#Human Torch X OC

[missbuckyhellfire]

Biggest Fan : Johnny Storm X Female OC (NSFW)

Plot: Sue's college friend and best selling author of Guidance In The Dark, Megara was tasked with babysitting Franklin one evening. What was supposed to be a quiet evening, turns into a evening of flirtation and intimacy when New York's most eligible bachelor decides to stay in with her. This blooms into something much more then staring at each other from across the room.

Warning: NSFW content, Johnny Storm being a warning on his own, Protected! intercourse, Period talk, Language, Getting kidnapped, Bondage Kink (implied) , Dom! Johnny Storm, Leg riding, PMS sex, Oral sex (no blood), Climax, Dirty talk, Sue and Reed playing semi-matchmaker, THIS IS A LONG PIECE 6.3K!

NOTE: This is based on the Fantastic Four: First Steps version of Johnny Storm.

If you like Human Torch please check out my other fic : STARCROSSED: Bucky Barnes and Johnny Storm.

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Megara comes to the door at exactly 7:00 as her friend had asked. Sue and she go way back to the early days of college in English literature. It was a requirement for Sue, but Megara’s passion. Sue graduated with a science degree and met the love of her life while Megara became a single, creative writer.

Sue had opened the door and pulled her in warmly for a hug. Megara had complimented the outfit that Sue was wearing, a classic baby blue shimmering dress with her blonde curls draping over her shoulders. Megara’s blueish purple eyes had scanned the room to see Reed in a classic suit and Ben, wearing a suit that suited and fit his form well.

“Thanks, and I really appreciate you doing this.” Sue smiled brightly at her.

“It’s not a problem at all, anything for you.” Megara responded. “I thought there was four of you….”she mentally counted three.

Sue sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. “Ah yes, Johnny.”

Megara had met Johnny only a couple of times in the past. Mostly during Fantastic Four formal events and galas. He was usually swarmed with ladies as he was recognised as one of the most eligible bachelors of New York.  However, she had to admit, her eyes did linger a bit when it came to him, she found herself wanting to get caught by those blue eyes.

“Think he is a bit late as always.” She sighed. “JOHNNY we are going to leave without you if you don’t come down now!”

“OK MOM” A voice hollered up the stairs. “I don’t see why your in such a rush…”. Megara watched him walk down the stairs, wearing a formal suit and styled hair. His blue eyes met with her own.

There was an unspoken language between the two of them. Megara looked down and realised she wasn’t exactly wearing the best clothes for getting this attention. She was wearing a white top with black sweats and a hoodie to hide her heating pad for later.  Her neon blue hair was held up with a large black scrunchie.

The rest of the team began to notice this and just watched the unbreakable eye contact until Reed cleared his throat.

“Come on lets go. You can talk to Megara later.” Reed tilted his head to the door. Johnny looked at Megara again and faked out a cough. Sue raised an eyebrow.

“I think I might be coming down with something.” Johnny said. He made his voice softer to make it seem like he was losing his voice.

“You sounded fine a minute ago…” Ben chuckled. “Are you sure it isn’t because Megara is here?”

“Why would I care if Sue’s college friend is here?” Johnny shook his head. “Tasked her with babysitting?”

“Yes,” Sue glanced at Megara, her slightly younger friend again. She wasn’t that much younger, maybe a couple years. Sue had finished her English class in her last year and created a strong friendship. Sue was starting to worry that her brother wouldn’t settle, until now. “How sick are you exactly.”

“A nasty tickle.” He lowered his voice again, looking at Megara, who honestly wasn’t buying it.

Reed and Ben scoffed as Sue shook her head. “Come with us and make an appearance and come home to rest after. Nothing else Johnny.” It sounded like she had this conversation before with him.

Johnny muttered something before he walked past Megara to join the group. Reed opened the door and Ben and Johhny walked through. Before Sue left, she called to Megara that Franklin was just put down for a nap.

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Megara was in the lounge, a room close by Franklin’s room. She kept the door open to keep an eye on him as she was busy writing in her notebook. She didn’t know why she kept on writing these books, she always felt like her writing was so lazy. However, her emotions and feelings were driven by this fictional moment.

“He slowly cusped her face as he tucked a strand of magenta hair behind her pointed ear. There was a strong aura around the two of them as they knew in that moment, they were meant to be together.”

Her body started to feel crampy around her stomach. With a groan she stood up and took the heating pad out of her pocket and made her way to the kitchen. The dull stinging sensation on her legs up to her womb was intense enough for her to let out a soft whimper.

She tossed the heating pad into the microwave and set it for two minutes. As soon as the microwave began to hum, she heard Franklin start crying. She quickly rushed to him and lifted him up from the crib and close to her body.

Softly, she had made shushing sounds and began to bouse the baby. Once the baby was quiet, she looked at Sue’s baby and admired their beautiful blue eyes. Franklin had her friend’s eyes but Reed’s dark hair. Once he was asleep, she wrapped the blanket around him and placed him back into his crib.

Megara turned back to the notebook to continue writing but heard the microwave stop running, letting off an annoying beeping sound. She headed back to the kitchen and grasped the very warm pad and pressed it on her abdomen.

The door swung open, and Johnny walked through. He scanned the room and saw the laptop, Franklin’s door open and Megara with a heating pad.

“Is that for the baby?” Were the first words out of his mouth, pointing at Franklin’s room door. Megara turned to see Johnny and shook her head. “It’s for me.”

It took a few moments for it to click for Johnny. “Ah”. He chuckled and then looked at the notebook. “What are you writing here?”

Megara rushed back to the lounge so quickly as soon as she seen Johnny’s eyes light up on her writing. He immediately grabbed it from the couch and cocked and eyebrow at her.

“That is nothing.”

“Are you sure? Is it really nothing? Or is the long-awaited sequel to your fae fiction Guidance in The Dark?”  Johnny chuckled emphasised the title of the book. He raised his hand higher when she was trying to grab it from his hands.

“Why would it matter? It is a fae romance…” She began, hoping he would stop this game. He put his hand on her head as he kept reading the current page she was writing.

“I wonder what Sue, your dear friend would think of you writing this” He pondered, looking down at her as soon as he finished the page. Those blue eyes screamed mischievous to her.

“I….”

He gave the notebook back to her and scanned her face for a moment. “ I think Astra needs to be with Cassian, she shouldn’t be wasting her time up in the clouds wasting her time ignoring what is in front of her.” He tapped her nose with a grin.

Megara blank twice. The most popular Fantastic Four member read her book?  She knew Susan Storm read it a handful of times and even helped her get publicity for it. Johnny on the other hand, she would imagine would spend his hours reading fitness magazines and finding other things to do with his time than read a fantasy romance novel.

“You read my book?”

Johnny froze for a moment. “I know about your book because that is everything that women are talking about.” He brushed it off then walked up the stairs.

Megara believed him. “I thought you were sick.”

“I lied!” Johnny called to her by the entrance of his bedroom.

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Shit. Shit. Shit.  Were the thoughts inside of Johnny head as soon as he closed the door. How could he be so fucking obvious? 

Johnny hated reading really. But he could say that Megara got him back into reading. The first few times he seen her, he thought she was cute. The blue hair was something he didn’t see everyday, and her smile was endearing.  But with so many women around him, he never got a chance to say hello properly.

So, the only chance he really got to see her without feeling weird was through her writing. It took a few chapter to get into it but he understood her view on romance and other things. He can also say that he had went to a few of her readings in a lower key attire so he wouldn’t be recognised.

 Before he left the party, his sister had pulled him aside from the flashing cameras. She put her hand on his upper arm. “Don’t do anything stupid.”

“What are you talking about I am going straight home and resting.”

“You and I both know that’s not why you’re going home.” Sue gave him a knowing smirk.

“I don’t care your friend is there.”

“I never said that.” Sue mused.

“Well, I don’t.” The last thing is him wanting his sister to tease him on a small crush he may have.

“Or are you going to get her to sign your copy of Guidance in The Dark?” Johnny felt his cheeks turn red as Reed patted him on the back of his shoulder. He looked down before he could deny it Sue spoke up.

“Your copy is by your record player, lots of handwritten notes in it. You know you could just talk to her, but don’t hurt her. She’s, my friend.” Susan gripped him tightly for a moment before letting go and walking back to the crowd.

“According to a magazine I read, I hear she likes Lillies and Macarons” Reed said in a low tone before following his wife.

Guess he didn't really keep it much of a secret he had a thing for Sue's friend, even though they hardly spoke to each other.

He wanted to make a move on her. But how was he going to when she writes romantic novels and looks insanely cute. She wasn’t like the other girls who surround him at parties.

Johnny looked at the clothes around his room and threw something on: a simple blue tank with grey sweats. Guess he was going to grab Lilies and Macarons for their night in together.

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Megara didn’t even notice Johnny leaving out the door as her body was turned away cooking some food for herself. She had a box of mac and cheese from home and figured to cook something for herself in the highly likely event that she would be craving something herself. Her period often brings out heavy cravings for cheesy foods and sweets.

The bland pasta, though full of different flavors, had didn’t fully reach her senses. She didn’t want to take anything from Sue’s family without asking though.

She was so deep in thought that she didn’t hear Johnny come back inside with flowers and macarons. Johnny thought she would have smelt the bright orange lilies he got for her as soon as he stepped inside. Yet, he noticed she was distracted in something else. He walked closer to her then smelt the dish, placing the flowers and sweets down. He knew there was something not right with the meal.

He looked at the pot, and the pasta and shook his head at it. “That…looks appetising?”

“I had some cravings and… guess it wasn’t exactly what I thought it was going to be.” Megara shrugs.

“I can’t let you eat that shit,” He grumbled to himself before walking over to the and fridge and grabbing some cheeses.

“You don’t…”

“No, I don’t want my nephew’s babysitter to be eating shitty foods in my house.” He sighed grabbing a range of chesses and putting them on the table.  He watched as she reached to put the heating pad back into the microwave again.  “No! no, those things are not warm enough.” He spoke. Without thinking he put his warm hands on her stomach. She looked at him awkwardly, but he just flashed a grin, knowing her cramps must be nearly non-existent.

Megara blushed at the effort and reached over to grab some gouda cheese and the shredder. He tisked at her before removing his hands around her to grab it out of her hands. Megara gave a pouty face at him.

“Hug me from behind then.” He offered. She reached her arms around him and pulled him close, feeling the heat radiating off of him. She let out a soft sigh of stress that she didn’t even realize she had as he began grating the cheese.

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“Johnny you didn’t have to do this.”

“I wanted to.”

Megara looked at the bowls of the pasta in front of her. Warm, scent of cheddar, gouda mixed with a hint of paprika and topped with some pulled pork. He separated two bowls and put a spoon in each one.

He forgot about the lillies until she had brought them up. “Oh your going out?” She asked.

“No, those are for you. I grabbed some macarons too.” Johnny tried to make it not a big deal, but he really wanted it to be so she would notice him. Megara had loved the vibrancy of the flowers and the sweets but looked at him eerily

“What do you want?” Megara took a step away from him and crossed her arms. He noticed her absence and looked at her. She had flowers at the doorstep before and it often was based on the desire for money or contracts.

“I don’t want anything, I just wanted to give you some flowers and I heard how cramps can be and I want to help you.” He smiled offering her a bowl of the pasta. “Well maybe one thing.” He really couldn’t help himself, his favorite, single writer was in front of him, he could get details about anything. But he didn’t want it to seem that was the only thing that he wanted to know.

‘I knew it! What do you want to know?” Megara chuckled taking the pasta from him, blowing on the hot fresh food from the oven. Johnny swore that it was way better baked.

“Tell me about the book? Just so I could you know have some tips for the ladies next time they ask.”

“Johnny, no man is passionate in my writing unless if they had read it. So I must ask, did you read my book?” Megara took a bite from the pasta and Johnny stared at her, examining her features.  He couldn’t get over her galactic eyes and her soft smooth lips. He knew she was going to find out sooner or later.

He puts his head down in defeat. “Ok fine, I have a copy of your book upstairs. I enjoy it and I just wanted to hear about the sequel. Don’t tell the press about this! It will ruin my image.” He nudged her playfully. He really didn’t want to freak her out about this, especially since he was crushing hard.

“Nothing to be embarrassed about. I would have thought you thought I was cute or something bringing me those lovely flowers and sweets.” She winked at Johnny, and he felt his cheeks flush for a few moments before he guided her to the couch.

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Johhny made sure had he stayed close to her as they had their food, given he was a living heating pad. Megara snuggled closer to him enjoying the heat he was radiating as they were watching tv together. She pushed closer to him after she finished the food and began talking about her new book to Johnny without revealing too much context.

“Ok that’s cool and all but you gotta tell me about Astral and Cassian.” He nudged her playfully. He has been talking to her the entire time and hasn’t let his blue eyes drift away from her. All of his attention was onto the beauty in front of him.

“Why should I tell you about them? You need to buy my book when it comes out.” She laughed.

“Come on! Just something about them! I am dying to know!” He began pouting like a school boy.

Megara found it adorable that he was pouting. “Ok, fine one small thing. Astral and Cassian will get… closer the next book.”

“I KNEW IT I FUCKIN KNEW IT!” Johnny got excited that he risen his voice. Unfortunately, it had caused Franklin to wake up. The infant began crying in the next room and Megara stood up to pick him up.

Fuck. Was all Johnny could think as he watched Megara leave the room with his blue eyes watching her rear walk away from him. She is going to be death of him.

Megara returned with Franklin in her arms, slowly rocking him back to sleep. Her eyes were focused on the young child while Johnny still watched her with his nephew.

“Sorry.. I..” Johnny said. “Guess I got too excited it all”

“It’s ok.” She said as she kept rocking Franklin. Once he had dosed off, she walked to the couch and Johnny had wrapped an arm around her pulling her in.

Johnny thought she looked sweet with Franklin and was sure that she was eying someone to start this family with and he wanted to know who.

“You are really good with Franklin, I am sure your going to be a great mother one day, if you decide to.” He assured as she felt her cheeks blush.

“Yea, sure I want to. I just need to find the right person.”

“You haven’t found the right guy yet or…?”

“Well dating has never went my way but yes, someone has.” Megara was trying to avoid eye contact with him, especially since it was him. The man who everyone seemed to want. “How about you, I am sure that women are lining up at your door.”

“Definitely.” He couldn’t deny it. “But only one has been catching my eye lately.”

There was another moment of unspoken language between the two of them. Johnny stared into the galactic eyes of Megara and her lips. He wanted to make the first move. Megara’s sights went to his sea blue eyes. The two were leaning closer to each other’s lips when they heard the door open.

“How did everything go?” Megara backed away at the sound of Reed’s voice by the door way.

Megara smiled brightly at Reed. While the two exchanged conversation, Johnny’s face dropped, knowing how close he was to have her right there. He knew not to blame his teammates, but he knew there was something there between him and Megara.

Sue walked over to the couch and took Franklin from her.

“He seems to like you Megara, maybe you will be his designated babysitter.” Sue smiled at her, flashing a quick glance at Johnny.

“If you would like me back again to watch over him sure.” Megara responded.

“I would very much so, it is getting late Megara.” She looked at her watch. “It’s two am, sorry we didn’t mean to leave you here so late!”

“It’s ok, I don’t live far from here” Megara said grabbing her notebook and flowers and sweets from Johnny. The remainder of the team noticed the flowers and sweets in her hand as she walked to the doorway. She written something down and left it on the table where the flowers were then waved at everyone and mumbled a soft “Johnny” before she left the Baxter building.

“I was going to offer to walk her home.” Johnny groaned.

“You got her flowers and sweets and turned this into a cozy night in?” Ben chuckled.

‘Well, ya I mean she wasn’t feeling well and ……”

“She’s cute and you wanted to impress her.” Ben raised an eyebrow at him.

Johnny rubbed his neck nervously as he felt like he was being parented. He was so damn close and he was careful like Sue had said. He didn’t want to mess things up with Megara. He slowly got up then noticed the paper Megara left on the table, a ripped-up paper with her name written on it with her phone number.

“AW! SCORE!” Johnny realised he said it too loud with Sue rolling her eyes.

“She give you her number?” Reed asked.

“YES!” He cleared his throat. “Yes, she did. I guess I am going to have to call her.”

The three looked at him knowing what he was up to.

 “Tomorrow, you will call her tomorrow.” Sue rubbed the bridges of her nose. She remembered what happened one time where he was on the phone for hours with this chick that started at 2 and ended at 8 on a worknight.

Never again.

“Fine.” Johnny huffed as he made his way upstairs. He wasn’t going to bed, he wanted to make sure Megara made it home safe. Sue did not point out Megara's apartment every single time she went for a walk around the neighborhood.

 “Goodnight, everyone!” He said. The group rolled their eyes and knew exactly what he was going to do. He was so predictable when he has a crush on someone.

However, Sue had a feeling it was something more than that.

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Megara made it to her small, luxurious apartment ten minutes after saying goodnight to the group. She couldn’t stop thinking about Johnny all the way home, how sweet and kind he was to her. He really did wish he came home to help her with the cramps though.

Maybe for something else too.

She noticed there was something wrong when she seen the door of her apartment was messed up. The wood on the door was damaged and it swung open like it was nothing. She walked through the door and found her stuff thrown all of the place. Things were broken and notes ripped out of the notebooks.

There was not a moment of hesitation, she ran for the phone in her kitchen to call the police.

Too bad someone already reached there first.  A man with a black ski mask and black attire grabbed her arm then punched her with the other in the head, making sure she wasn’t going anywhere. Once he felt her head bob to his shoulder out cold, her treats and flowers dropped on the floor, he knew he had to act fast.

He reached into his bag and grabbed a walkie talkie “Yea, boss, she finally came home. I’ll tie her up and you can talk to her when you get here. I am sure you are going to get a lot of information from her.”

The masked assailant dragged her body to her bedroom and tied her arms up to the bedpost and waited for his boss to come and grab her.  However, it didn’t take long for him to hear a tap on the window. He walked over, leaving Megara in the other room alone.

Johnny in full literal flames was by the window, seeing the destruction within her apartment. He thought she may have just been messy but when he seen the flowers and sweets dropped on the ground by the phone, he knew something was up.

The masked assailant panicked right there. He took a few steps back from the window with his hands up. He did not sign up for this shit.

“Is Megara in there?” Johnny asked casually. He already was confident he knew the answer. When the assailant didn’t answer, he knew what he had to do. He was definitely going to be paying Megara for a new glass door.

He formed a couple fire balls from his hands and tossed them to the glass, causing a storm of glass towards the assailant. The flames would do in the man as well. The flames were strong where the door was, but it got the job done. Johnny floated into the apartment, over the glass and the masked assailant with glass cuts all over his body, especially his neck. He knew the dude wasn’t dead but pretty bent out of shape.

“Megara!” He hollered.

There was no response, so he began looking around each of the rooms. He stopped when he seen Megara in the state she was in. Out cold, tied up. The second thing was something he was digging but not the knocked-out part. He shook his head, he had to be serious, his girl was in trouble and all he was thinking was doing her. He untied her then lowered the flames on his body. Johnny picked her up bridal style and back to the Baxter building, he would face the consequences later.

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The Fantastic Four, minus Johnny were awoken by the sound of a loud thud followed by mutters of “your going to be ok” repeatedly to his room. The team all joined up and walked to his bedroom and Reed had the honors of knocking on his door.

Johnny put Megara on his bed then slowly opened his door. “Hi what’s up?”

‘Johnny, what did you do?” Sue asked her brother, noticing the lights were on.

“I don’t know what your talking about…” Johnny really wanted to talk about this in the morning. About Megara in his room, he wanted her to rest up.

“Johnny, we know someone is in your bedroom, and we can probably guess who it is.” Ben chuckled.

“What? No girl in here?” Johnny quickly looked back and made sure the door wasn’t opened enough for anyone to see her.

“So if I walk in right now, I won’t see my friend here.” Sue sucked on her teeth.

Johnny sighed. Guess they were going to find out sooner or later. “Ok fine I followed Megara home but when I got there, there was a masked assailant. I took care of him and brought her here. It didn’t feel safe.”

There was a silence between all of them. Sue shook her head. Guess Megara’s connection with Sue finally got recognised and even she isn’t safe anymore. They had to find a place for her to stay for now and the Baxter building maybe it.

“Megara may be staying here for a while until we figure out what is going on here.” Sue continued. “I want everyone on their BEST behaviours.” Her blue eyes stared at Johnny for a moment too long.

“Why me?”

“Johnny don’t fuck this up, ok? She is a nice girl, and she had a long night.”  Reed said before the team walked down the stairs leaving Johnny and her alone once again.

He closed the door and sighed, looking at Megara who was awake. Her eyes staring at Johnny, speechless. Her eyes were focused on the room around her. A bright white walls with blue trim. Rock legends hung up on the walls with a record player in the corner of the room. Underneath was a hardly full book case, in which she recognised her own book by first glance.

“Oh your up.” Johnny said sitting on the bed, turning to her. “How are you feeling.”

“Period cramps and a bad headache, I think I will be ok.” Megara shrugged. Her head did feel like it took a heavy beating.

“I suppose you heard all of that.” Johnny said.

“I did.” She sighed.

Johnny rested on the bed. “Guess I will be seeing you more often now, given we are going to be keeping a close eye on you while you’re here.”

Megara heard the teasing in his tone. She knew of the circumstances, and Johnny was trying to put some light to it, given how the night went and how sweet he was to her.

“I suppose I should say thank you for saving my life.” Megara looked at Johnny with a smile on her face. She knew there was going to be a kiss coming for him earlier, but they were interrupted by the team.

“You don’t need to do that, I already have your safety that’s all that matters.” He spoke. He really wanted more, but he didn’t want to push anything onto her. Even though he was literally internally screaming in excitement that his celebrity crush is in his bed.

Megara crawled her body on top of his. Their eyes looked at each other. She slowly leaned in and pecked his cheek. His heat warming up her cold lips.

“You missed.” Johnny said with a smirk. He was trying to play it cool, but he was insanely freaking out that Megara would even touch him with her lips.

“What?”

He leans up and kisses her on the lips this time. His hand rested on the back of her neck pulling her in to be more passionate. Megara gave in and was drawn in by the flames of this moment.  She didn’t hesitate to pull away to take off her hoodie. Johnny stared at her form, her curves with only a lacey baby pink bra on.

“We don’t need to go this far!” Johnny said before Megara kissed him again. He wasn’t complaining, he just wanted to be sure this is what she wanted. She moved her body to one of his legs and began slowly rubbing herself onto it.

“Shit…” Johnny muttered under his breath. “Didn’t think you would go for someone like me, a fanboy with a small crush on you.”

“Didn’t think a playboy would want to be with me, all the women in the world, yet you pick a fantasy book writer to spend the night with.” Megara kissed his neck softly and he groaned in response.

“Are you crazy? Your all I thought about once I seen you, my sister’s friend who was a successful fantasy writer.” He chuckled as her movements began to get more intense. He watched as she took her bra off, freeing her breasts.

They were better than he ever imagined them.

He grabbed her hips then pushed her onto the mattress.  His grin grew wide as she was underneath him now. He tossed his shirt off quickly without hesitation, showing off his toned physique to her. He began kissing her neck now, Megara was letting out soft moans that were slowly getting louder.

“ I don’t want to sound like that person but, there are other people in the house and I don’t think be on your best behaviour meant this.” Johnny mumbled before he nipped at her neck. “But how are you feeling there?” He asked looking down to her belly.

“Ok I guess, I haven’t started, just the lousy PMS.” Megara mentioned.

Johnny nodded then got an idea. One that he probably shouldn’t be having but with someone in pain could use some warmth.  “So you trust me, right?”

“Yea why?” Megara raised an eyebrow as Johnny got out of his sweats leaving his boxers. She admired his form, especially down his legs.

“Just want to try something, only if you would be down for it” Johnny put his hands up. “You know you were getting your cramps, I thought that since you and I have this.” He used his hand to gesture between the two of them. “Maybe I could help you out with your cramps.”

“I never had period or PMS sex before Johnny. I ….”

“ I know its supposed to help and I know my powers could make it more enjoyable for you.” He offered.

Megara didn’t care what time of the month it was. She wanted him. She always did, but tonight, made her confirm her thoughts and feelings. “ Sure, lets try it.”

He pulled down his boxers and opened up the drawer under his bed to grab something. All Mehara was focused on was his length and girth. She didn’t know how it was going to fit inside of her. Slowly he placed the condom on and stood by the end of the bed. He then pulled her down by grabbing her feet.

“What are you doing!?” Megara risen her voice at him.

“Warming you up.” He began to kiss her ankle, getting a soft moan from her. His blue eyes were observant, making sure she was enjoying it. Any hint of discomfort he would back away.  He pulled off her sweats to find a matching pair of pink lacey underwear. Slowly, his lips found her inner calf as he began to start traveling north to her core.

Her legs felt warm form his touch, making her feel good. The cramps were almost non-existent now as he moved up to her thighs, leaving warm steamy kisses behind. She grabbed his blond hair which caused a growl in response from him. He nipped at the spot he kissed which got her going.

He kissed right by her panty line before getting up. He rubbed his hand across her slit then perched his lips together after tasting her. “So tasty, no blood yet babe.” Megara just stared with her jaw open.

“Sounded like you were going to take a risk. I didn’t even know you would even dare….” Her words were stopped by his warm tongue swiping her slit, with a snap of his fingers, his thumb had a flame which turned her panties to ash.

“JOHNNY!” Megara said in a hushed tone.

“I’ll buy you a new pair, I will buy you several new pairs.” He growled as he licked her outer lips she snickered at him, a way to prevent her from moaning loudly. His fingers then spread her lips so he could lick more of her which made it more of a challenge to keep quiet. He growled from the taste as he grabbed her thighs to get her closer as she began to feel the heat around her core.

She was biting her lips now as she was enjoying every second of it, but they didn’t want the team to hear what exactly was going on.

“Johnny…” She started saying his name like a prayer, a praise. Johnny couldn’t take it hearing her praises as he started to feel an ache in his cock. He wanted her to finish first.  He kept licking her core like a starving man until he felt her legs shake. He then latched onto her clit and inserted two fingers inside of her hole until he felt her walls shake around her, pushing waves of warmth around her. Her lips were bitten hard by the time she was done, holding back from the moans inside of her.

Johnny backed away from her and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He thought about it for a moment on the position he wanted her in. He thought doggy style, or missionary, but he wanted to impress her.  He also wanted her to be comfortable, so he placed a pillow under her ass. He got on the bed, on his knees.

“Legs over my shoulder.”

She listened as she placed her legs where he asked. He lowered down on her then gotten mere inches from her face. He watched her face for a moment, any sign of giving up or she wanted to back down. When there wasn’t any sign of it, he slowly guided himself inside of her. Before she could make any noise from the warmth inside of her, he pulled her in for a kiss.

The heat, the kissing was blooming comfort for Megara.

Her eyes were closed, but she felt his presence, his attention on her. This wasn’t any type of one night stand, this was what she wrote about. Something she never thought she would experience herself. Right in front of her.

He kept his lips onto her, slowly and romantically as he let out a couple moans himself. He knew she felt a lot better inside as she would try to even pull him closer to get more heat and comfort.

He continued to move inside of her, silencing her with his mouth. His movements were getting more passionate and intense. He balanced out the moment and movements until he knew she was nearing her climax. He was experienced and knows when a lady would be close to their climax.

