager queen believed she may still have of her drunkard of a son would undoubtedly dwindle with time.
Your family’s safety could not be guaranteed, regardless of what Targaryen heir House Tyrell chose to support. But you knew, beyond all other doubts you may have held, that you would not meekly step aside and let others dictate your fate. You would not sign away the future of your children to save your own neck. And you would not be bullied into silent obedience.
“I am bound to House Tyrell, as you are to House Strong- but I will not side against you in this. We must be united in our decision.” You lowered your eyes, your line of sight falling upon your intertwined hands once more. “We will support Rhaenyra, as we have both sworn to do.”
“But?” Harwin encouraged.
“We cannot lose. Rhaenyra must succeed.”
The unspoken sentiment behind your words clung heavily in the air between you.
Failing to win the war would mark you both, along with Rhaenyra, and any other of her supporters, for certain death. And you had an eerie suspicion that the Usurper’s method of choice to place you into the hands of the Stranger would likely be more fiery in nature than merciful. None of you, not even the children, would be likely to escape the resulting flames of his ire.
Harwin’s grip on your hand tightened. It should have been almost uncomfortable, but at that moment, it was particularly grounding.
“She will. If war is to come, so be it. But when the grounds have been scorched, the flames have dwindled, and when nothing but embers are all that remain, Rhaenyra will be the one atop the Iron Throne.”
You let out a joyless laugh. “You say it so simply. It almost makes me want to believe you.”
“Then believe.”
Something about Harwin’s insistent and clearly intentional flippancy of the matter did wonders to shatter the tension that had been built. You let out a half-heartedly frustrated huff and turned to look at him with narrow eyes.
“You are far braver than I to place so much faith in Rhaenyra’s imminent victory.”
“Nay, I doubt that very much… Although, perhaps I am better at feigning my courage.”
Despite everything, you found a small genuine smile tugging at the corners of your mouth. “Perhaps you have chosen the wrong path in life then. A fancy for acting would have suited a traveling performer far better than it would a lord.”
Harwin grimaced playfully, the thought crafting a rather amusing image in both of your minds. Harwin, in colorful garments, performing dramatically, and most definitely comedically, for an audience? It was impossible not to snicker at the thought.
“Though you propose quite the humorous painting of my life, taking such a path as that would not have led me to you.”
“Some would argue that there is more to life than finding love, Harwin.”
“Perhaps some would. But a life without love, and a life without you, is not one I’d care to live.”
You smiled through the overwhelming feeling his flattery so often bestowed upon you.
“Shall I?” Harwin questioned, raising Queen Alicent’s letter with his free hand.
The flames in the fireplace across the room were very demure by then, but certainly still hot enough to fulfill Harwin’s intent. Once you confirmed your consent with a quick nod, Harwin rose from the bed for the second time, letter in hand.
As he approached the fire, your mind felt suddenly more at ease. Harwin was willing to admit that supporting Rhaenyra was not without risk- but you both knew it was the honorable thing to do. Loyalty was earned, not bought. Rhaenyra had won the loyalty of House Strong and House Tyrell before either you or Harwin had ever had a true say in the matter. Your queen’s victory was not guaranteed, but Harwin was confident in her ultimate success. It was hard not to take heart from his steadfast belief.
But as soon as Harwin tossed the letter into the fire, and the parchment began to light aflame before being reduced to ash, words from your last conversation with the dowager queen echoed in recesses of your mind.
“…When loyalties become one’s only purpose for being, you will be lost to the bigger cause. Your loved ones will soon be as good as dust, if they weren't already.”
You shook the eerie thought from your mind as Harwin returned to bed with a smile on his face.
“Now,” he began, plopping rather unceremoniously back onto the mattress. His unruly curls fell haphazardly into his face as he propped up his arm to support his head. Finally, he turned to face you. “How are we to convey our unyielding support to the queen? A formal letter, signed and sealed? A dramatic declaration before the court?... Or, presenting her with Otto Hightower’s head on a spike, perhaps?”
You rolled your eyes with light hearted scoff as you turned over and mirrored his posture. “No such theatrics will be required, I’m afraid. She intends to call a council meeting tomorrow morning. Our attendance will be sufficient in reassuring her that she has our support.”
Harwin hummed thoughtfully, his eyes glistening and soft smile unwavering as he looked over at you. “Why, morning can’t be more than a few hours away by now…”
You reached over to absentmindedly brush some of his curls up and away from his face. “So it would seem.”
The two of you fell into a comfortable silence.
“Now would be the most opportune time to rest,” Harwin admitted. “‘Tis almost a shame I do not feel tired in the slightest.”
“Is it?”
Harwin eyed you unabashedly, and without a trace of shame. “No.”
A freeing laugh escaped your lips as he unceremoniously pulled you closer to him, his lips brushing against your neck.
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Unlike what felt like a leisurely pace of a day before, something in the air of the new dawn suggested that something meaningful was about to transpire on Dragonstone.
The shared guest chambers of young Tyrell-Strong lords, while nearly cavernous in nature due to the dark and cold stone walls, were still comfortable enough. And despite the rather eventful last few weeks, Derrik found that he had slept more easily there than he could recall in all his recent memory. With the warmer weather and changing season rapidly approaching, the luxurious furs provided were more than sufficient to keep warm. And that was just as well- fire of any sorts still left Derrik, and his younger brother Selwin, feeling fidgety and anxious. And leaving any fire unattended, even a small one, whilst they slept was simply not an option.
The fire at Harrenhal had been many years ago. Some of the finer details of that night had been lost to memory, but some of the more harrowing moments Derrik had seen that night were stuck with him still. The horrid images had never strayed too far from his mind.
Perhaps they never would.
After a surprisingly fruitful night of rest, Derrik and Selwin had risen on their own before the sun. Without much direction otherwise, it was not long before the elder of the two suggested they meander back out into Dragonstone’s halls. Selwin had been a bit apprehensive about it, just as he had been the day before. But a few quick words of reassurance from Derrik was all the motivation his younger brother needed to ultimately agree. It wasn’t that Derrik desired to cause trouble- it was quite the opposite, in fact. Besides, Selwin was far more inherently likely to find himself in mischief than Derrik ever had been.
But something was brewing within the realm, and even on Dragonstone, isolated from the mainland, he could feel it just the same. And as Prince Daemon had so tactlessly pointed out the night before, Derrik was near the age his father Harwin had been when he had first come to King’s Landing. His father’s knightship had followed shortly thereafter.
It wasn’t a knighthood Derrik sought, but the Rogue Prince’s comment had reiterated what Derrik had known for some time: he was no longer a child. Most anyone in the realm, if asked, would readily agree that he was a man. Even if he was a considerably young one at that.
And with the realm on the fringes of war, he longed to be more. He wished to be more than some entitled young lord idly passing the time, waiting in the periphery of the political arena until the Stranger met with one of his parents and the torch was finally passed off to him. Be it House Strong or House Tyrell, the holdings of one was to be his inheritance. So too would be the name. And Derrik longed to be of use in whatever way he could to help his family and secure their safety- their survival.
Though some holed up just across Blackwater Bay, over in King’s Landing, there were no immediate enemies to stand up against. Even if there were, Dragonstone was as well-guarded and patrolled as the Red Keep at the moment.
All of this led Derrik to the inevitable conclusion that the most viable way in which he could be of use to the family was to conduct a bit of information reconnaissance.
The rising sun’s rays had yet to reach most parts of the castle as the Strong boys’ soft footsteps echoed off the stone corridors. Though many armed guards were undoubtedly awake and about, if the queen and the rest of the royal family had yet to rise, it was easy to infer that the protectors would be more centralized near their living quarters instead.
They had come across the kitchens during their perusal of Dragonstone the day before. What had seemed like an observation of little import at the time had proved to be quite the opposite come the new day.
Because of their intent, or perhaps by just pure sheer luck, Derrik and Selwin made it to the kitchens without having been detected. As the boys descended the stairs on light feet, all the usual sounds of a kitchen coming alive could be heard from within the archway at the bottom of the landing. There was an unspoken balance to be struck- the two knew they needed to close enough to the bottom of the stairs to hear anything of significance, but the closer they drew, the more they risked being seen from those within. Regardless, it was a hurdle that both of the Strong boys were mutually agreeable to tackle.
Once they could reasonably hear the voices from within the kitchens, Derrik silently gestured for Selwin to follow his lead. The two pressed their backs against the nearby wall in an effort to remain out of view. After a few more careful paces forward, the two paused and listened with bated breath.
“... -Maester Gerardys has requested hot water be brought where?”
“The Sea Dragon Tower.”
“But I have already taken out all the pots of hot water the royal family requires for the morning. Why must I drag another all the way over there? Aren’t our guests being accommodated in the Windwyrm?”
"The Sea Dragon Tower is where they have put him.”
“Him?”
“The Sea Snake!”
At this, Derrick exchanged an intrigued look with his younger brother briefly as the conversation from within the kitchens continued.
“The Sea Snake? When did he arrive?”
“His ship docked no more than a few hours ago. Her Grace the Queen thought it best to keep his lodgings closeby to her own.”
That was not surprising to Derrik at all. It was an ill-kept secret that Lord Corlys’s fleet and well-seasoned sailors would be a boon of great magnitude to whichever Targaryen he ultimately chose to support in their vye for the Iron Throne.
“Princess Rhaenys has been with him since they arrived; I heard she refuses to leave his side. Poor woman. She might just be one of the strongest women in all the Seven Kingdoms, but I have always said her only weaknesses were her husband and their children- gods rest their souls.”
“How does Lord Corlys fare? Does Maester Gerardys think he will live?”
“He suspects as much. Although, with all the great hopes placed in his healing capabilities, I do not know if he would dare say otherwise, even if it were true. Regardless, as it stands, Maester Gerardys says the wounds are certain to haunt Lord Corlys for the rest of his days.”
“Do you think he will be well enough to attend the council meeting Her Grace has called today?”
A meeting with the queen’s council was to be held? That was news to Derrik. Judging by the surprised look on his face, it was news to Selwin as well.
“Perhaps. Maester Gerardys said he was lucid at some point, although it comes and goes. If he is awake, I am certain Lord Corlys will at least make an attempt to be present. Although, I would not be surprised if Princess Rhaenys does not try to dissuade him, if only to ensure he continues to get some rest.”
“Well, the Sea Snake’s presence at her council meeting is not the only one Her Grace will be anticipating, I would venture.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“I ought not tell-”
“Then you best not.”
“-However, yesterday morning, I had gone to the queen’s chambers to retrieve the pots of hot water that I had brought in earlier that morning. When I arrived, the doors were closed, and I realized that Her Grace was present.”
“And so, you left, so as not to disturb her?”
“That was my original intent. But then I overheard Her Grace from within, and she was speaking to another-”
A gasp. “Surely you did not-”
“-I did not mean to, but my curiosity got the best of me, I suppose. I overheard Her Grace speaking with Lady Tyrell.”
“That is what all this fuss is about? Why, that is hardly surprising at all. The two of them are known to be close.”
“The Usurper knows this as well. Apparently, Dowager Queen Alicent sent Lady Tyrell and Lord Strong peace terms on his behalf, all in the hopes of persuading them to join his side, and to turn cloak against Her Grace.”
Another, if not more appalling, surprise. After another quick glance at his younger brother, he determined that Selwin looked just as disturbed at the notion as Derrik felt. Neither of their parents had made any mention of such terms… not that he would have wanted them to, or believed they would, ever accept such an offer.
“That is a bold move, to be sure, particularly when their family is being hosted by Her Grace here. But how is any of it relevant to the council meeting today?”
“Her Grace strongly advised Lady Tyrell to discuss the matter thoroughly with Lord Strong. If they attend the council meeting today, she will interpret that as reassurance that she has both of their houses’ support.”
“... And if Lady Tyrell and Lord Strong do not attend the council meeting?”
“Her Grace shall have her answer either way.”
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“Please?”
A moment of silence was followed by a soft, yet regretful, sigh.
“I am sorry, but I do not think it wise.”
The hopeful looks on Derrik and Selwin’s faces fell. In the chambers their parents were given for their own accommodations, it appeared that you and Harwin had had great success in making yourselves feel right at home. The two of you sat at the table near the fireplace, breaking your fast. On Harwin’s lap, Luciya sat with a smile, taking food off of his plate as she pleased.
The scene was not unlike one Derrik might have witnessed at home. But Highgarden was leagues away. And beneath the seemingly calm exterior, he could sense something was amiss between you. The sun had just risen, and yet, your shoulders were tense. Even Harwin, who was normally quite expressive and joyful around Luciya, was more quiet and reserved than normal.
Not even Derrik’s revelation that the Sea Snake had arrived in Dragonstone, and was believed to attend said council meeting, was enough to sway you to give in to your sons’ request. It did, however, cause a look of surprise to flash across your and Harwin’s faces- a fact that Derrik allowed himself to take some small joy from.
“How did you learn of the council meeting?” you inquired, raising an inquisitive eyebrow at your sons as you refilled your goblet.
“I- We- It is of little consequence,” Derrik sputtered, ultimately deciding against confessing the truth, lest he lose all of his leverage, existing and potential. “The queen has called for one, has she not?”
“She has,” you answered carefully.
“And you and Father have been invited to attend?”
“Aye,” Harwin supplied.
“Will you attend the meeting?” Selwin chimed in. “We know the Usurper and Dowager Queen Alicent have sent you terms to try and win your support. Do you mean to accept them?”
You cleared your throat, narrowly avoiding choking on what Derrik suspected was wine. Once you had regained your composure, your lips settled into a frown.
Across the table from you, Harwin did a double take, though he was still mindful to steady Luciya as he did so. “How did the two of you come to learn about the dowager queen’s letter?”
“What terms the Usurper offered in exchange for the support of House Tyrell and House Strong?”
“Does it matter?” Selwin countered, giving Derrik a look of bewilderment. “We cannot accept them!”
“We?” You echoed, chuckling dryly. “I do not recall the two of you being addressed in the dowager queen’s letter. It was only addressed to your father and I. Was it not, Dearest?”
Harwin merely hummed, seemingly finding Lucyia’s attempt to snag a loaf of bread off his plate suddenly far more interesting than the conversation at hand. After a moment of her struggling, he gave her a helping hand, ripping off a portion of the loaf and depositing it into her small hands swiftly. The frown upon your lips softened, eventually giving way to a fond smile as you watched the scene from across the table.
“It may not have been addressed to us, but if you intend to agree to them-” Derrik held out a hand to stop his brother from protesting beside him- “we deserve a say in that decision as well.”
The room fell into a brief, uneasy silence. It was not often that any of you had argued with one another. Every family had squabbles, or at the very least disagreements, and your family was no exception. Even so, disagreements were a rare occurrence. You and Harwin had instilled respect and understanding in both Derrik and Selwin from a young age. Discussion, not aversion, of problems had always been the example set for the Strong boys.
