#ALL HE EVER WANTED WAS FOR SATCHEL TO BE SAFE!!!!!!!

[running-with-kn1ves]

Satin Pillows To Cry On

CW: coercion with money, age gap(7 yrs), transactional marriage, obsessive/yandere behavior

gn! reader

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You’ve got nothing else, no one else to rely on. 

‘You’re something he bought to keep from growing old.” 

Your clothes are worth small countries. Your cars stacked in 3-level garages. Diamonds, emeralds, pearls hanging from your wrists and ears, satchels made of endangered animal skins, different shoes for each day of the year. 

Your boyfriend of three years spat at your feet when you told him what you were doing. 

“His money can’t love you, not like I can.”

The wedding was only two months away when you broke up with him, told him you couldn’t live in his broke-down apartment anymore, that you couldn’t live with debt trailing wherever you went. You went so far as to make him hate you, to tell him that you never wanted to see him again, that you never loved him, that he better not bother showing up to the wedding. You didn’t want him there, you never wanted to see him again. 

“You’re lying to me; he’s making you say these things, he’s using you against me! You’ve known him what-- two seconds, and you’re going to marry this man?! He’s nearly a decade older than you!” 

Seven years of an age gap or not, he was still a thousand times more independent, wealthy, and a safer choice than your boyfriend. You weren’t some fresh college student new to the world, you had graduated over two years ago, still finding no luck in getting a stable income-- forget about whether or not it was in the field of your degree. 

You left in a single day, fitting all of your scavanged belongings into one of your fiance’s awaiting cars. You left anything worth of value with your ex-boyfriend, knowing he’d find more use out of it than you would. You would even leave the rest of your things there if he could find use for them, but you knew they’d just be one more painful reminder of your betrayal. 

He did as you said, not showing up to your wedding, staying clear, never appearing in your line of sight since the day you left. It made it easier…. For both of you that way. 

And now you were happy-- well, maybe not happy, maybe not even content, but you were… safe. You had everything you needed: a working car, a stable job that you felt productive in, a clean and comforting house to come home to, a spouse. Sure, maybe you didn’t get your new job yourself, or your house or your car-- but did that really matter, in this economy? Who wouldn’t trade their life and their independence for this kind of wealth?

And your husband… he wasn’t all bad. He might have only wanted you for the sake of having you at first, like a new jewel or the latest technological invention. But he was doting and caring in his own way. Maybe just a tiny bit too invested in you, in your schedule and who you talked to. A little too hateful towards your ex-boyfriend, the one who had you before he could. But everyone had character flaws, and on good days you could distract him from his grumpy mood and stress and obsessive behaviors by being the loving and oh so perfect spouse you had trained yourself to be ever since he asked to marry you. 

“Colder than all that gold…” You repeated in your mind, the words your family whispered to each other at your wedding reception only a few feet away from you. 

That was over six months now, though… the honeymoon phase never existed, you rarely saw your husband except for his midnight appearances back from the office, and whenever he would whisk you away for a weekend vacation to savor the time he had with you. For someone more sophisticated, much wealthier, and dare you say handsomer than the average man-- you were surprised to find he didn’t have a line of divorces behind him. 

No; he said, he had been “waiting for you.” whether  you or he knew it, he understood right from the moment of meeting you that you were the one he’d have for the rest of his life, even if it killed him. That severity… scared you. But in a sick sense, it made you feel relieved. Forever? This could be yours, forever? Your family would never have to struggle again, you would never have to worry where your next meal came from?

“I cleared your schedule until tuesday; we’re going to the isles. A mini vacation, you might call it. Get your things.”

He was cold, that was for sure. But, was he any worse than your ex-boyfriend, especially when he was offering you an expensive experience on top of that?

“All right..” You acquiesced. 

And now, you lied sunken into the bed feeling his loving, hot breath on your navel. Going so sweetly slow, so oddly and uncharacteristingly lingering with his touches as he gazes into your eyes. You didn’t like this; didn’t like that when he was cherishing you, making love to you, holding you so intimately, he was appearing… like a husband should. Where did he get the nerve to ignore you everyday, to have hardly any time for you, only to come back and beg for your love when it was convenient for him? 

But you keep your mouth shut, like you should, if you want to keep eating breakfast in bed, keep wearing silk robes while watching the view of the ocean outside your window.

“So beautiful…you’re like a work of art, the kind no amount of money can buy.” 

That was funny, hilarious even. Enough so to make you cry. 

A familiar face passes by the slightly ajar door to distract you, likely one of the housekeepers leaving for the night. But you swear the man’s figure reminds you of someone from your past, someone you loved and left for good. 

Your husband brings back your attention by placing a gentle kiss to your temple, blindly undoing the clasp of the necklace he bought you.

“I’m so lucky… so lucky to have been the one to catch you, forever. No one could’ve done it, not without what I have.”

He wanted you to kiss and caress back, but sometimes lying still was just enough. It was enough for him to witness you, basking in the glow of everything you wore from him, lying in the Egyptian cotton sheets he paid extra for, your body molded to the diet his personal chefs cooked. 

Even as he pushed a knee between your legs, traveling from your navel to your stomach with open-mouthed sucks and kisses in the rawest form of affection, you couldn’t help but turn your face deep into the pillow. So soft, the soft purple shielding your eyes from his tender gaze.

You might’ve given up love, given up everything familiar and those who you’ve cared for-- but at least you had satin pillows to cry on, and the finest jewelry to wipe your tears with. 

[ghoulbrain]

mmm can we do: “Open your mouth,” before spitting into it. With ghoul x reader?

18+ ghoul x reader. you have a mighty bounty on your head with an order to be returned alive, but that doesn't mean your captor can't have a little fun with you along the way. kidnapping, deprivation, bribery, folks getting horny over water.

Fucked.

You're so completely fucked.

The worst of it all was that you'd been so close to making it out. You'd gotten far enough that you'd paid your weight in stolen caps to get safe passage away from your dead end life. You didn't have a cent left to your name when he found you.

The Ghoul.

Running didn't get you far. You couldn't bribe him. Begging only made him laugh.

He's got you bound thoroughly in coarse lithe rope. Your hands are clasped over your chest as if in prayer, and your elbows are tucked snugly to your ribs. The rope job makes for an excellent harness, and he hasn't been shy about yanking you by it.

It's been almost two days of this slog back towards the shithole you fled from. You fought hard at first, mouthing off at every opportunity, but the heat has worn you ragged, and this son of a bitch hasn't given you so much as a drop of water.

You collapse to your knees. Your throat is so dry, even breathing hurts.

"Trust me when I say you do not want me t'drag you the rest of the way, darlin'," he tells you, giving the rope a jerk. You barely manage not to fall flat on your face.

"At this rate you'll be dragging a corpse," you hiss, voice hoarse. "I need water."

The earth crunches beneath his boots as he approaches, crouching down near you. Roughly, he grabs hold of your chin, tilting your head up to look you over. He pinches your cheek with a thoughtful hum.

"Yeah, y'might just be right. Awfully dehydrated," he muses. You could swear he's enjoying your slow decline.

"Water," you repeat tersely.

"Y'know, for such a sweet face, you're a real sourpuss," he says, drawing his canteen from his satchel. You swallow dryly, too thirsty to even salivate. "I haven't heard a single 'please' outta that mouth of yours."

"I'm not going to beg for the life you're selling," you spit right back. This is the closest he's been to you since your capture. If you could gather wetness enough on your tongue, you'd be weighing the pros and cons of spitting that in his face instead.

He chuckles, unscrewing the lid. You can already smell the wetness of it. Your jaw aches. "Y'got chutzpah, I'll give y'that."

You lean forward, opening your mouth instinctively when he lifts the canteen. Please, please, please, please...

The Ghoul brings the canteen to his own gnarled lips, holding your gaze as he gulps once, twice, three times before drawing away with a satisfied aahh, humming like it's the sweetest thing he's ever tasted. Your heart falls into your stomach.

"Oh," he says, looking from your dejected expressing to the canteen and back. "I'm sorry, did you want some?"

"You son of a-" you start, but he interrupts you with a sharp yank of the rope.

"Ah, ah. I've had just about enough of hearin' your gutter mouth," he says, but he doesn't sound it. His smile is downright chuffed. "Now, if you want so much as a drop of this, y'gonna say please."

You grit your teeth. Your pride is all you have left in this world, and apparently this motherfucker is determined to take that away, too. Your gaze drops to his mouth, where a rivulet of water rolls out from the corner. You're so desperate you almost lurch forward to lick the drop before it drips from his chin.

Steeling yourself, you drag your eyes back up to his. "Please," you say tightly.

The corner of his smile tics upwards. "Please what?"

You inhale a steadying breath. "Can I please have water?"

"That's much better," he says, lifting the canteen once more. "Open your mouth."

With a flood of tentative relief, still wary of his sincerity, you tip your head back and do as you're told, ignoring the wicked flicker of pleasure you see light in his black eyes.

"Now, if y'want a sip, keep that mouth open," he says, taking a long swig from the canteen. You stare in disbelief, beginning to protest, but he holds up a single gloved finger to silence you, humming sharply.

He swishes the water loudly in his mouth, and understanding dawns on you. Heat that rivals the arid desert sweeps through you in a hot rush of humiliation, but you refuse to let him see it. You refuse to back down.

Steadily, you open your mouth once again, chin jutting out defiantly.

He quirks a hairless brow beneath his hat, rolling the water from one side of his mouth to the other, as if daring you.

You push your tongue out, expression expectant.

He grabs hold of your chin and yanks you forward, fountaining the water into your open mouth, spitting to finish it off. You choke it down, trying not to cough for the amount of it that hit the back of your throat, your head hanging forward.

It feels like bliss on your tongue, soothing the burning dryness, but the relief of it is gone far too soon. You could easily guzzle a full bottle to yourself.

It's not enough.

After a beat, you lift your head, mouth once again open, tongue pushed forward.

The Ghoul laughs. You can feel his breath on what little moisture is left on your lips.

"Well now, don't you paint a pretty picture," he says, catching your chin in his grip again, pulling you forward. Resolutely, you keep your mouth open, waiting. His eyes flicker down to the sight of it, darkening. He licks his own lips as if he's the one deprived.

"Maybe you're worth the caps they're payin' for you after all," he says, drinking from the canteen. He moves even closer this time, tilting your head all the way back. His lips nearly brush yours while the water spills into your mouth.

You swallow it back greedily, little noises leaving your throat unbidden for the sheer relief of it. You swear you can feel the water rushing to your temples, soothing your pounding headache.

His thumb moves up your chin, collecting water you'd dribbled in your haste. He pushes it up over your bottom lip and into your mouth. Without thinking, you close your lips around the intrusion and suck, greedy for every last drop. His hold on you tenses.

You meet his gaze and in it you see dark prowling hunger. How much of his predator nature is he holding back right now? Would he sacrifice the caps if he thought you looked good enough to eat?

"Thanks," you say, voice little more than a rasp.