“Gonna let go for me?” Johnny parted his lips, waiting for any sign that his indications were correct. Megara didn’t want the moment to go, but she knew that she was going to climax again with him. She nodded as she felt his movements getting sloppy.

He grabbed her shoulders as he pressed his body closer to hers in those final moments before he snapped. When the pleasure was released, he pressed his lips onto hers, letting out a growl in relief. Megara released her own pleasure shortly after, feeling intense heat that comforted her.

“Fuck” both said at the same time.

After a few moments to breathe, Johnny pulled out and sighed. “That, was fantastic.”

Before Megara could say something about the statement, Johnny playfully nudged her on the shoulder.

The two looked at the time and realised it was past midnight, and the team had a huge press conference in the morning. Johnny would have went all night, but he remembered what all nighters do to him and he didn’t want to embarrass himself in front of Megara.

“Sleep?” Megara asked.

“Yes, sleep I would go all night with you but 8 am press does not sound ideal.” Johnny groaned as he plopped next to her, snapping his fingers to turn off the lights. Megara turned his body away from him but he pulled her close to his radiating body as they both drifted to sleep.

************************************************************************

Megara and Johnny were awoken by the sound of loud banging outside of the door. Johnny shifted up and started at the nude form of Megara. He was confused at first then sighed.

Ah right, the best thing ever happened last night.

“Hmm?” Johnny responded.

“GET UP THE PRESS IS HERE EARLY,” Sue hollered at the other side of the door.

Johnny looked at Megara who was starting to get up. He shook his head at her and covered her body with the blankets.

“Coming,” He got out of bed and glanced at Megara who was starting to drift back to sleep. He kissed her on the forehead as he got dressed for the day. Following the press, he planned to go to the flower shop and grab her some new sweets due to last night’s events. She deserved them after all.

Once he gotten dressed, he walked outside to see Sue standing there. She had a knowing grin on her face which scared Johnny a little bit.

“What is it?” Johnny asked.

“The walls are thin Johnny, we heard. Don’t think this is what we meant by treating her well. But prompts on you for her liking you back.” Sue muttered, Johnny turning a shade of red in embarrassment. “Just take care of her.”

Break Megara’s heart? Never.

Sue watched Johnny leave down the stairs and shook her head. She was glad that the two finally came to their senses.

************************************************************************

[eddiemunsonsbabygirl]

“Save a rocket, ride an astronaut.” - some comment on a TikTok post about this pic.

[bakubitchhh]

Imagine a phoenix reader or human torch in an invincible fic!!! Just a thought :’)

[theaawalker]

⌲;꒰ Oh, What the Hell? ꒱ J. Storm

Pairing: Johnny Storm x fem!oc

Song Inspo: What the Hell by Avril Lavigne

Word Count: 1,196

Summary: When Johnny Storm breezes through the Baxter Building lobby like he owns the world, Debbie — the sardonic, gum-chewing front desk receptionist with a knack for cutting through his ego — knows exactly what kind of day it’s going to be. But when Johnny proposes a spontaneous escape from her mundane shift, Debbie is torn between responsibility and the chance to finally let go. One prototype toy, a crushed dream, and a suite booking later, it turns out even the Human Torch might have the charm to melt her routine.

Warnings: Mild language (“shit,” “screw you”), light sexual innuendos, and workplace boundary-pushing

Masterlist: See fandoms (pc-friendly)

The clack of acrylic nails hitting keys echoed through the Baxter Building's marble lobby. Debbie Rush—yes, like the actress, but no relation, she'd say with a smirk—sat at the front desk, legs crossed, chewing her gum like it owed her rent. Solitaire was open on her screen, a barely shuffled mess of red queens and black aces.

Outside, a flurry of camera flashes sparked like fireworks. Debbie winced at the familiar chaos. Without looking up, she sighed.

“Johnny.”

Right on cue, the automatic doors whooshed open as Johnny Storm strolled in. Arms swaying in his leather jacket, shades on despite being indoors, and strutting like he had theme music playing in his head.

He beamed at her and tossed his car keys across the desk.

Debbie barely caught them, yelping, “I’m not the valet, Johnny. We’ve had this conversation ten times.”

“Yeah, my bad,” he said casually, leaning against the counter like it was his property. “Anyway! What do you think?”

He whipped something from his jacket. A toy. More specifically, an action figure. One with an an unfortunately accurate caricature of Ben Grimm, molded plastic and orange, rocky skin. Johnny pulled its arm.

“It’s clobberin’ time!”

Johnny grinned, eyes sparkling. “Catchy, right?”

Debbie blinked at the toy, then at him, blowing a lazy bubble. “Oh, is it supposed to be?”

Johnny groaned, “You have no vision.”

Ding.

The elevator slid open and Ben Grimm stormed out, looking like he wanted to clobber the world.

“Perfect timing!” Johnny called, intercepting him. “Benny, check this out!”

He yanked the toy’s arm again.

“It’s clobberin’ time!”

Ben glared. Grabbed the toy. Crushed it in one massive hand like a soda can. Debbie’s jaw dropped.

Johnny gasped, scrambling for the plastic crumbs. “Dude! That was the prototype!”

Ben grunted and continued out the door.

Johnny threw his arms in the air. “Well, somebody hates capitalism.”

Debbie chewed thoughtfully. “I think that went smoothly.”

Johnny rubbed his face, half-laughing. “You think?”

She smiled dryly. “Oh, definitely.”

Johnny scoffed and leaned closer on the desk. “So. How about you? Me? Dinner? Tonight?”

“Mmm.” Debbie twisted her lips and held up his keys. “Can’t. Gotta park your car, remember?”

“I said my bad!” He laughed, hands up. “You can’t hold that against me forever.”

“Mmm." Debbie hummed in sarcastic thought. "Can. Will.”

Ring.

She cursed under her breath and hit the button. “Thank you for calling the Baxter Building, this is Debbie, how can I help you?”

Johnny leaned on his elbows, watching her with amused eyes.

“Uh-huh,” she muttered. “Uh-huh.”

He leaned in further, trying to peek at her screen. She gave him a quick side-eye. He grinned and backed off, palms up.

“Yeah,” Debbie continued. “You want to book the conference center and check if the presidential suite is... available? I'll check if it is. One moment.”

Johnny whispered, “Please say no... please say no...”

She clicked through a few screens. “It’s open.”

“Damn it,” Johnny muttered, silently punching the air with a goofy smirk.

Debbie rolled her eyes. The man thought he was so funny.

“Okay," she spoke into her headset, "I’ll check on that max capacity and get back to you—hold, please.” She clicked again.

Johnny raised an eyebrow. “Max capacity? That sounds dirty.”

Debbie gave a deadpan laugh. “Ha. Ha. Original.”

Johnny groaned, hopped up and sat on the counter. He watched her fingers fly across the keyboard.

“You know," he glanced at the barren lobby and shrugged, "you could ditch this shift. This place pays you in vending machine tokens.”

“Can’t. Busy.” Debbie typed on.

“You’re always busy. You work in a building that houses a superhero team. Superhero, Debs! And instead of seizing the opportunity of a lifetime, you’re booking banquet rooms for biotech startups.”

Debbie furrowed her brow, fingers halted. “Are you... asking me to exploit you?”

Johnny snapped his fingers and pointed. “Only counts as exploitation if I don’t know about it.”

She opened her mouth to respond. “You might— crap, I’m over.” She hit a button. “Yes, thank you for holding. I’m still checking that—”

Johnny pressed the hold button again.

Debbie gasped, “Hey!”

“Debs. Babe. Listen to me.” He leaned in, voice low and persuasive. “I’ve seen you run this desk like a machine. Serve annoying tourists, babysit corporate execs, deal with my family’s weird fan mail. You’re ethical. I admire that. Really.” Beat. “But even Beyoncé takes days off.”

Debbie clenched her jaw. Her fingers twitched over the keys.

“Come on,” he whispered, voice rich with charm. “One day. No phones. No bookings. No stupid headset. Just... fun.” He mimed sprinkling pixie dust over her.

She scoffed, skeptical. “Even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t know where to start.”

“That’s where the Human Torch comes in.”

She winced. “Wow. You’re really calling yourself that, huh?”

“It’ll catch on. Get it? Catch on? Like... fire— never mind.” He waved her off. “You in?”

She hesitated. Looked back at her screen. “What about the presidential suite?”

“Book it,” Johnny shrugged. “For yourself.”

“With whose money?”

Johnny slipped a gleaming gold card from his pocket and slid it across the desk. She started to say no. Even lifted a finger like she would.

Then Debbie sighed. “You’re ridiculous.”

Johnny smirked. “I’m aware.”

She took the card, too quick for regret. This was insane. She could get fired. Would get fired. She told herself no. And then she told herself to shut up.

Debbie got back on the call. “Yes, thank you for holding. I checked the suite capacity and...” she glanced at Johnny, who had his brows lifted and fingers crossed, then inhaled, “and it looks like the suite capacity is 50 maximum—”

“Yessss.” Johnny muttered, pumping his fist victoriously.

“Yes, I’m so sorry, we can’t—” Click. They hung up on her. Debbie sighed and tossed the headset down. “Screw you, too.”

She sat back, for the first in what felt like centuries, and sighed. Ran a hand through her hair. Told herself to let it go and take another call.

Johnny nodded, holding out his card like a victory flag. “Screw them all.”

Debbie slowly took it and nodded, determined and pissed. She punched in his information and booked the suite. She finalized the booking, barely finishing the form when Johnny grabbed her hand.

“Wait— Johnny—”

“Too late!” He sang, dragging her to the elevator before it closed.

Inside, she leaned back against the rail, wide-eyed. “What am I doing?”

Johnny hit the top floor and nodded to her. “You’re about to have the best day of your life.”

He leaned beside her, smug and glowing. Debbie turned to him slowly, shaking her head as he chuckled. Chewing her gum, she looked ahead and fought a smile as the elevator doors closed.

• ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ •

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[spyderschaos]

It’s gay month!

[boneapplet]

Bloodline Unknown pt 2

Relationship: Yautja!oc x human!oc/afab!reader

Warnings: minor description of injury, minor description of cauterizing wound

Word Count: 589

Requested Tags for All Works: @beckyninja @runin64 @ilovewolvezz

Masterlist

pt 1 | pt 2 | pt 3 | pt 4 | pt 5

Ducking into a ravine at the sight of large figures ahead. Her breath fogging before her, her body trembling with exhaustion and cold. She's been tracking the strange sounds for hours, hoping for signs of civilization—what she’d found were hunters. And not human. Daring to take a glance from behind a slab of ice as they pass by. Her first real view of them—taller than any man, with dense armor and weapons that gleamed even under the clouds. Predators. The seemingly youngest of the trio moving faster than the others. Breaking the formation to take a shortcut ahead. That’s when she hears the growl, different from the ones these figures had been making.

Something leaps from the snowbank, a blur of muscle and bone-plate. The creature was fast, far faster than anything she’d seen before, almost silent despite its size. The one who’d been looking at something on his gauntlet, snaps his head up shouting something—no words she could parse—but his tone was unmistakable: a warning. He fires at it, missing by a hair as it dodges. The beast slams into him, claws tearing through his shoulder armor. Hitting the ground hard, snow exploding beneath him.

It had been a snap choice decision, Kaelen sprints over, grabbing the flare from her sling and snapping it with a cry. Light burst across the clearing—red, searing, loud. The creature flinches, its unblinking eyes turn toward her. Hurling the flare at it, the creature growled and dashes into the trees.

Skurr’va lays in the snow, blood—bright neon green—pulsing from a deep wound. His breathing was ragged. Kaelen drops down beside him, hands shaking, adrenaline surging. Pulling out her kit and presses a cloth to the gash. Heat hisses as she uses her mini torch to cauterize it, the sound of burning flesh mingling with the alien scent of Yautja blood. A deep, instinctive growl escapes him, not from pain but as a warning. His hand twitching toward the blade at his hip.

Kaelen freezes at the sight of the minute action along with the growl. Slowly, she lifts her free hand and places it on her chest.

Voice shaking as she speaks, “I’m helping.”

He doesn’t seem to understand her words, though he pauses his movements. Watching her, his breathing still comes out heavy, but he doesn't strike.

“Not prey,” she says, pointing to herself. “Not… enemy.”

Tilting his head slightly at her words. Finishing bandaging the wound, she moves onto covering the trail with broken branches and ice. The silence between them was thick, but she could feel it shifting. No trust. Not yet. But the line between hunter and hunted had blurred. Standing up, breathing heavily, turning to leave. The other two figures emerge from the trees behind her. Her breath catching at the realization—she was surrounded.

They don’t attack immediately upon seeing the sight before them. The younger one steps forward, crouching to the other’s side, clicking softly to him. Turning to face Kaelen, he mimicks her gesture—hand to chest. Head tilting out of curiosity, his voice rumbles with an unfamiliar word, possibly a question.

Kaelen points to herself again “Kaelen.”

He repeats it—garbled, but close. “Ka-le…n.”

Then he makes a different sound. Sharp. Clicking. A name? A declaration? It is her turn to tilt her head in confusion. Ra’thek stares, unreadable behind his mask. Then, with the barest movement, he lifts one hand and gestures—come. A command. An invitation. Hesitating for a moment before following behind them.

[katuschka]

Olalla Chapter Sixteen 2/2

Jake Kiszka x f!OC 5.145 words

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, intended for adult readers. Any resemblance to real persons is purely coincidental. Also, if you're under 18, go find some other entertainment elsewhere.

Warnings (are spoilers): kissing, fluff, some angst and arguing, sore muscled, talking about abortion (retrospective), alcohol consumption and intoxication, alcohol insomnia, allusions to oral sex, petting, unprotected sex, including some rough fucking in you squint, language, and as always, an unhealthy dose of heavy emotions and feelings

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Previous chapter Olalla masterpost

A lime tree was burning down like a torch, Annie sat under, getting scorched. And all the boys cried as the cinder covered her. All except one who falsely loved her.

April 22nd 2026, Mount Pierce, Jake

---

He had never felt so humiliated. 

A former jock, my ass! That was a million years ago, apparently. But still, being able to frolic onstage for hours made Jake live in an illusion that he was still perfectly fit and in good shape, despite Josh’s occasional half-hearted mocking remarks. Scrawny asshole. 

He would probably laugh his tiny ass off if he could just see them and watch how Jake’s dignity bursted like a soap bubble the moment Veela set the pace uphill, and the remaining residue prevented him from telling her to slow down. 

The chronic lack of sleep, the crazy schedule and the bad habit of drowning his sorrows in booze had really taken its toll on him after all. 

He could keep up with her for the first mile or so, but the moment the trail got steeper, she was constantly several steps ahead, full of stamina and life. Like a captured wild animal that was finally set free again. He should rejoice. And he did. Really!

But every now and then, she stopped in her tracks and turned around to wait for him while flashing him a sympathetic smile, which always made him feel like shit. 

So, Jake was actually glad that as soon as they reached the alpine zone, she stopped bothering. Instead, she soon disappeared from sight, no doubt too lost in her own daydreaming to care for poor old Jake who kept huffing a few hundred feet behind her. 

The rest of the way to the top felt like an eternity to him, only to get nearly swept back down by the icy gust as soon as he finally reached the large, flat summit. Whose fucking idea was this, and in the middle of fucking April, no less? Oh yeah, right, his! He cursed himself for it, regretting ever suggesting this hellish trip… until he saw her a few hundred feet ahead of him, and quickly hurried to join her. 

She was standing on a flat rock with her back turned to him, looking calm and majestic in the blustering wind. Like a statue of some fucking ancient goddess. Dishevelled strands of her long dark hair bound in a high ponytail kept flapping around her head like seaweed, but she kept still, scanning the horizon as if the whole vast space was her own queendom. 

Two more minutes passed, with Neszka lost somewhere in the introspective world of her fantasies and memories, and Jake lost in the sight of her. Then she turned around and the wilderness surrounding them could not compete with the untamed power behind her eyes. It was there for just a split second before she transformed into a human being again, but he saw it. 

That was what made him love her so much. Sure, she got a pretty face and gorgeous tits, but inside that beautiful human form lived a siren. Enchanting and deadly, stirring strong emotions deep inside his chest from the very first day, except now he no longer tried to fight it.

At last, she finally stepped down from the elevated rock to join him on his spot behind a few stunted conifers that felt a bit less exposed but still offered a breathtaking view. 

Jake expected her to say something, but instead, she just grabbed both sides of his face and kissed him. Fiercely… even though it was far from fiery, with their noses ice cold and runny. They both also nearly fell down as her sudden fierce attack made him stumble and his right crampon grated against a bare stone. No, not romantic at all… and yet. 

“Thank you,” she breathed out laughing when they finally regained balance. 

“So you like it? I hoped you would… not as impressive as the Rockies, but it reminds me a bit of Western Tatras, so I thought... Ya know, some of those places you took us to when we were there with…” Fuck. No escaping him. Not even now.

But she just smiled, seemingly ignoring the  last, unfinished sentence. “Yeah, maybe. Maybe even Karkonosze… this peak’s not that high, is it?”

“4.310 feet.” Not that high, my ass! I almost died today, Jake thought to himself, making a mental note that he should start jogging again.

“Uh huh,” she puckered her lips in mock understanding and nodded up and down appreciatively. “I love it when you speak Mongolian to me. … and I really love this place.” She pecked him on the lips again before looking around once more, obviously reluctant to get back to moving just yet, despite the wind getting stronger and darker clouds gathering on the horizon.  

At this time of year, the mountain tops were still covered with snow, but the changing weather and an occasional rain had turned some parts of the trail into an ice chute. 

Jake was already not looking forward to the way back, and the prospect of rain made it even worse. 

“I think it’s time to go back, Veela.”

“I know,” she murmured, but still didn’t move.

Jake understood. This snowy world existed completely independent of all man-made sorrows, keeping its wild beauty almost out of spite. It was, in fact, the very reason why he took her here, remembering what she once told him. This was the source of her peace of mind, away from the world’s troubles. 

But he was getting cold and as much as he loved seeing her thrive and bloom in fresh air, he longed to be back in their rented cabin. Their time spent there turned out to be the source of his comfort. 

The previous day had started with heavy rain that lasted well until early afternoon. The two of them had stayed in bed almost until lunch, listening to the pitter patter of raindrops on the roof and sharing funny childhood stories. 

The outer world couldn’t reach them there, but one can only ignore it for so long. 

And despite the serenity of this secluded place and their growing, yet still fragile intimacy, Neszka’s smile was still veiled with worry. They couldn’t really run away from it, and she didn’t want to.

A quick facetime with Maya actually made things better, in spite of Jake’s concerns. Neszka’s sister already knew what had happened from his previous phone call and he had also advised her not to talk about it, so this was mostly about the situation back home. She assured them everyone was ok and well. 

She was also still adamant in her attempts to convince their parents to leave the place, but Elena was right. They wouldn’t dare send drones so close to the mountain range. 

Cold comfort. 

When they switched to Polish, Jake cleared his throat and excused himself to go make some coffee, because he was certain they were talking about him… and judging from Veela’s sneaky sly smile and stealthy side glances, he was right. 

Comic relief. 

It was worth it, though, because even after the call ended, Veela’s smile still lingered on. Time to show her why he had brought her here in the first place. 

“We need to go to town,” he started while handing her the steaming cup. “I’d like to go out tomorrow, but we don’t even have decent boots, much less anything else.” 

And so they did. 

Neszka insisted on wearing his hat and shades despite the overcast, simply because she had tried them on earlier that day and loved the sassy look.

So did Jake. In fact, he loved this new version of her so much he didn’t even mind when she stole his cigarettes. 

Later in the evening, they played cards and then watched a couple of movies in bed again, falling asleep sometime during The Last of the Mohycans.

The new day greeted them with a sunny sky, and despite the cool breeze, the weather promised to be warm and stable at least until midday. Jake made breakfast and prepared sandwiches for the day, so Agnieszka bargained that she would cook dinner, despite his constant grumbling.

And so she did, after they finally came back from their hike, drenched and numb with cold, because they hadn’t outrun the rain. Jake didn’t argue. Instead, he disappeared in the bathroom as soon as he could. Hot shower had never felt so good. 

After dinner, Jake grabbed his guitar and a bottle of whisky and went outside to sit on the porch, because Neszka insisted on baking him a cake and he was not allowed to help, watch or even hang around. 

Their life together was slowly turning to a constant battle of who would do what. The petty bickering usually ended in a kiss… until they started anew just minutes later, stubborn heads clashing over yet another insignificant task. 

Jake secretly loved that. Sometimes he provoked her on purpose. 

However, this evening he didn’t really mind and just let her do whatever she wanted. With a new melody stuck in his head that begged to get tweaked, Jake in fact appreciated some privacy. The air was thick with mist after the late afternoon rain, turning the woods that surrounded that cabin as well as the hills in the distance into an eerie place that suited the mood of this new song. 

It didn’t take long for the world around him to turn dark blue before it got completely swallowed by darkness. Only the fog still lingered like a blanket that keeps you cold. It inspired him, helping him turn some of the weight on his shoulders into yet another sad tune. 

The only source of light that still illuminated the porch was coming through the window right behind him. It didn’t reach his fingers, but Jake’s eyes were closed now anyway, letting his hands move on their own. 

He usually didn’t bother with words, safe for several exceptions. Those songs were his and his only. He had shared and eventually reworked some of them with Chris, but a few were never meant to be played for others. Lulu’s Lullaby being one of them. Only two other people had heard it so far. 

He was still unsure about this new one. Some things just need to be said… or sung. Not by Josh, though. Not this time. 

So immersed in the chords that spoke to his heart and the hummed words through which the heart talked back, he didn’t notice her already standing in the doorway. That’s why her voice made him jump when she suddenly spoke, the tone of her voice husky and once again tinged with melancholy. 

“He used to play like that… not that well, I don’t mean… In the darkest corner of our garden after the sun came down.” 

“Who?” he croaked while grabbing the neck of the guitar to put it aside, his throat feeling strangely constricted all of the sudden. How much did she hear?

“No, please, don’t stop. Play some more… for me.” 

And so he motioned to her to sit down on the bench next to him. Once again, the fingers moved on their own, recollecting one piece he used to strum a lot while alone in his house in January. It was a simple chord progression, fit to be played by the fire by anyone with two hands. Definitely not something he’d choose to play to impress her. But that wasn’t what she wanted, anyway. 

Even the world’s most famous and haunting tunes are simple. Some masterpieces are just like that, because hurt isn’t always complicated. 

“Hey… I think I know this one,” she smiled. “Can you sing it for me?”

Jake hesitated. For several reasons. “I’m not really a good singer…”

“That’s very hard to believe.” The unspoken ‘because’ once again hung in the air and Neszka bit her lip as soon as she said that. To break the sudden silence, Jake simply started again, this time with the words. 

“Measuring a summer's day, I only find it slips away to grey. The hours they bring me pain…” Then he suddenly stopped again. “Do you know he wrote it about Jackie DeShannon?”

“I have no idea who Jackie Deshnoun is… so no.” 

That made him laugh, and the immediate change of mood was quite uplifting. To chase the feeling, he did exactly what he had promised himself to stop doing: He grabbed the opened bottle standing on the small table in front of them and took a swig. 

Before Jake could put it back, Neszka snatched the whisky from his hand and followed suit. Birds of a feather, he thought glumly. 

“Yeah, erhm,” he cleared his throat. “I mean, it’s interesting… without knowing the story, you’d automatically think it was one of Plant’s women… or simply no one in particular… just because it was him who sang the song when they recorded it. But it’s really about Page’s broken heart after she went back to the States…” 

… and it suddenly occurred to him why he remembered this particular one. Well, fuck again. Time for another round. He gulped the whisky again and Neszka immediately reached for the bottle too. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, easy girl! You drank half a bottle of wine at dinner. You should be more careful with this shit.” He held the bottle at arm’s length, but Neszka simply stood up and wrenched it from his grasp with ease. 

“And I finished the bottle afterwards. So what? You should stop being so protective.”

“I won’t.” Jake’s tone was suddenly very sober… and quite uncompromising. 

“Wha’ not?” 

“I made a deal with god… or, to be more precise, with the registrar in Copenhagen city hall.”

“Jake, em serious.” 

So was he. This was really between him and god… or whatever deity kept track of their conscience. 

“Well, firstly, because your sister threatened to cut my balls off if I won’t take care of you… and she sounded determined enough to rip them off with her bare hands if necessary. And lemme tell ya,” he leaned closer to her, whispering theatrically: “She scares me!”

Neszka’s laughter rang in the air, shrill and warm. “En’ secondly?”

“And secondly…” The second reason wasn’t funny at all, and he was reluctant to shatter that unusual moment of carefree joy they shared, because such moments were still precious. But they promised each other to talk about these things, so he talked. “Last time, I didn’t care enough… until it was too late.”

Unable to think of more words, he strummed the initial chord and plucked a few following arpeggios, to remind her.

Neszka knew immediately what he meant. She had, of course, long forgotten the melody, but not the mood. “You didn’t really tell me wha’actually ‘appened.”

He sighed. “It’s pretty prosaic. She just went to have an abortion. Without even telling me she wanted to do that.”

“Tha’s not right…”

“Yeah… thinking about it, nothing about our relationship was right. She did it when I wasn’t home… which was most of the time, actually. I think Emilia was resolved to leave me long before she got pregnant.”

“Did you love her?”

“Yes.” At least I thought so. He needed more whisky.

“Hmmm, m’kay…”

Several more minutes passed in silence between them, with them just sharing the bottle and listening to the evening sounds and letting all those words sink in.

He should have told her to slow down, but already quite drunk himself, he was in no position to criticize? After all those stressful weeks, they could finally breathe freely again… at least for a while. 

“M’sorry I ruined your birthday,” she slurred, breaking the pleasant silence at last. 

Jake looked at her in confusion, his own vision already a bit blurry. “Whaddaya mean? Yeh jus’ baked me a cake.”

“S’jus’ a simple sponge cake. You derserve more. An’to be with your family.”

Jake was suddenly desperate for a touch. Realizing he was still bending over the wooden body of his guitar, he quickly put it down with a dull clang and pulled her closer to him. “M’exactly where I wanna be, Veela. Besides, not sure there’s much to celebrate. Ah feel like an old man. Especially after today. Everything hurts,” he chuckled.

“Mah fault,” she snickered against his shoulder. 

“Yeah, no shit. Not gonna argue with that.”

Neszka wrapped her arms around his waist and hissed right in his face playfully. “Welcome to the ancien’ club. Zzzzhirtyyy!” 

It made him laugh out loud. “That sounded like a diesel engine.” 

She tried to slap his stomach in mock offense, but Jake grabbed her wrist and pressed his lips to hers instead. Their kiss deepened pretty quickly and she moaned into his open mouth, making his dick twitch as the muscles of his lower abdomen spasmed. 

Jake’s brain seemed to stop working, his head was spinning with his eyes now closed, and he was getting completely lost in the sensation, filtering out everything else. The feeling of her soft, warm tongue against his and his own heavy breath was all he could focus on. He was hungry. Ravenous. Eager to devour her and to melt into her, and she bit his lower lip in response, making him growl. 

Suddenly, she straddled him. 

He could feel her fingertips digging into the stiff flesh of his lower nape and he sank his own fingers into the dark mass of her hair that hung over his head and shoulders like a curtain. It was still a bit damp from the shower she had taken after putting the sponge cake in the oven. 