But the stressful events over the past few weeks, combined with tiring travel and an undeniable uncertainty about the future, weighed very heavily over you all. And Derrik knew that if he did not redirect the conversation, and soon, an argument would be the least of his concerns. Stirring up unnecessary strife would not be helpful in the slightest, particularly when to be of help was the only thing he had had on his mind that morning.
“Is that so?”
Though you appeared somewhat affronted, based on your raised eyebrows, crossed arms,and puffed up chest, the neutrality of your tone betrayed you. You might have been asking Derrik to explain his rationale- but you were not demanding it. Instead of forcing him into a corner he had so neatly placed himself in front of, it almost seemed as though you were giving him an opportunity to free himself. It was as though you were posing a challenge to him.
A test.
“Selwin and I’s cooperation with the terms are essential to the Usurper’s proposal, are they not?”
When the contemplative look on your face faltered slightly, Derrik’s assumption was proven correct. Though you recovered quickly enough, he took the opportunity your slip presented to press on.
“You and Father are too close to the queen. Perhaps Aegon is as daft as everyone jests him to be, but anyone with their wits about them would know that Otto Hightower is anything but. And if he is counseling the Usurper, he would be certain to impart to his liege that, should you and Father be welcomed back into his good graces, Aegon would be foolish to trust the two of you outright. However, if Selwin and I were to be installed in your places-”
“I will admit to this,” you interjected, holding up a hand. “Dowager Queen Alicent does mean to displace us both. After we will have sworn our allegiance to Aegon, she would have your father and I renounce our titles. But what would transpire with the succession beyond that is not what the two of you may think.”
Selwin asked quietly, “What would happen?”
You looked away from Derrik then, turning to Selwin with a softer look in your eyes. Though the root of which was still unknown to either of the Strong boys, you offered Selwin a sympathetic smile. “‘Tis nothing I would burden you with the details of, My Darling.”
“And far too insulting to repeat,” Harwin agreed under his breath, breaking off another piece of bread from the loaf and handing it over to Luciya.
Anxiously, Derrik prodded, “So, you will not accept the Usurper’s offer?”
“No.” Your attention shifted once more to Harwin, who gave you a reassuring nod that was so subtle, Derrik might have missed it, had he been looking anywhere else. “As we have sworn to do many years ago, your father and I will support Rhaenyra as the one true Queen of the Seven Kingdoms… But as for the two of you, neither of you have yet made any such oaths. And as long as that remains true, your presence at the council meeting this morning will not be required.”
Gods, you were stubborn. Fortunately for Derrik, it was a trait he had inherited from you. A trait he was rather proud of.
“It may not be required, but let us attend anyway. Let us observe, let us help. I wish to be more than a mere pawn in all of this. As much as you and father may try, neither of you can protect us forever. If the realm is to go to war, we will be vulnerable. It is time for you to teach us what you kno, and to help prepare us for the responsibilities that Selwin and I will one day inherit. Arm us with the tools and knowledge that we need to fight for this family… to survive.”
For a few long moments, all was quiet, save the soft crackling of the nearby fire. Harwin’s eyes flickered between Derrik and Selwin, and you. However, your focus was reserved for your sons alone. Your eyes narrowed, your lips in a tight line, the look on your face was ruminative. 
Meanwhile, Derrik stood tall. He met your strong gaze with what he hoped was a look just as firm. Selwin shifted on his feet beside him, visibly uneasy with the tension.
Even Luciya went still in Harwin’s lap, her interest in the food having been temporarily abandoned in favor of taking in the suddenly silent shift in the room. Her wide eyes flitted to Harwin, to you, and to Derrik and Selwin with a speed Derrik had not thought was possible.
  …
Finally, you rose from your seat. Wordlessly, you stepped around the table, plucked Luciya from Harwin’s hold and settled her into your own arms. Then, you turned, and walked across the room. You came to a stop before your two sons, and gave them each an appraising look.
“So often you are soft spoken. It has been far too easy for it to slip my mind just how clever you truly are,” you told Derrik, gentle pride lacing your tone. “But I needed this reminder. As I also needed to be reminded that you and Selwin are no longer boys, but young men… Will the two of you forgive me?”
Derrik did not hesitate. “There is nothing to forgive, Mother. I know you mean well.”
“And still, I will strive to do better,” you promised the both of them. Balancing Luciya in one arm, you reached out with the other, and grasped one of Derrik’s hands in your own to punctuate your point. After a brief squeeze of his hand, which Derrik could only interpret as a form of gratitude, you turned to Selwin.
Selwin watched silently as you smoothed out the collar of his doublet, which had likely gotten disheveled during the escapade to the kitchens earlier. Once you were satisfied with your efforts, you smiled at him, sparking a smile that mirrored your own to be returned.
“See to it that you tidy yourselves up a bit before the council meeting. It would not do for any member of House Tyrell or House Strong to appear anything less than impeccable.”
“Yes, Mother,” Selwin vowed, his smile deepening as he and Derrik’s victory had begun to be realized within his mind.
“And do not speak unless you are spoken to,” you added seriously. “We narrowly avoided a spat with the Rogue Prince last night, but I do not believe we are fortunate enough to get away with such a feat twice in two dawns.”
Derrik nodded obediently. “We shall keep quiet.”
“Good… Now, I ought to return Luciya to Bryna’s care.” You raised your daughter further up on your hip, and met her inquisitive gaze. “Unless you wish to attend the council meeting as well, Sweetling?”
Luciya said nothing, and once she realized that all eyes were upon her, she turned and shyly buried her head into your shoulder. Laughingly lightly, you smiled at your sons once more before heading towards the door.
Once you had disappeared from view, Derrik waited an additional few moments to allow for you to make your way down the corridor. Once he was certain he would not be overheard, Derrik turned to Harwin and raised an eyebrow.
“We could have used your support, Father.” For a moment, Derrik had lost all hope that you would make any concessions at all.
Harwin merely smirked. “You should know well by now that your Mother and I are of the same mind on most matters. And even when we were not, I have better sense than to question her judgment in front of the two of you…. There are not many things in this life that instill any sort of fear within me, my sons, but the wrath of your mother is certainly one of them. I can only hope you heed this lesson for when you have wives of your own one day.”
Selwin rolled his eyes playfully as he crossed the room to take the seat that you had abandoned. Derrik followed after him at a leisurely pace.
“Besides,” Harwin continued, pausing briefly to finish off his goblet of wine, “I was led to believe, as young men, that the two of you were more than capable of having a simple conversation with your mother, no?”
Derrik groaned tiredly at his father’s light hearted teasing.
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A/N: Thank you for reading!🖤 Next part is planned to be posted 11/23.
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riatheghoul · 3 months
Text
Who am i if not your muse?
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Pairing: Oliver Quick x Black Reader
Warnings: Angst if you squint and fluff but suggestive none the less
Word count: 705
Disclaimers: I do NOT own any of the characters in Saltburn or the pictures i use nor will i ever claim to own them
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Driving into the gates of Saltburn was like being transported into a world that you’d only read about in fairytales. The structure and the overall look of the building made it seem like Saltburn was calling out to you. Beckoning you to stay. You were snapped out of your trance by a tall male opening the door for you. “Oh, thank you” you acknowledged stepping out of the car turning to grab your bags out of the trunk. As you began to walk over am arm blocks your way “That won’t be necessary we can get your bags for you” the man advised in his toneless voice. You nodded while intertwining your fingers together “Until we get all of your things you should go inside and wait there then we can give you the tour and show you to your room.” He suggested. You nodded again following suit and entered the house.
Walking into the home was like stepping into a castle, it was massive and spotless. Overall, it felt like freedom. As you walked around the room taking everything in you heard your name being called from the doorway behind you. Turning around you saw your best friend who felt more like an older brother to you, Farleigh. You smiled at him holding out your arms for a hug which he accepted and rocking you back fourth. “Hey Charlotte, I’m so glad you’re here” he beamed at you then surveilled the area giving you a smirk that you know all too well “What are you plani- WOAH!!” you exclaimed as your body was pulled toward the door.  
He just laughed pulling you though the long hallways to two large rooms that are connected by a bathroom “These are our rooms and yes we do have to share a bathroom but it’s not like you haven’t seen me naked before” he teased you pushed him playfully laughing at his obvious attempt to help you calm down. He puts a hand on your shoulder “I’ll be right here with you I promise” he reassured. You smiled at him, taking his words to heart knowing that he meant it. Just as you were about to ask about your things you hear a door open and in walked Felix. Farleigh stepped in between the two of you so that he could great Felix with a hug then turned to you “Charlotte this is Felix he is my cousin and one of my best friends he and his parents let me invite you” you waved at Felix immediately feeling a wave of gratitude "Thank you so much for having me” he beamed grabbing your hand placing it to his lips for a soft peck “you welcome to stay for as long as you wish” he then turns to Farleigh “we’ll all be down stairs in the library I will meet you there after I go get Oliver” he gave a small smiled then left closing the door behind him
Your eyes widened just hearing that name “wait Oliver is gonna be staying with us also?” you turned to Farleigh who at that moment just realized what was going on “oh shit yeah sorry I didn’t want to tell you over the phone because I knew you’d be too scared to show up if I did say he was here” you pulled Farleigh away from the door just in case of eavesdropping “Listen I know that this wasn’t ideal but if you want to avoid talking to him this whole trip I will help you” all you could do was sigh you pushed past the fact that your crush was going to be staying with you on this summer get away. “Let’s just go to the library” he grabbed your arm “I’m sorry look I just wanted you to have a nice time this summer no more worrying about summer jobs or how you’re going to pay rent in a shabby ass apartment that has rats in it” he said sincerely “its ok I forgive you just give me a heads up next time please” you pleaded he stood at attention and saluted you giggle “Now let’s go meet everyone” he said holding the door for you “ladies first”
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A/N: Heyyyyyyy let me know if you want a part 2 please do comment just so i know if you fuck with or not ok byeeeeeeee
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sctoru · 1 year
Text
His Jealous Girl
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fandom: chainsaw man
characters in the story: yoshida, power, reze, aki, denji and mention of himeno
yoshida x fem!reader
genre: fluff(?) & romance, suggestive
warnings: swearings & kind of suggestive, yoshida is a red flag and a fucking jerk, power is alive here, denji and reze are a couple, reze teaching reader how to be a girlboss (YESSS!!), reader is down bad for yoshida and so does he, aki is alive, aki and himeno are a couple, lets pretend that aki and himeno are highschool students here
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Life has been quite the joy and you can't complain much especially since you have the ladies' man in your grasp. Hirofumi Yoshida, the man of the school. Everyone wants him, everyone wants to get under his pants and the girls can't stop fawning over your popular boyfriend
You can't say it's easy to be his girlfriend, everyday something just gets you under your skin. Either the girls trying to seduce him, bringing him snacks, pretending to fall on him, asking him out even to the point they tried to break you two up! Its quite a task really. But out of all the women, you hated this one girl..she was the definition of 'try-hard-cunt' .
It all started with small gestures like passing him small paper during class, wrote letter to him, asking him to help her with some questions. It was fine but then it goes to another level where she would come over his house all of a sudden, holds his hand, seduce him, etc. Does she forget he have a girlfriend or is her cunt just desperate? you wonder to yourself.
You don't want to admit it to his face but you are super jealous. Yoshida probably noticed it but, he always smile and doesn't do much when she's too clingy to him!! the annoying part is, he would turn to you and give you a light smirk!!! what a tease.
Its Wednesday afternoon and you are heading your way too yoshida to give him the lunch you've made for him, all wrapped up nicely for him to open. Yoshida loves being on the rooftop so you guessed that he's on the rooftop, you ran up your way to the rooftop...feeling happy to see your boyfriend. As you were walking like an excited kid on the rooftop trying to find Yoshida, you see his body with a girl next to him who you guessed is 'that bitch'. Their bodies are so close to eachother! you were enraged but decided to take a deep breathe and walk your way to them
"Yoshida-kun, i was thinking of maybe going to the new cafe downtown! its-" the girl got cutted off by your scoff. "Yoshida, your lunch" you said with an annoyed tone, yoshida smiled when he sees you in that state. "Thank you, love" yoshida said as he gets his arm off from the girl forcefully making the girl frowned. "Oi, you're ruining the moment! are you done?!" she yelled, you rolled your eyes at her
"no, he's my boyfriend.. don't tell me what to do. If your cunt is wet, go and fuck yourself since all you do is rub your thighs together when you're with my boyfriend" you irritatedly said. "oh? are you jealous?" she said amused, "so? isn't it normal?" you scoffed. The girl gave an amused face, "me and yoshida are going to downtown after school..you can say goodbye to your boyfriend" she cockily said.
It angers you really, the fact that your boyfriend finds this amusing really is starting to tick you off. You just rolled your eyes and stomped off from the rooftop, feeling frustrated. You decided to just hang out with denji and power, your mood boosters. "is something ticking you off again?" denji asks while he took a bite of his bread
"let me guess, yoshida and that cunt again?" power rolled her eyes, you sighed. "really, you should do something..seduce him" power finally said it, before you could respond..there were footsteps coming over to the three of you. "ah, reze!" you waved at her which she gave a light smile and waved back. "this is a good timing, reze you should help y/n" power suggested, her arms are around your neck. "on what exactly?" she asked, her figure sitting next to denji
"yoshida and that girl is at it again" said denji who was already bored of the topic, reze could only sigh and wipes away the food crumbs on denji's mouth before she opens her mouth. "Do it my way, y/n" she said sternly, "your way?" you raised your eyebrow in confusion. "Attract him, seduce him, make yourself expensive. Act like you don't care, yoshida might find this amusing but not for long" said reze, "how?" you asked clearly defeated.
"use my sheer lace top thigh high stockings that are in my locker, you know my locker code" reze smirked, "reze why on earth would you bring that to school?" you asked in disbelief, reze and denji shared glances. "those two fuck everyday" power spouts at the two pretending to look offended, "seven hells you two" you sighed heavily. "lets not, you do what you have to do. Me, denji and power are going to head off!" reze shows a nervous smile before dragging power and denji out
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So you did it, you unlocked reze's locker and grabbed the thigh high stockings. Thank god it was black colored, you started to wonder if you'd violate the school rules or not but this time you didnt care.
You went to the bathroom to change your lame looking school socks to a new one. You kinda liked how you looked in it, made you look confident. As you got out of the bathroom, a group of girls saw you and started whispering at eachother but again you didnt care. At a peaceful hallway, you saw yoshida talking with the girl..he didnt let the girl touch him though but still, it angers you so much. You walked faster, passing by them
Yoshida didn't miss to notice the stockings you wore, he gave a light smirk and bit his lip a little making the girl frown. "yoshidaaaa, are we going downtown today??" she whined, yoshida tsked in annoyance. "shut the fuck up" he hissed, his eyes still looking at your stockings that fit perfectly on your thighs before your figure disappeared to the library
"yoshidaa-" her whine got cutted off by his groan of annoyance, he didnt find this amusing nor entertaining anymore. He wanted her, his girlfriend, his girl. He pushed the girl away from his way to follow you to the library. The girl hissed loudly enough to make him chuckled lightly under his breath while walking away.