His jaw shifts like he's biting his tongue, and then he screws the lid back onto his canteen, hauling you up with him as he stands. He's rough with you, but not overly so.

If beggin' and cussin' don't work on the big bad Ghoul, you suppose you've got nothing to lose in trying to use good ol' fashioned manners to wriggle your way out of this.

Ghoul or not, what you just witnessed was a man's hunger, and that's something you can work with.

[teyums]

Infatuation ✽ Neteyam Sully

wc: 1.8k pairing: neteyam x fem! human reader contains: just fluff <3 a/n: based off this request. honestly i’m not usually a fan of human reader x na’vi but this idea was very cute to me so I folded lolll

After years and years of what seemed like pointless trials and endless research on the chemical components that would successfully craft a serum allowing humans to breathe pandora’s air, you were lucky enough to be the first to try it out. You begged to be. The world outside the lab called to you, as did the voice in your head screaming to explore, the volume of it growing unbearably loud. The second you received the okay after taking the dose, you pushed out of the doors and into the world around you—breathing in the once toxic air. It was fresh, so much clearer than earth’s air, with a mossy scent of wood and petrichor streamlining through the breeze.

You wasted no time and bundled into the forest, shoulders weighted from your satchels filled to the brim with one subject notebooks and research logs you swiped from Max’s desk, a silent promise sounded in your head that you would return them in due time.

You hadn’t been careful enough, wandering into unmarked territory against the warnings of the scientists, when the body of a lengthy na’vi jumped down onto the overgrown forest floor below your shoes. He stood to his full height to leave you swallowing your tongue, eyes humorously wide and the lump in your throat bobbing nervously.

He looked down at you with such a piercing glare that your legs nearly turned to putty, his knife drawn but only pointed in your direction, not pressed to your throat like he would if you were a male. Human or not, you were still a woman, an unusually small one at that, and his mother taught him better.

His voice rumbled from deep in his chest, with an accent so thick you nearly had trouble understanding him when he demanded you speak of your purpose here, to save you from an untimely death he prayed he wouldn’t have to deliver.

He asked you a question that would require eye contact to ensure sincerity. However, his amber eyes wandered from yours, revealing he wasn’t at all threatened by you in the slightest, just perplexed. You answered frantically, your voice an embarrassing array of stutters while you promised your intentions were harmless, picking up the belongings you had dropped on the ground out of fear. He stared so intently, studying your much smaller frame, the way your features differed so vastly from his, the way you seemed so out of place yet you could breathe his air. You intrigued him— much to his reluctance.

He listened closely to your explanation, hard features and pursed lips softening at the sight of your trembling hands. He instructed you to leave and advised against coming back. He shooed you away and free of his hold with a tilt up of his chin, returning his knife back into the sheathing on his hip. Though he was out of your sight as you hurriedly made your way back to the lab, you were never out of his. He made his way into the trees and travelled from branch to branch, all the way to the edge of the forest to make sure you got out safely, something he would be doing more often than he expected.

From that moment on, you were more careful when you ventured out but a part of you couldn’t help but want to run into him again, and a part of him knew you wouldn’t listen to him when he told you not to. He could see it in your wondering eyes, an inference he made based on how you had stared at him like he created the stars with his own two hands, lips parted in awe when he stood in front of you.

You decided against telling Max and Norm what or who you had encountered, fearful they would revoke your field privileges, stopping you from ever seeing him again.

For weeks you’d plant yourself in the very same spot he spotted you the first time, childishly hopeful you would run into him again. And you did.

You asked of his name, eyes beady and beaming while they searched for any hint of a fissure in his stoic demeanor, your smile only growing when his deep voice granted you the privilege of knowing him. “Neteyam.” He spoke.

As time passed, you were increasingly less spooked every time he dropped in on you. Meeting him with a smile he now shyly returned, and an offering of some earth fruit he expressed interest in upon seeing it in your lunch box one day. Strawberries, or as he would call them, ‘the pointy red ones’. Aka, his favorite.

You wished you had gotten a picture of his reaction when he tried one for the first time. “Would you like to try one?” You’d said, holding the small red berry in front of his mouth and watching him take it from your hand. His cat like ears flickered with a newfound fascination as soon as it hit his tastebuds, eyes widened and blinking and tail swishing in delight. He took it upon himself to raid the rest of them from the minuscule container you held in your hands and shoveled them into his mouth like a kid in a chocolate factory, tuning out your belts of laughter.

And though he had seemed harsh the first time he saw you, it was only due to his innate protective nature. He couldn’t fathom why a feeble girl such as yourself, much less a human would be out so deep into the forest, especially without company.

So from that point on, he decided that he would follow you— just to make sure you weren’t disrupting any of the forest life with your research, of course. No other reason. You had never asked him to come along, he simply offered. He was more than interested in what you were doing and endlessly asked questions about the instruments you’d use to collect data, but unknown to you, he was mostly intent on keeping you safe. Because he enjoyed being around you, with you, and he couldn’t figure out why.

But it was apparent now; that Neteyam had developed a soft spot, an infatuation for someone who belonged to the very species him and his people despised. You.

The way he’d make the time in between the hours of his days to guide you through the forest, allowing you to gather rare samples without fear or collect those small, golden glowing flowers you swore reminded you of the dandelions back home. The day he kneeled in front of you, letting you place one between the plaits of his soft hair had been one you played over and over again in your mind while you laid in bed at night.

He’d sit with you, face to face on a blanket that was much too small to share with one his size, a curious finger prodding at your lip and hooking down into your jaw to pry it open. He’d peer into your mouth with a tilted glance as if he were a dentist, braids sweeping over his shoulders when he moved. “No fangs?” He’d query, making you giggle while your tongue swished around to find a comfortable spot around the intrusive finger. A wide, toothy grin would spread across his face at the sound of your laugh, his eyes lighting up and scanning your face to figure out how to make you do it again.

He’d hoist you up onto his back, more than willing to show you the parts of the forest you couldn’t see for yourself. Him leaping through the canopy trees and vast foliage while you clung to his body like a monkey would to its mother, giggling everytime a three fingered hand would reach around to check on you. Your unfiltered squeals and screams of excitement only made him jump higher and climb faster, almost like he wanted to impress you.

It was in the way he began bringing you small, hand-crafted trinkets or woven jewelry, made in your size to the best of his abilities due to his much larger hands. When you asked him why, he shrugged and said it was just a way of being nice— unknown to the fact that you’d read Grace’s old research logs where things such as the ones he gave you were noted as ‘courting gifts’ in na’vi culture.

The two of you would often relax together, perched on a branch, your back pressed to his stiff chest with his arms looped around to the front of your body. A blush would creep past your neck and to your cheeks when you’d feel his nose press into your hair, his breathing deepening while he took in your scent. He found it intoxicating, so new and foreign that he couldn’t help himself. His azure fingers would toy and intertwine with yours, amber eyes ogling the size of your tiny hands against his with utmost interest.

It shocked you, how intrigued such a fascinating being was with you, a normal human. Everything about him was so much more compelling, yet here he was, eager to get to know every part of you over and over again, seemingly conducting his own research.

His eyes had trailed over you while you sat with legs crossed in front of him, scribbling observations of the land down into a notebook when his hand reached forward to innocently tug at the strange looking clothing that always covered your body, his effortless strength nearly making you topple over. “Why do you wear all of these things? There’s no need, and they look uncomfortable.” His eyes big and focused, had he been a human boy you would have smacked his hand away at the obvious insinuation and probably filed a restraining order.

But Neteyam was different, everything about you and your kind was unknown to him. So you only looked up at him with a soft smile, finding his genuine confusion adorable. And even when you explained to him why you wore such extensive coverings back on earth, his eyebrows stayed furrowed, like he couldn’t understand it. The sexualization of the body was not something familiar to him and his people, and when you told him you faced dangers on your own planet because of it, you noticed his jaw tense in frustration.

After weeks of asking, he finally agreed to tutoring you in the na’vi language. He was patient with you, more patient than anyone your own species had ever been. He’d laugh heartily at you when your tongue would loll around in your mouth clumsily, watching your face scrunch up with determination while you terribly butchered the word he had demonstrated just moments prior. He’d shake his head to himself at your pouting when you realized you said it incorrectly, then pronounce it back to you, slower.

It was clear that in the short time spent with Neteyam, you had already won his heart. The way the rough pad of his thumb would smooth against the skin of your lips, taking note of how soft it was, and how they were pink instead of blue, like his. He had leaned in before you could realize, languidly brushing his lips against yours with a hum before pulling away. “Hm,” He cocked his head to the side and feigned confusion, the corner of his mouth slightly perking into a grin at your flustered appearance before he mimicked something he always heard you say. “I think I need to take some more samples.”

.

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Likes + Reblogs + Comments are much appreciated! 💗

[ldrfanatic]

r9 for mattheo riddle pls🙏

shakin', pacin', I just need you

mattheo riddle x fem!hufflepuff!reader

r9 - "for you I would fall from grace, just to touch your face"

gonna be at the dentist office w my bf for the next three to four hours so I'm gonna try and clear out my requests <3

lowkey I was praying someone would request this for mattheo

part two anyone?

y'all I could not find where I wrote down my mattheo taglist so if you wanna be added please please PLEASE comment on this post so I can start a new one thanksss

slytherin boys works

"y/n are you even listening to me?"

the voice of hannah abbot, a fellow hufflepuff, tore your eyes from your only slytherin friend albeit reluctantly. when you finally looked towards your friend, her mouth was turned up into a disapproving frown.

"no. I know you think he's your friend, but he's not."

she wasn't entirely wrong. afterall, you couldn't honestly say that you'd exchanged more than a few words with the boy, though it wasn't for lack of opportunity. he'd approached you on more than one occasion but neither of you ever seemed to actually speak.

really, it was because mattheo felt stumped by you. he'd spent a lot of time with different girls while he'd been at hogwarts. but when he tried to approach you, he fumbled. every. single. time. that was how he first knew you were special.

the kind of girl that made him want to face his father's wrath even though he knew that liking you would be more than enough for a crucio.

between your friends, his family, and his inability to articulate his thoughts around you, mattheo never really got the chance to talk to you.

that is, until now.

somehow, by the grace of the universe, snape had paired you with him for the d.a.d.a. project studying boggarts. you touched on them briefly in your third year but due to lupin's condition, didn't get the chance to finish them. for once, mattheo actually wanted to do schoolwork and do well on this project so you didn't resent him for a bad grade.

as class was dismissed, a hand softly grabbed your wrist.

"wait."

it was mattheo. he was actually speaking words to you rather than just sitting there and staring. it was almost unsettling if anything.

"d'you maybe wanna meet in the library after classes and..."

you smiled sweetly and nodded.

"are you sure you can handle it riddle? don't you have to be talking to someone to study with them?"

there was a teasing tone in your voice which caused mattheo's face to bloom and pink to tinge over the tips of his ears. suddenly, like a switch had flipped, a cocky smile took over his face.

"i can't help it if you take my breath away. maybe you just bring out the best in me like that."

caught off by his banter and yet undeterred, you continued.

