#dave stutler x reader

[bayjaruchel]

Whoops

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Pairing: Dave Stutler/AFAB Reader

Rating: Explicit

Summary: You haven't seen Dave — your best friend — in a while, so you decide to pay him a visit. (4.4k) (originally posted on ao3)

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It was true that Dave got busy sometimes, with his classes and all. You didn't mind not seeing your best friend for a couple of days; it wasn't like you'd die without his semi-awkward presence. (Even if it sure felt like it sometimes, due to your incredible fondness for him that probably wasn't as platonic as it should've been.) 

However, this time, it'd been a solid week with absolutely no word from him. True, he'd given you the bare minimum of a heads-up. Some big project he had to bury himself in. But, seriously, he couldn't even bother to text? It bugged you. 

That was why you were here, outside his apartment, with the spare key in one hand and some leftovers in the other. You knew Dave well. When he was focused on something, he didn't think about much else. If your intuitions were correct, he was probably living off of stale chips right now. 

After turning the key in the lock, you stepped inside what could be described as a bachelor pad. Bennett was nowhere to be seen, which was a little sad since you did genuinely enjoy his company. Even if he was a little intense sometimes, who wasn't? He was friendly, usually greeting you from his normal perch on the couch. As your gaze darted to said (ugly) couch, you couldn't help but wonder what he was up to absentmindedly. 

You weren't here for him, though. So, you proceeded down the hallway to Dave's room. 

His door was closed. No surprise there, considering his current debacle. Probably wanted to work undisturbed. You felt a small pang of guilt upon the realization that you were disturbing him — but it was for a good cause, so you mentally shrugged it off, reaching for the doorknob. He probably wouldn't mind the company. 

That was when you heard it. 

A sound. It was quiet, but your ears still picked up on it. Almost like a … sigh? Not quite, though. You paused where you stood for a moment, unsure. 

Maybe Dave was just getting frustrated over something related to his project. Yeah, that was probably it. You reached for the doorknob again, not wanting to delay your grand entrance any further. 

And then. You heard something else. But it wasn't the sigh again. This time — and you clearly heard it, so you knew you couldn't be mistaken — it was a distinct whisper of your name. 

Was he … ? 

No. He couldn't be. No, he was just — well, you didn't know what he was doing, but it couldn't be that. You were going to walk in, give him the leftovers, and he'd thank you, probably looking like he hadn't slept in a week because he hadn't. That was what would happen, and you really didn't know why you were standing outside of his door, listening like some sort of … pervert. What was there to listen to, anyway? 

You opened the door, expecting to see Dave hunched over his laptop, eyebags a dull shade of purple. 

But. 

You didn't even register what you saw in its entirety. Instead, you processed it in little bits, like a bad Baz Luhrmann quick-cut montage. 

He was seated on his bed. Legs spread. Flushed a lovely pink. Head tilted backward; mouth opened in an almost pornographic, perfect 'O' —

You knew you shouldn’t be looking — but you couldn’t tear your eyes away from him — cock flushed in his hand, a bead of precum at the tip that you suddenly had the urge to lick off. And as you kept looking, face heating up in an instant, he moaned again, in an almost pained-sounding tone. Under his breath, almost like a plea, he murmured something once more as his head lolled to the side. 

It was your name. Again. 

He was jerking off … to you. 

Regretfully, you dropped the plastic container of leftovers, which landed with a gentle thud just loud enough to alert Dave to your presence. 

His eyes flew open, and he scrambled backward, sending his sheets flying in the frantic process of covering himself. "Oh — oh my god! I — " Now his face was a flaming red, and it wasn't because of his previous activities. "I - I'm so sorry, oh my god, I should've noticed you, shit, shit— " 

You were speechless for a few moments, and he took that as a bad thing, bunching up the blankets in his fists. "... Shit. Okay. This is really, really bad," he muttered, more to himself than you, "Man, I couldn't even hear the front door open? Oh, god, this has got to be some sort of nightmare — " He made a couple of unintelligible noises, before raising his volume. 

" Uh." Refusing to make eye contact, he firmly fixed his eyes on one of his many posters. "You're … Probably mad at me. I'm sorry." 

A pause, which you didn't know how to fill. 

"You … " Dave just looked ashamed. Like he wanted to sink through the floor and never come back up again. You were all too familiar with that look, and it made your heart sink, despite your current situation. " … Overheard, right?" Utterly defeated, he lowered his gaze to his lap. 

Still in mild shock, you finally managed to speak. " … Yeah." 

"Shit." Burying his face in his hands, he seemed unable to look directly at you. 

You couldn't think of anything to say. The silence hung heavy in the air. 

Eventually, Dave broke it. His voice was muffled, but he still sounded completely embarrassed. 

"Well … I guess there's no use keeping it hidden now." He exhaled sharply before he dropped the second bombshell of the night that you probably should've seen coming. 

"I have … I've had feelings for you. Okay? Like, more-than-friendship feelings." Another sigh, and he pressed his face further into his palms, sounding increasingly self-deprecating. "It's stupid. Really. But I … I couldn't help it. It just happened." 

Voice trembling, Dave sounded almost helpless. Lost. "... I didn't want to tell you this way, okay? I had this whole, um, thing prepared about how much you mean to me, and … stuff like that, but … " He laughed, weakly. "There you go, I guess. You can go ahead and reject me now." 

"What?" You couldn't help but interject in disbelief. 

"It's fine, really." Dave's hands slid down an inch to reveal tired eyes. "No hard feelings. I get it. You only see me as a friend, I'm like a brother to you, etc. Whatever reasoning you have, it's okay. I get it." 

"But— " 

"Really!" He was almost hysterical at this point. "It's fine! I understand! If I walked in on something like this, I'd be pretty freaked out too, okay? Because—" 

"Hey— " 

"— right, it's super weird, and I really should've noticed but I was, uh, distracted — Jesus, that's not the point— " 

"Would you let me speak?" You interrupted, maybe a bit louder than you initially intended. 

But, he did shut up. And so you took the opportunity provided. 

"Who said I was going to reject you?" 

This time, it was his turn to gape, hands dropping into his lap, awkward ramblings fading into open surprise. It took him a little while to process the meaning of your statement, but when he did; you noticed his ears were a very unmistakable pink. The rest of his face was, too. But this time, he wasn't trying to hide it. That might've been because of his obvious bewilderment, though. 

He raised his fist to his mouth, clearing his throat.  

"Um, me?" 

You couldn't help but snort. "You're an idiot." 

Dave grimaced. "I probably deserve that." 

"No, it's not what you think." Picking up the fallen box of leftovers, you placed it on his dresser. Turning back to face him, you felt your heart beat faster. "Dave." 

"Yes?" He looked to be preparing himself for the worst. 

"I'm not going to reject you, because … " You took a steadying breath.  "I feel the same way." 

He inhaled, sharply. And then his tone dropped. Softly. 

"You do?" 

You moved a little closer to him, and when he made no move to scooch backward on his bed, you gingerly sat on the edge of the mattress farthest away from him. "Yeah," you replied, equally as hushed. "I do." 

His previous uncertainty slowly faded into relief, tension bleeding from his shoulders. Letting go of the sheets, which he'd been strangling with white-knuckled fists, he smoothed out his hair a little. Not that it'd do much, since his curls had a mind of their own. 

"Wow," he said at last, corners of his mouth curving upwards in a smile that made your chest swoop. "You do." 

"Right," you answered, beaming. 

For a second, you just looked at one another.

Ultimately, you weren't sure who leaned in or reached out first — but your brain only registered his lips on yours, and his thumb gently tracing your cheek. You'd only imagined what kissing him would feel like — and those were some pretty good feats of imagination — but even though he was slightly clumsy and inexperienced, this blew all of your idle daydreams out of the water. 

When you parted, Dave was staring at you like you were the most gorgeous thing he'd ever seen. He opened his mouth — probably to say something profound, meaningful— but decided against it, and instead kissed you again. Not like you were complaining, anyway; you were at a loss for words yourself. 

At first, you kissed slowly. Sweetly. Passionately. Making up for lost time, you supposed. You were content, of course, because you'd already wanted this for so long. He was a quick learner, though, and within more than a few minutes had lost the touch of awkwardness he'd initially possessed. The hand on your cheek moved to cradle the back of your head, pulling you closer. You couldn't help threading your fingers through his hair, and he sighed into your mouth. 

Soon, though, it became clear that neither of you would be content with just slow kissing. And before long, you were practically making out with your best friend on his bed. He returned whatever you gave him, making little enthusiastic sounds now and then that did nothing but fuel your rising need. 

That, and the fact that when you shuffled closer to wrap your arms around his neck, his cock pressed against your thigh. 

He hissed immediately, eyes snapping open. " Oh - " 

"Look at that," you couldn't help but smirk. "Hello." 

Reluctantly, he looked up at you, bottom lip caught between his teeth. His pupils were blown wide, his lips red and slightly swollen. The sight alone was enough to make you intensely aware of your own … predicament. But not enough to make you lose focus. 

"Hi," he muttered shyly, and you could tell from just that word that he was already worked up. 

Smiling, you couldn't help but glance downward to see what you were working with; he squirmed a little when he noticed what you were doing. Upon quick observation, you assumed he was of average length and girth. But what he perhaps lacked in uniqueness, he made up for with the fact that he had a very pretty cock. You knew it would feel perfect inside you — but that was for another day. Now, though … 

"You wanna keep kissing?" Keeping your arms where they were, you didn't make a single move. 

He swallowed, Adam's apple bobbing. "Yes," he breathed, "I'd — I'd like that." 

Dave seemed to like it when you licked into his mouth, legs gradually spreading just enough to fit you between his thighs. After your whispered insistence, his hands began to stray from just above your neck and eventually landed firmly on your waist. Even though his grip was strong, you detected that his fingers were trembling slightly. 

His breath hitched when you guided him to pull your shirt off, though he was a little reluctant to let you when you moved to help him out of his. But, he did let you eventually, allowing you a good few moments to rake your eyes over his slim torso before he leaned in to kiss you again, hands wandering over your bare back. Almost reverently, in how gentle his touch was. 

Although you were just as enraptured with his lips as he was with yours, you weren't oblivious to the little shivery motions he was making with his hips. Even though part of your brain was screaming at you to push him over and give him everything you had, you were also determined not to touch him where he needed it most until he made it clear that he wanted you to. 

It seemed that would be soon, after all, based on the near- whine he let out when you playfully nipped his lower lip. And you were right, of course, because not even five seconds later —

He leaned back just enough to break the kiss, with a wet sound that shouldn't have been as satisfying as it was. He wasn't quite panting yet, but he was getting there; you could practically feel the warm puffs of his breath, and almost instinctively you lowered your hands to loosely wrap around the back of his neck. 

Dave shivered, and his tongue darted out to nervously wet his lips, even though they were nowhere near dry. When he spoke, he sounded … bashful, but there was still an underlying layer of urgency, like the hardness still settled against your clothed inner thigh. "Uh," he murmured, flushing deeper, "can you …?" 

This was too good. Maybe it was a bit cruel of you to keep teasing him, but you were sure anybody in your position would understand your thought process. 

"Can I … what?" You stayed where you were. 

He gave you a look that could only be described as a pout. 

Cute as it was, he hadn't yet elaborated on what exactly he wanted out loud, and so, again, you didn't move. Finally, he seemed to understand what game you were playing, and let out a long sigh, pursing his lips. 

"Can you touch me?" He said under his breath, just loud enough for you to hear. And then, he added a soft "... Please?" 

You smiled, inner sadist appeased. "Gladly." 

Moving your gaze back downward — oh, you wished you could take more time in mapping out the rest of his body, from the slight fuzz on his thighs to the faint freckles on his shoulders — but you'd assumed the amount of petting you'd exchanged was almost more than he could take. For now. 

Still, you knew you couldn't just reach out and grab it, even if that was probably what he wanted. 

Delicately, you traced down his torso, down over the thin line of dark hair leading down to coarser strands. Down to where he wanted you. When you made contact just below his stomach, his abdominal muscles involuntarily clenched. You smiled, ignoring his cock for a second to thumb indulgently at his soft inner thighs. 

He liked that, too. 

He liked it most, however, when you finally wrapped a hand around him. 

Dave's breath escaped in a shuddery gasp, hips lifting just a touch. "Oh, God— " 

You didn't have much in the way of lube, so you couldn't go too fast. But he seemed to be enjoying himself, and the firm yet gentle strokes you were giving him. He enjoyed it enough that you noticed he was biting his lip again; probably in an attempt to keep any noises from escaping. It was understandable, but not something you wanted. 

"C'mon," you murmured, "I wanna hear you, okay? You were just fine earlier." Encouragingly, you thumbed over his tip. "Wanna hear that you're feeling good." 

"Okay," he breathed, "okay." 

You moved a little closer, watching him almost hungrily. You hadn't exactly expected him to be a master in bed, but not to this degree. Yeah, he wasn't smooth and tended to flee at the worst times. But you hadn't thought he'd fall apart this easily in your hands. 

He let out a long, drawn-out sigh that pitched up into an almost inaudible whimper when you twisted your wrist. Speeding up a little, but not too much for fear of creating too much friction, you did it again. His eyes fluttered shut as he made a quiet, choked noise, hips twitching upwards into your grip. 

You were quickly growing impatient, and after a few more minutes, you paused your movements and withdrew your hand. 

