#'please accept my deepest apologies captain'

[marahuyomae]

The Duchess's Hope [Inazuma Eleven]

Prologue: Fuck you Monday, Hell is just a Sauna

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The cool morning breeze wafts through the hallways on this early Monday. The sound of footsteps and chatter can be heard throughout the busy hallway. Groups of students are mingling, but I walk alone, rushing to get to the library to help Mrs. Fukawa. My plans are forgotten when I bump into someone, lose my balance, and land on my bottom with a thud.

When I accidentally collided with someone, I quickly looked up to find myself face-to-face with Kidou Yuuto, the infamous soccer club captain at Teikokou. Everyone around him treated him as an authority figure. Any attempt to cross him resulted in severe punishment - not only that, but injuries or bullying among soccer club members were met with the Commander's wrath, which everyone knew was due to his pride in the team. After the collision, I swiftly shuffled backward on the ground, but Kidou-san proved too quick for me, grabbing hold of my ankle and dragging me to where he lay. My body trembled with fear, and I tried to run away, but he held me firmly, refusing to let go.A feeling of helplessness and despair took over me, with darkness enveloping my senses. I mustered up all my courage, staring defiantly back at Kidou-san, trying to maintain a carefree and casual demeanor. Despite my efforts, his green lenses failed to conceal the anger and irritation written all over his face. His grip on my ankle tightened even more, causing visible veins to pop up all over his face, further emphasizing his intense emotions.

More and more students started to gather around the commotion, whispering to each other without caring who might be listening and passing judgment on the two of us with cold stares. A thick tension permeated the air as time seemed to stand still. As someone who preferred to stay out of the public eye because of my unappealing personality and lack of charisma, I knew that my quiet days of anonymity were over if I didn't apologize.

"Kidou-san, I am truly sorry for my careless actions. It was not my intention to hurt you in any way," I replied, bowing my head and avoiding his glance. "Please accept my deepest apologies."

A moment of silence ensued before a familiar, deep voice spoke up, saying, "Follow me." The voice held my wrist tightly, seemingly to prevent me from escaping, even though I had no plans to do so. Instead, he pulled me along as he led me to a destination, which I assumed was Kageyama's office. There was an uneasy silence present throughout our walk, which made it difficult to maintain my doll-like expression. As we walked, several students gave us glances of either disgust or concern. Those who were disgusted were upset that they didn't get to be with their much-admired "Kidou-Chama," while those who were concerned were worried that I might not make it out of there alive.

As we approached the pair of heavy black iron doors, Kidou-san instructed me to stay put, which I swiftly obeyed. I simply stood there and prepared myself for whatever consequences awaited me. Although some may find this excessive, especially considering I had already rendered a sincere apology, this was none other than Kageyama's favorite disciple we were talking about. Kageyama values every member of the soccer club as if they were exquisite porcelain creations adorned with gold and silver. As a result, anyone who interferes with his disciples can anticipate facing significant retribution.

It seemed like no matter what, my time here at Teikokou was coming to an end. I had broken two rules, both of which were grounds for expulsion, and I was sure that I was in trouble. Not only had I gotten detention, but I was probably going to get expelled twice - if that was even possible. And to top it all off, my older brother would be disappointed that I had squandered my scholarship. But I was determined not to let him bribe anyone again, as that had gotten me into a bad situation before.

[ynscrazylife]

Carol danvers x reader (royal AU) where like.. Carol is a knight/warrior and reader is a princess?

Connected by the Constellations

Summary: Knight Carol and Princess Y/N are connected by the constellations of the sky.

Prompt: “The knight doesn’t know when it started, but every time he is on night watch, the princess joins him for a talk, claiming she is just unable to fall asleep.” By @creativepromptsforwriting

Authors Note: Second fic of my AU Event!

Request to be on a taglist (or multiple) here! (Taglists are at the end of the fic)

Main Masterlist | MCU Masterlist #1 | MCU Masterlist #2

PSA: Do NOT copy, steal, translate, plagiarize, republish, etc any of my works on Tumblr or any other platform. Also, do NOT claim any of my works as your own. All of these works are either requests I’ve gotten that people have wanted me to write or original ideas I’ve had for works. If you happen to take inspiration from anything I’ve written and want to write something inspired by that, please a) ask me first and b) IF I say yes, credit me as inspo in your post by tagging me and link whatever work of mine that inspired you. Thanks.

header c @/natashowlet

Carol would quite literally thank her lucky stars when she was assigned night duty. All the other knights despised it - having to stand for hours in the dark when they should be sleeping? No, thank you. For the blonde, though, she was more than ready to offer herself up when their Captain asked for volunteers.

It wasn’t like it required much of her to do, anyway. She’d stand atop the walls beneath two out of four of the castle towers, looking over the courtyard until her shift was over. It wasn’t difficult, and although Carol preferred to use her strengths as a Knight - jousting, defending - it gave her a unique and rare opportunity:

To look at the sky.

Ever since she was a kid she loved it. The sky was enormous and at nighttime the stars would light it up like nightlights. For Carol, connecting the stars to form the constellations was her favorite form of puzzle. As a result, more often than not, instead of watching the courtyard, her gaze was pulled upward, in a way that it appeared as if she was defying gravity.

It was for that reason that on one spring night, her shifts from then on would be changed forever. Carol had been yearning at the sky as usual, which was why she didn’t hear the pitter-patter of slippers against the stone approaching her. She didn’t even realize that she had been joined by someone until their lavender fragrance wafted into her nose.

One blink and she was on alert, immediately unsheathing her sword, standing back, and pressing the tip of it to who was sure to be her attacker’s neck. Only when the person let out a mangled yelp did Carol realize who this was, and her eyes widened before she hastily pulled her sword far, far away.

“Your highness!”

Composing herself, the Princess straightened her posture, forcing out a dignified laugh. “Knight,” she greeted, curtseying.

“Please accept my deepest apologies, Your Highness. I mistook you for an attacker,” Carol explained, bowing her head.

Shaking her head, the Princess retained a polite smile. “It is fine. I’m glad that our Knights are on high alert. You are just doing your job,” she brushed aside, in such a leaderlike, future Queen-like, voice that it must’ve been drilled into her by her parents and teachers. “I just came by to look at the stars since I couldn’t sleep . . . Is that Orion?” She turned to the sky, pointing out a constellation.

Narrowing her eyes, Carol blinked, finding that the Princess was correct. Biting her tongue to stop herself from wording this poorly, she said, “Yes, it is. I didn’t know that Princesses were taught about the sky, Your Highness.”

Y/N chuckled, letting her true laugh ring, her true voice accompanying it. “I studied the stars in any free time I had when I was younger - and still do now,” she said.

This sparked the Knight’s interest. They launched into a conversation, discussing all the constellations they could see. It began that every night the Knight was on duty, the Princess would join her, murmuring about how she wasn’t able to sleep, even though they both knew that it wasn’t true. Still, the Knight didn’t stop her and the Princess didn’t allow herself to be stopped. After about the third or fourth visit or so, they began a contest of who could spot as many constellations as they could first. There was no prize and neither kept count, but it allowed them to talk for hours until the Knight’s shift was over or the Princess retreated to her quarters.

This went on for months, and neither had any intention of stopping. Their conversations grew into topics other than the sky, although they’d always come back to that, and they learned a lot about each other from it. At some point, the Princess started calling the Knight “Carol” and the Knight started calling the Princess “Y/N”. Although such informalities felt strange at first, with each other, they soon grew accustomed to and comfortable with it.

Then, one night, Y/N did not show. There was no way exactly for Carol to tell that she was late, for there was no clock outside, but as the breeze grew colder and the other guards grew tired, Carol could tell that there was something - someone - missing.

This set her off. She had never been so comfortable with someone than she was with the Princess. Anxiously, Carol craned her neck back to watch the entrance that Y/N came from. It was quiet. Abandoned. Give her a few more minutes, Carol told herself. She was a member of the Royal family. Perhaps she just got busy or fell asleep early.

That never happens, her conscience told her.

After a couple more agonizing minutes of rocking side-to-side slowly, the Knight decided she couldn’t just stand there when something could be wrong. Her duty was to take care of the Royal family, wasn’t it? She had to do that.

Hoping the other Knights were too tired or bored to notice, she crept over to Y/N’s usual entrance, which led to a winding, steep staircase. With her clanky boots, she made more noise than she would have liked to, but descended down it all the less. Leaving the little tower, she saw the palace’s library nearby.

From their talks she knew that Y/N would go there to study frequently, or use it as an oasis to get away from the chaos of being a royal - it wouldn’t hurt to check there.

Walking inside, Carol was adamant to make as little noise as possible. It would be a dishonor to disrupt Y/N’s quiet, safehaven. At first, she figured that no one could be there, with all the lights out. Then, something shining out of the corner of her eye caught her attention. Turning, she had to squint to make out a small lamp.

Gravitating towards it like a bug would, Carol made out Y/N’s outline as she approached. Y/N had her back faced to her, one hand supporting her chin and the other resting on an open book. Rounding the table, Carol noticed that the book had a photo of the night sky on it, with stars dotting it. That brought a small smile to her face, until she looked up to see Y/N asleep. She must have just fallen asleep, as the arm supporting her wasn’t limp yet, but would be soon.

Wanting to prevent her face from smashing into the book, Carol quickly reached out and shook her shoulder. That little touch was enough to jostle her and quickly, Y/N reentered consciousness. Her eyes went wide as she first saw Carol and then when she saw the book. “I didn’t mean to - I need to study,” she said, pushing back her chair and almost throwing herself at the nearest shelf, scouring it.

Blinking in slight shock, Carol followed her. “Study for what?” She asked, watching her fumble through the books, a couple falling onto the floor.

When Y/N’s only response was a mutter about how mad her teacher was going to be, Carol decided to step in. Narrowly avoiding getting hit with a book as it flew off the shelf, she grabbed Y/N’s wrists, forcing her to take a pause.

“Whatever this is, it needs to stop. You need to rest,” Carol said, not bothering to stuff her concern behind her usual tough exterior.

Y/N shook her head, struggling against Carol’s tight grip. “No, no. I have a test. I need - to - study.”

After a brief back-and-forth, the two ended up mere inches away from each other. With her tiredness, Y/N’s attempts grew weaker, but she was still adamant. It only got through to her when she realized the effect this was having on Carol, her blonde hair getting disgruntled, frustration and worry in her eyes, her straining muscles. “I would not be doing my Knightly duty if I step aside while this continues, Y/N! You need to rest, and I will make it my job to make sure you do so,” she said.

As this set in, Y/N dropped her struggle. With that happening so suddenly, Carol just barely caught herself before she knocked into the shorter royal. Once she regained her balance and loosened her grip, Y/N stepped away, rubbing her face as she felt the exhaustion overpower her. Turning around, Y/N slumped in a chair.

“I might just sleep here,” she said, leaning against the back of the chair.

Letting out a small scoff, Carol knelt in front of Y/N. “Can I help you back to your room, Princess?” She offered, smirking.

Y/N cracked one eye open and then turned away. “I’m good here,” she replied in a sing-song voice.

Rolling her eyes, Carol stood up. “I can carry you?” She offered next, shrugging. “Belova is guarding your quarters tonight. She won’t care.”

When Y/N didn’t respond, just shifted in the chair uncomfortably, Carol took the decision upon herself. She bent down and scooped the Princess up in her arms, eliciting a small squak of surprise from her. Carol just chuckled, heading out the door. “Adorable,” she teased, making sure Y/N was secure.

“I didn’t think you’d actually do it,” Y/N grumbled, resting her head against Carol’s shoulder.

Feeling butterflies from the touch, the Knight nonetheless carried her to her quarters. Passing Yelena, the guard smirked at the scene, but didn’t say anything. When they got inside Y/N’s room, Carol laid her on her bed and helped her pull the covers over herself. Carol turned to leave, but Y/N caught her wrist.

“No goodnight kiss?” Y/N pouted. Then, she added, “Only if you want, of course.”

Turning back to her, Carol was grateful that the darkness only allowed them to make out the outlines of each other, so Y/N didn’t see her blush. She barely contained her gasp as it was. Leaning down, Carol’s lips met Y/N’s. They engaged in a nice, sweet kiss before they pulled back. “For you, Princess? I’d give you the stars,” she admitted quietly.

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[genshin-no-simp]

Alpha!Kaeya x Omega!Reader (Smut)

Pairing: Kaeya x You/Reader (Female Reader)

Warnings: Sexual content starts below the cut.

Extra warnings: slight breeding kink and possessiveness.

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

Alpha's were too possessive.

Beta's were little bitches.

And Omega's were too needy.

Nobody could deny these statements, nor could they determine what you were. There were many disputes on this matter. Many claimed you are an Omega due to your small and petite stature common among all Omega's. Others called you an Alpha with your feisty and somewhat aggressive behaviour, a trait common to Alpha's, though anyone would be on edge having to hide their scent all the time. So often people determined you were a Beta and left it at that.

Of course not all of them dropped the issue, the matter of fact that you concealed your scent was suspicious, it was something that not many did. Some put it down to the fact that you were still unmated with so more often than not, many over confident Alpha's who were in their ruts, would approach you, their scents stronger and muskier, more alluring than usual, trying to draw out yours, for you to only turn your nose up in displeasure, calling them disgusting.

Which wasn't a lie, all the Alpha's you have met had an over powering scent which was quite unpleasant, you desired something more sweet and alluring, something smooth and soothing, you realized that you would not find that person in your hometown so you chose to move to Mondstadt where you soon would find it.

Now even after you moved away from your hometown to Mondstadt, Alpha's would hound you daily, most of them gave up on trying to figure out if you were an Alpha, Beta or an Omega, you were a gorgeous and mysterious woman, who wouldn't want to mate with someone like that?

And today was certainly no exception.

"Come now cutie, I don't mind what you are, just come play with me, I can show you a good time," an over eager Alpha smirked, confidence dripping with every word. You held your breath, refraining from inhaling his pungent scent that made your stomach recoil.

"Yes so you and every other Alpha in this town claim." You scoffed turning from him, hoping he'd get the hint that you are uninterested. Instead he grabbed your hand pulling you to face him again.

"Unlike them I'm experienced." His scent became muskier with arousal, which only turned your stomach more.

"I could hardly care about your experience, I doubt you're that great anyway," you rolled your eyes pulling your wrist out of his grasp.

Losing his temper the male forcefully pinned you to the wall with a snarl, "you ignorant, untamed, feral bitch, you don't have any idea how many women want my pups. You should be grateful that I'm choosing you." He said it as if it was something to be thankful for, if anything you thought him feral. Before you could retort, you caught whiff of a familiar scent, a scent that sent you into a frenzy, your stomach filled with butterflies but you maintained your composure as you watched a hand grip the males shoulder as they dug their nails in deeply, the male let out a pathetic yelp as he released you to clench his fist and swing at the unknown third party behind him. His fist was easily caught and the males face turned pale as if he saw a ghost.

"C-c-captain Kaeya," his voice trembled, his once self-assured scent filled with fear.

"Lawrence my fellow Knight, I am quite disappointed in you, this behaviour is unbefitting of a Knight of Favouius," the ever cool Cavalry Captain spoke with a low voice.

"I-I apologize, perhaps my rut got the better of me." The named knight Lawrence shook.

"Its not me you should apologise to," Kaeya narrowed his eyes, nails digging deeper into his shoulder, you were certain he drew blood. Lawrence swiftly turned to you and bowed deeply.

"Please miss (Y/N), accept my deepest of apologies," he didn't move from his bow.

"Fine, just go away," you didn't care at all for his apology you just wanted him gone.

"Yes of course! You won't see me again!" Kaeya removed his hand from the other knight and he ran for it. Leaving you and the blue haird captain alone. You sighed deeply slumping against the wall you were still leaning on.

Kaeya reached out but decided against the notion, for he feared of your rejection. Although it wasn't the first time he's interacted with you, and even if during those numerous times you never told him to go away, or to go fuck himself, he still kept his distance. He didn't know when your attitude might change.

"Are you okay?" Kaeya spoke softly with concern. Even his scent that smelled like sweet wine and snow pine was etched with concern. Your face flushed, trying to keep yourself concealed was getting harder, the fact that you were going into a heat cycle right now didn't help, his scent was quicken the process. Around any other male it was fine, since their over-bearing scents had the opposite effect on you.

"Yes I'm quite alright Sir Kaeya," you smiled softly. The Captain couldn't help but chuckle.

"Come now, just Kaeya is fine," he gave a smile, not one that he showed to other people, but a genuine one.

"Alright then...Kaeya." It felt nice saying his name like that. If you stayed with him any longer, you knew you would do something you'd regret. As if he read your mind he spoke.

"Here, allow me to walk you home." He tilt his head to the side motioning his hand in the direction of your house. You gave a curt nod and walked with him to your house. It wasn't a long trip to begin with but it ended far too quickly for your liking as you soon found yourself standing outside your door.

"Thank you for taking the time to walk me home." You unlocked the door and turned back to give him a grateful smile.

"It was my pleasure. Have a good night (Y/N)," he gave a small bow before turning on his heel walking away.

Quickly you entered the comfort of your home, letting out a small whine, finally able to stop restricting your scent, the strain on your body lifting as the hallway was quickly filled with your smell. Your body began to burn, a fever being brought on by your heat. Swiftly you made your way to the stairs, but stumbled on your way. You reached out with your arm to the dresser in the hallway, your body slamming roughly into it causing the vase to fall and shatter loudly. Too caught up by the burning in your body you curled onto the floor letting out deep breaths. All you could think about was Kaeya, which all it did was made things worse for you.

Outside Kaeya hadn't gotten even three feet away before his ears picked up on the commotion coming from inside. His body tensed, as he rushed to the door but stopped. He wasn't the type to just barge into a lady's house but this was you he was talking about, he would never forgive himself if something had happened and he could've done something to prevent it. He'd apologise later for entering unannounced. So he opened the door and before he could even take one step inside your scent hit him in the face like a ton of bricks, your sweet yet salty Omega scent. Gods, you were an Omega after all. He breathed it in deeply, his wild and primal Alpha instincts were telling him to take you there and then but he shoved those feelings down as he watched you lay on the floor hot, bothered and so very, very vulnerable. He's never seen you like this, he's certain nobody has ever seen you like this. In your haze you could smell him, it smelt so good, so comforting.

"Kaeya," you mewled softly. His body froze, did you just call for him? Snapping out of it he swiftly closed the door, locking it, he didn't want anyone else getting in the way, he also took his boots off placing them next to your shoes. Slowly and gently he made his way over.

"Yes, I'm here," he called out ever so softly. You were startled, in a daze you sat up leaning against the dresser you had previously tumbled against, you weren't expecting him to actaully be here, or perhaps it was your mind playing tricks on you. Yet his scent was too real, but you were still unsure so you spoke.

"Are you real?" Your face reddened from your fever your hand reached out towards him. Instantly he took your hand in his and pulled you to him, you were surprisingly light. He held you tight against his chest, as he sat against the wall.

"What do you think?" He whispered softly. He held you close, your face pressed into he crook of his neck, where his scent was strongest. You pressed your nose against his neck inhaling deeply as you gripped his clothes. Kaeya let out a shaky breath feeling your breath against his skin. He could feel his control slipping but he had to keep it together, he would let you lead tonight, or until given permission.

"Kaeya, it's too hot," despite your statement you pressed your body closer to his, your hands delving into his clothes.

"I know," he spoke softly, he used his cryo power to cool his hands sufficiently and touched the back of your neck to try and cool you a bit. You arched your back letting out a desperate moan.

"Kaeya please," you whined now pawing at his clothes. His eyes thinned his voice low and husky.

"I don't want you to regret this, if you let me do this, I'm claiming you, marking you as mine. I won't allow anyone else to touch you," his cool hand that was on your neck moved to your chin to lift your head up to look at him. Despite your hazy state you understood what that meant, if he claims you, he would be your mate for life and you didn't want it any other way. So in response you smashed your lips against his with need.

Kaeya let out a small groan gripping your hips tightly. His tongue slipping into your mouth, his tongue rubbed against yours, caressed the inside of your cheeks, delving deep into your cavern, tasting you, unable to get enough. You moaned into his mouth some saliva dripping down the corner of your mouth. Breaking the kiss, Kaeya removed his lips from yours, he smirked and licked up the saliva. You out a needy sigh leaning in to meet his lips again, for Kaeya to lean away putting his finger your lips.

"Come now darling, I don't think this is the place," he wanted to make sure you were comfortable, after all this was about you. You couldn't help but growl softly when he stopped but appreciated his consideration.

"My bedroom isn't far," you spoke softly against his finger giving it a quick lick before grabbing his wrist and pulling him up with you.

"My, someone is certainly eager," he teased as you practically dragged him up the stairs. Throwing the door open you made your way to your bed where you made your nest, where many pillows and blankets were built up. Kaeya felt a tingling sensation, you could've taken him to a different room but you took him here instead. Holding himself back was indeed a challenge and then some. You had let go of his wrist a few seconds ago now, you were sitting in the middle of your nest looking at him.

"Kaeya why are just standing there? Come here." You patted the space beside you. You were inviting him in, into your sanctuary, into the place where you spend most your time nurturing and raising your little ones. The tingling sensation inside him grew. He was becoming unsure so he asked again.

"(Y/N)...are you sure?" His voice low as he stood at the edge of the bed.

"Kaeya I may in heat and needy but I'm not incapable of choosing my mate," You held out your hand to him with a smile. Kaeya returned your smile and took your hand. The bed dipped as he leaned his body weight onto it. He crawled into the centre with you as he watched you lay down onto your back offering your submission to him.

And just like that, the last string of Kaeya's restraint snapped. Grabbing the hem of your blouse he ripped it from your body. You gasped lightly in surprise, it was unexpected. Kaeya did the same with your bra freeing your breasts. The moment your chest was bare his face was buried into your neck. His tongue lapped on your scent gland, your back arched pressing your chest against his. In response he pushed down against you pinning you to the bed. You let out a mewl wrapping your arms around his neck, a hand finding it's way into his luscious blue locks. You tilted your head to the side, giving him better access to your neck.

"Kaeya please." You pleaded rubbing your leg up his side, instantly you felt his teeth sink into your neck.

He has marked you.

He has claimed you.

You are his now.

And nobody can take you away.

"Kaeya~" you moaned loudly.

Your mind began to swim, you couldn't think straight. All you wanted was him. You needed him.

"Kaeya, my Kaeya, my Alpha, please," you panted softly, "please fill me, give me your pups, please." Your sincere desperation drove him insane.

Kaeya removed himself from your neck to make quick work of both your clothing. He watched as your pussy glistened with your slick. As much as he wanted to plow into you right now, he knew he should prepare you so it wouldn't hurt as much, so he slid two fingers into you. You gripped his hair slightly arching your back, a gasp type moan escaped your lips. His fingers easily entered and exited your pussy. He made a scissoring motion, stretching out your walls. Your legs twitched in anticipation. Being impatient Kaeya deemed that you were ready. With the fingers coated in your slick he stroked himself a few times before lining his dick up with your pussy.