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The library was empty maybe its because its almost class time, you picked out a book to erase your thoughts. You were having the time of your life finding some interesting romance books before you felt a pair of hands tugging your stockings, you smirked before turning around to see Yoshida.
"what brings you here?" you asked pretending to sound unamused. "you made me come here" he pins your body on the bookshelf, his chest was against yours. "and what does the mr popular guy want now? you have her" you scoffed at him, he lets out an amused chuckle. "i just wanted to play a teasing game with you but it is not amusing anymore" his face was so close to yours.
"even if we still played this game, i wouldn't go out with her to downtown, sweetheart" he whispered in a husky tone. "that doesn't justify your actions, yoshida" you hissed lightly. "but you couldn't resist me either could you?" he lightly chuckled at the thought making you wanna punch his face because he was fucking right. You purposely run your hand down to his tight pants making him look at you with hungry eyes
"then do it, own me, own my heart, my soul, make me yours fully, show everyone that im yours and you are mine, proof to me that your are not dating me for nothing" you whispered, your voice was desperate. "i'll make you mine fully, i'll make me yours fully, you own me y/n, make me yours, rule over me" his voice sounded genuine and desperate.
everything happened so fast, seconds later- both of your uniforms were on the floor.
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The bell rang, you walked pass your class with a proud smile. The girls were looking at you in suspicion and some of them were shocked that your stockings were ripped. Your uniform was messy, your hair was too but what they miss out is that, you have the popular boy's cum in you and between your thighs, it was dripping.
You took your time to clean yourself in the bathroom, you also need to apologize to reze since the stockings are now ripped but you are sure she doesn't mind since she has a ton of it at her house.
"YOU WHAT?! HOLY FUCK, WHY DIDN'T YOU INVITE ME?!" power shouted in disbelief, "was he big?" denji asked out of curiousity. "he was enough to rip my vagina" you said with no shame in you anymore, aki spits out his drink. "all of you are gross" he hissed, "shut the fuck up..as if i didn't caught you fucking himeno at your class last week" power hissed. Aki continued to suck on his cigs, "this makes me horny not gonna lie maybe we should fuck eachother one day" denji suggested making aki and you choked on air.
"you are insufferable" aki's horrified look made power laugh, "its a good idea!" power smiled. "no please.." you shook your head in embarassment. Their conversation got interrupted by a girl's cry, their attention goes to the girl in front of them who was crying, they all smirked to see who it was.
"well would you look at that" aki chuckled. "what a puss" power hissed, "she got what she deserved" denji chuckled. You stood up and make your way to the girl, you pulled her hair making her groan in pain. "being a hoe really got you like this huh? he has no use for you anymore so, you can fuck off" you proudly say making her more annoyed then ever. "fuck you!!" she shouted making you laugh loudly and gave her a flying kiss before walking off.
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It has been a month.
Its fucking great here, yoshida didn't gave other girls much attention. His attention was only you which made the girls more jealous and annoyed then ever.
The girl who was obsessed with yoshida got what she deserved, many teased her and she was a lonely person now since she was actually a shit person.
You and Yoshida don't always fuck though, you both love to cuddle when alone and go out on dates after school. He shows you affection when private!
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author note: this story came out longer than expected 😂 but um anyways- i am down bad for yoshida so uh yeah, i am down to forgive any shit things he does! 🥰🥰
spoiler: i am doing sae itoshi next 😉
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gavisuntiedboot · 1 year
Note
Gavi in love with an author or astrophysicist?
A/N: Welcome back to another installment of boot on the bus!! Because of the F1 kick I’ve been on, it took everything in me not to change this to an engineer :,) so we went with author
~~
“Thank you so much for joining us! We at Blaugrana Publishing are delighted to welcome y/n, author of the NYT best-selling series “Instinctual”, to unveil her newest work.”
A loud, thunderous applause filled the hall, as 200 people cheered while you waved back, placing your hands on your chest to express the immense gratitude you felt for everyone that had supported your book.
You had started your debut novel “Instinctual” when you were in college, eager to turn all of your experiences into inspiration for a doomed love between a headstrong physics girl and and an idiotic business boy, who didn’t realize what he had until she had slipped between his fingers. Your publisher has taken a huge risk on you, but had backed you regardless to support ‘budding local talent’. The booktokers instantly fell in love with toxic, spicy romance that you weaved in your pages, which gave the publishers enough confidence for you to continue writing your series.
You had decided that your protagonists next love interest was going to be a footballer, prompting you to start researching footballers, watching interviews, and just learning their general mannerisms. Your publishing group had gotten you a media pass to La Masía, allowing your to interview players and watch games to get a full character study. You had every intention of making this footballer an ass - someone who would use your protagonist when convenient and abandon her for the “love of the game” when the time came.
Sitting in the stands of a La Masía match against the Sevilla football academy, you were hurriedly scribbling notes into the pages of your journal, taking in the sights, sounds, and interview responses from the players to get a full picture. You registered when someone had sat down next to you, but made no motion to look up or acknowledge their presence. About 15 minutes into the game, the person beside you tapped your shoulder. Looking up at him, your eyes met his honey ones, bright in the afternoon sun. He looked familiar, but you couldn’t place where you had seen him before.
“Sorry, if you’re going to spend the game doing homework, do you mind switching with my friend sitting behind you? We want to watch the match.”
The question had thrown you off guard. You looked the teenage boy up and down, unimpressed by his laid back demeanor. He and his friend beside him had spent the entire game muttering in hushed, angry tones. You didn’t see why they needed to add a third commentator.
“Sorry, but I’m taking notes of the game for my book. If your friend wanted my seat, he should have bought this ticket.”
“We never buy tickets for La Masía games.” He responded, sounding genuinely surprised by your suggestion. His friend beside him nodded.
“Then how did you three get in? Did you hop the fence?”
“No, we used to train here.And even if we didn’t- they always let the first team players in for free. ” The boy responded, eyes flicking between you and the game on the field.
Your eyes widened - you had struck gold. Actual first team, professional footballers to help you with your book. The excitement flooded your brain, and you spoke faster than you could think.
“Could I get your number?”
The three boys all turned to you, the one beside you confused, the other two holding back giggles.
“Usually don’t give my number to fans. Sorry.”
“I literally have no idea who you are.”
This statement made the two observers burst out laughing, unable to contain their mirth at what had just transpired between you two. The boys introduced themselves as Gavi, Ansu, and Alenjandro. Gavi begrudgingly accepted handing over his number, taunts from his friends heard for the remainder of the match about how was “still unknown” and living in someone named Pedri’s shadow.
Over the next several weeks, you messaged Gavi almost daily while writing, asking him about football, his personal life, the team dynamics - everything.
“Do fans give you their numbers often?” You asked, phone held up to your ear with your shoulder as you typed vigorously.
“Yeah, more often than not. Sometimes they’ll throw it into Pedri’s car as we drive home. Actually, there was this one time I was doing a signing at the team store and this girl slipped me her number. I didn’t want to embarrass her so I just took it and held onto it. There’s a video everywhere of it happening. Apparently I have amazing rizz?”
You laughed into the phone, taking a break from typing just to imagine Gavi, awkwardly accepting a paper slip, being turned into the master of getting girls. It had become a routine for you to call Gavi in the evenings, usually to ask about the character. But at some point it just morphed into calls about your days, your lives, your frustrations. It went on like this for two months. One evening, as you sat jotting down title ideas, you asked Gavi:
“Can I ask you something kinda personal?”
A pause.
“Sure. What’s up?”
“Where would you take a girl out on a date?”
There was silence on the other side of the line for so long you had to make sure the call didn’t drop. After this long pause, he cleared his throat and said, “Well, how much do I like her?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well like if it’s a girl I found on instagram and I just think she’s pretty, then she’s meeting me at whatever club I’m going to with the boys. But if I’ve known her for a while and I like her, then it’s different. There’s this one kind of whole in the wall place near the stadium, it’s just- actually wait. What are you doing tonight?”
“Huh?”
“What’re you doing tonight? If you’re free, I can just show you rather than try and describe.”
You froze momentarily. You had noticed the dynamic shifting between you and Gavi, but that was just phone banter- nothing serious, nothing real. What he was proposing (a date) would shift the paradigm of the two of you more than you were ready for. But still, something within you was intrigued. Gavi was handsome - no questioning that - and there was something about him that drew you in, like a warm fire on a cold day.
“I’m… not doing anything. I’d love to go see it.”
“Perfect. I’ll text you the address and we can meet there at 8?”
Yes you had initially wanted to make your footballer dark and sinister like all the men you’ve known in your life. But sitting across that table, looking at Gavi, listening to him speak about his love, his passion, the future he wanted - you couldn’t do it. This man was softened butter on the inside, shy and courteous, like the boys in 50s movies. He walked you back to your place like a true gentleman, holding your hand at your door, and professing, confidently with some slight stuttering, that he thought you were beautiful, and wanted to be more than just your friend.
That was the night that changed your writing (and life) forever, for the better. Your second book, “Enticement”, was even better than the first, this time awarding you critical acclaim for your ability to “provide humanity to a callous character, creating compelling and layered people”. Your final book in the trilogy, “Enraptured”, won you a YA book of the year award, as it told a compelling love story where two young lovers could break down each others walls and love them at their cores. Your protagonist and her footballer lover were praised for how “real, honest, raw, and romantic” their relationship was. That was all thanks to Gavi. He taught you so many new forms of love and ways to express it - like someone seeing color for the first time. He showed you how to weather storms together, build each other up, and ground one another when everything seemed to crumble.
“Before we get onto talking about your upcoming work, we have a few questions from the audience.”
You answered questions about your thought process and your world building, encouraging all the young writers in the room to give it their best shot. The last question arrived, and a young girl in round glasses approached the microphone.
“Hi I’m Valeria. First of all I really love your book. I just wanted to ask about the final couple, Maria and Xavier. A lot of your book seems so realistic, except for the way Xavier acts. He’s almost too perfect, like he’s not like any man I’ve ever seen in real life before. So I just wanted to ask: do you know any men in real life that are like Xavier?”
The crowd erupted in cheers at the question, and you laughed to yourself. You looked off to the side of the stage, where Gavi stood leaning against the wall. He smiled widely, winking at you.
“You know, I used to think men like that didn’t exist either. But then I found him, doing something I’ve never done in my life - watching a football game. So don’t lose hope that your Xavier is out there. He might be climbing a mountain or buried under booms in a library or by the side of the road with a busted car. You might find him in the oddest of places, but he’s out there. And when you find him, he’s going to turn your world upside down, and bring you joy you didn’t know was possible. Because mine has.”
~~~
I always wanna say more but that’s the end of the bus ride and the end of the Drabble. Almost iftar time!!
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tomatoswup · 1 year
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FlowerShop Stampede (Headcanons)
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✿Welcome to Flowershop Stampede! ✿
Here, we offer the best quality in Floral. selections!
Weddings, Birthdays, Parties, Bouquets?
We cater to any event!
Come and Visit Today!
summary: trigun characters working in a flowershop,, what could go wrong?
characters: vash the stampede, nicolas d. wolfwood, meryl stryfe, milly thompson
warnings: none, meryl running wolfwood over, vash's horrible flower arranging skills, etc :P
category: headcannons
A/N: this was fun to imagine tbh hehehe,,, i'll be writing an extra bonus one shot stemming from these headcannons but first imma write the other things I have planned for right now! I was thinking about writing these up first and scheduling them ahead of time but what's the fun in that :,) i may not be the best writer but thank yall for reading my things,,, also i'm so tired from a recent trip so half-awake-half-asleep editing
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Vash The Stampede
One of the first part-timers at Flowershop Stampede!
A bit of a run-down flowershop, but Vash is very encouraged to flip everything around with work ethic and effort! :)
Roberto literally just watches as the new-hire speaks to the roses in the morning,,,,he just lets him do his thing
and i'm gonna be honest with yall, Boss-man Roberto puts Vash as the main floral consultant
because who can resist that adorable face so kind?
"Do you really want just one batch? The chapel would be soo pretty if you added two more to fluff everything up :)" -insert doe eyes here-
yeah...give me 10.
also he's a bit of a people person sooooooo
literally has a natural green thumb, and the dude is majoring in botany
so theoretically he's the most practiced besides Roberto,,but he doesn't flaunt that around. he really just likes nature and this is encouraged by his adoptive mother Rem.
BUT he doesn't hesitate to kick anyone out if theres' a problem or disturbance or a threat
Will fight a customer with a stern smile on the wrong day.
One time, this rude ass man was yelling right into Milly's face because she dropped a bit of dirt on his shoes until Vash stepped in.
scary ass face bro what the hell,,, after a few tumbles and a broken pot, he kicked his ass out "peacefully".
cried a few tears after though.
"I hope he's alright... The cop gave me his number, what if I just check up on them.."
"Vash you had the right-"
"What if they died???! D:"
"They're not dead Vash.." sweatdrop
His brother Nai often looks down on his choice of profession and study. He thinks Vash should've studied more in International Relations or Humanities at most but botany? Seriously?
But since Vash's childhood was so...troubled. He just wanted to live in peace at this point, to breathe a little. He loves to help others but in his own way!
Doesn't hesitate to help people choose or decide on the right flowers,, he actually gives really good suggestions.
To everyone's surprise and utter disbelief, Vash is not good at making bouquets. At all.
Milly had asked Vash to make one for her when she went to quickly help Meryl unload plants from the truck and the girl came back to a very...bald.. bundle of roses.
"did i do it? :D"
everyone agreed that Vash doesn't really have a good eye at actually making the bouquets,, choosing the flowers yes! actually arranging them hell no.
bonus headcanon:
sometimes, Vash's prosthetic aches due to over-exertion. lifting heavy things around the shop, he forgets to take his breaks more often than he should, especially before the refitting appointment for his arm. so whenever it aches, Wolfwood takes his place and he goes in the back kitchen for a good 30 minute break.
when he gets home, he asks you to give him a shoulder massage and you gladly do.
you also nag at him for not taking his needed breaks to which he sweats a little and gives you a small smile.
he loves you for worrying about him though :,)
"babe plz take me back'
"vash i'm literally just gonna go get the IcyHot-"
"come back :,("
you cant help but give him a little peck on the lips before you go fixing his aches.
Nicolas D. Wolfwood
One of Flowershop Stampede's full-timers,, came in a bit after Vash started, roughly a good 6 months after.