Vanilla…

His world got reduced to abstract twirling visions mixed with very acute sensations. She sounded like a titmouse when he licked a stripe up her exposed neck, while his fingers traveled down her spine…

The darkness surprised him. The dryness in his mouth did not, but… something was wrong. The soft mass behind his head felt like a pillow, meaning he was in bed. 

He tried to sit, but the throbbing head and nausea made him lay down again. Think, Jake.

In an attempt to clear his head a bit, he took a deep breath through his nose and froze. The scent… still lingering on his already visible mustache… so familiar and yet so new. 

Fuck! 

The curse reverberated through the silence that surrounded him, as if he actually  said that aloud. The silence was way too silent, actually. He used his hands first to explore the space around him before his eyes adjusted to the darkness. 

It was coming back to him in flashes like a fever dream. The groping hands. The overturned chair. The cries. FUUUCK! He could still feel her on his tongue, yet she was nowhere to be found, the sheets next to him already cool. And empty. 

Panicked, Jake scrambled from the bed, chasing the slit of light under the closed door. 

He found her in the bathroom, sitting naked on the cold, tiled floor right next to the toilet bowl. “I was sick,” she muttered when she looked up and saw him standing in the doorway. “Too much whisky. I have a terrible hangover.” 

She sounded so matter-of-factly, trying to hide her distress, yet he could still sense the disturbing undercurrent of emotions under those words. Not how it was supposed to be. He could also see she had been crying again. Eyes puffy, cheeks burning.

Quickly, he knelt down to her and pulled her shivering form into his arms. “You’re so cold, baby. Come on, get up, silly girl.” 

Instead, she buried her face in his chest as a sob ripped through her chest. “I’m sorry.”

No! “Why?”

“I’m sorry for being such a burden to you. This shouldn’t feel like such a big deal, but… I… I…” 

No, no, no! Please don’t say you regret it. 

Neszka clung to him for dear life, which was… good? “You’re not a burden, baby. You’re my love. Come back to bed now. Let’s talk about it in the morning.” He could feel her nod and helped her stand up. Neszka refused to go back without brushing her teeth first and Jake wrapped her in a bathrobe before he scurried to the kitchen to pour her a glass of water, ignoring his own heaving stomach. 

Back in their bed, he carefully pulled the comforter over her and she let him spoon her before they both drifted back to sleep a few minutes later. 

When Jake opened his eyes again, woken by the sound of heavy rain, the room was filled with grey light. 

This time he didn’t have to guess or wonder. She wasn’t in bed. She wasn’t anywhere else in the room either. 

“Veela?”

The only response to his soft call was a continuing, oppressive silence. 

First he checked his phone. Nearly 11 am. Then he slowly got out of bed and put his sweatpants on, before he went looking for her. 

She wasn’t in the main room. Peeking into the bathroom, he found it empty as well this time. When he opened the main door to check whether she wasn’t just chilling on the porch because she loved listening to rain, he saw that his car was gone. 

Nothing else. Just the car. 

Gone. In the pouring rain. After she apologized for being a burden. After he fucked her drunk and neither of them could even remember it. 

Mad with worry, Jake dialed the number of the first – and the only – person he could think of. It rang for a while before it went straight to voicemail. He tried again. This time, he finally picked up. 

“I hope you have a good enough reason for cockblocking me on my birthday!”

“She’s gone,” Jake blurted out, sounding much more alarmed than he wanted to. It was followed by several seconds of silence before his brother spoke again. 

“Jake, what the fuck do you mean? Whaddaya mean gone? What happened?” Josh’s own tone turned from cocky to worried in milliseconds. 

“Dunno… I just woke up. She took my car. And now she’s gone. Left no message.”

Jake could hear Taffy’s annoyed voice somewhere in the background, but Josh quickly shushed him before he spoke into the device again, repeating his previous question: “What happened?” 

“I don’t know...” Even Jake knew that it sounded very unconvincing, and he ran his fingers through his hair in exasperation. 

“Did she take anything else?”

“No, just my car keys. Even her jacket’s still here…”

On the other end, Josh took a deep breath before he spoke slowly and calmly, which only meant he was just as alarmed and his mind was racing. “Jake… is, uh, is there a reason why… why this should be concerning?”

“I don’t know… I… she… hang on!” The sound of tires on the gravel road made his heart leap. He glanced through the window to see her pull into the driveway. “Nevermind, she’s here.”

“Listen, you assho…” But Jake hung up before Josh could finish the sentence. He ran out the door and towards the car just as she got out of it, completely drenched as if she had been walking. In just her t-shirt. In this fucking freezing weather!

Jake grabbed her by the shoulder and shook her, ignoring her startled look. She seemed guilty, too. Good, she should. “Where the fuck have you been?!?!” he shouted while the rain kept pouring down on them. 

“I can explain,” Neszka responded weakly. 

“Yeah, you better!” With that, he grabbed her by the arm and forced her up the stairs and inside the cabin. 

“I just needed some time alone,” she started to explain after he dried her up with a towel and placed a cup of hot tea in front of her. They were now sitting at the table opposite each other, like a culprit and her interrogator. She hadn’t seen him angry like this in months. Cold and unpredictable.

“I’m sorry I was gone for so long, but that wasn’t my intention. I got lost…”

“Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why did you need some time alone?”

She sighed and wrapped her fingers, numb with cold, around the hot mug. “What happened… my mind was not clear and it’s not very memorable either. I’m sure you’ll agree. I needed to know how I feel about it.”

“Okay…?” Jake crossed his arms and pursed his lips, getting ready for the worst part. 

“I want to do it again.”

Jake raised his eyebrows in a silent question. Outwardly, he tried to remain calm, to keep his cool, but inside he was screaming. 

“I want to do it again. I love you. Take me. Make me yours, sweet Jake.”

Agnieszka

—

There were no more words. He watched me for an eternity after I said what I said. Or maybe it was just a few seconds, I don’t know. 

I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. Or maybe I could. I know those seconds were not thought, but felt. Tingling. Every new intake of breath felt heavier inside my heaving chest, as the air around us thickened with anticipation and untamed longing. Watching it grow behind his dark eyes, I almost feared his next move, and yet I couldn’t wait. 

Then I heard the chair below him creak and suddenly we were both standing, still eyeing each other apprehensively.  

Then he moved, and after two swift leaps around the table, he was standing right next to me, so close I could feel the heat coming from his body before I even consciously registered that it was really happening. He was like a wolf, hungry and wild. 

I gasped when he grabbed me by the shoulders again and he quickly filled my open mouth with his impatient tongue. 

This was it. It was the time to give in. But not to give up. I scratched the skin that stretched over his muscles, hardened by the power with which he held me. I pulled his hair when he sank his teeth into the flesh of my neck, making him yelp and growl. 

And just like that, we danced into the bedroom, where he pulled my t-shirt over my head and threw me on the bed, reaching for the button of my jeans as soon as I lost my balance. 

I arched my back when he ran his hand down my sternum, silently begging him to squeeze my tits. My hardened nipples were desperate for his mouth, and I cried out when he leaned down with his knee between my legs and took one of the crimson buds in between his soft lips, teasing it with the tip of his tongue as if he could read my mind. 

It was maddening. My hands roamed blindly over the skin of his back, my fingernails leaving scratches there. 

Then he straightened up again, and pulled both my jeans and panties down with one swift motion. I was now completely naked under him and his scrutiny, my legs hanging over the edge of the bed. His eyes fell on me and his fingertips traced the curve of my hips. 

I scrambled up towards the headboard, to let him see what he just unwrapped. It was his, from the roots of my hair to the depths of my warm and waiting pussy. I spread my legs to let him see how impatient I was. Groaning, he pulled his sweatpants down, letting his hard cock spring free, before he climbed between my trembling thighs. 

I reached out to grab him by the nape of his neck and pulled him down. Our mouths met again, sucking, biting, our tongues fighting for dominance. 

Without warning, I suddenly felt the tip of his cock brush against my entrance. He found the way without any help and I could feel he didn’t want to waste another second. I gasped when he entered me and slowly bottomed out, and my whole body arched under his. 

He sank his fingers in my hair as his palms cradled both sides of my head, forcing me to look at him. I expected to find the previous fierceness in his eyes, but that wasn’t what he wanted me to see. 

The atmosphere in the room changed, and with it, the shared energy between us. 

What he showed me made my heart weep, and he stroked my cheek softly before he started moving inside me. 

My starlight. 

Suddenly, he was meek like a lamb. I wrapped my legs around his waist, inviting him even deeper, and he whined into my ear, rubbing his nose against the upper curve of my earlobe. 

“Please, don’t do this to me again,” he murmured, panting. “Please don’t become just a memory.” 

I felt the urgency of his words with each thrust. All the fear and frustration and tenderness he had been trying to suppress and keep under control for my sake. I suddenly felt the burden of it all, and – feeling guilty of causing it – I welcomed it. I was sure he must have felt a lot of anger too, and I urged him to let go. Grabbing his buttcheeks, I dug my fingernails into the bare, plump flesh. He moaned loudly and quickened his pace. 

“Harder,” I whispered. Surprisingly, he shook his head, so I grabbed a handful of his hair again and forced him to look at me. 

“Fuck me harder!” I hissed through my teeth. “Take me. Break me, if necessary.” 

His eyes darkened again. “That’s right!” he growled. “Mine!” He grabbed the headboard and thrusted into me with full force. I almost screamed and it only encouraged him to go on. Straightening up, he grabbed my hips and started pounding into me. The new angle made me see stars and it didn’t take long for me to tense under him as my orgasm hit me with an unexpected force. 

Jake leaned down again and kissed me softly, but still kept moving, prolonging my high, making me squeeze him. 

His moans grew higher and more urgent, and I could feel him tremble in my arms. He was so pretty, all sweaty, with his eyes closed and his mouth gasping for air. Suddenly, he frowned and looked deep into my eyes again. His hips stuttered and I grabbed his butt to push him all the way in one more time. 

“Fuck…” His eyes widened as he spilled into me, before he finally collapsed on me, panting. 

“Fuck… my baby… I love you so… fucking much!” 

We fucked two more times that day. It was his birthday, after all. 

The second time was slow, gentle and exploratory. The third time he pushed me against the wall. 

As the day progressed, the grey clouds dissipated and the sun emerged from behind them, presenting us with a beautiful sunset. 

I was sitting on the porch, wrapped in a blanket and holding a mug of hot tea in my both hands, when Jake suddenly appeared in the doorway with a strange look on his face. 

“Veela…?”

“Yes?” I turned to him with a smile. 

“Josh is coming.”

@thewritingbeforesunrise @fleet-of-fiction @writingcold @lvnterninthenight @its-interesting-van-kleep  @takenbythemadness  @edgingthedarkness @myownparadise96  @gvfstuddedmajesty @josh-iamyour-mama @jazzyfigz @tripthelightfantastix @sanguinebats @wetkleenex-gvf @peaceloveunitygvf @kiszkas-canvas @fleetingjake @lizzys-sunflower @hollyco @emojakekiszka @gvfmarge @Dayumclarizzel @lipstickitty @clownstarr @musicislove3389 @i-love-gvf @blankvz @psychedelectable @allof--mylove @joshylanefleet @thewaythatshebreathes @Ironlotus90 @justwantjosh @stardustsam @livviaaa

[azrielover]

Skyfall : “Hello”

This is an OC x azriel story which will come in bits and pieces, meaning you could probably read each part as a one-shot in any order! Each part of the “skyfall” series will have one of these mood board covers which gives the “vibe” of the chapter 🫶🏼 I am judging the timeline of the story based on if the year 0 represents the end of the first human wars which are noted in the acotar series! Therefore BCE stands for “before current era” and CE is “current era”.

| Summary: Noelle, the adopted daughter of the Illyrian Lord of Vornhale, discovers a family secret while sneaking around the manor.

| Warnings: child abuse and domestic violence (alluded to and near the beginning)

| Word Count: 2k

| Skyfall Masterlist: click here!

33BCE:

“Why do you never listen insolent girl?” her governess spat, sharp fingernails dug into Noelle’s pale arm as she was dragged further and further away from the falling snow outside. She could still just make out the figures of her elder brothers, Kraven and Matteo, play-fighting through the frosted window, their dark features standing out against the snow dancing around them as the circled each other, wings glowing as the setting rays of sun shone through the membrane. Scrambling to find purchase along the stone walls of her Vornhale manor, the five year old continued to thrash in the older Illyrians hold.

“Please Mistress Cordelia,” she begged, boots kicking at the stone floor as they reached the stair case which led to the manor’s sleeping quarters and the study of the Illyrian Lord of Vornhale, her father. As a very traditional, respected male within the settlement, Tobias Blackwell took his position as “Lord” with the upmost seriousness. Although he was not her real father, he and his wife Thera had taken Noelle in as a newborn, raising her as their own after her mother had died in childbirth and her father was never identified. Thera had been being longtime friends with Noelle’s late mother, and with a yearning for a daughter of her own after two boys, taking her in was an easy decision to make.

Reaching the top of the dark stone steps in a much calmer manner in which their showdown began, Noelle, ever the antagonist, muttered, “Stupid hag”. Her governess froze and stared for a moment then promptly grasped a fistful of Noelle’s hair, white locks tangled in the firm grip of the weathered female’s hand and promptly began to be dragged through the halls.

“Let go! Let go!” she begged, body jerking as her white Illyrian wings grazed the floor, “I’ll walk to my room myself please Cordi, oh please.” Her feet shuffled clumsily in an attempt to keep up with the fast pace she was being pulled along at, wincing as her hair was tugged relentlessly.

“Deciful child,” Cordelia seethed, “No supper for you tonight, and Lord Tobias will be informed of this beastly behaviour,” Noelle whimpered at her words, “You have no right to act this way”, she went on “after you were blessed by the cauldron to be housed with the Lord and Lady of this house.”

Her room was fast approaching, the guards, glacing at her as she passed by, beginning to light the torches along the halls as the day shifted to night, “Do you know how many Illyrian children would kill to be in your position?” she continued, still walking, “A bastard, orphaned girl with nothing to her name being bestowed with riches, food and protection at her beck and call.” A look of disdain crossed her tanned face as they made their way inside the room, “You, child, are undeserving of the mother’s blessing. Stay here until morning. Do not leave.” Turning on her heels, she walked out and slammed the door behind her.

Huffing in admission, Noelle reached up to gently touch her tender scalp, flinching away as she made contact. Focusing on the kernel of light inside of her, she closed her eyes and rested her palm atop her pale blonde hair once more. Glowing light seeped from the tips of her fingers and weaved it’s way along the parts which still hurt, dissapearing into her skin where the pain quickly began to fade, faster than her fae healing could by hours.

Sighing glumly and rolling her eyes, Noelle stalked to the head of her large bed and rested her small hand on a mismatched coloured piece of stone which only just stood out against the rest of the wall. Pushing the stone forward with some effort, a mechanism inside the wall of her bedroom clicked and a hidden door way appeared before her, she quickly entered before it shut behind her. She didn’t like to resort to leaving her room this way as it always made things much more difficult, but it seemed as though she was out of options if she wanted to play in first snow of the winter season before morning came.

Noelle was a stubborn child and found it completely unfair how her adoptive brothers were allowed to enjoy extra play time and she was deigned to be stuck looking down at them from her bedroom window woefully. Having discovered this hidden passage way a few months beforehand, it quickly became her most harboured secret. She was sure no one in the manor knew of it’s existence and Noelle intended to keep it that way, it was very useful and this was her room afterall.

It was pitch black as she followed the dark path down a winding staircase. As no one knew of the passages existence, there was no servants to light the torches along it, and Noelle herself was much to small to reach and light them herself. So instead she rested both hands upon the walls on either side of her, tucked in her wings tightly so they wouldn’t graze the stone, and slowly made her way down. The walls were cold under her touch, and slightly slimy with something she tried not to think too hard about what it could be.

She had never been down the passage after sunset. Usually pockets of light shone through cracks in the walls, but today no such light was given. She had already pushed her own magic by healing herself earlier, so producing any light herself was out of the question.

Noelle began thinking of the many snow angels she planned to make once she got outside, giggling quietly to herself as she remembered Matteo’s sorry attempt at his own, which ended up looking more like a blob than an Illyrian boy. He tried to hit her after she had laughed at him but she had doged him like always. That was when she had been called inside by her governess and Matteo had scampered off to join Kraven like nothing had happened.

The wall began to grow more frosted under her touch, and the stairway downward began to flatten, signifying she had made it to ground level. She ran her fingers along the stone as she strived along, knowing she would soon be out in the fresh winter chill, yet as she walked, she suddenly felt metal and wood on her left. Stopping out of curiosity, she turned to her side and felt about still cloaked in darkness, managing to make out a the shape of a door, a cold, metal knob and a big key hole she managed to stick her finger through and wiggle around. She had not come across this door before in her secret adventures through the passage.

A tug in her chest pulled her closer to the wooden door in front of her, and the urge to continue in that direction became so overwhelming strong, Noelle decided it would be rude to ignore it. Fumbeling around for the door knob again, she twisted it slightly, and to her surprise it opened up into yet another corridor, yet at least this one was lined brightly with torches. Staring opened eyed for a short while at her discovery, the small girl grinned and followed along, forgetting all about the snow outside.

It was the screams that gave away what this place was to Noelle first, the next was the constant sound of dripping water, but the last was the rats which scurried along in front of her dress. Jumping back in horror as a small squeak escaped her, she grimaced. This was her father’s dungeon. She had been forbidden here as it was “no place for a girl”, but she wasn’t afraid. Yet. Nodding to herself in determination, brow furrowing, fists closing tightly, she marched on following the invisible thread which tugged her though.

As she ventured on, less torches had been lit and she felt a sense of real unease for the first time, speeding up slightly in hopes she could out run whatever it was which unnerved her, until finally she was stood in front of a small cell. The cell was only about double her own height and was barred with thick metal. There was a small window, also barred, at the top left side which blew in frost and ice cold winds which explained the intense cold she now felt. Due to it’s size, she doubted that even during the day time this cell would see much light at all.

She was about to head back when a small twitch of movement caught her eye. A small boy was staring right at her, his striking hazel eyes pierced right through her violet ones and his dark hair reminded her of her brother’s, except the child infront of her looked much less groomed, dirt was raked through the matted strands and smeared across his face and body. His supposedly tanned skin seemed sickly pale and the wings she could see protruding from his back were stiff and smaller than should be normal for an Illyrian at his stature. He couldn’t be older than she was.

Noelle approached the bars to the cell, hands finding purchase on two of the poles as she leaned her small face to fit through the space. “Hello”, she whispered cautiously, “I’m Noelle, my father is the Lord of this manor, who are you?”. The boy only stared back at her quietly, observing her and pressing himself further into the wall behind him as he crouched in on himself for warmth.

Noelle glanced to the small window once more and pursed her lips, huffing slightly, “Are you cold?” Silence from the boy across from her again. Stepping away from the cell, she nodded to herself, trying to figure out how in the name of the mother herself a little boy had come to find himself in the dungeons underneath her home.

“Well then,” she started diplomatically, clasping her hands behind her back as she began to pace up and down the front of the boy’s cell, holding eye contact, “You can’t have been here for long. I think I would know if a little Illyrian boy such as yourself has been living in my manor for the past five yea-”

“Four” the boy replied so quietly, Noelle would have missed it if she were not half fae herself, “what?” She stopped and watched as he shifted himself against the wall again, as if in pain. “Azriel,” he pointed to himself with a slender fingers, “is four.”

“Oh,” Noelle breathed, “so you can talk.” The boy, Azriel, nodded once sharply, face grim.

She smiled lightly at him, “I’ve never met anyone younger than me before, what in the cauldron are you doing down here anyways?” Azriel only narrowed his eyes at her, angling his head slightly upwards, the shadows bending around him so well she could hardly see his body. Her eyes caught on the rusted keyhole of the cell door, “you must not get out very often,” she whispered cautiously, Azriel stayed silent as she continued, “have you.. ever been out?” The boy shook his head “no” in a small movement. Noelle hummed in contemplation, “Well, this must be some sort of mistake, my father would never keep a child locked up in here lik-,”

“My father,” the boy’s voice sounded again, notably more confidently this time, “is Lord. Is Tobias.”

Noelle shook her head with a laugh of exasperation, “No silly, father has only 2 sons, Kraven and Matteo.” At the sound of her brother’s names Azriel cringed and she could physically see him close off again.

“You’ve met them.” she said, not a question. A nod. More confused than ever the five year old half Illyrian, half fae child continued her pacing as her thoughts raced. This changed the perception of everything for the youngling, she knew her father had a tendency to be cruel but this? The sound of chattering guards sounded getting closer, startling her into action. Looking back at the boy again, Noelle had made up her mind.

“Ok Azriel,” his name rolled smoothly off her tongue, “I will come back and visit again soon,” Azriel just stared at her, still wary, “I promise.” She dipped her head in goodbye and raced off towards the passage which would lead her back to her bedroom before she was caught.

Maybe Azriel could be her new secret.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That’s the first part done, hope you enjoyed! This is only the beginnings of Azriel and Noelle, their story definitely gets more interesting and will go right through from where we are now till present time in the acotar series!

Thanks for reading ❤️❤️

[akariamai]

Female Shifter [Part 2]

Pairing: Jared Cameron x OC!Shifter

Word Count: 2401

Part 1

Finding her imprint should've been the best feeling in the world and at first, it was. An indescribable feeling overtook her being once her eyes met his. There was a brief moment of unfiltered happiness until reality struck her.

His life will soon turn upside down if the bloodsuckers continue to dwell in the outskirts of the city of Forks. Perhaps his life was already over and his gene had been activated, but remained dormant for the time being. His body quietly stores energy for what has yet to come.

He would be thrusted into the world of the supernatural. Where fictitious creatures weren't so fictional and bloodsucking vampires and humans able to shift into animals existed amongst humanity.

The dreams he carries like a thread attached to his finger will soon be snipped away. He'll be forced to bear the weight of responsibilities not meant for adolescence. He'll be obligated to forget--to leave behind the future he once envisioned for himself.

It also didn't help that when Jared shifted, he would constantly be in danger. He would not be like Emily, waiting for her to return after a night of patrol, no he would be stuck by her side--fighting alongside her as a wolf.

She had seen it in her vision and she prayed to the ancestors to allow him to stay human for a while longer; to not torch his life so soon like they did hers.

No, she couldn't blame the ancestors for her transformation. It was the bloodsuckers who knew what would happen once they returned, but they chose to pretend rather than see the ramifications of their decision. And for their lack of humanity, a deep-seated hatred for the Cullens infected her being.

It was not for their nature, despite being told they turned away human blood, although she still didn't like bloodsuckers, but for their indifference towards the lives they would inherently undo. They knew of the pain her ancestors felt, whether it was through filtered words from a textbook or lived through the dark days, and yet, the Cullens still chose to harm them.

And perhaps, Nora shouldn't be surprised. Why would the Cullen family care about Sam, herself, and the others who have yet to turn? To them, the suffering Sam and herself would endure was finite. There would be an end and their names would one day blur with all the other nameless faces in their lengthy past. Their lives didn't matter as long as the Cullens had their way.

The negativity in her mind scattered as her thoughts wandered towards Jared. She found it was agonizingly difficult to concentrate on the mundane words of their teacher when Jared looked so ambitiously focused. It was grueling not to admire her imprint. He was so close, yet they lived in two different worlds for the time being.

All she wanted was to hold his hand, but refrained from doing so. She was merely a stranger to him and doing so would frighten him away. He was oblivious to the world she was sandwiched into and she would do anything in her power to keep it that way until it was his time.

Before class, Jared had begun to be more chatty towards her. It started with a few jokes sprinkled throughout class, whispering of small talk, and questions about the subjects.

Could he feel their connection? She thought as she watched his eyes brighten after telling the punchline to a joke. Was it strong enough for him to unconsciously know; to want to engage with her?

She had never asked Emily if she felt the pull of imprinting. Did she feel a difference when her eyes connected with Sam's? Or was her mind conjuring up a fantasy to satisfy her lack of contact with her imprint?

Despite more communication with Jared, Nora still put up a wall between them. He deserved to just be a kid and if it meant she had to suffer for a little while then she'd take it with a smile. She doesn't want to force her burden onto him. It would happen all on its own. She'd just have to wait.

That's when she noticed the obvious changes to his appearance and she wasn't the only one. To the rest of the reservation, Jared transformed from a scrawny kid to having prominent muscles. It was like he had grown taller and broader overnight and in reality, he had.

"When did you start hitting the gym?" Nora overheard one of his friends ask.

Another friend chimed in, "You need to tell me you're routine?"

"I haven't." Jared shared, "I just woke up like this."

Nora cringed at his admission. He wasn't supposed to say that. Perhaps he didn't notice the extent of the physical changes to his body, but it was too prevalent to have happened overnight.

"That's so unfair, man." His friend complained before he interjected, "You know, it kinda reminds me of when Nora began to bulk up. Before she disappeared for two weeks."

The three friends thought for a moment before one asked in a teasing tone, "Are you taking drugs?"

"What? No way!" Jared asked in a playfully insulted tone. His friend wasn't serious. "And she's not taking drugs either."

"And how do you know?" The other one asked. "She could be doing it on the down low."

"Yeah, don't you think it's strange that she disappears for weeks, comes back all bulked out, with a tribal tattoo, and a haircut." He continued his rant, "The same thing happened to Sam and he dropped all of his friends right after he came back. Maybe he got to her."

"She's not on drugs." Jared insisted as his voice became more increasingly exasperated. He was the typical goofy guy. He wasn't the type to explode in anger like Paul Lahote, so his friends didn't really pay any mind to his change of tone.

They continued to bash her not knowing that she could hear them perfectly; not noticing the way Jared's shoulders convulsed as they were too preoccupied with their theories.

It was happening. She thought bitterly. She wanted him to have more time. To just be a stupid teenager, but his time was up and he'd be thrown into a new world.

Jared rushed off from his locker and his friends called out to him in worry, but not enough to follow after him. Nora watched as both of his friends shrugged before going on about their day.

She should be thankful they weren't trailing after him. It would make her job much easier. A pang ached in her heart for Jared. He would see from her memories that his friends chose not to follow. That they simply went about their day without much of a thought about him.

Nora followed soon after. If his first transformation was anything like hers, Jared would feel the pain of a thousand suns. His bones would break and mend without relief.

He'd feel his skin burn off of his muscles only to be replaced with a coat of fur. He would feel the tinge of each and every hair follicle appear all throughout his body and the unusual sensation of thick fur developing.

Even the mere thought of the agony haunted her being. Why must he have the gene? Why must he be racked in pain for something out of his control?

Sam! Nora mentally called out.

One of the more exhausting perks of being a wolf is sharing every thought amongst one another. There was no escape to the endless recurring thoughts of bringing honor to the tribe and Sam's utter devotion to Emily. Nora feared how head-splitting her mind would become with more voices on her head.

It's time. Jared's close to shifting.

Sam immediately answered. I'm heading your way. Keep a close eye on him.

Got it. She bolted through the crowd to see Jared's back shrinking out of her line of sight. He was heading into the woods; his wolf was leading him home.

She heard the bell ring behind her as she too entered the familiar landscape. Jared stumbled in agony as he heaved heavily. His wolf was struggling to get out and her wolf wished for nothing more than to be by his side.