Dave's eyes flew open immediately, and he looked rather distraught. "Wh - why'd you stop?" He protested weakly, and you were only a tiny bit ashamed to admit you were proud of being the reason for his current state. 

Without skipping a beat, you spit into your palm and then offered it to him. 

"Go on. Spit." 

After he looked at you, confused, you raised your eyebrows. "I don't want to hurt you — and I'm assuming you don't have lube." 

His already-present flush darkened. "Ye - yeah, you're right. Um … " Hesitating, he lowered his head and then did as you said. You caught his grimace as he straightened back up, and couldn't help but snort. 

"Don't worry, I'll remember to bring some next time." 

"Oh, okay — wait, next ti—?" 

Dave's words devolved into a moan as you began pumping him again. " — Oh, ohh — '' 

This time, with the added slick, you could actually get somewhere. It was your turn to bite your lip as you observed— his mouth fell open, so pink and inviting, and you couldn't help but lean in to kiss him. He reciprocated eagerly, and you gratefully took in every noise he made, muffled against your lips. His hand reached up to cup your cheek again, his palm warm against your flushed skin. 

Again, you were aware of the potential mess you'd make in your underwear, but that was hardly important right now. Dave was taking everything you were giving him, and beautifully at that. You just had to tell him so, and you did, whilst pressing open-mouthed kisses down the side of his neck. 

He liked that a lot. He also liked when you nipped, gently— his answering gasp pitched up into another whimper, and you felt yourself throb. 

You stayed where you were, nose against his jugular as you continued jacking him off. "That's good?" You asked breathlessly, aware that you were losing your composure, but not doing much to stop it from happening. 

"Ye - yees," he panted, eyes half-lidded, "so, so — nnh — good — " 

"Were you already close when I walked in?" Not like you couldn't already tell, from how his slit was starting to dribble pre-cum — maybe he'd even been edging himself, there was too much for that not to be the case — but you wanted to hear him say it. You rubbed over his tip, relishing in the small whine it earned you. 

"I — " The hand against your jaw drew you closer to his neck, and you obliged, firmly kissing the same spots that had made him squirm before. He tilted his head backward to give you easier access. "Ye - yeah, I was — mhh — close, yeah — " A breathy noise, and his eyes squeezed shut. "Ohfuckplease — " 

"Please what?" You asked sweetly, before lightly scraping your teeth down to the divot between his neck and shoulder. 

Dave shuddered. "Please … please, I wanna … " His hand found the back of your head, pulling you closer, urging you to continue. "I wanna cum, please, let me— " 

You let out a small sound yourself, at the implication that you were entirely in control. He would finish all over his chest if you let him; desperation palpable, he was starting to thrust up into your fist. "Pleasepleaseplease," he murmured, "fuck, aah— don't stop— " 

As good as he sounded, you weren't done with him yet. There were a lot of things you wanted to do to Dave, but there was one thing specifically that you could do right now. So, you let go. His expression was priceless — and made you feel a little bad — dismay mixed with almost pathetic desperation shouldn't have been as hot as it was.

"Th - that's not fair," he whined, voice shaky, hips twitching up into nothing — "I literally just — I was so close—" 

"I know," you cooed, pressing an apologetic peck to his ruddy cheek. "But listen, okay? I'll make it up to you in a sec." 

It wasn't until you guided him to sit on the edge of the bed and sank to your knees between his trembling thighs that he realized what you meant. His lips parted soundlessly, and he looked down at you with a mix of apprehension and reverence. 

"A - are you sure?" He stammered as you kissed up his inner thigh. "I — that can't be comfortable for your knees, I should've gotten you a pillow or— " 

His prioritization of you made your heart ache, but his babbling wasn't really what you wanted to hear. The carpet was pretty fluffy, after all, and you had a feeling that you wouldn't be down here for long. Without much more hesitation, you wrapped your hand around the base of his cock, and slid the tip into your mouth. 

Dave's reaction was instant — a high-pitched exclamation that lowered into a moan as you gradually took more of him. You were grateful he wasn't too big; just thick enough that your mouth stretched a little to fit. His hands hovered awkwardly for a moment, but you sighed appreciatively as he tentatively placed one behind your head.  

You looked up at him after maybe half a minute, and he already looked gone. His eyes were shut tightly, mouth open — brow furrowed, he whimpered unabashedly as you swirled your tongue around him, determined to suck him to completion. Every so often, his thighs jerked, as if he was holding back from fucking into your mouth. 

Wrapping your hand around him again, you pulled off for a moment to breathe, before leaning in to mouth at his slit. All the while, you kept fisting his cock. 

Although you weren't the most aware of how much time had passed, you registered when he was close again — cupping his balls, lightly stroking his perineum. Pleas kept falling from his swollen lips as if he couldn't help it. 

"Ohh —" he whined, finally, "I'm gonna — gonna— " 

You felt him tense before he let out a long moan, followed by a few short ah, ah, ahs as you let him cum onto his stomach. His face contorted in pleasure, cock twitching as spurts of cum landed just below his heaving chest. 

Letting him ride it out, you stroked him gently until he was finished, pink-faced and satisfied. 

He let out a long sigh, smiling down at you. 

"Jeez." 

Only wincing a little, you got up and sat next to him. He instinctively went in for a kiss, but you backed away, snickering. "Hey, I just sucked your dick." 

"Don't care," he frowned, "kiss me." 

And how could you say no? He didn't even flinch when your lips met his, enthusiastically reciprocating the sweet, ridiculously passionate display of affection. In what would probably become a future habit, he thumbed your cheekbone after you parted. 

Suddenly, he was concerned again. "Wait." 

"What?" You blinked at him. "Something wrong?" 

Dave shook his head quickly. "No, no — well, maybe? I guess? I just— " He raised his other hand to cup your face. "I - I wanna …" 

Patiently, you asked again. "What?" 

"You didn't … You didn't cum, right?" His cheeks, though they were still flushed, darkened ever so slightly. "It's only fair if I … y'know, reciprocate, right?" 

You had to admit, you were a bit surprised. You'd expected him to collapse onto the bed and fall asleep right there. There wasn't anything wrong with that, not in the slightest. But his offer … You were suddenly aware of your pulse, throbbing within your sex. Nothing a little bathroom visit couldn't fix, but again, if he was willing to … 

The next few minutes were a blur. You had made it clear that you were okay with him just using his hand, but he'd insisted. And so, you'd repositioned yourself where he'd been earlier, and it was his turn to lower himself onto the ground. 

What he lacked in experience, he made up with sheer enthusiasm— taking you into his mouth, he sucked and licked almost feverishly, groaning at your taste. You were already worked up, so it wasn't long before you were threading your fingers through his curls, sighing as he found your most sensitive spots.

You apologized after the first time you accidentally pulled at his hair, but his answering whimper told all. 

Before long, you were cumming, and he seemed more than content to take it all, mouthing at you through one of the most intense orgasms of your life. 

Once you'd come down from your high, his lips were on yours again. Tasting yourself on him made you sigh into his mouth, eyelids suddenly heavy. 

"We should get cleaned up," you murmured, eyes flicking down his torso. "Or … I should clean you up. With a towel or something." 

A moment, in which neither of you moved. 

"Let's go together," he announced. And so you did. 

After wiping him off, and getting some water, you settled into his bed. It was dark out, the faint sounds of the city coming from outside the window. Drowsily, you tucked yourself into his bare chest, and he wrapped an arm around you. Despite his lean frame, he was warm. Very much so. You enjoyed the feeling of his body next to yours. 

"Does this mean we're dating?" Dave asked abruptly. 

You gave him a look, but he just shrugged the best he could in his position. "I don't know. Maybe this is, like, a friends-with-benefits situation? A — uh, what's the word? Fuckbuddies? I mean, really, it's up to you and whatever you want— " 

" I want to date you," you emphasized. "God damn it, I want to take you out and do all that mushy couple stuff." 

He was silent for a second, and then you both lapsed into quiet giggles. 

After he'd recovered, his eyes softened, leaning over to kiss your forehead. 

"I'm glad we're on the same page," he whispered. "You have no idea how happy I am right now." 

You fell asleep like that. Comfortably, tangled under his wrinkled sheets. You'd imagined this countless times, but that couldn't compare to the reality of the situation — Dave had pined for you, just like how you'd probably been pining for him since the sixth grade. 

The leftovers still sat on his dresser. 

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

It's a highway to hell but, oh the things we do for love - Masterlist

This fic is a Greek mythology au. This fic includes: betrayal, attempted human sacrifice, violence, choking, character death, cursing, forced marriage, mentions of nightmares, references to Greek mythology, enemies to lovers, and manipulation.

The fic title is a combination of two song titles. One of the song titles is Highway to Hell by AC/DC and the other song title is The Things We Do For Love by 10cc.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

[meganlpie]

Nonsensical Soulmark

I’ve had this idea in my head for a little while even though this isn’t a character I typically write for, but as Ducky has recently decided she likes “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”, I’ve been getting a lot of ideas for one Maxim Horvath. So here you go! *Familiar Characters are not mine!*

Story: In a world where you have your soulmate’s age on your skin until you meet them, you are puzzled by your own mark. Not a number. A question mark. 

Warnings: Soulmate AU(surprise, surprise), angsty-ish. Open to writing a 2nd part. Not a normal fandom for me to write for.

Pairings: reader(written with fem! in mind, but no fem!pronouns were used), Maxim Horvath, Balthazar Blake x Veronica(mentioned), Dave Stutler.

When you reached a certain age, a number was supposed to appear on your skin. The number was supposedly the age your soulmate would be when you met them and it appeared in the first place your soulmate would touch your skin. The fact that your mark was on your wrist didn't faze you. What did bother you was the fact that your mark was…different. Instead of a number, you had a question mark glaring back up at you from your skin.

         It made absolutely no sense. How could the universe NOT know how old your soulmate would be when you met them? Your best friend, Dave, had been lucky. He met his soulmate at the ripe old age of ten. Granted, that was a rough time for him, but he had recently reconnected with her and things seemed to be going well aside from his new friend, Balthazar.

         You didn't care what Dave told everyone; that man was NOT his uncle. He wasn't your soulmate either. He had touched you, but it was the wrong wrist. Not that it mattered. You really didn't want for him to be your soulmate. He irritated you and he was most definitely not your type. You hoped your soulmate was nothing like Balthazar. And it seemed your hopes would be realized when you met him.

         Dave had asked you take Tank for a walk since he had been so busy with Balthazar. You'd reluctantly agreed so now you were entering Dave's "secret lab" of sorts to pick up the canine. You froze on the spot when you saw Balthazar being pinned to one of Dave's contraptions by, seemingly nothing. Two other people looked up at you and for a moment, it felt like a never ending staring contest.

         You completely ignored the Depeche Mode wannabe in favor of staring into the deep, dark eyes of the older gentlemen. Electricity crackled between you as you stared at one another. Then, as quickly as everything froze, chaos broke loose again.

         The feeling of moving against your will made you nauseous. You couldn't even process the fact that you were floating through the air toward the older gentleman you'd been gazing at. As soon as you were close to him, he grabbed your wrist. His grip wasn't tight. Only tight enough you couldn't get away. Without thinking, your hand came up of its own free will and smacked him across the face.

         His head whipped to the side and your eyes widened. You hadn't meant to do that. You weren't usually a violent person. But what surprised you more was that, as he turned back to you, something shimmered around his face. When the shimmering stopped you were greeted with sight of your name across his cheek. You gasped rather loudly as you registered that your felt like your wrist was on fire.

         The man dropped your wrist and whatever had been holding you up suddenly let go, sending you to the floor. That didn't faze you however as you instantly picked your hand up to look at your wrist. Sure enough, in place of the ridiculous question mark, there was now a name. Maxim Horvath.

         To your surprise, Balthazar began chuckling. You swung your eyes over to him for a moment. "Seems like your soulmark was right after all, wasn't it, Horvath?" The other gentleman, Maxim, glared at Balthazar with a venom you'd never seen before. The two of them continued a conversation that confused you. Something about a woman. As much as you didn't want it to hurt, it was clear Maxim wasn't happy about finding his soulmate.

         The next thing you knew, Maxim and his crony were leaving. His dark eyes met your gaze for a brief moment before he left. If you hadn't known better,  you could have sworn he looked guilty. Dave was at your side. "You okay?" You shook your head as tears began to fall. "No, David. I'm not freaking okay! All this time. All this time thinking the universe was against me and sure enough, I was right! I just met my soulmate and he wants NOTHING to do with me! Not to mention the weird crap that just happened right in front of me! When the hell were you going to tell me you went to Hogwarts, Dave?!" Dave laughed softly, shaking his head while Balthazar looked unimpressed.

         "Horvath has been looking for you for a long time," Balthazar interjected, earning a glare from you. You really didn't like that man. "I'm sorry, did you see the way he looked at me?" Balthazar nodded.

         "I did. His soulmark stopped making sense a long time ago for him so he set his sights on Veronica, a friend of us both and my soulmate. When Veronica inevitably chose me over him, Horvath's heart was broken. He tried every way possible to get rid of that soulmark because he didn't believe in destiny choosing for us, not when his heart yearned for another. But believe me when I say that Horvath needs you and he will come for you once he's had time to process. That's when we'll get the Grimhold."