No, he wasn't introduced to the job by anyone, he really just saw the Help Wanted poster in the trash and said "yup, this one right here."
also the man was broke aside for an odd job he doesn't like telling people for many reasons.
Now the man's here. Brown apron, gardening gloves, dirt on his cheeks and sunglasses laying on top of his head.
someone take a pic plz☝️
Alot of people including clients suspect he's a con-man but he just has the charm of a door-to-door salesman with the vibes of a con man.
bIGGG DIFFERENCE not really
a bit of a hard ass but has a good heart,, really good at convincing people to buy flowers.
Roberto doesn't like having him on consultations like Vash though since he goes off topic quite a bit stop rizzing up the fiance wolfwood her marriage is literally next week.
Has a specialty for making bouquets, specifically weddings and big events.
do you have a Quince going on? you want 5 big bouquets? Give Wolfwood a day he'll get them done by midnight tops.
Literally the two main bouquet arrangers in the shop are Wolfwood and Milly so they often call each other partner.
Old ladies absolutely love Wolfwood. He always tries to help them the best he can.
Carrying flower bundles, giving them suggestions on nice small bouquets nicely wrapped, they really love him and his little chest show boy button them up puT UR BADONKERS AWAY-WE ARE SELLING TULIPS
hates morning shifts with a passion, so he takes the night shifts often as Vash does who can't do mornings bc of class on certain days.
Overall, a tad bit aggressive yet charming worker! Takes pride in his work! in fighting too!
Meryl Stryfe
Flowershop Stampede's delivery driver! Also another full-timer besides Wolfwood.
If you spot her on the road with a big ass Ford F150 filled with crates and boxes filled with flowers and roses nooooo you didn't.
She mostly does the final parts of big orders, delivering and getting the sign-offs on orders!
Just delivered a big bunch of flowers for a bash?
"Sign right here for me and you're ready to go :)"
If you got a problem with her or one of the orders that were put in correctly or you don't wanna pay, she'll put Roberto on speaker for you 💖 or she'll curse you out AND THEN put him on speaker
best of both worlds.
Almost ran Wolfwood over as she was backing the truck up for bouquet pick-up.
He never let her live it down
"I don't know why you let her drive Roberto-"
"IT WAS JUST ONE TIME!"
no it wasn't
it was like the third but they don't have another driver.
also she's pretty good at getting flowers to their locations in record time to Roberto's dismay
the luck she has in not having gotten a ticket yet god damn. But she's still a pretty good driver! :D
Very good friends with Vash and Milly,, Whenever all three are on break, they go to the nearby coffee shop to get bread and coffee for everyone else working in the shop.
Milly accompanies her whenever theres' huge bouquets or arrangements to deliver so Meryl doesn't hurt herself.
And when she's not delivering anything, she helps the shop upfront by putting new plants out to display outside and inside the store!
Meryl appreciates everyone including the plants and works hard to show that she does!
Whip that car girl☝️ !!!!
Milly Thompson
Flowershop cashier and floral arranger! She actually works part-time due to her studies also.
She's a little oblivious but girl knows how to do her math real shit. Rings up the cash register in like a minute
"Next Customer! ^ - ^”
But she also does alot of the heavy duty shit around with Vash and Wolfwood.
Loading the truck, bringing in the crates filled with plants, strong millyyyy💪
Loves working there bc she's enamored with the stories customers and clients tell her and why they're buying flowers.
A proposal? Funeral? Someone just gave birth? Birthday?
People live very interesting lives and Milly finds it so fascinating to listen to them and how passionate they sound whenever they speak about their one and only(s).
Sometimes regulars who've known Milly well enough bring her pudding in exchange for a extra rose :) She's building up her little collection in the Kitchen fridge,
meryl is starting to get worried tbh
In Wolfwood's words, Milly is too considerate of a worker and he wants her to be more foots down but Milly politely declines his words of "wisdom"
Whenever Flowershop Stampede tables at any fairs or events, Milly likes to have fun gardening activities for the kids to come and enjoy!
Had her partner-crime Wolfwood convince Roberto to hold a Community and Kids Flower Bouquet Making class. Both Milly and Wolfwood leaded the event with pride.
And yes, all of Milly's family came and attended of course
Vash also did with Rem and a stubborn Nai who secretly enjoyed it
Wolfwood is now Uncle Wolf according to one of Milly's cousins.
milly: sooo uncle wolf what are the orders going out today?
wolfwood: milly i swear to god-
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thetargaryenbride · 1 year
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Nail To The Coffin - S2 - Chapter 4
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Warnings: brief mention of drugs
Pairing: Steve Harrington x f!Byers!Reader
Word Count: 6328
A.N: Ok! Sorry it took so long but we’re finally entering the actual interesting part of the plot of season 2! Hang on tight! Also, I’ve decided to humanize Billy a bit more because I really do believe he has the potential to become a good person if only there’s someone he can relate to and someone to show him kindness which is a foreign concept for him. As always, please do make me know if I’ve written certain characters OOC and if you think there is something that can be corrected within the story. Thank you for reading. Hope you like it! 🖤 🥀
Masterlist || Chapter 3 || Chapter 5
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“Maybe we should check the backyard?” suggested Lucas and you nodded but suddenly Dustin halted.
“Dustin?” you heard your mother’s voice and you saw her after you rounded the corner after the boy.
“Mrs. Byers?”
“What’s going on? Where’s Will?” asked Joyce frantically before she saw you. “Y/N, honey, weren’t you supposed to pick him up?”
“That’s what I was doing, mom. I came here right after I finished my practice but I had no idea that AV was canceled because no one bothered to tell me,” you grit out the last part with a tight smile as you looked at Dustin and he shifted guiltily in his spot.
“Thank God I called the teacher’s office to check on things. Where-where is he?”
Before anyone could answer, Lucas – who none of you noticed had run off to check outside – rushed in, drawing your attention.
“The field!” he shouted urgently before running back out and you didn’t hesitate to follow.
You found your brother rooted in one place, frozen and unmoving despite Mike shaking him and trying to snap him out of the state he’d fallen in.
“I just found him like this!” exclaimed the boy worriedly as you rushed to your brother. “I think he’s having another episode!”
“Will? Will!” you shouted as you grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him lightly.
“Sweetie, wake up! It’s mom!” joined Joyce. “Will! Will, wake up!”
“C’mon, honey, listen to us. Wake up. Please!” you spoke frantically as you tapped his cheek.
It felt as if hours passed since you and your mom began shaking Will and tried waking him up while he stayed paralyzed with his pupils moving behind his eyelids but in fact it was barely а minute.
Then he snapped back into reality with a sharp gasp, eyes blowing wide open.
Everyone let out relieved sighs.
“Can you hear me, baby?” you asked as you squeezed his shoulders and he gulped, nodding slowly. “Are you alright? Does it hurt anywhere? Your head or?” he shook his head and you sighed as you brought him into a hug, your mother joining and placing a kiss on his head as the two of you sandwiched the poor boy between you.
“Let’s go home, hm?” she offered, sending you a shaky smile, and you nodded.
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“Hey,” you paused on the top of the stairs and turned to look at Max. “I’m sorry you had to witness that. It was probably scary,” you gave her an apologetic look and her eyes widened as she shook her head and was quick to turn down your worries.
“No, it’s ok. You don’t need to apologize.”
“That’s good. Don’t let that scare you out of being friends with these guys,” you smiled and she nodded. “You are…Billy’s sister, right?” you asked and she fidgeted in her spot for a bit.
“Step-sister, yes.”
“Um, look,” you began as you placed a hand on her shoulder and guided her a few steps away from the boys, throwing a look over your shoulder to make sure they weren’t going to eavesdrop, “I don’t want to butt into your life or anything but…Billy seems like…kind of an asshole brother,” you pointed out and she snorted as if you haven’t told her anything new.
“Yeah, he can be like that. But don’t worry about him, ok? I can handle him,” she scrunched up her forehead and nodded confidently.
“I don’t doubt that. You seem like a pretty badass girl. But I felt compelled to tell you, just in case, that if you ever have an extra bad clash with your brother you can come to me.”
“Really?” she looked at you incredulously, having no idea why a stranger would be as kind as to go out of their way and offer her that.
But you didn’t have to know her to offer her your help and kindness. It was enough that you witnessed Billy’s behavior towards her and you took pity on the girl so you wanted to let her know she could rely on you and have an escape route if she needed to. 
“Yes, really. You have a place in my home if you want to get away from his prick ass sometimes,” you smiled encouragingly and she let out a lighthearted snort through her nose, returning the smile.
“Thank you.”  
“See you guys later,” you bid the kids goodbye after that and rushed down the stairs.
“Update us on his condition, ok?” called Mike after you and you turned to give him thumbs-up before following your mother to the parking lot.
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“I can’t remember,” muttered Will and you looked at him over your shoulder while busying your hands with taking a mug and warming up some milk so you could make hot cocoa, otherwise they wouldn’t stop shaking.
“I need you to try,” pleaded your mother. You grabbed the cup and neared the table, placing it in front of Will. Comfort drinks or food always managed to make him feel better so you hoped it would be helpful now.
“I…I was on the field and…and then it…all just went blank, and… and then you were there,” he explained but you could tell he was lying and so did your mother.
“Will, I need you to tell me the truth.”
“I am,” he muttered as he grabbed the mug, his fingers drawing patterns on its surface before he took a sip. Joyce sighed before she stood up and disappeared into Will’s room.
“Hey,” you whispered as you took her place next to him and dragged the chair closer. “I know there’s more to it. Mom can feel it too. I’m sure she’s gonna believe you this time. You know that I believe you. We talked about it, didn’t we?” you gave him an understanding smile and he nodded.
Before any of you could say anything more, Joyce came back, holding two pieces of paper that she placed on the table in front of you. One was Will’s drawing and the other was something resembling it.
“This shape,” she said as she pointed at the second drawing. “I saw it on the video tape from Halloween night. It’s the same shape as…as your drawing,” she explained as she compared the two. “These episodes that you’re having, I think Dr. Owens is wrong. I think they’re real. But… I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s going on.”
“Mom is right. We can speculate all we want whether they are real or not and whether you have formed a connection to the Upside Down or not. Personally, I believe that’s the case,” you spoke and Joyce looked at you surprised and worried. “But we need you to talk so we can get a better understanding about this whole situation and try to, I don’t know, find a way to put a stop to this…ok? Don’t be afraid to speak your truth. Talk to us, please,” you squeezed his shoulder encouragingly as he looked at the table then back at you and Joyce, eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“That’s right. No more secrets, ok?” asked Joyce and he nodded slowly. “Did…did you see this again on the field?”
“Yes.”
“What was it?”
“I don’t know…It’s almost…more like a feeling,” he tried putting it into words, voice shaky.
“Like the one you had that night at the arcade?”
“Yes,” he whispered.
“What does it want?” you asked after a moment of silence.
“I don’t know…It came for me and…And I tried. I tried to make it go away,” he hiccupped as the tears finally slid down his cheeks and Joyce looked at you with worry in her eyes which you shared. “But it got me, mom.”
“What does that mean?”
“I felt it…everywhere,” he whimpered. “Everywhere…I…I still feel it. I just want this to be over,” he cried out and you and your mom leaned forwards and took him into your arms, hugging him tightly as he sobbed.
“It’s ok, honey. It’s ok,” whispered Joyce as she caressed his head and you felt hot rage bubble inside of you. You didn’t know what that thing was but it had marked your brother and he became its prey once again. How you wanted to get your hands on it and make it pay for everything he was putting Will through.
“Hey, look at me, sweetheart,” you pulled away to look at him and grasped each side of his face. “I will never, ever, let anything bad happen to you ever again. You hear me? We’re getting through this together and this shithead is going to pay,” you told him firmly and Joyce nodded.
“Whatever is going on in you, we’re gonna fix it. We will fix it! I promise!”
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The rest of the day you spent working at the diner. It was the middle of the week so there weren’t that many people. It was only around the late afternoon hours when students began piling in which helped keep you distracted.
“On the house,” you smiled as you placed a milkshake and a plate of waffles with some chocolate syrup, banana pieces, cream, and rainbow sprinkles in front of Lorelei and she let out a surprised gasp.
“No, Y/N, I can’t not pay-“
“Nonsense. I promise it’s ok,” you waved off her worries and her guilty expression melted into one of gratitude as she took the straw between her fingers and sipped, letting out a content sigh.
“Thank you. That’s really sweet of you.”
“You’re welcome. But what about you, Chrissy? You sure you don’t want to spoil yourself a bit with something sweet?” you asked as you shifted to look at the other girl who had refused to order any food and was currently holding a glass of water.
“No, Y/N, thank you very much for the offer but I’m fine. There are just too many calories in the waffles and the milkshake and I really have to mind my figure,” she said with a smile but you managed to pick on the nervousness of her tone and the way she fidgeted in her seat.
“Oh, ok,” you let out a small uncertain smile, finding her behavior a bit odd but decided to drop it for now.
“Fancy seeing you here, Byers,” sounded a very familiar voice and you grumbled under your breath as you turned to see Billy strolling towards the counter with Tommy and a couple of other boys from the basketball team following behind. “Interesting how we keep running into each other.”
“Well, it’s a small town,” you lifted your brows as you grabbed a menu and placed it in front of him. “But if you ask me, I doubt you just ran into me by coincidence.”
“Is that so?” the corner of his lip twitched as he battled a smirk from forming and you gave him a downward smile. 
“I think…that you decided to hang out with your new buddies and you wondered where you should go to grab a bite and then Tommy the dick Hagan told you I worked here so...there you are,” you blurted out and he couldn’t contain a playful grin from spreading on his face as he let out a chuckle.
“Alright…I’m starting to get why you’re one of the smartest. Frankly, I’m impressed,” he gave a nod of approval and you smiled, shaking your head. “But what, are you going to kick me out ‘cause you’re tired of seeing my face?” he asked, tilting his head, and you sighed.
“Actually, no I won’t. You’re paying my salary,” you said offhandedly and he let out a laugh, almost sending you into a state of shock because you didn’t know he was capable of laughing genuinely instead of mockingly, and you shared a look with Chrissy and Lorelei who seemed to be thinking the same thing as you.
“You know what, Byers? I’m starting to really like you,” he drawled and you snorted.
“Please, don’t. I’d like to keep my sanity.”
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“Hey, wait up,” called Billy after you and you turned to face him, waiting impatiently for him to catch up, his confident but leisurely stroll driving you on edge because you wanted to rush back home as fast as possible.
“What is it?”
“I wanted to give it back,” he said as he took your ribbon out of the pocket of his leather jacket and handed it to you, making you arch an eyebrow.
“I thought you were going to keep this as some kind of twisted token or something.”
“Only if you want me to,” he grinned mischievously, retracting his hand, and you quickly grabbed the fabric before he had the chance to put it back in his pocket. 
“Thanks…I guess.”