"Jared!" She called for him. They were far from the school and any hiking trails. The spot would be perfect to help ease him through his first shift. It would still be unbearably painful, but at least, he wouldn't have to endure the gnawing pain alone.

He fell forwards once his ears perked at her voice. "St-stay back!" He cried as his body twitched in agony. "I-I don't know what's happening." His words came out as a whimper.

Nora ignored his plea and rushed to his side. Her wolf whined after seeing the state Jared was in; tears had accumulated in his eyes, his body would not stop shaking, his skin was moving in an unnatural way as his bones began to shift.

He would be like this for a couple of hours, maybe days if he was unlucky, but she would be there the entire time. It wouldn't matter if she was starving. She would not leave his side during his time of need.

Sam hurry! Nora desperately yelled. She was powerless to help, but maybe the bond of the imprint would annul some of his pain. She could only hope that it was true or perhaps it was just wishful thinking.

Her hand found its place on his. His skin was scorching, yet she still held his hand firm.

"What's happening to me?" He cried out. His voice was hoarse. Most likely from his body's adjustments towards his wolf form.

Nora whispered, "You'll be okay. I know it doesn't feel like it, but you'll survive."

He somehow found a smidge of strength to move an inch closer towards her. His head fell onto her lap letting his fallen tears and amassed sweat drench her pants.

Her hand instinctively moved towards his hair as she carefully untangled it as she waited. It would soon be cut to represent the start of a new chapter as a protector of the tribe.

In the distance, Nora could hear Sam dash in their direction. He stopped at a nearby tree, shifting back to his human form, and changing into shorts. "Nora! Jared!"

"Sam?" Jared breathed in disbelief.

"I'm here." Sam reassured him. There was a raw softness to his expression. "You're safe. It'll be okay." Although his reassurances were brushed aside.

Sam turned to Nora, "You have to shift. It might ease his wolf to come out quicker." The bond might be able to lessen the time. Sam projected.

"W-what?" Jared was barely able to look up at Sam.

Nora sent Sam a pleading look to which Sam immediately held Jared. Nora began to walk towards the tree Sam shifted behind.

It was at that moment Jared's wolf began to panic. His imprint was leaving. "W-where is she going?"

"She's not going far." Sam uttered. "She'll be right back."

Behind the tree, Nora stripped herself from her clothing and once she was free, her bones began to split and mend. Her skin was quickly replaced with thick dense fur. She didn't want to frighten Jared as he was in intense pain, so she slowly encroached onto his space.

Through the unrelenting sensation, Jared noticed her wolf gradually advancing closer to him. Each movement made was intentional. Her wolf was allowing him to make the first move; to accept her for what she was.

His body slightly relaxed, the convulsion lessened, and his body temperature stabilized to the common temperature of a shifter. Although his transformation took days and he still felt pain, it seemed like the imprint bond was lessening his suffering.

Nora and Sam both stayed by his side throughout it all. It didn't matter that rain pillaged the forest or the growing ache in their bellies, they would not leave a pack member to experience their first shift alone. They were a pack and the pack was family.

Nora noted the strange feeling as Jared's thoughts began to stream into both her mind and Sam's. At first, it felt like someone made a gap into her mind and force-fed the thoughts of another. Although she knew it was Jared's stream of thoughts intruding in her mind, the gap was all too strange. As it enclosed, his thoughts began to intertwine itself to fit in its new landscape.

After several days and nights, Jared's wolf was able to emerge from its self-inflicted prison. He wasn't as tall as Sam, but still a smidge taller than Nora. His fur was almost all brown except for the dark grey around his eyes.

His wolf is beautiful. It was a thought Nora couldn't stop from thinking even though she knew Jared now had front row seats to every thought that came to mind. There was no use in keeping it a secret.

Nora could feel a tingle of pride coming from Jared. His enthusiasm was capable of projecting more than thoughts, but feelings as well. Your wolf is beautiful as well.

Her heart skipped a beat. She still hadn't mustered up the courage to look at him in the eye; to secure the imprint bond on his side. She feared the bond would fail and he wouldn't be able to imprint on her leaving her to pine for something she couldn't have.

It was an irrational thought, she knew, but still it was a haunting one. Could male shifters imprint on female ones? Was her imprinting a fluke of nature? There was only one way to tell and she had to gather enough conviction to go through with it.

Please look at me. Jared pleaded. She knew he knew about the imprint bond and the fact that she had imprinted on him. His excitement was pleasant enough to get rid of her nervousness.

She slowly glanced in his direction. Her eyes found his and once eye contact was made; she was hit with the mirage of familiar visions of the future. It felt different than what she remembered and that's when the pieces aligned; it was not in her perspective, it was his. She was fortunate enough to see herself through his eyes, feel his love, and revisit glimpses of their future together.

Main Masterlist

[missbuckyhellfire]

Intrigue: Robert Reynolds/ Sentry/ Void X Female OC X Johnny Storm One Shot (NSFW)

Plot: Valentina's daughter catches the attention of Robert Reynolds. However, a new guest in the New Avengers tower also has sights on her.

WARNINGS : NSFW content, Sentry and Void being a warning on their own, Johnny being Johnny. Threesome, Jealous! Bob, Jealous! Johnny, Language, This is pure filth. Some spoilers for Thunderbolts are in here, Valentina being herself, Making out, oral sex (male and female receiving), OC being oblivious, Semi-public sex, Angst!Sex, Not edited.

Writer's Note: Hello Everyone! This is something I have never done before! I was rather hesitant on posting this piece as I never wrote a threesome before. Please try to enjoy! If you enjoy this, please consider reading my other fics.

If you want to read more about Bob please check out:

Stormy Evening (NSFW)

If you want to read more about Johnny please check out:

Biggest Fan (NSFW)

Star Crossed (NSFW) (Bucky X OC X Johnny)

When the team found about Lydia Ross, they were perplexed how Valentina could raise a mutant. They seen how she was with Bob for that brief period of time, so they were curious how Lydia had to endure everything on her own.

They didn’t meet her immediately after they became the New Avengers, in fact it took a bit longer than a month for her to walk into a meeting discussing future public outings.

The group immediately noticed the young woman at the door with glasses with her dark hair pulled up into a claw clip. She was wearing jeans and a band t-shirt. She knocked a few times then walked inside.

“I told you Lydia, don’t bother me when I am working.” Valentina didn’t even look up at her paperwork, knowing exactly who it is.

“I am sorry, I didn’t think it was that important, but Dad called and….”

“What does that deadbeat want?”

“I thought we should talk out here?” Lydia suggested looking outside. Valentina didn’t budge, but the who team had their eyes on her.

“Sorry busy, they can hear it to. Who are they going to tell?”

“Ok then, my dad, the former president, Everett Ross? Ya he wanted to talk to you about the whole incident in Washington D.C.” Lydia raised her eyebrows with a phone in hand.

“Not my problem, we are separated, and it wasn’t a pretty break up so….” She remained uninterested. When Lydia’s mother noticed the entire team had their eyes on her. “Oh right, this is my daughter Lydia.”

They all gave an exchange nod to her except for Bob, who seemed to have lit up when she glanced over at him.  They glanced at each other for a moment too long before John cleared his throat between the two of them.

“I’ll tell dad that you will call him later then.” Lydia said before she took one last look at Bob, bit her bottom lip and looked at his lips before focusing on his puppy dog eyes. “Bye.”

Before Bob could respond, she closed the door and returned to whatever she was doing. John nudged Bob next to him.

“What the fuck was that?” John chuckled at Bob.

“I….”Bob shrugged. He himself was lost in words from what just happened as well.

All he knew was that he just met a pretty girl.

************************************************************************

A few months pass and Bob was finding excuses to spend time with Lydia. It could be to help him find something or help him understand lines in literature. He heard from the team that she enjoys reading and thought it was the perfect opportunity to get closer to her.

He also learned about her ice powers, something that he thought to be interesting. So he would always text and ask her come by to put some ice in his glass when it was a hot day. Lydia thought it was annoying but funny at the same time that he keeps trying to spend time with her.

Bob tried putting hints out there he wanted to be more. However, Lydia thought he was only trying to be nice to her and thought very little of it. Bob knew he had to try harder to get her attention.

One cloudy evening, the team was notified that there was a rocket crash just outside of the city. Lydia went with the team to investigate. It was shocking to say the least that they found four individuals with a baby wearing matching blue jumpsuits with a “4” on it. Bucky did the whole discussion on how the New Avenger’s are the new defenders of the planet and they needed to be questioned before they could help them.

Bob and Lydia were closer to the back of the group. The smell of smoke was intoxicating to them, but Lydia secretly adored the scent of it. The smell and heat of fire was something that attracted her, given her powers. Ice and fire are sworn enemies but it only made her drawn closer to the element.

Through the fogginess of her own thoughts, she heard the introductions of Earth’s new guests.

“I’m Sue, this is my husband Reed” The blonde woman smiled warmly as she gestured to the dark haired man. She pointed at a orange rocky humanoid figure and looked down at her child in her hands. “This is Ben, my child’s name is Franklin.”  She paused for a moment as she pointed at the last member, a slender,fit man with blonde hair and blue eyes. “This is my brother, Johnny.”

Johnny’s eyes  scanned the area and met Lydia’s dark brown eyes. He paused when he seen her, taken in by her. Like her, he felt the coolness of her, given his fire abilities. They glanced at each other, feeling their cheeks burn up.

“You are….?” His voice was smooth as butter. All eyes were on them, including Bob, who was concerned about the interaction.

 “Sorry, Lydia Ross. My mom is the director of the team.” She spoke.  

“Wow you sure are a cool chick” Johnny mused letting out a laugh. “Don’t think I didn’t notice your mutation.” He raised his hand revealing a fireball in his hand.

“That’s what I smelt!” Lydia exclaimed. “ I smelt something smokey but I thought it was the wreckage.”

“Nah, it’s mostly me.” He watched as Lydia raised her hand and frost drizzled down her fingertips which eventually turned into snow. He raised his eyebrows.

“Amazing, can’t wait to talk more to you about this.” Johnny flashed a wink at her before Bob cleared his voice.

“After Bucky is done with him.” He grabbed her close. Johnny noticed how protective Bob was of Lydia.

************************************************************************

Bucky breezed past the screening questions with the “visitors”. He didn’t see any type of threat in them for now, but warned them that they would be watched very closely. The team were assigned rooms. Sue, Reed and Franklin were given the spare bedroom while Ben was assigned to share a bedroom with Bucky.

Bob wasn’t expecting to share a bedroom with Johnny. But it made sense as he had the spare couch. He couldn’t stand him, even being in the same room as the hot head. He was cocky, attractive and crushing on Lydia. Bob could see that a mile away.

Johnny was the first one to speak up as he settled in the bedroom. He could care less on the decorations, but it was only temporary. “Does Lydia live in the tower?”

Bob shakes his head. “She got her own place a few blocks down.”

“Uh, so flying distance, if you would” Johnny gave a wide grin. “She seems like a sweet cool girl if you will.”

Bob scoffed at the ice pun.

“So I was wondering, is she seeing anyone?” He tilted his head; blue eyes focused on him. Bob felt his cheeks burn up. This dude was going too fast, he just met Lydia, and he wants to be involved with her? Who knows how long he will be here before he leaves?

“No, but I don’t exactly think that is a good idea.” Bob finally said and looked down to his feet. Johnny raised an eyebrow.

“Why? Is there a dead boyfriend or recent breakup ….” Johnny stood closer to him. Bob shook his head. A wider grin had spread across his face as the rain began to drizzle down the window outside. “Or is it because a friend hasn’t spoken up yet?”

There was silence in the room, but it was all that Johnny needed.

He sighed as he stepped back and laid down on the couch, staring at the ceiling. “She enchanted me as soon as I seen her today. Hope there are no hard feelings then.”

Bob sighed as he kept silent. The lights went off as thunder started to roar outside of the tower. He knew he had to get her attention before Johnny did.

************************************************************************

Lydia woke up the next morning bright and early. She took her time getting ready by taking a shower first. It felt nice as the previous night was certainly an event she won’t forget. Meeting Johnny had done something to her, his charm had bewitched her.

However, Bob had done the same to her as well, but in a different way. She fell for the softness and kindness of him. His dry humor was part of his personality which she loved. Honestly, she was surprised he hadn’t made any type of move on her.

She turned off the water and wrapped her body with a towel to get ready for breakfast. Soft hums echoed throughout the room from her as she sang to herself. She stopped in the kitchen.

There was a paper bag in the kitchen with a dozen orange roses by it. Lydia doesn’t have a roommate or boyfriend, so this was a bit creepy for her. She walked over to the table and found a note in the flowers.

I asked Bucky where you lived and liked to eat so I could drop these off. I hope you like them. -J.S

She chuckled to herself. He was really a man with romance within his hot head. She did find it a bit creepy that he did go into her apartment. But , he was trying to be nice and sweet to her. She was glad that she made him feel welcome.

Lydia ripped the bag open and found a savory cheese and ham crepe with a warm tea. Bucky really knew what she liked, but was flattered that Johnny, a man who had a lot going on had the time to listen and consider this.

************************************************************************

Lydia had to come by the tower to see Bob. Every lunch hour she could come by to say hello to him and just talk. He would always have something already made for the two of them waiting for her to come in.

He had a bright grin on his face when he seen her and encouraged her to sit on the couch with him.

“How was your morning?”

“Fine. “ Lydia said. “Storm kept me up a bit but I enjoyed the shower.  I got a dozen of roses today as well, so that was interesting.”

Bob’s face dropped. “Oh.”

“Yea, Johnny came by and gave me breakfast. Well, he dropped it off though left a note with it.”

Bob got quiet but cleared his throat. “So uh, that was nice of him.” He was thinking of the previous night’s conversation between him and Johnny.  

However, he wanted to make today’s lunch between the two of them special so he made her favorite soup and cookies by scratch. He grabbed some bowls of the soup and just sat back and watched her grin grow wider.

“This is so sweet! I wasn’t expecting this! Thanks Bob!” She finished her soup quickly and wrapped her arms around him. He pulled her in and took in her scent, nice, sweet vanilla and lavender.

“Anything for you.” She pulled back for a few moments before Bob grabbed her arm. Their brown eyes looked at each other. Focusing on how the light reflected in them, each small feature they had on their faces. Their lips were lightly brushing against each other before they heard someone walk into the kitchen.

Bob mumbled something as soon as he seen Johnny was an extra cookie in hand. Johnny didn’t see much, but he knew whatever he interrupted wasn’t going to go any further.  

“Hey did you get the flowers?” Johnny asked casually.

“I did! They were so pretty and thank you for breakfast.”

Johnny shrugged. He knew he had to play it cool around his competition but deep down he knew that Bob was trying the exact same thing he was.  He did find it awkward to ask Bucky  about her and the things she liked. But he did find it comforting that his anxiety was worth it to make her happy. “It was no problem at all Lydia.”

Bob cleared his throat as he turned on the tv, wanting the attention to be drawn away from the hot head. “Hey, Lydia, want to watch some tv?”  Lydia nodded as she reached for a cookie and snuggled close to Bob.  He put his arm around her as Johnny noticed. Slowly, Johnny walked towards them and sat on the other side of Lydia.

"I wouldn't mind watching some tv with you guys either." He said with a chuckle, his eyes on Bob who was fuming. Yet, all he could do was put a forceful smile on his face, that was also a warning to Johnny. All he could do was pull Lydia closer to him.

************************************************************************

The three of them had spent the whole afternoon together, rather than an hour. Through watching corny rom coms on tv, Lydia was amused by both men. Bob had kept her close and comforted by wrapping his arm around her.  Johnny would try to get her attention by making a few amusing remarks.

All while glaring the other man in the room.

The two of them didn’t say anything to the other, in fear it would cost their chances with Lydia. So, they waited until it was time to get ready for bed to address it to the other.

As soon as the two of them were alone, that was when they started to bash each other.

“You really couldn’t leave her alone. You had your chance for how long and now you are trying to romance her? As soon as someone tries to shoot their shot?” Johnny crossed his arms with a knowing smirk, he seen this play out before and he always got on top. He knew this wouldn’t be any different.

“This is my friend you are talking about, you don’t get to just jump in and take her away from me.”

“Possessive much?” Johnny cocked his eyebrow at him and Bob’s eyes turned into a tint of gold. Bob had to step out and got another person to help him out. Someone who could help him speak his mind.

“Come on man, you seriously think she will be entertained with your get up?”

Johnny felt his face start to heat up. “I haven’t seen your powers yet, So I take it mine are better than yours if your hiding it from everyone!”  He was going to say something else but he felt his body hit against the wall with Bob’s forearm against his neck. In response, Johnny had erupted into flames. Bob pulled back quickly.

“Guess you got something in you.” Johnny shrugged. “Could see why Lydia may like you too.” Johnny wasn’t blind, it was clear that Lydia liked Bob as well. He seen how she snuggled so close to him. But he also seen her attraction towards him as well. He wasn’t used to sharing, but for Lydia, he may have to make an exception.

Bob tilted his head. “What are you getting at?”

“I am just saying, I am open to sharing her.”  Johnny shrugged. “I would like her to myself but since she clearly likes you and I ….”

“That is a terrible idea.” Bob said.

“Fine suit yourself.” Johnny sighed as he took off his loungewear top and slipped into his borrowed pajamas. Once he was changed, he opened the balcony window to gaze into the stars, wondering how the fuck this was going to work out.

************************************************************************

Weeks had passed since that exchange between the two and they hadn’t given up expressing their feelings towards Lydia. Johnny made sure she had a fresh set of flowers in her apartment and had someone to walk her home every night from the tower. It wasn’t much for Johnny, but he wanted to make sure she knew he was very interested. Bob continued to see her around lunch time, and he would practice making more homecooked meals for her. He would find excuses to touch her and try to find opportunities to get her attention and say how he really felt, there hasn’t been much luck since Johnny kept sticking around.

Finally Johnny had given in and casually asked Lydia one evening if she would like to go out to an ice cream parlor for a date, in which she had graciously said yes to. Bob however wasn’t too keen, and let sentry take the reins when the day came of this so-called date.

Lydia was dressed in a adorable pink summer dress with a slit that went up to her thigh with her hair pulled up. Sentry was waiting with her in the lounge area, both watching tv as they waited.

“When is that hot head taking you out? Can’t you just ditch him?” Sentry was going to say more until he heard a man clear his voice

“Hot what?”  Johnny asked. Lydia turned to him, a man who did not seem happy. He noticed her position with Sentry with his arm lazily around her.

“Couldn’t leave her alone, could you?” Johnny said cooly. “I am here to take Lydia out.”

“Are you sure you want to chill with an asshole who thinks he can take anyone’s girl? Sentry sneered as Johnny felt the flames inside of himself getting warmer.  “This is our time, we are always like this.”

“You are a real piece of work for someone who is just now acting on feelings.” He bit his lip, knowing that his fury is full inside of him.

Lydia got up and looked at the clock. It was 7:00 on the dot.

Johnny offered his hand to her and she gladly took it. His warm touch meeting her colder hand had caused a strange reaction between the two of them. Their interactions had caused them to look down. Steam had risen between their hands.

“That’s new. “ Lydia chuckled, Johnny was too focused on her to see Sentry roll his eyes.

************************************************************************

Johnny wanted to impress her but didn’t want to go overboard. He just met her a few weeks ago and was curious about her. It did help that she was an attractive woman.  But it was also annoying that the guy in the friendzone now decided to reveal his feelings for her now as well.

No matter, he wasn’t the one on the date with her.

He made sure she was treated like a princess. He carried her bridal style as he flew around the city, leaving a stream of steam around them as they breezed by.   He flew over a forest so she could smell sweet pine.

After he shown off enough, he brought her to an ice cream parlor. He had wanted to at least get the opportunity to learn more about Lydia after his whole stunt being himself. It was a small simple ice cream parlor that sold classic flavors, but it never failed to amaze Johnny how much she had stood out in her beauty.

Even in the short time that they knew each other, Johnny was already drawn into her personality completely.

“Lemon please.” Lydia smiled brightly at the cashier. The cashier had a wide grin on his face as he scooped it up in the cup and gave it to her. Johnny looked at the flavors and decided on the simple mint chocolate chip. Once Lydia paid, Johnny grumbled something about how the man should pay before sitting down.

“You don’t have our currency, Johnny; it is completely ok.” She assured him as she took a scoop of her cold treatment.

“Thanks.” He felt his cheeks turn a bit red in embarrassment. He wanted to change the topic. “So lemon huh?”

“Yea, this ice cream reminds me of the gelato I had in the Amalfi coast Bob and I went on for my birthday la few months back.”

“Oh did he get a plane or something?” Johnny tried to focus on his ice cream when the friend popped up. Italy sounds extremely fancy and romantic. Why didn’t he think of Paris or Italy?

“No, he flew me there.” Lydia said. “Just a nice friends trip is all.”

Johnny sighed. The poor bastard really tried to get Lydia’s attention and obviously he wasn’t clear enough to her to realize.  Oh well, it was his time to shine and sweep her off of her feet.

“I see, sounds like you and Bob are close.”

“Oh you wouldn’t believe.”

The two exchange a smile at each other. Johnny looked away for a moment and bit his lip, now was his chance to reel her in. He grazed his hand onto hers, taking in the chemistry the two had with each other with fire and cold interacting. Johnny’s tips were getting frosted while Lydia began to feel some heat on her tips.

“Fascinating….” His eyes didn’t leave hers. He wanted to see what else their chemistry would cause between them. They were drawn to each other. Perhaps the crash was fate and they were destined to be together in the long run. This woman was no hook up and he was desperate for her, much like her lovesick puppy friend.  He shook off the frost from his fingers as he leant closer to her from across the table. His hand reached over to remove a strand of hair  from her face.

“You really are something, getting my attention like this. “ His warm hand had lifted her chin up to face him. Her breaths cooled his touch, but he stayed where he was.  “ I wonder…..”

He leant over to kiss her cold lips. To him, it was like he was kissing a fresh sheet of fallen snow.  His lips moved against it’s softness as his tongue swiped her bottom lip, asking for entry.

Lydia had pulled herself closer to him, getting a grunt from him.  To her, he felt so warm, so inviting with plush radiating lips. He chuckled to himself softly as she opened her mouth slightly as his warm tongue swiped her chilly one. Their tongues began to tussle around each other as Johnny began to trace small circles on Lydia’s hand. Lydia could say that the lemon taste on her tongue does not go well with mint and chocolate but Johnny persuaded her in the kiss to give this a shot.

They managed to pull away and looked at each other.

“My place?” Lydia offered.

“Yes,  I got to grab a couple things at the tower first. But ice cream first…” Johnny teased. He just really wanted to give Bob another chance on what they talked about weeks ago but if not, he was game of having her all to himself.

************************************************************************

Johnny, being the confident man that he was brought Lydia to the room he was sharing with Bob. He smiled brightly and was looking around to grab a couple of things, toothbrush, pyjamas, and was trying to steal a condom from Bob. He was lucky enough to find the box and grabbed a few for the night. He stayed around a bit longer, in case if Bob happened to walk in.

Lydia was waiting on the balcony for him. Her watching the stars around her, and her ass in his view gave him an idea.  He slowly walked behind her and wrapped his arms around her. Lydia took in his scent , the smell of ash and his cologne surrounded her. One of his arms then slowly traveled to her ass then grabbed it.

She gasped then turned around quickly. “Johnny! We can’t here!”

“Why not? No one is here now and we could travel to your place to get to the main event later.” He purred. Lydia couldn’t say no to this man.  Johnny had closed the door behind them and it was just the two of them on the balcony.

“Face forward.” He commanded. Lydia focused on the stars above her as she felt him graze his hands on her hips. She was slanted with her ass sticking out. He got on his knees then got to work by kissing her ass cheeks, getting a soft moan from Lydia. His hands were touching her thighs, pulling her in.

“Johnny!” She whimpered. Johnny chuckled as he gripped onto her thighs tighter, eying her small floral tattoo on her left upper thigh. He spun her around quickly with a wide grin on his face. “Spread your legs for me firefly.”

Lydia listened to him and he grabbed her thighs and pulled them over his shoulder. . He raised her body and pushed her against the door. His warm breath made her quiver in excitement as he licked her opening , getting a loud moan from her.

“Sh, you don’t want anyone to hear you right?” Johnny chuckled as he licked her pussy again, getting a loud moan from her once again. He rolled his eyes, guess the woman couldn’t help herself.  

Maybe it would be able to draw Bob in.

************************************************************************

Bob headed upstairs to grab his headphones, completely oblivious on what was going on in his room. Slowly he opened the door and frozen what he seen.

Seeing Lydia’s ass pressed against the balcony glass door as Johnny was eating her out had caused some rage in her cheeks. How could this happen so quickly? Was what he did not enough for her?

It happened so fast, before Bob could react, he was gone. Instead a black silhouette of him took his place with piercing white orbs. Rage filled in his head as he watched Lydia, the love of his life getting off by some other man. Sure he didn’t tell her how he felt, but that didn’t matter as Lydia was his.

Johnny had turned his head for a second the moment he thought that he heard the door open. He kept his lips on Lydia’s cold pussy as he swirled his tongue in it.  He felt a soft smirk grow on his mouth which quickly faded when he seen the black silhouette watching them and heading towards them. He quickly put Lydia down.

“What’s going on?”

“The fuck!?”  Johnny cursed under his breath.

Lydia looked to where Johnny was looking. “Shit” was all that she said to herself. She had seen this before, he would usually go to his room to decompress but now it seemed like they were the reason why his emotions were fueled with upsetting thoughts.  She took a deep breath as he opened the door and stared at her.

“You.” The voice was ominous, but clear that obviously it was targeted towards Johnny.  The hot head put his hands up. “I am sorry do I know you?”

Lydia spoke up before Void could respond. “This is a part of Bob you haven’t met yet. This is a part of him that comes out when he doesn’t think positively.” Johnny nodded in understanding.

“You took her from me.”

Johnny took a deep breath. “Remember when we talked and you knew that I was going after her?”  All Lydia could do was listen to their discussion on what they did and didn’t do. How both of these men had feelings for her and didn’t know what to do to ease the tension between the two of them.  She was frozen in her steps. Of course she loved both, yet she was afraid with this overall brewing dynamic between them. The remarks between the two of them were getting louder in the moment.

“Boys…” Lydia spoke up from the bickering between the two of them.  Both silenced and looked at her. If she didn’t stop em, she would have thought that a fight would have broke out between the two of them. “Let’s talk about this….”

“Talking is the last thing on my mind” Void didn’t think he acted. His hand grabbed Lydia and a with a swift movement of his other hand, he brought her inside and tossed her to the bed. “I feel like doing more than talking, something more physical.”.

She watched as his hands are on her thighs, slowly rising up the skirt of her dress. He wanted to see the spots that Bob could only imagine. Bob for the longest time wanted to  touch her floral tattoo on her thigh and pulled her in for a passionate kiss. Yet, now he couldn’t help by to grab the flesh of her thigh and crawl his body on top of hers.

Johnny was right behind him. Watching the jealousy fuel through his roommate’s body, angrily gripping her thighs desperate. He however didn’t do anything yet, he assumed he was willing to share.  He instead stood there and watched.