         "Balthazar, no. We're not using Y/N as bait." Your glare at the older man hardened even further. "You know what, no. I'm not doing this. At all. If he wants to ignore whatever screwed up fate we're dealing with, that's fine. I can handle the consequences. But I won't be part of some little game between you and he over some woman." With that, you turned on your heel to leave as your mind raced with thoughts of the dark-eyed gentleman that would likely never accept you as his soulmate.

(a/n: Maxim is probably one of my favorite Molina characters besides Otto and I really enjoyed writing this. The next fic will be either a Gotham or a Harry Potter fic.)

Forever Tags: @fizzyxcustard​ @brewsthespirit-blog​ @sirkekselord​ @aikibriarrose​ @lady-of-lies​ @motleymoose​ @stories-by-shanna-p​ @esoltis280​ @dark-angel-is-back​ @supernatural4life2022​ 

[cas-kingdom]

THE SORCERERS APPRENTICE!! Aghhhhgh!!! “I tried to change the duvet and I got stuck inside.” Please??

I tried to change the duvet and I got stuck inside.

The art of changing a duvet cover was well and truly hidden to you and had been since the day you’d been entrusted to do it alone. And you said entrusted, because the first time you’d taken the lead on it, you’d somehow hit your mom against the wall with the bundle of fabric while attempting to straighten it, and the day had ended with a concussion.

Ever since, you’d either required a helping hand, or gratefully managed to get someone to do it all for you. Otherwise, you quite literally would be sleeping with nothing but a sheet.

Admittedly, you hadn’t thought about these kinds of things before you’d moved into your new apartment alone. The main item on the list had been buying a bed and duvet cover, not learning to change it by yourself. However, you were genuinely concerned your bed would remain unmade forever, with the way things were going.

Dave and Becky had left an hour ago, and you’d distracted yourself from the slight heartache you felt at not living with them anymore by unpacking boxes and setting out photo frames on the mantelpiece. Your mom had always said that was the most important thing about a new place; make it feel like home, because it is.

Now, however, having reached the point in which it was closing into dinner time and you still had not attempted the quest of making your bed, you’d decided to simply get it over with. You could change a duvet cover by yourself. You were two months shy of twenty, for Merlin’s sake. You didn’t need Dave and Becky anymore. You didn’t need your mom. You didn’t need Tank. You could live alone for the long, foreseeable future… right?

Your rising frustration told you that that would perhaps take more thinking. Currently, you were somehow entangled in the duvet cover so much you could not find an opening. Your hands were frantically searching for it, for any indication on how to get out, but it seemed to be an endless sheet of fabric, enclosed on both sides. Which was slightly frightening.

Especially when you heard a voice at the door.

“Hello? Door was unlocked.”

You were unashamed to say you let out a quiet scream, startling so much you lost your balance in the middle of the unmade mattress and teetered dangerously at the edge of the bed. Two strong arms caught you before you could topple to the floor, lifting you back up.

“I hate to ask, but what’re you doing in there? Aren’t you a little old for blanket tents?”

You sighed in relief at the recognition, then grimaced in slight embarrassment, completely giving up on your mission to find the way out and letting your shoulders sag in defeat. “I tried to change the duvet and I got stuck inside,” you grumbled.

Balthazar chuckled, then there was some moving and shuffling until light poured in and your head stuck out from the duvet, your hair static and eyes blinking up at him. He grinned and reached out to ruffle your hair. “Can’t say I’m surprised. You never did master the art of bed-making, did you?”

You pouted and pushed the covers away from you, staring pitifully at the mess you had come no closer to fixing in the centre of your bed. You ran your tongue along your teeth and climbed over it with an intent to ignore it until you needed to sleep.

Balthazar stood off to the side, hands on his hips while he twisted around to peer at the meagre contents of the bedroom. It was pretty bare, but you’d decorated this room first, so there was more in here than out there. Not that the apartment was very big. You lived in New York, was two years into college, and worked at the local library. Thankfully, you’d saved up a lot over your time living with your brother, and you knew your mom had a separate bank account somewhere labelled the ‘Y/N Fund’, but it was still a whirlwind of a time. Though perhaps that was less to do with money and more to do with the whole living alone part.

“It’s nice,” Balthazar decided, albeit a bit reluctantly. He crossed his arms over his chest and bent to stare critically at a photo frame of the both of you on New Year’s Day, under the Times Square ball. He suddenly straightened, twirling to face you with a conclusive look on his face. “Are you sure there was nowhere bigger?”

You rolled your eyes and stood up. “I know you like to make yourself look well-off,” you said, gesturing at his trench coat, perfectly brushed hair, and old man shoes, “but not everyone can afford a house in the Hamptons.”

The sorcerer’s brows shot up. “Ooh. Sensitive today?”

You attempted to hold your glare but found that you deflated not long after, collapsing on your back on the bed. “I can’t do it,” you groaned. “I can’t live alone. I can’t even make my bed properly.”

Balthazar hummed and came to sit on the bed’s edge, patting your knee. “I’ll make your bed for you.”

“What, every time?”

He shrugged and lay back over your legs, folding his hands on his stomach as his own legs hung off the bed. “If you need me to. I’m only five minutes away.”

“Are you gonna be changing my sheets when I’m fifty years old, too?”

Balthazar snorted and turned his head to look at you. “Not sure I’ll be capable of changing my own sheets in thirty years, Y/N.”

“Exactly. I’ve got to learn to do it myself.” Your voice quietened, perhaps unconsciously, and you twisted your mouth in doleful consideration, gazing up at the ceiling. The ceiling of the room of the apartment you weren’t sure would ever feel like home.

Balthazar looked at you for a moment longer. He stretched an arm out to reach for your hand and squeezed it in comfort. “Do you wanna come home with me this evening for dinner? I’ll take you back here tonight. Might take your mind off a few things.”

You swallowed back the guilt you felt at leaving the place almost as soon as you’d arrived. Though you quickly pushed that aside when you sought for a recipient of that guilt and came up short. You had to do what was right for you, and in this moment, comfort from the sorcerer who knew her cheerlessness wasn’t just about an unmade bed, was righter than right.

“Sure Veronica won’t mind?” you asked, despite already knowing the answer.

“Are you kidding? She makes enough for ten each meal. Dave told me I should sign her up for cooking classes.” He sat up with a huff and took one more glance around the room. “You sure you can’t find anywhere bigger?”

“I don’t need anywhere bigger,” you told him, getting to your knees and unwillingly grabbing up the covers. You tossed Balthazar a pillowcase. “It’s just me here. Though I might steal Tank.”

“Good idea. I might see less of him.”

You breathed a short laugh, not oblivious to Balthazar’s pointless hatred of the bulldog. You’d had half a mind to adopt a puppy for Christmas and put it in his name. Oh, he would adore that. And you. 

“What’re you smirking at?” he asked suspiciously as he reached for another pillowcase.

“Nothing.” A sudden light bulb went off in your mind and you pointed a finger at him. “Is there a spell for this kinda stuff?”

“What? Making a bed?”

“Why not?”

Balthazar pondered on that for a moment, then his brows rose. “Perhaps. I’ll think more on it when we get back.”

“Perfect. What’s for dinner?”

Sorcerer’s Apprentice Masterpost

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

It's a highway to hell but, oh the things we do for love (7)

This fic is a Greek mythology au. This fic includes: betrayal, attempted human sacrifice, violence, choking, character death, cursing, forced marriage, mentions of nightmares, references to Greek mythology, enemies to lovers, and manipulation. It gets a bit suggestive at the end.

Tagging: @imwithyoutiltheendofthelinebucky, @greep215

Chapter 7

The day of your coronation as Queen of the Underworld dawned like any other.  The only indicators that this day was an important one were the suits of armour scuttling around ensuring that each and every one of the king’s demands for the coronation were met, the constant influx of guests that were arriving in the underworld and the decorations that Abigail, Dave, and Drake had arranged all throughout the underworld.

Word had spread quickly throughout the underworld about Minthe’s fate and your coronation.  Abigail was among the first to hear about Minthe’s fate and the second that she learned the news, she attached herself to your side and refused to be parted from you. 

Speaking of the goddess, Hades had called her into the throne room and had informed her that she was for all intents and purposes, grounded for tearing out a page from one of his books.  Abigail was still permitted to paint but for the next two weeks, she was banned from using magic unless Hades was present.  The goddess sniffled and had pleaded with the god to lighten her punishment with teary eyes but the god had remained firm.

Dave had loaned you some incredibly ancient scrolls that contained instructions on how to master powers and you found it very easy to chat to the older god due to the fact that he had become a god later than Abigail had and there were a few things that you two had in common.

Thanatos was perhaps the most surprising when the news about Minthe and your coronation reached his ears.  He eyed you with wonder (after ensuring that the story about Minthe was true) and then it was like a switch in him had been flicked.  Thanatos stated that you had “earned the right to call me by my mortal name, Drake.”  He also regaled you with tales about him discovering that he had magic before he journeyed into the underworld.

Of the three of them, Drake was the first to journey into the underworld and become Thanatos.  You learnt that he studied magic under Hades and he followed his mentor into the underworld.  You were tempted to ask Drake whether or not he knew what Hades’ mortal name was but you quashed that impulse.  If your time with Drake had taught you anything, it was that Hades would reveal his mortal name when he chose to.

Heavy clanging sounds brought you back into the present and you paused mid-step in the middle of your quarters.  With a dry laugh, you noted the fact that you had been pacing without realising it.  The door to your quarters swung open just as you decided it would be a good idea to run your hands down your coronation outfit and smooth out any creases.

Dave stood on the other side of your door with an impish smile, “Figured you’d prefer a godly escort rather than a tin metal one.”

You shook your head with a smile at the god’s antics once the realisation sunk in that he had used his powers to trick you.  You walked towards him and when you were close enough, Dave held out his arm.  After looping your arm through his, he escorted you through the halls and to the throne room. 

It didn’t take the two of you very long to reach your destination however, just as you spotted the familiar doors to the throne room, Dave drew to a stop and pulled you to the side, out of sight of the crowd, and looked at you seriously, “You won’t be doing this alone.  Take it one step at a time.”

“How did you know what I was thinking?”

“I’ve been where you are.” Dave pointed to himself, “My introduction to the court went pretty well if you ignore the fact that I set the king’s throne on fire.”

Laughter burst out of you as you looked at the god, “You have to tell me the story someday.”

“We’ll have all the time in the underworld after the ceremony.”

Feeling a little more at ease and with a grin on your face you assured the god that you were ready.

Dave led you through the doors and into the throne room.  The throne room was so lavishly decorated that for a minute, you thought you were attending a wedding back on Earth.  Then the guests turned to face you and Dave and you spied a wide variety of demons and other beings from different sections of the underworld.

Your breath hitched as you noticed Hades sitting in his throne at the end of the aisle.  As you approached, he rested his arms on the armrests of his throne and rose gracefully to his feet to greet you and Dave.  Your eyes traced his profile pausing to admire the way he looked in his black ceremonial suit.  Atop his suit, he wore a wrap and the two pieces of the wrap were fastened together by a round silver clip which rested on his left shoulder.

It felt like there was a better word to describe the clothing on top of Hades’ suit but you couldn’t think of it.  Then, without warning, the word appeared in your mind as if it had been there all along. 

“Himation.  It’s a himation.”

Dave stopped again.  This time you withdrew your arm from his and made your way up the stairs to stand opposite Hades on the dais.  The god held out his hands and with no hesitation, you placed your hands in his.  

The god squeezed them and warmth pooled in your stomach at the god’s act of kindness and reassurance.  Hades turned away from you and faced the pathway that you and Dave had walked up.  You moved your head in time to see Dave retreat several steps when he saw Drake and Abigail making their way up the aisle.

Abigail was dressed in a black and green chiton with flickering torches across her sleeves and neckline.  In her outstretched hands sat a smaller version of Hades’ crown.  However there were a few differences between Hades’ crown and your crown.

Your crown.

Somehow thinking the words made this ceremony feel all the more real.

The crown that Abigail was carefully carrying wasn’t made up entirely of gold nor did it have a ruby in the centre like Hades’ did.  This crown was made up of three very different metals.  The majority of the crown was made up of silver moonstone.  The moonstone made up about half of the crown.  The next metal that you noticed was dull silver and your eyebrows drew together when you noticed the symbols on it.  One of the symbols was the head of Medusa and the other was an upside-down anchor with a crustacean at the top of the symbol.  The upside-down anchor also had the letter A on the left-hand side of it.  The last portion of the crown was made up of bronze.

Drake walked three paces behind Abigail.  He stood tall and his clothing was similar to Hades’ although you noticed that Drake had added frosted tips to his hair, eyeliner under his eyes and he was wearing knee high boots that made him look taller than normal.

You knelt as Abigail approached the dais with the crown and you obeyed the instinct that told you to keep your eyes on Abigail while she placed the crown on your head.  The crown was lighter than you expected yet it thrummed with power and responsibility.

“Since I’ve known you the longest, my part of the crown is the biggest.  Dave and Drake added bits to the crown too.” Abigail whispered.

“I love it,” you uttered, matching her volume.

Climbing to your feet, you returned to standing opposite Hades.  This time you were the first to offer your hands to the god.  With a reverent expression, Hades placed one of his hands in yours and gripped it tightly.  He showed you the palm of his other hand and unspoken, a black speck appeared in it.  As you watched, more black specks appeared on Hades’ hand.  The black specks rose to join the others and at the same time, all of the black specks rose into the air.  They swirled around each other building up speed. 