“I was curious about something,” he said as he fell into step with you when you resumed your walking.
“Really? What about?”
“What Hagan said that Halloween night. About your father,” he revealed and you halted in your steps, looking up at him with wide eyes. He detected the slight fear and unease swirling in their depths and let out a sigh, shaking his head. “Nah, forget it.”
“No,” you blurted out. “Uh…it’s ok. Just…it just took me off guard, is all,” you muttered and he looked at you for a while as if trying to decipher you.
“I just wanted to know if what he said was true. About him being an asshole.”
“Yeah…yeah he’s an asshole…so it’s a good thing he’s out of our lives,” you revealed, the grip you had on your bag tightening.
“I see…then what he said that night was a very fucking shitty dick move,” huffed the boy and you gulped, looking at him in surprise.
“It was but…I just don’t understand why you’d care.”
“Maybe I’m just feeling like doing some charity. So I’ll tell Hagan to get off your hair,” he shrugged and you frowned.
“I’m not a charity case. I can take care of myself just fine. Besides, as you kindly pointed out earlier today, I have more than enough knights in shining armor to look after me if I ever need it,” you quipped before turning your back on him and marching to your car, not giving him a chance to respond or follow you as you sped away.
Even through the sideway mirror, you could see his bizarre expression and it made you wonder why he decided to approach you and ask about your father and why he seemed a bit protective about this topic.
Meanwhile, Billy just stared at the rear of your car, his mind focused on the things he learned.
He hadn’t actually meant to talk to you about your father. He didn’t know what prompted him to talk about it and why his curiosity had won.
Today after basketball practice he had asked Tommy about it. It’s not like it was a secret. From what he learned, the whole town knew of Lonnie so it’s not like he was prying into your personal life. He had just wanted Tommy to explain why he said what he said and learn what everyone else seemed to already know. The boy told him about your father being a total jerk, a cheat, a drunkard, and a suspected junkie. He had also told him about you ending up at the hospital with a concussion and a beat-up face one day and that shortly after your parents had divorced. Billy wasn’t stupid. He managed to put two and two together.
And something inside of him had just cracked. He didn’t know what it was but it gnawed at him and made him want to confront you about it and hear it from your mouth.
Maybe it was the fact that he had just found someone who shared the same experience and fought the same battle as he did.
And that made him want to be less of an asshole to you.
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You got home extra late once again and all you could think of was getting a shower, checking on Will, and grabbing a snack.  
You first went to see your brother, only to find him asleep in your mother’s arms. You smiled sadly. He must have been very afraid. Then you checked on Jonathan. He was also fast asleep.
You took a hot shower, hoping it would help you relax but it didn’t.
You made yourself warm and comfortable in your bed, hoping the tiring day you had would help you fall asleep but it didn’t.
You kept tossing and turning.
You got out of bed and began pacing, picking up something to read only to discard it because you kept getting distracted. You smoked as you mindlessly watched TV, leg bouncing, mind racing.
Before you knew it, you were reaching for the one thing that never failed at bringing you peaceful bliss – Ketamine.
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Nearly a year ago
“Chief, you think you can spare me a minute?” asked one of the doctors the following day after your surgery, and Hopper, who had come to visit you and see if things have improved, nodded and followed the man. He had been just about to enter your room when he was called.
“What is it, doc?”
“Amongst the other examinations, we needed to do some blood tests and I felt compelled to inform you that we found traces of drugs in her bloodstream,” revealed the man, and Hopper furrowed his brows, his gut clenching nervously as his mind jumped to a few days ago when he had found you stumbling out of the forest and collapsing by his house.
“What kind of drugs?”
“Uh, it’s nothing too serious, it’s just Ketamine. It’s actually quite commonly used because it either gives you a euphoric state of mind or calms you down. It is a sedative drug, after all,” explained the man, and Hopper shut his eyes, hand going to pinch the bridge of his nose. “I wanted to speak to her mother but seeing the horrible state she was in I decided it would be best if you learned first.”
“No, you did well by telling me first. Don’t say a word to Joyce. I’ll handle that,” he said and the doctor nodded before walking away. 
.
A week later
“Hop?” you called out as you saw the man getting out of his vehicle and he turned around.
“Hey,” he greeted but you immediately picked on his not-so-happy mood. “Where have you been?”
“I took a walk in the forest. Wanted to enjoy some fresh air,” you smiled as you finally neared him and he looked at the arm resting in a sling before back at you. “But why are you here? Is there something wrong?”
“Not really, uh…I just wanted to talk to you about somethin’,” he said and unsettlement crept upon you all of the sudden.
“What about?”
“I’m gonna be straightforward, kid. The doctor told me about traces of Special K in your blood,” he blurted out and your eyes widened, your heartbeat increasing. “Just tell me the truth, ok? Did you take drugs?” he asked and you gulped, taking a deep breath before nodding.
“I did-“
“Jesus, kid,” he rubbed his face with one hand while the other rested on his hip and you hurries to explain yourself.
“I just panicked! I-I didn’t know what to do. I was stressed. Mom and Jonathan needed support so I had to be calm and stable.”
“And you decided that the best way to do that is by sedating your mind with drugs?” he snapped. “That’s bullshit, kid.”
“I didn’t know what else to do!”
There was a tense silence for a moment before Hopper turned around and walked towards the porch, plopping down on the sofa that you had always wanted to replace with a porch swing, and you hesitantly followed and joined him.
“Listen, kid…I…made the same mistakes,” he began uncertainly. “After my…after my daughter died, I fell in a black hole. Just like you, my mind wouldn’t leave me alone. Stress, insomnia, depression, overthinking, pain, regret, you name it, it swallowed me,” he spoke lowly and you gulped. “So I reached for that shit. Alcohol…drugs,” he huffed. “I thought they were helping…but they fucked things up even more. I realized that a bit late, though. I don’t want you to repeat my mistakes,” he finally looked at you and you filled with regret and guilt. It must have shown on your face because Hopper wrapped an arm around your shoulders.
“C’m here,” he muttered and brought you in for a side hug which you gladly returned. “Promise me…for your sake and for your family’s sake…that you won’t get involved with that crap. Put an end to it before it’s too late because it’s gonna become a weakness that might lead to a very bad downfall,” he said softly, concern lacing his voice, and you nodded against him.
“I promise.”
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Alas, you weren’t exactly able to keep true to that promise.
While you hadn’t spiraled out of control and gotten into using heavy drugs, which was a good thing, you still smoked weed with Eddie and occasionally took the Special K. You didn’t consider yourself addicted because you were able to survive long periods of time without taking the drug, but you also couldn’t consider yourself as immune to it as you used to be before Will’s incident.
The next morning came faster than you thought. You had not slept a wink for the majority of the night until you had decided to take the drugs which had finally done the trick and you had managed to sleep for around three hours.
When you woke up, your mom was already in the kitchen, making breakfast. Jonathan was nowhere to be seen which was weird. Usually, it was him making breakfast. 
“Morning,” you greeted groggily as you squinted your eyes at the sunrays, currently still a bit sensitive to the light.
“Morning, sweetie,” greeted Joyce with a smile.
“How’s Will?”
“Still asleep but I reckon he should be waking soon. Hey, can you please finish this? I gotta call the police station,” she asked and you took her place by the stove.
“The police station?”
“I couldn’t get in touch with Hopper yesterday so I’ve been trying to do it today,” she explained and you nodded.
Yeah, you’d like for Hopper to help you out because you had no idea how to deal with all of this.
“Just tell him to call me the second he gets in. Please,” you could hear her talk to Flo and you shook your head, wondering what the reason was as to why your mother couldn’t reach Hopper. Worry began gnawing at you. What if the government had found out about Hopper hiding Eleven? What if they had gotten her and Hopper? You bit your lip as you thought about whether it’d be a good idea to drive to the cabin and check on them.
“Hey, how are you feeling, sleepyhead?” asked Joyce then and you realized that Will must have gotten up. “Any better? Same as last night? Still weird?”
“Yeah,” he sighed as he gave you a strained smile when he strolled into the kitchen and plopped down on a chair. You put the pan away and quickly washed and dried your hands before joining Joyce to stand in front of him.
You put a hand on his forehead and frowned. He wasn’t warm at all. You thought he might have a higher temperature but he seemed cold to the touch.
“Hey, mom,” you spoke lowly. “Can you, uh…get the thermometer?”
She left your side to go fetch the object and the moment she returned you put it in Will’s mouth and the three of you just waited for the results.
“Ok, let me see,” said Joyce after she finished counting the minutes and took the thermometer to check. You peeked over her shoulder and your brows furrowed.
“Is it a fever?” 
“No. Uh…it’s actually cold.”
“It’s thirty-five going thirty-four degrees,” you informed him and he blinked in confusion. “Do you feel cold, though?”
“No. Just a little out of it. Like I haven’t really woken up yet,” he answered and your mother gave him a look that he immediately picked up on. “You promised no doctor!”
“And I meant it. No doctor… You know what? I’m gonna run you a nice bath and it’ll warm you up and hopefully get you feeling better. How’s that sound? Okay,” she grinned at him before patting his hand and standing up, heading for the bathroom, and you uncrossed your arms, going to crouch in front of him.
“Hey, buddy. I know we promised no doctor but I had a lot of time to think last night and…” you licked your dry lips as you tried to word it the best way possible. “Maybe it would be for the better to speak to Dr. Owens after all. If we manage to convince him it’s not just flashes but something happening for real, maybe he can help us. Because if that thing is back and trying to hurt you, we’ll definitely need some backup. At the very least when it comes to manpower.”
“He’s not going to believe. And you promised,” he whined tiredly and you let out a sigh.
“Alright…alright…I won’t contact him. Let’s see what happens and if we can deal with this on our own. But if things start going bad, we’re reaching out for help. Does that sound like a plan?” you arched your brows and he hesitated for a moment before nodding. You smiled and ruffled his hair before standing up and going to the kitchen counter in order to transfer the food onto three plates so you could have breakfast.
“C’mon, dig in. You need all the proper nutrients to strengthen your body.”
You were happy to see him eating but at the same time, this gnawing worry couldn’t let you be at peace so you only ended up playing with your food before your mom interrupted you to call Will for his bath and he left the table to go get a towel.
You had put the empty plate in the sink and proceeded to call the kids over the walkie-talkie to inform them that Will was doing well so far but you wouldn’t be going to school because you feared things would get worse so you preferred staying at home and watching over Will just in case.
Meanwhile, your mother tried calling Hopper and then the police station once again, only to close the phone in frustration.
You were about to go grab your keys and go to Hopper’s cabin because the worry was getting unbearable at this point when Will came out of the bathroom, looking disturbed and sweaty as if he had a fever.
“Mom?”
“Yeah, sweetie, what is it?”
“It’s too hot.”
You furrowed your brows at this. You doubted your mother would’ve run a scalding hot bath and you followed the two into the bathroom only to see that Will had drained the tub.
“I…I can cool it down a little bit, baby, but we gotta get your body temp back up-“
“No,” he interrupted her, voice more deep and serious.
“What?”
“He likes it cold.”
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“Don’t sweat it, Harrington. Today’s just not your day, man,” said Billy as he gladly let the shower wash off all filth and sweat, hands rubbing his face.
“Yeah, not your week,” added Tommy and Steve rolled his eyes. “You and the princess break up for one day and she’s already running off with that bitch’s brother. But judging by that dumb expression, you don’t know, do you? Jonathan and the princess skipped yesterday. Still haven’t shown. But that just must be a coincidence, right?” he laughed shrilly.
“Don’t talk like that about Y/N,” grumbled Steve after a moment of silence as he focused his gaze downwards, spurting some shampoo on his palm. He couldn’t really say anything about Nancy or try defending her because much to his chagrin, Tommy was right. And that really left him with a bitter feeling. But he could at least defend you.
“Why? You got another punch cooking for me? I still have to pay you back for the last one,” spat out the boy as he turned off the shower and aggressively grabbed a towel before leaving, making Billy chuckle.
“Don’t take it too hard, man,” he said as he grabbed his own towel. “A pretty boy like you has got nothing to worry about. Plenty of bitches in the sea and you already have one in your net, just waiting to be eaten,” he drawled as he leaned in closer and Steve snapped his neck to look at him, making the boy smirk mischievously.
“I don’t know what you’re talking ab-“
“Oh, c’mon, man, not you too,” shook his head Billy as he turned off Steve’s shower. “You know, Y/N said the same yesterday. You don’t know what I’m talking about? You can’t be that oblivious, can you?” he huffed.
Steve looked at him for a while, trying to gulp down his nervousness and not show any signs of the sudden timidness that had crept upon him, before turning on his shower and washing away the foam in his hair.
“Y/N and I are friends.”
“Then I have nothing to worry about, right?” Billy grinned naughtily, turning off the shower again, and Steve furrowed his eyebrows as he looked at the boy once more. “Trust me on one thing…a friendship between a man and a woman? Pretty much impossible. One always ends up falling for the other,” he ran his tongue over his lip as he kept grinning mischievously while wrapping the towel around his hips. “If I were you…I’d hurry up and claim the little fish…otherwise…someone else might steal it,” he leaned closer to Steve and whispered the last words challengingly in his ear before leaving the bathroom with a smug look, making Steve glare at his retreating form and aggressively turn on the shower, fighting the temptation to go land a punch on the boy’s face.
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You were nursing a mug of hot chocolate, hoping it would warm you up and calm your nerves a bit, when you heard the comforting, familiar voice of Hopper, making you almost spill your drink as you bolted for the front door.
“Hello?” he called out.
You left the mug on the kitchen counter and pretty much crashed against the man, making him stumble a bit as he tried to catch and steady you.
“Hey, what’s wrong, kiddo? You good?” he asked as he tried to take a look at you but your head was buried in his chest, his heartbeat soothing you.
“We couldn’t reach you since yesterday afternoon. I thought…I thought something bad happened to you and El,” you whispered brokenly and he sighed in understanding as he rubbed your back and placed a hand on your head.
“It’s all good, kid. There’s nothing to worry about. I promise.”
You pulled away and moved so he could enter, grabbing your mug of chocolate.
“No, leave it open,” you told him when you saw he was about to close the door and he looked at you in confusion as you took a sip.
“Hopper?” Joyce came into the living area, cigarette in her mouth, and he nodded in greeting. “Where the hell have you been!?”
“I overslept…What the hell’s going on? It’s freezing,” he asked and she just waved him over, motioning for him to follow her and the three of you headed towards Will’s room.
“Hey! Knock, knock,” she rammed her knuckles against the wooden surface before pushing it open, revealing a shirtless Will sitting on the bed in front of a wide-open window. “We have a visitor.” 
.
“So this thing, this shadow thing… You told your mother and sister it likes it like this? It likes it cold?” asked Hopper as he held the drawing and Will nodded.
“Yeah.”
“How do you know that?”
“I just…know.”