"well we all know that you're at your best when you shut up."

you spoke the words with a teasing smile. his jaw fell promptly open at your words, completely surprised that a hufflepuff would say something like that. while mattheo attempted to collect himself, you shoved your dark arts textbook into your satchel and swung it up onto your shoulder.

"the library. tonight. 5pm sharp. don't be late riddle."

five o'clock could not come fast enough. potions with professor scalby was simply exhausting. she was a kind enough women which was a nice change from professor snape after she'd taken over the class following his promotion to d.a.d.a., but the woman had a love for potions that you could safely say no one else in the class really shared. unless you counted hermione granger, a sweet enough gryffindor also in your year.

by the time that scalby finished gushing about the amortentia your class would attempt to brew next week, you were sure you'd aged an entire year in this class alone.

finally, after what seemed like an eternity, class was dismissed. you quickly packed your books away and scurried off to the library, arriving a decent few minutes before mattheo sauntered in with an otherworldly confused look on his face.

"sorry i'm a little late. i got lost."

he spoke to you in a deep yet gentle rumble that had your heart beating a little faster in your chest. it was hard not to notice the way that he gawked at the old century library which was probably your favorite collection of books in the whole world.

"have you never been here before?"

mattheo's dark curls bounced atop his head as he shook it slowly. he looked down at his large hands with what appeared to be shame.

"i've never really taken an interest in school before."

wanting to make him feel better you gently bumped your shoulder into his as the two of you walked back towards the study tables.

"you're taking an interest now."

"in you."

his words made the both of you settle into a thick silence. though it was hard not to notice his lingered stares across the great hall or after a slytherin-hufflepuff match, it was the first time that he'd spoken words aloud that alluded to his feelings for you, and it seemed to catch the both of you off guard.

after a moment's pause, mattheo spoke again.

"i-uh, i don't know why i said that i'm sorry."

you reached your hand out from across the table where the two of you had settled down and grasped his hand in yours. you flashed him a reassuring smile.

"don't be."

abruptly, mattheo let out a strangled noise of frustration and tugged at his hair with his fingers.

"i can't do this anymore."

your heart thumped so quickly against your ribcage, you feared it might stop beating altogether.

"can't do what anymore?"

"this, y/n. i can't keep posing that i want to be your friend and do friendly things together like study at the library."

now your heart was breaking. hannah was right. mattheo riddle was not your friend and-- oh. mattheo riddle was not done speaking.

"i can't keep pretending when i want to be so much more than friends with you. when i want to do very not friendly things with you. to you. when i feel like throwing these books on the floor and yanking you across this table and pressing every part of your body against every part of mine."

instead of doing that, he stood from his seat and knelt in front of you. it felt weird to have the son of the dark lord on his knees in front of you all but begging you to be his girlfriend.

"i know i'm not the chosen one or anything and i'm never gonna be the good guy. but damnit if i have to stay away from you any longer i don't think i could stand it."

his confession stunned you into silence. how the hell could yoou possibly respond to that?

"say something, please."

a hopeful look had taken over his features. his brown eyes sparkled under the dim library lights.

"i don't care that you're not the protagonist mattheo. i would fall from grace for you."

---

<taglist>

@blobsblobician @helendeath

07.07.2024

[junipers-archive]

Power-Outage

Word Count: 1.2k

Includes: fluff, fluff, fluff spencer x reader when a power-outage occurs and spencer being spencer and being adorably the perfect boyfriend

Dark. It is dark and you're alone and its honestly embarrassing how quickly you pick up your phone to call your boyfriend. I mean...who's still scared of the dark? What're you 5?

It's two in the morning and you shouldn't be calling, really. You've only been dating for a few weeks, but he's Spencer, he's technically been your best friend for 4 years, 3 months, 2 days. and...about 18 hours, but who's counting? You convince yourself you just need to hear his voice, his sweet, safe, angelic-

"H-hello?"his voice breaks from that of someone just woken up at an ungodly hour by his co-dependent girlfriend who so happened to have accidentally hit the call button while she was second-guessing herself.

Maybe he'll hang up? Maybe you can convince him you butt-called him in the middle of the night tomorrow at work? Or maybe-

"Y/n baby I'm really gonna need you to respond before i drive over there." he sounds calm, not at all agitated, not at all like someone woken up at 2 in the morning, he sounds...like Spencer

"Hi..." You exhale into the mic with relief. You should say something, really say something, apologize, yes that's what you'll do "I'm sorry I shouldn't have called, god I'm so idiotic...I just-well the power just went out and its 2 in the morning and I really should get some sleep but-"

You're cut off by the jingling of keys on the other line.

"Spence you still there?"

"I'm on my way." Was that a car door?

"On your wayy..." It takes you second, or it takes your un-caffienated and sleep deprived brain a second to realize he means he's coming over to your house. Your home. Where you live.

And yes you're bestfriends with him and you've had sleepovers before but that was when you were ready. That was when you had cleaned.

"No! Spencer No! That is completely unessecary! I'm fine! I just wanted someone to talk to and I thought-"

The engine of his car starts. You can hear him trying to repress the laugh that graces your ears every time he knows something you're trying to hide from his genius mind.

"I'm already pulling out of the drive-way, forget about it. Plus I know you're afraid of dark."

Maybe he'll turn around if you just- "Spencer. I am not afraid of the dark. That is childish and obsurd and I mean im not a little kid anymore! You can just go home, go to bed and forget this ever happened"

There's a silence on the other end, besides the hum of the car, absolute silence.

Until, "Do you still have the candle I got your for Christmas?"

Of course. Of course Dr. Spencer freakin Reid wouldn't believe you. I mean he knows you better than anyone. What were you thinking?

"Yea spence. Yea I have the candle"

He hums in response and you can practically hear him grinning on the other end.

You admit defeat.

"Can you at least bring over some marshmallows? I'm all out from our last movie night." You would honestly rather have him over as soon as possible if it weren't for your hideous room and the pile of "i'll get to it" in the living room haunting your mind. This will at least buy you time.

But again he's dr. reid. "I've already got some from my stash, jumbo and small and snowmen shaped. And of course hot chocolate!"

He's perfect. He's everything and more you could've asked for.

And yet. ANd yet. At this very moment you'd like to strangle him. And not that impersonal type of cowardly strangle like really just-

"Don't be embarrassed baby. I've already seen your room at its worst. I'll be there in ten, turn on the candle and read your books for now."

You hear him knock on the door a few minutes later, as to not disturb the neighbors. Because of course, he's Spencer and would've thought about that too.

You run with the only flashlight you have to the front door, and you're greeted by a ruffled, grinning and ever-charming Spencer with his satchel stuffed with god knows what and wearing his periodic table of elements pjs.

You mirror his grin almost immediately, albeit sheepishly and look down to hide your own embarrassment...only to find him wearing the pink bunny slippers he'd stolen from your house only a few days ago.

With that all or any ego-preservation skills were out the window. He was here already...right?

You let him in, still staring down at your shoes as he leads you two straight for the kitchen, opening and closing cabinets to find the ingredients and kitchenware as if he'd lived there his whole life.

You take a seat at the kitchen's island stool, and watch him work.

This should be embarrassing. I mean it is. It is!

That is, until he hands you a steaming cup of hot chocolate with little snowman marshmallows dissolving on top and smiling like he hasn't just driven 8 miles with these ingredients to make you happy because you called him.

You called him at 2 in the morning.

And with that the unease floods back. And you're hiding your face in your hands and mumbling something incoherent.

This is when he finally speaks. "So...you wanna build a fort?"

You rub your eyes and look up at him. "i-i'm sorry?"

"We should build a fort." He's assertive in this, something at another time you would've found very hot, but at this moment it concerns you. Because to any other person what you've just done would be unacceptable.

"You...want to...build a fort?"

"I find it helps, I mean...at least when I was younger my mom and dad, they used to help me build forts when the power went out. To distract me if anything. It was kind of the only time I remember them getting along."He chuckles and looks down bashfully.

And now all you can think of is building a fort with the beautiful boy in front of you.

"Yea, yea i'd really love it if we built a fort."

And you do, you build a fort with what now you deem as you're future husband. Lighting the other candle he brought you on the counter that fills the air with your favorite scent and finding battery power camping lamps in your closet to light up the room.

He tells you stories about the kinds of forts he used to build and to the best of both your abilities you try to recreate his favorite.

By around 5:30 in the morning the sun is rising and you're both past out in the center of the monstrosity you two created while high on a sugar rush provided by the hot chocolate and one two many marshmallow snowmen consumed.

But you'll remember this for the rest of your life you think. You'll remember Spencer for the rest of your life. Because no one, no one would understand how to make you forget your biggest fear like he did.

While surrounded by darkness all you could see was him.

He was your light.

He was your light, and for as long as he'd have you, you'd be his too.

[hiraeth-sonder]

Entangled Branches - Queqiao

Jingyuan x Reader

Courting is a matter that requires the utmost tact, though exceptions can be made when you're just that old

//I think this just turned into me dumping about ancient Chinese courting gifts. Poem is 秋夕 by 杜牧.

Holding a needle between your deft fingers, you embroider brilliant thread through the plain fabric, eyes focused on the prick of metal weaving in and out as the image of mandarin ducks slowly forms. One much more colourful than the other, thread of ochre and cerulean decorating the foremost bird’s feathers, the second adorned with milder shades of greys and sepias. Cyan lotus pads scattered around the two birds provide some sense of atmosphere, accompanied by scant petals, all that is left for you to do is to tidy up your ducks and add additional ripples of water.

A hand reaches to grab your scissors, snipping away the last remaining bits of orange thread that now finished the last duck. You mindlessly thread grey string through your needle, piercing through the white fabric to sew wavelets around your ducks. Your fingers ghost over each hill and ridge, feeling for imperfections that might snag. You are well aware that what you make does not have to be perfect, but your pride would not let you give someone anything less than your utmost. 

It is perfect, more than perfect. You cannot help the tightness in your chest and the soft smile that creeps up your lips, thoughts not quite racing but on the verge of. Still, you must calm your thudding heart as your hands meticulously free your fabric from its wooden confines, spreading it smooth against the wooden table. Sunlight peaks through the window by your side, verdant leaves just visible behind the elaborate frame, illuminating your work properly, you take a moment to merely let your thoughts wander. 

Spice sachets are by no means some modern gift to give your lover, perhaps more common in the days of your youth but surely not now. Back then, they were used as insect-repellent or air fresheners, some people also believed that they protected the wearer against evil spirits. Truthfully, he would have no need for it, but call you an old sentimental coot, you just could not help yourself from wanting to protect him, even in your own silly antiquated way. 

Before the thought of actually sewing the pouch comes to mind, your head immediately jumps to the basket weave of herbs long sun-dried for use. It had taken a bit of time to get them, seeing as the alchemy commission was being quite nosey about their use and you had not the heart to tell them. So you did the next best thing and lied, citing that you needed them for cooking. Of course, it was only then that they lightened up, but that did not mean that you could not feel their stares as you scurried away. 