You blinked and the specks sped towards each other at a speed that you didn’t know was possible.  The specks merged together creating a black pomegranate that fell back into the god’s palm.  With another unspoken command, the pomegranate was divided into quarters, allowing you to glimpse the reddish flesh that lay inside.

Hades searched your face for any signs of hesitation.  When he found none, he used his grip on your hand to pull you forwards and place one of the pomegranate quarters between your parted lips.  You bit down on the quarter and the juices from the fruit flowed into your mouth.  It was richer than anything you had ever tasted before but there was an underlying sweetness to the fruit. 

“If a pomegranate isn’t a perfect metaphor for the underworld, I don’t know what is.”

You swallowed the quarter and then Hades fed you the next one.  This continued until all quarters of the fruit were gone.  Hades’ finger grazed your lip and for a moment, it felt like the two of you were the only ones that were in the room.   In this moment, you knew that you were seeing the man behind the god again, just like when Abigail had taught you to navigate the corridors of the underworld after her nightmare.   The way he gazed at you with such intensity made you wonder why you considered leaving him and the underworld behind. 

Hades’ eyes lingered on your lips which unbeknownst to you had been stained red from the juices of the pomegranate.  His finger left your bottom lip and traced a soft path until it rested on your chin.  You registered additional pressure around your chin and realised that Hades was gripping your chin with his thumb and forefinger.  Your heart started pounding as Hades dipped his head and pressed his mouth to yours in a forceful and dominating kiss.

You had no idea how long the kiss lasted for but when Hades broke the kiss and moved a tiny amount away from you, you glimpsed many emotions swirling in his gaze.   You were able to identify pride, love, admiration, and a glimmer of lust before he released your chin and grasped your hand again.  The god then used his grip on your hand to turn you so that you were both facing the assembled crowd.

“Behold the Queen of the Underworld!” He commanded and the room erupted in cheers and applause.  The loudest of the cheers and clapping came from Abigail, Drake, and Dave.  Drake even stuck two of his fingers in his mouth and whistled a couple of times but after a disapproving look from Hades, Drake withdrew his fingers, cleaned them with a hanky that he conjured, stuck the hanky in his pocket and continued to clap and cheer loudly.

Hades let go of your hand and wrapped an arm around your waist, pulling you into his side tightly.

“Look at your subjects.”  He ordered.

“They are your subjects as well Hades,” you reminded him.

“Maxim.”  He corrected.

You frowned at the god that you were happy to call your husband, “I’m sorry?”

“When I was human my name was Maxim Horvath.”  He lowered his head so that his lips grazed your ear.  These words were for you and you alone, “I haven’t used that name in quite some time but I would have no objection if you were to scream the first part of it when you and I are alone together in our new quarters.”

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

It's a highway to hell but, oh the things we do for love (4)

This fic is a Greek mythology au. This fic includes: betrayal, attempted human sacrifice, violence, choking, character death, cursing, forced marriage, mentions of nightmares, references to Greek mythology, enemies to lovers, and manipulation.

Tagging: @imwithyoutiltheendofthelinebucky, @greep215

Chapter 4

“Now that you know my name, will you order Hecate to escort me to Hades?”

“No.”  You refused, “A suit of armour will guide you to the king.  Hecate will stay here with me.”

Truthfully, you had no idea how you would even summon a suit of armour since Hades had done it last time and he hadn’t exactly provided instructions on how to imitate the process.  To your complete and utter astonishment, you heard heavy metal footsteps coming towards you.

Within a matter of seconds, a suit of armour stood in the entrance way.  From its posture, it was clear that it was waiting for orders from you.  The words leapt unbidden from your mouth, “Escort Minthe directly to Hades.  If he is unavailable for whatever reason, remain with her at the doors of the throne room.”

The suit of armour raised a hand to pound at its breast plate and it bobbed its head once before facing Minthe with a stony countenance.  She huffed when she realised that you were serious about not letting Abigail go with her and that the suit of armour would escort her instead.

She twirled around and taking that as its cue to leave, the suit of armour made its way down the hall.  Feeling petty, you called out to her, “I’d suggest that you do your best to keep up with the suit of armour.  It will not stop to wait for you.”

Only after you had finished speaking did you realise that you had repeated Hades’ words from your first night in the Underworld.  Minthe left the prophecy room with quick strides.

“If she maintains her current pace, she should catch up to the suit of armour very soon.  She can’t be too far behind it because I can still hear its footsteps.”

Abigail waited a long time to ensure that Minthe had left.  Once she was absolutely certain that Minthe wouldn’t double back, she let go of your hand which was starting to become numb from her tight grip.  Blood rushed back into the limb yet you chose to ignore that and focus on the goddess whose mood had undergone a complete one hundred and eighty degree turn from her mood earlier this morning.

“Why did she have to come back?” The goddess wailed.  “No one likes her!  She doesn’t belong here!”

You gathered the distraught immortal into your embrace and because of the fact that you were preoccupied with the goddess in your arms and trying to figure out the right words to say to her, you didn’t notice the shadows lengthening until two men popped out of them and appeared next to you.  You let out a yelp and Abigail chuckled wetly.

“Minthe’s back,” the taller of the two bemoaned.

“It’s a little late to tell us now.  She was just in the room with us.” Abigail retorted with a frown as she wriggled out of your arms to face the newest arrivals.

The shorter of the two men was the first to spot you, “Hi.  We haven’t been introduced yet.  I’m Charon but you can call me Dave and this,” he jerked his thumb at the taller male, “is….”

“You can call me Thanatos.”  His voice was clipped as he interrupted Dave and studied you.

“I’m (Name).”  You introduced yourself.

“We know,” Thanatos replied.  “Charon filled me in on the two witches he ferried over.”

You swallowed at the mention of Vi and her partner, “Oh.”

“Indeed,” Thanatos replied curtly, lifting an eyebrow.

“How are we going to get her out of here?”  Abigail demanded.

“We could make her cookies with salt instead of sugar?” Dave suggested.

Thanatos started shaking his head even before Dave was midway through his sentence, “No way.  I’m not spending any time or effort on that woman if I don’t have to.”

“Lemon juice in her water with salt and vinegar?” Abigail offered, “It’s easy and doesn’t require a lot of time or effort.”

“Now you’re talking,” Thanatos praised, grinning approvingly at Abigail.  “What about egg yolks in her drink?”

You wrinkled your nose and made a mental note to never make these immortals angry.  You didn’t want them coming up with creative ideas like these ones about how to mess with your food.  Unfortunately a thought occurred to you and you let out a sigh as the need to speak up rose within you.

“While those are good prank ideas, you’re all forgetting one thing.”

“What’s that?”�� Thanatos snapped.  You tried not to focus on the mocking edge of his voice.

“She’s in Hades’ realm and as such the god is bound by the laws of hospitality.  Any pranks or perceived insults, however harmless they may be,” you hastened to add when you caught sight of the identical frowns on Dave, Abigail, and Thanatos’ faces, “would be insulting him as well and I think we can all agree that none of us want to see Hades angry.”

Abigail, Dave, and Thanatos all had the same looks of disappointment on their faces.  “What do we do then?” Thanatos demanded aggressively.  “We can’t let her stay here!”

“Whatever Minthe did last time must’ve been really bad.  I wish I knew what it was so I could make sure not to do anything remotely close to it.”

“Avoid her at all costs.”  You advised.  “Stick together and I will do my best to divert her attention.  You shouldn’t,” your voice dropped and became softer, “interact with her since you clearly don’t want to, and based on the discussion you three just had, I think it’s fair to say that if you are forced to be around her, you would be willing to risk Hades’ wrath to get Minthe out of the Underworld permanently.”

“You’re not wrong,” Thanatos admitted.  He seemed a little less sullen and you hoped that meant he was warming up to you.

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

Labyrinth AU - Sequel

Chapter 8

AN: This chapter contains mentions of sex and fighting.

Over the years, Dave had seen many of your glares.  For instance, there was the time that he stole your toy and tried to convince your mum that it was his to no avail and then there was the time that he’d changed the TV while you were watching one of your favourite cartoons.

The glares that he had seen growing up paled in significance to the glare that he saw on your face as he appeared in front of the castle doors along with Drake and Horvath.  Dave also wasn’t expecting to see the same glare mirrored on Balthazar’s face.  With a start, Dave remembered that he hadn’t actually told his mentor what he was planning to do before he left.

“At least it’s not just you she’s angry at this time.” A small voice in Dave’s mind piped up helpfully, “She’s angry at Horvath and Drake for leaving too.”

The words were a little comforting but before Dave could attempt to placate you as his group drew closer, Drake spoke up.

“Judging by the look on your face (Name), I can safely say that angry sex is definitely on the cards tonight.”

“That’s my sister,” Dave growled out from behind clenched teeth.

“That’s my friend.”  Balthazar responded in the same manner and tone.

Drake chuckled sheepishly before darting in between you and Balthazar and running into the castle.  You and Balthazar both turned to watch him as he ran up the steps and away from the both of you.

A smile spread across your face and you cocked your head to the side.  Clearly, you were listening to something but Dave didn’t know what it was.

“Hero…” To his surprise, Dave thought he detected a pleading note in the king’s voice.

His heart sank a little when he noticed Balthazar looking at him with amusement.

“Tell you what,” you spoke as your grin widened, “if the both of you can endure what is coming for one hour without using your magic, consider yourselves forgiven.”

“What’s coming?” Dave demanded, “Is it another sorcerer?  How come Drake doesn’t have to deal with this?”

“Oh, he does.” You promised, your grin was starting to make Dave nervous now, “And don’t fret, it’s not another sorcerer.”

“Well then what…” Dave trailed off as he heard the thunderous sound of multiple footsteps.

“Hero…” Horvath tried again.

You shook your head once as you and Balthazar stepped to the side of the doors in front of you.  Dave blinked and then suddenly his vision was filled with hundreds of goblins.  Some of them were still wearing their armour and brandishing weapons.

“THE KING HAS RETURNED!”

“HE IS VICTORIOUS!”

“THE EVIL SORCERER HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DEFEATED BY OUR KING AND HIS ALLIES!”

“WE MUST PLAN A BALL IN HONOUR OF OUR KING’S SUCCESS!”

“A GRAND BALL?!”

“A GRAND BALL!”

Dave winced at the loud voices of the goblins and he raised his hands to cover his ears in an attempt to protect his hearing.  As he did so, he noticed you watching from atop the stairs.

“You are evil!” He mouthed, “Utterly evil.  I love you (Name).”

You winked and crossed your arms as you leant on the railing at the edge of the balcony making no effort to hide your amusement.

“I love you too Dave.” You mouthed back, “Don’t worry.  You only have fifty minutes to go.”

Dave groaned. 

Three days later, Dave walked into the grandest ballroom he had ever seen in a suit that the goblins had created for him.  The ballroom was almost filled to the brim with people.  If Dave had to guess, he would say that they were dignitaries and nobles from multiple other realms.

Dave searched the ballroom for you, weaving around people to avoid bumping into them.  He glimpsed Balthazar, also wearing a suit, speaking intently with a woman who had mahogany brown hair that fell to her waist.  There were a few times where he needed to stop and introduce himself to the guests as Drake had advised him.

Speaking of Drake, Dave spotted the man lounging against the wall chatting animatedly with two elves.  Dave was pretty sure that they were elves because of the pointed tips of their ears although, he’d learnt that the fae were quite mischievous and they could also be shape shifters so Dave wasn’t entirely sure.

Drake pointed in his direction with his glass and the elves turned.  Dave lifted his hand in greeting before ducking out of sight in an attempt to resume his search.

“Looking for someone?”

Dave spun around to see Bennett and another very familiar face staring back at him with amazement on their faces.

Millions of thoughts raced through Dave’s mind at the sight of the two but when he opened his mouth, all that came out was “Huh?”

“Becky and I have been coming into this realm since we were twelve.  We actually met here because my mum is a dream walker.”

“We’ve been coming here every summer.” Becky added, “My dad’s a fae.”

Dave’s tongue darted out to wet his dry lips, “Becky?  Becky Barnes?”

“Oh, shoot!” Bennett smacked his forehead, “I forgot to introduce you.  Becky, this is…”

“Dave Stutler.” Becky breathed, “How in the world did you end up here?”

“Ah, about that…” Dave prepared to explain just how he had ended up in the labyrinth both times when a hush fell over the room.  Bennett poked him in the back and he turned around to gaze up at the beautifully decorated staircase that lead to the balcony where a goblin stood.  Dave had to hand it to the goblins.  They really knew how to organise a ball.

“PRESENTING THE KING, MAXIM HORVATH AND HIS QUEEN, (NAME) STUTLER!” The goblin bellowed before bowing and backing away amid a wave of applause.

“Your sister is the queen?” Becky exclaimed but Dave didn’t hear her over the applause.  His eyes remained fixed on the balcony and he watched as you and Horvath came into view.  His hand was wrapped around yours as he led you forwards.  Both you and the king were dressed regally in expensive looking clothes.  The realisation that you were queen of the labyrinth sunk in for Dave and he began to grasp the enormity of your role.