Void watched Lydia’s reactions and scanned her body. There were warm marks from Johnny’s presence earlier around her and he growled at the sight of it. He leant over to her neck and kissed it softly.

“Mine”

“Hey if you want to share…..” Johnny began but void silenced him with Lydia’s moans from her lips. Johnny could easily feeling himself getting a bit hard from the sounds she was making.

“Oh no, you can join in when I can say that you can, you just look pretty and watch.”  He snapped at him. Johnny knew there would be consequences if he didn’t listen and Lydia didn’t show any signs of pain or hesitancy.

Void kept kissing her neck slowly, nipping and sucking on her sensitive skin, letting out soft shivers as he felt her skin. He took her this time, she was his. After all these months, she is under him, moaning and whimpering for more attention.

“That’s it make sure he knows.”

Her toes curled underneath as she took in the feeling. Of being totally consumed in darkness of the jealousy that Bob had felt.

Johnny watched everything. He watched as Void’s lips went lower to her chest, kissing her getting a more intense reaction from her. He wondered if Void truly enjoyed torturing him like this, making him watch.

Slowly, he got up then turned his head to Johnny who just kept his eyes on the white orbs. “Come on then.” It wasn’t an invitation it sounded more like a command.  Johnny slowly got up then unzipped his jeans until he was only in his white boxers. He felt Lydia’s eyes on him as he got closer to her.

“All of it.” Void mused as whatever was on his body had slowly vanished and it was only his nude form. He slowly got off the bed and stood  by Johnny. The hot head took off his shirt and both men looked at Lydia, who was had her eyes on the men. Johnny then removed his boxers to reveal his erected cock.

“Get on all fours.”  

Lydia got off the bed and faced Johnny, her head at crotch level to him. Johnny looked down to her, his hand reaching out to touch her face and hair. Lydia moaned as she felt Void starting to line himself up to her entrance. The dark figure hands grabbed her hips to help her line up.

Johnny couldn’t get over how vulnerable she looked at him. Her lips parted softly  as her tongue stuck out to give a kitten lick to his tip, getting a soft gasp from him. Her cold breath had drew him in. She opened her mouth wide and placed his cock into her mouth. She moaned in response from the warm heat it gave off. His hands roamed into her dark hair as he groaned in response.

Void didn’t hesitate, he rammed himself inside of her and began thrusting. Her moan had vibrated her mouth which had caused Johnny to gasp in response. The chemistry between Lydia and the men were unique as one was being aggressive and the other was being softer onto her.

Slowly, Johnny began to thrust in and out of her as she groaned even more. She felt her arousal start to go wild with both men’s attention. Her clothed tits stated to move back and forth from the movement. She felt her jaw getting sore, but Johnny pushed her head up to look up to his face.

“Eyes on my firefly.”

She obeyed as Johnny watched her face scrunch up in response as his hand moved to her jawline, rubbing it slowly.

 Void didn’t stop moving with his thrusts as he began to get more aggressive and Lydia’s moans gotten louder. Johnny had felt his climax building just be looking at her in this state. His mind was flooded by so many bad thoughts while his cock was being chilled by this babe’s mouth.

Both men wanted a release from her, they wanted to finish. Void spoke up.

“Switch”

Johnny and Void pulled away as they walked past each other. Johnny stood behind Lydia, he noticed how wet her entrance was already and he guided his hand through her folds and brought the fluid to his mouth to taste her.

Lydia moaned from the swipe and was shocked when she felt his thick length being pushed inside of her. Her gasp was quickly silenced with Void pushing his cock in her mouth.

“FUCKIN SHIT” Johnny exclaimed as he started to move inside of her. Lydia’s muffled moans had excited Void, even more so when her tongue began to flick around his cock.

“Fuckin mouth you got on yourself Lydia. Can’t wait to see what else you can do.”  The dark silhouette looked at Johnny who raised his eyebrows as he bit back a moan mid thrust.  Guess this wasn’t going to be a one-time thing for them.  “ I remember when Bob was so awestruck with your body in Italy, he wanted to take it off at the beach and just take you there! But he didn’t because he was afraid what you would do when he would touch your floral tattoo here.” He roamed and touched it, getting a soft whimper from her.

She felt that familiar knot that she would get in her belly when she was close. For the past few weeks, she would be in bed thinking about both men separately, not together like this, so her senses were getting overwhelmed.

“Going to cum for us?” Void muttered under his breath softly. Lydia looked up at him as she nodded and twirled her tongue around his cock as Johnny gripped her hips harder as she let out another moan.

“Such a good girl for us.” Johnny mused to himself as he thrusted faster. Both men knew that their time was slowly coming to an end. They gotten more aggressive with their movements trying to get the three of them to finish together.

“I’m going to cum!” Lydia muffles under her breath, traces of drool passed her lips as Void feels he is getting near to his high. He glanced at Johnny who nodded, knowing exactly what he was thinking.

The movements were intense now. Each subtle movement resulted in a loud moan from the three of them. The last thrust was deadly to Lydia as she felt her knot become undone and her pussy walls pulsed around Johnny who was releasing his own load.  Void followed suit, releasing his load into Lydia’s mouth. He chuckled when he watched her swallow it.

“Shit.” Lydia muttered.

“Fuck” Johnny released a heavy breath.

“That was something. Let’s do it again sometime.” Void reached to touch her face and rubbed his thumb across her face.  Lydia blinked and Bob stood infront of her, completely confused.

“What the fuck happened?” Bob said, he glanced at Johnny “Dude put some clothes on!”

Lydia had gotten up as soon as Johnny pulled out of her. She looked at him and kissed him on the cheek.  

“Your friend Void told me everything and we decided to have some fun, “ Lydia shrugged. “It was fun but I wouldn’t mind having some fun with you Bob.”

His cheeks turned red as he looked at Johnny who nodded in approval.

“Yea I would like that.” He was surprised she actually returned the feelings and if he had to share her with the hot head, so be it. But that didn't mean he would still try to have his own alone time with her.

The same went with Johnny.

[eddiemunsonsbabygirl]

One In a Million

It was an average day in the city of New York City with the Fantastic Four.

Until a striking new villain came along.

In the dead of night, robbing banks and stealing from the rich as well as doing the inevitable of killing owners of wealthy companies. Getting her hands on weapons, brands, jewels, cold cash, and more. She left behind icy kisses that engraved in her victim’s skin like a stamp to let everyone know she had been there.

They call her Miss Diamond. She loves her diamonds and jewels and her eyes were as piercing as a diamond.

And that day had changed the one and only Human Torch, for now he’s a curious cat who just might be killed in the end if she was as cold as her ice, as dark as the shadow she was, and as horrifying as a phantom. It was a bad idea, he knew very well. Reed had told him to never dare to step out past bedtime. Sue had told him she was trouble. Ben had told him she would crush his heart faster than he could say “It’s clobbering time!”

He knew. But he didn’t care. Usually, he wasn’t this interest in a woman before. But if this Diamond lady got him thinking non-stop, it might mean something.

And since she seemed to be out only in the dead of night, that’s when he also comes out. He’s left her blazing messages in the air…

‘You’re one hell of a villain, Miss Diamond.’

‘You’ve got me interested.’

‘Who are you?’

Each one she ignored. She didn’t care for him. Why should she? He was a superhero and she was a villain. Raised by the notorious Magneto himself, now with her own name. Betrayed by many and her trust long gone. The only family she had now taken away and not around anymore. She ignored every message he wrote in the night sky she loved so much for 44 days. She’d scoff and roll her eyes whenever she sees him and his fire in her night sky. She thought he was a fool. She thought he was embarrassing himself. She thought he was wasting his time and he would also waste hers.

Until there was a message that striked her, made her think.

‘Meet me at Baxter Building, Miss Diamond. Not asking. I’ll be waiting.’

She was reluctant, hesitant, but decided to fall into his game and see what it was all about. For the fun of it. And maybe, he’d be her favorite victim.

Will she regret it? Will he regret it? Will it be horrible? Or can fire and ice get along?

A short fanfic soon to arrive soon on my blog. It’s a Johnny Storm x OC/self insert story and it is its own AU and I’ll make other stories and such with them. I’ll even take asks and ideas for them! That’d be fun! A little fandom if you’d like. I’ll make a post about the OC and who she is and more in depth and I’ll make a masterlist as well for this AU. It’s an enemies to lovers, slow burn, angsty storyline and will contain smut but that’s not the main plot. I hope you guys are all interested and will love to dive in! I’m excited and I hope you guys are too! Let me know if you’d like to be added or removed from the taglist!

Taglist: @spider-starry, @shmeddieshmunson, @eddiesvixen, @ali-r3n, @iheartgrayson, @violetcamryn, @robinbuckleywife, @spookydelusiondream, @spookybecc, @micro-kat, @mayo-nouns-blog, @dreamerjj, @herhideoutbluebird, @lily2105, @gwenmsblog, @wandamox, @downthewitchingwell, @caylieeh, @lil-quinnie, @fandomgirl1999, @secretleyastag, @atla08, @becausecorpseisworthit, @nightwitchlurker, @crybabydoll, @crow03, @yourvenusyour-love, @drowning-in-cosmic-hopes, @shadytimetravelstrawberry, @jadealex02, @rubidubisblog, @bunnygirlgracesworld, @multi-culti-girl, @rainybloo28, @liliglasermunsonquinn, @the-disaster-in-waiting, @bunnygirlgracesworld, @nikki-is-a-nerd, @gh0st-b1tcg  divider <3

[yerimsdreams]

Letters of Intent

author's note: chapter 3 is here! sorry for the wait, I was busy with resit exams and my new semester has also started :((

cregan stark x oc (she/her pronouns)

warnings: mention of death (both human and dragons). making threats. crying. anger. swearing. spoilers for fire&blood.

The dungeons beneath the Red Keep were a labyrinth of despair, a place where even the bravest souls found their resolve tested. As Visenya descended the stairs, the air grew colder and more oppressive, the distant sounds of the keep above fading into nothingness. The stone walls were slick with moisture, the air heavy with the stench of rot and neglect, and the faint sound of dripping water echoed through the corridors like the ticking of some unseen clock. 

At the third level, the narrow stairway gave way to a series of rough-hewn tunnels. Here, the true darkness began. The flickering torchlight carried by the northern guards did little to push back the shadows that clung to the walls, as if the darkness itself were alive, waiting to swallow them whole.

The Black Cells. 

The passage narrowed further, the stone walls pressing in on either side, until at last, they reached a row of heavy wooden doors, their surfaces scarred and battered from years of use. The wood was thick and dark, soaking up the light, so that the cells beyond were cloaked in absolute darkness. There were no windows, no cracks in the walls through which even the smallest sliver of light could pass. Once the door was closed, the black cells became a tomb of night, where time ceased to exist and prisoners were left alone with nothing but their thoughts - and their fears. 

When one of Cregan's men opened the door to Corlys' cell, the light from the torch spilled into the space, revealing a small, cramped chamber. The walls were close and suffocating, built to crush a man's spirit as much as his body. 

His figure sat slumped against the cold wall. The Sea Snake, once a man of legend and renown, had been reduced to a shadow of his former self, his silver hair matted and his eyes sunken from more than a week spent in blackness. As the torchlight reached him, he squinted, raising a hand to shield his eyes from the sudden brightness. 

''Visenya?'' His voice was rough, as if he had not spoken in days.

She stepped forward, her presence commanding even in the oppressive gloom. The torchlight played across her silver hair and pale skin, casting sharp shadows that made her seem more dragon than woman. She regarded him with a cool gaze, her expression betraying nothing. ''Your time in this darkness is at an end, my lord.'' 

Corlys struggled to his feet, the chains around his wrists clinking with the movement. He winced, his body stiff from confinement, but his gaze never left the young princess. ''What have you done?'' 

Visenya ignored his question, her eyes flicking to the northern men standing at attention beside her. ''Release him,'' she commanded, her tone brooking no argument, ''and escort him to his new apartment in Maegor's Holdfast.'' 

The men moved forward, unlocking the chains that bound Corlys. The heavy shackles fell away with a clatter, the sound echoing through the narrow, suffocating cell. 

For a moment, Corlys simply stood there, rubbing his raw wrists, his gaze fixed on Visenya. He wanted to demand answers, to know the cost of this sudden reprieve, but the steel in her eyes held him back from speaking to her as he had done in the years before. 

''Princess,'' he sighed, breaking the thick silence, ''what happened?'' 

The words were heavy with exhaustion and the remnants of pride, a plea wrapped in the dignity of a man who had been brought low. 

Visenya's gaze did not waver. For a long moment, she simply looked at him, as if weighing how much to reveal, how much to keep hidden. 

''You were able to save my nephew,'' she said softly, the authoritative tone in which she had commanded the guards gone, ''but I was not able to save your son.'' 

Corlys inhaled sharply, the breath catching in his throat as the impact of her words struck him. He staggered slightly, catching himself against the cold stone wall, his hand trembling. 

''Addam,'' He whispered, the name escaping his lips like a prayer, a lament for the son he had claimed as his own. 

She weakly nodded, the guilt of his death still filling her body each time she thought of the young Velaryon man she had taught to become a dragonrider their rightful Queen could depend on. She had watched him grow, had seen the fire in his eyes as he bonded with Seasmoke, and had placed her trust in his loyalty.

Unfortunately, after the death of her third son and the betrayal of Hugh Hammer and Ulf the White, Rhaenyra had succumbed to paranoia, her once-steady mind fracturing under the relentless pressure of loss and betrayal. She had seen enemies everywhere, even among those who had once been closest to her. It was in this fevered state that she had commanded the arrest of Addam, convinced that he, too, would turn on her, as so many others had. She had seen treachery in every shadow, and in her desperation to cling to her crumbling power, she had condemned a loyal dragonrider. 

But Corlys had known better. He had seen the fear in his queen's eyes and the madness that clouded her judgement. It had been he who warned his bastard son, who had sent him away with Seasmoke to flee from King's Landing before the Queen’s guards could reach him. But in the end, the war had taken him as it had taken so many others. 

There was nothing she could say that would ease his or her grief, no explanation that would justify the tragedy that had befallen Addam at Tumbleton. 

She could still see it in her mind: the horror of that battle, the moment she and Sōnax had arrived too late to save him. The sight of Vermithor tearing into Seasmoke, the sound of Addam's last cry lost in the roar of the flames. It haunted her, and she knew it would haunt her forever. 

''He was brave,'' she smiled, the memory of Addam descending upon Raventree Hall ingrained in her mind, ''and loyal.'' 

Corlys closed his eyes for a moment, as if drawing strength from her words. ''Thank you.'' He murmured, though the words were heavy with sorrow. He did not look at her, not directly. 

Visenya nodded. She knew it was more than his gratitude for getting the stubborn Lord Cregan Stark to change his mind, but to speak so highly of his son, whom many believed was still a traitor as the other two dragonseeds had been. 

''Let us leave this place,'' she said, her voice firmer now, ''your granddaughters will be delighted to see you again.'' 

With a slow nod and a faint smile at the mention of Rhaena and Baela, Corlys turned to follow her and the two northern men, who'd watched their interaction in silence. 

As they emerged into the light of the Red Keep, the heavy, oppressive air of the dungeons seemed to lift slightly. Cregan's men prepared to escort Corlys to his chambers, but Visenya, however, raised a hand to halt them. She stepped closer to the Sea Snake, her gaze steady and resolute. 

''Before you go,'' she began, stern but not unkind, ''Aegon will restore you to your rightful offices and honours. You will have a place on the small council, where your experience and wisdom will be invaluable.'' 

The sailor nodded in acknowledgment. He turned to follow the guards, but Visenya's next words made him pause once more. 

''Wait,'' she said, signalling for the northerners to step back, giving them some privacy. She took a step closer to him, her eyes narrowing slightly, ''there is one more thing you need to hear.'' 

Corlys turned back to her, his expression curious but cautious as well. ''Yes, Princess?'' 

''Guide Aegon well,'' she advised, her voice low but intense, ''he is in his minority and his reign is fragile. Do not make me regret my decision to intervene. If you falter in your duties or act against the realm's best interests, know that I will see to it personally that the sentence originally decreed by Lord Stark will be executed. And it will not be by his sword - it will be fulfilled with the fire of my dragon.'' 

Her gaze was unflinching, her tone leaving no room for misunderstanding. There was no room for error, no chance for betrayal. The stakes were high, and he understood the consequences of failing her or the young king. 

Visenya motioned for the guards to resume their duty, leading him to his chambers. As they moved away, the corridors of the Red Keep seemed to close in, the weight of her warning hanging in the air. 

The days following the release of Lord Corlys passed in a blur. The Red Keep, ever a hive of intrigue, had settled into a tense quiet as the last of the executions and sentences were carried out. True to his word, Cregan had wielded Ice with the grim resolve expected of a man from the North, but as soon as the blood was washed from the stones, he had tendered his resignation as Hand of the King. ''The snows are falling in the North,'' he had declared to Aegon, ''and my place is at Winterfell.'' 

Yet, he had not yet departed the capital, lingering in King’s Landing for reasons known only to him.

Now, a different kind of tension filled the council chamber. The noble women and men seated around the large oak table were not here to discuss war or executions but something far more delicate: the marriage of Prince Aegon and Princess Jaehaera. 

''They are children, Tyland!'' Visenya's voice cut through the chamber, resolute and sharp, leaving little room for argument. ''Aegon is only one-and-ten, and Jaehaera is even younger. This marriage, while needed, should not be rushed. Let them grow before you make them say words they cannot comprehend.'' 

The room fell into a tense silence, her words echoing off the stone walls. Ser Tyland Lannister, a former Green, leaned forward, his golden hair catching the dim light of the chamber. ''Princess, I understand your concern for your nephew and niece, but this marriage is not just about them. We need stability, and this union will provide that. The sooner the better.'' 

She narrowed her eyes at the man, making Tyland lean back again. ''Stability bought with the innocence of children is no stability at all.'' She spat back. 

Making the marriage of the young children part of the peace pact had not been Visenya's idea, but at the time she had understood it was necessary. Aegon the Elder's death was fresh in the mind of the realm, and Corlys wanted immediate peace, or in his words, the madness needed to end. 

Corlys, sitting to Tyland's right, clasped his hands in front of him. ''Visenya, the realm needs this marriage to happen. We cannot afford to wait.'' 

She clenched her jaw as she listened to the Sea Snake speak, a man she had saved not long ago, and yet here he was, aligned with those who would rush her nephew and niece into a union neither was ready for. 

''They are children,'' she repeated, her voice softer but no less firm, ''I am not asking to delay until their nameday, but let them have a respite from this war. They have both watched their family die, one by one. Let them heal before thrusting them into something they have no say in.'' 

''The Princess speaks wisely,'' Lady Jeyne spoke up, ''but wisdom is often lost on those who seek quick fixes.'' The Maiden of the Vale glanced towards Corlys and Tyland, her disdain barely concealed.

The room fell into a brief silence, broken only by the shifting of chairs and the occasional clearing of throats. Jeyne's words hung in the air like a challenge, daring anyone to dismiss Visenya's concerns outright. 

Lord Ryce Caron, father of Lady Elenda Baratheon, raised his voice for the first time, his deep voice rumbling through the room. ''This marriage is a symbol, a promise that the bloodshed is over. We cannot wait for them to grow.'' 

Others around the table murmured in agreement, their voices mingling in a chorus of urgency. Visenya felt the pressure mounting, the weight of their collective will pushing against her resolve. 

''Besides, many of the great houses in Westeros are already on their way to King's Landing for the occasion,'' Corlys added, ''the wheels are in motion, Princess. To delay now would send the wrong message, one of uncertainty and hesitation when we need to project strength.'' 

Visenya's hands clenched at her sides, her nails digging into her palms as she fought to maintain her composure. She knew that Corlys was right, at least in a political sense. However, the thought of forcing the young ones into a marriage they were not ready for felt like a betrayal of her silent promise to Rhaenyra to protect her legacy, meaning Aegon. 

After a long pause, Tyland Lannister sighed, breaking the silence. ''Princess, your concerns are valid, and no one here wishes to see the children harmed. But we must also be realistic. The realm needs this union, and it needs it now. The Prince and the Princess will be married, and his coronation will follow subsequently. He'll be the Third of his Name, others will rule in his minority, you included,'' he inclined his head, trying to swoon her of some sorts, ''and peace will be restored.'' 

Her gaze hardened, fighting the urge to roll her eyes at Tyland's attempts to placate her with empty promises. She could see through the facade of his words, the subtle manipulation intended to sway her. But she also knew there was little more she could do. The council's decision had been made, and while she had voiced her objections, the momentum was against her. 

''Very well,'' she said finally, the words leaving her lips with a heavy resignation. She could feel the collective relief in the room as she yielded. The tension seemed to dissipate, the lords relaxing ever so slightly, ''but I will take no part in the preparations. You wish to have a wedding and a coronation now, you will plan it amongst yourselves.'' 

She stood up from her chair, her movements deliberate and controlled. The rest of the table quickly followed suit, rising in a show of respect as the Princess made her exit. Her presence was still intimidating, and though they had overruled her, they were not foolish enough to forget the power she held. 

Without another word, she turned and left the chamber, making her way toward the gardens. The tension in the chamber had been stifling, and the cool air outside was a welcome relief, though it did little to soothe the frustration boiling within her. She needed space, a moment to breathe and collect herself away from the prying eyes of the court.

As she walked, the sound of footsteps following her grew louder. The steady, deliberate pace was unmistakable, and she did not need to turn around to know who was behind her. 

She reached the entrance to the gardens, the familiar scent of blooming flowers greeting her as she stepped onto the cobblestone path. 

Cregan caught up to her, falling into step beside her. ''Visenya,'' He spoke her name, a hint of concern laced in his voice. 

She stopped, her back still turned to him, her hands still clenched into fists at her sides. For a moment, she said nothing, letting his presence wash over her like a wave of calm. The anger and frustration she had been holding onto so tightly began to loosen its grip, though it did not disappear entirely.

Finally, she turned to face him, her eyes blazing with the remnants of her earlier fury. ''They are blithering idiots!'' She burst out, her voice sharp with anger. ''They sit at that table, so sure of themselves, like they cannot be touched. That Lannister cunt gets to walk around freely while a mere moon ago, he was kissing the Usurper's ass and now he gets to make decisions on my nephew's future, on my sister's son's future? Pathetic.'' 

She began to pace, her movements agitated, as if the energy of her anger needed an outlet. ''How dare they? I am a Princess of the Crown, a Princess of the Realm. While I was out there fighting a war that despicable men like them started, they were simply sitting in their castles, doing nothing.'' 

Cregan listened in silence as Visenya vented her frustration, his gaze steady and unwavering as he watched her pace back and forth like a caged lioness.

Her voice rose with each word, the injustice of it all fueling the fire within her. ''I bled for my sister, sacrificed for her, and now they think they can sit there, in their comfortable chairs, and dictate the future of my blood? They presume to make decisions for Aegon and Jaehaera as if they have earned that right - as if they understand the cost of the peace they so desperately seek.'' 

''Where were they when my sister got her birthright stolen? Where were they when they had to honour their oaths? They were nowhere! They were hiding, waiting to see who would emerge victorious, so they could crawl back into power like the cowards they are.'' Her pacing quickened, her steps echoing on the cobblestones as she continued. 

Visenya stopped suddenly, turning to face Cregan with a fierce intensity. ''And now they want to make these children spew vows they do not understand.'' 

She shook her head, her expression one of disbelief. ''They see this marriage as a neat little package to tie up the war and move on. But they are blind to the damage they are doing. They do not care for those children, only about what they represent. Power. Control. A chance to secure their own positions.'' 

Her breathing was ragged, the weight of her words hanging heavy in the air. For a moment, she just stood there, the anger that had fueled her rant giving way to a deep, aching sadness. 

Cregan reached out, gently placing a hand on her shoulder, grounding her in the present moment. ''You are not wrong, Princess,'' he spoke calmly, ''but you are above them, stronger than their petty schemes.'' 

Visenya looked up at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. ''I just want Aegon to smile again. I cannot even remember what he looks like while smiling.'' She admitted, her voice trembling. 

His heart ached at the sight of her, the depth of her pain cutting through him like a blade. The fierce, determined woman who had stormed out of the council chamber moments before now stood before him, vulnerable and worn. 

He shuffled a bit closer, his hand squeezing her shoulder with a reassuring firmness. ''He will smile again,'' he murmured encouragingly, ''because he still has your love, your strength.''

She blinked, and a single tear escaped, sliding down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away, frustrated at her own display of weakness. ''But I'm leaving him, Cregan,'' Visenya whispered, her voice cracking with the weight of her fear, ''I am abandoning him when he needs me the most. Just… just like I abandoned Rhaenyra.'' 

Her voice quivered as she spoke, the mention of her sister breaking down the strong facade she had worn since arriving back in King's Landing. The grief she had buried deep within threatened to overwhelm her, the memory of Rhaenyra's loss still fresh, still raw.

Cregan shook his head, his expression easing. ''You did not abandon your sister nor are you abandoning your nephew,'' he began, his voice low and persistent, ''you heeded her commands, as a loyal ally should. Rhaenyra sent you to the Riverlands because she believed in you, in your strength and valour.'' 

Visenya looked away, her gaze distant, her heart heavy. ''Yet I was not by her side when she met her end. I was not there when…'' Her voice caught in her throat, the words too painful to speak aloud. 

The man in front of her reached out, his hand warm and gentle as he cupped her cheek, turning her face back toward him. ''You carried out her will, Visenya. Your sister knew the risks, the dangers. She made her choices, and she entrusted you with a part of her legacy. You honoured her memory by doing as she bade.'' His thumb brushed away the tear that had fallen, his touch tender, almost reverent. 

She closed her eyes, leaning into his touch for a moment, drawing strength from his presence. ''I should have defied her commands,'' she shook her head, her voice thick with regret, ''she was a fool to go to Dragonstone with nothing but her son by her side. With Sōnax, I would have burned Aegon alive and she would be sitting on her throne at this moment.'' 

Cregan's expression remained fixed, though his gaze grew more solemn. ''The past is a cruel master,'' he said quietly, his thumb brushing gently across her cheek, ''but you cannot change what has been done. Rhaenyra was a queen who made her own choices, for good or ill. You did as she bade because you are loyal, because you loved her. Do not dishonour her memory by doubting her decisions now.'' 

Visenya opened her eyes, filled with sadness. ''I should have been there,'' she insisted, ''she should not have faced that betrayal alone.'' 

''Rhaenyra knew the dangers, and she faced them as she saw fit. Her end was her own, it is not yours to carry.'' He said firmly, his hand still clinging onto her cheek. 

Cregan could still see the disappointment etched into his betrothed's features, a burden she bore with every breath. Her eyes, though fierce, were clouded with the weight of self-reproach. 

''Visenya,'' he mumbled, his gaze not wavering from hers, ''you have a life ahead of you, one that your sister, your Queen, would want you to live with all the vigour and courage she saw in you. She made her choices, and now, you must make yours. And I shall stand beside you, my Princess.'' 

Her eyes, still filled with disappointment, began to soothe, as though his words had found a place within her heart. Slowly, she found herself believing him, finding comfort in his certainty. 

A faint, tremulous smile touched her lips. ''I thank you, Cregan,'' she whispered, ''for all that you have done, and all that you are.'' 

Cregan's gaze softened further, and he let his hand remain for a heartbeat longer before lowering it. He dipped his head slightly, acknowledging her gratitude with a humility that belied his own strength. 