The herbs, shrivelled and colours dulled, provide an ever so slightly scent that floated lightly through the air. A pleasant smell, one that relaxed without being excessively heady or strong. Though you had worried that such a gift would only worsen your lover’s sleeping habits, your concern for him won out in the end. 

Still, you turn away from them to work on sewing the satchel together, far easier work compared to the actual momentous task of embroidery. It goes by much faster than you expect it to, with your mind drifting to familiar faces and that even more familiar emotion. Before you know it, the satchel has taken on the shape of a lotus pouch, drawstrings and all. You attach the beads onto the strings and all that is left to do is to place your herbs in. With a delicate hand, you slowly stuff them in, layering them as if anyone would even open the pouch. 

Tugging on the drawstrings, you hold it to your chest for a moment, your eyes fluttering close and imbuing your prayers for him. To be safe and prosperous, able to do as he wishes without fear or shame, and most importantly for him, for his workload to decrease. A soft sigh escapes you, though it is not one of resignation or annoyance but rather fondness, horrid fondness.

You will find some way to slip this into his office, granted that would not be some hard act with how often he is not in. Still, there had to be some subtlety to your actions, you would ruin all the fun if you refrained from such. Of course, finishing one just means you will have to start the other. You could not possibly think of not making one for that disciple of his, especially when he just keeps getting himself in some kind of trouble. 

You shake your head as a soft smile tugs at your lips. Truly, you must have been some saviour to be granted such people. 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

银烛秋光冷画屏，轻罗小扇扑流萤。

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

He holds up the wooden comb up to the light, keen eyes pouring over every aspect of the humble item. Dark wood carved into elegant depictions of verdant bamboo and a crane, the tines were slender yet sturdy, spaced perfectly to glide through hair. Before him were many more options of such, each comb’s design more elaborate than the last. 

The thought of seeing any of them in your hand, fingers wrapped around the wood as you detangle your hair, works oils with that sweet scent that seems to always coax him closer, it sends a soft warmth to his limbs. He does not quite know how to explain it, a rather pitiful situation for someone known for his flattery and skillful words, but he finds that even when you are doing the most mundane things, he loves you just a little bit more. Perhaps others may call him love-addled in the head, but under soft moonlight, in nothing but your sleeping garments with your hair let down, he imagines that fond glint in your eyes and just cannot help himself but yearn to bear witness to such a sight for the rest of time. 

The idea of gifting you a comb has been borne out of spontaneity, something he is not the most familiar with but still welcome. It had been custom for combs to be gifted between lovers, a desire to grow ‘old’ with said person, and he supposes that such a sentiment is rather difficult to continue on when long-lives and mara are two very common phenomena. It is rather silly, but a comb is a practical gift and he has always believed that if given the chance, if the two of you were merely two mortals, you would be happy to watch the wrinkles appear on each other’s face and for your hair to turn grey. You would still be beautiful, aged with the years spent together and the joy evident upon your visage, crow’s feet, smile lines and all. 

When he returns to his senses, his hand has rested upon another comb. A lighter shade than the first, though the quality is still just as immaculate, the spaces between the tines are much larger, not as tightly packed as the last. Though arguably a lot less intricate than many of its predecessors, there seemed to be a certain charm to it, humble jasmine flowers carved onto the main body with a care that went far beyond ornate. The very engraving of each petal laden with care, ridge and valley of complete smoothness, the simple design far conveyed to him the vision of you than the rest.

He thumbs over the engraving, smiling to himself as he imagines you once more. Again that old image of you at your night-time routine, this time with this very comb in your hand as you call for him, your voice gentle along the night wind with the smell of sandalwood in the air. It really is foolish of him to keep musing, and yet no matter how many times he says it, he truly has been reduced to a languishing simpleton of a man when it comes to you. 

“I shall take this one,” He hums, cradling the comb in one hand as he hands it to the seller. 

The seller takes one look at it, a contemplative look appearing on their face before their brows furrow. Taking it into their own hands, they send him a complex look, not quite judgemental but surely urging, “Ah, this plain old thing? I’m certain that we have other combs you will certainly be much more interested in.”

A soft breath escapes him, mostly out of amusement than any negative sentiment. He only nods his head, reaffirming his desire for this specific comb out of the litany he was presented. 

“Apologies, but I’m quite certain.”

When the seller notes his conviction, they just accept it. They must surely still be confused at his choice but he does not see why he must explain himself, after all, when it comes to someone such as you, even he cannot explain the manner in which even the simplest things remind him of you. 

“I see, of course.”

The comb is promptly wrapped up in delicate paper and fastened with string, tied in a knot you will no doubt struggle with but will admire for all of five seconds. When it is brought back to his hands, he thanks the merchant and his chest grows warm. 

A comb for his beloved, jasmines adorning your head, surely he must have been some great saviour in his past life to be able to have such a sight. 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

天街夜色凉如水，坐看牵牛织女星。

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

“General, would you perchance have the time to accept this lowly one’s gift?” 

Your arrival to the seat of Divine Foresight has long been announced, a notion that Qingzu and the routine cloud knights were made aware of even before you could fathom planning your next visit. After all, when the general has come to expect your presence sliding in when everyone least expects it, you gain some perks. 

“You and your formalities,” He laughs, his voice dear to your ears. Jingyuan’s eyes, framed by those long lashes, focus upon you. Seated at his desk with mounds of scrolls to look upon, though he would usually be more than happy to be dozing off right this very moment, the energy at which he responds only boosts your excitement, “Of course I do, I’ll always have time if it's you.”

“Old sap.” Shaking your head, you can only let that fond smile appear across your face as you make your way to his desk. 

It is by no means an arduous journey, and it is not long before you are granted a full view of a certain someone’s rather smug face, almost feline-like if you will. Furthermore, you suppose you also should have expected that he would pull you closer towards him, his head all but resting on yours if not for the fact that you still needed to give him something. Still, you ignore the way your breath hitches for just a moment, the familiar scent of sandalwood and tea that clings to his form drifting to your nose and coaxing you to relax, instead you reach for the spice sachet and place it in his waiting hands. 

He accepts it readily, and it is by the slight widening of his eyes that you know he recognises exactly what you have made for him. After all, it is not like spice sachets are commonplace in this day and age. 

“See, I’ve made it so you can attach it to your belt,” Your voice is low, your head leaning against his shoulder as you fiddle with the strings. You can feel his breath fanning against you, his much larger frame a steady pillar“And it's not too long so it won’t get in your way.”

He is quiet for a moment, admiring the pouch as he turns it over and finds new details to marvel upon. Then, he speaks, voice low and teasing,“My dear, are you saying your beloved stinks?”

“No, I'm saying the air around you stinks.” Huffing, you nudge him with your elbow, a notion that he also clearly finds amusing, as he makes an over-exaggerated ‘oof’ to your light tap. 

Jingyuan only laughs at that comment, wrapping an arm around you so that you may be closer to one another. Still, he presses a chaste kiss to your forehead, a doting smile on his lips. He whispers, “Thank you for the gift, I’m certain your blessings will keep me safe.”

“You better, if I have to find out from Qingzu that you got some grievous injury again I think I’ll be the one going mara-struck instead.”

“Oh then whatever shall I do? I suppose I can only trouble my dear wife to take care of me so that I won’t end up in the healers again.”

At that, you barely resist the urge to butt him with your head, another overfond sound escaping his lips, sounding more like sweet birdsong to your ears that you may hear his amusement and joy so clearly. Though, it is not long until you notice the weight in your lap, some object wrapped in paper and bound in string. When you meet his gaze, he only gestures for you to open it, golden eyes glinting with some indulgent sentiment. You do so, fussing with the knot but eventually unwrapping the paper to reveal a simple wooden comb, jasmines carved onto its body. 

The breath in your lungs seems to escape you, for your words get carded in your throat and all you can muster is a pathetic, “You…” 

“You old coot, getting me a comb,” You chuckle, an attempt to hide how choked up you were. “We’ve already spent so many years together and you….”

Jingyuan looks to you, and you are certain that if a mirror were to be brought to both of your faces right this very moment, what would be found would be merely two senior citizens playing at youth. Though, with the many hardships that the centuries have put you through, you cannot quite say that  you quite mind this kind of childish tomfoolery. Why else would you call upon childhood sentiments? Why else would he choose such a gift? 

Holding up a hand to cradle his face, he leans into your touch, those soulful eyes once again meeting yours. There is such a profound affection within them that for a while, it scared you. Yet now, being the one most privy to such a sight, those eyes who hold the sun and make you yearn to protect him, it comes to you as natural as breathing. 

“What do you say, my dear?” He offers, cocking his head to the side as those mellow words sink in. 

You can only shake your head, an overly indulgent quirk of your lips pulls your lover closer. It is not the first kiss you shared, and it is certainly not the last, for there will be a long, long time before one of you meets your ends.

[weministertomonsters]

Imagine This #3 - Dragon

You face the huge dragon who clearly isn't intimidated by you and take a deep breath. Bars separate you, but that doesn't mean you're safe. His head rests comfortably on his paws as he stares back. You're in awe of the sheer size of him and the story his body tells; he has a hunch where his back was once broken, tough, leathery skin where scales have been ripped clean off, and pale scars on his haunches from the swords of valiant knights.

He huffs and smoke puffs all around you, stinging your eyes.

"I have been through torture you can't imagine. I have been attacked, starved, beaten, humiliated. What makes you think you will be the one to break me, scrawny thing?"

This is your moment. You drop into a bow and blurt out the words you had been repeating to yourself the entire walk over.

"I am not here to conquer you, mighty dragon! I have come to propose a trade!"

A rumbling laugh of disbelief from the great creature.

"YOU?"

He reaches through the bars and taps the blunt edge of a claw as big as your body ever so gently on the top of your head. You know the dragon is referencing your appearance. You look like you crawled through a ditch to get here. You did and it was the sewers, actually. Breaking into an arena isn't an easy task. Realistically if there's anyone with even the slightest possibility of offering the ancient creature his freedom, it shouldn't be you.

But people constantly underestimate you. You haven't lived this long on sheer luck.

"Yes, me." You straighten to your full height and look the dragon in his golden eyes. "I want revenge with something big and you're the only one who can help me. In return, I can give you your freedom."

The dragon just stares at you. He doesn't buy your offer one bit. You want to press on, but someone is approaching and you have to get out of sight. There's a party going on, which gives you the perfect opportunity to steal the keys to his cage, first of all. Otherwise, neither of you is going anywhere.

However, a mere hour later your plan topples when you get caught. Guess the punishment you get? Death by dragon.

The beast chortles when you are thrown into his cage, looming over you.

"So much for your plan. I suppose I should eat you now."

"Wait! I propose a different temporary trade!" You squeak.

The dragon rolls his eyes and mutters, "Why am I entertaining this?"

You dig around in your satchel and pull out something wrapped in a napkin. Another stolen item you were planning to savor later. Right now, it's your only hope.

"I'll trade this delectable sandwich in exchange for my life," you say with your sweetest, most persuasive grin. "And to sweeten the deal, a set of keys to your cage."