The applause grew even louder as the two of you descended the steps.  The crowd parted as you and the king stepped forwards, moving into the centre of the ballroom.  You smiled as you walked past Dave and Bennett.  Dave spotted a few marks on your neck and collarbone that looked suspiciously like hickies.  Dave shivered and chose to ignore their existence instead focusing on the intricately designed new sigils that decorated the skin of your arms.

He realised that you and Horvath had reached the centre of the room and you were now standing opposite Horvath with one of your hands resting on his shoulder and the other encased in his.  The band started playing and Dave watched mesmerised as the two of you danced.

Gradually, more couples made their way to the dance floor but they were careful not to move too close to you or the king.

Dave spent the ball explaining his adventures in the labyrinth to an awestruck Bennett and Becky.

“Dude,” Bennett gaped, “you are definitely participating.”  He held out his hand for a fist bump.

Dave smiled as he watched Horvath spin you into his embrace.  Anyone in that ballroom at that moment would have had to be incredibly unobservant to not be able to see the love that the two of you shared or the magic that danced around you both.

“Yeah, I guess I am.”  Dave bumped Bennett’s fist with his own.

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

Labyrinth AU - Sequel

Chapter 7

AN: This chapter contains character death and mentions of death.

“My sister is going to kill us for leaving her behind,” Dave groaned as he, Drake, and Horvath appeared in his apartment.

“I would suggest worrying about my former master before you worry about my queen,” Horvath remarked.

“Priorities man,” Drake agreed as the two men swept around the apartment, carefully examining it.  What they were looking for was beyond Dave.  He just hoped that they finished their examination as soon as possible because he had a feeling that Rumplestiltskin was going to appear in the apartment again very soon.

The peach rested against Dave’s leg in his pocket.  He’d been assured by the goblins and Horvath that Rumplestiltskin wouldn’t be able to sense that the peach was magical as while Rumplestiltskin viewed goblin magic as a threat and poisonous, he would never dream that it had been used in this way.  The peach seemed to grow heavier with each passing second as Dave’s mind raced.

“Can I do this?” He wondered, “If this goes badly, will (Name) even want to see me?  Or will she wish that Drake or Horvath had been the one to come back instead of me?  It’s my fault that she even went to the labyrinth in the first place.”

“Hey,” Drake’s quiet voice jerked Dave out of his thoughts, “I know what you’re thinking.  Don’t go there.”

“But…” Dave stammered, “Look how I acted.  It’s my fault that all this is happening.  I wished my sister away and I was tempted by his offer.” Dave didn't dare utter Rumplestiltskin's name because he feared that that may summon the sorcerer.

“Focus on what you can control,” Horvath advised.  His advice felt more like an order and Dave obeyed it without giving it a second thought.  “Lingering on the past and the what ifs will help no one and besides, if you’re always looking behind you, you won’t be able to see what’s ahead of you.”

Surprised at the king’s advice, Dave managed a small nod.

“Call him,” Horvath demanded, sounding exactly how Dave thought a king would.

“I never dreamt that I’d actually meet a king.  I always thought that was the stuff of fairy tales.” Dave mused as Horvath and Drake slipped out of sight.  Dave knew they were still in the apartment but their presence was muted.

On the journey to the world above, Dave had been practicing what he was going to say to summon Rumplestiltskin.  Your words about being truthful sounded in his mind every time he practiced.  Dave had run through a few possibilities such as “Cunning one, I summon you” or “Can we talk, Rumplestiltskin?  I need help.”

Eventually he settled on the one he liked the most.

“I’d like to talk to you about your offer Rumplestiltskin.  Can you meet me here?”

Dave waited silently after he had spoken.  The impulse to tap his foot against the floor was becoming stronger and stronger by the minute and he wondered absentmindedly whether he was going to pick up any more of Balthazar’s habits.

“Well, well dearie.  I must admit that I am surprised to hear from you after my last visit.”  Rumplestiltskin’s voice held a mocking edge as he addressed Dave.

“How’s the magic?”  Rumplestiltskin leaned forward, “Still acting like an alarm system?”

Dave paused in realisation.  His magic wasn’t warning him at all.  In fact, it wasn’t doing anything.  He stared at Rumplestiltskin.

“Did you do this?  It feels like I’m missing a limb.”

Rumplestiltskin giggled, “I thought it would be nice to give you a little taste of what it would be like when you gave me the magic that you possess.”  He sung.

Anger and possessiveness rose up inside Dave as he remembered how far the both of you had come with your magic.  He remembered the praise you had given him following the training session prior to Rumplestiltskin’s unexpected and unwelcome arrival.

“Thank you.  That’s kind of you,” Dave forced the words out while keeping his tone level.

Dave wasn’t lying.  It was kind of Rumplestiltskin to give him a gift.  Your mum had told you both many times that when someone gives you a gift, you need to acknowledge the gift and if you have one of your own, you needed to return the favour.

Rumplestiltskin gazed at Dave expectantly, “Before our chat, I wanted to give you a gift of my own.”

Dave fished the peach out of his pocket and offered to Rumplestiltskin.  If he didn’t know better, he would have wanted to taste the peach himself.  The peach looked exactly like the ones Dave had seen in food catalogues when he was younger and the smell of the peach was awfully tempting.

“A piece of fruit?” Rumplestiltskin questioned disbelievingly.

“Peaches actually have roots in many mythologies and were highly valued as a result.  In Chinese mythology for example this very fruit symbolised longevity and even immortality.”

“Yes, yes.” Rumplestiltskin waved off Dave’s explanation causing Dave’s anger to grow.  He was proud of himself for remembering that information about peaches and it wasn’t exactly a low stakes situation that he was in.

“I really thought you weren’t going to take my offer,”  Rumplestiltskin stated as he turned the peach over in his hands.  Dave saw the captivated glint in his eyes and wondered how much longer it would be before he took a bite.

“It’s a generous offer,” Dave replied, “with everything that happened, I needed time to think about it.”

“Not all sorcerers will be as willing as I to give you that amount of time to decide.” Rumplestiltskin chided.  “You best remember that in the future.”  He turned the peach over in his hands once more and raised it to his nose and sniffed it once.  Dave focused on keeping his breathing normal so he didn’t alarm Rumplestiltskin.

“Thank you for your gift.  It is truly fit for me.” Rumplestiltskin praised as he lowered his hand slightly and took a large bite of the peach.

“FINALLY!” Dave cheered mentally.

Rumplestiltskin swallowed about half of the peach before he froze and in that instant, Dave knew that he had realised something was wrong.  His other clue was the rest of the peach disintegrating into nothing in Rumplestiltskin’s hand.

“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?” He bellowed in outrage as his fingers curled around nothing in the air.  Dave felt his magic return and it reacted as it had before, the first time that Dave had met Rumplestiltskin, warning Dave that Rumplestiltskin was not to be trusted and that the sorcerer was attempting to reach for his magic. 

“You were right about one thing,” Horvath stated confidently as he reappeared next to Dave.  Dave didn’t miss the way that Rumplestiltskin’s eyes widened at the sight of his former apprentice and then narrowed as he focused on Dave.

“The peach truly was fit for you however, I do not deny that it benefits us as well,” Horvath finished his sentence.

Rumplestiltskin raised a clawed hand but Horvath was faster.   He waved his cane in a circle while pointing the jewelled tip at Rumplestiltskin causing the sorcerer to freeze.

“I’m sure that you’ve figured out what I’ve just done.  In case you haven’t, allow me to explain.  I have just bound and removed your magic.”

Recognition and horror appeared on Rumplestiltskin’s face.

“Due to the fact that you are considerably older than I or any other occupant of this apartment, I would say that you have less than a minute to live now that you are no longer connected to your magic.”

Drake appeared on Dave’s other side and smirked at Rumplestiltskin.  A snarl appeared on the oldest sorcerer’s face as his limbs went rigid and a greyish mist appeared underneath him.  Rumplestiltskin moved from side to side in an attempt to evade the mist but two plasma bolts, both fired by Dave, thudded into the floor on either side of the sorcerer, clipping the sorcerer’s pants and ripping them in the process, causing Rumplestiltskin to freeze for in place for a second.

That second was just enough for the mist to crawl its way up the sorcerer’s legs.  Horrified, Rumplestiltskin could only watch as the mist covered more of his body with increasing speed.  Rumplestiltskin raised his head defiantly and looked at the other sorcerers one last time before the mist covered his face and hair and he froze in place.

Where Rumplestiltskin had been there was now a perfect statue in his place.  Dave gasped and jumped backwards as the statue cracked. 

“The plan’s failed.” Dave thought with despair, “He survived and now he’s going to kill us for sure.”

More cracks appeared in the statue and it fell forwards, crumbling into dust that vanished before it could even touch the floor.  Dave raised a hand to his chest in an attempt to steady his racing heart and he took a few deep breaths.

“Is that it?  It’s over?”  He managed to get those five words out as his heart rate returned to normal.

Maxim raised his cane again and with one grand movement, swept it through the air.

“He’s gone.” Maxim confirmed, “He was relying on his magic to live.”

Dave glanced over at Drake who was staring unblinkingly at the spot where Rumplestiltskin had been turned into a statue, “Did you hear that?  He’s gone.”

Drake pivoted to face the younger sorcerer, “Yeah, I heard him.  Would it be too much to ask if we could go home now?”

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

Labyrinth AU - Sequel

Chapter 6

AN: This chapter contains mentions of death.

You thought that you felt Maxim’s lips brush your forehead the next morning but the faint pressure was gone as quickly as it had come and you were lulled back to sleep.  When you awoke again, it was much later in the day.

Unsure why your stomach clenched with dread, you left the bedroom that you shared with Maxim and moved around the castle.  Your feeling of dread only grew stronger as you failed to encounter Maxim, Dave, or Drake anywhere in the castle.

Realising what they had done, you made your way to Balthazar’s room and your dread gave way to the feeling of betrayal.  The older sorcerer was still recovering but he was no longer bedridden and he was growing stronger with every passing day.  Today, he was seated at a table staring at a chessboard.  He appeared to playing against himself.

“They left, didn’t they?”  Balthazar questioned without looking away from the chessboard.

“Yes, they did.”  You didn’t bother to conceal the resentment and bitterness in your voice.  “What were they thinking?”

“They were probably thinking that they should move now while they still had the element of surprise and should the unthinkable happen and Horvath not return, at least the labyrinth still has her queen.”

Anger rose inside of you as Balthazar spoke.  It was mainly due to the fact that you couldn’t find any faults in his logic.

“Sit,” Balthazar commanded as he moved the chair opposite him with his magic.

“Should you be doing that?” You questioned as you entered the room and sat down in the chair.

“Eh,” Balthazar’s tone was noncommittal and you realised that he wouldn’t give you any further answer even if you repeated the question.

“Have you ever played chess?”

“There were a few times,” you replied unsure of where he was heading with this topic, “I can still remember how the pieces move and most of the rules.”

“Then we’ll start a new game,” Balthazar decided, moving the pieces back to their original positions. 

“Are you serious?” You spluttered, “You want to play a game of chess when we could be doing something, anything else?”  Your voice had risen to a yell by the time you had finished speaking.

Balthazar raised an eyebrow, “Did you have something particular in mind?”

“Well no,” you admitted, “but I’m pretty sure that I could find something to do around here.  It is a castle after all.”

“You could.” Balthazar agreed, “Most likely it would be a menial chore that would allow your mind to wander and fret.  At least with chess, you don’t have as much time to worry about possibilities.”

“Has anyone told you that you’re infuriating?” You questioned half-heartedly as he moved his pawn.

Balthazar chuckled, “More than once.”  His hands formed a steeple and he gazed at you intently, “Siblings usually share some traits and while I can see some similarities between you and Dave, there are things that set you apart as well.”

“Such as?” You quizzed as you moved your pawn forwards.

“From what Horvath told me, you accepted magic much quicker than Dave did.  You also appeared to be quite unwilling to leave this world and magic behind to return to the world into which you were born.”

You sighed, “I discovered a talent that I didn’t know I had and if I went back, I would lose that gift.  And I don’t want to leave.”  You confessed.

“That’s why you ate the apple.”  Balthazar’s tone held no judgement only a smidge of curiosity.

“That’s why I ate the apple,” you confirmed.

Balthazar stared at the chess board for a few moments before selecting his knight and taking your pawn, “Horvath has no desire to see you in pain which is another reason why he left you behind.  He will do his utmost to ensure Dave returns to us if he and Drake can’t.”

You pressed your lips together, “I thought the purpose of this chess game was to distract me from thoughts like that.”

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

Labyrinth AU - Sequel

Chapter 5

AN: This chapter contains mentions of poisoning and forced magical binding.

“So, Drake’s magic isn’t working like it normally does, Dave’s spells have become more lethal, the two of them have snapping and snarling at each other, we’ve had an influx of goblins offering to fight Rumplestiltskin and Horvath has continued your training but he’s been increasingly demanding during your lessons.” Balthazar summarised before frowning at you.

“That’s right,” you replied, dropping your focus to the blanket on Balthazar’s bed as you tried to avoid his gaze.

“This must be taking a toll on you too,” the older sorcerer commented.

“I never said it wasn’t,” you snapped defensively.

“I didn’t mean it as a bad thing.” Balthazar continued, “I’m just saying that the situation that you’re in would be challenging for any sorcerer.  You and Dave have only joined the world of the sorcerers recently and you have the added burden of being queen of this world.  A world,” Balthazar’s voice held a note of compassion, “that you’re still learning the ins and outs of.”