''You need not thank me, Princess.'' 

Visenya walked with purpose through the stone corridors of the Red Keep, her mind focused on her next task - checking in on Aegon. The tension of the day's council meeting still lingered, but she had little time to dwell on it now. As she rounded a corner, her path was suddenly blocked. 

''Oh, my apologies, Princess.'' The man dipped his head swiftly in respect as he recognized who stood before him, his grand frame shifting aside to clear her path.

Visenya paused, taking in the man before her. He was undeniably Northern, his broad shoulders and simple yet sturdy attire a stark contrast to the more refined courtiers of King's Landing. 

She offered him a slight nod in return. ''Do not fret, uh…'' She searched for a name, almost embarrassed she did not immediately recognize the sigil on his chest. 

''Lord Edrick Cerwyn, Princess. I beg pardon for nearly running into you like a clumsy fool.'' He introduced himself, straightening his posture. 

Her eyes flickered with recognition as the name registered. ''Lord Cerwyn,'' she repeated, her voice carrying a touch of warmth as she spoke, ''there is no need for apologies. The Red Keep can be a labyrinth for even the most practised among us.'' 

Edrick offered a modest smile, his rugged features softened by the gesture. ''Still, it was not my intention to impede your path, Princess. I have heard much of you, though this is our first meeting. I hope I have not left a poor impression.'' 

''You have not,'' she assured him, ''you are a close friend of Lord Stark, are you not?'' 

Visenya had seen the man around the Warden of the North a handful of times. Cregan had mentioned his name once during one of the earlier council meetings, but she hadn't had the chance to actually speak with him. 

''Aye,'' Edrick grinned, his voice filled with a quiet pride, ''Cregan and I have known each other since we were boys.'' 

The young woman nodded thoughtfully. ''It is good to know that Lord Stark surrounds himself with those he trusts deeply. Such bonds are rare, especially in these times.'' 

Visenya couldn't help but notice the easy charm in Edrick's demeanour, a warmth that felt almost disarming compared to Cregan's more stoic nature. She found herself smiling a bit more naturally, her earlier tension easing. 

His grin widened slightly. ''Aye, rare indeed, but those bonds are what keep the North strong.'' 

''I see why Lord Stark counts you among those he holds close.'' She responded, her tone much lighter now. 

Edrick chuckled, the sound rich and genuine. ''Thank you, my Princess. In truth, I am looking forward to your arrival in Winterfell. The North can be a cold place, but I suspect your presence will warm it considerably.'' 

''You flatter me, my Lord.'' She said, smiling more naturally at his kind words, a touch of colour rising to her cheeks.

''Not at all,'' he replied, his tone sincere, ''Cregan, uh, Lord Stark speaks highly of you, Princess, and he is not one to give praise lightly.'' 

Her smile faltered slightly, a hint of surprise crossing her features. ''He has spoken of me?'' 

''Aye, he has,'' Edrick confirmed, ''he holds you in high regard, as he should.'' 

Visenya was silenced for a moment. She hadn’t imagined that Cregan would speak of her to his closest friends. The idea that she had made such an impression on the Warden of the North was unexpected, and it left her feeling both flattered and slightly unsettled. 

''I was not aware.'' She admitted after a pause, her voice quieter. 

He offered a gentle smile, sensing some unease. ''Well, now you are, Princess.'' 

She nodded slowly, her mind still processing. ''It, uh, was a pleasure to meet you, Lord Cerwyn,'' her voice wavered slightly, but she quickly composed herself, ''I hope to see you soon again.'' 

Edrick dipped his head in a respectful bow. ''The pleasure was mine, Princess. I am sure our paths will cross again, whether here or in the North.'' 

Visenya resumed her walk after giving him a final nod, her footsteps carrying her down the familiar stone corridors of the Red Keep. Initially, her destination had been clear, to check on her nephew. But after her conversation with Edrick, her mind buzzed with new thoughts, leading her feet in a different direction. 

She turned down a quieter corridor, where the air felt cooler and the noise of the castle seemed to fade into a distant murmur. Her steps guided her to the private chambers of Lady Melina Massey, one of her ladies-in-waiting and the younger sister of Lady Elinda, who had served her late sister Rhaenyra. 

Visenya and Melina had always had a great relationship, offering a blend of wisdom and warmth that made her an invaluable companion. The woman of House Massey was only a few years older than the Targaryen Princess so it had always felt natural to confide in her when it came to more personal subjects. 

As Visenya approached the door, she took a moment to compose herself. Then, with a gentle knock, she announced her presence. The door opened shortly after, revealing Melina's kind and attentive face. She immediately sensed that something was amiss.

''My Princess,'' Melina greeted her with a slight curtsy, her tone laced with concern, ''is everything well?'' 

Visenya managed a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. ''May I come in? There is something I would like to discuss.'' 

The older woman stepped aside without hesitation. ''Of course, Princess.'' She gestured for Visenya to enter, closing the door behind them to ensure their privacy. 

Inside, the room was cosy and inviting, with warm tapestries adorning the walls and a soft glow emanating from the fire burning in the hearth. Melina gestured for her to settle in one of the chairs by the fire, herself taking the opposite seat. 

''What troubles you, my Princess?'' Melina asked gently. 

Visenya took a deep breath, her gaze flickering to the flames before meeting Melina's eyes. ''I just met Lord Edrick Cerwyn. He is a close friend of Cregan,''

Her lady nodded, showing her full attention was on her. 

''He said that Cregan speaks of me, to him - that he speaks highly of me.'' 

Melina leaned in slightly, her eyes alight with curiosity. ''So, Lord Stark speaks of you to his closest friends? That is rather telling, don't you think?'' She grinned, a teasing tone in her voice. 

Visenya offered a small, somewhat embarrassed smile. ''I cannot say. At times, he seems very reserved. I didn't imagine he would mention me to anyone, at least not in a personal way.'' 

Her friend's grin widened, clearly enjoying this rare moment of Visenya's vulnerability. ''Oh, my Princess. You are to be married. Of course, he would speak of you in such a light. How could he not?'' 

She shifted slightly in her seat, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the armrest. ''I suppose you are right,'' she admitted softly, ''I do wonder what he tells Lord Cerwyn.'' 

Melina's eyes sparkled with intrigue as she leaned in closer, her voice lowering as if they were sharing a secret. ''Oh, I can only imagine. I bet he speaks of your wisdom, your intelligence, your resilience, your beauty.'' She teased, her tone light and encouraging. 

Visenya's cheeks warmed at the thought, but she let out a small laugh, her earlier uncertainty fading. ''He is difficult to read, always composed.'' She mused. 

Her companion chuckled softly, her smile warm and knowing. ''Reserved men often speak volumes in the little they do say. And if he’s speaking of you, it’s because you’ve given him something to think about.'' 

The Princess' gaze softened as she considered Melina’s words. ''Perhaps,'' she murmured, a gentle smile tugging at her lips, ''it’s strange, though, to think of him discussing me… us… with his friends.'' 

Melina nodded, her expression filled with understanding. ''It might feel strange, but it is a good sign, Princess.'' 

Visenya tilted her head, her voice thoughtful. ''He is not like the men at court, who are all too eager to boast or flatter,'' she remarked, rolling her eyes, ''with him, every word feels… intentional. After the council meeting today, I was upset and frustrated. Somehow, he found me at the right time and he listened to what I had to say, without asking him to.'' 

''Maybe he could feel it in his bones that his future lady-wife was not feeling well?'' Melina laughed, a mischievous glint in her eyes. 

The younger woman, unable to suppress a grin, leaned forward and playfully slapped her friend's knee. ''Oh, will you hush!'' Though a faint blush graced her cheeks, the teasing was met with good-natured laughter from both.

But as the laughter subsided, Visenya's expression grew more serious. She glanced toward the fire, the flames reflecting in her violet eyes. ''Melina,'' she began, her tone shifting to something more contemplative, ''there is something I wish to ask you.'' 

Melina straightened in her chair, her attention fully on the Princess. ''Yes?'' 

''In a few moons, when it is time for me to leave for Winterfell, I would ask if you would come with me.'' She was nervous asking such a question, to leave her home. 

Melina's eyes widened slightly in surprise. ''You wish for me to accompany you to the North?'' 

Visenya nodded. ''I believe it could be a new start for the both of us. Winterfell is far from here, and there are a lot of uncertainties. Having a familiar face with me in an unfamiliar place would mean a great deal.'' 

Both women had endured the profound loss of their older sisters - Visenya with Rhaenyra, and Melina with Elinda. The grief they carried had only strengthened their bond, one that went beyond mere duty or friendship. 

Melina reached across the small space between them, taking Visenya's hand in hers. ''It would be an honour. I will go wherever you need me, even to the ends of the earth, Visenya.'' 

The Princess's lips curved into a grateful smile. ''Thank you, Melina. Truly.'' 

Melina squeezed her hand gently, and for a moment, the two friends simply sat in the quiet warmth of the room, the fire crackling softly in the hearth. It was a peaceful moment, something they both unconsciously needed. 

The days that followed were filled with significant events that would shape the future of the realm. The wedding of Aegon and Jaehaera was a grand yet poignant affair, held outdoors atop Visenya’s Hill. A deafening cheer erupted from the gathered smallfolk when the marriage was solemnised, the streets thrumming with the sounds of celebration as the royal pair were paraded up to the Red Keep in an open litter. The coronation followed swiftly, with Aegon crowned in a simple circlet of yellow gold, his child bride beside him as he took on the mantle of Aegon III, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, and Lord of the Seven Kingdoms. 

But even amidst these grand ceremonies, Cregan's departure was imminent. The portcullis at the castle gates was raised, and the cobblestone courtyard buzzed with activity as the Warden of the North and less than a hundred of his men prepared for their journey back to Winterfell. 

Visenya stood near the entrance of the courtyard, her posture straight and her face carefully composed. The cold wind ruffled her hair, and the weight of her impending role as regent settled heavily on her shoulders. She watched as Cregan, mounted on his powerful horse, oversaw the final preparations of his men, his expression a mask of determined calm.

As the moment of farewell drew closer, she took a deep breath, steeling herself. Cregan finished giving orders, his commanding presence unmistakable even in the midst of the bustling activity. He dismounted his horse, his long coat billowing behind him as he walked toward Visenya. 

They met in the centre of the courtyard, where the noise of the departing men and clattering of hooves seemed to recede into the background. His gaze met hers with an intensity that was unnervingly intimate. 

Visenya took a step forward. ''I wish you a safe journey to the North, my Lord.'' 

He inclined his head slightly, the usual firmness of his features softened but still unwavering. ''Thank you, Princess. I shall take great care.'' His voice was low, almost hushed. 

They fell into a silence, the noise of the courtyard seemed to shrink around them. Cregan's expression was unreadable, his eyes intense as if searching for something in her gaze. There was an unspoken tension between them - not of conflict, but of uncertainty. They were both aware that this parting was different, heavier with the weight of their impending union and the months of separation that loomed ahead. 

Visenya hesitated, her mind racing to find the right words. ''I trust you will find the North in good order when you return.'' The words came out more formal than she intended, and she cringed internally at the stiffness of her tone. 

Cregan's brow furrowed slightly, a faint shadow of confusion passing over his features. ''I will do my best to ensure it.'' 

She forced a smile, cursing herself for the awkwardness she felt. 

The Warden studied her for a moment, sensing the unease in her expression and the stiffness in her tone. He took a small step closer, his voice lowering as if to offer her some comfort. ''I look forward to your arrival in Winterfell, my Princess. The North will look forward to seeing you.'' 

Visenya’s forced smile softened. He had a way of making things feel less daunting, even in the simplest of statements. ''Thank you, my Lord.'' 

''I will write to you in the moons we will be apart, if it pleases you?'' A hint of a smile played at his mouth as he asked, the stern lines of his face easing. 

She visibly eased at his words, her heart warming at the prospect of receiving his letters. ''I would like that very much.'' She replied, feeling much more comfortable now. 

Cregan nodded, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes as he noticed her growing ease.. ''Then you shall have my letters. I won’t let the distance make us strangers.'' 

''I will write too, though I fear my letters may be more about my complaints of the council than anything else.'' Visenya chuckled. 

Cregan's smile deepened, a rare warmth present. ''I will read them all the same. It will remind me that the South still has its own battles to fight.'' 

''And perhaps I will learn more about the North through your letters than I could from any book.'' She remarked, her voice softer now, a touch more sincere. 

He nodded, his expression thoughtful. ''You’ll find the North is as much about its people as its lands.'' 

Cregan's tone held a hint of pride. The North was a place of harsh winters and fierce loyalty, a land where bonds were forged in the fires of adversity, and he wanted her to know that she would be welcomed not just as a princess, but as one of their own.

''Then I shall look forward to your letters, my Lord. Perhaps they will make this time apart a little easier to bear.'' Visenya said, her words laced with a mix of anticipation and hope. 

His gaze lingered, as if he were committing every detail of her face to memory - the way the light afternoon light caught the silver strands of her hair, the gentle curve of her lips as she smiled, the hint of vulnerability in her violet eyes that she tried so hard to hide. 

In an almost quiet, instinctive gesture, Cregan reached out and gently took her hand in his. His grip was firm, yet careful, as though he were holding something delicate that he could easily break. Without breaking eye-contact, he lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles. 

He let go, and stepped back, a respectful distance now between them. ''Farewell for now, Visenya,'' he said, with an intimate use of her name, ''may the winds favour your journey when you come North.'' 

''And may they guide you home safely, Cregan.'' She replied, feeling flushed by the manner he spoke her name. 

With a nod, Cregan turned, his fur coat sweeping behind him as he mounted his horse once more. The beast shifted beneath him, sensing the change in its rider's mood, eager to be off. Visenya watched as he took his place at the head of his men. The sound of the hooves striking the ground echoed through the courtyard as the Northern party began their journey. She remained rooted in her place as they moved out of the castle walls. 

With one final look over his shoulder, Cregan met her gaze from a distance. He raised his hand in a final, silent farewell, and Visenya raised hers in return. 

She watched until the last trace of his party disappeared from view, the banners of House Stark swallowed by the winding streets of King's Landing that had never truly welcomed them. Only when they were truly gone did she allow herself to lower her hand. 

The courtyard felt emptier now, physically and figuratively. The last weeks the Wolf in the North had been a constant presence, even when that presence was not always appreciated. He had brought with him the biting winds of his homeland, the uncompromising nature of a man forged in a harsher climate, and though his presence had often been met with wariness, it had also provided an anchor, a grounding force in the midst of chaos. 

It was comical how the Lord of Winterfell had gone back to his frosty mountains and weather, yet it was Visenya who felt cold without him there. She felt his absence keenly now. He had been a fixture in the Red Ked. 

A man out of place, but never out of his depth.

The council chamber was filled with the low murmur of voices as the lords, Lady and Princess debated the finer points of the realm's governance. 

Visenya sat at the long, polished table, her posture straight, betraying none of the fatigue that had settled into her bones. To her left sat Ser Torrhen Manderly, the burly lord of White Harbor. On her right sat Corlys, while Lady Jeyne had taken the seat across from her. The Targaryen woman no longer occupied the chair at the head of the table, now belonging to the new Hand of the King, Ser Tyland Lannister. 

Just as Lord Westerling was making a point about the raids of the Red Kraken on the western coasts, the chamber doors creaked open. The maester, a stooped man with a bald head and a chain heavy with links of various metals, stepped inside. He cleared his throat, cutting through the debate. 

''Princess,'' he said, his voice gravelly with age as he addressed Visenya, his eyes respectfully lowered, ''a raven has arrived from Winterfell.'' 

Several faces turned to Visenya, curiosity and concern etched on their features. She remained outwardly composed, though her heart quickened at the mention of Winterfell. The raven could only mean one thing - Cregan had sent word. 

She nodded calmly at the maester. ''Yes, thank you,'' she then turned to the council, her voice measured, ''my Lady, my lords, if you will excuse me. Feel free to continue the discussion amongst yourselves.'' 

The members of the council exchanged glances but nodded in acquiescence. Tyland gave her a small, acknowledging nod. ''Of course, Princess. We shall carry on in your absence.'' 

Visenya rose gracefully from her seat, her movements fluid, betraying none of the excitement that fluttered within her. The eyes of the council followed her as she exited the chamber, the heavy doors closing behind her with a quiet thud that left the room in a thoughtful silence. 

Once outside the council chamber, the maester waited for her just beyond the doors, holding out a small, tightly rolled scroll sealed with the direwolf of House Stark. The parchment was thick and slightly weathered from its long journey south. 

''A message from Lord Stark, Princess.'' The old man said, handing her the scroll with both hands. 

Visenya took the scroll from him, the weight of it light in her hand. ''Thank you, Maester.'' 

The maester bowed and stepped away, leaving Visenya in the quiet of the corridor. She turned and walked a few steps further down the hall, seeking a more secluded spot near a window where the light streamed in, casting a warm glow over the stone walls. There, she carefully broke the seal and unrolled the scroll. 

''Princess,'' the letter began, formal yet familiar, ''I trust this finds you well. The North is as cold as ever, but its people await your arrival with great anticipation. The preparations for your journey are underway, and I have ensured that Winterfell will be ready to receive both you and your dragon with all the respect due to your station.'' 

Visenya couldn't help but smile faintly at his mention of her dragon. The thought of Sōnax in the North, among the snow and cold, was almost surreal. 

Cregan continued. ''I also wish to inform you that the Bannermen of House Stark have been notified of your impending arrival, and they have pledged to welcome you with the respect and honour that you deserve. Rest assured, you will find strength in the North, and I will do all in my power to ensure you are welcomed as a Stark in every sense.'' 

There was a pause in the letter, almost as if he had hesitated before writing the next part. ''Until then, I will await your letters with impatience. Do not keep me waiting too long, Visenya. I find myself growing quite curious about how you are managing the regency council. I can only hope they are not giving you too many headaches, though knowing the Southern lords, I fear that might be wishful thinking.'' 

Visenya couldn’t suppress a smile at his playful tone. It was a side of Cregan that he rarely showed in his time in the Red Keep. The image of the stern Warden of the North expressing impatience for her letters, and humorously acknowledging the difficulties of dealing with the council, was endearing. ''Do not delay in writing back, for your words are a comfort in this time apart. Until we meet again, Cregan Stark.''

Taglist: @oxymakestheworldgoround

[shiorihyugawrites]

Diamond Of The First Water

In the aftermath of war, Paradis finds itself in need of powerful alliances. When Emperor Armand of Valoria offers his military aid in exchange for the hand of his daughter, Princess Solina, in marriage, Captain Levi Ackerman is thrust into an engagement that begins as a political strategy but soon becomes something much deeper.

Princess Solina, sheltered from the world and unaware of the realities of love and war, finds herself drawn to Levi—the man known as Humanity’s Strongest Soldier. As they navigate royal customs, public expectations, and the growing threat of Marley, the bond between them deepens into a genuine connection.

But neither Solina nor Levi are prepared for the challenges of a political marriage, the weight of intimacy, and the secrets that lie beneath the surface. As Solina enters a new life with Levi, her naivety is tested, and Levi faces a battle unlike any he’s fought before—the fight to protect his heart.

Can their love flourish in the midst of war, duty, and danger? Or will the forces conspiring against them tear them apart before they can find peace? (Levi x OC)

Chapter One

 The Council Room – Paradis Island

Floch stood at the head of the long wooden table, the silence in the room broken only by the rustling of paper as he carefully unfolded the letter in his hands. The dim light from the torches flickered, casting shadows on the walls of the war room. Everyone present—the Scouts, now fewer than ever—waited for him to speak. Eren sat at the far end of the table, his stoic gaze locked onto the floor, while Levi leaned against the back wall, arms crossed, watching everything with his usual cold detachment. Mikasa, seated to Eren’s left, shifted uneasily, stealing glances at him with an emotion that was hard to decipher—perhaps concern, perhaps something deeper.

Floch cleared his throat, making a show of the letter, his voice commanding attention. “We’ve received a formal letter from a country called Valoria. According to them, they're offering us full military support in exchange for mining rights to our ice burst stone.”

At the mention of the ice burst stone, everyone stiffened. Armin, ever cautious, leaned forward. “Valoria… we’ve never heard of them before, have we? What do they want with the ice burst stone?”

Floch smirked, clearly enjoying the attention as he turned his gaze to Eren. “That’s the best part. Not only do they want our resources, but they also want to secure their alliance through marriage. Specifically, they’ve offered one of their princesses to marry Captain Levi.”

The room fell into stunned silence. All eyes turned to Levi, who remained unperturbed, his gaze never shifting from Floch. The tension in the air thickened as the gravity of the offer sank in. Eren finally lifted his head, his expression unreadable, but the intensity in his eyes was unmistakable.

Hange adjusted her glasses, the light catching the lenses as she raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “Marriage? That’s… quite the diplomatic move. Why Levi? Why not… someone else?”

Floch shrugged. “The letter specifically requests Captain Levi. The Emperor of Valoria seems to believe a marriage between his daughter and Humanity’s Strongest Soldier will strengthen their ties with Paradis.”

Mikasa’s gaze flicked briefly toward Levi, then Eren, her brow furrowing in thought. “But why now? We’ve never heard of this country before. Why would they suddenly reach out after all this time?”

Armin crossed his arms, his thoughtful expression deepening. “It makes sense they’d be after the ice burst stone. Everyone knows how powerful it is. But the marriage proposal… it’s unusual.”

Floch, enjoying the sensation of holding the room’s attention, added with a sly grin, “The Emperor’s daughter is no ordinary princess. Her name is Princess Solina Emme Hein. And according to the letter, she’s known across the world as ‘The Diamond of the First Water.’ She’s incredibly beautiful, well educated and has the most influence over her father. World leaders have been vying for her hand for years.”

At this, Kiyomi Azumabito, who had been standing quietly near the corner of the room, stepped forward. Her silk robes rustled softly as she approached the table, her face calm but her voice carrying an air of authority. “Valoria is a nation of great wealth and power,” she began, drawing everyone’s attention. “Their empire stretches across the seas, and they’re known for their strategic alliances through marriage. It is no surprise that Emperor Armand would use such a tactic to gain access to Paradis’ resources.”

Jean leaned back in his chair, arms folded, his expression skeptical. “And we’re supposed to believe they’ll just help us out of the goodness of their hearts?”

Kiyomi’s gaze settled on Jean, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Not quite. The Emperor’s offer is clearly calculated. Princess Solina is his most beloved daughter, and offering her hand in marriage to Captain Levi tells us how desperate he is to secure the ice burst stone.”

Sasha, who had remained silent until now, tilted her head curiously. “Why does she have so much influence over him?”

Kiyomi’s lips formed a small, almost imperceptible smile. “Princess Solina is not only beautiful—she’s a virtuosic musician and is known for her philanthropy. She’s deeply loved by her people for her charitable work, especially her support for single mothers and children. Many world leaders desire her as a wife, but Emperor Armand has always kept her close. Offering her to Paradis is no small gesture. It signals how much he values what we possess.”

Connie blinked, still processing the information. “So… this princess is supposed to marry Levi? Doesn’t that feel a little… forced?”

Levi finally broke his silence, his deep voice cutting through the tension. “I’m not marrying anyone.”

The blunt statement earned a few raised eyebrows, but no one dared to question him directly. Levi’s tone was final, leaving little room for debate. Still, the room bristled with unspoken questions, and Eren’s gaze locked with Levi’s for a brief moment. The intensity between the two was palpable, though no words were exchanged.

Hange, ever the diplomat, sighed and leaned back in her chair. “Well, we still have to consider the implications. If Valoria really is as powerful as Kiyomi says, their military support could be invaluable. But if we accept, we’re essentially giving them access to our most important resource.”

Armin, always the voice of reason, added, “We also need to think about whether we can trust them. Just because they’re offering an alliance doesn’t mean they won’t turn on us later. We’ve seen how fragile alliances can be.”

Mikasa’s hands clenched on the table, her mind clearly racing with thoughts. Her eyes darted to Eren, but he remained silent, his face a mask of impassivity. She swallowed her frustration, her heart heavy with the realization that even this discussion, this potential alliance, was something that pulled them further into a world of politics, war, and sacrifice. And once again, she was watching Eren slip further away from her.

Floch, oblivious to the weight of the moment, pressed on. “We have a chance to secure the strongest military ally we could ask for. We’d be fools to pass this up.”

Jean let out a sharp laugh. “Of course, you’d say that. You’re always eager to throw someone else into the fire.”

Floch’s eyes narrowed. “This is about survival. If you want to keep Paradis safe, you need to start thinking bigger.”

The room grew silent again, the weight of the decision looming over everyone. It was a delicate balance—trusting a foreign power with their most precious resource and the future of Paradis resting on the shoulders of one of their most valuable soldiers.

Finally, Eren’s voice cut through the tension, his tone colder than the room itself. “We need to decide if we’re willing to trade the ice burst stone for their help. Everything else is secondary.”

Mikasa opened her mouth as if to say something, but the words wouldn’t come. The image of Eren, detached and calculating, gnawed at her heart. He was slipping further away, and she didn’t know how to reach him anymore.

Levi’s eyes flicked back to Floch, his expression unreadable. “We’ll decide soon. But don’t think for a second that I’ll be anyone’s bargaining chip.”

The air in the room seemed to thicken with unresolved tension as the weight of the decision pressed on them all. They were standing on the precipice of yet another battle, this time not with Titans but with the complex forces of politics, alliances, and personal sacrifice.

Hange adjusted her glasses, the curiosity bubbling within her too strong to resist. She leaned forward slightly, tilting her head toward Kiyomi with an inquisitive look. “The Diamond of the First Water… It’s quite the title. Why exactly is Princess Solina called that? What does it mean, exactly?”

Kiyomi turned her head gracefully toward Hange, her dark eyes reflecting a sense of understanding for the scout's endless thirst for knowledge. She clasped her hands in front of her, a thoughtful pause hanging in the air before she spoke.

“The phrase ‘Diamond of the First Water’ is derived from a grading scale for precious gemstones, particularly diamonds,” Kiyomi began, her voice soft but clear. “The clearest, most flawless diamond is said to be of the ‘first water,’ meaning it’s the highest quality possible. Princess Solina is called such because of her unparalleled beauty, grace, and her purity of character. She is regarded as one of the most coveted women in the world. Marrying her is seen as a rare and prestigious honor.”

Jean huffed, crossing his arms as he leaned back in his chair, one eyebrow raised skeptically. “So, what? They’re calling her flawless? It sounds like this emperor is putting a price tag on his daughter.”

Kiyomi shot Jean a disapproving glance. “It is far more than that, Jean. In Valoria, beauty is power, and Solina is considered the most precious jewel the empire has to offer. She’s not just physically beautiful—her kindness, her intelligence, her musical talents—these make her more than just a bride. She is a symbol of Valoria itself. The emperor does not offer her hand lightly.”

Armin, ever the careful thinker, glanced over at Hange, then back at Kiyomi. “But why would he offer her of all his children? You said she has the most influence over him. Surely, there must be other ways for them to secure this alliance without giving up someone he holds in such high regard.”

Kiyomi nodded, understanding the depth of Armin’s question. “That’s precisely why this offer is so serious. Princess Solina’s influence over her father is one of the reasons she is so sought after. It is no secret that Emperor Armand holds a special bond with her. Many leaders believe that whoever marries Solina may gain some level of control or influence over the emperor himself.”