You pull the keys out of your boot. The guards didn't bother searching there, that's how filthy they are.

The dragon tilts his head, considering. He's been locked up for decades.

"You have yourself a deal," he says.

Imagine this duo: a grumpy ancient dragon with a bouncy sunshine sidekick and they end up going on some kind of crazy adventure together. 😫

[the-monkeies-girl]

anaya crumbs were super yummy, really flavorful 10/10, i licked the plate 🙏🙏 (i love youre writing, like i can physically feel the passion leaking through ur words its crazy) lov ur work 🙏🙏🙏🙏

I want to lick the plate actually i want to lick his entire body but that's beside the point here we got babey

Title: An Apple A Day. Fandom: ( Kingdom of the ) Planet of the Apes. Pairing: ( Very mild, I'm testing out the waters here ok ) Implied! Anaya x Human! Reader. Rating: T. ( Mentions of mating but otherwise IT IS FLUFFY BABY ) Words: 2.3K+ Summary: Anaya takes you to see his favorite Apple Tree.

●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・●・○・

“Anaya! Noa and Soona are going to wonder where we went off to.”  You laughed quietly, feeling twigs crack under your weight as you were placing your feet in the exact spots of where the Ape in front of you did, knowing that he was walking on spots that were safe and not tripping hazards. It was a considerate thing for him to do, gaining knowledge once or twice from experiences with you that your eyesight was nothing compared to his and the dim lighting caused from the tree leaves causing shadows on the floor of the foliage left you squirting to see at times. 

And your balance? Well… You were clumsy, and Anaya knew it. In fact, he thought it rather endearing to see you stumble when you tried to keep up with his pace, and in a bid to get you flustered, he’d move faster just to enjoy the chase you’d give him. Why did you chase after him? The male Chimp hadn’t the slightest idea, but it was alluring all the same especially when you got too close… close, close enough for him to feel the heat radiating off your body onto his, evident even through the lining of the fur along his body. 

“Anaya close.” He uttered to you, letting his hazel green and golden eyes settle into your own for a second, your heart jumping into your throat as you realized that he was nearer to you than you had thought, really able to take in the detailing of his face. 

The sweeping wrinkles under his eyes, the softer ride of his brows that were always so indicative of his moods, the dabbling smile that you wished was exclusive to your eyes only and the coloring around his nose and lips, lighter than the rest of his face and all you wanted to do was trail the tips of your fingers along the delicate splattering there to see if your suspicion was right or wrong about their skin being rougher. Your eyes fell downwards to his slightly agape mouth. Sharp canines that could tear out every vital organ of your body just for fun. Swiping your teeth with your tongue, you wanted nothing more than to feel Anaya’s under your touch just to cure your morbid curiosities. 

Swallowing lightly, you nodded as if in agreement and let him lead you forward. Shoving aside the rapid heartbeat in your chest and the ever growing redness on your cheeks from having him look at you so intently, you began trailing closer behind him. As compared to Noa, Anaya was gentler in his step, almost floating in nature. But, that could have been from the fact that he appeared excited to show you something and he was unable to keep it in.

From the gait of his broadened shoulders, all your previous thoughts went out the window as you were catapulted into a hypnotic state at how the cross body satchel he had rubbed so deliciously against the fur of his shoulder, the friction inexplicable to you as you felt your fingers twitch at your sides. The sleekness of his fur glittered under the sun as it seeped in spottingly through the leaves of the trees above, and occasionally, it played against the taut muscles underneath. 

He was beckoning you forward with the wave of his arm before deciding that you were going too slow. Reaching forward, Anaya tucked his hand into your own, and without a moment's hesitation, he lifted you over a tree root that was jutting out of the ground that you had not seen before.

Gasping quietly at the sheet strength of him, something not explicitly noticed when he was around Noa due to Anaya being smaller, more tapering on the chest and waist, there was no doubt in your mind that he had the capability of tearing you apart limb by limb. That idea lingered deliciously in your mind as he smiled slightly at you when you were drawn to him, your hand placing itself softly onto his chest so you could leverage yourself before still holding your hand and leading forward once more. “I don’t want to get lost in the woods with you, I’d rather get lost with Noa.” 

“Is close, not too far… From Soona, Noa.” His tone was reassuring to you as he tugged on your arm. Forward, he said, keeping going. Drawing your bottom lip in, you pushed a few tree leaves away from your face before coming to a flattened landing, almost like it was carved, in the middle of the trees. Glancing around, you noticed that… Anaya wasn’t anywhere to be seen. Panic washed over you in small waves. You could just yell for Noa and Soona, right? It wasn’t like the Ape took you into the woods on your own and left you here, right?

Clenching your jaw tightly, a few leaves above fell onto your head, one onto your face and as you blew it away, a few apples began raining from the Heavens on your left side. Gasping at that, you were fast to jump away from them out of fear of being hit before Anaya hit the ground on all fours with a rather graceful ‘thud’. “See?” Smiling up at you, Anaya crouched down and grasped an apple. You placed a hand against your chest and told yourself to reel it in as you crouched beside him. “Favorite apple tree. Anaya knew we were close, and wanted to show Echo. Best apples here, they… grow very big.” 

The way he looked at the fruit was a wonder in and of itself. The way that his thick fingers caressed it made you wonder if he’d be that gentle with your skin if he knew you were just as fragile as th--- Your innocent train of thought completely derailed at the visual of Anaya’s canines, in all their speared glory hitting your gawk. He brought the apple to his mouth and with one swoop, he consumed half of it, juice dripping from his mouth and down to his chin and ultimately getting lost in the fur of his beard. Your mouth fell open at that, suddenly too dry to say anything of substance. Playing your fingers against each other, you turned your eyes away, afraid that he would notice you staring. 

“Do Echo’s…” He tilted his head, rolling a red apple towards your feet, “Not like them?” Sputtering softly, you reached down and grasped the apple that he had so graciously presented to you, “They’re… good. How---” You wanted to hear him talk more without Soona or Noa, knowing that they often left Anaya to his own devices at times, “How did you find this place? There’s gotta be like…A hundred Apple trees.” An exaggeration, but it garnered you a hooted and huffed laughter from Anaya. Glancing up, you looked at the trees above and were able now to see the spotted nature of the apples hanging happily on their branches. 

Anaya watched the movement with interest, how you craned your head back, how his eyes were able to see your heartbeat against your neck, hard and heavy as the blood pumped through your veins. Bringing the apple to his lips again, he bit into it and finished it off, tossing the core behind him to decompose back into the Earth.

Dragging his eyes upwards, he followed your gaze and looked at the apples above as his hand idly reached for another. Slowly, you traced the skin of the apple with your finger tips before dropping your stare to look at the Ape next to you, a motion that Anaya accepted and drew his eyes into your own as he took another bite out of a fresh apple, this one a bit smaller and proportionate so he didn't need to chew too much before answering. “Used to come here a lot. Would stop when Noa, Soona and Anaya went to Echo ruins. Long time ago.”  He explained softly, now urging with one hand for you to take a bite of the fruit you were dallying with between your fingers. 

Quickly, you were fast to raise it to your mouth and sink your teeth in, suddenly coming to grips that communal eating, even when it was shared amongst only two, was considered normal and a mild acceptance of whatever relationship was going to bud from the shared meal. 

Your bite in comparison to Anaya’s was tender and small, your teeth sinking in further than he had initially thought, but your rounded teeth did not help the case at all when it came to actually ripping the piece off and it came off in two pieces, one in your mouth and one hanging by a thread on the apple itself. At least, the blunted nature was what he noticed when you drew your lips back and he was able to see them in a clearer view and not have to captivate himself in an awkward stare when you talked or smiled. 

How weird, he thought to himself, placing the apple into his mouth and coming around you so he was face to face with you rather than sitting at your side. Watching with curiosity, Anaya narrowed his eyes and looked at your face. “Echo teeth,” He started and you drew your mouth closed so he was unable to see them anymore. “Ugly.” The way that your mouth flew open in contrast to you so shyly shutting your lips only seconds ago at Anaya’s words caused a rocketed huff of laughter to come from him, as he moved his head to the left side with an amused head tilt. You grappled that for a second - not taking it as offensive at all, you couldn’t blame him when he hadn’t seen or known any Echo outside of Mae personally, in fact, the blunt nature of Anaya’s words and opinions were often something you sought after, knowing you’d get the most brutal admission from him whereas Noa or Soona would try to be kind with their observations. 

“I know,” Bubbling out laughter, you covered your mouth with your hand, to which Anaya was quick to respond and grasped your wrist so you were unable to complete the action. Twisting your wrist in his grasp, it became abundantly clear that your ulna and radius were merely a jerk away from being broken by Anaya, but still, there was no fear in that as his touch was soft and aimable as he pulled your hand back downwards so he could see your teeth again. “They--- they’re nothing like yours, you can do a lot with your teeth.”

“Would… hurt if you bit someone?” Almost choking on a piece of the apple as you had taken another bite, you coughed a bit, staring at him with a widened gaze, “What?” “Would it… hurt if you bite?” You swallowed harder than intended, admittedly needing to chew the apple piece you had in your mouth a bit more but you staggered through it and wiped your mouth with the back of your hand, “I--- Wouldn’t imagine it would do anything to an Ape, if that’s what you mean. Humans don’t have the jaw strength that… that you have.” Anaya hummed at that, gazing once more at your teeth in mild amusement. Other than use for eating, they served no purpose then. How strange. “Bite Anaya?”

You blinked, swearing to yourself that Anaya had moved forward a touch. Maybe a few inches as he peered straight into your mouth, either waiting for an answer or waiting for you to open your mouth again so he could see what was interesting to him in the moment. He looked between your mouth, your eyes and then back to your mouth as it dawned on you what he had just asked.

“I’m not going to b-bite you!” “Why… not?”

“Inappropriate.” You uttered, looking down at your half-munched apple. “Humans really only do that when…”

Gesturing broadly with your hands, you looked into his eyes and hoped that your human ideology was recognizable. Unfortunately, from the tilt of his head and the perplexity of the drawn in brow ridge, Anaya had no idea what you were implying as a heat of embarrassment rolled through your chest. “Humans only do that when they’re mating.”

Anaya got deathly quiet in front of you and now as compared to your gawking earlier, you wished he would look away from you, to focus on something else but he kept you drawn in as he looked between your eyes with his own, looking down at his apple before ripping off another large bite. From between said bites, he muttered to you, “Echo,” Chew, “Mating,” Another chew, “Sounds like Ape. Lot of biting. Noisy.”

“I can’t believe we’re talking about this.” You groaned quietly to yourself and sat onto your butt, cross legged in mild defeat at the choice of conversation.

“Hard to sleep when others are mating. Keep the village up, Anaya gets mad.”  If your cheeks weren’t reddened before, you were positive you were the same color as the apples that scattered on the floor after being shaken off their homes as you drifted into the conversation.

Anaya refusing to relent control as he continued the topic, almost mindlessly as he took bites out of his apples around his introspection, not quite beating yourself up at the fact that the conversation turned out this way, but surely trying to keep yourself tame enough to not give him all the details that he was seeking, his mouth coming to prop one more question at you between his bites.