“She’s not doing it alone,” Drake’s voice was rougher than normal and you looked up to see him and Dave standing next to the door of the room.  Dave was shifting from one foot to the other and understanding his unspoken wish, you moved closer to one of the walls in the room so Dave could enter the room.

Dave stepped forwards into the room casting a cautious look at his mentor, “Are you feeling better?”

Balthazar huffed, “I’m awake and talking aren’t I?”

“The king called you a foolish imbecile for using your magic the way you did,” Drake piped up.

“Of course he did.” Balthazar grimaced, “I wasn’t expecting him to say anything else.  Though a thank you may have been nice.”

“Did you really expect me to say thank you for risking your life, Balthazar?  Need I remind you that you rendered yourself unconscious immediately after?  What would have happened if your spells didn’t work as you planned they would?”  Maxim questioned dryly, appearing next to Drake, causing Dave to jump.

You had long since become used to the King appearing as if out of nowhere during your time in the Labyrinth.

“You don’t need to remind me about the fact that I was unconscious,” Balthazar snapped, “I was there.”

The two sorcerers continued to bicker and you smirked as you looked at Dave before looking at Drake, “I would consider this a preview of how you two are going to act in about a hundred years.”

As soon as you finished your sentence, you realised that the two older sorcerers had stopped bickering and judging by their expressions, they had heard your comment.

“Oops?” You tried.

Neither of the older sorcerers was amused.  Balthazar pointedly focused on Dave and Drake and Maxim’s gaze was heavy with promise as he pinned you with his glare.

You heard Dave’s muffled chuckle and whipped around to glare at him.  Your brother quickly schooled his features into an innocent expression that deceived no one.

“I’ve been thinking,” he began hastily, evidently hoping to change the subject, “the goblins said that Rumplestiltskin would have no interest in their magic because it’s poison to him, right?  Does that mean the goblins were the ones who created magical fruits like the apple that you ate (Name)?  Because if they did, there must be a type of magical fruit that we can use to defeat Rumplestiltskin.”

The words of the goblins rang in your ears, “IT’S THE PEACHES THAT YOU NEED TO WORRY ABOUT!”

Dimly, you heard Maxim confirming that yes, the goblins were the ones who created the magical fruits and Maxim elaborated, stating that the magical fruits had been one of the first gifts they had given him when he had become king of the labyrinth.

“The peaches!” You exclaimed, “The goblins warned me about the peaches and not to eat them!  If we can get close enough to Rumplestiltskin possibly in the human world by summoning him and being entirely truthful so his magic doesn’t react, there’s a chance that…”

“That we could bind his magic and force him to eat the peach.” Balthazar continued your train of thought, his hands gripping the covers tightly, “This plan might just work.”

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

Labyrinth AU - Sequel

Chapter 4

AN: This chapter contains mentions of death, poison and injury.

Just as Maxim predicted Balthazar was indeed unconscious for a week.  During that time the wards constantly thrummed with energy which both relieved and worried you.  On the one hand, the constant thrumming of the wards meant that Balthazar was okay.  Even though you didn’t know the other sorcerer particularly well, he had earned your respect by allying himself alongside you, Dave, Maxim, and Drake against Rumplestiltskin.

On the other hand, the thrumming of the wards worried you because you feared that they would continue to absorb magic from Balthazar and you also feared that because they were absorbing his magic, they would continue to do so until there was nothing left of the sorcerer’s magic which would result in his death. 

There wasn’t time for you to voice your concerns though because the castle was constantly busy.  Even though they had been hiding from Rumplestiltskin, the goblins had felt the other sorcerer’s presence and had begun to prepare for war.  Every time that you glimpsed a goblin, they were dressed in heavy looking armour and they were wearing constant scowls.

If that wasn’t enough, goblins were constantly turning up at the castle doors vowing to fight Rumplestiltskin.  Most of them were warrior goblins although there were quite a few goblins who specialised in magic as well.  You were thankful that you lived in a castle but you weren’t blind to the fact that you were beginning to run out of room in the castle for all the goblins and space for all of their weapons. 

They were adamant in their desire to fight stating that their magic would be of no concern to Rumplestiltskin as it was actually poisonous to him.  You admired their enthusiasm and willingness to fight even as you wondered how many of them wouldn’t be returning from the battle with Rumplestiltskin.  Your heart lurched painfully every time you considered the possibility of Maxim, Dave, or Drake not returning to you.

Maxim kept his promise and continued to train the three of you and while you admired the King’s dedication, the resentful part of you that just wanted to lie safely in Maxim’s arms was growing stronger every day.  At the moment you were channelling your frustration into your magic and spell casting but you weren’t sure how long you could keep doing that and you were pretty sure that Maxim had cottoned on to how you were feeling.

You weren’t the only person struggling. 

The king continuously maintained a tight grip on his cane.  The look in his eyes was a mix of weariness and determination.  There was still the familiar tenderness in his gaze when he looked at you but he was harsher in his orders to the goblins and much more demanding when it came to your training sessions which proved to be a problem especially when it came to Dave and Drake.

Dave’s spell casting had taken on more of a lethal edge while Drake’s spells had completely lost their effectiveness.  Both of the men had become snappish and while you could understand the reasons behind their actions, their new attitude was only adding to your frustration.

Tensions reached boiling point during your next training session after Maxim had left accompanied by a rather worried looking goblin.

“Where was this fire during your first duel with me, Stutler?” Drake questioned condescendingly.  “You may have actually stood a chance against me if you had showed this kind of fire then.”

“I’d be more impressed with your backhanded praise if you were able to demonstrate any type of proficiency in your spell work.  Have you noticed that you’re now the one who is unable to maintain control over even the simplest of spells?  I mastered the plasma bolt faster!”

Without a word, you stalked out of the training room and not looking behind you although you could still hear the raised voices of Dave and Drake, you walked through the castle mindlessly and you came to an abrupt stop when a door opened right in front of you.

“APOLOGIES YOUR MAJESTY!  I DID NOT REALISE YOU WERE STANDING THERE!”  The goblin explained once they had exited the room and spotted you.

Taken aback by the volume of the goblin’s voice, you needed a few moments to gather your thoughts.  You realised that you were standing in front of the room that Balthazar was using to recover.

Needing to focus on something, you addressed the goblin, “Has there been any change with Balthazar?”

The goblin grinned, “WHY ARE YOU ASKING ME?”

“Who else…?” You trailed off as the goblin’s meaning sunk in and you stepped around the door to peer inside the room.

“What did I miss?” Balthazar grimaced, sitting up in the bed.

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

Labyrinth AU - Sequel

Maxim Horvath x Female Reader

Chapter 2

AN: This chapter contains very suggestive content and hints to past smut. 18+. Minors DNI.

The tattoos on Maxim’s arms caught your attention as you studied him in the early morning light and as he shifted in his sleep, the sheet and blankets dipped below his chest to reveal his tattoos there as well.

Saliva seemed to pool in your mouth as you continued to ogle him and his tattoos. On his arms, the tattoos started on his upper arms just below his shoulders and they continued all the way down to his wrists. As your eyes trailed down, you wondered if the different tattoos served a purpose on their own or if all the tattoos served one purpose.

Compared to his arms, Maxim had fewer tattoos on his chest and stomach. Two of the tattoos were on his ribs and the two other tattoos lay atop his navel. You recognised the navel tattoos as Norse runes but like the others, you had no idea what their purpose was. You doubted that Maxim would be a person to do something without a purpose.

“Not that I am opposed to the admiration, hero but I do think that you need to blink every so often.”

You lifted your sheepish gaze to meet Maxim’s amused one. “I was wondering about your tattoos.” You squeaked out.

Reaching underneath the covers, Maxim guided one of your hands to his tattoos. “Firstly, they are not tattoos. They are protective sigils that all serve individual purposes.”

Maxim continued to explain the purpose of his sigils while cupping your hand and trailing it along the sigils. You felt your breathing and heart rate pick up as Maxim guided your hand down his chest to rest on the two remaining pieces of ink. With a quick move, the blankets were kicked down to the end of the bed and you were sitting in Maxim’s lap.

You were certain that by now Maxim had to have picked up on the change in your heart rate and breathing and you were proven correct when Maxim’s gaze met yours again and you saw that the iris of his eyes was nearly completely swallowed by his dilated pupils.

“And these final ones,” Maxim stated in a calm voice that was a few octaves lower than usual as he positioned both of your hands on the top of his stomach while his hands gripped you by the hips, “are virility runes.”

“Based on your performance last night, I never would have guessed that you’d need something like that.” You teased as a wave of confidence flooded you, “Unless you know something I don’t and you need some additional help?”

You didn’t expect Maxim’s gaze to turn calculating and while you were focusing on the change in his expression, he shifted so that his legs were bent behind you. The sudden change in position caused you to yelp and fall forwards onto his chest. One of his hands moved to your spine and he used the power from this position to press firmly onto your spine.

“I would not say that I need any additional help in keeping you under control.” Maxim’s voice was gravelly.

“YOUR MAJESTIES!” Four goblins tumbled into the room after pulling the heavy doors open.

The second that the goblins had tumbled into the room, Maxim had moved. He twisted your bodies so that yours was hidden from view and his back was to the goblins and before you could blink, the covers were back on top of you and you were cocooned in Maxim’s strong arms.

“What could you possibly want?” He seethed through gritted teeth.

“BEGGING YOUR PARDON FOR INTERRUPTING, BUT BALTHAZAR AND HIS APPRENTICE HAVE RETURNED AND ARE WAITING IN THE ENTRANCE HALL FOR YOUR MAJESTIES. BALTHAZAR CLAIMS THAT IT HAS TO DEAL WITH YOUR FORMER MENTOR.”

“Dave’s back?” You breathed out, shock controlling your system and causing you to freeze in Maxim’s embrace.

Maxim’s expression changed in an instant, “Leave us so that we can dress. Tell Balthazar we will be there shortly.”

“YES YOUR MAJESTY! WE APOLOGISE FOR THE INTERRUPTION BUT IT WAS IMPORTANT!”

“Just go.” Maxim ordered and the second that the goblins vanished, Maxim threw back the covers and climbed out of the bed. If this had been any other instance, you would have admired the view but there was a sense of urgency in the air and you left the comfort of the bed to get dressed.

“There’s nothing like imminent danger to kick you into gear,” You thought as you walked to meet Dave and Balthazar while being escorted by Maxim “and it must be very bad judging by the fact that Dave’s back here after he pretty much swore not to return and based on how quickly Maxim’s mood and expression changed once he heard what the goblins had to say.”

The atmosphere in the entrance hall was so tense that you were surprised no spells had been thrown. Drake greeted you both with a head tilt but you barely saw that as you focused on Dave who seemed to be looking everywhere else but at you.

Drake noticed this as well and his eyes narrowed, “Did you leave your manners back in your realm, plebian? Even if you don’t recognise her as your queen, at least recognise her as your sister, you pillock.”

Dave’s eyes darted towards you, “Can we focus on the fact that their,” he pointed to Maxim and Balthazar at the same time, “former master is out for revenge because they overthrew him and destroyed his castle. And” Dave’s voice rose as a note of hysteria crept into it, “he was able to travel into my realm and he proposed that I give up my magic for a chance to go back in time.”

You felt Maxim stiffen as he came to the same conclusion that you had. Their former master had offered to stop the argument that led to you being wished away to the labyrinth.

With forced politeness, Maxim turned to Dave, “Did you accept his offer?” He demanded coolly.

“No he didn’t,” Balthazar answered instead of Dave and you wondered why, “when I asked him that question, he shot a plasma bolt at a column.”

“That explains why.”

“Our former master is cunning, manipulative, slippery, and most important of all, he’s extremely magically powerful. In the past, he’s turned brother against brother, he’s destroyed alliances that have stood for centuries. He exists just to sew chaos. Do not underestimate him and whatever you do, be on your guard around him at all times.”

Maxim’s warning about not underestimating their former master and the importance of being careful reminded you of when the goblins locked you in Maxim’s room and how they’d warned you about the peaches.

“The peaches.” You gasped breathlessly.

“The peaches?” Dave and Drake echoed simultaneously. You could tell that Dave was confused but Drake was beginning to understand what you meant.

“We lure Rumplestiltskin into a trap and then he eats a peach.”

“Can someone explain what the deal is with these peaches? Are they cursed like the fruit (Name) ate?”

You winced at the way Dave referred to you as if you weren’t there and because he still considered you staying in the labyrinth with Maxim as a curse.

“The peaches have suggestive properties.” Maxim explained to Dave impatiently and with a definite snarl in his voice, “If Rumplestiltskin were to eat one, we would have enough time to kill him.”

“To kill him?” You questioned in a horrified voice.

“There is no negotiating with him. He’s too dangerous to be kept alive, so yes, hero, he needs to die.”

“I agree.” Balthazar announced, “But to get close enough to feed him the peach, you and your magic will need to be in peak condition by our standards.”

“Our standards?” Dave parroted, “What do you mean “our standards”?”

“We will be training all of you, of course.” Maxim confirmed, “You will develop your magic until you are the strongest you can be whether you are fighting by yourself or side by side with (Name) and Drake. During this time, we” he looked to Balthazar and Balthazar nodded in confirmation, “expect you to resolve your issues with one another. That” he held up a hand after glimpsing your expression, “is not up for negotiation.”