A sharp whistle echoed through the room as Connie leaned back in his chair, hands behind his head. “So, we’re talking about a woman who can sway an emperor. Sounds like marrying her could be more trouble than it’s worth.”

Floch, with his usual arrogance, scoffed. “You don’t get it, do you? This isn’t about whether Levi wants to marry some princess or not. This is about securing the future of Paradis. If we have Valoria backing us with military strength, we can wipe out any threat. We’d be untouchable.”

Mikasa, who had been silently observing the discussion, finally spoke, her voice low but firm. “You’re assuming we can trust them. They want our ice burst stone. We don’t know what they’ll do once they have it.”

Her words echoed in the room, and for a moment, there was silence. Eren, who had remained quiet up to this point, tapped his fingers on the wooden table, his cold, calculating eyes flicking between Kiyomi and Floch.

“Trust doesn’t matter,” Eren said, his voice flat and emotionless. “If they can help us secure our future, then we’ll use them. And when they’ve outlived their usefulness, we’ll deal with them.”

His words sent a shiver through the room. Even Mikasa flinched slightly, her lips tightening. Levi’s gaze remained on Eren, his expression unreadable, though a flicker of something passed through his eyes—disapproval, perhaps.

Hange, ever the voice of reason, raised her hand in a calming gesture. “Wait, wait. Let’s not jump to conclusions just yet. This is an important offer, yes, but we can’t be hasty. If Princess Solina is so influential and highly regarded, perhaps there’s more we can gain from this than just military support.”

Kiyomi inclined her head slightly. “Indeed. It is said that Princess Solina’s music can move even the coldest hearts. She is a virtuosic harpist and an incredible singer. Many believe her voice has the purity of an angel’s. Beyond her beauty, she has the ability to inspire loyalty and compassion in those around her. Her presence alone could strengthen your alliances across the world.”

Levi, who had remained stoically silent, uncrossed his arms and spoke up, his tone as sharp as ever. “I don’t care how beautiful or talented she is. If this marriage is meant to be some bargaining chip to gain power, I’m not interested.”

Floch shot him an exasperated look. “Captain, you have to think about what’s best for Paradis. This isn’t just about you.”

Levi’s icy glare silenced Floch in an instant. “I’m always thinking about what’s best for Paradis. That doesn’t mean I’m going to let myself be used like some pawn.”

Eren’s gaze shifted to Levi, his expression as unreadable as ever. “Sometimes, being a pawn is necessary for the endgame.”

Levi shot him a dark look, his eyes narrowing. “Maybe for you. But not for me.”

The tension in the room rose as the two of them exchanged a brief, heated stare. Hange sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as the room’s atmosphere became more and more suffocating.

Jean, always one to keep things grounded, muttered under his breath, “Great. First, it’s Titans. Now, it’s royal marriage proposals. What’s next, a dragon?”

Kiyomi ignored the side comment, instead addressing Levi with a respectful tone. “Captain Levi, you must understand. This proposal—this union—it could change the fate of not only Paradis but the entire world. I know you may not want this, but consider what it could bring us.”

Levi clenched his jaw, his eyes flicking from Kiyomi to the letter Floch still held. “I’ll consider it,” he said at last, his voice firm. “But my answer will be mine, and no one else’s.”

Levi turned to leave the room, the weight of the situation settled in the air like a storm on the horizon. The future of Paradis hung in the balance, and this proposal—this marriage—was just another thread in the complex web of war, politics, and survival.

As the heavy wooden door clicked shut behind Levi, the room relaxed ever so slightly. The scouts assumed their captain had already made his way down the hall, but in reality, Levi stood just outside, leaning against the wall. His sharp ears caught every word as Kiyomi continued to speak. Something about this princess, about the way everyone described her, intrigued him. Still, he kept his expression as impassive as ever, his curiosity carefully concealed.

Kiyomi, unaware of Levi’s lingering presence, spoke with a touch of nostalgia as she began recounting her meeting with Princess Solina. “I had the honor of meeting Princess Solina a few years ago during a diplomatic summit. I must admit,” she said with a soft chuckle, “I was blown away by her beauty up close. Her eyes… they were the most brilliant shade of green I’ve ever seen, like emeralds catching the light. And her hair... It’s the color of fire, unlike anything I’d ever witnessed. She’s truly a sight to behold.”

Sasha, always captivated by descriptions of beauty, leaned forward, her eyes wide. “Her hair’s red, like fire? That’s not something you see every day.”

Kiyomi nodded, a faint smile touching her lips. “Indeed. It’s a vibrant shade, but not just red—there’s something more to it, something... alive. It seems to shift in the light. And yet, despite her striking appearance, it was her demeanor that truly stood out. She was very polite and kind, always smiling, but I could tell there was a shyness about her. She even made a few jokes during our conversation, which surprised me, given her reserved nature.”

Hange grinned at that, clearly intrigued. “A shy princess who tells jokes? That’s not something you come across often in high society.”

“Exactly,” Kiyomi replied with a nod. “She has a warmth to her, a genuine kindness. You can tell she’s been raised with the knowledge of her importance, but she carries it gracefully. At the summit, she danced a lovely waltz with her father. It was... mesmerizing. I’ve seen many great dancers, but Solina moved with such grace and elegance, as though she were floating.”

Armin, always curious about different cultures, leaned in. “Waltzing with her father at a summit? That sounds like quite a spectacle.”

Kiyomi’s eyes sparkled with the memory. “It was. Many world leaders were present, and I can assure you, they were all eager to dance with her. But the Emperor and her brothers are fiercely protective of her. They were the only ones she danced with that night, keeping others at a distance. At the time, she was still technically ineligible for marriage, as she was just a few months shy of her birthday. Still, it was clear that many men in the room wished for a chance to court her.”

Jean, who had been quiet until now, let out a low whistle. “So not only is she beautiful and kind, but she’s also off-limits to most of the world’s leaders? No wonder they all want her.”

“More than you know,” Kiyomi added, her expression softening. “There’s something about her presence that makes people gravitate toward her. Even those who didn’t have a chance to speak to her that night couldn’t take their eyes off her. She has this rare ability to put people at ease while still commanding respect.”

Mikasa, who had been silently listening, crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing slightly. “If she’s so sheltered and protected, how does she feel about this marriage? Has anyone considered her feelings in all of this?”

Kiyomi hesitated for a moment before replying, “It’s difficult to say. I imagine she’s under great pressure, as all royal children are. But from what I observed, she is extremely respectful of her father’s wishes. She may not have had much choice in the matter, but she carries herself with dignity, regardless of her circumstances.”

Mikasa’s brow furrowed in thought, her gaze briefly flicking toward the door where Levi had disappeared. “I don’t see how this alliance can work if one of the most important people involved is being used as a tool for political gain.”

Connie, ever the practical one, shrugged. “That’s how royalty works, right? You don’t get much say in who you marry. It’s all about alliances and strategy.”

Hange, still caught up in the imagery Kiyomi had painted, leaned back in her chair, her eyes glimmering with interest. “Still, it’s fascinating. A princess who’s a brilliant musician, an exquisite dancer, and commands such influence... I can see why Emperor Armand would offer her as a bride, especially to Levi. But it also makes me wonder—how does she feel about marrying one of the world’s most feared soldiers?”

Levi’s ears perked up at the mention of his name, though he remained hidden just beyond the door. He’d heard enough talk about this princess to pique his curiosity, but the notion of marriage, especially to a sheltered royal, unsettled him. The idea of being used as a pawn in some grand political game didn’t sit well with him, no matter how valuable the alliance could be.

Back in the room, Sasha couldn’t help but ask, “So, Kiyomi, what was it like seeing her dance? I mean, is she really that graceful? More than any other dancer?”

Kiyomi smiled warmly, recalling the image of Solina waltzing across the floor. “Yes, she was… incredible. Every movement was precise yet fluid, like water flowing over stones. She danced with her father as if they had rehearsed every step a thousand times. The connection between them was palpable. But what made it even more special was how she would glance up at him with such affection. You could tell she adores her family.”

Eren, who had been uncharacteristically silent throughout the conversation, finally spoke. His voice was low, almost distant. “So she’s a pawn, but she smiles through it all. That’s what it sounds like to me.”

The room fell silent at Eren’s words, the weight of his statement pressing on everyone’s shoulders. His expression was unreadable, cold as always, but there was a flicker of something deeper in his eyes—a recognition of the burden that came with being forced into a role.

Kiyomi’s face softened, though her voice remained steady. “Perhaps she is a pawn in this political game, but she’s more than just a tool. She is her own person, shaped by her experiences and her love for her people. Don’t underestimate her just because she comes from privilege.”

Eren’s gaze darkened slightly, but he said nothing further. He simply turned his head, his fingers idly tapping against the armrest of his chair.

Levi, still listening outside, let out a quiet breath. His mind was now swirling with the new information. A shy, overprotected princess with the power to sway an emperor, being offered as a bride to secure an alliance for Paradis. It sounded like a mess. And yet… something about the whole situation gnawed at him.

He pushed off the wall and quietly walked away down the corridor, leaving the voices behind as the council room continued to debate the fate of Paradis—and the fate of Princess Solina.

Levi’s boots echoed faintly against the stone floor as he walked down the dimly lit hallway, the soft murmur of voices from the war room fading behind him. His mind churned with Kiyomi’s words, but his face remained unreadable, his steely expression betraying none of the turmoil inside.

The Diamond of the First Water, he thought to himself, almost scoffing at the grandiose title. A princess, the most prized daughter of a powerful emperor, being offered to him like a bargaining chip in exchange for the ice burst stone. It was a strategic move, sure. But it was also painfully transparent. He’d seen enough manipulation and betrayal in his life to know when someone was being used.

Levi’s sharp mind analyzed the situation with cold precision as he turned a corner, his hands in his pockets. There was no denying the advantage this so-called alliance could bring. The military strength of Valoria was no small matter, and their help could solidify Paradis’ position in the world. He could see the scouts weighing the pros and cons back in that room: military aid in exchange for the ice burst stone and his forced marriage to some sheltered royal who had no idea what she was getting into.

But that's exactly it, isn’t it? Levi thought, his brow furrowing slightly. She doesn’t know what she’s walking into. He pictured what little Kiyomi had described of Princess Solina—shy, polite, musically gifted, a jewel in her father's crown. And here she was, being tossed into the mix like a pawn, sent to marry a hardened soldier in a war-torn land she’d likely only heard dark stories about.

Levi shook his head, his lips pressing into a tight line. What kind of father offers his daughter to a place like this? The emperor’s desperation was obvious. The ice burst stone was valuable, sure, but to send his most cherished child to marry someone like him… It stunk of desperation, and Levi didn’t trust it for a second.

He wants the stone. And he thinks sending her will secure it.

Levi’s fingers twitched slightly, his frustration rising. He didn’t like being manipulated, and that’s exactly what this was. Emperor Armand thought he could use Levi to secure his prize, trading off his daughter in the process. It wasn’t about her, not really. She was just the means to an end for her father.

And I’m supposed to play along? Levi scowled, his jaw clenching. The whole situation felt off. He’d been a soldier for years, lived through the worst horrors the world could throw at him, fought against Titans and human enemies alike. And now they expected him to marry some foreign princess, all to secure a political alliance?

Levi wasn’t naïve. He understood the tactical advantage. An alliance with Valoria could tip the scales in Paradis’ favor, give them the upper hand against whatever enemies might come next. But the thought of being used as a pawn in the emperor’s game left a sour taste in his mouth. He didn’t trust the emperor. Anyone who would dangle his daughter in front of them, knowing full well what kind of life awaited her here, was not someone Levi would put his faith in.

Paradis isn’t a place for pampered royals, Levi thought bitterly. It’s hell. I’ve lived it. She doesn’t belong here, and she won’t last a day.

He could imagine it now—this princess, raised in the lap of luxury, arriving in Paradis to find it scarred from war, its people hardened and suspicious, its streets lined with the blood of the past. She’d be out of place in every possible way, and the idea of her being forced into his life, into his world, didn’t sit right with him.

This isn’t what she signed up for, and it’s not what I want.

Levi came to a stop, leaning against the cold stone wall of the corridor. His breath was steady, but his thoughts were a whirlwind of contradictions. The strategic side of him, the soldier, could see the benefits. He understood what this could mean for the survival of Paradis. But the man inside him—the part that still held onto some semblance of personal agency—refused to be anyone’s tool. He wouldn’t allow himself to be used by a desperate emperor, no matter how valuable this alliance could be.

He stared down the empty corridor, his eyes narrowing. The emperor wants something, and he’s willing to use his daughter to get it. I don’t trust him, not for a second.

Levi pushed himself off the wall and continued walking, his thoughts still racing. He didn’t like the idea of being manipulated, but he also knew that the decision wasn’t entirely his. And whether Levi liked it or not, he couldn’t just walk away from a decision that could determine the future of his people.

But there was one thing Levi was sure of, one decision that was his to make.

I won’t be used.

And with that, he continued down the hall, his steps echoing through the silence as his mind sharpened with resolve. Whatever decision was made, whatever outcome came from this proposal, Levi knew one thing: He would never be a pawn. Not for Valoria. Not for the emperor. And not for anyone else.

Back in the war room, the scouts continued their discussion. With Levi gone—or so they thought—the tension in the air lessened somewhat, though the gravity of the situation remained palpable. Armin, always the one to ask questions that dug deeper, leaned forward, his gaze sharp.

“Kiyomi,” he began, breaking the lingering silence, “can you tell us more about Valoria? What kind of country is it? How are they so powerful?”

Kiyomi stood calmly, the silken folds of her robes shifting as she moved to stand closer to the table. Her eyes carried a mix of respect and intrigue as she considered how best to describe Valoria to these soldiers who had only known war and hardship.

“Valoria is unlike any nation you’ve encountered,” she began, her voice steady and authoritative. “Its power doesn’t just come from military might, though they have formidable forces. Instead, they’ve mastered the most powerful form of political binding: marriage. The empire’s strength lies in its ability to weave alliances with the most powerful countries around the world through carefully chosen marital unions.”

Hange adjusted her glasses, her curiosity evident. “So, they’ve essentially made themselves untouchable through marriage? That’s how they’ve built their empire?”

Kiyomi nodded. “Yes. Emperor Armand Hein has made it his life’s work to bind Valoria to every powerful nation that surrounds it through his children. Each of his offspring is carefully raised and groomed to represent the empire’s interests. Their marriages are not matters of the heart, but of strategy. Through this, Valoria has gained allies, resources, and wealth. No nation dares to make a move against them, not when they are tied by blood or marriage to Valoria’s ruling family.”

Jean’s face twisted into a look of disbelief. “So, they don’t even fight their own battles? They just marry into other countries and call it a day?”

Kiyomi’s expression remained neutral, though a glint of something akin to amusement passed through her eyes. “In a sense. Valoria’s military is strong, but they rarely need to use it. The emperor’s children are scattered across the world, each married to rulers, nobles, or generals who hold significant power. If anyone dares to act against Valoria, they would find themselves at odds not only with the empire but with several other nations as well. It’s an intricate web, one that has allowed Valoria to become a dominant force without the need for brute strength.”

Connie raised an eyebrow, clearly trying to wrap his head around the complexity. “So, the emperor just… uses his kids like pieces on a chessboard?”

Kiyomi’s expression grew somber. “In a way, yes. But it’s more than that. Emperor Armand is a shrewd leader. He cares deeply for his family, but he’s also a man who understands the weight of power. Every decision he makes, every alliance he forges, is carefully calculated to maintain Valoria’s position as the most influential empire in the world.”

Armin’s brow furrowed as he processed this. “And how many children does he have?”

Kiyomi’s voice softened as she recounted the royal family. “The emperor has twelve children in total, from four royal consorts. Each consort has her own mansion within the royal garden, where she lives with her respective children.”

Sasha, who had been quietly absorbing the information, perked up. “Royal consorts? You mean… like wives?”

Kiyomi nodded. “Yes, though they are not all technically his wives. The emperor does not have an empress. Instead, he has four consorts, each chosen from powerful noble families. These consorts live in their own mansions within the royal garden, a sprawling and secluded part of the palace that is forbidden to all but the emperor and his immediate family. Even Valoria’s highest-ranking officials are not permitted inside.”

Jean frowned. “So, it’s basically a private estate for his family?”

“Exactly,” Kiyomi confirmed. “The garden is a sanctuary, a place of luxury and seclusion where the consorts and their children live. The emperor is fiercely protective of his family, and no one outside the royal household is allowed to set foot within its walls.”

Hange, always fascinated by unique structures of power, pressed further. “And these consorts… they all have children, correct? How do the families work?”

Kiyomi’s expression was thoughtful as she explained. “Each consort holds a title based on one of Valoria’s prized flowers—Rose, Lily, Dahlia, and Peony. They live in their respective mansions with their children—Rose House, Lily House, Dahlia House, and Peony House. The emperor’s children are raised there, away from the politics and intrigue of the imperial court, but they are not idle. From a young age, they are taught the importance of their roles and are prepared for the day when they will marry to secure further alliances.”

Armin, always meticulous, asked, “And Princess Solina… you mentioned she’s from the Rose House, correct?”

���Yes,” Kiyomi replied, her gaze softening. “Princess Solina is the second eldest child of the Rose Consort, Lady Solana. She, like all of the emperor’s children, was raised in the garden, surrounded by beauty and luxury. But while her life may seem sheltered, she is far from naïve. Princess Solina knows her role, and she carries it with grace.”

Mikasa, who had remained quiet, spoke up, her voice low. “But does she have a choice in all this? It sounds like she’s just another pawn in her father’s plans.”

Kiyomi sighed, a heavy silence following her words. “In Valoria, duty comes before personal desire. Princess Solina is beloved by her people, but she is still bound by the same rules as her siblings. Her father has chosen her for this alliance because he believes it will bring Valoria and Paradis closer. Whether she wishes it or not, she will obey his command. It is the way of their empire.”

The scouts exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of the discussion hanging in the air. Eren’s gaze remained distant, his fingers drumming lightly on the table as he listened.

Kiyomi continued, her voice softening. “The emperor is not without affection for his children, but he is a ruler before he is a father. Each of his children is a piece of his legacy, and they are all expected to play their part. Princess Solina, being as beloved and influential as she is, was the obvious choice for this alliance.”

Sasha raised a hand, as if still trying to grasp the entire picture. “So, let me get this straight. The emperor keeps his family locked away in this fancy garden, only lets his kids out to marry powerful people, and now he’s sending his favorite daughter here, to marry Levi, all because he wants that ice burst stone?”

“That’s the simplest way to put it,” Kiyomi said with a small, tight smile. “But make no mistake, Valoria is a powerful empire because of these unions. Each marriage strengthens their grip on the world, and this alliance with Paradis is no different. The emperor offering his most prized daughter is a testament to how badly he wants the ice burst stone.”

Eren finally broke his silence, his voice low and cutting through the room like ice. “He’s desperate. That’s why he’s doing this.”

Kiyomi nodded, acknowledging his assessment. “Yes. The emperor is many things, but he is not foolish. He knows the value of what you have, and he is willing to offer something irreplaceable in exchange.”

Mikasa’s gaze shifted, a frown tugging at her lips as she glanced toward the door where Levi had left. “But Levi… how does he fit into this?”

Kiyomi’s eyes flickered with a mix of sympathy and understanding. “Captain Levi is seen as a symbol of Paradis’ strength. Marrying him would tie Valoria’s most beloved daughter to Humanity’s Strongest Soldier, solidifying their alliance in the eyes of the world.”

Jean crossed his arms, letting out a sigh. “So Levi’s just another piece on the chessboard, like the rest of them.”

Armin glanced at Jean, his expression thoughtful. “But if we agree to this… we’ll be putting Paradis in a much stronger position.”

Hange, ever the optimist, added, “It’s not all bad. With Valoria’s military aid and resources, we could protect ourselves from future threats. We could secure Paradis for generations.”

The war room fell into an uneasy silence, the heavy weight of their decision settling over the scouts like a thick fog. Eren sat motionless, his fingers idly tapping on the table, while Armin and Mikasa exchanged uncertain glances. Hange was the first to break the silence, standing abruptly and pushing her chair back.

"We need to decide what we're going to do," she said, her voice unusually serious. "And we need to do it quickly. Marley could attack at any moment. If we hesitate too long, we might lose the chance to secure Valoria’s help. We don’t have the luxury of time."

Armin nodded in agreement, his brow furrowed with thought. "Kiyomi’s right. Valoria’s military support could give us the advantage we desperately need, especially if Marley retaliates after what happened in Liberio. But this marriage proposal… it complicates things."

Mikasa's eyes flicked toward the door where Levi had exited. "It’s not just the marriage. We’re talking about giving them access to the ice burst stone. We have no idea what Valoria could do with that kind of power once they get their hands on it."

Jean leaned back in his chair, letting out a frustrated sigh. "It feels like we’re being backed into a corner. Either we risk everything by trusting them, or we go into another war alone. We all know how that ended last time. But dragging Captain Levi into this mess with some marriage…"

Hange waved her hand dismissively. "I’ll go get him. We can’t make this decision without him." She paused, glancing back at the group. "And he’ll want to know all the details before he’s forced into anything."

She turned and left the room, her footsteps echoing in the hallway as she made her way after Levi. As soon as the door shut behind her, the tension between the remaining scouts deepened. Mikasa’s jaw clenched as she crossed her arms tightly, her gaze darkening.

“Eren,” she started, her voice low, “are you really considering this? We’re talking about using a person—Captain—as a pawn. Don’t you see what this could do to him?”

Eren’s eyes shifted, cold and unreadable. “I don’t care what it does to him. If marrying this princess secures the future of Paradis, then we’ll use him, just like we’ll use anyone or anything we need to. This isn’t about Levi. It’s about survival.”

Armin’s eyes widened slightly at Eren’s words, a flicker of sadness crossing his face. “Eren… is that really how you see it? You’re willing to sacrifice everything—everyone—just to secure an alliance? You can’t just discard people like that.”

Eren’s expression didn’t change, his eyes fixed on the far wall. “We don’t have time for sentiment. Marley won’t wait for us to decide what feels right. They’re going to come for us, and when they do, we need to be ready.”

Mikasa stood up sharply, her hands slamming down onto the table. “It’s not just about sentiment! This is about trust. We don’t know these people. We can’t hand over Levi—or the ice burst stone—without knowing what Valoria will do with it.”

Jean looked over at Eren, a hint of frustration in his voice. “You’re making it sound like we have no other choice. Maybe we don’t have time to hesitate, but that doesn’t mean we jump headfirst into another mess. For all we know, this could blow up in our faces.”

Eren’s eyes flicked toward Jean, cold and steady. “We don’t have the luxury of doubting every step. If we do nothing, Marley will crush us. That’s the only thing we should be focusing on.”

The room went quiet again as Eren’s words settled over them. Mikasa lowered her head, her fists clenched tightly. Armin shifted uncomfortably in his seat, still deep in thought.

Meanwhile, Hange caught up with Levi a few hallways down. He stood leaning against a wall, his arms crossed, as though he’d been waiting for her. His expression was as stoic as ever, but Hange knew him well enough to catch the subtle tension in his posture.

“You were listening, weren’t you?” Hange asked, her voice casual but laced with curiosity.

Levi didn’t bother answering, his eyes flicking toward her before looking away again. “It doesn’t matter what they say. What matters is what we decide to do next.”

Hange nodded, folding her arms as she leaned against the wall beside him. “They’re all a bit on edge, understandably. This marriage proposal… it complicates things.”

“Tch,” Levi scoffed, pushing off the wall. “You don’t say.”

Hange smiled faintly. “You’re not really considering it, are you?”

Levi’s expression remained unreadable. “I’ll consider whatever keeps Paradis from getting wiped off the map. But I won’t be anyone’s pawn. Not the emperor’s, not Eren’s, not anyone’s.”

Hange chuckled softly, though the tension in her voice was clear. “That’s what I expected you’d say. Still, we need to decide soon. Marley isn’t going to wait, and we can’t afford to sit here debating all day.”

Levi glanced toward the direction of the war room, his mind still turning over everything Kiyomi had told them. He didn’t trust Valoria, didn’t trust an emperor who would offer his most prized daughter to a soldier like him. It reeked of desperation, and Levi had seen enough manipulation in his life to know when someone was trying to use him.

But he wasn’t naive. He understood the stakes. Marley’s attack was inevitable, and without help, Paradis might not survive the next wave. If marrying this princess could give them an edge, could protect his people from the next threat…

“I’ll hear them out,” Levi said finally, his voice steady. “But if I don’t like what I hear, we walk away. We’ll find another way.”

Hange’s smile widened, a mixture of relief and understanding in her eyes. “I’ll hold you to that, Levi. Let’s go back. They’re waiting for you.”

Together, they returned to the war room, where the rest of the scouts still sat in tense silence. As Levi entered, the room fell quiet, all eyes turning to him. He scanned the room briefly, taking in their expressions—some anxious, some resolute.

“Captain,” Armin started cautiously, “we’ve been discussing the situation, but we can’t make a final decision without you. We need to figure out our next move.”

Levi crossed his arms, his gaze sharp. “I’ve heard enough. If this alliance is going to give us a fighting chance, I’ll consider it. But we do this on our terms, not theirs. I won’t be anyone’s tool, and I won’t hand over the ice burst stone without knowing what they’re planning to do with it.”

Eren’s eyes locked with Levi’s, a flicker of something unreadable passing between them. “And if they’re willing to give us what we need, you’ll go through with it?”

Levi’s jaw tightened, his expression hardening. “If it’s the only way to protect Paradis, then yes. But if I see even a hint of betrayal, this alliance is over. We’ll deal with Marley on our own terms.”

The room fell silent again, the weight of Levi’s words settling over them. The decision was far from easy, and the path ahead was uncertain. But with Marley looming on the horizon, the scouts knew they had little time to hesitate.

“Then it’s settled,” Hange said quietly. “We’ll move forward with caution, but we’ll explore this alliance.”

Levi’s gaze remained fixed, his mind already turning toward the future. “Let’s hope we’re making the right choice.”

~

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[vigilante24ish]

The Shadow Queen of Tywin Lannister

Summary:

After the death of his wife, Tywin Lannister knew he would never remarry. However, when the relationships between Targaryens & Lannisters are put into question, marriage seems to be the only choice left. To his surprise, it is himself that will get married to none other than the King’s younger sister.

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Pairing: Fem!OC x Tywin Lannister Note: A mixture of Book, Show, & My Own Canon. It starts at the beginning of Areys II's reign and after. Romance will be slow & age proper. Chapter Warnings: None

Chapter 1: When a Lion & a Dragon Meet, part 1

Chapter 3: A Dragon Can Thrive Anywhere.

Chapter 2: When A Lion & a Dragon Meet, part 2

Usually, people would coward under his sharp gaze or the seriousness of his voice. Many glanced down or even retreated, none wishing to challenge the proud Lion that led the House Lannister to glory and riches.

On the other hand, she did not seem to share their thoughts or feelings. She defiantly looked back at him, not once breaking under his sharp gaze despite their height or power difference existing between them.

Yet, despite the strength and power they held on their own, there was no true challenge in those unique orbs of hers. There was pride and intelligence but no challenge, at least not in that moment. From her look alone, it was clear that she truly meant what she said.