"I'm going to fill you real good baby, so good you won't be able to think of anything else but me." With that he pushed himself deep inside you, until he was fully inside.

You let out a cry of ecstasy, throwing your head back, "yes Kaeya!" With your neck exposed to him once more he latched onto it, leaving multiple love marks all the while thrusting mercilessly into you. Endless moans escaped you lips as you gave yourself to pleasure and instinct. Kaeya lifted his head from your love bitten chest. His fingers dug into your hips as he watched your wither beneath him. The sight of your disheveled body aroused him greatly. Hooking your legs over his arms, he spread your legs further, this new angle allowed him to hit that delicious spot inside you. Your walls clenched around him with every thrust to your g-spot. Kaeya growled deeply feeling the knot form at the base of his dick. Once it swelled he wouldn't be able to pull out, releasing inside you would be inevitable. But you did ask for it and he won't disappoint. You could feel his knot start to form, your hand gripped the back of his neck pulling his face close to yours.

"Don't you dare stop Kaeya," you warned him. He couldn't help but chuckle.

"Wouldn't dream of it princess. I told you, I'm going to fill, I'll fill you with my pups and I won't stop until I do. Until your stomach is swollen with my pups," you moaned into his ear you before biting down on his scent gland, marking him as yours.

Claiming him as yours.

"Fuck," he groaned feeling his need for release approaching like a storm.

Kaeya captured your lips in his.

"I promise I'll take good care of you," he panted, sweat coating both your bodies. He gave you a small smile as you gave into your release. Spurred on by your release and the tightness of your walls, Kaeya came deep inside you. You felt his seed warm up your insides making it's way to your womb. You let out a satisfied moan.

Slowly and gently Kaeya put down your legs giving them a small rub. He caressed your hair as he waited for you to come down from your high. Once your breathing returned to normal you opened your eyes and met Kaeya's blue orb as he gazed down at you lovingly. Your heart fluttered.

"I won't be able to move for a few minutes so bare with me okay." He spoke softly moving into a more comfortable position for both of you, rather than staying on top of you. Instead he moved onto his back so you could lay on his chest. He held you close rubbing soothing circles into your back. You closed your eyes in content.

"Kaeya, did you mean what you said?" Your eyes opened to look up at him still resting your head on his chest.

"About what? I said a lot things." He chuckled softly. You blushed softly twirling his hair.

"Well about everything."

"Of course I did," he cups your cheek leaning in to kiss you on the lips sweetly, lingering long enough for you to want more before he pulls away ever so slightly, "I love you."

You blushed with a smile, "I love you too," you said capturing his lips with yours.

[joucearchived]

Something About You

Summary: After you joined the Avengers, you had quickly bonded with all the team members and accepted even Loki. Loki finds himself drawn to you and develops a begrudging fondness for you. He doesn't realize just how deep that affection was rooted until you are injured on a mission.

Characters: Loki Laufeyson/(f)Reader

Warnings: mostly none, minor injury (nothing graphic), minor angst

Word Count: 2965

Notes: Hi! This is my first ever fanfiction and the first time I’m posting on tumblr! I’ve read many (many, many, many) Loki/Reader fics and I wanted to give it a try to see if I could write a short interaction between Loki and the reader. Please forgive me for any spelling/grammar mistakes, and if you enjoyed, any feedback/comments would be much appreciated. Thanks for reading!

Loki despised the Avengers. It was impossible to miss the distrustful looks thrown his way, the way the air shifted uncomfortably when he entered a room, or the thinly veiled jabs at his loyalty despite him living in the compound for well over a year. However, their treatment of him wasn’t the source of his contempt. It was you, and for all the Norns he couldn’t determine why. 

You had moved into the compound a few weeks after he had and every single occupant of the tower had been immediately infatuated with your charm. Not that Loki could blame them. You maintained a sense of innocence he could hardly believe, especially due to your history. He didn’t know much about you, but you had been rescued - and then recruited - into the Avengers after all. A tragic backstory was practically a prerequisite. You were also contradictory; for though you exuded innocence, there was also a complexity and rage that simmered underneath your skin. During missions, you were a force not to be underestimated - you stuck down enemies with a certainty and ease that even Loki respected. But in the safety and comfort of the tower, you were, for lack of a more eloquent term, adorable . Walking around in oversized Midgardian articles of clothing and fuzzy socks that often sported cartoonish designs of various animals, you almost appeared soft. Paired with your bright, but not blinding, personality, it only made sense that the others warmed to you so quickly.

Stark was the first to fall under your spell, pampering you with his latest inventions before showing anyone else. Loki supposed it had to do with your genuine enthusiasm when Stark talked, and the team had quickly learned that besides Pepper, you were one of the only people who could persuade Stark to venture from his lab to get the rest that all mortals needed. Rogers had been next. It wasn’t hard to see why the Captain had taken such a quick liking to you. Loki personally believed Rogers only saw the innocence and not the complexity, but that innocence had apparently activated his protective mode, for the Captain was oh-so-careful whenever he reluctantly sent you on any missions. Next, it had been Banner. You and the shy doctor had bonded over your shared love of quiet relaxed conversation and he could often find you in Banner’s labs, assisting him with various mundane tasks. You had even swayed the ever-suspicious Widow. How you did so, Loki had no idea. Even now, months later, the Widow only gazed upon him with open hostility. Finally, his oaf of a brother Thor. Thor had loved you from the first time he met you, but that was no surprise. What was surprising was how you tolerated his boisterous brother’s extroverted and often over-enthusiastic nature with a never ending well of patience. He could see how you flinched when Thor would sometimes talk too loudly, but you were always quick to cover it up with a smile and a hug for the oaf. 

Loki noticed that like many Midgardians, you seemed to crave touch. Even among the highly suspicious Avengers, they all seemed to trust you intimately. Stark, who, putting it lightly, was not a hugger, seemed to enjoy the occasional brush of your fingers across his arm. Rogers loved to ruffle your hair whenever he saw you, his large hand continuously running through your soft locks during meetings. Loki wondered briefly what it would be like to feel your silky strands of hair between his fingers, to have you sigh contentedly and close your eyes while he wove intricate braids into your hair. He didn’t know. The only one besides Rogers who touched your hair was the Widow, and you could both often be found brushing and braiding each other’s hair. With Banner, you seemed to be fond of side hugs, quickly smooshing the entire side of your body against his, and with Thor, well, you seemed to be the most comfortable with his brother. Your customary greeting was a hug, and it often annoyed him when his brother would abandon whatever interaction he was having with Loki to embrace you and spin you around while you giggled with a childlike glee. During the weekly movie nights, you could usually be found next to Thor, curled next to him with one of his arms thrown haphazardly behind your shoulders. Loki hated it. 

When you had first moved into the compound, you had been cautious around all of your new companions. Slowly, that careful apprehension had faded away, and you had become an integral part of their family, while Loki had remained an outsider. He had tried to hate you, and for a time, he was successful. He looked down upon your openness, your softness, and categorized it as a weakness. Over time, he began to see your courage and ability to trust as a strength and as a sign that you were truly comfortable with all the occupants of the tower, and he admired it, rather against his will. 

Though Loki refused to admit it to himself, his fascination with you had nothing to do with how the others saw you; Loki couldn’t care less about the opinions of Midgardians. Except you. There was something about you that drew Loki to you, for when he noticed you were relaxed with all of your roommates, he was startled to see that it included him. Not to say he was your favorite by any chance, or that you paid special attention to him, but he was excruciatingly aware of your perfectly average treatment of him. The way your eyes met his without flinching and how your body refused to tense when he entered a room and the way you didn’t hesitate before contentedly dropping into a seat next to him made him feel accepted. Though his pride prevented him from acknowledging it, acceptance was one thing Loki strived for but could never reach, regardless of his Silvertongue or magic, charm or tricks. But with you, Loki didn’t have to strive for acceptance, he simply was. As uncomfortable as it made him, Loki begrudgingly began to develop a fondness for you.

Not only did your laid-back treatment of Loki prompt him to lower his defenses around you, your complete and inherent trust in him pleased him immensely. He wasn’t talking about you sharing all your deepest and darkest secrets with him, but rather the way you trusted he wouldn’t hurt you or betray the Avengers. Occasionally Loki would unintentionally hear snippets of conversation between ‘Earth’s Mightiest Heroes’ making jabs regarding his ability to be trusted and simply at his expense, but you were never a part of the unpleasant discussions. In fact, Loki would often see you frowning disapprovingly at whomever had made the disparaging comment, and while the others’ opinion of Loki did not matter to him whatsoever, seeing your discontent had him appreciating you even more. More than how you acted when Loki wasn’t present, Loki still mostly enjoyed the interactions you did have with him. Loki typically hated movie nights as he was forced to suffer through the combined presence of all the people who disliked him crammed into a single room. He constantly craved to distance himself from everyone, including you, until he had experienced your closeness for himself. Though it was unbearably harder to see you interacting so affectionately with Thor after he knew just how intoxicating you were, the times you would touch him always kept his negative feelings at bay. On the rare occasions when you weren’t glued to Thor’s side during movie nights, you opted to sit next to him. More often than not, you ended up falling asleep, either right next to him, or on him, though that seldom ever happened. The few times it did, Loki found himself paying even less attention to whatever repetitive and predictable Midgardian film was playing and focusing on you. The steady rise and fall of your breaths against his skin, the warmth your body radiated, contrasting deliciously with his own icy interior, and the unpredictable actions you took in your sleep, such as the occasional tightening of your fingers on his chest or the charming way you enticingly nuzzled your cheek into him. Whenever you feel asleep on him, Loki would take extreme care to keep his breaths as even as possible to not disturb you. He once mustered up the courage to drape his arm across your slumbering form, and you had sighed ever so softly and only burrowed deeper into his side. When you woke up, you always looked mortified and apologized profusely, as if Loki could ever be displeased by your actions. Unbeknownst to you, the moments you spend curled up next to him warmed him during the days you were absent or off on missions.

He doubted you knew how much you mattered to him, and he himself didn’t understand just how deep he cared for you, until he almost lost you. You were on a mission with Thor and the Widow and were supposed to be back a week ago. Various complications had arisen, and while worry grew within Loki, he pushed it deep within himself as missions rarely did go completely smoothly. However, his sleep quality, while usually less restful when you were not within the compound, deteriorated at a rapid pace, and he found himself in the kitchen making tea when the Quinjet returned, announcing your return. Loki immediately knew something was off, for he did not hear any quiet chatter or soft laughter that usually accompanied you, Thor, and the Widow. Convincing himself that he had nothing better to do, Loki had gone up to the roof with the intent of offering his brother tea as a guise to check on you. The sight Loki was met with had his fingers tightening on the mug and his teeth being grinded so hard he could almost hear it. For there Thor was, leaving the Quinjet with you held in his arms and the Widow prancing along behind. A concoction of emotions began boiling within Loki: confusion, hurt, anger, disgust. As Loki continued to watch from the shadow of the roof, his revulsion only increased as Thor lowered his face to yours in a disgustingly sweet manner and whispered in your ear. However, as Thor and the Widow drew closer to where Loki was standing, he began to pick up on the oddity of the situation. Why would Thor be carrying you in his arms? The Widow was not prancing, she was running. Why was she running? Why were you still limp? Was that blood? Loki quickly emerged from his corner and walked forward towards you. The sight he was met with had the tea in his hands dropping to the floor and shattering with a crash that Loki couldn’t hear. In fact, he couldn’t hear anything but a distant buzzing surrounding him, for you were there, lying in Thor’s arms with your eyes closed, skin sickly pale but shining with sweat, hair matted, and coated in blood that seemed to ooze from your body. Without a word, Loki had teleported all of you into the doctor’s lab. 

As Thor positioned you gently down onto the bed and the Widow ran to summon the healers, Loki could only focus on you. Your breaths, so solid against his side a few days ago, were erratic and thin, your chest barely rising at all. Your fingers twitched, not in the peaceful way they had against his chest, but painfully. Your brows furrowed and you whimpered pathetically. Loki’s heart shattered. Under any other circumstance, he would have immediately demanded what had happened, but he could not tear his eyes from you. Oh, you precious little mortal. Loki had forgotten how frail Midgardians were and how easily you could break, how utterly short your existences were. He reached towards your fragile form, carefully brushing your tangled hair away from your face. He poured his seidr into you, praying to all the Norns - Hel, even to Odin - that you would survive this ordeal, all the while cursing himself for not going with you, for allowing you to become injured to such an extent, and for not practicing healing magic when he had a change. His desperate attempt to heal you and self loathing was cut short by the arrival of doctors, nurses, and the other Avengers, all wildy alert after receiving news of your injury. Loki allowed himself to be jostled away while medical personnel surrounded you as the others began questioning Thor and the Widow on how you had arrived in this condition. 

Now, Loki sat by your bedside, where he had resided ever since they had stabilized your condition. He refused to budge, plainly ignoring anyone who tried to take his place and brushing off Thor’s half-hearted attempts to get him to eat. No, Loki spent all his time here, watching you for any sign of recovery and ensuring that your breaths kept coming. Your clothes had been changed. You were no longer wearing your bloodied uniform, but a set of sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt taken out of your bedroom. Your body had been cleaned and hair had been brushed. You looked so peaceful, just laying there on the crisp white sheets. Your eyelids fluttering randomly and the occasional wince and groan were the only signs of life you exhibited. Your body convulses, and your face tenses as sweat begins to bead across your forehead. Loki recognized these symptoms all too well. You were having a nightmare. 

“Darling? Darling do you think you could wake up? I know you can. Come on, you can do it.” 

Loki whispered encouragement into your unconscious body, hoping he could rouse you from whatever torment your subconscious decided to inflict upon you. Surprisingly, you do awake, though it was not with the grace he typically saw from you. Instead, your eyes jolted open with a start and you immediately attempted to sit up, falling back down onto your back as your injury took over you. Your eyes were clouded as a result of the medication the doctors had pumped you with and your lips were chapped. Your hair framed your face haphazardly as a result of your incessant twitching from the nightmare. Your eyebags were prominent and half of your body and face still swollen. Norns, Loki thought he had never seen anything so beautiful. 

Seeing him, your half alert face breaks into a genuine smile and Loki hands you a glass of water, prompting you to greedily gulp all the liquid down.  

“Loki?” , you croak. “I'm cold.”

Loki’s relief at your awakening is palpable, and he immediately shrugs off his hoodie and bundles you up in the dark green (and insanely soft) fabric. His heart seems infinitely lighter as you look up at him wearing his ridiculously large hoodie and softens when you lay back down and burrow yourself into the fabric. You looked so small there in the hospital bed, your body still recovering and drowning in dark green cotton, and Loki has a sudden desire to brush his lips against the top of your head. Justifying his actions of simply that of a concerned friend, Loki gives into his want. The instant his lips come into contact with your skin, Loki never wants to let you go. The warmness of you seeps into him and fills a void within himself he didn’t even know he had. But Loki lets go, and you sigh happily. Looking down at your now sleeping figure, Loki decides to alert the others. As much as the Avengers dislike him, he does not take joy in witnessing their restlessness as they wallow in guilt. Moving away from you, Loki is stopped by your voice. 

“Don’t go.” , your sleepy voice whispers, “Please don’t go. Don’t leave me.”

Though he wasn’t sure of the exact details of your past or what experiences prompted you to ask him to stay, but in that moment Loki vowed to completely annihilate not only those who put you in your current state, but also any being who had ever dared to harm you in any way, even if he had to track down the man who had cut in front of you when you were in line getting coffee for the team a few weeks ago. Your eyes look at him with sadness and pleading within that whatever miniscule amount of conviction within Loki dissipates. He quickly returns to your bedside, dragging the chair closer to you. Selfishly, Loki wants to touch you again, so he reaches out a hand to close your eyelids. 

“Shh. It’s okay love. I’m not going anywhere. I won’t leave you. I promise. Try to get some rest. I’ll be right here.”

“Thank you. You’re the best you know. You’re my favorite,” you mutter almost incoherently as you doze off again. As he moves his hand away from your face, you grimace and grab his hand before he can pull back entirely. Your fingers intertwine with his as you bring it back to you. Turning onto your side, you pull your connected hands back up to your face and cuddle with it. You. Cuddling. With him. “Thought you said you weren’t going to leave,” you mutter as you frown, “Lokiii” you drawl. You smile then, and truly drift off.

Something inside Loki cracks. He had been suppressing and denying it for weeks, months now even, but he could no longer run from the realization that his heart belonged to you. Looking at your sleeping form, willingly grasping onto him even though you knew his history and all that he had done, Loki finally let himself believe he might not need to run anymore. 

[sidemari]

Hello, my name is April. I apologize for my first request; it was written hastily and I hadn't had time to think about it.

I saw your one-shot event and I'm hoping your list isn't too long? I'd like to request a Kaeya smut if you could...

I use she/her pronouns and my personality is that I'm quiet and shy at first, but once I'm comfortable, I'm quite talkative and like to crack jokes at the most random moments. I'm also hyperactive and clumsy at times. But, at the end of the day, I'll make sure that everyone in the room has a good time and enjoys our time together.

That's all I've got... I'd be very grateful if you could do my request:D It's fine if not. Thank you once more, and please accept my apologies!

Once again, I greatly admire your work:D ✨

• Special One-Shot •

Characters included: Kaeya Alberich x Fem!Reader (Called April)

Author's notes: Hello, there's no need to apologize. Your first request was okay. I hope you enjoy this work and forgive me any mistakes, I'm a bit tired. Thanks for the kindness 🦋

His navy blue eye swallowed your body as you walked around the salon of the Winery to greet those who were invited there to commemorate a important victory from Monstad in the battlefield sphere.

Kaeya's blood got cold as you gently hugged Diluc Ragnvindr. That was pathetic in Kaeya's mind. Why the hell were you the only person his brother allowed to be closer with him?

The beautiful long black dress you were wearing made your body curves look more appealing and the thin fabric adorned with delicate glitters above it made you glow with every movement.

Your jewelry was given and chosen by Kaeya: a cold silver string with a sapphire at the middle of it while delicate and long silver earrings made your neck get more of his attention than usually.

By the time you were by his side again, he whispered, sternly:

"Remember, you're mine. If you do anything out of line... I guess you know what come next, right, April?" His gelid fingers caressed your arm from the shoulder until your wrists, soon holding your hand firmly.

"Jealousy and protective as always... I see, Captain Kaeya" You answered him firmly, just gaining a smirk from him in return.

A feast was prepared and soon Diluc's maids had covered the large table with the most expensive wine and dishes of that land.

You got excited with the sight, soon choosing one of the most appealing dish to serve yourself.

The dinner when smoothly, for the most of the people there present, at least.

You were the life of the party, even without wanting attention. However your role and strategies in the battles earned the victory for your nation, there was no way you'd stay quiet in a corner as you would wish.

Many questions were made to you, compliments didn't stop leaving other's people mouths and you received gifts as well blessings.

Only a small detail made you feel quite off.

The entire night, two different gazes kept staring at you, making you feel watched and exposed. Diluc's piercing stare was hard to comprehend its meaning. Was he grateful for your presence? Or did some desire was hidden in the deepest parts of those red flaming eyes?

Kaeya's cold stare, differently from his brother, was easy to notice the emotions behind his single exposed eye: some rage, jealousy and lust.

The meeting finished, for your sake. You were already tired and your social battery had been extinguished a while ago. 

Like usual, Kaeya took you home, holding your waist tightly as you both walked towards Monstad's city.

"You look fucking stunning, April" It was his way. Kaeya said his thoughts bluntly, saving his precious time from understatements. "It's a shame I wasn't the only one swallowing you with my eyes" His grip on the flesh of your waist got harsher.

"Kaeya...? There's no need for such thing" His hand left your body as he hid it inside his pocket as you both walked through the gates of the city.

"Forgive me. I just can't stand another foolish man desiring you"

"Kaeya, Diluc did nothing tonight. You're worrying about something that didn't even happen in the first place" You opened your house's door, getting inside quickly, wanting nothing but some rest.

"Didn’t you see the way he looked at you, April? Are you so oblivious you didn't notice how much he was enjoying having you at his house? Diluc Ragnvindr wanted to fuck you for sure, he isn't sweet with no one" The door was harshly closed behind the captain.

"Kaeya... I guess you're too riled up over nothing, you need some rest" You said frantically, trying to guide him to the corridor that lead to your bedroom.

"Rest, April? The last thing I need now is rest"

He pulled your body towards him in the middle of the corridor and using his fingers to hold your chin, his face got closer to your own.

"Can I have a taste of your lips?" He asked ironically. Kaeya already knew the answer. He knew he had your consent to do whatever he craved, as long as you were comfortable with it.

Giving you only some pecks before truly starting to kiss you slowly, Kaeya's furtive hands took off your necklace and earrings, as you tried to toss your high heels away.

Separating from him for some seconds, you took away his furry coat and his belt before starting walking towards your bedroom.

The captain's cold fingers were now taking off your dress. Slowly pulling down the thin staps from it and opening a zipper in the back of the clothing. The dress slipped through your body, just to have you in his favorite lingerie.

"You did a dirt move, uh?" He chuckled. "Perhaps you even planned getting me irritated, my princess?"

"I was just being myself there, Captain"

You got on the bed, feeling his fingers taking off your bra just to explore your breasts with his warm tongue until they were sore.

"I guess after fooling around so much I should check how wet my girl is, right?" Taking off his gloves, he felt your entrance right above the fabric of your panties. "So wet for me... I wish I could just start fucking you right now, but would you take me well?"

"Yes, Kaeya... Please" You swallowed dryly as your body shivered in pleasure without any stimulation. "Fuck, do it already, please" You swear you could cum on the spot without further actions, but Kaeya started fingering his girl: gelid fingers explored the crevices of your walls, as you whimpered his name with every single touch of his.

You thought things would happen slowly, but Kaeya's urge to be inside you was stronger: he had lost his self-control for that night.

You perfectly saw his actions while he unbuttoned his pants, slowly stroking his length before thrusting it into you slowly, switching his fingers to himself.

The wetness of your walls made it easy for him to start moving. His eyebrows were furrowed in pleasure as he moved in and outside you, and he barely noticed when you took away his eyepatch.

His white eye* and eyelashes* glowed with the moonlight, as you caressed his cheek, showing affection to the man above you.

"Fuck, you feel amazing... So tight around me" He gasped, speeding up his movements until you had to hold onto him to gain some support: gripping the fabric of his shirt to handle the stimulation.

Your boyfriend never missed your g-pot with any movement of his hips and he was so deep within you that you could swear a belly bulge was formed every time he bottomed out inside you.

Your clit didn't stop receiving the touches and brushes of his fingers and soon you were a mess under him, extremely close to your climax.

"Kaeya-" You moaned, as a tear left your eye.

"Close?"