“Does he talk to you?”
“No. It’s like…I don’t have to think. I just know things now. Things I never did before,” he muttered and you bit your lip. It’s like he was connected to this thing and received information from it without even wanting or thinking about it.
“And, uh…what else do you know?” inquired the man as he moved to sit in front of your brother and looked him in the eyes.
“It’s hard to explain…It’s like old memories in the back of my head, only…they’re not my memories… I mean…I don’t think they’re old memories at all. They’re…now-memories, happening all at once, now.”
“Can you describe these now memories?”
“I don’t know…It’s…It’s hard to explain.”
“I know it’s hard but can you just…Can you try describing it?” pressed Joyce gently. “For us?”
“It’s like…They’re growing and spreading…Killing,” he whimpered, tearing up.
“The memories?”
“I don’t know…I’m sorry,” he let out a sob and Joyce hugged him tightly.
“No, no, no. It’s okay, sweetie.” 
“Hold on, I think I got it,” you uncrossed one arm while the other placed the now empty mug on Will’s desk. “Whatever that thing is, it got into Will, right? It’s inside him. Like he said, everywhere. So they have formed some kind of like…connection. What if this connection allows Will to see what this thing is experiencing and seeing? That’s why he gets all those weird memories but in fact, they aren’t really memories but just glimpses from the point of view of that-that thing,” you shrugged your shoulder as you waved a hand and the three looked at you with wide eyes.
“I think…I think that’s the best way to put it,” sniffed Will. 
“That’s good, that’s…very good. We have some progress. But where is this thing...? How is it seeing? What is it doing? Growing, spreading…where?” asked Hopper and Will shook his head.
“Baby, look at me,” you sat next to Will and grasped his face. “You’re good at drawing…You don’t have to explain it with words… Do it with art.”
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“This is…more of the same,” sighed Joyce as she sat on the couch next to Hopper, holding a couple of drawings in her hands, and you went to stand behind her, looking down to see what she was holding while you popped a spoonful of chocolate pudding in your mouth.
“No…there has to be something else to all that,” you commented and the two adults looked at you in confusion. You licked the spoon and put it in the cup before moving around the couch, leaving the cup on the coffee table and sitting on the armrest, grabbing a hold of drawings. “None of these are identical to each other. They are all… different. Sure, it’s the same concept but its structure is different. It’s like a puzzle,” you tried to explain how you saw things as you tried finding fitting images. You smiled when you noticed the lines of two drawings intertwining perfectly.
“There!”
Hopper and Joyce looked at you and then at the two pieces you had put together, finally noticing the way they fit, and smiled.
“Holy shit…you’re right,” drawled the man, and Joyce squeezed your arm as she gave you a proud look and not long after, the three of you were grabbing drawing after drawing, piecing them together all over the house while Will kept producing more and more.
You reached a point when your whole house was littered with taped paper that began resembling something.
“I mean…is it some sort of maze or a road?” asked Joyce as the three of you walked around, inspecting the puzzle you had just finished putting together. “I mean, it’s sort of forking and branching like…like lightning.”
“You think it’s that storm?”
“No, the storm he drew was completely different. He used red. And this is all blue and it has some weird dirt color,” brainstormed Joyce, and Hopper’s face fell in deep thought before realization hit him. “I mean…maybe its roots. ‘Cause remember, he was saying it was spreading and-”
“Killing,” he interrupted her and the two of you looked up to meet his eyes that were filled with urgency. “He said they were killing…Vines…” he finally revealed, rushing to take his hat and coat, “He’s drawing vines.”
“Hey, where are you going?” you ran after him, grabbing your jacket.
“I think I might have an idea where I can find this thing,” he drawled.
“Well, then I’m coming with you,” you informed him offhandedly and he sharply turned to look at you.
“No! You’re staying here.”
“Really? You want to have that argument again?” you glared and he returned it.
“We don’t know what’s actually out there, ok? This is not like last year’s undercover mission! We confronted a man. A man! This thing-“
“Yeah, exactly! We don’t know what this thing is and you want to go out there all alone!? No way,” you grit out. “I’m coming whether you like it or not.”
“What if you get in my way, huh? How am I supposed to investigate and protect you all at once?” his voice raised and you shut your mouth, fists clenching at your side. Hopper cringed inwardly. He didn’t mean it like that. He didn’t mean to say that you were a hindrance. He was just afraid that he wouldn’t be able to protect you if something came up.
“But what if I end up helping you? You never know what’s gonna happen and we can’t keep throwing what-ifs at each other!” you countered and now it was his turn to shut his mouth and look away in frustration before back at you, breathing angrily through his nose.
“Alright, fine…Fine!” he threw his hands in the air and began walking towards his car. You let out a triumphant huff and a smirk before following after him and climbing on the passenger seat.
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elphael · 1 year
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hiya! I really appreciate a lot of your takes on D&D and DMing, and was wondering if you have tips or advice for the more improvisational/spur-of-the-moment aspects of being a DM? I'm interested in DMing a campaign but I'm worried about being able to respond to players' whack-ass choices on the fly in a way that's organic and non-railroad-y -- it feels as though the best DMs I've had are able to "improv" on the spot and come up with imagery or encounters or things for players to do if/when needed, and I'm not quite sure if I'm cut out for that, if that makes sense 😅 thanks for any advice!
spur of the moment / improv is something that was really hard for me to learn and to be honest i still don't think it's one of my strengths. i have a few tips and suggestions but i also just want to say, there is no real thing of "rail-roading" unless your players are unhappy, if you tell people "hey i actually don't have something prepped for that" above table there's a good chance they'll go "oh sorry" and you can nudge them in the direction you DO have preparation for so they have a story to engage with. i think above table conversation is just important as in game signposting as a dm
that being said here are a few tips that i think could help what you're getting at:
i don't prep a session or a linear plot, i prep an area. i've made a post here about what it looks like on a Storytelling level but this is sort of what it looks like in my notes:
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specifically i learned that writing descriptions IS important for me but it's also important to be able to improv them and not work entirely off of a script, which is why you can see my descriptions is a blend of descriptive writing and then also actual lore.
i also have done this in the past and will probably bring it back for longer projects where i create a little box that has sensory descriptions that fit the setting and tone that i can refer back to
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let your players describe their characters actions and spellcasting, especially in combat. you can encourage this by asking "what does x look like?" it's really exciting as a player to get to take that into your own hands and it is also one less thing to worry about while running combat.
throw out everything you think you should do. your favorite actual play dm's style? who cares, your cool dm's style? throw that one out too. you can take as much advice from people, can emulate other people's styles, take in as much information as you possibly can, but part of dming is figuring out what works for you. i am still constantly figuring out better ways for my brain to dm and different ways to organize information. i share the way i dm because i think it's WORTH putting out there, not because i think it will work for every single person. but even if there are a few things you see that a dm does that you like, That's Enough to start building your own foundation. don't be too hard on yourself.
if you need a second to prep something in the middle of campaign that you weren't expecting, you can SAY that. in the middle of combat on my halloween oneshot my players wanted to do something that was CERTAINLY not RAW but it was cool enough that i was like "yeah give me a second and i'll figure out how i think a fair way to do this mechanically is. this is going to be high risk high reward and might really fuck up your characters though, you good with that?" and everyone gave me the okay, so in the middle of session i spent about 5-10 minutes coming up with rules for a VERY difficult combined skill check and the tiered consequences that may occur depending on how poorly the party did. you're allowed to take a second to go say "hey i didn't think you'd pick a fight, lemme go get some statblocks. i don't have a map, we're doing this theater of the mind"
i know this was my first bullet point but because i'm talking about it at the end again above table communication is just as if not more important than in game signposting, hoping your players will recognize the hints you're dropping, if you think they're not getting it, just say it out right.
improv is super daunting and its still something i get stuck on occasionally. don't be too hard on yourself and find what works for you. dming is EXTREMELY fun, it is also work, but i think one of the things that makes dming harder than it needs to be is this expectation for perfection. you're a player at the table too and you're managing MORE than the players are. it is okay to have to take a second and to not have a perfect answer for everything.
just like 9/10 dms aren't trying to be malicious when they do something that accidentally upsets a player, 9/10 players aren't trying to be a pain for their dm and you can say 'hey i don't have an answer' or 'can we get to that later'
happy to lend my opinion if you have any questions about dming and i'd also direct you to my dm tag which is my own misadventures in dming and my own posts about dming
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thewritingofamadwoman · 5 months
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Hate To Watch You Go, But Love To Watch You Leave
A/N: Brett Dalton has my heart and watching him be all flirty and give heart eyes to the stunning Gabi Mosley in NBC’s show Found has me giggling like a school girl. Thought I’d toss in my two cents with an OC included in the fun of Episode 4.
Let me know what you think! 🤗
Pairing: Mark Trent x reader (no descriptions used but feminine pronouns are used by other characters when describing the reader).
Warnings: fluff! And a bit of harmless flirting.
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I stepped out of my house and turned back to lock the front door. As I was done securing it, the car waiting for me by the curb honked loudly. I offered a middle finger behind me before walking down towards the car and smiling at the driver. Dhan smirked at me and rolled his eyes as I opened the passenger door and sat myself down.
“Was the beeping necessary?” I asked, buckling myself in as Dhan took off.
“Absolutely, annoying is my favorite past time. Was flipping me off necessary?” he said with a deadpan expression, his voice mocking mine. I scoffed at him but smiled nonetheless. Dhan and I were always like this, teasing and annoying each other to the point where people naturally assumed we were siblings. Truth is, Dhan was my best friend. Ever since we started working at Mosley & Associates, Dhan and I were inseparable. I turned back to look at him as we drove to our destination.
“Thank you for picking me up, the mechanic swears that my car should be ready by Monday at the lastest,” I smiled sweetly at Dhan as he rolled his eyes playfully once more.
“You sure it isn’t because you want a guaranteed designated driver so you can get smashed?”
I laughed, shrugging.
“I mean, I was being genuine but be careful cause I might just take you up on that. You ready for another rousing team bonding night?” I teased, knowing that he would rather be doing anything else than playing silly board games at Zeke’s house.
The whole team bonding experience was curated by Lacey, who truly was a sweetheart, and wanted everyone to come together and celebrate a night without any cases to solve. A night where we could let loose and just enjoy each others company. I thought it was a genius idea; things often got too dark in our line of work and a night of inebriated fun sounded like heaven. Every 3rd Friday night of the month, we would all meet up at Zeke’s house for booze, food, board games, charades and even karaoke.
Dhan huffed out a laugh, turning onto Zeke’s block.
“Whatever you say, Short Stop.”
I gave him another middle finger while we searched for parking. We finally found a great spot down the block and walked up to Zeke’s side door. It seemed that the door already ajar with laughter and music seeping through. Lacey was the first to spot us and ran over to me with two beers in hand.
“Yessss the team is all here! Just one more person to go and then we can get this shit started. I’ve only had one drink and I need to rectify that ASAP.”
I laughed while Dhan took his first swig, thanking Lacey for the drink. I went around giving everyone while asking Lacey what she meant.
“One more person? Who else is coming?”
I plopped down on the couch as Lacey answered, wiggling her eyebrows at me.
“Oh you know, just Trent.”
The look she was giving me screamed “the cat caught the canary” and I could only smile. Lacey has been doing her absolute BEST to try and get Mark Trent and I together for the majority of this past year. Little did she know, he and I were already in a secret little situation-ship of our own. We had been keeping it quiet, not wanting to let anyone into our own bubble for as long as we could help it.
I kept a neutral face and smiled back at Lacey, ignoring her suggestive glances.
“Oh is he? That’s great, it’ll be an amazing ego boost for me when I kick ALL of your asses at Catan.”
Lacey gave an annoyed huff and I took a generous swig of my beer. Dhan groaned out loud and I looked back at him.
“Why the fuck does the cop have to be here? He’s pompous as shit.”
I laughed loudly and Gabi chuckled from across the room. Dhan hasn’t been Trent’s biggest fan for quite some time now, but his dislike only seemed to intensify over the past few months when Trent and I got together. Of course he didn’t know we had gotten together, but it just seemed that Dhan’s brotherly figure senses kicked in magically and he felt the need to always make a snarky comment about Trent.
“Remind me again why you don’t like him?” Margaret asked from her spot by the fridge.
“He’s annoying as fuck and I don’t know if anyone else can see it, but he just eye fucks Short Stop over here any chance he gets. It’s kind of disgusting.”
I almost spit my drink out and snorted out a laugh while Lacey rebutted before I could speak.
“Disgusting? I think it’s hot, he clearly has a crush on our girl here. And he’s such a nice guy, always helping us out,” she smiled at me again, winking as if that was the selling point that would make me finally jump into Trent’s arms.
“I can’t help it if he stares, have you seen me? Fucking gorgeous!” I teased, standing up and giving a little shimmy while I walked to the kitchen to grab the bowl full of chips.
The sound of Zeke’s door opening caught my attention and I looked up, crunching on a chip as I did so. Mark Trent popped his head in and smiled, holding up a two cases of beer as he walked in.
“Hey guys,” he smiled in greeting, nodding at everyone. He hugged Gabi on the way to the kitchen counter to place beer cases down. I smiled at him, and he walked around the counter to say hello with a hug. I took in a breath after wrapping my arms around him, inhaling his cologne and smiling to myself. He gave me a gentle squeeze before pulling back.
“Hi,” I said sweetly as he smiled back.
“Hey you,” he said before addressing the rest of the team.
“I caught the tale end of whatever conversation was going on here before I walked in. Who’s gorgeous?”
Before I could reply, Lacey spoke up. I could see Dhan rolling his eyes and turning around to tune out the conversation.
“Our girl! I mean look at her, isn’t she just stunning, Trent?”
I blushed and threw a chip at Lacey as she pointed at me, and Zeke’s chuckled loudly at her ridiculous attempt at playing matchmaker. Trent looked back at me, a twinkle in his eye as he smirked and gave me a quick once over.
“Yeah, she’s alright.”
I let out a incredulous laugh and slapped Trent’s shoulder. “Dick,” I laughed again and moved away from him. He grabbed my hand and pulled me back, laughing as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder and squeezed me in close.
“I’m just kidding, you’re beautiful.”
I beamed under his praise, his voice melting my heart. I stared up at him, loving how his brown eyes shined with mirth as he stared right into my own. We smiled at each other, forgetting where we were for a split second before a loud cough from Dhan’s brought us back to reality.
“Anyyyyy way, who’s ready to play! Guys verse girls, let’s go ladies!”
Lacey dragged me and Gabi towards the couches to get settled. I was laughing before my eyes connected with Gabi, who had a smirk on her lips. She quirked her eyebrow at me as if she knew something. I gave her an innocent smile and ignored her stare as we began to play.