“Have heard Echo,” Chew, “Mating…” He chewed pensively this time, the words coming to him in deep thought, though admittedly, his question left you falling backwards to lay on your back as a refusal to actually answer, “Takes much energy. Is true?”

“Anaya.” You grumbled. “I’m not answering that.”

“Have you not… experienced?”

Groaning loudly, you shut your eyes and covered them with your arm as you fell to rest on your back, splattering yourself across the floor of the woods. Maybe, if you were lucky, something poisonous would bite you and you wouldn't have to respond.

“I’m not answering that.”

“Noa right,” Anaya grumbled in dissatisfaction, turning his body to grab another apple with a rather smug retort, “Echo keep Echo secrets.”

[cowboydisaster]

Hiiiiiiiiiiiii!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ i would love a scene with Arthur and fem s/o cuddling up together and just chatting away about life and her telling him how handsome and attractive he is! also a bit of smooching if that’s okay with you! ❤️

Sweet Dreams

pairing: Arthur Morgan x fem!reader

word count: 1.4k

summary: cuddles, kisses, and sweet dreams

a/n: Thank you for this lovely prompt! I really wanted to write some fluff, and I love this prompt. It's simple, sweet, heartwarming love, and I love that. The fluff in this is teeth rotting, no warnings necessary, and no smut, just cuddles and kisses. Also if you've noticed, I started putting my taglist at the bottom cause it takes up too much space up here.

You can't sleep. Your eyes run over the open page of your book, the same paragraph you've read nearly three times without the words ever sinking in. Glancing at Arthur's golden pocket watch that sits on his table, you see that it's nearly three in the morning, and you sigh. The book you're reading has an incredibly slow exposition, and you're left wondering if anything is ever going to happen as you slam the pages shut, tossing the book next to the watch. You leave the candle lit, and just as anxiety starts to plague your mind from the late hour, you hear footsteps approaching your tent. Then the canvas parts, and he walks through. As soon as his tired eyes fall on you, he smiles.

"You're back." You smile as Arthur comes forward. He looks tired, but not hurt or scuffed up. His black shirt carries some rust colored dirt, and the bags under his eyes are darker from not sleeping, but importantly, he looks safe and happy to be back. Being further south has brought out some of the freckles across his nose, and you smile, seeing that more have popped up today. All the worry and the boredom float away once your eyes are on him, safe and home. He feels the same. Once he's in his tent, the sight of you in his bed waiting for him eases all his worries. In a few long, sleepy strides, Arthur comes over to the bed, cupping your cheek as he places a sweet kiss to the top of your head. 

"You didn't have to wait up for me sweetheart, it's late." Arthur whispers, stepping back to unclasp his gun belt. He turns away from you to place the worn belt and guns on a crate across from the bed, and you watch as he takes his satchel off and begins to undo the buttons on his shirt. 

"Couldn't sleep without you." You reply, yawning and earning a smile from Arthur. He turns back towards you, pulling the shirt over his arms. As he kicks his boots off, he catches your eyes, and sees the warm glint to them. 

"Why you lookin at me like that?" Arthur chuckles, wondering if it's the sleep deprivation that has you looking at him with such dreamy eyes. You smirk at the little confusion on his face, the holes on his union suit, the way his hair sticks up in places from his hat. 

"Because I love you, and because you're quite a catch, Mr. Morgan." You admit, heart thrumming with more love than you ever thought possible as he pulls his jeans off, rolling his eyes. Now fully dressed down in his union suit, Arthur stands over the bed, chuckling. 

"I reckon you've finally lost it." He jokes, always terrible with taking compliments. 

"Shush, now come to bed. I'm cold." You ask of him, holding the blankets open so he can come into the warm cocoon you've created. Quickly he blows out the candle, letting the smoke float up to the ceiling in swirling wisps. Then he climbs into bed beside you. Immediately you curl into his chest, nuzzling yourself against his warm figure tightly. He situates the thick blankets over the two of you, getting you all tucked in. Your nose tucks into his neck, and you hum at the way your bodies fit together so perfectly.

"Hmmm. This is better." You sigh as Arthur wraps his arms around you, pulling you closer into his toasty warm chest. His breathing, combined with the darkness soothes you, and though it would be easy to slip into sleep, you fight to stay awake and savor the moment. Arthur's fingers rub up and down your back, and yours grip onto his union suit, pulling him closer to you still. 

"How was your day? You were gone a long time, I missed you." You remark, thinking back to Arthur leaving early in the morning.

“It was busy. Helped those two lovesick fools pass notes back n’ forth most of the day. Star-crossed lovers I guess, ones’ a Gray and the other a Braithwaite.” Arthur explains, running his hand up and down your back. You chuckle lightly against his skin. 

“Lovesick fools? Are they as bad as us?” You ask, pressing a soft kiss to his chest in front of you. 

“Not nearly.” Arthur smiles, leaning down to catch your lips. You lean up to him, meeting in a sleepy kiss. His lips are warm and familiar, a nice greeting after a long day. It’s over far too soon as you pull away for breath, nuzzling back into his chest to cuddle. 

“A Gray and a Braithwaite? What a scandal.” You joke, knowing that it must be the talk of the town. Arthur snakes his hand between you two, gripping your hand with the one not tucked under your head. 

“A scandal indeed. I felt like a goddamn paper boy, goin’ back and forth, but they paid me good.” Arthur adds, voice growing quieter. You can hear the chirping of frogs outside, and the gentle lapping of the river as he continues. 

“What about you? What did you get up to?” He asks as you let go of his hand, sticking yours through the opening of his union suit, warming them against his radiating chest. 

“The usual. Laundry, cooked dinner for Pearson, yelled at Micah which was fun.” You whisper, yawning, and Arthur presses a kiss to your hair. 

“He buggin’ you again?” Arthur asks, pulling you closer to him as you toss a leg over his own, getting comfortable. 

“A little.” You admit. Arthur nods, a wrinkle of concern between his eyebrows. 

“He does it again, let me know.”

You nod, sighing and pulling your hands from Arthur’s suit. You wrap them around his neck instead, and pull him down closer to you. It’s almost like you can’t get comfortable, with the way you keep readjusting against him. 

“What’s with you?” Arthur chuckles as you press against him as tightly as possible. 

“I missed you.” You whisper, and a beautiful smile lines his lips as his hand cups your cheek. 

You lean up to kiss him, lips locking together slow and sweet. There’s so much passion behind your actions, so much love. You give him access to your mouth, and his tongue gently prods inside. He pulls back for a breath, and then he’s coming back to you, tilting his head as he catches your lips again. You smile against his mouth, lips slotting together until you pull away. 

“That you did.” Arthur chuckles, pressing one last, soft kiss to your lips, “I missed you too.”

You run your hands through his beard, looking up at him. Just enough moonlight trickles in to highlight his ocean-colored eyes. You look at the depth of them, then the little scar on his chin, and the bend of his nose. 

“You’re beautiful.” You exhale, looking over his perfect features, wondering how you got so lucky. Arthur scoffs as if humored, leaning his head back for a second. 

“What–” He starts, but you stop him. 

“Stop it. You are. Look at you. You’re strong and tall and you have the most strikingly beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen. Your nose, and your scars, your beard and your lips– I love everything about you…” You admit, truthfully. Your heart swells with love, so much that it could burst as you look up at him. His arms grow tight around you, and he pulls you back flush against his chest, resting his chin atop your head.

“I don’t deserve you, y’know that? You’re far too good for me.” Arthur chuckles, covering up the deep emotions that he feels with laughter. You shush him, not having any of it.

“Stop bein’ mean to yourself. Put that mouth to better use, and kiss me again.” You ask of him, and with a chuckle he does. His lips meet yours in strewed, slow kisses, but you can barely keep your eyes open as your lips begin to fall slack against his own. 

“Sweetheart?” He asks with a small smile, pulling away from your lips. 

“Hmm?” 

“Get some sleep, alright?” He asks, hand on the back of your head as he pulls you against his chest. 

“Okay Arthur,” You mumble, eyes already closed, “Sweet dreams.” You tell him, and he smiles bright at the way sleep seems to have clouded your mind. 

“Sweet dreams, darlin.” He replies, holding you close.

taglist: @margofiore @mrsarthurmorgan7 @woman-with-no-name @tillith @luvliewriting @pine4pple-b0i @photo1030 @dudsparrow

[lynn-w3st]

MK1: Thantophobia (Part 1)

(Noun), The fear of losing someone you deeply love and cherish very much.

Pairing: Dark Bi Han x Fem Reader

Warning: Mild Yandere Behavior and Stalking Behavior. (I try my best so I’m sorry if it came out cringe ) 🥺❤️. Hope you guys enjoy 🥰.

Prologue Link: https://www.tumblr.com/lynn-w3st/747076610473263104/mk1-thantophobia-prologue

You were awoken by the sound of birds chirping outside of your window. The sunlight gently beamed through your curtains as you sat up from your bed and groan tiredly. It was time to get ready for work as your owns a small bakery.

With a sigh you decided to get ready for the day as you needed all of the money you can get to help your father to pay for his medication. You wore you standard clothes and skirt apron.

Your father walk towards you with his cane in hand and gave you a weak smile. “You know if you feel burden to continue the family business I won’t hold you accountable. I want you to live a normal and steady life.” He began as you sigh and brought him into a hug. Your father began to cry as he felt useless for burdening you a lot.

“It’s ok father, I want you to be happy and safe. Mother may have walk out on us but you have always been there for me growing up. Please don’t ever feel like you are a burden to me.” You said softly as you wipe a tear from his face.

Your father place a kiss on your forehead and gave you a blessing before handing your satchel to you. “It seems you are stubborn like your old man.” He said as he chuckled before coughing uncontrollably. You frown and use your own handkerchief to wipe his bloody mouth.

“I won’t be out to much long father. Please by the elder gods go get some rest and lay down.” You said as you then escorted your sick father towards the bed and helping lay down before covering him up with some warm blankets.

“Take care my daughter. Don’t speak to any strangers unless they are customers.” He said as you nodded before getting up and leaving his bedroom. You bid farewell to him before leaving the house and locking it behind you and hop on your bicycle rode towards the village market.

The fresh spring air breeze was gently blowing on your face as everyone in the village were tending and working on the fields. A sense of calm and peace was evident in your mind.

The ride to the marketplace wasn’t much long as many vendors and retailers began to open and prepare their products and stands. You came into a stop in front of the bakery as the baker Jun was waiting patiently for your arrival.

“For a second I thought something happen. How’s your old man doing?” He asked as you got off of your bicycle and park it against the wall. “He’s still not doing well, had a high fever last night. Almost gave me a heart attack.” You said as you opened your bakery shop’s door.

“Hey don’t worry kiddo, your old man will get better soon. He’s one tough man and I’m very proud to be your godfather. It is my duty to make sure you are safe.” Jun said as he ruffled your hair. “Thanks uncle, now those pastries and breads won’t bake themselves.” You said.