"Y-Yes! I'm so close-"

"Then cum with me, April. Show and tell the entire Teyvat you're mine and mine alone"

Your body and mind obeyed him instantly, as your orgasm relaxed your body and you received his essence deep inside you.

Kaeya quickly got by your side, pulling you even closer to him, as a way to give some kind of aftercare to you.

"You did so well" He kissed your hair. "My little snowflake" You smiled at the nickname.

"Can we both take a bath and call this night finished?" You said sleepily.

"As you wish, darling. Taking a bath and cuddling until we both fall asleep that is"

Only after you both were clean and you were already cozily sleeping into his arms that Kaeya noticed you had taken away his eyepatch. He saw the black piece of fabric above the nightstand and smirked.

"This girl never ceases to surprise me" He said quietly, caressing your hair and falling asleep after some minutes of deep thoughts.

*Unofficial information. We don't know what's under his eyepatch for now, that's only a headcanon of mine.

[breathings-of-the-heart]

Imagine Levi Confessing his Love for You

A/N: THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE READ THE TEXT BELOW BEFORE PROCEEDING THANK YOU :))

HERE IS A TIMELINE /  EXPLANATION / BACKGROUND INFORMATION BECAUSE CASE THE TIME SKIPS OF THIS STORY ARE CONFUSING: I’m sorry for that everyone, I know the dates are sloppy and as a whole this fic doesn’t make too much sense; I tried to edit this piece as best I could to make the story as easy to follow as possible, but seeing as I can’t unpublish part 1 or 2, the cleanup still leaves things bit unclear. These imagines were originally chapters of a longer Levi x Reader fic that I decided to discontinue, which is why there are so many loose ends. Here was my original intention for this story, broken down for the few who choose to read the Author’s Notes lol.

We are going to do this in the order of the 3 part fic (I also put attached all the links to the titles)

Part 1: Imagine Relating to Mikasa About Loving Someone in the Military

The scene is set during the events of SEASON 1 of Attack on Titan, BEFORE the Female Titan Arc. (Y/N) was also hand selected by Levi to be part of the original Special Operation Squad; she bit her hand at the dinner table along with Petra, Gunther, Eld, and Oluo to show their dedication and understanding towards Eren wayyy back in the beginning of the series. The Survey Corps is making preparations for their first attempt to go to Shiganshina since the Fall of Wall Maria and not only uncover the mole who killed captive titans Sonny and Bean, but also to get to Eren’s basement.

Part 2: To Love Another

The flashback and opening scene in the beginning of this writing piece (where (Y/N) and Hange are talking to each other) occurs shortly after (Y/N) wakes up in the infirmary room, before anyone breaks the news that she, aside from an injured Levi, is the last surviving member of Squad Levi after Annie killed the others in the Forest of Giant Trees in her female titan form. Hange’s intentions were to bring the (Y/N) and Levi together so they would be able to support each other during this mutual loss. But alas, (Y/N) accepts his rejection and the two suffer the aftermath of this tragic news alone. To read this arc for context/bonus content to get a better understanding of this mini series, see my posts (as a sort of prequel, if you will) Imagine Levi Finding you Injured on an Expedition and Imagine Being the Last Member of Squad Levi To Survive to fill that time gap :)

In real-time, all of Season 2 and Season 3 Part 1 have gone by with limited interaction between (Y/N) and Levi. This part of the story is occurring during Season 3 PART 2, (spoilers) after the Coup D'etat, and after Historia becomes Queen. (Y/N) is no longer an active soldier, having sustained injuries too severe to be reliable in combat. She remains useful to the Corps as a battle strategist, however, which allows her to stay. The Scouting Regiment is currently preparing to go to Eren’s basement in their second attempt, knowing Reiner and Berthold will be waiting for them there.

Part 3: Imagine Levi Confessing his Love for You (YOU ARE HERE)

This part takes place pretty much a week or so after the events of “To Love Another.” It is revealed how much (Y/N) has isolated herself in the months between Parts 1 and 2 from not only Levi, but Hange, the only one besides Mikasa who knew about her feelings for Levi prior to their falling out. (Y/N) confesses her feelings for Levi before the mission to Shiganshina in Season one, and the fic parallels itself and comes full circle once their final interaction occurs before the second and final mission to Shiganshina, for which, (Y/N) is unable to go for her death would be almost certain. She seen to be more valuable inside the walls, where she can carry on the duties of the Survey Corps should the entire regiment collapse during the mission. This is the final part :)

I HOPE THAT CLEARS THINGS UP!

requested by @a-single-uwo @dracq and @little-diva-gurl and a lovely anon who def isn’t the happiest that this took so long. Deepest apologies! Hope this was worth the wait. I also hope this post finds everyone safe and in good health during these crazy times <3

~~~~~

Dread bottled up in the bottom of your stomach, which threatened to fall down to your knees. Even Hange’s eyes brimmed with concern when she informed you that Levi requested your presence in his office; all of which was out of the blue, uncharacteristic, after months of him being accustomed to giving you your space.

Feigning annoyance, you stared at the soldier dummy two paces ahead, dented heavily with the marks of your punches. The sun was beating down on the early autumn day, and heat waves rose from the ground. It illuminated the glistening perspiration sliding down your figure, torso rising and falling in short breaths of exhaustion.

Hange watched you carefully from a distance. She noticed your tense muscles, clad in a sports bra and boxing shorts; the lack of attire made it impossible to hide the sudden tension and stiffness embedded in your lean muscles, a tell tale sign of distress. As a creature of observation and analytics, the Squad Leader could sense your discomfort as if it was written across your forehead.

The brunette watched you wipe the sweat off your forehead and yell in frustration, turning towards her direction and moving to land a kick at her head.

Unfazed and in possession of sharp reflexes, Hange took a step back, only to watch as you twisted mid-air and landed a 360 Crescent kick to the dummy-shaped bag, which broke open on impact under the force of the blow. Sand poured out of its opening and spilled onto the ground in a steady stream that grew less heavy as the seconds passed.

“I’ll have to admit, you are getting better, but (Y/N), don’t get your hopes up,” Hange cautioned. “The problem does not reside in your muscles. No matter how well you learn to fight like you used to, Annie crushed your ribs and threw you to the ground: it's your lungs that will never recover. You can’t come with us to Shiganshina tomorrow like this.”

Hunched over with hands on your knees, you regained a regular breathing pattern and began to feel the explosive pain in your chest. Airways blocked, you began coughing, willing the oxygen to enter your body.

“Let me humor myself, Hange-san. If I don’t try, I might go insane.”

It was almost tragic that such a young soldier was out of commission; you were full of promise, rivalling Mikasa in skill. Hange knew you were itching to do what you trained for your whole life: Coming to Shiganshina and putting it all on the line had always been your number one goal. You didn’t want to be left behind again, to die bitter and alone without the only people you cared about.

“Regardless, (Y/N), you’re stalling,” Hange smoothly shifted the topic of conversation back to what brought her to you in the first place. “He still has that power over you, huh?”

"It'll pass eventually," you sighed, hoping the words were true.

You bowed towards the tall female. She smiled in return, shaking her head softly.

Whilst pacing away, said person stopped you once more.

“(Y/N). For what it’s worth, I stand by what I said before. Don’t look so nervous, okay?”

Her words replayed in your head, a haunting ghost of the not-so-long ago past. Time was strange, that way. It seemed like everything happened yesterday yet in another lifetime, all at once. “He loves you, more than he’s ever loved anyone. Surely you know that.”

Stupid, you thought, how I might have believed it once.

As you made your way down the hall, numbness crept into your body once again. You were too proud to admit you were afraid, especially with the Section Commander’s radiating sympathy, but everyone knew the once friendly dynamic between you and the Captain transformed into one more distant and cold. With each step towards the door, you felt the icy chill grow and that fact alone shook you to the core. 

But it didn’t matter, seeing as Levi was of superior authority. There was no way around it.

Your hand shook as it raised to knock.

~~~~~~

“Name and business,” Levi spoke, voice muffled by the closed door.

“It’s (Y/N), sir. I was hoping to speak with you.”

There was a pause, and in that time you considered the option of fleeing back to your room and retreating back to a life of emotional safety, normality. It wasn’t too late to forget.

It had been a week since you spoke to Mikasa on the rooftop, after realizing the deep shit your heart decided to put you in. You didn’t think Levi would notice the distracted nature of your behavior-- tried to make it as subtle as possible whilst you figured out what you felt for him. 

But before you could explore other options, Levi muttered a stern “enter.” You knew with the first expedition back to Shiganshina tomorrow, and the prospect of death closer than it has ever been on a mission, it was now or never. 

The room was dim, small, warm, and thick with building tension. Shadows danced across the Captain’s face, sharp features lit by an orange flame. Only candlelight, sourced at his desk, assisted your adjusting eyes. 

Your nose was hit with the smell of tea and cleaning products upon entry. This fact made you smile despite your bundling nervous energy. It was a familiar place, filled with memories of late night conversations (granted, of mostly you speaking and him listening), witnessed only by the large piles of paperwork. It started here and resulted in a natural, growing fondness kept secret to all except you two and the moon looking in from the window. 

This man was your squad leader, your commander, your trusted comrade. There was no need to be afraid-- Not unless of course, you held the potential to shatter such damn a delicate relationship.

And you did. 

Was it worth it?

Your gaze gravitated towards the center of the room where the Lance Corporal sat. And in that instant, your smile evaporated instantly. He placed his pen down, gracefully resting his cheek on his fist and lazily tossing the raven locks out of his eyes-- they landed on you, piercing yet drowsy and indifferent upon first glance. He was beautiful, as always. The allure was nearly sickening; unfair to the rest of the world.

Looking closer, however, he was anything but relaxed. The observant eye could see his countenance stirred something different. He seemed sharp and focused, ready to dart out and wrap himself around your heart, squeezing tighter with every breath you took. And you felt it-- the heart palpitations, which got worse at the sight of him.

He seemed… different. Dangerous, like a storm stirring in the distance, and the inevitable downpour that comes with it. The dark circles under his eyes told tales about the insomnia; a fresh cup of caffeinated black tea even rested on his left, steam rising out of it. And whilst attraction was undeniable, your concern always came first.

Levi was never quite good at getting proper rest before a mission.

“(Y/N),” The word was breathy, yet his voice was rough.

You shuffled in your spot, your name on his tongue making your stomach churn with desire.

Levi seemed to pick up on your affliction, getting out of his chair and gliding towards you. Everything happened fast and slow all at once, starting off with a momentaneous rush of air and  the collision of your back with the office wall. A small shriek filled the air, out of place against the silence; was that your voice? The pain should’ve been there, but it wasn’t.

Then the seconds dragged out. Levi was a new person, setting your skin aflame as he gripped your wrists and pinned them against the wall. His lips brushed your eartips, which turned red the instant the raven’s breath fanned over them. This normally reserved, disciplined man unleashed something you had never seen before.

“Finally ready to talk to me about why you’ve been acting so strange, brat?” he whispered.  

This wasn’t supposed to be so dirty. He was angry, but the mood was established in layers: something more sinister existed beneath.

The scent of fresh pine filled your nostrils until your brain went foggy. Levi was close--so close, and with the fact that you’ve been avoiding him mixed in with the fact that you missed him for it, all bets were off: there was no stopping the words that came out of your mouth next.

“There’s something I need to tell you,” you whispered back, looking him dead in the eyes, no fear this time.

His grip on your wrist slackened.

“Hm?”

You took in a deep breath, ready to leave it all on the line, and spoke.

“I like you a lot, sir. And not in a comradery type of way. I-I just thought I’d tell you before, you know, we leave tomorrow.” Your gaze found the floor again, too timid for your own good. But the statement was said, and it was finite; there was no turning away from it.

The Captain’s eyes went wide and gleamed brightly at you. His chest felt lighter and as he looked down at you in speechless awe, staring at anything but his face in your adorable embarrassment, he realized exactly why your absent look irked him those days ago. Why your lack of enthusiasm and lighthearted-ness gave him a strange sense of frustration. 

Levi never felt more awake, more hyper aware of his surroundings. 

The feeling of your chest pressed against him, the heat of those rosy cheeks, the pounding within his ribcage, the moon hitting your pretty face. With your figure in his arms, after the blissful seconds passed, everything felt, for once, okay.

Until it wasn’t.

Gaining the courage to look back up at him, you all but tore apart at the scowl on his face as demons flitted through his beautiful brain and polluted the image of happiness. Levi grew more indignant by the second, all but throwing your arms he held back at your sides like they were poison to the touch. 

Tears pooled in your eyes as the soft expression you didn’t get to see turned sour, disgusted-- the Captain’s lips curling into a snarl as he imagined what he could lose if he opened up his heart for this girl in front of him to take. The risk and pain of falling for someone, in the world the two of you lived in. And all the stoic man could think was how he allowed this charade to come so far.

No, he wouldn't allow it.

“Get out, (L/N)” he commanded, harsh and unforgiving.

You were trembling, body feeling detached from reality as it moved, convincing itself that it was simply a nightmare. Levi’s cruel demeanor all but shattered you as you looked wide-eyed and his anger grew, the short man pacing behind his desk and bringing a hand over his face. His free one crumpled into a fist, knuckles turning white as he slammed it on the wood, the loud bang making you jump; the fear, grief, confusion coming all at once until it choked you and your vision spotted black.

“I said GET OUT!”

The room stilled and Levi looked up to face you cowering near the door, a single tear rolling down your cheek. He stilled at the sight, the weight of his words dawning upon him.  

“I-I’m sorry,” you gasped before racing out of the room.

Had you looked back, you would’ve seen Levi’s outstretched hand betraying his body, desperately reaching out for you, gray eyes filled with pain.

But you knew now you’d never be dumb enough to spare him that second glance-- and maybe that was the right call, seeing as his feet moved in the direction you left, only to shut the door left askew in your wake.  

~~~

The Captain’s gaze was on you more than necessary, but it was clear the two of you had the same thought: You focused everything into this discussion, melting into the emotionally-detached soldier your duty commanded, just like Levi did. His words had no ulterior motive, no deeper meaning. They were monotonous and empty.

Or so you thought.

Levi stood up the second you came in, but your gaze fell to the ground in submission.

“Hange said you needed to see me, Captain?” your voice was small and weak; you kicked yourself for it. How pathetic.

“Damn you...”

The man said nothing more, brushing his fingers along your cheekbones and you everything hit you like whiplash, the memories. Levi ran them along your face, down to your chin to lift it gently, so that for once you’d let your eyes meet instead of looking at the ground like a coward.

When they did the man’s breath hitched in his throat, because although your (eye color) orbs were no longer as vibrant, they were still beautiful and entrancing; why hadn’t he ever appreciated them before? 

"I missed you, brat," he spoke firmly.

You felt a churn in your abdomen as you watched his eyes study the details of your face and take in every feature, committing it to memory painfully slow. You were paralyzed, his face inches away from yours and forcing buried emotions to resurface as months of restraint came undone. He didn’t speak, holding you delicately after not being this close for far too long and discerning what he’s been missing.  

“Um, Captain? What are you...?"

You bit your lip, feeling puzzled and confused as you remembered the hate in Levi's orbs the last time you saw him like this.

All you could see now was how quickly his emotions shifted from serenity to fury that fateful night, and as you recollected the way Levi lashed out, all chaos and fury, he retracted his hand.

And you flinched away.

The Captain froze.

“Don’t-- don’t fucking do that,” he growled, his urgency startling. “I would never hurt you, (Y/N).”

Your eyebrows furrowed, all inhibition thrown out the window the second Levi’s countenance flashed with hurt at your response to his touch. You let your fear go and emotions free at the irony of the raven’s statement. Your mind went into overdrive, recounting every instance you wanted to give up and leave, drown in yourself, give up on finding purpose in the aftermath of rejection and Squad Levi’s death and your permanent injury changing your way of life. Things you faced alone, because instead of rekindling any semblance of a relationship, Levi tossed everything away and berated you for feeling.

The man who resided here cut your heart expertisely like the countless swords he wielded then disposed. He did not have the right to look at you so kindly; did not have to right to fan the flames of false hope. But here he was, procrastinating until the very last day to take initiative regarding those actions.

“Why are you doing this?” you whispered, forgetting your composure.

“I’d advise you not to speak in riddles,” Levi spoke in a low and even voice, no real malice as he addressed you and tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear.

You took a deep breath and fought to remain calm, grabbing Levi's wrist to keep him from touching you.

“Please don’t toy with me, or mock my feelings like this. Why did you call me here? You made it plenty clear how you feel about me, Levi. What else is there to say?" you begged, the lack of closure driving you insane.

This was the first time you used his name, an unprecedented amount of spite and pain expressed through it, because you wanted Levi to remember this moment. It was over: that time of feeling sorry and ashamed of yourself for being nothing other than human. The remorse was gone, and the heartache was fleeting.

“Tell me, dammit!”

His was overflowing.

“You want to know how I really feel about you, (Y/N)!?” the Captain shouted, voice rising because for a man who relied on impulse and action on the battlefield it was fucking frustrating, watching the woman in front of him live this way for the simple reason that he was not good with words. "The thoughts that go through my head when you can't even bear to look at me?!"

"No, that's not what I asked. I already know that you don't--"

"--Fuck this."

Relying on instinct to guide him, Levi leaned forward and kissed you.

The second his lips met yours, you melted on the spot, knees giving out beneath you. Tongue sliding into your mouth, Levi simultaneously lifted you into the air, feeling lightheaded as you moaned into him, eagerly returning the kiss. His hands were everywhere, grasping at your waist, clutching the back of your head, running down your thighs. You were in such a state of euphoria that nothing else existed.

Your own digits threaded through Levi’s raven locks and pulled needily, emitting a growl from his throat as he bit down on your lower lip. He reveled in the feeling of your legs around his waist as your soft lips worked against his own, hungry and relentless. The kiss was passionate and you’d imagined it a million times over, but this-- Levi successfully ruined you for any other man.

The need for oxygen pulled you apart, Levi’s strong arms keeping you in the air as his eyes remained shut; he pecked your lips once, then twice, savoring the moment until it mournfully passed.

He was hesitant to break the silence, but you deserved it. You waited long enough to hear the truth, and he knew his time was running out; you weren’t going to wait for him forever.

“(Y/N)...” he began to speak, forehead resting on yours as he panted softly to catch his breath. “I dreamt of you last night. I have been for days.”

“Levi--”

“--Just listen,” he interrupted, unable to stop himself from kissing you softly once more. “Neither of us are running away this time.”

You fell silent as the man let you down, pulling you into his solid chest as you buried your face in his shirt, patiently listening. His calm heartbeat thrummed soothingly in your ears like a metronome.

“Isabel, Farlan, Oluo, Petra, Gunther, Eld. They all knew that what they meant to me. And I them."

One of the only things that made it easier to say goodbye, you thought with a bittersweet pang in your chest.

"With us, it's different. I died in every dream, (Y/N). Every one. And in every single one, you lived on believing I never loved you. Call me selfish, but I...”

You pulled away from the stoic man, searching his gaze as he trailed off. Shyly, you interlaced your fingers, his larger hand enveloping yours and you prayed to whoever was listening upstairs that all of this was real.

“I just can't leave until you understand...”

He clutched you impossibly tighter, eyes squeezing shut.

"...that you, are everything."

~~~ Extended Ending ~~~

A soft hum filled the air, the tune dreamy and sweet as you repeated the melody once again. You smiled warmly as hands wound around your waist, pulling you closer to a toned and shirtless Captain Levi, silken sheets tossed haphazardly on top of the two of you. His breath sent goosebumps on your neck as he kissed your shoulder gently, warmth deliciously intoxicating. 

Giggling now, you turned around to face him, the man’s onyx hair ticking you softly. You captured your lips in his with one smooth movement and snuggled closer, taking in the small slice of heaven that was home in his arms, legs tangled together. Feeling unbelievably content, like your heart might burst, you leaned forward and rubbed your nose against Levi's. 

Although he wasn't smiling, the look he was giving you revealed his own sensation of happiness.

“I never thought you’d be the cuddling type,” you remarked devilishly, scrunching up your nose as you teased him. 

Though your tone was lighthearted, you were painfully aware that the moment was ending. You internally cursed the sun as it started to set, orange light peeking in through the window shades to signal the coming of night. Levi said nothing, looking deeply into your eyes, and like always, it felt as if he could read the contents of your soul. 

But it wasn’t vulnerability you felt: on the contrary, you knew you would never find as safe a place as here. With him. Finally.  

“Levi...” you swallowed, humor all but gone. “Now you have to come home.” 

To emphasize your point you sat up on the bed, legs tucked neatly underneath you as you stared imperatively at your lover. 

“Mhm. We’ve wasted enough time,” he agreed, taking you by the wrist to pull you back on top of him, to bask in this personal paradise if only for another minute. 

[elizabeethan]

Find Strength in Pain, Find Strength in Me 2/3

After defeating the wraith, Emma Swan is dragged through the portal they sent it through and suddenly finds herself in the land in which she should have grown up. Lost, overwhelmed, and desperate to get home to her son, she accepts help from the gruesome pirate Captain Hook— and his accomplice. 

A Season 2 AU in which Emma ends up the the Enchanted Forest alone, and she and Hook (try to) work together to get to the Land Without Magic.

Hi! here is part 2! thank you to @the-darkdragonfly for being an incredible beta and to @donteattheappleshook for forcing me to write being instrumental in the creation of this fic.

Rated T (for now) (I have no idea if that’ll change) (bit fat maybe)

~4800 words

Read on Ao3

Read my other stuff

Tagging: @courtorderedcake​ @kmomof4​ @stahlop​ @klynn-stormz​ @laschatzi​ @emelizabeth88​ @lfh1226-linda​ @kday426​ @elisethewritingbeast @timeless-love-story​ @captain-emmajones​ @gingerpolyglot​ @ebcaver​ @ilovemesomekillianjones​ @teamhook​ @superchocovian​ @itsfabianadocarmo​ @tiganasummertree​ @gingerchangeling​ @jrob64​ @onceratheart18​ @xhookswenchx​ @winterbaby89​ @swampmedusa​ @ultraluckycatnd @dancingnancyy​ @love-with-you-i-have-everything​  @shireness-says​ @snowbellewells​ @hollyethecurious​ @ouatpost​ @daxx04​​ @the-darkdragonfly​ @donteattheappleshook​ @therooksshiningknight @eeteeaytay​​

Despite her circumstances, Emma does not feel like a prisoner of fearsome pirate Captain Hook. In fact, she’s been made to feel quite comfortable in his quarters, and after he was sure that their interests aligned and that they were useful to one another, he told her she could have free reign of the ship to do as she pleased until they made landfall. 

 “No one on this vessel will harm you, love,” he assured her when she became bored of exploring his quarters, and she believed him immediately. 