Hours went by and we were having the best night. We were all slightly buzzed and finally relaxed. I had gotten up at some point to use the bathroom and retuned back to find that the only seat free was by Trent. The rest of the gang was busy watching Zeke and Margaret battle each other in Mario Kart on one of the giant flat screens. I plopped down next to Trent and smiled at him. The feeling of his thigh pressed against mine and his arm tossed nonchalantly over the couch behind me warmed my heart again. I suppressed a shivered, loving the idea of being close to him physically while everyone else was none the wiser. Almost as if he had read my thoughts, Trent leaned down to speak to me.
“Hey,” he whispered, eyes full of happiness.
“Hi,” I whispered back. “Having fun?”
Trent shrugged and nodded, looking back at the team as they all cheered Margaret on.
“Yeah, it’s fun. Everyone’s nice, even Dhan mellowed out after giving me dirty looks all night. What the hell is that about?”
I giggled and looked back to see Dhan place his hands on Zeke’s shoulders, shouting at him to speed up.
“Yeah, apparently he doesn’t like the way you “eye fuck” me,” I said nonchalantly but gave him a teasing look. I leaned in a little closer, the alcohol in my system making me braver in this current setting. “Is that what you do, Trent? You like eye fucking me?” I said sultrily, looking at him with a small smile on my face.
Trent’s eyes tracked from my lips back to my eyes and he gave me a playful smirk, leaning closer to me as well. The arm that was behind me on the couch moved closer, Trent’s fingers playing gently with the bottom of my ponytail.
“Okay, so what if I do like eye fucking you. You have a problem with that?” He said, licking his lips and giving me a smile that made my knees weak. I giggled and looked back behind me to make sure everyone else was still preoccupied with Mario Kart before speaking.
“I don’t have a problem with it. Gonna demonstrate how you do it?” I teased and reached up to fix the collar of his checkered button down. Trent adjusted his position on the couch to face me even more and leaned closer, making my smile wider.
“I could…or I could get you alone and demonstrate a different type of fuc-“ He was cut off by the loud sound of Margaret, Gabi and Lacey cheering while Dhan and Zeke groaned. Trent and I straightened out, both of us with stupid smiles on our faces. I got up to go join the girls, but before I did, I leaned back to whisper in Trent’s ear.
“Maybe you can show me that demonstration you were talking about later at your place…” I winked at him and walked away, swaying my hips just as tad more than usual before leaning my chin on Lacey’s shoulder. In that moment, I knew that Trent probably hated to see me go, but I know damn well that he loved to watch me leave.
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*gif not mine*
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obsessivelysweet · 1 year
Text
* Hello everyone! I'm sorry this took so long. And it's long, too, lol. I revised it and deleted stuff too many times and lost motivation for it. Honestly, I don't truly like it, but oh well, it's finally done! I really do hope you like it. If not, it's ok. No worries, just thank you for stopping by! Hope you have a good day! Warnings under the cut!
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Warnings: sagau/cult au/obsession/violence/slight mention of death/yandere/blood/kidnapping/a bit suggestive/female reader/spelling errors
Characters:Childe(main focus)/
(side characters) Zhongli/ Xiao/ Doctor
Look at only Me~♡
You were beautiful in everything you did and said. Just being in your presence felt so euphoric, like being on an endless high. Your pure tender love for all of Teyvat was breathtaking. And boy, oh boy, you were certainly a drug to him.
The tall gingered hair harbinger stared at your form as you tended to the flowers in your garden. A small smile peaked out from the corners of his mouth just by watching you. He observed your form as you went to each flower bed, speaking to them almost as if they were your friends. Gently caressing the petals as you sang it sweet nothings hoping these actions will make the flowers grow stronger. He loved watching you for hours on end.
Of course, though, you didn't know that a certain pair of blue eyes watched every move you made. He would observe you from a safe distance but close enough to hear you should the opportunity present itself to save you from danger. It was also because he wanted to be close enough to still hear your heavenly voice.
This voice could pull him out of a blood thirsty episode. The voice that saved him from the days he spent in the abyss. That sent shivers down his spine just by hearing you call out his name. He could listen to you for the rest of his life even in his last breath, he would want to hear you.
Your very being was holy, pure, the true essence of divinity. He was still just a measly human even if he did have a delusion on him. Compared to you, he was nothing, just another devoted follower who hopelessly wished to be your one and only. However, that didn't mean he wouldn't move Celestia and the Abyss for you. He wouldn't kill for you no matter who it was. He would do it in a heartbeat if it meant you would look at him. You brought him peace to his suffering, an end to his means, no longer dealing with the pain he would feel from having a delusion. For that reason, he longed to repay you for it.
He would do it by keeping tabs on you for instance; where you went, when you ate or what you ate, sleep, who you talked to etc. Everything you did he would want to know it all but unfortunately he couldn't keep eyes on you all the time though.
To be honest he hated the others you so lovingly gave attention to. They didn't deserve your warmth, your touch, your attention. They deserved none of it from you, they weren't worthy of your presence.
There were two followers that were a bit too close to you. Too close that he despised their very existence.
One who he knew very well, a tall slender man with a low husky voice that made everyone fall for him; Zhongli.
He was calm as he basked in your presence, telling you stories of his old days as he would share tea with you. He hated how Zhongli's golden eyes would linger a second longer on your lips than they should. Hated how you would run your delicate fingers through his dark, long locks, letting you braid it as you pleased. Hated how Zhongli would every so slightly lower his hand a bit more while holding your back as the two of you would stroll through the streets of Liyue. Zhongli would claim to be one of your only devoted followers, that he's been loyal to you for so long, surely he was worth being in your presence. He knew the former archon wasn't so devoted to you before you descended into Teyvat.
The gingered man watched in the distance coldly, as his grip on his trusty bow tighten. The soft smile you would give to the man was so pure; ereathal, how dare such a hypocrite of a man see you like that. He didn't deserve your gaze, your company, not one bit of you he didnt deserve. Honestly he wouldn't mind watching the former geo archon's eyes go dull as the life fades away by his own hands.
The other was a dark green haired adeptus known as the Conquer of Demons.
He would also keep tabs on you but at a further distance. Just uttering his name from your lips would make him appear before you in an instant, kneeling with his head bowed, golden irises looking straight down, ready for your orders. Whatever you may ask of him; to be in his company or to slash down any foe before you. He will do it in an instant for you, anything for you. Nothing is more important to him as you are, even if you wished for him to remove himself from this existence, he would for you.
He was very close to you, close enough for you to lean your head on his shoulder as you talk away your day or whatever you had on your mind. Close enough that he could lightly trace your shoulder as he looked at you, who was looking out onto the beautiful landscape in front of you. He would etch your features into his mind as you looked out from the balcony the inn.
The way your eyes creased when you smiled or laughed. How gentle your lips looked, the feeling of you saying his name, your laughter. He wanted to remember every moment with you. His loyalty to you has no end, and he swears by it. These small moments you share with the adpetus feel like eternity when he's with you.
The harbinger hated watching how close the adeptus was with you whenever he could get close enough without the adeptus noticing. Hated how he could easily hold your hand or feel your soft hair as it draped against his shoulder when you leaned your head onto him. Hated how the once loner of an adpetus was smiling around you. His golden irises followed your every movement even if it was small. His golden hues looked too long onto your lips or thighs.
The harbinger watched in disgust, the blood in his veins boiling. Vile burning in the back of his throat, wishing for release. He wished for the day he could best him in battle. To take him away from your presence, from this world, and hopefully your memory entirely.
These two took so much of your time, glances, smiles, laughter, touch... your very presence.
Unfortunately you were too kind to see how bad they were for you, surely they had something bad in mind for you with how they acted. Their eyes lingering, their subtle facial expressions changing, their subtle touches on your holy skin. Every second is precious with you and they were taking it. He had to save you from them and after he takes care of them surely you will look at him, right?
It's not like you haven't been keeping him company or been looking at him. You've been trying to spend time with all of your followers, even with him.
He loved every second of being next to you. Walking down the harbor, seeing you look out at the sparkling clear water with a content smile on your face. Hearing you hum an unfamiliar tune as you kick your feet above the water. The way the sunlight kisses your skin, the way it gives you a glow, like you're angel. Your hair gently swaying with the wind as you look back at the harbinger who is trying his best to compose himself. Talking about everything and nothing at the same time, but it's ok because it's you.
He wanted to spend more time with you, wanted to be the first one you looked at when you opened your eyes in the morning. The poor harbinger wanted eternity with you even if he didn't get to live for all eternity. He wanted to be the first and last thing you saw every day. He wanted to see you until his last breath, but it wasn't enough. Not with how everyone else hogs your attention, especially those two.
Look at his blue eyes, his pale face sprinkled with freckles, his soft gingered hair. He just wanted you to look at him more, to only look at him. Only him and him alone.
It was quiet in your bedroom except for your soft breaths as you slept under your silken blankets. You were wrapped in warmth as thunder, and lighting was heard outside your window. Your room was illuminated with a soft glow from your bedside lamp as every now and then a flash of white light would peak from your curtains. You were deep asleep that you didn't hear the door slowly creak open. Soon, the door was opened enough for Childe to step in ever so carefully to not wake you up. He crept quietly in your room, slowly moving bit by bit to your bed, stopping only when you stirred in your sleep.
Eventually, he was by your bedside, looking down at your sleeping face. You looked so cute, he thought to himself. He had to savor this moment, the way your chest rised and fell so softly. Your sheets hugging you, your hands clutched the blanket, the way your eyelashes fluttered. Everything was beautiful to him, and soon, he'll be able to have more moments like this with you.
He gently placed his blood-soaked glove on your shoulder to gently wake you up. It took a couple of tries before you slowly registered the cold glove shaking you gently and something that was cold slowly dripping down your shoulder. At first, you didn't register what was going on or the fact that Childe was covered in blood. You just asked lazily what is it? Childe smiled at your sleepy face before caressing it. He spoke softly, almost a whisper, "Its done, my grace, they are no longer a nuisance."
Done? Nuisance? These soft spoken words suddenly got your attention, which made you look more at him. That's when you noticed the blood on his clothes, on you now, his dark smile, the smell of something once human. You pushed his hand away and shot up to look at him. A pit started to form at the bottom of your stomach. You felt sick.
He was hurt by your sudden slap of his hand away from you, but no matter, you were just in shock. He did wake you up in the middle of the night, so it's ok. He took a step back to give you some space, but really, it was for him to see you more now that you were sitting up.
You asked him whose blood was on him, what happened, if he was ok, and what he meant by his words. You were starting to panic, so all of these questions sounded more like gibberish if anything. Even in this panicked, confused state of mind, you still looked so beautiful. He wanted to see every facial expression you could make, and what's important is that you're looking at him.
This feeling of euphoria was intoxicating because you were looking at him. Your eyes were solely on him. Even if your eyes screamed for help, you were looking at him. He wanted to grab your face and lock eyes with you. Wanted to kiss you, love you, hear you say his name. He will hear you say it soon.
Before you could speak to ask again, Childe smirked. This smirk made your stomach churn even more, but why? The soft aura of the light felt suffocating against the tall man before you. You couldn't find any words as he started to walk back to you.
"Your Grace, I'll be honest, the blood belongs to two of your followers; Zhongli and Xiao. They did put up a fight, but it's fine because I won. They were a danger to you, and as your follower, I had to see that they were disposed of. Of course, though, I'm sure the Doctor will take good care of their corpses"
By now, he's standing over your frighten form with a sick look in his eyes. His once beautiful blue eyes were now dark mixed with some kind of hunger. A hunger for something more. You couldn't move from the shock of hearing whose blood it was. He inched closer and closer to your face, locking eyes with you as he barely touched your lips with his. You could feel his warm breath tickling your lips in the silent room.
He wanted to kiss you but stopped himself. Honestly, this whole time, he wanted to do so much with you. He didn't want to hurt you, but he knew he had to get you somewhere safe. He leaned back again away from your trembling state to pull something out of his pocket. It was a small white cloth that had a sweet aroma.
You knew exactly what it was, but before you could react,Childe lunged at you, putting the cloth over your nose and mouth. He held onto your body as you tried to struggle out of his grip to get the cloth away from you but to no avail. Soon, the room became dizzy, your eyes felt heavy, and everything became dark. You fell unconscious in his arms, in your once safe bedroom, in the dark of night.
The room was once again quiet with the occasional thunder and lighting. He held onto your unconscious body, caressing your face for a while. He wanted to bask in this moment for a bit longer. Your being felt small as he hugged you. Surely, this is why he needed to keep you safe, he thought to himself. He knew you would be mad at him, but it would only be for a bit. Eventually, you will understand his love for you.
He got up with you in his arms as he left your room. His blood-stained clothes did get on your silken nightdress. He felt bad but he'll get you another one. He couldn't help but notice how your dress hugged your figure beautifully, especially your chest, which he quickly averted his eyes from. A blush forming onto the cheeks of the gingered male as he walked into the rainy night, holding onto his beloved creator.
You awoke to something cold on your ankle and darkness blocking your vision. You don't know how long you've been out for, but it felt like a while with how groggy you felt. You felt around first while you were lying down and soon realized you were lying down on a soft bed with silken sheets. The room felt comfortably warm, and there was a salt water smell in the air. You could hear waves crashing and seagulls outside wherever you were. You were about to reach up to take off the blindfold, but you heard a door squeak open. Immediately, you went back to pretending you were asleep.
Childe, on the other hand, knew you were up, he was watching you from the door to the room he had you in. He was watching you the whole time, not taking his eyes off of your sleeping body worried he would miss you waking up. It was fun watching you coming to your senses, trying to feel around you with caution. The reason he made his presence known is because you were gonna pull off the blindfold, he wanted to do that. He wanted to be the first one you see, not the ceiling or the ocean, just him.
He walked over to you and sat next to you, the bed creaking with the new pressure added to it. He was happy that it's just you two now, away from everything that could harm you.
"Ah your grace! You're finally awake, thank goodness, I was starting to get worried."
The sudden voice of him speaking happily startled you and him sitting so close to you didn't help. You felt him lean towards you as his rough fingers remove your blindfold.
At first, you blinked a couple of times to adjust to the light change, and then you looked at him. His eyes were full of happiness looking back at you. He had the biggest smile on his face as you adjusted to your surroundings.
He sat patiently next to you, waiting for you to say something or ask something, but if not, then it would be alright with him. Just sitting here made him happy. Everything seemed like it was going well because you were here safe and sound.
You spoke, a bit apprehensive at first, wishing to know what did he do to them. Where were they? Why was there a cuff on your ankle?
He hated that you asked about them, it made his face turn dark again. He turned his face away from you to look out the one window in the room. The bitter vile taste in the back of his mouth was there again. Why were you asking about two people who don't even exist anymore. They dont matter, so why are they still occupying your mind. He didn't mind telling you where y'all were, it was that you asked about them is what made his mood turn sour. Maybe if he acted dumb you would forget about them?