The both of you began to set up and clean up the shop before any customers came in. The shop has been passed down from generation to generations. It belong to your ancestors before passing it down to your parents. You turn on the open sign before helping Jun make the goods.

Few hours later, you were humming a lullaby tone as you place the newly fresh batches of breads and pastries on the display cabinet.

So far you and Jun had quite a few customers come in to order your guys famous boba milk tea. The market was filled with people who were happily chatting away and shopping around the stores. The radio was playing some calm music as the bakery’s door open to reveal an old man.

“Hello welcome! If you need any assistance please feel free to ask me.” You said as the old man nodded and looked over the display. Jun was outside in the back smoking a cigarette.

“How much for these moon cakes.” The man said as you happily told him the price. The bell jingled again as two familiar faces enter the shop. The old man grabbed the two boxes of the moon cakes before standing before you to pay before leaving the bakery to go shop again.

“(Y,N)” Kung Lao said as he greeted you with a smile as you left your position from the register and rounded the corner to hug your two best friends. “Raiden! Kung Lao!” You said happily.

You brought them both into a tight hug. Jun smiled and greeted the both of them when he entered. “I hope Kung Lao hasn’t been giving you any trouble Raiden.” You asked giving your friend the funny stinky eye. Raiden chuckled at your sassy attitude while Jun choked a laugh.

Kung Lao let out a fake gasped and place a sassy hand over his heart in a dramatic gesture. You rolled your eyes and laugh as his reaction.

“How you could you say that to the Nicki Minaj great Kung Lao.” He said dramatically making you giggled more before making a baggie full of pastries and goodies. “Here are some freshly baked pastries and breads for you both. It’s on the house.” You said as Raiden was speechless.

“Oh no no (Y,N) let me pay for it please you are to kind.” He said as you shook your head and practically shoved the small bag into his arms. “Please I insists, Raiden! You and Lao have been very helpful to me. Especially in hard times since my father is still very ill.” You said.

Raiden gave you a reassuring smile before accepting the bag. “Thank you (Y,N) Kung Lao and I will enjoy your pastries. Hope your father gets better soon.” He said as he and Kung Lao bid farewell to you before leaving the bakery.

You waved back to them and resumed going back to work as more customers came into the shop. By the time you had finish paying the last customer, the sun was beginning to set in the horizon. Many of the stores began to close up and head back to their home for the day.

Jun helped you place the chairs up as you were counting register. “Why don’t you go home for the day kiddo. I can finish here and lock up the store.” He said as you hesitated for a bit. “Are you sure, Jun ? I don’t mind staying.” You said

“Yeah go take care of your old man. Be careful and don’t speak to strangers.” He said as you gave him a thumbs up and left the bakery. You place your satchel on the basket and got on your bicycle. You waved goodbye to Jun before riding towards your home to make some dinner.

You parked your bike against the side of the house and walked towards the front door to open it but found another small box that very similar to the one that you received last night.

However, this time the writing had a different message on it that read; In this timeline ‘till next I’d be choosing you over and over again.

Again that cold and dreadful feeling appeared as everything went quiet and your body was filled with goosebumps. You decided to not think much of it and enter your cozy house.

“I was worried for a bit my child. You normally don’t stay this late. I’m assuming Jun is going to finish up.” Your father said as made his way to you. “Sorry father for worrying you. Are you feeling a bit better?” You asked your father.

“I feel a bit better, my daughter. Come let’s us eat some dinner. You’ve had a very busy day.” He said leading you towards the kitchen table that various of your favorite spicy dishes.

“Ok papa, I’m starving and by the way Raiden and Kung Lao stop by. They are going out of town for a few months and they said that hopefully you get better soon.” You said.

Your father smiled as he served you some tea before the both of you began to eat the food. The both of you did not notice a dark silhouette watching you every move before disappearing.

Later that night after finishing getting ready for bed you couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread and uneasiness as someone or something is watching you even if your curtains were closed.

You decided that maybe it was the stress that caused you to feel this way. And with that you blew out the candle and got into your cozy bed.

Tiredness and sleepiness began to consume you as the last thing you saw was your window balcony opening slowly before you fell asleep.

Hope you guys enjoy this chapter of the story. Sorry if it’s slow as you can see I’m still trying to figure how this story is going to work out.

If you guys have any questions or concerns for me, I’m always happy to answer them for you guys. Please if you guys have some ideas or suggestions on how to introduce Dark Bi Han then I would be very much appreciated.

Please take care of yourself my lovely besties and I’m here if you guys ever need anything.

[tinietaehyun]

Forsaken [XV]

[Sorcerer!Taehyun x Royal!Reader] [Series] [Chapter Fifteen]

Pairing: Sorcerer!Taehyun x Royal!Reader [Ft. Sorcerer!Yeonjun]

Genre(s): Fantasy, romance, enemies to lovers, supernatural, action.

Contains: Profanity, mentions of slightly graphic injury, blood/blood-loss, stabbing, burns.

Links: Forsaken Masterlist || Masterlist

Summary: Bound in chains, hope seemed bleak. You hope Taehyun would come to save you but at the same time you didn’t want him risking his life at the hand of his former friend now foe. It seemed all tension had been building up to this moment in which life and death were hanging in the balance.

You wonder how your story would turn out? How would Taehyun’s story turn out? Would you two even be alive after this to tell the tale?

Kneeling down, with trembling hands, Taehyun peers at the remaining embers of his beloved cabin. The smell of burnt wood and singed soil and foliage permeates the air.

He had never expected it to turn out this way. As he saw the tufts of smoke whilst picking the berries, he immediately knew something was up. A horrid gut feeling that you were in danger, that something was incredibly wrong. So he ran. Ran as though his life depended on it. It did, after all, you were his new life, his new hope in the right direction.

Though when he arrived at the scene it was just a little too late. The flames roared and crackled at the hollow cabin which fell and crumbled as though it were paper. His years- no, his father’s years of hardwork, now in ashes and pieces. The things he’s collected over the years from merchants and his occasional travels. Now gone. He had quelled down the fire with a hasty spell.

He peers down at his satchel, at least he still had his father’s spells in his crinkled notebook and his wand. He wouldn’t know what to do if they got destroyed. Tears drip down his face; the only photograph with his father was in there. Now incinerated into nothing.

Taehyun’s nails dig into the soil as his sorrow slowly forms into rage and his hands form fists. You. Initially he had ran into the flames seeking you, but you were nowhere. For once he was grateful that you were not in sight, he’d rather you be missing than be burnt to death in such a horrid manner.

More tears drip down his face as his body rattles in anger. He had taken you, he had taken his home and his little remaining memories. Choi Yeonjun, that sick and twisted bastard.

Now he had taken his one source of pure joy, his heart; you. God knows, what condition you were in? Taehyun is enraged at the thought of his hands dragging you away against your will, your screams, your fights. Knowing Yeonjun, he probably used magic to succumb your fierce retaliation.

“You’re going to fucking pay for this, Yeonjun,” Taehyun grits his head hung low; voice shaky.

“You’ll regret ever crossing me,” his tone laced with sheer malice. He’d make Yeonjun beg for mercy, beg to die rather than be kept alive. He’d unleash all these years of pent up anger and vengeance in one go.

Yeonjun had to be stopped once and for all. He had to keep you safe, save you. Because, you were his new world. Even if he would lose his life in the process, someone as pure-hearted and noble as you should stay and make this little slice of the world a better place.

He’d get you safe away from Yeonjun’s cruel grasp. Taehyun knew you’d not be in good hands, hell, he knew you wouldn’t be alive for much longer. Yeonjun was smart, sly and by dragging you there, Taehyun was sure to follow. Taehyun knew he'd have to face his long time ex-best friend and rival again.

Once and for all.

Taehyun stands up, wiping away his tears and brushing himself off and slinging the satchel over his right shoulder. With heavy steps he begins walking along the eroded path towards the edge of the Woods of Mors, undoubtedly for the last time ever. He would go to the Palace of Fortuna to confront Yeonjun.

———————

Shakily you peer down at your wrists now aching from the harsh metal cuffs grinding against your skin as you knelt in front of the throne your father once sat on.

Anger seethes within you; the throne that you were the rightful heir to. The throne that people would risk their life to sit on, to abuse their power and manipulate the people to their whims.

“Goodness, does it hurt? The chains?” A voice cuts through your tormented mind. You peer up seeing Yeonjun walking toward you with a pleased smile, “Oh princess, it really is unbecoming of you to be on the floor, kneeling in chains no less, but alas, what can we do? Fate is just ever so,” he crouches in front of you, “Cruel.”

You glare into his eyes with sheer hatred. His eyes glimmer as though he was amused by your little act of bravery. “Come now, glaring? How adorable, as if that’s going to scare me into removing your chains.”

“Scared I’ll escape?” You sneer. Yeonjun muses, “Well not scared, just don’t want to take any chances. I’ve come this far after all. This whole ordeal has taken a far longer time than I’d have liked it to.” You glare, “What, like manipulating Sehun like a puppet for years?”

“Precisely! You get me princess,” he chuckles making you grimace. “How tirsome it was to cater to his foolish whims and flatter him. It really does make me think I could have gone for you if I had waited a little. Then again, you are far smarter than him.”

You scoff, “You are disgusting. Gaining power through killing, treachery, betrayal. To think you’ll become king makes my stomach churn and heart burn with rage.”

He coos, “Oh how unfortunate you think that way. I think I’d be a great king, I’ll take Fortuna to new heights and make us see new horizons. Though, I suppose you wouldn’t believe me. Either way, you won’t be there to see it,” he eerily smiles. You stiffen; he was serious about ending your life.

“Why are you keeping me here? It’s almost been an entire day..” you snarl. Your knees were numb from this. Was this a punishment of sorts or did he derive some sort of sadistic pleasure from seeing you like this? All beaten down and helpless?

Yeonjun stands with a wicked smile, “Well, good question. If I got rid of you, that would leave your accomplice behind, no? Oh he’s a slippery sorcerer, always keeping away from the public eye. So, I thought, since he finds you rather special…” Your brain whirrs and you connect the dots. With wide eyes you stammer, “You want him here?”

“Oh he’s probably already on his way. Almost nearby? Who knows? But what I do know is that knowing his temper, he is going to come for me whether I like it or not.” Yeonjun grins. He places his hands behind his back as he leisurely paces around, “Enraged that I burnt his home to ashes, that I took his beloved, and well of course all our previous history too. Oh I bet he is just itching to take me down!”

You stare at Yeonjun in disgust. How arrogant! Your eyes water, Taehyun’s cabin, you couldn’t imagine how much he had lost. A small inkling of guilt forms inside you; if you were there he would have been fine. His cabin unscathed, Taehyun’s life undisturbed but no, you just had to drag him into all your mess. He had already suffered enough hasn't he? Yet here he was suffering once more.

Yeonjun gazes down at you and notices your tears dripping down and his eyes darken, “Oh what’s this? The mere mention of his name has you breaking down? Goodness you must love him ever so much, hm?” He scoffs, releasing a “tch.”