 Maybe she was bothering him as he peered over his logs and maps and she tinkered with the exotic items he’s collected— perhaps that’s why he encouraged her to explore. Either way, she didn’t have to be told twice, and found out that the men aboard were surprisingly pleasant as well. Mr. Smee was a shy and timid man, but friendly and caring all the same. The rest of the crew wore snarls when they looked at her, but broke down easily the moment she began casual conversation with them. 

 Maybe it’s because they know how instrumental she is in their Captain getting his revenge. 

 As she leans against the rail of the upper deck after a day of learning about ships and pirating, she watches as the sun sets behind them, painting the sky an intoxicating shade of pink that fades into purple and black. Hook is at the wheel, navigating through the ocean that almost claimed her, and despite her situation, she feels safe. If she had to be dragged from the sea and rescued by pirates, she supposes she lucked out with the Jolly Roger.

“Quite a sight, isn’t it, love?” he asks her, and she turns to face him so she can respond. 

 “It’s beautiful.” 

 “Never been aboard a ship before, I take it?” he calls from the wheel, giving her a smirk at the look of wonderment on her face. 

 “Nope, never had much of a need to,” she responds as casually as she can.  

 “Or an opportunity?” 

 She laughs, a bit awkwardly, and says, “I guess not. It’s not something I've really thought about.”

 “I see,” he concedes when she gets closer to him, leaning against the rail just across from the wheel he commands. “So, tell me about your boy.” 

 She sighs wistfully and looks up to the sky, wondering what he could be up to, what he’s thinking, if he’s worried about her. “His name is Henry. He’s almost eleven, but he acts like he’s 32. Super smart, very passionate about the things and people he cares about.” 

 “Sounds like you,” he chuckles.

 “How would you know?” she asks with incredulity. 

 “You're an open book. And you did hold a knife to my throat yesterday. I can only attribute that to your passion and assume that you want to get home quite badly.” 

 “Of course I do,” she rolls her eyes, stepping closer to him until she’s leaning against the helm and glaring at him. “I’m his mother,” she insists. 

 He nods and says, “of course. But I sense that there’s more to the story.”

 Caught off guard, she answers, “well, just… he’s been through a lot. Especially in the past year.”

 “I see. And you don’t wish to contribute to his turmoil.” She shrugs, looking away from his gaze. “You don’t wish to contribute... further?”

 Her breathing falters at his accuracy and she says, “let’s just say I wasn’t always there for him in the way I should’ve been. He deserves better and I need to get home to make sure I can give him that.” 

 He nods thoughtfully, pursing his lips and looking ahead towards the horizon again, as if anything before them has changed in the last day and a half. “I understand, love.” It’s as if he shakes himself out of a trance when he says, “try your hand at the wheel?” 

 She raises her brows and gives him a disbelieving look. “After I just told you I’ve never even been on a ship?”

 “It’s not difficult to learn,” he tells her as he lifts his hand towards her, gently guiding her behind the wheel. “Besides, the Jolly is enchanted. You can’t hurt her.” 

 She snorts softly, shaking her head as he leads her and places her hand upon a handle, letting his fingers linger on the top of her hand for a moment too long. “How do you manage to get your ship enchanted?” she asks amorously once his fingers leave her skin, taking with them a feeling of gentle warmth.  

 “You know the right enchantress,” he flirts back, his mouth just a bit too close to her ear. She can almost feel his voice rumbling through his chest as it presses to her back, keeping her warm against the whipping winds of the sea. “There,” he says softly. “You're sailing.” 

 She laughs lightly, unaware of how exciting she actually found this until he put it to words. Seriously, she’s captaining a pirate ship! Henry is gonna be so excited when she tells him this story. “I guess I am,” she says happily. 

 “I think she likes you,” he says in a way that she knows isn’t a joke, despite how ridiculous it sounds.

 “Why, because she isn’t sinking?” 

 “Aye, she doesn’t always take kindly to strangers.”

 “And you let me do this?!”

 He laughs, but doesn’t respond with words, as if he knows he’s been caught. “I had a feeling.”

 They’re quiet for a moment, and while he’d dropped her hand and is letting her steer on her own, she notes that he doesn't back up and keeps her back pressed gently to him. “We’re going to get you home to him, love,” he murmurs into her ear, so softly that she can barely hear him over the sound of the wind. “I know-- well, I would wager that you have some experience with abandonment and… Well, I’m not going to let your boy go through that.” 

 She draws her brows together in thought, considering how perceptive he is, how well he seems to know her after such a short time. She turns around to face him, seeing just how close he truly is to her, and cocks her head. He reaches behind her to take control of the wheel, bringing himself even closer. “How do you know?” she asks. 

 His smile is small, sad. “I’m no stranger to a lost soul.” 

 “Are you accusing me of being a lost soul?” she asks in a tone as soft as his own. 

 “Perhaps I'm simply trying to tell you that I understand.” 

 With a hum, she says, “what are you saying, Captain? Are we kindred spirits?” 

 He cracks a brilliant smile, his eyes crinkling and glimmering in the moonlight, shining like the stars above them. “Aye, I suppose we are.”

 She’s so calm with him. It feels wrong to let herself relax into his hold, to let herself enjoy the feeling of his chest vibrating against hers as he speaks. She should be focusing on getting home, on getting to Henry and protecting him from Regina. Not fantasizing about a pirate she thought was fictional. 

 But then he leans closer to her, his hook on the wheel and his hand reaching up to cup her cheek, and she doesn't even try to stop herself from pressing onto her toes and capturing his lips in a slow yet chaste kiss. He doesn’t hesitate to kiss her back, and she feels warmth flitting through her and settling in the deepest depths of her center until he’s tangling his fingers in her hair and getting his rings caught in the strands.

 She breathes out a soft giggle at the sharp tug, pulling from him and attempting to detangle herself from him. “Apologies, my darling,” he practically purrs against her mouth. 

 “It’s okay,” she whispers, planting her forehead against his and trying to catch her breath. They had only kissed for a second, but their close proximity and the raw, ardent nature of his observations weigh heavily between them and she feels something. 

 He kisses her lips again, one, twice, three times, before saying, “time for dinner.” 

 She groans and rolls her eyes. “Not more of that tack shit is it?” 

 He laughs heartily and says, “tonight you’ll get some more jerked meat, darling. Perhaps some rum to chase it down.” 

 “I’d love some rum.” 

 With a smirk, he steps back slightly and reaches his hand into his coat, taking out a flask and passing it to her, but not before removing the cork with his teeth and popping it onto the ground. She takes it happily from him, smirking back and stuffing the feeling of warmth that traces through her as deeply as she can. 

 ~~~~

 The ship is enchanted in several ways, she realizes. Hook told her that it’s impossible to damage her, but she’s discovered other quirks as well. For one, it’s never cold. Not only is his cabin toasty warm, as if it’s well insulated, but  the rest of the ship is comfortable as well. For another, although it rained last night and the deck should have been slick, it was completely dry. And now, music is playing, and she can’t for the life of her find the source. 

 The wind is whipping but the lanterns stay lit, maybe another side effect of the enchantment, and the crew lounges happily on the deck, enjoying their rum and their opportunity to relax. Hook leans against the ladder that leads to the helm, and she can’t help but stare through her lashes at his confident posture as he laughs at the crewmen dancing wildly. 

 They shout boisterously as a slower, more romantic song replaces the shanties, laughing and hollering at their Captain until he stands and holds up his hands in defeat, shaking his head and smiling. She isn’t sure what they’re all talking about, but she’s excited to see him do what he seems so adamant to avoid. 

 That is, until he comes up to her and holds out his hand, offering her a small, shy smile in replacement of the smirk she was expecting. “Dance with me, Swan?” 

 “Dance with you?” she asks in outrage. “I can’t dance!” 

 “Aye, another thing you haven’t had the opportunity to learn, I’m sure, but I happen to be a brilliant teacher.” 

 “You’re ridiculous,” she accuses, although she can’t deny the grin splitting her face that matches his. “Are you saying you know how to dance to this?”

 He takes her hand with a salacious smirk and practically drags her to the middle of the deck, placing his own on her hip. “It’s called a waltz,” he tells her, “and there’s only one rule.” She feels a heat radiating off of herself that’s different from anything she’s felt before, as if a light is glowing from her skin and hair as he spins her. “Pick a partner who knows what they’re doing.” 

 She’s breathless, and every fear and worry she's had since she went through that damn portal has evaporated out of her pores and into the salty sea air. He holds her closer, likely forgoing the proper form they were practicing, and she melts into him. 

 “You’re glowing, darling,” he murmurs, his lips grazing against her ear lobe in a way that makes her shiver. She looks down at her hands and sees the soft golden glow he must be referring to and gasps, noting it fading. “Relax, love, it’s very fitting. I’m assuming this hasn’t ever happened in the Land Without Magic.”

 “No,” she says thoughtfully. “It wouldn’t have worked anyway until after—” She cuts herself off, careful not to reveal the truth; that Gold brought magic back to Storybrooke after the curse broke. Then she stops to think… is this magic?

 “After what?” he interrupts her thoughts.

 She clears her throat. “Uh, after I broke the curse.” 

 “The one the Queen cast? You broke it?” he asks, suddenly serious rather than warm and flirtatious. She wonders how he would’ve known about that, but figures he must’ve been a child when it was originally cast; maybe he remembers. 

 “Yeah.” She feels guilty lying to him. Maybe she shouldn’t. Maybe she should just continue to savor the feeling of his hand running along her back as he pulls her closer. As much as she’s been enjoying their time together, she reminds herself that she needs him to get home, and she’ll need to do whatever it takes for their plan to take fruition. 

 ~~~~

 The next afternoon, Emma lounges in the Captain’s bed and reads one of the many diaries recounting his adventures. After they danced the night away, they came back to his room and she expressed interest in hearing about his journeys between kisses and soft touches. He stood and retrieved a leather bound book, handing it to her and telling her that she’s always welcome to his stories, and that he’ll happily tell her whatever she wants to know. She read until she fell asleep, with him sleeping soundly on the floor beside her, protectively positioned between her and the door.

 She knows she’s behaving ridiculously. She can’t possibly let whatever is going on between them continue once they make landfall. But it isn’t like she can accomplish anything while they’re out at sea, so she lets herself indulge in his soft lips and deep eyes and profound declarations in the meantime, making a promise to herself to let him go once they land. 

 She hears a commotion above deck and starts a bit, putting the book down on the bed and standing. Can pirates be attacked by other pirates? Certainly that’s a thing. She straightens the black linen shirt as she stands, the one Hook let her borrow while her clothes are being washed, tucking it more neatly into her jeans, and makes her way towards the door, pressing her ear to the wood and listening closely for trouble. She hears rustling and shouting, and her heart begins to race. It pounds harder in her chest when she hears a distinct set of footsteps making its way towards the door she’s pressed to. 

 When she hears the footsteps grow too close for comfort, she turns and presses her back to the door in hopes of blocking out an intruder. They try to push it open and grunt in surprise when it only moves a bit, and she plants her feet more firmly into the floor. Her panic subsides, though, when she hears a cocky chuckle. “Swan?” he calls through the door. “Are you playing hard to get?” 

 She breathes a sigh of relief when she hears his voice, moving from the door and carefully opening it just a crack to peek her head out. “What’s going on?” 

 He smirks, of course, and says, “We’re docking, love. What's the matter?” 

 “I thought… I dont know, I thought something was wrong.” 

 He shakes his head and squeezes by her to enter the room, shutting the door behind him and touching her arm gently. “Nothing’s wrong, darling. All is going to plan.” She doesn't miss the way his eyes trail down her body, slowly and obviously taking in the sight of her.

 “Stop looking at me like that,” she insists, pulling the shirt closed some more and hugging her body with her arms. 

 “I’m simply admiring the way my shirt fits you, Swan,” he smirks. “You wear it much better than I do.” 

 “Whatever,” she rolls her eyes. “What’s the plan?” 

 He chuckles and moves towards the table, stopping to pick up the book she was reading and putting it away. “The crew is docking us now, and then we’ll go to find the compass and then meet up with our colleague. Shouldn't be long before you're home.” 

 She nods, taking a calming breath at the anticipation of finally getting home. He’s told her the plan: they need to find a compass from a giant’s lair, but to do that, they first need to climb a beanstalk. She isn't sure what that will entail, and she isn't really excited to find out, but she’ll do what she has to to get back to her son. 

 Her shirt hasn’t dried yet. Hook packs it in his satchel so that she doesn’t leave it behind, but now she’s stuck wearing his flowy blouse with her jacket over top of it. He keeps checking her out, and she isn't sure how she feels about it. She ignores the blush and the heat that floods through her. 

 The port they landed at is fairly run down and not very heavily populated, which she thinks is a good thing-- she would stick out like a sore thumb in her jeans and leather jacket, but she sure as hell isn't hiking through a forest in one of those damn dresses. 

 They trek for hours, Hook filling the time with more stories that leave her with a sense of wanderlust. She grew up an orphan, traveling from foster home to foster home, and she always longed for a place to settle down. She’s never found herself wishing to travel the world, because she never had a home to come back to, but hearing his stories change things for her. 

 He’s an incredible storyteller. Sometimes it’s clear that he embellishes some events to make them more dramatic, but everything he tells her is the truth despite the fact that it sounds so unbelievable. It seems he’s spent years pillaging and plundering, and while she certainly can't condone all of his actions, it also seems like he’s spent much of his time enjoying the different realms he’s explored. He tells her so many stories that she isn't sure how he could fit all of these adventures into one lifetime. 

 “Can I ask you something?” she finally asks when she can make sense of his life no longer. 

 “Perhaps,” he smirks. 

 She carries on despite his playfulness. “How old are you?” 

 “Physically? Or literally?” 

 She snorts, bumping her shoulder against his at his joke, but falters when she realizes he isn't joking. She stares up at him, pausing her steps for a moment, and says, “uh, literally? I guess?” 

 “Around 250.” 

 “What?” she chokes. 

 He hums. “Aye, I’ve recently counted and I believe I’ve been on this plane for about 250 years.” 

 She’s speechless, blinking at him but unable to make her voice work. Shaking her head, she asks, “how?” 

 “Well, after my run in with the Dark One, I spent some time in Neverland. You see, the Dark One is immortal, so I needed to stay alive long enough to find a way to get my revenge. Once I found it, I came back for a few years, and then the most recent curse essentially paused time, so I didn't age again. So, I estimate around 250 years.”

 With her mouth still agape, she says, “I thought you were, like… 30.” 

 “Why thank you,” he smirks. “Physically, I’m around 36, I believe, so I’ll take that as a compliment.” 

 “So when the curse was cast, you were… the same age you are now?”

 “Is that not how it worked in the Land Without Magic? I was under the impression that time would stand still.” 

 She narrows her eyes, wondering how he heard such details about the curse, and managed to avoid it, but chalking it up to his piracy. “No, that’s how it worked.” 

 “And how old are you, then?” 

 “28,” she says without thinking, though perhaps she should have kept that a secret if she doesn’t want him to know that she’s the Savior. She can see the gears in his head turning, although he says nothing else and seeks no further clarification. 

 They spend the remainder of the trip talking about Neverland, which is apparently much different from how Barrie described. He tells her of the Lost Boys and how terrifying they were, even to a fearsome and relentless crew of pirates. While they walk, they encounter some branches in the path and he cuts them down, and she notices a tattoo on his inner forearm that catches her attention. 

 “Who’s Milah?” she asks, her voice just loud enough to be heard over the sounds of the forest. 

 He stills but doesnt turn back towards her when he asks, “pardon?” 

 “Milah, on the tattoo?” 

 His shoulders fall and he clears his throat. “Someone from long ago.” 

 “Where is she?” 

 “She’s gone.” His tone is dismissive. Pained. 

 She thinks of the first day, once she was awake, when she explored his cabin in secret before she trusted him and found a sketch of a stunning woman with thick, curly hair and soft, kind eyes. “Gold,” she says as the pieces fall into place, and he turns to face her. “Rumplestiltskin. He took more than your hand from you, didn’t he?” she asks softly. “That’s why you want to kill him.” 

 She hasn’t seen him look this broken in the few days she’s known him. The timeline starts to put itself together in her mind and she realizes he’s spent almost 220 years lying in wait to avenge this woman’s death. “You're quite perceptive,” he finally says. 

 The guilt is eating away at her again. How can she go on with him, convinced he has a chance to kill the Dark One, when she knows how hurt he is? What kind of a person is she becoming? 

 One who will do anything for her son, she reminds herself. 

 They’re silent for the rest of the trek. 

 ~~~~

 She nearly slipped off the damn beanstalk. She wasn’t listening to him, his cocky attitude back in full force and irritating the hell out of her, so she grabbed a loose branch and it snapped. She plummeted, thought for certain she was going to die, until it stopped suddenly and he had his hook in the collar of her jacket. 

 “You should listen to your Captain,” he tells her, and she rolls her eyes, but internally she knows he’s right. He pulls her up close to him, pressing her front against the beanstalk and his body to her back. “Alright?” he asks, his lips brushing her ear.

 “I’m fine,” she responds, and she takes a shaky breath. 

 “Almost to the top, love,” he assures her, breaking away once she feels her shakiness subsiding. “Try that one,” he suggests, gesturing for a different handhold.

 When they reach the top, he pulls out his flask and she scoffs at his need for a drink, but then realizes she could use some herself. Only he isn’t using it for a drink, he’s taking her hand in his and saying, “let me help.” 

 “What are you--” she starts, and then he’s pouring the rum over a cut on her hand and she’s shouting at the sting. “What the hell!”

 “A bloody waste, I know. But I'll not have you losing a hand to infection.” 

 “Hook,” she starts, but he cuts her off. 

 “Haven't you learned to listen to your Captain, love?”

 She gives him an incredulous look, but when he raises his brows in quick succession, she can't help but to grin at him and roll her eyes. She’s about to say something snarky and brush him off, but then he’s wrapping her cut hand in a scarf and biting down on it so he can tighten it one-handed, not breaking eye contact with her. “Fuck,” she breathes at the sight, and then blushes fiercely. 

 He smirks and chuckles deeply, leaning in close to her and stealing a quick kiss before he places his hook on the small of her back and leads her to the castle's entrance. 

 “The last of the giants died ages ago, so we should be safe, save for any other intruders. All we have to do is find the compass and we’re homeward bound.”

 She finds it difficult to admit to herself how much fun she has as they dig through the treasure room, searching for the compass and joking around with each other as they do. Hook pilfers a few pieces of gold, but she can’t exactly blame him; he is a pirate, after all. He finds a small broach, a golden rose, and presents it to her with flair and grandeur, bowing deeply as he holds it out to her and kissing her hand when she accepts it. “You're ridiculous,” she accuses through a laugh. 

 They finally find the compass after what feels like hours, but the time passes painlessly. He helps her up onto the platform it sits on, humming amorously when her ass comes into his view, and she kicks his shoulder lightly with a laugh. 

 It’s as they’re wandering through the castle, slowly making their way back towards the beanstalk, when he says, “I must say, Swan, I’m looking forward to seeing where you spent the last 28 years,” and she feels that guilt bubbling up again. He isn’t excited to get to Storybrooke to kill Gold, he’s looking forward to seeing where she’s from. It makes her think of why he agreed to help her in the first place. It makes her think of his lost love, of Milah, and she feels as if she’s taking away his chance of avenging her. 

 “Hook,” she says hesitantly before they leave the treasure room. “There's something you need to know.” 

 “What’s that, love?” he asks gently, as if she can do no wrong, and the guilt is flooding her now. 

 She swallows thickly and takes a breath before admitting, “I know that you want to come with me to Storybrooke to kill Gold because you think there's no magic there, but… that isn't true.” 

 He stills, turning to face her fully and drawing his brows close together pensively, angrily. “There’s magic? In the Land Without Magic?” 

 She nods nervously. “After the curse broke, he brought magic back.”

 He scoffs, shaking his head and turning to pace in agitation. “Damn you, Regina,” he says under his breath. “And you knew, all this time?” 

 Her ears practically perk up, her heart starting to race again. “Did you say Regina?” 

 “Aye,” he practically spits. “The witch who said there would be no magic. Bloody charlatan.” 

 “What do you mean?” she asks, horrified to hear him talking about someone he shouldn't even know. 

 “I mean I was promised a land without magic in which to slay the bloody crocodile, and here you are telling me that isn’t the case. How am I meant to get my revenge now? Cora should've seen this coming. She bloody well knows her better than most.” 

 “Who the hell is Cora?” she asks firmly, backing away from him. “I thought that was the daughter of the lady you're working with?” 

 He runs his hand along his face and shakes his head. “I said Cora is the woman we’re working with. She’s looking for her daughter in your Storybrooke. Regina.” 

 She feels her face going white, her blood running cold and her eyes bugging out of her head. “Cora is… Regina’s mother? You know Regina?” 

 “Aye, bloody fraud has already betrayed me once,” he huffs, obviously still irritated. “I’m sorry, love, I don't mean to take out my frustrations on you, I just-- what are you doing?” 

 He notices her take the small dagger from the sheath he gave her earlier, pointing it at him and she holds the compass firmly in her other hand. “Don’t come any closer.” 

 “Swan? What are you doing?” She reaches behind her to tuck the compass in her back pocket; her sheriff’s pistol may have been damaged beyond repair by the ocean waves, but the cuffs are still fully functional. She takes in her surroundings quickly and then rushes to him, locking his wrist to the cage beside him without thinking her actions through and backing away. “What are you doing?!”

 “Hook, I…” she sighs. “I can’t--” 

 “Emma, look at me,” he insists. “Have I told you a lie?” 

 “You didn't tell me the truth; you’re working with Regina’s mother!”

 “How was I to know that was a problem for you?! I told you who we’re working with.”

 “Not really! Regina is dangerous, she wants to take Henry away from me! Do you know how bad it would be if her mother was there to help her?!” 

 “I will help you, Emma. You won't have to go through this alone; you won't abandon Henry like you were abandoned. Let me go and we can figure this out.” 

 “If Regina wanted me dead, Cora probably does too.” 

 “Wanted you dead?” he murmurs in thought. He cocks his head, confused, and ponders her claim. “Who are you?” 

 She shakes her head. “I can’t take the chance that I’m wrong about you.” 

 “Swan,” he calls after her as she turns around. “Swan!” She feels her eyes burning as she goes towards the beanstalk, but doesn’t allow the tears to fall.