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

Labyrinth AU

Maxim Horvath x female reader

Chapter 1

The fight between you and your brother, Dave, had escalated to such a point that you stood in his flat panting. Your brother stood opposite you, panting as well. Neither of you could remember how the fight had started and you were both too stubborn to let the matter drop.

Dave recovered first, “You are so frustrating! I wish the Goblins would take you away, right now,” He spat as his hands curled into fists.

You felt your heart rate pick up and your breaths became shallow in your anger. Dave had just used a phrase from the movie that you both adored since childhood and after your dad had left and your mum had died, it was just the two of you. You promised that you’d be there for each other always.

“He wants me to go away forever because of an arg-?”

Dave’s flat whited out and you closed your eyes as the brightness became too much. When the brightness dimmed, you slowly opened your eyes and took in your surroundings. Instead of the stone walls and middle-age architecture that you were expecting, it appeared that you were standing in the throne room of a mansion with stairs on either side and a balcony connecting them.

“Oh, look.” A male British voice rang out, “We’ve been sent another one.”

You span rapidly trying to find the source of the voice but stopped when you couldn’t see anyone.

“You’ll never find me.” The voice cackled.

You heard his stress on the words “you’ll” and “me” and with a sudden burst of clarity, you knew how to get him to reveal himself.

“I guess so; I was hoping to see you but, I guess, like all the other magicians, you’re happy with working subtly in the background and going unnoticed.”

There was a rush of air and a man appeared, floating in mid-air on top of the balcony.

“You could not be more wrong,” he sneered as he crossed his arms, “what good is having talent when no one can appreciate you?”

You scoffed, “Clearly you don’t have any talent in fashion,” you gestured at his clothing, “correct me if I’m wrong but it appears you have no originality, seeing as you’ve copied Billy Idol’s look from the late 80s.

The man flicked his coat out as he hovered toward you, “You’re funny; I like that,” he landed in front of you and circled you. “Most people don’t know who Billy Idol is and just like him, I dress to stand out.”

“Decent magical potential,” he noted, “How’d you get here?”

“Her brother wished her away,” a second, slightly less accented voice stated from behind you.

There was a rush of footsteps and you turned to see goblins thundering down the steps to greet the new arrival. The first man winced and raised his hands to cover his ears. A second later you understood why.

“THE KING HAS RETURNED! THE KING HAS RETURNED!” The goblins cried over and over again.

Your hands moved to cover your ears as you turned around just in time to see the man brandish a cane with a glowing, jewelled top at the goblins.

“Get away from me you putrid characters. How am I supposed to greet our new guest if you are in my way?”

The goblins turned to face you, “WE HAVE A NEW GUEST! WILL SHE BE STAYING? HOW LONG FOR?”

“If her brother does not solve the labyrinth, she will be staying here for eternity.”

“I’m in the labyrinth?”

“Of course you are,” the King rolled his eyes as he walked over to his throne and your body swivelled so that you were watching him as he walked past, “where did you think you were?”

You opened your mouth to respond but the King held up a hand to stop you, “That was a rhetorical question. Rhetorical means..”

“I know what rhetorical means,” you hissed out from between gritted teeth, “I was going to say that this doesn’t look like the labyrinth from the movies.”

The king paused just before he reached his throne and he turned to face you. Without a word, he moved towards you and only stopped when his face was close to yours. He raised his cane and rested the jewelled top on your lips. You had half a second to think that maybe it wasn’t a good idea to hiss at the king but on the other hand before he spoke.

“Blame my apprentice for that one.” He breathed, “Drake was never one for subtlety.”

Slowly he withdrew the cane from your lips and your mouth was suddenly dry, “I noticed.”

The British man, Drake, shrugged, “The goblins trashed the last place and there were too many people who saw me using magic. All it took was a whispered suggestion and an illusion and bam, we were in the lap of luxury.” Drake’s tone was nonchalant but you could hear the frustrated tone underneath. It seemed Drake didn’t like his items being destroyed as well as going unnoticed.

Neither you nor the king took your eyes off each other throughout Drake’s speech. The king was taller than you with dark brown eyes, short brown hair, and a neatly trimmed goatee. He was dressed in a suit and tie with a fur coat draped over his shoulders and his hands were gloved.

“Your assessment, Drake?” The king demanded without breaking eye contact as he straightened up.

“Decent magical potential. Sense of humour. Not afraid of manipulating others and impulsive.”

The king nodded. “Take her to one of the bedrooms and get her something to eat.” The king ordered as he turned away and ascended his throne.

“I will not have my guest leaving unsatisfied,” the king stated once he was sitting on his throne, “that is, if she chooses to leave at all.”

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

Labyrinth AU - Sequel

Maxim Horvath x Female Reader

Chapter 3

AN: I apologise for the delay with this chapter. There's a line from the Eragon movie (it's not a very good book adaptation but it had good lines and good moments) in here, so see if you can spot that.

You thought that because you had some experience with magic that you would find Balthazar and Maxim’s training a little easier than Dave.  You were wrong.  The training sessions that Balthazar and Maxim put you, Dave, and Drake through were incredibly gruelling and you often ended the training sessions on your back, panting and wishing for the comfort of your bed.

As you had suspected, Maxim and Balthazar had been holding back a lot in their duel in the labyrinth.  You and Dave were often left open-mouthed at the way both of your teachers could manipulate magic to challenge you.

You had the feeling that Drake was similarly impressed by the mastery that Maxim and Balthazar possessed although he didn’t show it like you and Dave did. Before Dave could even ask why, Drake scoffed and said, “We are learning from Rumplestiltskin’s apprentices themselves and you doubt that Rumplestiltskin would have let them leave their apprenticeships without demonstrating anything less than mastery?”

Drake disappeared without a sound before Dave could respond and Dave quickly pivoted on his heel to face you, “Do you believe him?”

Still feeling hurt and angry over the way he had treated you, you snapped back, “You doubt the words of a sorcerer that’s older than us and has more experience using magic in this world and most likely in the normal world?”

Dave let out a frustrated huff of air and ran his hand through his hair, “You have to admit this is a lot to process.”

Your anger lessened and your tone softened, “Believe me, I know it’s a lot to process but look at how far we’ve come.  You managed to get that plasma ball to split in four directions and surround the dummy.  The Dave that first came to the labyrinth probably would’ve knocked himself unconscious with the plasma ball.”

Dave cracked a smile and chuckled dryly, “That’s true.  Your training seems to be coming along nicely too.  You almost defeated Balthazar today; if he hadn’t flipped the magic in his hand and sent it back towards you, you would’ve won.  You seem to have a talent for manipulating magic and turning it into different shapes.  How’d you learn to do that?”

A smile appeared on your face, mirroring the one Dave had on his face, “I learnt how to do it by training with Maxim.  The first time I did it, I exerted too much energy and knocked myself out.”

Dave’s smile shrunk and the laughter in his eyes dimmed, “I bet Horvath took that well.”

Your smile remained as you remembered your kiss with the Goblin King, “He wasn’t impressed.”

“You mentioned something about “too much energy”?” Dave inquired curiously.

“Think of using magic as using any other type of energy,” Drake’s voice and sudden reappearance caused you and Dave to jump in surprise.  Drake chuckled at your reactions before he continued talking, “You must learn your limits, both physical and magical.  Some spells leave you weak, other spells can leave you unconscious and yet other spells, if you use them before you are ready, they’ll kill you.”

Drake’s tone had turned sombre at the end.

No one spoke for a few minutes as you absorbed what Drake had said.  Unexpectedly, the hairs on the back of your neck stood up and a cracking sound caused your heart to sink all the way down to your toes.

Without even looking at Drake or Dave, you span around and sprinted to the room where you had left Maxim and Balthazar.  The thudding of two sets of feet told you that Drake and Dave were closely pursuing you.

You abruptly skidded to a stop at the entrance to the room when you saw that Maxim and Balthazar were in the middle of a duel with a man that you guessed was Rumplestiltskin because who else would’ve forced their way into the labyrinth?

Even working together, Balthazar and Maxim were barely a match for Rumplestiltskin.  They were both on the defensive, desperately countering Rumplestiltskin’s magical blows.  Dave created a plasma bolt as he ran past you and into the fight.

Rumplestiltskin cackled as he summoned three manticores. The feeling of dread grew as you watched Maxim and Balthazar be separated as the manticores pushed their way between the two sorcerers.  Dave froze as the third manticore prowled towards him leisurely and the plasma ball flickered twice in Dave’s hand before it vanished.

Inhaling deeply after glancing at Drake, you focused on the manticore that was attempting to corner Maxim. 

“If I can stop this manticore, Maxim can stop the other two manticores.  Maybe Rumplestiltskin will be so shocked that we can end this battle now and use the peach.”

You focused on the manticore’s paws and you imagined them turning to stone.  You felt the drain on your magic almost instantly as your magic leapt forward.  The manticore paused mid step, sniffed the air, and looked down at its paws before shaking its mane and resuming its stalk. 

You couldn’t see when your magic connected with the manticore but you felt it when it did.  It almost felt like you and the manticore were connected by a thin stream of magic that grew thicker and heavier by the second.

The manticore paused and looked at its paws again.  This time, it let out a fierce roar because patches of grey had appeared on both of its front paws.  The manticore lowered its maw to its paws and began to try and remove the patches by licking them.

This just sped up the growth of the patches and before the manticore could raise its head again, it became a stone statue.

You doubled over panting as the spell ended and Maxim commanded the tail of the manticore who was stalking Balthazar to bite itself wordlessly.  Once that manticore had collapsed onto the ground with a heavy thud, Balthazar reacted quickly; he turned the manticore that was stalking Dave into ice and then with a quick flick of his fingers, the manticore disintegrated into mist. 

“Absolutely splendid,” Rumplestiltskin crowed after a sinister set of chuckles, “clearly, I picked the wrong sibling in the family to appeal to.”

You saw Dave stiffen where he was standing and the plasma ball reappeared in his hand.

“Wanting what you can’t have, Rumple?” Drake snickered, “You seem fixated on the unattainable.”

The laughter vanished from Rumplestiltskin and the air crackled with the promise of dangerous magic.  “I wouldn’t mock me child,” Rumplestiltskin growled, “I did have a family and speaking of family, why do you think your great-aunt only visited once a year?”

Aghast, Drake looked at Rumplestiltskin.

You and Dave looked between Drake and Rumplestiltskin.

“That’s right,” Rumplestiltskin purred, “it always coincided with the powerful moon around the harvest festival where my magic was at its strongest.  An illusion here, an illusion there and bam!”  Rumplestiltskin mimed an explosion with his hands, “You have your great aunt.  Did you never wonder where your talent for illusions came from?  It’s a family gift, dear boy.”

Drake recoiled as if he’d been slapped.

“You always liked the sound of your own voice, Rumplestiltskin,” Balthazar growled out from next to the remaining manticore and you felt a surge of admiration for the sorcerer’s skill; you had been so wrapped up in listening to Rumplestiltskin that you hadn’t noticed anything that indicated that Balthazar had moved.

For a second, fear flashed over Rumplestiltskin’s face and he took a step forward uncertainly.

Balthazar moved quicker.  He wrapped a hand around the manticore’s leg and closed his eyes.

There was a whoosh of magic and a rush of colour that forced you to turn away and close your eyes.  When you slowly opened them, Rumplestiltskin was nowhere to be seen, the stone manticore was in pieces all around the room and Balthazar lay immobile on the ground.

Out of all of you, Maxim was the closest to Balthazar and he strode over to Balthazar’s still form with three large strides before kneeling carefully next to him.

“Foolish imbecile,” Maxim spat as he climbed back to his feet.  “He overexerted himself by banishing Rumplestiltskin and feeding magic into the wards.  He’s going to be unconscious for at least a week.”

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

Labyrinth AU - Sequel

Maxim Horvath x Female Reader

Chapter 1

Dave lifted his tear-stained face to glare at the unwelcome visitor. “That’s impossible.” Dave sniffed, “She chose to eat the fruit.”

The visitor giggled and there was a hint of madness in the giggle which had Dave’s magic screaming “Danger! Danger!” at him.

“That’s a valid point dearie, but what if she never had to make that choice?”

Dave sat up, still clutching his pillow, “Are you talking about time travel? That’s impossible.”

“You did just come from the labyrinth and you do wield magic.” The visitor pointed out. The visitor beckoned Dave to follow them and although Dave wouldn’t admit it, he was curious about the offer to go back in time. He could avoid your argument and everything that followed. Most importantly, if he did go back in time, you never would have chosen to stay in the labyrinth with the Goblin King.

As he continued walking, Dave wondered why you chose to stay. Weren’t you happy with your life prior to the argument? Dave focused on the days before the argument and it dawned on him that he’d done all the talking. Everything that you had talked about, school, how he felt about Becky and his friendship with Bennet – it was all about him. Dave could remember your favourite colour from when you were young and how you dreamt about being a mermaid for three nights in a row when you were six and he was four but he knew very little about you now.

“I’ve been really selfish and maybe that’s why you chose to stay in the labyrinth, (Name).”

Almost as if you were standing next to him, he heard your voice “There’s something wrong here, Dave, can’t you see that? Why is this stranger offering exactly what you want right now when you need it the most?”

Dave paused with one foot slightly elevated in the air, “Who are you?” He challenged, “How did you know how to find me?”