“Pray, My Lord, but you have a rich history of successful battles and experience to back it up,” she said, trying to keep the formalities between them without overdoing it. “I do trust someone of your reputation would be knowledgeable enough to advise me with a good book that he would have read to expand his knowledge.”

Tywin remained silent for a moment, watching her under the low light of the torches. Her words were always coated in honey, but they came from a very sharp brain, and despite their age difference, he respected that.

Without saying anything else, he turned his attention to the shelf where she had been absorbed for a while now. A quick scan of the titles and he understood what she meant. Many books were often written to benefit certain parties, and thus, many things tend to be changed or altered, one could say.

His eyes landed on one specific book, and he pulled it from the shelf before turning his body to hand it to the young princess. “I believe this will suit your needs, princess. The master behind it did not alter anything, although eventually was executed for it,” he informed, exposing that he had read it.

She took it from him with a small smile, which felt more honest than her previous ones. “Thank you, Lord Hand. I trust your judgement,” she said and started heading towards her table, not far away from where they were standing.

His eyes followed her, and he noticed three books already stacked one on top of the other. He glanced at the faded titles and he did not hide his surprise. Both books were about Targaryen's History but most specifically, about two certain individuals.

Visenya I Targaryen & Naelys Targaryen

One woman brought nations to their knees for her brother and conquered kingdoms under his name. She was a fierce warrior and strategist, with a huge dragon that surpassed many that followed it across history.

The other was a woman, the last of her kind who burnt half of West in her path for vengeance. She went from a Dragon Whisperer to a Dragon Slayer, bathing herself and her dragon in the blood of both humans and dragons alike.

Both were formidable women, powerful and, above all, independent. Married or not, they did not care as they led armies and charged through the battlefields with powerful war cries. They left their marks in history, and no one ever risked tarnishing them after the death they brought with them as if offering tributes to the Stranger.

For a moment, Tywin wondered if the woman had also inherited the mark of her ancestor and not just her eyes. Of course, dragons were no more and the latest ones that existed were an embarrassment to the real ones that once flew above Valyria & Westeros alike.

Realizing his staring would become too much, he adverted his eyes elsewhere while she was busy scanning through the pages of the latest book, a quick review, before choosing to sit down and read it thoroughly.

His green eyes fell upon a board of Cyvasse on the table next to her books, but it did not seem like the princess had any other guests.

“You play, princess?” he asked out of curiosity.

He wasn’t usually one to bother with such trivial matters, but it had started to become clear who he was facing. Her brother might not be the sharpest of minds, but she was often ignored or underestimated due to her gender and her place in the royal line.

That did not mean, though, that she could not become dangerous if she truly wanted. It was up to him to figure her out and see exactly what type of woman she was. He had gotten a basic idea, but as the minutes passed, he started to realize that there were more things surrounded by the veil of mystery.

“I do, although by myself doesn’t truly leave the same satisfaction, I am afraid”, she explained, glancing from her book at him, eyes glowing as they reflected the light of a torch not so far away. “Do you wish to play, Lord Hand?” she asked next as if reading through his thoughts.

Tywin could deny her, simply as that, and he was debating. He had played against many, but almost no one proved a sufficient challenge for him, for everyone was too close-minded to truly play the game.

Yet, this perhaps could be his chance to truly test the teenage girl standing in front of him; test her brain and if all those books truly gave her insight and knowledge.

“If you have the time and the mood for it, princess,” he answered, always mindful of his words.

While she would not care, he maintained his manners and their roles. Both had roles of power, both had respect and a connection to the King, but above all, they had a decent respect for one another.

None was willing to tarnish that by being informal since it had never been clarified where they stood regarding their relationship. They were not friends but one could not truly call them partners. They were on the same side, but they operated in different circles.

Visenya smiled and sat by one of the chairs, deciding to take the black pieces and start to arrange them.

This piqued his curiosity, mostly her choice of colour, but he did not comment. Instead, he pulled another chair and sat across from her, arranging his pieces.

The game lasted for a while, and both parties fully focused on the board. When they did not, they stole secret glances at one another, mostly Tywin.

He noticed that she had chosen to wear a simple dress in the colours of black, something that made her blend with the night around her and her white loose hair shine against the shadows like real silver.

Her unique eyes were mostly focused on the board, and the faintest movement of her eyebrows was an indication that she was thinking deeply or was trying to hide her annoyance at being cornered by his moves.

Yet, he would give it to her, she did better than he expected her.

She played smart, staring a little on the defensive but quickly moving her pieces across the board to take his. Like in the real war, sacrifices were made and the most important pieces were always placed at key spots.

Their dragons moved across the board, their catapults and trebuchets protected well enough and ready to take down the flying beast. In some cases, their moves seemed to mirror one another, and in others, they played completely differently.

As more and more pieces were sacrificed, more was the time each player took before moving their next piece. The stakes were growing higher, each move more crucial than the one before it, and the silence between them was legendary.

In the end, it was Tywin who was crowned the victor. In one last attempt, he bypassed her defences and took her most precious piece; the King. Once he did that, he glanced in her direction and observed her reaction.

How one person took defeat often told a lot about their mindset and their character.

Indeed, when Visenya realized she had lost, she did not take it that kindly. Inside, she felt annoyed by such defeat but could also not help but admire the complex way her opponent played.

It was a tough game, perhaps the toughest she had ever played. She let out some air from her nose, breaking the silence that existed between them. Leaning back on the chair, hands flat on her thighs, she took a moment to take another breath.

Then, she fully faced her opponent. There was not a single hint of pride or any sign of gloating on his face. This game was a serious one and he accepted his victory in silence, enjoying the feeling of emerging victories fully inside.

She started by nodding her head at him before she spoke. “A very fine game, Lord Hand. You are a dangerous opponent in this game but also a very experienced one,” she admitted, her words hiding her mild annoyance and sore looseness with the expertise of an actor.

If Tywin had seen through it, he would not have commented on it but instead stood up slowly. “You are a challenging player yourself, princess. Your tactics did not go unnoticed,” he explained as she also stood up.

Both ended up just looking at one another, with the table separating them. Their words might sound formal, but they were honest. Each felt different emotions based on what they emerged as, but none truly showed it to the other, remaining professional and respectful until they bid goodnight and headed towards their chambers.

━─━────༺༻────━─━ 268 AC – King’s Landing, CrownLands

It had been almost two years since the fateful game of Cyvasse in the library, and in those two years, Visenya and Tywin met again and again. Their games had come to a halt for almost a full year as in 267 AC, Tywin Lannister became the official Lord of Casterly Rock.

When he returned, he did so alone, for he had left his wife and the two children back home.

His days were spent fixing the mistakes of the King, ensuring the Kingdom did not go bankrupt and no unnecessary wars were caused. Aerys had started to become more cocky, the power given to him by the crown getting into his head, and that often tested Tywin’s patience.

Thankfully for him, many of his early nights were spent in the company of the only person who did not seem in the mood to piss him off...Visenya.

If they did not play Cyvasse early into the night, they often discussed books and strategies. Mostly, it was Tywin who chose to test the princess’ knowledge, and she did not disappoint. On some other occasions, Visenya herself requested his opinion and point of view on certain topics.

The range of discussion would vary from battle tactics to the state of the realm. Her dear brother kept her in the shadows, not interested in letting her know anything, which did not settle well with her.

She wished to learn how a Kingdom truly operated, how the pieces moved in real life and the traps that awaited in every corner. Ruling a kingdom alone was challenging enough, let alone 7 in total.

Surprisingly, Tywin had filled her in and answered most of her questions. He never went into too many details or discussed more private aspects of the Kingdom, but he did share his insight with her.

He answered her questions and listened to her theories, using the time to test how perceptive she was of things and how well she took that information.

Little was left to say that he was not disappointed at all. The Young Dragoness was truly intelligent, and the years of reading influenced her thinking. She thought more like a strategist and a general than a princess or a queen.

She saw the full picture, not the single detail that mostly affected her. She could distinguish and suspect the unfaithfulness of a subject when he talked to her of hypothetical scenarios, and above all, she knew the proper way to act in all those scenarios.

Not necessarily with violence or brute force but often with manipulation, intimidation and sometimes, charm. In the end, she was a woman, and the first two did not always work in her favour.

Charm, on the other hand, perfectly matched her honey-coated words, and her quick thinking could prove a dangerous combination to face, especially when most Lords out there did not truly fight any attention a woman would give them.

Their odd relationship, though, was not fully contained within the walls of the Library. More than once, one would spot them exchanging silent talks with the view of the garden or sharing the path down to the chambers.

This did not go unnoticed by the King, who had started to feel threatened by the growing influence of Tywin. Upon seeing his sister more frequently in his presence and having heard rumours about their discussion topics, he started to see enemies in the shadows, and suddenly, the crown's weight felt too light.

One of the usual nights, Tywin and Visenya, met once again in the library for their usual game.

The two of them sat against one another, a game of Cyvasse placed between them on the table. Half the pieces had already been gone, but the biggest percentage belonged to the black ones the princess always favoured.

“You are distracted today,” Tywin pointed out, the formalities between them mostly gone when it was the two of them.

The female Targaryen frowned, her eyebrows ever so faintly, annoyance building up, but not because of the game. With a sigh of annoyance escaping her pink lips, she never let her red-flecked golden eyes leave the board.

“I am to depart for Dragonstone in the following days”, she confessed, catching her opponent by surprise as she moved her Dragon and took one of his pieces.

The Lion across from her lifted a single eyebrow, his green eyes falling on her form. Despite the annoyance and her distracted mind, she remembered to keep her body straight up and not slouch, something many women did and often failed to do.

“Pray is the reason for such a decision. I am well aware it is not yours,” he pointed out.

“You can ask the King; he took this decision without your advice, I conclude,” she commented, their eyes meeting. She could see the darkness behind them and the faint tension on his jaw, indicating he was angry. “I am to return with a proper suitor, were his order, but I do suspect there was more behind his decision.”

Tywin kept looking at her, but his mind was already occupied, his temper rising but his control of it never lacking. He was the Hand of the King; he was supposed to advise the damned boy on what he should do and what he should not.

The fact that he chose to act upon his own on such a topic, nonetheless, made him suspect things. By the look of the Princess across from him, he speculated she had reached a similar conclusion.

The fact that he had brought up the topic of suitor as his justification was an excuse, but not entirely.

The Dragon Princess had matured even more, reaching her 18th name day and her official life as an adult woman of the court; a royal one. Suitors came by the dozens, many simply interested in her titles and her connection to the King than anything else.

Yet, the woman eventually turned down each suitor, often after her smart mouth reminded them of their mistakes or left them unable to answer her well-thought questions. Her time with him and the discussion of the realm and its workings clearly showed that she was far from a naive young woman who knew nothing of the world around her.

That made her formidable and, above all, hard to manipulate. No Lord would truly be able to control her, tame her as one would say. She was too smart for them, too quick and too cunning for them to ever reach her status.

That, though, posed a problem for the King and her in the long run. It was common for Westerosi women to marry young, few ever having the ability to turn down a suitor, let alone as many as she did.

She showed some of her cards to keep them away, and that also showed many that she was no longer a little girl. She could become a challenge in the king’s way, especially with how she turned down potential alliances that could benefit him, in his mind at least.

What surprised Tywin was the fact that Aerys never used his power as King to force her into marriage. He easily could, but he did not, which was his theory's basis. She was not sent to Dragonstone to find a suitor alone; she was sent away because he started to see her as a threat.

It was not uncommon amongst royals, especially Targaryens, to often try and keep in the dark their siblings or family members; to ensure their claims to the throne were never threatened or questioned.

“You have your theories already?” he asked her after a minute of silence while he also made his next move.

To his surprise, Visenya made her own rather quickly and effectively. She might be distracted but she was still aware of the game.

Good, he thought as he kept studying her.

“I do, but they do not matter, for I know there will be no confession from him,” she replied, talking about her brother as if it was some stranger. Perhaps their relationship ended up feeling that way after he ignored her existence for all those years. “I will obey and head for Dragonstone, but I will not waste my time to find a suitor”, she confessed.

This drew his interest as he leaned slightly forward, eyes on the board but occasionally glancing her way. “Pray, princess,” he said, his voice coming with a rather odd huskiness. “What plans do you have in your mind?” he asked as he made his move.

Visenya smirked as she eyed the board, but then she let her eyes fall on him. “Patience, Lord Hand, for when the time is right, you will be informed like everyone else”, she said and made her final move, using her dragon to take down his King by using the tiniest of gaps in his defences.

The move and her words left him silent for a moment, his green eyes glowing dangerously, but his body made no move whatsoever. He looked at the board again, and once he ensured that she had indeed bested him, he nodded his head.

It was not that rare for Visenya to win during their games but in terms of total victories, Tywin had the lead by a shot.

“Well played, princess. I will await news of your plans in due time,” he finally said as they both stood up.

The Targaryen smirked and gave a courtesy bow. “I promise you, there will be no disappointment.”

Tywin wanted to scoff at her words, for she underestimated herself on certain occasions. In those 2 years they had been meeting and discussing, she had not disappointed him. She always surpassed the expectations many had of her, including him.

If she had a plan in mind, he knew it would be important; she never aimed small, which was an admirable thing in his eyes. Yet, at the thought that she would leave for even a few years, his mood did not truly fix.

Without Joanna around, the council and the king only proved to be a daily migraine with their actions. She had been a pleasant distraction, a chance to discuss properly with someone of higher intelligence, someone who truly had it within them to be a good participant in this game of Thrones, and it was rare.

He merely looked forward to her plans, always interested to see what her cunning female mind had come up with. Because at least her actions and plans were always aimed towards the good of the realm and never truly for her own selfish needs.

[spyderschaos]

I’ve solved my coloring problem 💪

[iamleesi]

THE HUNTERS & THE SOLDIER

Pairing: Avenger!Bucky Barnes x OC! Avenger Reader

Summary: You and Bucky go on a little trip to the cemetery

Warning: Mention of dead people, opening a casket, mention of kidnapping and yk the usual ->18+!!

Other: English isn’t my first language. This is more a filler chapter than anything. Also I got an idea for a new story about Viking! Bucky so be ready for that

-> Masterlist

-> Part seven ; Part nine

-> Dead People Can’t Walk (08)

“This isn’t really what I thought I’d be doing on a Friday night.” You sighed, wiping sweat from your forehead as you leaned on the shovel handle, peering up at Bucky. Five feet underground, you were digging towards the casket where Cassandra’s mysterious patient was buried. Yet, all Bucky did was shine his torch down at you, offering minimal assistance. All because he didn’t want to get dirty.

Fury had instructed Sam and Dean not to do anything illegal they typically did on a hunt which involved this kind of trip to the cemetery and in the end, Sam managed to convince his brother to lay low. But Fury never said anything of that sort to you and Bucky, so there you were.

“Talk less and dig more.” Bucky remarked, pointing the torch directly in your eyes.

“Piece of shit.” You muttered, squinting your eyes. “You could give me a hand. Aren’t you supposed to be the Super Soldier here?”

Bucky smirked. “Who’s the cannibal with super strength?”

“I’m not a cannibal and you’re stronger than me.” You grumbled, pushing back your frustration and resuming your digging.

“I thought Wendigos had plenty of stamina.” Bucky remarked, rolling his eyes. “You look like you’re struggling.”

“I’m half human, dickhead.” You shot back, purposely throwing some dirt onto his boots. “I’m starting to think you got the location wrong and you’re up there to bury me or something.”

“Dramatic, are we?” Bucky retorted, a hint of amusement in his voice.

You rolled your eyes at him. “Just kept the torch steady and shut the fuck up.” You sighed, hoping that the coffin you were looking for wasn’t buried too deep.

“I’m not the one who complained the whole night.”

You shot him a glare. “I can understand why Natasha dumped you.” You muttered under your breath, but he heard you loud and clear. “My girl made a smart choice.”

“She didn’t dump me, it was a mutual dumping.” He clarified, huffing.

“You sound as delusional as Thor.” You looked up at him. “You know, you’re unusually not grumpy today, what the fuck has gotten into you? It’s freaking me out.” You asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Has anyone ever told you that you swear too much?” He rolled his eyes. “And I’ve been trying to be more open to confrontation these days, in case you haven’t noticed. It’s called personal growth, you should try it.”

“The only thing I got in these last few days were glares.”You scoffed. “Also… personal growth? You? Seems more like a mid-life crisis.” You chuckled to yourself. “What are you? One hundred and sixty?”

“One hundred and seven, actually.” He corrected, his gaze fixed on you as you kept digging.

“Mentally you’re still what? Two, if we want to be generous?” You jabbed, glancing up at him briefly to catch the annoyed frown on his face.

“I’m actually considering what you said earlier about burying you.” He replied with mock seriousness, though you knew he was kidding. At least, you hoped he was. “And listen who’s talking; you’re what? Eighteen?”

“Almost twenty-six, for your information.” You retorted. “But really, why haven’t you given me the whole ‘I don’t trust you, you’re still with Hydra’ shit today? I kind of miss it.”

“I’m saving it for a special occasion.” Bucky shrugged, but a smile was playing on his lips. This guy was getting weird.

You let the conversation die down, still unable to shake off the lingering resentment from how Bucky had treated you during the last year. It wasn’t that you blamed him; you understood the trauma he endured because of Hydra and you knew he acted that way with you because you had served them ‘willingly’. Probably, in his place, you’d be the same.

Still, just because you understood didn’t mean you had to tolerate whatever he said or did. It was an explanation, not an excuse, and you had proven yourself to be a trustworthy person time and time again while being an Avenger. So his talk of ‘personal growth’ - as ironic as it was - could be shoved where the sun didn’t shine.

After what felt like an eternity, your shovel finally hit something solid. Kneeling down, you pondered on how to open the coffin without damaging it - after all, it was still the final resting place of someone.

Bucky, however, had different ideas as usual. He descended into the hole with you, slightly pushing you aside as he used his metal arm to open the coffin. Together, you peered inside only to find… nothing. It was empty.

“Hold on a second.” You said, seizing the torch from his hand and pointing it directly into the coffin to make sure your eyes didn’t play a joke on you. “Are you sure this was the right place?”

“Yes, Emma.” Bucky sighed heavily, the frustration was evident in his voice.

“Then what happened? Are we about to witness a zombie apocalypse?! Because dead people can’t walk, they don’t just get up and leave their graves for a night walk.”

Bucky just looked at you silently, trying to find an explanation but nothing came, so he just bit his lower lip and scanned the empty coffin once again.

As your phone vibrated in your pocket, you retrieved it to see Dean’s name flashing on the screen. “Dean?” You answered, putting him on speaker.

“Hey, uh… we’re at Malcom Donovan’s house, and I think you should come take a look.” Dean’s voice came through, laden with concern.

“Weren’t you supposed to be at the Miller’s?” Bucky interjected, as you both shared a skeptical glance.

“Yes, but it was empty. Completely empty, so we decided to check out Donovan’s place.” Dean explained briefly.

“Empty?!” You echoed, feeling a surge of alarm. “What about the Wendigo?”

“It wasn’t there.” Sam’s voice chimed in. “The door was wide open when we arrived, blood everywhere, but no sign of Mrs Miller or anyone else. It looks like the creature attacked her… because let’s face it, how likely is it that she could have escaped?”

“What did you two find?” Dean asked.

“Nothing.” You answered, glancing at the empty coffin one last time.

“What do you mean nothing?”

“We mean nothing, Dean.” Bucky took a breath. “No one is buried here, we’ve been digging for nothing.”

“We?!” You squealed, incredulous, but he only suppressed a smirk.

“Alright, meet us here and we’ll trying to figure something out.” Dean said, hanging up the phone.

Letting a sigh, you put your phone back into your pocket and without exchanging a word, you and Bucky climbed out of the hole. Or, to say it better, he climbed out of it.

“Mind giving me a hand?” You asked, extending your arm so he could grab it and help you out. But before he could respond, you glanced at the scene before you again, feeling defeated. You had experience to at least find a cadaver - as awful as it sounds - to see if there was something that could tell you who the man was and maybe see if he could give you some lead on the case. Instead, you found absolutely nothing.

“I do mind.” He replied bluntly, leaving you dumbfounded.

You suppressed your frustration at his lack of cooperation and you pulled yourself out of the hole, getting dirtier in the process than you already were.

“I’m not closing it.” You then declared, passing the shovel to Bucky once he got to your side.

He looked at you, shrugging. “Then it can stay open.”

You swore your eyes rolled so far back into your head at his nonchalant response that they almost saw the back of your skull. With a frustrated huff, you tossed the shovel back into the hole. You were done for the night, and you had other places to be.

As you walked past Bucky, purposely bumping shoulders with him (action you regretted immediately since you hit his metal part and it would probably leave a bruise), you made your way to the exit of the lonely, creepy cemetery. The knowledge that ghosts were real made the atmosphere ten times worse, especially in this section where the gravestones were nameless and only a row of crosses stood, impaled on the ground. The only sound was the cawing of ravens perched on the trees above.

And last but not least, you could feel Bucky’s eyes on your figure even if he was just a few feet behind you. “You have a staring problem.” You remarked.

“I’m staring at my problem, it’s different.” He corrected you, causing you to turn your head and send him a death glare. “What?”

“So many snarky comments for someone who claimed to have had a personal growth in less than a week.” You retorted, keeping your peace steady.

“Just because I’m starting to be more open to the idea that perhaps this time you’re not a threat, doesn’t mean I like you.” He stated, putting up with your peace - which wasn’t hard considering he was much taller than you. “In fact, I don’t.”

“You’re a pain in the ass, you know that?” You said through clenched teeth. “And I’ve already told you that what Hydra did to you wasn’t much different from what they did to me. And if you think-”

“I don’t think you’re a monster.” He cut you off, catching you off guard.

“I beg your pardon?” You replied, stopping in your tracks, and he gave you his usual annoyed expression.

“I don’t think you’re a monster.” He repeated. “I’m sorry for making you think I see you as one. I just don’t… can’t bring myself to not see you as a threat.” He said again.

“You’re… apologizing?” You stammered, taken aback by his words. Never in a million years you’d have thought this day would come.

“I’m just saying that maybe I shouldn’t have been so harsh. And I still don’t trust you fully, so get that expression out of your face.” He added, looking at you.

“Bucky Barnes just apologized to me and you think I can act all unbothered? I’m gonna throw a party. Actually if you can say that again so I can film it, I w-“

“Who’s there?” A voice interrupted, causing you both to tense. “You’re not going to steal another body from this cemetery, do you hear me?! Last time was enough!” He kept shouting.

You and Bucky spotted the night guard looking around with his torch, and without waisting another second, you both hurried away from the road as fast as you could. You grabbed Bucky’s arm, keeping a firm grip on it, to avoid getting separated knowing that in the almost pitch-black darkness, it would be difficult to find each other.

As you moved, careful not to make any unnecessary sounds, you could hear the guard talking and you hoped he wasn’t alerting the police. Bucky dragged you somewhere and his voice faded in the distance. He brought you both into what what you imagined was a small cabin and he closed the door behind you.

There was some light filtering in through the only window, which was almost useless. As you began to move around, you quickly realized there wasn’t much room to maneuver around- it felt more like a closet than anything else. Your back met the wall, and you found yourself uncomfortably close to Bucky’s chest. You hated it.

Or so you told yourself.

“Can’t you move?” You muttered, feeling a strange mixture of discomfort and intimacy, and you quickly put your hands on his chest to keep some distance but it was more useless than anything.

“No.” He replied. “There’s no space in here.”

“Wherever you are, the police is arriving! You won’t get away with it this time, you hear me?!” The man shouted again, his voice sounding ominously close.

“I really hope this isn’t some… closet where he keeps his things, or else we’re screwed.” You said.

“Did you hear what he said?” He whispered down to you.

“Somebody came here to resume a cadaver, yes.” You nodded, attempting to squeeze between him and the other wall trying to reach the door. “Do you think it has to do with the patient we’re looking for? Would explain why the guy wasn’t in there.” You speculated.

You waited for an answer as you tried to peer outside through the peephole. Unable to properly reach it, you stood on your tiptoes only to feel Bucky’s hand grip your waist.

“Stop moving like that.” He grunted, trying to take a few steps back to create more space between the two of you but it was futile.

You were suddenly glad for the darkness, or else he would have caught the redness of you cheeks as you realized your lower back hit his crotch - if you could, you’d die on the spot.

“Sorry, I was just trying to see if he’s around. Maybe we can leave before the police gets here.” You hastily explained, clearing your throat after the awkward moment.

He sighed audibly, but instead of moving away, he pressed his chest against your back as he looked through the peephole himself getting closer than before, his chin close to your temple. “I can see the torchlight.” He said, his hand still firm on your waist.

“Mh.” You just mumbled in response. The proximity felt strange, considering he had kept his distance for as long as you could remember, yet you didn’t push him away or attempt to create space between you two. And neither did he.

“You know,” He started, his mouth close to your ear, his hand still lingering on your waist. “I can hear your heart beating faster, didn’t think you’d get nervous so easily.” He remarked teasingly. “I don’t bite.”

“It’s because we ran.” You replied, trying to keep your voice steady despite the nervous flutter in your chest. “We should leave before the police gets here.”

“If you say so.” He responded, removing his hand from your waist, and you felt the warmth of his touch go away. “Wouldn’t mind staying here for a bit longer. See how things turns out, maybe something exciting will happen… with the case.” He clarified in the end, but it seemed he was teasing you more than anything else.

As he said that, you flung open the door of the cabin, your anger boiling beneath the surface. What was his fucking problem? He had ignored you for as long as you’d known him and now all of a sudden he was being flirtatious or whatever that was. You were fuming. He didn’t get to act all charming when just a few days ago, he wouldn’t even look you in the eyes.

Not even days ago, for fuck’s sake, moments ago.

“Hey!” He shouted in a whispered tone as you stumbled out of the small cabin.

“We need to go, Dean’s waiting for us.” You said, without looking back. “Don‘to say another word or I swear to God I’ll have your tongue.”

You marched forward, your pace was steady considering how angry you were feeling. Casting occasional glances behind you, you monitored the guard’s movements. Bucky’s steps echoed behind you, but he stopped suddenly when you veered off the path leading to the cemetery’s exit.

“Where are you going?” He demanded, following you closed behind. “The gate is that way.” He persisted.

“The police will be coming from that direction too, genius.” You retorted sharply, walking towards a corner of the cemetery careful not to destroy anyone’s resting place.

“I can barely see you.” He mumbled, managing to see your movements in the dark. In that part of the cemetery, the only source of light came from the moon as the lamps were too far away.

“Help me.” You instructed, arriving at a towering wall. The main exist was too risky, so you opted to climb over the wall.

Bucky approached you, but didn’t complain as he cupped his hands together, creating a solid platform for you to step on. You moved forward, placing your foot on his hands, pushing off with all your strength as he hoisted you upwards.

Once you reached the top of the wall, you grabbed onto its edge and steadied yourself. Peering down at Bucky, you distinctly saw him reach out a hand waiting for you to help him back.

“Mind giving me a hand?” He called out.

“I do mind.” You retorted, a smirk playing on your lips - though he probably couldn’t see it due to the darkness. With a decisive leap, you jumped off the wall leaving him stranded on the other side.

Petty, maybe, but as the police sirens drew nearer, you couldn’t help but smirk before briskly walking away.