~~~~

~~~~

[lovelysugawara]

Distasteful Pursuit

Kuroo Tetsuro X Reader

Plot: 

Hikeji Yuna got rejected by the Team Captain of Nekoma Volleyball Club, Kuroo Tetsuro. But Yuna still tries to support him despite the annoyed look he's giving to her. What will happen when you suddenly become the team's manager?

Chapter 1

Everyone knows how much you really liked the captain of the Nekoma Volleyball team, Kuroo Tetsurou. And at the same time, you also like volleyball.

Despite being at the literature club, you can’t help but skip your club activities to watch the volleyball club’s practices or matches.

Everything else does not matter to you, or how the students look and treat you for being a weird one, but one thing is the problem.

Kuroo doesn’t like you.

“Oh, look Kuroo-san, your admirer came again.” some people are teasing Kuroo about you going to their afternoon practice.

And at the same time, you can clearly see how irritated Kuroo is about your presence.

You hold bottled water and are about to give it to him.

You run towards Kuroo who is wiping some of his sweats.

“Kuroo-san.” you said, trying to start a conversation.

“What is it that you want? Are you even allowed to come here?” Kuroo said while not looking at you.

You give him the water bottle, “D-drink this.” you almost stutter saying those two words.

Kuroo looks at the water bottle and back at you.

“Why the hell do you think I’ll accept it?” you didn’t answer, but Kuroo didn’t accept it.

He started to walk away and said under his breath the word “ crazy.”

Some students and the volleyball club members are looking at you.

You put the water bottle on your chest, hugging it.

This is the 4th time this week that you’re trying to give him water, but he keeps on declining your offer.

“You never learned your lesson, Yuna.” Yaku said as he walked at your back.

“Yaku-san,” you looked at him who was drinking from his bottle.

“How many times should I explain to you that he won’t be interested in you?” What he tells you is true.

Kuroo won’t look at you, the way you look at him.

“I-i’m not really hoping, Yaku-san. I just wanted to support him.” you look at Kuroo from where he is now standing and talking to Kenma.

He occasionally looks at you but with sharp eyes.

“Well, if he’s like that to you, guess he doesn’t want it. He’s irritated whenever he sees you. I don’t know what you did before, but Kuroo is really mad at you. Well, maybe not mad, just annoyed in your presence.”

You felt your heart sink. It’s like those words repeatedly pierce your heart and you can’t breathe.

It’s stabbing you repeatedly.

The whole school thinks of you as a weird one. You don't have many friends. You don’t talk much and are kind of distant from everybody. That may be the reason why some students bully you for being open about your feelings to the volleyball team captain.

You openly tell people how much you like him, to the point they misunderstood you as a creep for saying those words. But you know you just want to be honest with your feelings. You really admire the scheming captain of Nekoma High and wish to be confident like him. But you know well that’s impossible.

Yaku is not really a friend to you, he’s just a classmate of yours and looks after you for a while. You for a bit helped him before about the scores on volleyball practice and knew how volleyball works, you did well on the scores.

“I guess I’ll just go back tomorrow,” you said.

“You don’t have to, plus you have to work at your own club.” Yaku strongly told you that.

You looked at Yaku and smiled, “Thank you, Yaku-san, but I’ll still be here, supporting you.” You run away leaving the speechless Yaku.

“Yuna, you’re only hurting yourself in this process,” he said as he shook his head.

You were still holding the water bottle when you arrived at the literature club room. It’s only 14 members as of the moment, and since you are in your last year, you all try to recruit more people.

You tried to catch your breath, and relax before coming inside the literature club room.

“You came to the volleyball gym again?” said your best friend and your club president, Ayane.

“Calm down, I’m back. Here, water.” you give her the water bottle and you proceed to sit on the chair facing some paper works and start stacking it properly.

Ayane looks at the bottle of water, “Let me guess, Kuroo-san declined this water, right?”

You froze in your seat.

You shyly look at Ayane and start fidgeting your hands while looking outside the window.

“Yuna!” he will start to nag at you.

“Ayane, calm down, I didn’t stay longer. I just wanted to-”

“-to see Kuroo Tetsuro-san! I know! And how many times should I tell you, stop it? You already confessed to him, and he didn’t like it, remember?”

Ayane once again opened an unwanted wound 5 months ago.

You got the courage to say your feelings but got rejected by Kuroo.

It’s almost a big humiliation for you, as you confess in front of many people. But then got rejected straight to the point.

You won't forget how Kuroo’s face becomes annoyed after you say you like him. After your confession, students laugh at Kuroo, and they say he got confessed by a bakemono, which they say is you.

You unintentionally touch your hair and fix it, very anxious about how you look every time. Ayane repeatedly told you, you’re not ugly or anything.

You have long black hair, fair skin, and average height. So you know you’re not that bad. But being laughed at and being called names, you felt anxious every time you walked with so much crowd like feeling their stares and judging you.

“Yuna, just forget that bastard. I don’t know what you see in him, but he's bad news for me. You should move on.” Ayane once again convinces him to forget Kuroo.

You just nodded to finish her nagging.

Ayane smiles and goes back to his chair.

You remained silent the whole afternoon, still thinking about Kuroo.

Move on? How tho? Forgets the person you love for years now?

Kuroo is never like that to you before.

He’s changed.

Or maybe because you're you.

You confess and he doesn’t see you like how you see him.

A call from the school PA system caught your attention and woke you from your deepest anxiety.

“Hikeji Yuna, of class 3-5, please come to the principal’s office. Once again, Hikeji Yuna of class 3-5, please come to the principal’s office.”

Ayane stands up, “Please tell me you didn’t do something else, Yuna. Why the principal’s office now?”

Yuna just laughs, tapping her friend’s shoulder.

“What are you thinking Ayane, I didn’t do anything. They will probably ask me to do something like they always do. I gotta go now.” you walk confidently until you close the door of the club room.

But right after you close it, nervousness is eating you whole.

You even catch yourself hyperventilating.

Why the principal’s office?

Did someone falsely accuse you again?

Like the other time?

A year ago, someone reported you for stalking. And you don’t even know who that person is. Your parents ended up going to school to fix the problem. And that’s one of the reasons people are always falsely accusing you of being a bad person.

Your parents didn’t help at all. Instead, they blame you for whatever the reason people are looking at you like that. They didn’t even check if that accusation is true or even try listening to your explanation.

Then you just stop explaining yourself to people.

You can’t do anything but step out and lay low as much as possible, so you can graduate peacefully.

You are now standing in front of the principal’s office.

You take a deeper breath before sliding open the door.

The sunset’s made your eyes close a little bit and adjust it for a second.

You saw Coach Nekomata and Coach Naoi sitting.

“Yuna-san, I’m glad to see you.”

“N-Nekomata-sensei,” you are so speechless.

You almost ran away from that moment when the kind coach met your eyes.

Is he going to forbid you to come to the gym every afternoon?

Will he also ask you to stop your feelings towards Kuroo? Since he’s annoyed at you?

“N-nekomata-sensei, I-” you started to say your apology but he cuts you out.

“I saw how you write down the scores of the team’s performance the other day. And I find it very neat.” the kind coach said while smiling gently at you.

“So we are thinking if we can ask you to be the new manager for the team, Hikeji-san.” Naoi-sensei continues.

And you are so shocked, thinking they ask you to be their manager despite being in your last year of high school.

That made you feel happy.

But the anxiety already stops you from feeling that. Lots of uneasy feelings are eating you right now.

The feeling of being unwelcome.

“We heard you’re from the literature club.” coach Naoi continued.

“Y-yes, sensei.”

“I guess we can arrange a little bit about the schedule, right?” The kind coach also smiled at you.

“The training camp will be next week, and we would like to ask for your help with the stuff at the volleyball team.” explained Coach Nekomata.

“So in case you don’t want to continue as the manager, maybe you can just be the manager until the training camp is finished.” coach Naoi added.

“Let's say, you’ll be an acting manager for a while. Hmm?”

The kind coach gently smiles at you.

And you know you’re screwed.

How can you decline such a request?

A/N: Hi, I don't have anyone to proofread my work, I'm sorry for any grammatical errors on the series. Thank you for reading. I also posted it on Archive of our own, here is the link if you can drop bby and support me there too. thank you so much, love lots!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28267551/chapters/69271647#main

[op-law]

One Piece {Warlord Imagines} When You Kiss Them

Trafalgar Law

Since the Captain wasn't busy, I decided it would be a good idea to go bother him until he got annoyed with me. "Stop squirming around in my lap (Y/n)-ya. If you continue to move like that, we're going to have a big problem on our hands" I looked back at him though I wasn't sure what he had meant back that. "What does that mean Law?" When he didn't answer my question, I returned my focus to the coloring book in front of me.

After a few minutes, I became bored of coloring so turned around in Law's lap so I could look up at him. "I want a kiss Law~" Being that I was a rather needy partner I always asked the man for kisses and hugs on a regular basis. "If I give you one will you please go find someone else to bother until dinner?" When I nodded my head, his lips crashed against mine as we melted together. Though when he pulled away, I was set on the ground as he went back to his work. "Run along (Y/n)-ya"

"Okay! I'll see you later Law!"

Dracule Mihawk

"Mihawk are you done training yet? I want to go back to the castle. It's cold outside and I'm losing the feeling in my toes" Usually Mr. World's Greatest Swordsmen would train by himself but today I had decided to join him. Though that turned out to be a mistake since it was freezing outside today and I wasn't enjoying myself. "We've only been outside for 15 minutes (Y/n). How could you possibly be cold?"

"Don't question me Mihawk or else you can sleep on the couch with Zoro. Take me back inside right now I'm going to catch a cold out here" Now I knew the way back to the castle and could walk there but the island had many dangers that prevented me from going anywhere without Mihawk by my side. "As you wish (Y/n). Where is that boy anyway?"

"Probably lost somewhere on the island or he's still at home because he couldn't find the front door" When Mihawk sheathed his weapon he grabbed my hand before we started towards our home. "Would you like if I made you some soup (Y/n)?" Slowly I nodded my head before we continued walking towards the castle. Though when I saw Perona standing outside I knew she was probably going to complain about something.

"Mihawk there you are!? How dare you take (Y/n) outside in this weather, they are a delicate person and you need to remember that!" I sent a quick greeting to the girl but Mihawk didn't bother as he walked right through her. "Tell me again why we're allowing that ghost girl to stay here (Y/n)?" I could only shrug my shoulders as I removed my boots and slipped on my house slippers. "You need more friends Mihawk and I need a kiss right on the lips~"

"As you wish my love" When his lips pressed against mine, I felt as he picked me up in his arms and refused to break the kiss until we had made it into the dining room. "I love you (Y/n). Do you still want that soup?"

"Awe, I love you to Mihawk and yes I'd love some soup"

Bartholomew Kuma

Kuma had been gone most of the day now but I knew that he'd arrived within the next few minutes since he always showed up before six o'clock. Sometimes he was early though he never showed at late. "I can't wait to see him" Now since Kuma was a Pirate, he usually was gone a lot but I always made sure he gave me the affection I needed once he got home.

Sure, our size difference gave us some limitations though, for the most part, we looked past that. "(Y/n)-chan I'm home. Where are you?" Hearing my partner's voice ring out from the entranceway I closed my book before I went to greet him. "Kuma, I'm so glad your back! Pick me up so I can give you a kiss!" Like had I mentioned we had a noticeable height difference and Kuma was a giant compared to little me. "Alright (Y/n)-chan"

As I was lifted off the ground by the man, I gave him a few kisses on both of his cheeks before I gave him a little one on the lips. It might not have been the most noticeable kiss in the world but I always put my heart into it. "Shall I prepare dinner now (Y/n)-chan?"

"Yes, please"

Sir Crocodile

"(Y/n) why are you making all that noise? You're distracting me from my work again" Usually I would already be having my afternoon nap but today I just couldn't fall asleep. "I can't sleep Croco-chan and I don't know why" Now Crocodile wasn't the kindest of men but he did have his moments. "Come over here so I can give you a kiss. I never gave you one before you tried to fall asleep so maybe that's the problem"

"Hm, maybe you have a point there Croco-chan" I had almost forgotten about our special routine we had and I couldn't remember a time where he hasn't given me a kiss before my nap. Walking up to the man I climbed into his lap while he put out his cigar. Though after it was out, he wasted no time taking my chin within his fingers before softly pressing his lips against mine. It only lasted for ten or twenty seconds but Crocodile had this way of leaving me completely out of breath after he kissed me.

"Try and get some rest now (Y/n). I love you, my dear"

"I-I love you to Crocodile~ I'm just going to stay here cuddled up in your lap if you don't mind" He probably tried to deny my request but I was already asleep so there was nothing Crocodile could about it besides moving me to the couch if he really didn't want me there.

Donquixote Doflamingo

'Knock' 'Knock'

After I knocked on Doflamingo's office door I waited for him to reply as my hands tried to wipe away my tears that were pouring from my eyes. "Who is it?" I couldn't find my words so only knocked again before I brought my arms around myself. There was some movement inside the office and soon enough my husband opened the door. "Oh, (Y/n) it's yo- Why are you crying, did someone hurt you again!? Who was it I'll rip whoever it was into pieces!?"

When I didn't reply to him, I found myself being picked up as Doflamingo walked back into his office before he slammed the door shut. "It's alright my love~ I see that you're upset. You'll just have to stay with me for the rest of the day. I promise no one will bother you here. Come on give Doffy a smile~" Doflamingo usually found a way to make me feel better but today not even this man could make me smile. "Don't worry my love I'll find out the person responsible for causing so much pain. I love you, my baby~"

When Doflamingo kissed my lips, his tongue spilled inside to get a taste of me but when the man tasted the blood he immediately pulled away. "Are you bleeding (Y/n)? Open up... Your lips are slightly bruised as well. Did someone punch you?... Oh, my sweet (Y/n) it's alright let's go see the doctor" I knew he was worried about me so I allowed him to leave his office as he continued to pepper my skin with soft kisses trying to make me feel better. "No one hurts my love and lives to tell about it"

Boa Hancock

"My love is something wrong? You look unhappy" Today was just one of those days that made me want to crawl into bed and never come out but I knew Hancock would somehow blame herself for my unhappiness. "It's just one of those days where I want to stay in bed and do nothing. It's most likely because of the rain though" It was a reasonable response though Hancock did something surprising she sat right down beside me before bringing my head to rest on her breast.

"I'm sorry I didn't realize sooner my love! There was just some much work to complete around Amazon Lily today that I forgot about my partner! Please accept my deepest apologies!" She really did beat her up too much about me but at least someone cared about me as she did. "Can I have a kiss, Hancock?" I knew it was a forbidden act since most of the time it caused the Snake Princess to faint though right now, I could really use one to lift my spirits. "Of course, you may my love"

"Thanks, Hancock I think it will definitely make me feel better" Taking both of my hands I cupped her cheeks until our lips meant though as she slipped from my hold, I had to catch her before she hit the cold stone flooring. "I love you Hancock~ Get some rest and when the rain stops, we'll go outside" Placing one last kiss on her cheek I then leaned her head against my shoulder as my eyes returned to watch the rainfall outside of my window.

Jinbei

"(Y/n) would you like to help me prepare dinner?" I was reading a book in the living room but when Jinbei walked in, I immediately closed the book before I stood up. "Oh, yes! What are we making today Jin?" Preparing dinner with Jinbei was always the most enjoyable part of my day and I never declined to help him. "We're going to be making a delicious rice dish today (Y/n) so you can rinse and start cooking the rice?"

"Yes, Sir! Are we just using white rice?" When he confirmed we were I started preparing that but once it was starting to simmer, I made my way over to where Jinbei was sitting. "I love you Jinbei~" Pulling a kiss on his large cheek I watched as his face began to turn purple. "I-I love you too (Y/n)" When he turned and kissed me on the lips, I couldn't help but let a small blush grace my cheeks. "Awe, you're so forward today Jinbei~ I like it"

"(Y/n) the rice is boiling over!"

[teamhook]

A Chapter a Day... Savage Heart CS AU

A love story between a pirate and his savior. An innocent, beautiful, selfless woman meets a man with no manners, no formal education and not even a last name. Will Emma fall in love with Killian once she discovers that beneath his tough exterior lies a heart-wild, but a heart of gold? This is a Captain Swan AU

Beta-ed by the awesome @ilovemesomekillianjones​​​​​

Cover by the lovely @xhookswenchx​

|AO3| |FFN| previous chapter

|AO3| |FFN| current chapter

Chapter 22: Capturing Emma Jones

After leaving the Jones' residence Milah had made her way back to the Booth Estate, her home. At least she hoped it was only for the time being. Her idea to separate Emma and Killian had to work, she wanted the original plan she and Killian had orchestrated to come back to life but in order for that to happen, Emma, had to be out of the way.

Milah was extremely pleased with her completed task. She knew she had caused discord in her cousin's marriage and that thought alone made her so happy and satisfied with her exploits for the day.

The moment Malcolm informed her he was leaving made her heart flutter. She couldn't help but rejoice as she saw Malcolm fade away from sight which meant he was that much closer to his destination and where she needed him to be. She hoped he would keep his word and return quickly to finally take Emma.

Milah's thoughts drift back to her actions and she can't help but to wish she could have seen Emma's face when Killian confronted her. She knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that he will confront her as soon as she crosses the front door. For a brief second, she feels a little remorse but it quickly fades as it always does. The moment her cousin arrives home she will not be getting a warm welcome.

She knows Killian won't go easy on her. She had experienced Killian's rage once. If things worked out in her favor maybe he would kick her out. She can only hope.

"Don't you look happy?" her husband remarks as he gazes upon his smiling wife.

"I have to admit it was a nice visit. It went a lot better than I expected."

"That sounds great, my love. How is your cousin?"

She doesn't miss the fact that he only acknowledges Emma and not Killian.

"Sadly, I missed her but left a message with Kil-uh Jones, along with the things Aunt Snow sent her."

"Oh, I don't understand how the visit went so well then?"

"I meant it was successful in the sense that the door wasn't slammed in my face because of your ungentlemanly comments regarding my cousin. I hope you still remember your conversation with your friend from the other day?"

"Yes, I still remember Milah. I will need to apologize to him for my remarks. I hope he didn't mention them to Emma. I will not be able to look at her if he did."

"I agree your behavior wasn't ideal but if he told her, I'm sure she will forgive you. I have been thinking maybe you are right; their relationship moved too fast. What if he used some sort of information to convince her to marry him? After all, my family is still considered prestigious and along with our own union, this could be good for someone like him. He is only a nefarious scoundrel that took advantage of my cousin's good heart and her unrequited love for you."

"Milah, I don't think she feels that way about me anymore. She may have felt affection for me in the past but I doubt she still does."

"Perhaps you are right but she cares for you and all of us. I wouldn't put it past her to marry Jones to sacrifice herself for the family." She can practically see the wheels turning in his head. "August, how exactly do you know Jones? I know you mentioned being childhood friends but how did you two meet?"

"My father brought him to the estate one day and after he died my mother just sent him away. I don't remember all the details but he cared for Killian a lot. He wanted me to look out for him."

"Did you ever wonder why?"

"I never really gave it much thought. What are you getting at?"

"I have been thinking that the interest your father showed in Killian was rare. Perhaps your old friend has wondered himself. He must know the extent of the Booth wealth. Perhaps he thought this could be an easy score and he could use your friendship to his advantage."

"Milah, what are you trying to insinuate about my father? My father had an impeccable reputation."

"August, all I'm saying is that maybe your old friend wanted to gain access to the house and to you. You do realize that provides some benefits. Are you telling me it doesn't strike you as odd that a pirate decided all of the sudden to become a legitimate businessman and accept a steward position in the same house he stepped into in his youth?"

"Do you think Emma accidentally uncovered his nefarious intentions and to protect the family, married him?"

Milah would roll her eyes if she could; always Saint Emma, the savior of the land.

"I have to find a way to get her out of this. I can't let her sacrifice her happiness. She deserves so much better."

Milah bites her tongue, she wants to ask him if he means himself.

The day continues as any other. Enith complaining about all the work she had to do by herself because Lucy her maid is too lazy. Cora giving her disapproving looks. August distancing himself from her.

The Booth Estate is filled with plots and ploys to obtain their deepest desires. And both Cora and Milah wait impatiently for their ally to return, while August contemplates rescuing a phantom damsel with the hopes to be her hero.

They all go on with their menial tasks to pass the time as the hours pass by. Hours that soon became days.

The Nolan residence is the complete opposite. Snow and David plan and prepare for the upcoming meal to be enjoyed with their daughter and her husband. Killian and Emma had happily accepted the invitation relayed to them. Killian is so eager to put his best foot forward. He desperately wants Emma's parent's approval.

The happy parents have truly decided to embrace the new addition to the family, putting their doubts away at the sight of their daughter's happy face. They welcome the newlyweds as planned the next day and enjoy their meal.

Days have passed since David's return home. His daughter and wife have welcomed him happily back. It has become a routine for them to spend time together to make up for lost time.

Later that week, Milah sees Malcolm has finally returned. She has to wait to approach him to inquire about the outcome of his trip.

She decides to take a walk around the estate hoping to bump into him without rousing suspicion and get some time alone with her ally. She stumbles upon him and finally has her chance.

"Malcolm, may I have a word?"

"Yes, of course, Mrs. Booth."

"Please don't call me Mrs. Booth, it makes me feel old. As you can see I'm not. You can call my mother-in-law that, it fits her much better. Call me Milah."

Malcolm smiles at her. He is escorting her back to the house.

"I know why you are seeking an audience. I have what we need. I will be able to grab her in the following days."

"Days? I thought you would nab her upon your return. This was not what we agreed."

"Milah, I need to figure the best time to grab her. Obviously, she has to be alone. We cannot be sloppy. Unless you want your family to know you had a hand in the kidnapping of your cousin."

Milah isn't too happy with the response, but it makes sense. To add to her discord, it becomes obvious that her little visit to the Jones' home was fruitless. Emma and Killian are still together.

Since August's return, Cora has been more active. She takes walks in the garden and asks for the breakfast to be served on the patio. On her walk back from the garden she notices Milah and Malcolm talking. She approaches them slowly trying not to spook them.

"Malcolm, I hope your trip went well. I see my lovely daughter-in-law decided to welcome you back."

"My dear Cora, the lovely young Mrs. Booth was just being friendly."

Milah smiles mockingly at her mother-in-law. "I guess I better go find August. I will leave you two alone. Good day to you both." She walks away with a sway of her hips to irritate Cora.

Malcolm turns his complete attention to Cora. "Have there been any new developments?"

"The letter is still missing but I worry my biggest concern is Snow. I know it's a matter of time before she tells someone. That is assuming she hasn't mentioned it to someone by now."

"How will you know for sure?"

"Well, during Emma's loss, I will offer my assistance in retrieving her. Of course, I will hint for her to keep the secret in exchange."

"All right, I will need to spy on her comings and goings. I understand you cannot cover for me anymore. My absence would be too noticeable. I met two young boys I can give the task. I also brought the friend with me and lodged him in one of the empty worker's huts if that is acceptable?"

"That is fine and no harm will come to her correct?"

"Nothing permanent, she will be afraid of the unknown but no physical damage."

"I hate doing this to her but I need a guarantee that my secret stays secret."

"I understand and I should be able to proceed within a few days. I do need to go and provide instructions to the boys."

"Go on, I don't know how long I can keep August at bay and out of the Estate matters before he decides to get involved."