He turned his face back to you, your scared yet lovely face. He noticed your breathing changed as well. He held your hand in his, bringing it closer to his chest, slowly rubbing your hand with his thumb as he spoke.
"What do you mean your grace? All I did was bring you to safety. And there's a cuff on your ankle so you won't leave. But I assure you that there's enough chain to it so you can get around the house safely! It's just the two of us now, so don't worry, I'll take good care of you, your grace."
He sounded so cheerful as he basically explained that he kidnapped you against your will and sealed you away somewhere. His thumb rubbing your hand was rough and dry, you could tell he's been fighting for so long. Even though he holds you so gently, it still doesn't change the fact of what he did and what he's doing. You're still afraid of him even if his demeanor seems sweet.
You swallowed your nerves before asking him again, pulling your hand away from his, which made him a bit sad but he still listened with intent.
"Childe..what did you do to them? To Zhongli..to Xiao. Please tell me..Childe."
Ah, your voice is saying his name. It sounds so sweet to hear you say his name. The bones in his body feel so relaxed, like there's nothing to worry about. His body slightly quivers with your voice echoing in his head. He would savor and love this moment so much, but it turned bitter as soon as you spoke their names. Why? Why, even after he disposed of them, are they still interfering!?
He got up to leave to the other room, his footsteps echoing as he walked. You could feel the air become tense as you hear him looking for something.
Childe went to the kitchen to prepare something to calm you down. You're just not feeling well, is all, and those two were somehow still on your mind. If he couldn't get you to change the subject, then he'll just help you relax a bit.
He's vowed not to hurt his beloved creator, but sometimes he might have to if it means you'll be safe. He might even have to permanently make you only look at him. Thankfully, he knows how to safely remove one's sight thanks to the Doctor. And if he does, you'll wont be able to look at him but you'll still see him in your mind. He'll be the last thing you'll see before removing your vision. Thinking about the thought makes him sad but it will be ok because he can still look at you. You'll be safe so its ok but thats only if it has to come to that.
Before he went back into yalls bedroom, he looked out from the kitchen window. The weather was nice and warm. The ocean spanned so far out that it seemed like it could go on forever. It was pretty out. He couldn't wait to take you out on walks, forage for food, and fall asleep together. He can finally relax, truly relax now. With that thought in mind and the noise from your chain, he made his way back to the bedroom.
At the same time, while Childe was in the other room, you tried your best to make as little to no noise moving around. However, that was difficult with the rattling metal chain connected to you. The first thing you went to was the window. If you could open it, maybe you could get someone's attention or see at least where you were. Yet Childe didn't let you, with a forceful tug to the chain, you fell to the ground with a loud thud. The hard wood floorboards didn't help with your fall. Adding more to your injury was the cuff around your ankle. Childe's boot was stepping on the chain, which made your ankle be in a weird, uncomfortable position.
He looked down at you with a stern expression on his face. His eyes were dark again, his demeanor cold towards you. He just wanted you to be safe, to be happy with you. So why. Why do you look at him with such disgust. Why are you trying to leave him? He did everything to protect you, to keep you safe, he spent so many hours watching you. He prayed to you every night, whispering in the dark late hours of his sins, hoping for you to bless him. Hoping for you to clean him, to heal him, to make him live at peace with you by his side. But now you still don't see any of that. You still aren't looking at him. Instead, you're looking past him. You're looking for a way out. He was angry but no worries, he'll fix you. That's why he went to the kitchen in case you were acting irrationally.
Even though only your one leg was chained, you still had your hands. Childe walked closer to you even as you tried to push him away. You were hysterically crying, pleading for him to stop whatever he was about to do, but he didn't hear anything you were saying. His mind was blank as he grabbed for your hands to bound you. No amount of struggle, of flailing your arms around, of trying to scratch him could help you. Even though his face was cold, his voice was soft as he spoke to you.
"Its ok, you're just not well my grace. You need rest so don't worry, once you wake up again you'll feel better."
With that, the same white cloth he used on you that night appeared before you again. This time, though, he was faster than you realized. In a blink, the cloth was on your face again. The sweet aroma fills your senses, your feet kicking whatever it can, and your body shakes until his blue orbs was the last thing you saw. It was silent again, with the sound of waves in the background. Your body again asleep against your once trusted follower.
He was at peace again, holding you in his arms. His hair was a mess, but it mixed with yours so beautifully. He would hold you close in his arms as the two laid on the creaky wooden floor boards of your now forever home. Childe just wanted you to look at him and you will eventually. Even if you might wake up still sick it will be ok because with time you'll wake up feeling better. He didnt want to hurt you, he felt horrible that he made you fall. How could he hurt his delicate creator like that, despicable. He'll have to take at look at your bruises later.
If you do have to keep going back to sleep and having to see him for the "first" time when waking up then its fine. He doesn't care how many times you'll have to go through it. He will savor each moment until you come around and then savor each moment after that.
The two of you lived in that cycle of waking up, asking about the two, then falling asleep. Each time, he made sure he was the first one you saw when opening your eyes. This took quite a while, tucked away on a small island away from everyone.
One day, though, when you woken up and he took your blindfold off, you seemed different. Instead of asking about them or where y'all were, you said good morning to him with a smile. Ah, this was it, Childe thought to himself. You've finally woken up, and you're now looking at him. He was ecstatic on the inside, but he didn't show it. He just smiled back at you, cupping your face with one had, and saying with a soft voice, "Good morning, my love."
The male harbinger was finally living the dream life he always wanted with you by his side. He may have broken your psyche, but it's ok because you're finally looking only at him. Never stop looking at him.
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heckinhacker · 1 year
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could i request for how cartman would act when he has a crush on someone who’s just as chaotic as he is and how he would ask them out? also could you include how other people would react to finding out they are dating? tyy :)))
Eric Cartman x Reader - South Park's days are OVER.
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By title, I'm saying: Cartman finding someone as chaotic as himself is a world ending for poor little mountain town
Remember that when I write for South Park, they're teenagers at less(16 y/o minimum), adults at most! it's silly i write it every south park post but better safe than sorry~
I gave Cartman red color, and Viktor, my OC, green color, for easier reading experience.
Y'all were just a kids when you moved in to South Park
It wasn't hard to meet main gang, they're everywhere with their chaos
Cartman was the one to pick up on you, it might be your appearances, the way you act, maybe what you were doing at the moment, whatever it was!!
He did not expect a snarky comment back
"Weird that you're still able to walk up to me and yap your trashmouth, I wonder how come you're not being pushed around by your friends there like a barell. "
"AY! I'M NOT FAT!!"
you gave guys a laugh and Kyle invited you right in to hang out with them
... And he realised his mistake soon after.
You were not only a menace to Cartman, but to everyone, no matter if they started or not.
Kyle was sure he found a friend in you, but turns out it was Cartman who found his second half of devilness.
You were inseparable!!
You hung around Cartmans place a lot! You always had a laugh when his mom thanked you for being friends with Eric, saying:
"Oooh, Ewic has no fwiends~"
and annoying him further, but that's how you two worked, pushing each others buttons.
Other times as you shrugged off some comments about main group REALLY bringing the most bizzare shit possible to themselves, but no matter how much you avoid the truth - this four are NOT normal.
Was it their fault, or the town? You did not know, yet gave no fucks.
Alien encounter? Psh, you were ready to burn their space-ship when they were screwing around town.
You liked playing heroes and stick of truth with them a lot.
Due to Cartman usually forcing you to side with him, because he always is on some sort of drama and making play-group split into two (and even three sometimes--)
Usually Kyle tells him to fuck off and suggests you should pick wherever you'd like to be, to just go there.
But...well. You wanted to side with him, no? You guys are like two droplets of water - identical.
Being closest to Cartman also meant dealing with his bullshit, his drama-driving self, and he sometimes is unbearable. But I bet - so are you. I wonder who wins "guilttripping contest" between you two.
You fight a lot. That's for sure.
If your characters are similiar, you have to despise and love each other on a very big level.
Sometimes dramas were big enough you did everything to make other even more miserable by making each other jealous. You hanging out more with Kyle, him just ignoring you while you're in 4 or hanging around Heidi...
Oh, Heidi times were hard for your friendship. It was around when you two had little break in your relations.
But you are getting back to each other. Who would understand him better than you?
You alway see through his bullshit, and you know when he needs a kick in the ass, and when he needs a hug.
But...that being saaaaiddd...
You can't be soft around Young Cartman.
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Weell... But when you grew up, on the other hand...
I like to imagine Cartman is still as chaotic, but more mature, realizing that maybe some jokes are too much...
He still bullies Kyle for being a Jew though--
You still cause headaches around the town, break some shit, sometimes steal because dumb teenagers behavior, but with years things started... Changing.
Cartman noticed he feels different towards you.
The more you matured, the more he hated the way you spend time with others. Possessive, and he does not give a fuck, really.
He would not risk you having no time for him because you date some other idiot.
That's what he tells himself in front of a mirror though :)
Sweet lie that makes him feel better
Dating is for pussies, no?
That's also what he tells himself.
But, ho and behold, you have gotten closer to Viktor, new, mysterious guy that seemed like polar opposite of yours, yet you clicked somehow.
At first Cartman shrugged it off. If you want to hang around some emo douchebag, sure.
"He looks like he has some pathological problems! His pappy beats him to sleep everynight I bet, and he looks like he's depressed, why do you hang around that gloomy piece of shit?!"
"I 'unno, Vik is funky."
...Vik?
And Cartman is on the verge of his nerves.
If you start dating that asshole, you won't have time for him, no?
But...is that the only thing that bothers him?
He wants to act cocky as he asks you: "You are into him?"
And you smirk, saying: "And what if I am?"
spoiler: you're not-
And the way you answered just made him huff
"Then remember to put a rubber or something I don't give a shit." and walked away, not letting you finish.
Oh he's angry.
But wasn't that your point? As much as Cartman is into you, you are into him even more.
I'd say you have the trope going on: One fell first, but other fell harder.
Because when he realised he is jealous because HE wants to be your boyfriend, he loses his goddamn mind.
He used to date a little, but mostly they were not serious relationships, just as a kid, holding hands and ignoring other part for most part, so falling in love for real...
It's tough. He distances himself for a little while. He needs to figure his shit out.
And you're conflicted. You wanted him to be jealous, but him distancing himself was NOT part of your plan.
And you complain to who? Your new friend, Viktor.
"And then he IGNORES ME. I think he even blocked me on discord???"
" Oh, did he?"
"Not really, just muted me on private I think so he does not see whatever I write to him."
"I 'unno, maybe actually talk to him, idiot?"
" Talking with Cartman is insufferable though, dude."
"So is with you, trust me."
"You are really a stick in the mud, Vik."
"You wanted me as a friend, now suffer."
Well, he is right, and Viktor is really a good friend, actually. He gives you raw advices and is not playing around the bush.
And maybe talking to Cartman will be the best, in the end?
Or...maybe pulling his nose a little until he breaks?
Of course you go with second option, or at least wanted to.
"Vik, could you act as my boyfriend? Because-"
"no."
"WHY??"
"I won't be part of "Cartman start simping to me" plan. Nuh-uh."
"Asshole. You're useless."
" Mhm, if you say so."
"AND you're not fun to bicker against."
" Go cry about it."
So no potential partner in crime to get this plan through.
You COULD ask Kenny but Kenny seems to be close with Cartman so...risky. Kyle won't budge, and Stan...well he already dates someone, so it would be really stupid of you.
So you have to listen to Viktor's advice. Talk to him.
And you approach him on a longer break, forcing yourself to sit beside him and smiling widely.
"Ghosting me, babygirl?"
"Screw off."
"Wow, Cartman, I'm offended, actually. Maybe don't act like a wuss and tell me why the fuck you keep ignoring me?"
"Because I want to give you and your new boyfriend space?"
" He's not my boyfriend, mind you, and even if he was, it's not the reason to ignore me?"
"Why would you keep me around when you found someone else?"
"That's not how friendships or generally relationships work, you know? You don't have to be the only one in my life??"
"But I can't stand you pushing your tongue into someone's throat, that's just-"
"Disgusting?"
"ANNOYING."
"Are you...jealous?"
And for once, with his big mouth, Cartman goes...quiet.
Jackpot.
You place a hand on his back, and sigh, giving him child treatment. So there is a bad moment to tease him further, huh. You know when to stop with him.
"I don't want to date Viktor. Nor anyone..."
"..."
"anyone else, I mean."
"...wait- what the fuck?"
"Yeap, you heard me right. I wanted to have your attention all along. Maybe let's stop pretending we don't want each other and move on? You want to date me or not?"
You two really are similiar, huh.
"...let's meet after school, maybe. Talk about this in more...private place. But yeah, we should stop fucking around. I'm done with it."
Good, at least you two are into something.
You walked him to his house, talked with him, ended up becoming official.
Not describing the talk because it's mostly emotion-focused and it cannot be really personalised with every reader. You're free to imagine!
And like, next day, you are walking hand in hand and...everyone is in shock. Maybe even feels world ending because you two dating is just...near-death experience.
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Other's reactions:
Kyle:
He swears that he will cut you two out from his life, HE SWEARS.
He hates every second of you leaning against each other, being menaces.
He gags dramatically whenever you act lovey-dovey.
Hates the whole arrangement in general
Kenny:
He jokes you should make a poly-triad together
Is very supportive
First thing he said when he noticed you two was: "Fucking finally."
He heard ALL the rants of Cartman but the last one when he went quiet.
He did a lot of kissy faces around you two to tease you
Cartman kicked his ass like once for him to stop XD
Overall very happy for you both <3
Stan:
He was really surprised to see you two???
Like, REALLY surprised
"Since when is it a thing?"
Giggles that it was quite obvious yet he still seems to be surprised about it.
"Maybe Cartman will be less of a pain in the ass?" he jokes
no, he is not
But seems to be really okay with you two dating
"Just please don't get too lovey-dovey when we hang around in group." he begs
to which you answer "Like you stop acting like a simp to your girlfriend whenever you're around us or not, screw off Stan."
Butters:
HE'S SO HAPPY IT'S ALMOST CUTE??
He clapped his hands and went in cheerful tone "I knew it!!"
Asks since when are you guys a thing and wishes you the best of luck on new path of your lives.
"Butters it's not a fucking marriage." says Cartman with an eyeroll.
Butters is the one who remembers your anniversary more than you two actually do LMFAO
He is your no.1 shipper!!
Viktor:
Another one with "Fucking finally." reaction, but with more annoyed tone to it instead of reliefd.
Was done with your bullshit of chickening out in asking him out
My guy was ready to ask Cartman to date you by himself-
Thankfully he did not have to
Now he has to listen to you ramble about you dating, in a good and bad way.
He never will be done with you two's bullshit, but it is what it is.
If he would hate it, he wouldn't be friends with you.
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