The stranger turned around, “You’re right. Where are my manners? We haven’t been properly introduced. Rumplestiltskin,” he bowed and Dave noticed the gold sheen on his skin.

Dave’s magic was repeating the word ‘danger’ on a near-constant loop now and Dave whimpered as he lifted a hand to his head. The screaming from his magic was causing a headache.

“Pesky little thing magic is, wouldn’t you say?” Rumplestiltskin tittered, “Once you’ve activated it, you can’t ever turn it off. It’s always there even if you choose to lose it by returning to such a drab world. I’m offering you a choice, give up your magic and I’ll help you go back in time, or keep your magic and let it drive you insane.”

Dave put the foot that was in the air down on the ground, “What do you want with my magic?”

Rumplestiltskin leant forward, “Not telling. It wouldn’t even be your magic after you gave it to me. Just think about how happy you were before you found out you had magic.”

The thought did sound tempting and logically, he knew he could blame everything that had happened on the existence of magic. Dave was just beginning to open his mouth to accept when a wave of possessiveness flooded him and Dave snapped his mouth shut.

“My magic is a gift. Why should I give it up? And if going back in time was an option, why didn’t Balthazar tell me about it?”

Dave was pulled from his thoughts when his magic started screaming for him to duck and he had just thrown himself onto the floor when the door to his flat imploded. Dave’s arms flew up to shield his head from the wooden pieces.

“Dave!” Balthazar’s voice carried easily over the noise, “You should run.”

Remembering Balthazar’s quip about apprentices listening to their mentors, Dave pulled himself up from the floor and sprinted to Balthazar’s side. Only when he was next to Balthazar did he realise that he’d just turned his back to Rumplestiltskin and his eyes searched for him only to find the sorcerer frozen.

Balthazar stepped forward, “Rumplestiltskin,” he breathed and Dave detected a note of fear in his voice which in turn made Dave even more scared, “I’d say it’s nice to see you but that would be lying.”

Rumplestiltskin’s hands clenched and unclenched as he cackled, “Look what I’ve found. One of my two former apprentices.”

Dave felt his headache returning; being around Rumplestiltskin and his constantly changing moods was giving him whiplash. With a sinking feeling, Dave realised that he already knew who Rumplestiltskin’s other apprentice was, and judging by the way his hand had been on your back the last time Dave saw you, you were very taken with each other. Dave shuddered at the thought that you might be in love with the Goblin King and that was the reason you chose to stay.

Balthazar stepped back, “Come on Dave. That squid ink won’t hold him forever.”

“Squid ink?” Dave questioned but a glare from Balthazar had him ducking his head and walking down the hall.

Balthazar caught up to him and just as they were about to descend the stairs, Dave heard the creaking of metal and the stairs fell out of reach. The windows around them imploded like Dave’s door and judging by the many screams of pain and shock that reached Dave’s ears, it wasn’t just the windows around them. It was all the windows in the apartment complex.

Balthazar’s legs carried him to the closest window and after casting a quick protection spell on himself, Balthazar looked down out of the ruined window and swung a leg over the bottom edge of the window. Then he swung his other leg and sat on the window ledge.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, Balthazar! Stop! Are you crazy?”

Balthazar shrugged, “Eh. It’s either jumping from here or taking our chances with him. I know what option I prefer.” With that, Balthazar pushed himself out of the window.

Now it was Dave’s turn to clench his fists, “I must be out of my mind.” He decided as he copied Balthazar and pushed himself out of the window.

Dave didn’t know what to expect as he fell out of the window. Part of him thought he’d end up falling onto the concrete below and the childish part of him thought (and hoped) that his magic would halt his fall before that happened.

He wasn’t expecting to fall through the concrete and land on a dusty mattress. Dave coughed several times and waved his hand in an attempt to clear the air before climbing off the mattress.

“I was worried that you wouldn’t jump.” Balthazar remarked conversationally.

Dave dusted off his sleeves, “Well it’s like you said, you do know what you’re talking about occasionally.”

“Was it really necessary to add the ‘occasionally’ at the end of that sentence?” Balthazar complained as he summoned his staff and began prodding at the air.

“Where are we, anyway?” Dave asked as he rubbed his arms and looked around. It appeared that they were in a really fancy, slightly outdated sewer.

“In one of the tunnels that connects your world to the labyrinth.” Balthazar replied distractedly.

Dave stopped rubbing his arms and froze, much like Rumplestiltskin had, “No. There is no way that I’m going back there. This is your problem; you deal with it. He was your master.”

“DO YOU THINK HE’S JUST GOING TO GIVE UP NOW?” Balthazar roared, “You have no idea what he’s like.” Balthazar lowered his voice as he continued, “What did he want with you?”

Dave glared at Balthazar, “I just want this to be over. Because of magic, I don’t have my sister anymore.”

“So you’ve said. Multiple times.” Balthazar complained, “What did he want with you?” He repeated.

Dave huffed and crossed his arms, “He offered me a trade. My magic for the opportunity to go back in time and stop the argument.”

“You didn’t say yes, did you?”

Dave summoned his magic and threw a plasma bolt at one of the columns.

Balthazar pointed to the column that was now on fire, “That was a bit much. You could just have said no.”

“What possible use could he have for my magic?”

“Probably wants to use it to storm the labyrinth and take the mansion as payment for us overthrowing him and destroying his castle.” Balthazar stated nonchalantly as he resumed prodding at the air with his staff. He seemed to find what he was looking for and in the space where there was air, the entrance to a portal appeared.

“Excuse me?!” Dave spluttered.

Balthazar looked at him puzzled as he lowered his staff to the ground, “For what? No matter. Give me your hand.” He ordered.

“NO!” Dave refused, “I’m not going back.”

“If he overthrows Horvath, he’s going to use his magic to take over your world as well. You’ve seen what he’s like – your world would be in chaos. Now give me your hand.”

Reluctantly, Dave held his hand out, “I’m not happy about this.” He said.

“I can’t tell,” Balthazar said sarcastically, “Wipe that pout off your face.”

Before Dave could protest that he wasn’t pouting, he and Balthazar were sucked into the portal and they were hurtling through space until they were deposited onto the hard stone outside the mansion at the centre of the labyrinth.

With a click of his fingers the portal closed and Balthazar strode up the steps and used the silver knocker to bang on the door.

While he was waiting, Balthazar spoke to Dave without turning to look at him, “When I closed the portal, I closed both sides. The entrance and the exit.”

Dave exhaled, “Thank you. Thank you for that minute consideration. We are back in the labyrinth and when we were last here, we started a duel with the king and his apprentice.”

Balthazar shrugged, “And? That’s how some sorcerers say hello.”

As the door opened, it let out a loud screech as it scratched against the floor and a goblin greeted them.

“The mansion is not open for visitors.” They stated in a monotonous voice.

“We need to see the king.” Balthazar retorted.

“The king is sleeping with his queen.”

Dave wrinkled his nose in dismay at the goblin’s sentence. One look at Balthazar reassured him that Balthazar didn’t appreciate the goblin’s statement either.

“It’s about our former Master.”

The goblin’s eyes widened, “In that case I shall wake the king and queen. Come in. Quickly.”

The door screeched again as it closed behind Dave and Balthazar the second that they had stepped across the threshold and the goblin scurried away. Both Dave and Balthazar flinched as they heard several heavy bolts sliding into their respective latches.

“Out of the frying pan…” Dave began.

“And into the fire.” Balthazar finished.

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

Labyrinth AU

Maxim Horvath x Female Reader

Chapter 2

Dave spent the next three days either sulking in his bedroom or visiting your favourite places in an attempt to find you but you were nowhere to be found and by the fourth day, Dave had passed panic and was now in the extreme terror stage. His sleep was troubled by nightmares and he woke up feeling more tired than when he went to sleep.

His studies were beginning to suffer as well. Bennet had to jab him hard in the ribs when their physics teacher asked Dave a question that Dave hadn’t heard because he was so tired. Luckily, Dave was able to give the right answer and the teacher moved on.

He wasn’t as lucky when it came to Bennet. Bennet was persistent and wouldn’t let the subject drop and Dave finally snapped at him when they were both back at their flat.

“My sister and I had a fight, alright? I can’t even remember what it was about and during the fight, I quoted Labyrinth, the movie that she and I have loved since we were kids, and there was a bright light. The next thing I know, she’s gone and I’ve looked everywhere for her and nothing. I can’t sleep 'cause I’ve got nightmares and 'cause of the nightmares; I’m tired and that means I’m cranky but I’m sure you’ve noticed all that. God, I miss her.” Dave ran a hand through his messy hair.

It felt good to finally let it all out.

Bennet frowned, “What exactly did you quote from Labyrinth?”

“That’s what you’re focusing on right now?” Dave threw his hands up in the air and turned away.

Bennet’s hand landed on his shoulder and spun him back around, “What did you quote?” He demanded.

Dave shook his head, “I’m not going to say it again. It was the last words Sarah says to Toby before she leaves his room and before she meets Jareth.”

Bennet’s eyes widened, “You said that to your sister?!”

“I was angry. It's a line from a movie, so what?” Dave defended himself.

Bennet groaned, “That’s not the problem! Ma always told me that words have power and the magician that came to my eleventh birthday party said that too.”

“That you remember but you can’t remember what you did with our presentation?”

Bennet scowled, “I said I was sorry about that and you’d remember the magician’s words too if he stared at you when he said them. It was like he was staring into my soul.”

“So this magician is the only lead we have. How do we find him?”

Bennet fumbled with his pocket and eventually managed to withdraw his wallet. Quickly, Bennet opened his wallet and pulled out a creased business card that had a stain on it that looked like a coffee stain.

Dave leant forward and was just able to make out the name on the card.

“Balthazar Blake?” He snorted, “Who names their kid Balthazar?”

Bennet fixed him with an unimpressed look, “Balthazar is a saint and was the King of Macedonia. He gave myrrh to baby Jesus.”

Embarrassed, Dave decided to focus on his shoes, “So how do we find him?”

Bennet gave no answer and Dave’s head jerked upwards, “How do we find him?” He repeated.

Bennet’s finger quivered as he pointed at the window and for a moment Dave couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Outside of his window, there was a man hovering in mid-air. The man gestured with his hand impatiently and Bennet grabbed Dave by his collar and pulled him away from the window.

There was a huge smash and the glass broke into shards only to fall onto the carpet where Bennet and Dave had been standing moments before.

“Were you not taught to be careful with names?” The man spat as he dusted himself off.

“I forgot.” Bennet muttered sheepishly.

“There’s a surprise.” Dave muttered at the same time.

Bennet and the man both glared at him.

“Why did you summon me?”

“I didn’t, he did!” Bennet cried, “He and his sister got into a fight four days ago. He quoted Labyrinth, he said those words, and his sister vanished. This is Balthazar Blake by the way.” Bennet directed the last sentence to Dave.

“FOUR DAYS!” Balthazar bellowed, “YOU HAVE DONE NOTHING WITH THIS INFORMATION FOR FOUR DAYS?! DO YOU REALISE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE?!”

“NO!” Dave screamed back, “I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHERE MY SISTER IS!”

Balthazar clenched his teeth in an effort to control himself, “You already know where she is.”

Dave shook his head, “No. No, the labyrinth isn’t real, it can’t be. The actors were just playing roles in a story.”

“It’s real.” Balthazar snapped, his impatience returning, “You wished your sister there,” he pointed at Dave “and thanks to your inaction, the Goblin King has quite the considerable advantage in persuading your sister to stay with him.”

Bennet and Dave shared a horrified look, “S-s-she won’t choose to say with him, will she? She can’t.”

Balthazar sighed, “You know your sister better than I do,” he stated quietly, “if there is even a slim chance that she could choose to stay, the Goblin King will use every tool at his disposal to show her what life would be like in his realm.”

“I’m so sorry (Name).” Dave thought, “This is all my fault.”

He squared his shoulders, “How do I get into the labyrinth?”

“We.” Balthazar stated.

“Pardon?”

“You are delusional if you think that I am letting you enter the labyrinth by yourself. There have been fully trained magicians that have perished in the labyrinth and you do not have one tenth of their skill.”

“Ouch.” Dave muttered.

Balthazar ignored him and conjured a staff, “Now where were you and your sister standing when you fought? How were you standing?”

Dave pointed to where you’d both been standing and told Balthazar that you had been standing opposite each other when you vanished.

“Alright. Stand where you were during the argument and I’ll take the place of your sister.” Balthazar said as he moved into position.

It was only when Balthazar was standing opposite him and Balthazar had lifted the staff into the air that Dave realised what Balthazar was planning to do.

“WAIT!” He yelled, raising a hand but he was too late.

Balthazar brought his staff down onto the ground and the flat disappeared in a flash of bright, white light. When Dave’s vision cleared, he found that he was standing in front of two heavy-looking, open brass gates. Dave squinted and he could just make out the lavish castle standing in the centre of the labyrinth.

Wrenching his gaze away from the lavish castle, he looked around for any sign of Balthazar. It was only after the magician cleared his throat that Dave realised Balthazar had already entered the labyrinth and was standing in front of him.

“Are you coming or should I continue on without you?”

“I’m coming!” Dave assured Balthazar and to prove that he wasn’t lying, Dave stepped forward and entered the labyrinth.

“I’m coming (Name).”