"I will be quick." Malcolm walks away and heads for the docks where he he quickly spots the two boys. "Hello, boys, I'm glad I found you both."

They turn at the same time and answer. "Hello, sir."

"Have you considered my offer?"

"We have and our answer is no."

"Oh, I see you two still have faith that the good Captain will take you under his command. How about you two help me ensure that outcome."

Felix answers for the two. "How can we help?"

"We have established that the issue is his new bride. I know of someone that wants her out of the way. How about you two help me with that task? Before you ask, no one is getting hurt. She will be temporarily removed."

"How will that help us?"

"He will return to his old ways. He will not try to be something he is not. We will simply give him permission, permission to be the man he really is. Not some puppy dog chasing after the object of his affection, but a ruthless pirate who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. He will realize that she is not the life he craves."

Finally, Malcolm returns from his trip to Golden Cove, but he isn't alone.

His trip had been quite successful. His old friend had not let him down. The deal had been completed successfully. They had quickly exchanged the jewels for the chloroform and that had ended their exchange. Until Dr. Hyde had a change of heart.

Malcolm's biggest surprise came when the good Doctor surprisingly made an unexpected decision to help him in the acquisition of the girl. He had only given him the most basic information about the job. Hyde had insisted that he didn't want any more involvement but he would accompany him and help secure the young woman to ensure he wouldn't overuse the chloroform.

Hyde knew what he was doing was wrong but he had no choice. His practice was destroyed and he was barely making enough for scraps as opposed to the luxurious meals he once enjoyed. He didn't want to be responsible if Malcolm did something wrong and something happened to the girl.

He should have just grabbed his new found wealth and left but what of his doctor vows? The Hippocratic Oath he took so long ago. The thought of betraying it and that guilt alone wouldn't allow him to leave. He knew that his actions were criminal but he wasn't a complete monster.

After the exchange, Malcolm went to his old home and prepared one of the little rooms for the special occupant. It wasn't much, just a little cot, nothing luxurious.

The house is not in the best condition but it is his and no one knows it better or its location. It is the best place to hide her until the exchange.

He tells Hyde they will be leaving the next day. They don't have time to lose.

"Remember Malcolm, I will only be joining you to ensure the girl is fine. I will not be part of the rest."

"I know you have made your position clear."

"Malcolm I still cannot understand the reason you have accepted this job."

"You are not the only one that has had financial troubles. Look at my home! It was once beautiful, now it is falling apart."

"I'm just surprised, I never thought you had it in you to be a scoundrel."

"Neither did I but sometimes want outweighs one's conscience. You know that better than anyone."

It has been a few days since Milah's visit. Emma knows her cousin won't stop once she realizes that her plan failed. Killian had attempted to calm her and for the most part, he had succeeded but she knows it is not over.

Killian hasn't mentioned the photo or the conversation he had with Milah again, only that she should visit with her parents and that is what she has been doing since.

The only positive thing that had emerged from Milah's earlier visit was the invitation offered by her parents. She knows it is meant as an olive branch.

The next day she convinces Killian to go with her. He had been hesitant at first but as time passed by, his insecurities seemed to dull with her encouragements.

She quickly falls into a routine. She goes to visit her parents while Killian is working. She executes her chores at home in a timely manner getting the guest room ready for the day that they will go get Tink.

Emma kisses her husband goodbye as she makes her way to the front door. She knows he would prefer to escort her to her parent's house for her visit as he has insistently mentioned but she insists on not being some sort of a damsel in distress. She loves him dearly but sometimes he is so overprotective.

To her husband's dismay, she has opted to walk today and not to take the carriage. She insists it is a beautiful day and that the trek will be nice. She loves the path in Sherwood Forrest Lane that she will inevitably take. It is filled with lovely flowers. The walk is not a long one she will be with her parents soon.

Two young boys approach her on the route to her childhood home and catch her unprepared.

"Hello, Mrs. Jones," one of the boys greets her.

"Hello and good morning to you both." She will never tire of hearing her new last name. "It is a beautiful day isn't it?"

Rufio looks at his friend with doubt in his eyes.

"It is a very lovely day ma'am," Felix answers.

"Do you two know Killian?" she asks because of their way of greeting her.

"Yes, we do, he lets us help on the Jolly," one of the two boys answers.

Emma adds that tidbit to everything she learns daily of her husband. "Oh, so you must love the sea like him."

"Yes we do, but he hasn't taken us out yet."

"Well, I will need to speak to him about that. I will let you in on a little secret; he hasn't taken me out either. I will ask him to bring you two along the day he does."

"That would be very nice." Rufio seems to be the only one opening up to her.

The other one, Felix seems cold to her. "We had hoped the captain would let us join his crew but now that he married you, he will surely forget about us."

"Maybe he cares so much for you two he is afraid you would get hurt on his watch. Just wait a few more years and I'm sure he will allow you both to join."

"I doubt that will be a possibility now."

Emma shakes her head and is about to continue with her response but is cut off. There is a sweet smell invading her senses and for a few minutes, she struggles with her captor and then everything goes dark. The last thing she thinks of is her husband's ocean blue eyes. She should have listened to him.

Emma wakes disoriented and cold; she reaches for her husband to share his warmth. Killian's spot on the bed is empty. She tries to sit up but the room spins and she closes her eyes to get her bearings but falls asleep instead.

Killian goes about his day as best as he can. He gets side glances from Smee and Thomas. They can tell he is upset so they work in silence, trying not to irritate him. As the day goes on he becomes more antsy and irritable. He is always thinking of his tough lass. He misses her so much. He really wishes she would have let him escort her at the very least.

Killian has finally moved his office from Tiny's Tavern to share Archie's office. They had decided to share the office for the time being. He wants to show his father-in-law that he is serious in his reformed ways.

Somehow his thoughts always lead back to Emma. Bloody hell that woman will be the death of him. She is too stubborn for her own good. He feels something is not right. He has to go to her. So he decides to go to her parent's home to escort her home. He knows she will not be happy and most likely scold him once they are in the comfort of their home.

Killian knocks when he arrives at the Nolan's. He still feels uncertain.

The door flies open to her father.

"Hello, Jones, is Emma with you?" He looks around to see if he catches a glimpse of his daughter.

Still standing at the doorstep, Killian is staring at his father-in-law with a clenched jaw and his fists turning white. "No, because she is supposed to be here, I'm only here to escort my wife home."

"I don't understand, she is not here and if she is not with you-" They turn white as they stare and realize Emma is missing.

For a second, Killian thinks David is hiding Emma to keep her away from him, his insecurities resurfacing briefly. "She left the house in the morning; she left to come here!"

"She never arrived; we thought that perhaps she decided to stay home."

"Emma left to come here," Killian says the words so soft the older man almost misses them.

David pushes him gently out of the entrance and closes the door behind him so they are outside. "Jones, calm down, I'm sure she is okay. Perhaps she is at home."

"No! I will not calm down, my wife is missing. I know something is wrong. I can feel something is wrong. Since we parted I have felt dread. Something is wrong."

"Jones, look at me, we cannot tell Snow of your concerns, yet. Let's take the carriage and go to your house. We cannot jump to conclusions yet."

"She is not home."

"All right, but we need to confirm first."

"Well, what are you waiting for?"

"Let me inform my wife I will be right back."

Killian nods his agreement. David swiftly turns and goes inside the house. Meanwhile, Killian paces in front of the house like a mad man. Soon David emerges from the house and is walking towards him.

"I told Snow we needed to discuss business. She wanted to come to visit with Emma while we talked. I told her it was late. I know she wanted to argue with me but relented."

"What are we waiting for?" Killian fumes as he walks towards the carriage.

David hurries to catch up with the pirate. They ride in silence as Killian looks out the window. Once they arrive, the carriage hasn't made a complete stop as Killian opens the door and jumps out. He walks quickly towards the door and opens it, leaving it wide open for David to enter.

"Emma! Sweetheart, are you here? Emma, where are you?" He keeps screaming her name trying to make her answer his call but is met with silence. The last of the hope he had in his heart fades. He knows that it was a long shot, but he had still hoped.

David enters and finds himself looking around the house his daughter has made into her new home. He remembers for a brief moment how it was for him and Snow when they first married. His daughter truly is in love with the man that is tearing the house apart in his desperation to find her. He would do the same if it was Snow.

David heads towards the sobs. He slowly peers into a bedroom. He finds Killian kneeling in front of the canopy bed holding onto Emma's discarded clothes. Killian meets his gaze and the devastation is evident. His eyes are red and his hair is sticking all over.

"Killian, we will find her."

"How can you be so sure? We have no idea why she was taken or by whom? We know nothing! She could be gone already."

"My daughter, your wife is not dead. No, this has to be about money. We have to be patient and smart. They will contact us soon."

Killian gets up and walks past David. "I will find my wife and when I do, the bastards that took her will pay."

"Killian, we can go to the authorities and report her taken. I don't think my daughter would want you to head into the darkness. Remember you are a better man for her."

"Do you honestly think they would offer to help me? I'm not exactly considered a respectable member of society, mate."

"You may not be but I am and we can also ask the Booth's for help."

"I don't need anyone's help. I will find my wife on my own. I have my own contacts. I will take your words into consideration but should there be one hair damaged on her head, I will gladly lose myself in darkness if it means that the culprits are punished accordingly for their actions."

"Killian, listen to me. I know you are worried and so am I, but jumping to the worst possible scenario is not going to help. I still have to tell Snow that Emma is missing. She is going to be heartbroken and scared."

"Let's get you home." Killian gestured to the door. Killian Jones is not a man to wait around. He knows something is wrong.

"Wait, what are you going to do?"

"I will go to the office and maybe confer with Archie."

"Let me come with you."

"I assumed you would want to go home and inform your wife of your daughter's disappearance."

"First we need to put a plan into motion then I will let her know."

Killian and David leave the Jones' Residence.

@hookedonapirate @kmomof4 @searchingwardrobes @seriouslyhooked@profdanglaisstuff @let-it-raines @revanmeetra87@snowbellewells@hollyethecurious@kymbersmith-90@branlovestowrite@thejollyroger-writer@shireness-says​@ilovemesomekillianjones@thisonesatellite@thesschesthair@winterbythesea@stahlop@resident-of-storybrooke@superchocovian@lfh1226-linda@artistic-writer@thislassishooked@shardminds@winterbaby89@xhookswenchx@ultraluckycatnd@gingerchangeling@laschatzi@wellhellotragic@xemmaloveskillianx@courtorderedcake@pirateherokillian@optomisticgirl@darkcolinodonorgasm@sherlockianwhovian @andiirivera @djlbg @nikkiemms @jennjenn615​ @scientificapricot @officerrogers @imlaxdris71 @therealstartraveller776

[oracleofbullshyt-blog]

Chapter 9 - Chance Encounter

Chapter nine! thanks for waiting everyone. 

character submissions are open for chapter 11, two characters are needed, preferably both human, but the minimum is one human, so looking forward to those!

also my inbox and asks are always open, so dont feel shy.

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

Ahead of them lay the lone space port orbiting a dulled blue dwarf star, in its final millennia of life it lay alone reaching out with thin tendrils of light into the dark, its call unanswered but save for a few travellers. The ship was set to autopilot, slowly drifting towards the port while the crew went about their duties. Each readying themselves and the ship for shore leave, eagerly awaiting time away from the ship after the previous events.

Captain Balme lay lazing in his chair, one leg spread over the arm reading the galaxy news on his holopad Whilst the only other beings on the bridge, the Avisxian twins sat watching their stations singing a song together as they worked, their melodic chirps and tweets drifting past the captain as he sat in his chair.

Catakah the male started tapping his monitor, eventually calling over his twin sister Kapotah to check the readings, she looked over his shoulder trying to understand them before shouting in panic to the captain. “Incoming, three fighter class ships unknown origin, no sublight capabilities!”

The captain jarred to attention, and immediately raised the alarm sounding ship to ship battle, non-sublight ready fighters meant a carrier class or larger vessel was nearby.

The captain took control over the ship attempting to make way to the safety of the station as the three fighters came streaming past the bridge settling into a triangular formation around the nose of the ship. Their bodies were long and sleek, a wing each side of the body jutted out at sharp angles reaching forward, under each wing were ripper grade cannons meant to puncture through ships hull. On both the top and bottom of the cabin lay an engine streaking against the void of space. The captain realised they wouldn’t be able to outrun them and also in a breath of relief that they weren’t sent to fight, leaving him to his only choice of waiting for a hail.

When it came, he was surprised to see another Efialtese, usually a secluded people they weren’t known for venturing this far into the deep. Similar to Vahatu in appearance except a light grey compared to Vahatu’s coal black, as well as having each scale upon his head tipped with gold and being smaller in stature.

“Greetings Captain of the ship Leonidas’s Shield, I apologise for this abrupt treatment however it is not unwarranted.” Speaking in a calming voice almost child-like voice, the being carried on raising one of its upper hands, each talon also tipped in gold.

“Recently something quite important has been taken from us, by one of our own no less. You have both cargo shielding active and an Efialtese upon your ship, and so either allow us permission to come aboard or we shall force you to submit.”

The Captain looked at the Avisxian twins shaking in front of him and sighed, his hand coming up to rub his face. It was always something.

“Yes, yes I suppose we have no choice. Permission granted, but out of decency please keep your honour guard to two or less, we have prey species aboard and quite frankly I’ve seen what your people can do, and I don’t want to have to deal with that.”

A grating chuckle rose in the creature’s voice as he heard this.

“As it shall be then”.

Two of the ships broke away to the rear of Leonidas’s Shield to ensure they followed the lead ship, as the remaining fighter wiggled its wings to show them to follow.

They rounded the sun to see what was clearly a Carrier designed ship but was surely large enough to be classed as Capital instead. On each of its Port and Starboard sides lay space for fourteen fighter ships, two full swarms, complemented by the sets of quad barrelled rotating turrets running the lengths of the ship. It was a fortress.

 The greying Efialtese came aboard closely followed by two much stockier beings. Unlike Vahatu both sets of their arms were clad in sharp offensive scales, and both were a deep maroon, each wielding a staff they looked formidable.

“Greetings Captain, I thank you for being so open with us, if you would not mind let us get right to the problem. I require unhindered access to your cargo hold and manifests and then we shall move on to your Outcast you have aboard.”

 Vahatu was busy in the walkway above the reactor core when the captain called to him, he swung down into the engineering bay with his tail wrapping around the piping wiping his hands with a cloth as he landed.

The guards started visibly as he fell on to the floor with a metallic thud, spreading his arms out to balance. He stood drawing himself to his full height vibrating his scales to shake himself off from the fall, their leader took a step back, and the two maroon guards raised their staffs as one circled to flank him muttering under its breath, their scales flashing a bright red in fear. The Captain looked shocked at what was happening but sprang into action and pulled his pistol directing it straight to the leader’s head as the guards closed in on Vahatu, ready to try defend his crew member.

Vahatu looked up at the greying Efialtese dripping in gold and his spines immediately pulsed black, he dropped to his knee and placed his upper offensive arms on the ground whilst holding his lower more versatile lower arms together in pray like stance. His head hung low as he stared at the ground. The maroon guards looked at each other and stepped forward slowly, Vahatu allowing them to place their staves against his person in a defensive stance. The Captain lowered his weapon as soon as they all calmed down but kept it out unsure of what was going to happen.

“Inquisitor, my deepest apologies for my behaviour and lack of respect. Please do not look down upon your hosts for my actions”

He kept his head low as the Inquisitor walked forwards and brushed his talons down the markings upon his shoulders.

“Yes, I see. Working in engineering yet born for war, this is not the outcast we are hunting down, leave him. His only fault is not believing the one true word and more the sadness for him. Captain I do believe our business is concluded, we thank you.”

The Inquisitors calming sing song voice drifted past the captain as he turned away heading for the airlock. The guards turned to follow and, in a grating and unnerving language one of them spoke directing it at Vahatu proceeding to spit at the floor in front of him, Vahatu stood up to his full height and spoke through the translator so he could be heard.

“I accept.”

The Inquisitors head shot around. Staring at Vahatu he spoke in a much harsher voice than what came before,

“You understand the consequences, yes?”

“I do Inquisitor”

It turned its head to each of them waiting for some sign, until finally,

“Then it shall be done, you both shall have one solar cycle to prepare.”

Vahatu looked stunned as they walked away, the Captain barred his teeth and hissed out, “Common room, now!”

 The Captain arrived in the common room to find the crew around the table and Vahatu holding his head in his hands.

“What was that! What did you agree to, and why were they so scared of you? You can give me the answers now or they can have you!”

Vahatu shrank down in his seat and flashed a nervous yellow as he spoke,

“I may have withheld the truth, I was not just navy. I was what you would call special operations, I am trained to tactically take out the most important assets and cause confusion and fear before the main forces would arrive. It is shown by my black scales, as is their role of royal guard by their maroon scales, and nobility by the Inquisitors grey.” He gestured out towards himself, before carrying on.

“As to what I agreed to, an honour duel. Usually reserved for those still recognised by the clans, but as I was not outcast for dishonouring my clan and only myself it is allowed. The only problem is I am still an outcast, which means instead of stopping once the dueller is incapacitated or deemed unfit to fight, for myself it is to the death.”

The crew looked on at him in silence, shocked by what they heard. Vahatu went on to explain how the fight would proceed before finally excusing himself and finding his way to his room.

 The next rotation the crew accompanied Vahatu through the airlock to the Efialtese carrier, to where the fight would take place. Two small pale orange Efialtese came towards him guiding him away from the crew as they were taken to the duelling grounds, Vahatu had previously explained these Efialtese were born with one pair of arms and their roles were to look after the whim of the nobility and so would be taking him to prepare.

The crew were seated right against the borders of the dome shaped duelling ground, inside was a mix of natural and manufactured elements and obstructions for the fighters, at three distinct levels the dome shifted so the fighters could always be in view. The Inquisitor walked in and greeted the captain in his sing song voice again, fixing him with a stare,

“Hmmm I have heard stories of humans and their bonds, I will warn you now that this is a religious rite, and if you should try to prevent the proceedings from playing out, it will not turn out well for you or your crew.”

The Captain looked dumbfounded at these words and turned to look at Ben, only to be distracted by the lines of near three hundred Efialtese making their way in to take position around the dome. Colours, builds and sizes differed between them all, hinting at their role in the strict structure of Efialtese society. They came in relaxed, making noise and many pointing at the crew, obviously they had been given the time off to witness the fight. Many hands were passing Credit chips between themselves betting on the winner as they took their seats. The Avisxian twins shrank in their seats as the noise grew and Sciaal became almost transparent in his effort not to be seen.

The dome flashed twice to get everyone’s attention as the two combatants walked out into the centre. Silence reigned as the room looked towards the fighters. Each held their weapon of choice out wide for the other to see, the royal guard had chosen her staff and Vahatu walked out with two rounded blades curved at the tip and meant for ripping held in his lower arms. Both of their scales bristled and shook at the anticipation of what was about to happen.

Another Grey Efialtese walked out into the dome and spoke to both fighters. He raised his hands high, giving the signal for the fighters to get ready.

Vahatu looked slowly at the captain and then the crew as he took his stance, saying a silent prayer to a deity he denounced so long ago to be able to walk out of this alive, and finally he gave a nod to the grey being.

Taking a step back it dropped its arms.  The fighters rushed at each other in a spray of dust.  Weapons at the ready.

[buckysforeverprincess]

My Deepest Apologies

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Words: 495

Warning: Language, sex mentions

A/N: Another quick drabble...enjoy!

The alarm clock sounds and you jump up from the bed, shutting it off quickly before it wakes the man next to you.

“Fuck, Y/N! Why so early?!” Your boyfriend groans and rolls over, now facing the wall.  

“I'm leaving with Steve remember?! I told you last night we had an early meeting. That's why I cut our sexcapades short...there's no way I could sit right after being on the receiving end of one of your fierce poundings!” You really weren't complaining; your sex life was absolutely, fucking amazing!

Bucky rolls back over, sleep still very much apparent in his features and looks dead at you. “Are you saying it wasn't good enough? Please accept my deepest apology…next time I won't let you come at all!” He grabs the blanket and throws it over his head, hiding himself from you.  

“You'll do no such thing!” You try to pull the blanket off him, but Bucky's gripping it tightly to his head.

“I'll make you beg for my dick!” He muffles through the covers, laughing at your failed attempts at the blanket.

“You'd only be torturing yourself!” You jump on him, legs straddling his over the blanket, trying to dig your fingers into his sides.  

“Baby, what the fuck?!” Bucky’s head is still under the blanket hiding from you. “Can't I just go back to sleep?” There's a split second where you almost feel bad for waking him up. Almost…but it's times like these where his playfulness comes out, and you forget about the roughness that is-was The Winter Soldier.

“Kiss me!” The demand comes from your mouth as you once again dig into his sides, tickling him under the covers.

“Yuck, morning breath!” Bucky laughs, but moves the covers down just enough to see his eyes. You can tell he's smiling underneath, the wrinkles in his eyes giving him away.  

“Fine!” You remove yourself from on top of him and onto your own side of the bed. “If you won't kiss me…,” you get off the bed and walk to the bathroom, “maybe Captain America will!” Bucky quickly springs up out of the bed, but you swiftly get inside the bathroom and close the door.  

“You do know you have to open this door to leave, right?” Of course, you knew that. You'd gone in there for that particular reason, but you effectively got the man out of bed, even though that wasn't your original intention to begin with.

“Since you’re up...you think you could start the coffee?”

Bucky laughs at you through the door. “Seriously? Is that all I'm good for; sex and coffee?” There's sarcasm in his tone.  

You open the door to face your boyfriend with a smile on your face. “The best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup.”

Bucky groans and you kiss him on the lips. “I understood that reference, but thought I'd rank above coffee.”  

“My deepest apologies baby…not even super soldier dick, ranks above coffee!”

[hookedonapirate]

The Princess and Her Sultan

Summary: Crown princess Emma of Misthaven is second in line to the throne, her brother Leopold ll being the first, but her parents see her with a future as a great ruler. King Rumplestiltskin of neighboring land, strikes a deal with King David, promising to uphold the peace between the kingdoms if Emma marries Prince Baelfire. With the promise of his daughter becoming future queen of the Dark Kingdom, David accepts reluctantly.

Before her wedding day, the princess is kidnapped and taken overseas. She is sold as a slave to a palace where Crown Prince Killian of Neverland ascends his father’s throne and is sworn in as Sultan. Meanwhile, Killian’s mother pressures him to sire a prince and presents him with gifts for his birthday, one of them including a blonde princess from Misthaven. Dazzled by Emma’s charm, intelligence and beauty, he summons her to his bedchambers every night and eventually finds himself casting aside his harem and centuries of tradition.  

A/N: Based on the reviews for the last chapter, most of you are wondering about James, and while he is not seen much in this chapter, more about him will be revealed as we move along. Also, a couple of you asked whether this will be noncon or dubcon. I will just say I'm not comfortable with writing either, and while the circumstances make Emma a slave, Killian will prove to be nothing like Baelfire. But I don't want to spoil it so I won't say anything further about it :)

Thank you @ilovemesomekillianjones for your wonderful beta skills and @gingerchangeling for all of your suggestions and feedback! This story wouldn’t be the same without these lovely ladies.

Rated: Explicit

AO3 l FF.N I Prologue l Ch 1

Chapter 2

The sun rises over Misthaven, casting a range of colors over the sky as Emma stares out over the sea from her balcony, once again longing for a life beyond the castle. Longing for a love that will consume her entirely, as opposed to the arranged marriage with Baelfire. She adores her parents and younger brother, but she is not meant to rule Misthaven. And she certainly does not wish to rule or have anything to do with the Dark Kingdom... or its heir. Emma is revolted by the idea, certain that only a lifetime of misery awaits her. How could she have possibly agreed to the idea of marrying him? Considering everything that marriage means, Emma can’t help but feel physically ill at the idea of having to lose her maidenhead to him, or even worse, being forced to carry his child.

It’s a few months before the wedding, and Emma’s parents are away, leaving her to oversee the housekeeping and provisioning of the castle, and the wellbeing of the kingdom. Snow is off to visit her dear friends, King Philip and Queen Aurora, who have recently announced the news of their first born, a baby girl they had named Isabella. Meanwhile, David is on a voyage, offering aide to Goldmark, which, under the reign of King Midas, was once a great trading kingdom, famous for its gold, until it went into decline after the loss of their king.

Emma’s parents have great faith in her judgment and wisdom and not a shred of doubt in her capability to manage the kingdom while they are away. She has learned everything a young woman must learn—music, spinning and embroidery—but also self-defense, swordsmanship, diplomacy and how to manage large households, because she will one day rule and deal with royal courts consisting of hundreds of people.

Emma removes her nightgown and slips into an ivory gown made of silk, with a low-cut, square neckline and long, flowing sleeves. Around her neck, she secures a necklace with an emerald stone her sweet brother had given her as a betrothal gift, with the clasp. After covering her shoulders with a long, topaz cloak, which flows behind her when she moves, she goes to Leo’s room, where he is sprawled out, sleeping soundly in his bed. She takes a moment to admire him with a soft smile, running a hand through his hair and dropping a kiss to his temple before leaving him be and softly closing the door behind her. She descends the spiral stairwell and moves through the castle, passing several guards along the way, but she ignores them and keeps making her way to her favorite place in the castle.

Crossing the threshold of her mother’s garden, she is greeted by the chill of the early morning air and the smell of fragrant flowers which immediately overpower her senses. Narrow paths weave through the many flower beds, fir trees, shrubs and rows of purple, red, yellow and orange flowers still flourishing at the end of summer. Emma walks along one of the paths which leads to a pond with a small waterfall. She lifts her skirts and sits near the edge, breathing in the fresh air. A sense of calm washes over her, clearing her mind from the muddled deliberations and settling the nerves twisting in her stomach that have plagued her since she had decided she did not want to continue her betrothal to Baelfire. This is her safe haven, her place to find clarity when she is left alone with her thoughts.

“Are you enjoying your time in the garden, princess?”

Graham’s voice interrupts her reverie, making her jump slightly, her heart stuttering a little in her chest as she presses her hand there. “I was until you startled me,” she teases, looking up at him with a warm smile.

“My deepest apologies, Your Highness,” he says sincerely, regret creasing his facial features.

“Tis alright. I only came to the garden because it helps relax me.”

“Did the night not allow you to?” he asks in concern.

Emma shakes her head. “Afraid not.”

“And why not, my princess? You must get your beauty sleep… not that you need it,” he adds with a wink.

Emma blushes and looks away, a small smile tugging at her lips. “There is much on my mind, I suppose.”

“Anything I can do to help clear your restless mind, Your Highness?”

“You could take me away for a while,” the princess replies before she can stop the words from tumbling off her tongue.

To her surprise, Graham extends his hand to her. “Your wish is my command.”

She looks up, studying his proffered hand suspiciously. Her reply was meant to be a joke, but he seems to have taken her words to heart. “But I was only joking,” she claims defensively.

Raising a brow, he looks doubtful. “Were you really?”

She blushes once more, a bashful smile creeping over her lips. “I suppose you caught me.”

“Come with me, Your Highness. I would like to take you sailing, if I may? The sea always calms me, and perhaps it will do the same for you.”

Emma is stunned by his offer, for he knows how much her father is against her venturing out into the sea. But she is not about to complain. A chance to have an adventure outside the castle walls gives her a thrill she cannot really describe. “You have a sailboat?”

“Aye,” he nods with a boastful smirk. “I am actually quite the sailor, which you will soon see for yourself if you allow me the honor to show you.”

Accepting his offer, she slips her hand into his, allowing him to help her up.

They have a basket prepared with bread, cheese, fruit and a flask of wine for their trip. She tells a servant to inform her brother she has gone for a walk and will return in the afternoon.

“May I ask what troubles you, Your Highness?” Graham inquires as they make their way through the woods by foot, Emma carrying the basket on her arm.

She looks down at her feet, wondering whether she should tell him or not. They had become friends over the years, since her parents had hired him, and she trusts him enough to confide in him about most things. Things which do not usually involve Baelfire or the unwished-for wedding, but she’s feeling emboldened at the moment by his offer to take her sailing. “Can you keep a secret?”

“Of course, Your Highness,” he replies without a doubt.

Emma sighs deeply, gathering the courage to tell him something she has not told another soul. “I do not wish to marry Prince Baelfire.”

Graham’s eyes blow wide, this revelation hitting him full force. “Please forgive me for asking, but for what reason, my princess?”

Emma looks over at him, his eyes full of curiosity. “Need I answer that?”

Her guard thinks about her question for a mere two seconds before chuckling. “No, Your Highness, you need not. The prince simply cannot compare to your stature. You deserve much more, my fair princess,” he bows humbly.

Blush spreads through her cheeks and a smile creeps over her lips uncontrollably. “Thank you kindly.”

“Tis but the truth,” Graham says sincerely.

The sight of the sea against the sky slowly creeps into their line of sight, the cerulean water sparkling and dancing under the golden sunlight. When they reach the harbor, Emma’s face clouds with confusion, for there is not a sailboat in sight, only a large ship at the port.

“Where is this boat you had spoken of?”

When Graham doesn't answer immediately, Emma grows panicked and looks to her side where she thinks he is, but it’s not until she whirls around when she finds him in front of her.

“Where is your craft?” she demands once again, growing angry.

“I am sorry, princess,” he whispers shamefully, his eyes pooling with sorrow as he looks behind her.

Fear strikes her like a thunderbolt, and she turns her head, seeing two men standing there. Emma’s throat goes dry and she swallows thickly, averting her attention to her guard. “Graham, I demand to know what is going on!”

“These men are to take you away from here.” His voice is hoarse and cracked, and the pain in his eyes is genuine. “I may work for your parents, but I was originally hired by Lady Maleficent to act as your bodyguard so I could kill you. But after meeting Your Highness I simply could not bear to act on such an injustice, so I paid a captain to take you away to safety. After lady Maleficent finds out you are still alive she will go after you. These men will protect you.”

Emma can’t believe her ears; she’s seeing red, her blood bubbling with rage. “I trusted you!”

“I know, I am truly sorry,” he murmurs, bowing his head in shame.

Her instincts tell her to run away, but before she can, two pairs of hands are gripping her arms, causing her to drop the basket from her hand, and it falls to the ground. Emma wrenches her body, struggling against them. “Unhand me this instant!” she cries out, her eyes full of rage.  

The men have a strong grip on her and she doubts they are there to look after her, especially when they pull her hands together in front of her and tie a rope snuggly around her wrists. Even Graham seems to be confused as he glances between the two men. “What are you doing? The princess is to be a passenger on your ship, not a captive.” Only when she hears the deep roar of laughter from behind, does she realize Graham is not speaking to either man holding her.

“About that…” The man emerges and stands in between Emma and Graham, his back facing her. She can only see his rich crimson clothing and his hair which is tied into braids, but she quickly realizes he is a pirate captain. He's wearing a long doublet adorned with gold jewelry and ornaments, velvet breeches and a tri-cornered hat garnished with an exotic red feather, and a sash is tied around his waist, holding a heavily curved cutlass.

Emma has only heard of pirates and the tales of these scoundrels who plunder ships and steal—but she is very aware they exist and that this man standing before her, and his crew are among them. “You see, your offer was outdone by another, and I simply could not refuse.”

“By who?” Graham demands, now full of rage. He tries to step forward, but two other pirates stand beside the captain daring him to do so.

“By Lady Maleficent. She has learned of your scheme through her little spies and came to me offering me a much better deal. So I took it. I am but a pirate, what did you expect?” The captain turns around, getting a good look at Emma, who is scowling at him fiercely and squirming in the crew’s hands. She can now see the captain’s face, his lips pulled into a devilish smirk. He wears gold hoops in his ears, which are not only an evident sign of wealth, but with the pressure on his earlobes, they possibly help ease seasickness, or so she's read. “Captain Blackbeard at your service, milady.”

“What will you do with me?” she asks angrily through gritted teeth.

“Whatever I please. You are mine now. The countess has sold you to me and now I will make even more gold when I take you to an auction house where you will be sold to the highest bidder. No ransom can possibly match what you will bring on the block.”

“You cannot do this!” Graham argues from behind him. “She is a princess! The king will pay you even more to release her!”

The captain cackles once more. “Have you not laid your eyes upon her?” Blackbeard asks in a menacing tone. He steps towards Emma, running his fingers through his long, braided beard as he scrutinizes her from head to toe. Closing in on her personal space, he gently grabs her chin, studying her facial features. His touch makes her skin crawl. “She is worth far more than a king’s ransom.”

Emma’s nose twists in disgust and she jerks her head, wrenching her chin from his hold and spits in his face.

The man wipes her saliva from his face and glowers at her. “You best be careful, princess, I may need your beauty and virtue to stay intact, but you best not test my patience. I have plenty of ways to make the voyage as insufferable as possible.” Emma glares at him, fighting the urge to vomit from smelling his foul breath. “Fight all you want, but you are mine now, so you might as well accept it.”

“I am no one’s!” she shrieks, thrashing against her captors.

Graham launches at Blackbeard, but the other crew members hold him back.

The captain turns to look at Graham, far from intimidated. “Go ahead and try to stop me. Your fate will be much worse than my princess.”

“You will be sorry when the king finds out about his daughter, Captain Blackbeard!” Graham promises, struggling against the pirates. “The king will make you and your men pay!”

Blackbeard laughs in pure amusement. “Good. I do enjoy a challenge, my boy.” He looks between his crew. “Take the princess to her quarters. She must be fed and pampered during the journey, and if she has one bruise or mark on her, may God help you!” he threatens menacingly and walks away, heading for his ship.

“Graham, you will pay for this!” Emma cries out as she’s hauled away from him, fresh tears streaming down her cheeks.

“Princess, I am so sorry,” he says, and she can see the honesty in his eyes. “If I had known this would happen, I would have never made a deal with him. Please believe me, Emma!”

She can no longer reply, too racked with hurt and anger from his betrayal as the pirates force her on the ship.

To her surprise, Graham climbs aboard; she hears the sound of his sword as he draws the metal blade from his belt and holds it up, prepared to fight. “You cannot take her!”

Blackbeard snorts. “Oh, but I can,” he pulls out his cutlass, meeting the guard halfway, “and I will.” The two men stare each other down as the captain slowly circles around the guard. “You are a fool for trying to stop me. I will behead you and toss your body in the sea for the sharks to feast on.”

Graham seethes with anger, and when the captain is in front of him again, Graham throws as much force as he can, swinging his sword at the captain, but Blackbeard deflects his efforts with his cutlass. The duel begins and the swords flash, the sound of metal hitting metal resonating through the deck.

When Graham gets the opportunity, he raises his sword above his head and collects his energy, striking his opponent. Blackbeard is caught off guard and notices too late as Graham brings his sword down in a slashing motion, sending Blackbeard to his back with a loud thump. The captain loses his cutlass, the metal blade clattering against the wood of the ship, producing vibrations that sound through the deck.

Emma’s heart ignites with hope as she watches the scene unfold before her eyes, her hands still tied together.

Blackbeard crawls to his cutlass as Graham once again raises his sword to deliver a killing blow when Blackbeard throws blinding powder into Graham’s face. He cries out, frantically dropping his sword, attempting to wipe the dust from his eyes and stumbles backward, tripping and falling to his back.

Emma cries out and thrashes against the men holding her, her heart tightening. She may be angry with Graham, but she still cares for him. Forbye, he is her only hope of escaping at the moment, but fear is quickly casting a dark cloud over the optimism she had felt seconds ago.

Blackbeard rises with a victorious smirk and walks over to pick up his cutlass, pointing it at Graham’s adam’s apple as he breathes heavily, his eyes daring the Captain to end his life. “I could kill you, but instead I will let you go, for the wrath you will receive from the king when he finds out his precious princess is missing, will be far greater than what I will do to you.”

With that, Graham is escorted off the ship by the crew as he shouts, “I will get you back, princess, I promise!”

“You won’t be allowed the chance, my father will kill you when he finds out what you have done!” Emma yells out her fear to Graham as the crew forces her to move, leading her to the quarters where she will be staying for the journey. She is relieved the captain let Graham go, but she has a sick feeling in her gut at what her fate will be when the captain sells her at auction. Yet she chooses to hang on to the faith that her parents will find her and bring her home.

The men prepare to set sail and the ship cruises across the waters of the Mediterranean for the next six days. Emma continues to fight against the captain and his crew, but every time she grows violent, they grab her and force her to drink a goblet of water after adding something to it to make her slip into unconsciousness. But her hands are no longer tied by rope, and she is allowed a small measure of freedom on the upper deck as long as she does not make a fuss. So, for the remainder of the trip, she stays calm and decides to make the most of it, taking in the beautiful scenery of the different islands the captain points out to her, and enjoying the fresh air and being out on the open sea rather than the security of her parent's castle as a princess. It is what she has dreamed about for so long, apart from the brutal reality that she is now a slave.

~*~

Graham informs David that Emma had been attacked and captured by pirates and that he had fought against them trying to rescue her. Although Graham is quick to tell of Lady Maleficent’s involvement, he neglects to mention that his employment by the said villain is the reason why the captain had an opportunity to take her in the first place, for he needs David to trust him to get the princess back. Graham feels miserable about what has transpired and is determined to atone for it. He convinces the king to let him buy her back so David can stay and protect his wife and son in case Lady Maleficent decides to go after them as well.  

Not knowing exactly where Emma was taken, David disguises himself as a poor peasant and goes to a tavern in Misthaven to gather information from the seamen who port there. Gathering intel on where to find her, he has a ship prepared for Graham that will take him across the Mediterranean to the slave market where Emma will be auctioned off. Determined to rescue his beloved daughter, King David will pay anything to buy her back and bring her home.

Back at a tavern in the Dark Kingdom, Prince Baelfire overhears some pirates speaking of a green-eyed, golden-haired princess being sold by Captain Blackbeard, who had spoken of his sale when he’d returned from the slave market. Baelfire doesn't catch a name, but she is rumored to be quite a rare beauty. He puts the pieces together, for King David had gone wild with rage at the news of his daughter’s disappearance, and goes to his father to spread the word. It matters not, though. God knows what the captain and his crew have done to the prince’s fiance; she has most likely been sullied and would be no good to him now. Rumplestiltskin tears up the contract and sets up a betrothal between his son and Lily once again, which pleases Lady Maleficent. Baelfire and Lily waste no time getting married.

~*~

The thunderous sound of hooves pounding against the leaf-littered dirt travels throughout the forest and comes to an abrupt halt when Killian sees a disturbance in the air and raises his hand to stop his men from moving any further. The screeching call of a falcon soaring across the sky is heard from a distance as Killian waits on high alert. James signals for the men to prepare themselves and they jump off their horses, pulling out their bows and arrows, forming a line of protection in front of the prince.

Killian can hear galloping horses in the distance, and gradually they come into view, along with men in capes riding towards them. The leader descends from his horse when he approaches, but is still a fair distance away, quickly kneeling and introducing himself as the chamberlain of the sultan as he presents a scroll to the prince. Killian senses something is off, for what could be so urgent that a carrier is being sent to him while he is away from the palace?

“I have brought news for my prince from the Grand Vizier, Geppetto.”

Killian jumps off his horse and approaches the man, taking the offered scroll, and stepping aside to read it. Scanning the letter from Geppetto, he learns of his Father's death which had ensued during a campaigning expedition when he had fallen ill. Brennan had died peacefully in his tent after his evening prayers.

Flooded with emotions—shock, sadness, fear, disquietude—Killian turns sharply, glancing at James who gives him a questioning look. With the expression on the prince’s face, he’s able to communicate with the falconer without words.

James’ expression clouds and he bows his head in respect, expressing his condolences for Killian’s loss.

A tear slides down Killian’s check. The prince had known this day would come, he just didn't know it would come so soon.

The capital is struck with grief at the news of Sultan Brennan’s death.

Brennan had been the youngest of his five half brothers and had rebelled against his father’s wishes when the eldest brother had been announced as the heir apparent. Outraged and determined to steal the throne, as Brennan had been made to believe he was his father’s favorite, he’d battled against his father—the sultan and ultimately dethroned him, sending him to a faraway land where he immediately met his death. Brennan then put his brothers and nephews to death to eliminate potential pretenders or threats, and his ruling over Neverland as sultan lasted eight years. Despite his shortened reign, Sultan Brennan was one of Neverland’s most successful and respected rulers to date. During his eight years of ruling, he had accomplished momentous success, including the expansion of Neverland by seventy percent.

Neverland, an empire where only men reign and hold absolute power, not to be controlled or ruled by women. The females of a sultan’s harem all enter as slaves, and if she is fortunate enough to birth a prince, she is traditionally never to return to the sultan’s bedchambers. Her sole purpose then is to care for, nurture and prepare the prince for the throne. But Brennan had been captivated by Kira. She had entered his harem as an Odalisque, a general servant, and had risen through the ranks of the harem hierarchy, enjoying her power and position as a bas-kadin when she became the mother of Brennan’s heir. After she’d given birth to a girl and then a boy, Brennan had sought her company once more, but when she became pregnant with Killian, Brennan had taken a gedikli to bed, a concubine whose status was far lower than Kira’s, subsequently fathering another prince.

The Sultan had a fierce temper and very high expectations of his three sons. And while Killian and Liam had acquired their father’s political skills, wisdom and looks—broad shoulders, high cheekbones, fair skin and sea blue eyes—their younger half brother took after Brennan’s fierce temper and determination to ascend the throne. But unlike his father, Declan had lost the battle, failing to kill off his brothers and was permanently exiled from Neverland. Liam and Killian, however, had a resilient bond, having the same father, which is rare within their culture. Neverland Sultans did not traditionally bed a woman after she’d bore him a son—in fact, it was a stark violation of the imperial harem principle—one concubine mother, one son—to prevent both the mother's influence over the Sultan and the feuds of the blood brothers for the throne. Killian would have gladly served under his brother, however, and the only reason Liam is not the one in Killian’s place is the battle that had mercilessly taken his life.

Killian returns to the Jewel of the Realm, the Sultan’s court where he had been sent as a young lad to study and learn the ways of his people. He had been appointed crown prince at age sixteen, and today ascends to take over the honorable legacy left by his father, Sultan Brennan, hoping he can live up to the expectations of his people—of his father. Killian hopes he can continue to be a man Brennan would be proud of.

Don't just be a man, my boy, be a great man, his father had always told him.

Upon Killian’s arrival, he greets his mother, the sultan valide, in her suite, pressing a kiss to the back of her delicate hand and asking to be in her prayers. He hopes he can live up to his father’s legacy and make his mother proud.

“May God bestow upon you, your throne and your crown longevity.”

Killian draws her into a hug, and when he pulls away he turns to his sister who bows and takes his hand kissing the back of it. “My lovely sister.” Killian smiles and urges her up to kiss her forehead. “Father will be greatly missed.”

“He will be,” Regina agrees with a small smile, unshed tears wetting her eyes as Killian wraps his arms around her, pulling her into a hug. Both his mother and sister have long, dark brown hair, the same color as Liam’s, and deep brown eyes that are now full of pride as they await the accession of the new Sultan.

“Now that Brennan is gone, you must be prepared to pass along his legacy, my son,” Kira says to him.

Killian sighs in exasperation, knowing exactly what her intentions are.

“You know not how much time you will have. Your father had eight years and God willing, you will have more, but we cannot know that for certain. You must find wives to bear you many princes, one who will take your place when you are gone.”

“Mother, I am aware…”

“Then why must you wait any longer? When is the last time you’ve lain with a woman who was not sterile?”

Killian’s eyes darken. The last time he had bedded a woman who was capable of birthing him a son and would’ve if not for her death while she was with child, it was Milah.

“Just as I suspected,” Kira sighs deeply. “I am sorry for what happened to Milah, but she is gone now, you must accept that and move on.”

Killian can’t hear this tale once more. He needs to leave before he grows furious and sad, and now is not the time, for he is about to be crowned Sultan. “Please, I cannot discuss this now,” he pleads with her.

Kira relents with a nod. “Very well.” She looks to the two odalisques in the room and calls them over. “I have a caftan prepared for you, my son.”

They kneel and bow their heads, one of them presenting a silk red brocade caftan, woven with gold thread and lined with black fur.

“Thank you, mother.” Killian accepts the caftan and leaves to prepare for the ceremony.

Kira calls upon the Jewel of the Realm’s Chief Eunuch who is charged with the protection and maintenance of the harem women.

“You summoned me, Sultana?”

Kira nods. “I want you to find my son four potential kadins, no matter the cost. They must be pure and untainted, never touched by another man. And only the most beautiful, with flawless skin that glows with good health. My son deserves only the best. They are to be trained and prepared to be presented to my son on his twenty-fifth birthday. At that time, we will celebrate with pomp and ceremony and present the gediklis to him. Can I trust you with this task?”

“Yes, Sultana.” With that, Nemo Nautilus leaves Kira’s chambers and sets out on his search for four promising concubines, which he knows will not be difficult, for he knows the prince’s tastes quite well. Killian has always been fond of women who were not only beautiful but warm and intelligent, fierce, independent and a bit mysterious.

As he scours the slave markets, word of a beautiful golden-haired virgin, eyes the color of emerald jewels, being sold at the next full moon reaches him, and not only do those attributes intrigue him but also the rumor that she is a princess of high stature. He finds out exactly where she will be auctioned off and leaves immediately.

~*~

Emma is still in shock by the entire ordeal—by Graham’s betrayal, by being captured by pirates and sold to an auction house. She has been left unscathed but misses her family so much, it’s painful. Cursing herself for ever wishing she had a life beyond the castle, she still clings to the hope that her family will find her.

She has resided at an auction house since the voyage on Blackbeard's ship had ended, and over the last several weeks, she had been bathed in perfumed waters, bleached in lemon to restore her true, milky skin tone and massaged with sweet smelling creams to make her skin smooth and silky to the touch.

While she has been pampered, protected and kept from the sun, word has swept the Mediterranean of the virgin princess with golden hair who will be sold by a purveyor of the most valuable merchandise in the world. She has faith that the rumors have reached her parents and that her family will come and rescue her. She believes in them; it’s the only thing she can believe at the moment.

The slave merchant explains that there is an opening bid on her of ten thousand pieces of gold, and though there aren’t many, the buyers are only the most powerful and richest men from around the world. Emma's heart flutters with panic and her stomach feels as though it’s filled with snakes slithering around her insides.

Pulling back the curtain, her kohl-framed emerald eyes sparkle under her elongated lashes as she peeks into the private auction room. Upon witnessing the company she has drawn Emma gasps through the thin veil draped around her face. There is another veil covering her hair and she’s wearing a delicate, champagne colored, ankle length gown which is held together by green ribbons, one tied around her waist and one at each shoulder.

On the other side of the curtain, there are fifteen buyers, and among them is Graham. Emma clenches her fists in anger when she spots him. All she sees is a fraud who had everyone in the Royal Castle fooled; he had her parents thinking he was truly looking out for Emma's best interest, but instead, he had been employed by another to do the exact opposite. She is torn between Graham's betrayal and the small spark of hope that he will buy her back. But all she cares about at the moment is getting back to her family, and she has a feeling Graham won’t be able to make that happen.

“Come, my lady. It is time.” Pulling Emma from her thoughts, a eunuch gently touches her arm and draws her out onto the center of a platform in the middle of the room.

All eyes are eagerly drawn to her.

The slave merchant announces her as, “a virgin princess, pure and nubile,” and removes the veil from her face, starting the bid at ten thousand gold pieces.

The bidding is so fast, it dizzies her as several men go back and forth, raising the bid higher and higher. But none of the bids are high enough for the merchant, so he has the eunuch loosen the ribbons at her shoulders, and the top half of the tunic falls to her waist.

Emma loses a breath, and Graham turns his head to avert his eyes, unable to watch, his fists tightening in anger. The room buzzes with excitement, many pairs of eyes drinking in her half-naked form, her high, fully blossomed breasts and rosy pink nipples on display. Some of the men look at her the way Baelfire had, with hungry, lustful eyes and a chilling grin, making her stomach churn.

Per the signal from the merchant, the eunuch removes the veil from her head and pulls out the pearl clasp from Emma’s hair, letting her golden locks cascade over her shoulders and down her back like a fan. Then he loosens the belt, allowing the entire fabric to fall to the floor, pooling around her feet, at which point silence fills the room as the men greedily feast their eyes upon her.

The princess goes numb with mortification as she stands stark naked from head to toe, her heart thumping in her ear. No man has ever seen her unclothed, and now here she stands for all the bidders to see. Some of them are licking their lips as their eyes scan her bare flesh, sending chills down her spine, and her entire body shakes. Her skin is flushed red with shame, her breaths shallow, but she chooses not to show her fear, as her parents have taught her. With the faith that Graham will outbid the other buyers, she stands tall and takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly, and does her best to mute out the shouts of the bidders as they continue to raise the price.

“Thirty thousand!”

“Thirty-five thousand!”

“Forty thousand,” the voice of Graham causes her to look over at him, and as ashamed as she is, standing there baring everything, her eyes plead with him.

“Forty-three thousand!” is the comeback from another, and Graham goes back and forth with him until the other bidder is defeated.

“Forty-five thousand!” Graham calls out.

“Forty-five thousand! Who will bid more?” Silence falls over the room, and Emma breathes a sigh of relief.

The gavel is raised to finalize the sale when a voice calls out, “The Sultan of Neverland bids fifty thousand gold pieces.” A tall man makes his way to the platform. “I am Nemo Nautilus, Chief Eunuch.” He drops the sack of coins at the merchant's feet. “You may count it.”  

“No need,” the delighted merchant states, accepting the gold as the chief eunuch covers Emma with a robe.

Graham leaps on stage and protests. “You raised the gavel to finalize the sale. She is mine!”

“But I did not knock with it. You are permitted to make a higher bid.”

Nemo raises his hand, signaling Graham to do so, but judging by the look in Graham’s eyes, he does not have enough to outbid Nemo.

Graham turns to the other buyers with pleading eyes. “Please lend me your gold and I will make sure you are rewarded with double by the king of Misthaven!” he attempts, but no one bothers to speak out against the Sultan of Neverland's Chief Eunuch. “This auction is illegal! She is betrothed to the heir of King Rumplestiltskin and the papers have been signed. She is as good as married!”

Nemo scoffs. “Your laws do not apply to us, just as our laws do not apply to you. You can either raise my bid or allow me to leave with my purchase.”

Graham has nothing more to offer, so Nemo retrieves Emma’s belongings—her clothes and necklace—from the merchant and turns to Emma, who fiercely snatches the items from his hands.

“Come, my lady,” Nemo says kindly. “We must go, now.”

Graham looks at Emma, his eyes full of sorrow and regret. Tears are streaming down her cheeks as Nemo gently takes her elbow, ushering her in the direction he is heading.

“Do not touch me!” she shouts angrily, her body once again overwhelmed with fear as she squirms against the Eunuch's hold.

Graham follows after her, calling out, “I shall go to Neverland with your father, and he will ransom you!”

“Do not lie to the girl. She is my Master’s now. She cannot be ransomed,” Nemo tells him.

She looks back at Graham, her eyes red and swollen as the distance between them gradually increases. “Tell my family I will come back to Misthaven! I will see them again!”

Graham nods, tears falling down his cheeks as he watches the princess being hauled away from him. How is he ever going to face her parents and break the news of his failures to them, let alone his betrayal?

Tagging:

@teamhook @onceuponaprincessworld @nikkiemms @resident-of-storybrooke @hollyethecurious @snowbellewells @artistic-writer @ultraluckycatnd @kmomof4 @darkcolinodonorgasm @lovepurplepumpkins @kiwistreetswan @therooksshiningknight @deathbycaptainswan @tiganasummertree @superchocovian @emeraldwitches

[ofdivinemajesty]

The Year We Loved

Part 02 / ?

Previous / Next

Vergil

"I cannot allow that. You may be quite capable of taking care of yourself, however allowing you to crawl back to your residence in this city is unacceptable." 

Even if a small fraction of him wanted to drop her and leave, he was a gentleman and that was not an option. He didn't ask her before be picked her up, again thinking she would protest. "Tell me where you live."

Sabine

"It didn't bother anyone else before." she mutters lowly to herself before she is suddenly lifted into his arms, "WHOA HEY WAIT--YOU CAN'T JUST--THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!!!" she protests as she squirms around in his arms.

Vergil

"I am not anyone or like anyone you have ever encountered before. Those that have left you were foolish to do so." He begins, walking towards where he believes she may live. 

"Now, if you please, tell me where you live."

Sabine

When she finds that her struggling is futile she crosses her arms and looks away from him, "It's the opposite direction. I'll tell you when to turn." she says simply as she huffs angrily, "I don't like it when people touch me without permission. Especially men."

Vergil

"For that I apologize, I thought you would protest if asked and I only wish to help you. That is very rare for me. I am not saying that to make you feel special, I am merely making my point. I have a similar affliction. Please accept my deepest apologies." 

He sighs a bit, unhappy that he finds her angry huffing adorable, another rare feeling for him.

Sabine

She finds her anger waning as he explains himself, he still had an attitude sure but he genuinely was helping her home which was a lot considering most of the other Order knights usually ditched her whenever they could. She notes when he mentions having a similar affliction and stores that information for later. 

"Turn right." she says at first as she mulls over her next words, "Apology accepted. And... I apologize as well. I don't suppose you expected getting jumped by one of the citizens of your father's precious city."

Vergil

He finds himself the slightest bit annoyed at the thought that she had been left injured before, though he tries not to dwell on it. Turning when she says to, relieved that she decided to give him directions and that she accepted his apology. 

"Apology accepted. I did not--I, honestly, hadn't expected to even be acknowledged..."

Sabine

Her brows furrow at his words and she finally looks back up at him, "Were you not planning on being seen? Your father is reveled as a god in this city. I would think anyone in your position would take advantage of such a status."

Vergil

"I prefer not to make my presence known..." He certainly didn't want word getting around among demons of his location, they were all already searching for him. 

"Even if it is, I am hardly the son any human thinks of. My brother is the one everyone thinks of when a son of Sparda is mentioned." He hated the fact that he was bitter about that but a part of him always had been even when they were small because he felt Dante was the favorite. Whether or not it was true was something he would never actually know. 

"Such a status among humans is of no use to me. I am only here for information."

Sabine

As she listens to the information he gives her she makes another note of his twin being a touchy subject and stows that away for later. 

"You're an odd one..." she says in reply. 

Slowly she thinks that his presence here can help her get what she had wanted all along. To get that prick that assaulted her off his high horse and take his place as the new captain. She works it out her proposal in her head as she continues to direct him back to her home. 

 -- 

When they arrive at the apartment building she nudges him to set her down, "You can let me down. I can stand on my own now." she tells him, "Come." She beckons him inside as she enters the code for the the initial entrance that allows them inside. They walk a few flights to the third floor where her apartment is situated in the corner between two other rooms, "Luckily, I don't have any neighbors." she finds herself telling him as she unlocks the door. 

"Here it is. Home sweet home." she says with some forced enthusiam, "It's not much but.... you can stay here if you'd like. I figure if you're trying to hide getting a hotel might catch some unwanted attention."

Vergil

He doesn't seem to have a comment for that, he simply continues to follow her directions until they arrive at a large building. 

-- 

He sets her down, holding out an arm in case she need steady herself. When she doesn't, he returns his arm to his side and follows her inside. A few fights of stairs and they seem to reach her floor. He still starts quiet as she allows him in.  

"What do you want in return?" He expects she wants something, no one ever wants to help him, not that he ever asks for any.

Sabine

She crosses her arms, "Well aren't we pessimistic?" she says as she raises a brow. She can appreciate his directness though.

"Alright. You got me." she sighs, "There's this... unsavory character that's the current Captain of the Holy Knights. He's literally the scum of the Earth and he's tarnishing the title that had previously belonged to my father. Before you leave this place just make yourself known and I'm just gonna use the fact that I did you a favor to take back what is rightfully mine."

[my-dear-hammy]

Heads or Tails: Jamilton/Hamlaf

Masterpost

Chapter One

Summary:  1700-1800’s Thomas Jefferson and The Marquis de Lafayette are the same person. Always have been. He’s been doing a pretty great job at juggling two lives, that is, until he met Alexander Hamilton. Then everything went down hill

Chapter Two:

Letters for Whom?

Warnings Below

----

Lafayette spent the entire night befriending the captain, he was only seven months younger than him he discovered and spoke perfect French, Lafayette couldn't have taught him any better himself. The only thing was, Lafayette could almost swear he knew the Captain from somewhere. He studied Captain's Monroe's face, he could swear he knew it. "Tell me, Monsieur Monroe," Lafayette began, "Where did you learn to speak such good French?"

"Oh, from my mentor, Mister Thomas Jefferson," Monroe answered easily.

Lafayette froze. "J-Jefferson?" The name rang through Lafayette's head like a bell, clanging around and knocking things loose. Thomas Jefferson. No. There was no one by that name anymore.

"Yes, he was my mentor, he taught me everything I know. I looked up to him, he was a great man," Monroe supplied, looking slightly distant.

Lafayette pushed everything that had surfaced in his mind away, shoved it deep down so that it would never surface again. "Was?"

"He disappeared, about a year ago, shortly after the Declaration. Just up and vanished. I have no idea where he went. The only thing he left was a message that if anything truly important happened, to send a letter to James Madison and he would make sure to get it to him."

Lafayette took a deep breath. "Mysterious," he said at last.

"I don't understand how he could have just left the cause though, he was set on helping in any way he could, it doesn't make sense that he'd just leave. But he did have a rough past...Oh! I apologize, I shouldn't be saying such things. And you must be getting some rest. I'll bid you a goodnight," Monroe said, standing, bowing slightly, and leaving the room.

"Bonne nuit!" Lafayette replied. His head hurt a bit but that was probably from his leg and the blood loss. He really should sleep but that plan flew out the window as soon as Hamilton walked into the room.

"Bonjour, Monsieur Lafayette!" he greeted

"Bonjour, Monsieur Hamilton!" Lafayette replied cheerily.

"Was that James Monroe?" Hamilton asked, glancing back toward the door, he must've run into him on the way in.

"Oui. He was here to make sure I am well. Great man," Lafayette said.

"I agree, he's a good man. I just came in to see how you were doing, heard you got shot. How was your first battle? Everything you imagined?"

"My leg is fine, everyone's over reacting. I would take a hundred more musket rounds for another shot at that battle."

"What do you mean?" Hamilton asked.

"We were defeated. Full on retreat."

"Lafayette, everyone is calling you a hero, you saved the war with that battle."

"Is Washington proud?" Lafayette asked.

Hamilton chuckled slightly, "Yes, General Washington is very pleased with your efforts."

Lafayette couldn't help but grin, all previous thoughts of Thomas Jefferson completely leaving his mind in the company of Alexander Hamilton.

***

"I cannot thank you enough for your company, Lieutenant Colonel," Lafayette smiled from where he sat in a carriage. He wasn't allowed to move around due to his injury.

"Please, call me Laurens, and it's my pleasure, Major General, you're a hero to everyone here after what you did at Brandywine."

"It's Lafayette, please."

Laurens nodded, "Of course."

"You are another aide de campe of the General, oui?"

"Yes, I am in fact."

"Are you close with Monsuier Hamilton?"

Laurens laughed loudly and for a long time, "Yes, yes, Alexander and I are rather close."

Lafayette's grin grew across his face, "Oh? And just how close, hmm?"

Laurens coughed and changed the subject. "So, what's it like in France?"

"Oh you know, no one cares who loves who and how," Lafayette rose his eyebrows suggestively, "There's always a scandal going on and if there isn't, riots break out."

"Is that so?"

"Indeed, in fact, I think America may need a good scandal here soon, how about the eloping of two aides? That sounds juicy indeed."

Laurens turned completely red, "Dear Lord, sir, please, this isn't appropriate."

Lafayette sighed, "No, I suppose not. Far too French."

***

Lafayette was transported to Moravian Hospital, where he would spend a good length of time recovering with bed rest, to his dismay. He cursed his leg periodically since it kept him from the action, but he was glad for the opportunity of befriending John Laurens, he was a good man.

He received news periodically on how the war was faring and every time, he'd leap out of bed and begin cheering or cursing. His nurse scolded him soundly every time and he'd slink back to his bed.

One day, she walked in with a heavy letter, "Marquis, you've got a letter from James Madison, I had no idea you were acquainted," she said, handing it over.

"Neither did I," Lafayette mumbled, distracted by the red wax seal his eyes immediately stuck to, a phrase popping into his mind.

White for acquaintances, yellow for Monticello, green for work to be done, blue for bedfellows, red for urgency, and black from the deathly Hallows.

The woman left and Lafayette stared at the elegant black ink on the front of the letter, To The Marquis de La Fayette. How did the woman know it was from James Madison? Lafayette turned to letter over and looked at the seal, she must have recognized that then, or perhaps the courier told her of its origin. But why would James Madison, a man Lafayette didn't even know, be writing to him?

There was only one way to find out. Lafayette broke open the red wax seal and pulled out a piece of paper and two more envelopes addressed to Thomas Jefferson. Now he was really confused but perhaps the piece addressed to him would explain. He set aside the letters addressed to Thomas Jefferson and unfolded the one addressed to him.

Dear Marquis de La Fayette,

You do not know me and I'm confident in my beliefs that you are highly confused as to why I, James Madison, a man of which you have never grown acquainted much less ever laid eyes upon, write to you. I assure you, all will become clear as you read on. I do, in all good confidence and highest hopes, pray that you continue to read this letter from a man unbeknownest to you. I pray you hear me out.

Approximately one year ago, the year of 1776, shortly after you penned the Declaration of Independence, you came to me with an elaborate plan, a plan that I at first, I must admit, was entirely against with my most deepest passions. However, you would not let up and I eventually conceded on the condition that you wouldn't leave your old life behind. You graciously accepted and you and I set up this system. I know you are questioning every sentence and are entirely lost, but allow me to continue my long and complicated explanation.

You used to be a man called Thomas Jefferson, a respectable, highly honored gentleman of good faith and excellent standings. Why you left such a life behind evades me still, even after your heartfelt explanations. With my help, Thomas Jefferson disappeared from the world and you became a French nobleman called La Fayatte, it's all solid to even where your alias even exists in France. However, your standing in American politics and creation is a vital position and I could not let you abandon it entirely, so we created this system of letters. I would write you and send with it all the matters you must see to as Mr. Jefferson. This letter should trigger your memory, and I bestow to my sincerest apologies for bringing your other life back after so little time has passed but the fact of the matter, as God is my witness, your disappearance cannot last forever, the nation requires your guidance. People are searching for you now and some are calling you out on abandoning the Revolution, tearing apart your legacy saying that you never truly believed the Declaration you wrote since you abandoned it the first chance that allowed you to do so.

And so, Major General Lafayette, Mr. Jefferson, I write to you now with the purpose of bringing you back to the nation. There are matters that you must see to, starting with the two letters I have enclosed, on being marked with a white seal for acquaintances that are trying to contact you and the other being marked with a green seal for the work you must see to.

I welcome you back, even if it is against your wishes,

Your Dearest Friend,

James Madison

----

Warnings: None?

[suzannemcappsca]

Jack and Jill Go Up a Hill… And Argued No More (Part 2!)

Several weeks ago, I posted a blog discussing two “lures of the Tribal Mind” set out by Daniel Shapiro in his recent book “Negotiating the Nonnegotiable.” (Viking 2016).  Those lures- Vertigo and Repetition Compulsion- struck me as the most common and ones to which we all can easily relate.

However, there are others- Taboos (Id. at 69-89), Assault on the Sacred (Id. at 90-110) and Identity Politics. (Id. at 111-128.)

The very word “taboo” conjures up its definition: “Taboos are social prohibitions-actions, feelings, or thoughts that a community deems unacceptable.” (Id. at 71.) The word itself stems from Captain Cook’s discovery of the Tonga islands in 1777. There, he found that the inhabitants used the word “tabu” to reference the forbidden. And it found its way into English. (Id.)

According to Mr. Shapiro- a taboo has three components- a prohibition or a social construct that “…identifies certain feelings, thoughts, or actions as being off-limits, creating a boundary between what is acceptable and what is forbidden…” within your community. (Id.)  If one violates the prohibition, then comes the punishment which could be severe depending upon the prohibition. But, at the same time, taboos also offer protection “…from committing sacrilege.” (e.g., violating any of the Ten commandments) or “… shield you from dangers both moral and practical” (e.g.,  Taboo against committing adultery.) (Id. at 72.)

To the author, taboos are like the repetition compulsion, discussed in my previous blog. Both are “…designed to defend your identity from harm.” (Id. at 72.) And, like the repetition compulsion, we stumble onto a taboo because we are unaware of it, or we fear discussing it or we have no framework for how to discuss the taboo and bring it out into the open. (Id. at 73-74.) So- the way to deal with the taboo is precisely to become aware of it, establish a safe way to bring it out in the open using a much-needed framework. (Id. at 73-89.)

The next “lure” is closely related to taboos: Assault on the Sacred. These are your deepest and most meaningful beliefs: they are “…the most meaningful pillars of your identity; any matters so deeply significant that they feel sacrosanct, exempt from debate.” (Id. at 91.)  They are beliefs “imbued with divine significance which will be infinite, intrinsic and inviolate.” (Id. at 91-93.)  Thus, for one to assault that which you deem inviolate assaults your most sacred taboo- your deepest truths. (Id.) And like taboos, we may assault the sacred out of ignorance that they exist, conflating them with everyday matters, failing to give them the respect they deserve or refusing to compromise on them. (Id. at 95.) We assault them because we are “tone deaf” to their existence and importance to the other.  The antidote is to become sensitive to their existence (Active listening will help in this regard.), acknowledge their existence and respect them. (Id. at 96-101.)

Finally, is Identity Politics. Mr. Shapiro defines it as “…the process of positioning your identity to advance a political purpose.” (Id. at 112.) Thus, you will align yourself with the “in” group, to advance your career, or to advance your social status. And similarly, you may flee from a certain group so that your social status or career advancement does not go into a downward spiral.

This tribal effect “…is often deliberately used to manipulate and divide people.” (Id. at 112.)  It preys upon the “us v them” mentality. Undoubtedly, we all saw this play out in the last Presidential election in ways too numerous to mention.

Like the antidote to the other “lures”, the author suggests that first we must become aware of the political landscape, (i.e., realize that we are being manipulated), then work on building a collaborative mentality, a “we” community so that you are not defining yourself negatively by simply contrasting yourself versus the other and design a process in which everyone but everyone partakes in the decision making. (Id. at 111-123.)

So… Jack and Jill go up the hill to fetch a pail of water. From out of nowhere, Jill asks Jack why is he so overweight- commenting that he looks like a  jelly bean. She then catches herself, realizing that she just went into forbidden “taboo” territory, apologizes and asks permission if it okay to continue the topic.  Jack says it is “okay” if she does so constructively, to learn out of curiosity about (and not to condemn)  why he is so overweight.  So, their conversation continues for a while (in which she learns that Jack’s weight stems from medical issues) and then drops off.

When they are almost at the top of the hill, Jill is getting very tired and is huffing and puffing her way to the top. She lets out a string of curses, taking the Lord’s name in vain, among other things. Jack reacts as he is  devoutly religious and cannot tolerate such language. Again, Jill apologizes and asks if they may explore his religious beliefs in a constructive way, as a means for her to learn more about his religion and religious beliefs. He agrees and so for a few moments, Jack discusses his beliefs.

Finally, they reach the top of the hill and Jill races with the pail to the water to fill it and accomplishes this task before Jack can get there. When she finishes, she exclaims, “I beat you! This proves that girls are better than boys. I won!!! Ha, Ha, Ha!” Jack, rather than reacting negatively, responds, “No, WE came up this hill together and worked together to fetch the pail of water. It  was not a boy vs girl thing but rather, it was a “we” effort and together we performed the  task to its conclusion.”

But then….

Jack fell down and broke his crown, And Jill came tumbling after

Up Jack got, and home did trot As fast as he could caper;

To old Dame Dob, who patched his nob

With vinegar and brown paper

Then Jill came in, and she did grin,

To see Jack’s paper plaster;

Her mother whipt her, across her knee,

For laughing at Jack’s disaster

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_and_Jill_(nursery_rhyme) )

I guess the “lures” of the Tribal Effect did not sink in with Jill after all, and her mother (old Dame Dob) never read the book or my blogs! Oh well!

  … Just something to think about.

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