“What does he have anyway? To garner the attention of a princess. I suppose he always did aim high.” You snap outraged, “Stop it! Stop talking and leave me be with your condescending nonsense! Enough!” A sob escapes your lips.

If Taehyun came here, his life would be at risk. Though at the same time you wanted him here. No, he was capable and could handle himself. Trust him, y/n. Trust him.

“Oh and…do you still remember that little knight of yours?” Yeonjun muses. You stiffen, “Kai- Kai what did you do to him, you bastard?!” Yeonjun releases a laugh, “Oh my, calm down princess. He’s alive. Barely, alive but alive nonetheless.” You whimper pitifully, “Why? He didn’t do anything!”

“He was supposed to bring you back way earlier. He disobeyed Sehun’s orders. I thought back then, that he would indeed be a thorn in my side later on. Because I knew, he’d be your ally not mine,” Yeonjun apathetically hums. You cry out, “Don’t kill him please, I’ll convince him not to get involved. You can even relieve him of his position as a knight please!”

Yeonjun chuckles, “This is rather pathetic of you princess. It’s not about what you want, remember that. Maybe if he stayed an obedient and well trained knight, he’d still be commander and be well, by my side, healthy.” You weep pitifully as memories of Kai run through your mind; your most recent back at the palace where he let his feelings for you go.

“Sehun made the warden give him a severe whipping everyday, don’t know how he’s still alive actually, quite the resilient man, hm?” You sob harder; your beloved knight had suffered because you didn’t go back with him. So many people around you suffered. Now your people were going to suffer with a tyrant on the throne.

You grit out sniffling, “You’re nothing but a shadow of the man you want to be. You’ll always be inferior to him, even if you are king, it won’t change the fact that your father stole his father’s spell book that you copied everything that had and stole his position not through your own-“ he grabs your hair pulling it harshly back with his hand forming a fist; you yelp in pain.

“Shut that fucking mouth of yours, you spoiled brat. I was trying to be as nice as I could yet you and your brother were always so talkative at the wrong times. What a fucking nuisance.” He twists and pulls harder making more tears roll down, “Stay still, keep quiet and sit pretty, understand? I’ve had enough of your chitchat.”

You snarl, “Fuck-ah, you!-“ His eyes widen and he lets out a laugh, “Princess has learnt to cuss has she? Oh, how cute.” You writhe as he tugs at your hair painfully. Suddenly, he lets go, making you collapse against the floor with a loud rattle of chains.

Ragged breaths escape your lips as you gaze fiercely upon him. His smile, sly and cunning, as though a snake slithering towards its prey. You hated it. “Now don’t exhaust yourself, and sit tight alright? I’ll come check on you here and there, keep you company until-“

Before he can finish responding; a large sound akin to an explosion resounds in the palace. Even the ground vibrates with slight force at whatever impact caused it. What on Earth? Another large bang resounds out and noticeable commotion begins as guards rush out of the throne room and panicked maids flurry here and there.

Yeonjun’s gaze darkens and his lips form a twisted smile. He outstretches his hand out, closing his eyes as though sensing something. Yeonjun nods to himself before humming, “Ah, it seems your beloved is here to save the day. Huh, even quicker than I expected. He must really love you, either that, or he is enraged at me.”

Your heart races; he could sense Taehyun? Of course he could! Taehyun was here? Nervousness brims within you; he was in the palace! You wanted to see his face again; be in his arms again where you felt safe as if nothing or no one could hurt you.

The clatter of armor resounds as a knight heaves for breath rushing in. “Yeo-Your highness, there is a violent intruder, black cloak- high energy sorcery, we believe it’s-“

“I know who it is, you fool. Where is he? Has he made it inside the palace?” Yeonjun slices in sharply.

The knight shakes, “Sire- I-I don’t know, I ran to tell you the news, they were trying their best to fend him off, but he’s-he’s deranged. There were men flying everywhere; getting thrown like mere dolls into the walls!”

Yeonjun runs his hands through his hair, letting out a manic laugh, “Of course. He’s furious! As expected.”

“He-“ the knight begins but lets out a piercing scream of agony as he suddenly crumples to the floor and falls unconscious writhing. Your eyes widen in shock as you peer up seeing a very familiar black cloak.

The eery echo of his footsteps resound as he enters the throne room; his eyes are malevolent, an intense rage you had never seen in Taehyun’s eyes before, mixed with hurt. The dark aura radiating off of him was entirely something else.

His wand outstretched pointed where he previously knocked out the knight now aimed straight at Yeonjun. You clamber up haphazardly writhing in your chains as you call out in desperation, “Taehyun!”

This seems to have snapped him out of his ferocity and his eyes instantly soften, “Y/n!” His eyes flicker down to your cuffed wrists and his jaw clenches, “Those chains…” He hated it, someone like you in chains as though you were a despicable criminal or lowly scum.

Taehyun snarls peering at Yeonjun who peers at him with a chillingly calm smile, “You fucking bastard, to think you couldn’t sink any lower.”

“I see your abilities are in rather good condition. Took out Fortuna’s soldiers with ease, hm? Then again, I suppose a sword or spear won’t do much against sorcery,” Yeonjun muses.

Taehyun snaps walking forward, “Be serious. Do not jest when you have caused so much suffering and turmoil for those around you, even to this day. How low can you continue to stoop?”

“Oh no, I only continue to rise-“ Yeonjun begins. You spit out seething, “To be king? How despicable.” Taehyun’s lips form a sneer, “All this to be king? You?” Taehyun scoffs, “Oh you’d only bring disaster for this nation as if it isn’t in shambles anyway after Sehun’s mismanagement.”

“Well, I took care of Sehun, and I plan to take care of the results of his incompetent decision making, no need to fret, Taehyun,” Yeonjun snarks. Taehyun snaps, “To think I once called you my best friend.”

Yeonjun hums scathingly, “I could say the same. Though it is rather amusing to meet you after all these years, you’ve grown quite alike to your father. It irks me truly.”

Taehyun’s gaze darkens, “Having stole his legacy, his hardwork, siding with your pathetic excuse of a father, I think I should be irked, appalled in fact. That you’re in the place where my father should be, where I should be.”

“Still as arrogant as ever. I suppose the Kang Bloodline is the only suitable lineage for the Royal Sorcerer position, hm?” Yeonjun sneers, stepping forward agitated. Taehyun says infuriated, “Not if you genuinely worked hard and earned the position, but no, you betrayed me, you betrayed everyone, you manipulated your way to where you are now.”

Taehyun points his wand at him as he walks forward, “You are nothing without using other people for your own benefit and leeching off them. That’s what sets us apart.”

Yeonjun loses his patience as he unleashes a powerful wave of magic from his wand aimed at Taehyun. You squint seeing flashes of different colours flying back and forth. The air in the room feels charged from the amount of mana being generated. You scoot back leaning against the wall mortified at the scene. You were incredibly worried for Taehyun.

The two sorcerers unleash an array of different spells and attacks dancing around each other, ducking and dodging, creating barriers and force fields, orbs and flashes which illuminate the room. It’s an horrifically beautiful sight; in which two men once the best of friends viciously attack one another warping and sprinting, skidding and sliding.

Taehyun snarls in pain as a spell singes and sizzles against his skin, burning. He flicks his wand in an intricate pattern putting some distance between himself and Yeonjun.

Yeonjun breathes out with a deranged glint in his eyes, “Why are you backing away? I thought you were better than that?” A breathless chuckle leaves his lips as he releases an onslaught of mana orbs directed at Taehyun. He tries his best to dodge but some still scathe him.

Taehyun ducks and unleashes an intense wave of mana, glowing a bright red making Yeonjun skid back and stumble; his skin prickles and burns. The two partake in a dangerous dance waving and elegantly flicking their wands as numerous spells are cast second by second.

As Taehyun recovers, he peers back at you briefly. Your eyes glaze over with tears; your eyes widen to warn Taehyun, “Taehyun!- Watch out!”

A fist lands against Taehyun’s nose and he is knocked down. Blood drips down his lips and chin as he coughs. Yeonjun sneers down his wand pointed, “Oh you don’t understand how long I’ve been aching to do that. I must have surely broken your nose, hm?”

Taehyun grits his teeth; you shake seeing the blood as tears fall from your face. No! No! Taehyun attempts to get up but Yeonjun kicks him down; pressing his boot down on his chest, twisting painfully down onto his sternum. “Stay down, there’s no need to get up.”

Taehyun grunts in pain finding it difficult to breathe; the pressure on his chest becoming more agonising by the second. “You’ve gotten sloppy, you know, I suppose it’s only natural when you’ve been isolated for so long.” Yeonjun hums darkly, leaning down and putting more pressure on his foot, “I know every spell you do, after all. Don’t think of me as the same little kid you could beat each time, Taehyun. Times have changed.”

You release a piercing scream, “Leave him be! He’s going to die at this rate! Please!” Your body wracks with sobs. Taehyun’s face becomes pale and he heaves for breath. It hurt you incredibly to see him like this in pain, so downtrodden. What was happening? Had you both underestimated Yeonjun?

“Hush, hush, princess, it won’t be too long. I’ll make his death somewhat peaceful.” Taehyun grits out, “You fucking-ah, piece of shit- you’ll-“ he coughs once more. Yeonjun hums sadistically, “You know what, I’ll even let you join him right after. Aren’t I generous? Two lovers joint in death? Almost romantic.”

Taehyun writhes and kicks; lifting his shaking hand with his wand. Your eyes widen and you suddenly shout, “Taehyun my chains!” Before Yeonjun could even process the raspy words being uttered out of Taehyun’s lips; your chains violently rattle and then shatter off you.

Yeonjun snarls, “You-“ With all your might, you stand and charge at him, you need to give Taehyun a chance to fight. Yeonjun is forced to move his leg off Taehyun and he aims his wand at you sending a large sizzling flash of mana at you. You narrowly miss it and you run forwards, arms outstretched as you shove him back; he lets out a laugh; grabbing your wrist and twisting it back painfully, “You’re pitifully naive, princess.”

You yelp in pain, and Taehyun grunts, getting up slowly, steadying himself and gaining his breath back. Blood now drying up on his chin and philtrum. You scream and writhe in his grasp. Yeonjun begins uttering another enchantment and you feel the air around you heat up.

Taehyun hisses aiming a few large mana intense orbs at Yeonjun; he shoves you aside and attempts to dodge. One of the orbs lands on his shoulder he shudders in pain and grunts. Taehyun lunges forward sending an onslaught of attacks.

You whine brushing yourself off as you watch the two engage in combat; this time a mixture of sorcery and physical combat. Taehyun gets a few punches in here and there. The two men fight with a new fire in their eyes.

Yeonjun sneers, “You think I can’t take the two of you on? Your fighting is futile.” Your eyes widen hearing more knights (albeit slightly injured) rush in. They all charge toward Taehyun. You yell, “Taehyun!”

Taehyun peers around and is met with a sword slicing into his shoulder; he cries out in pain. You snarl at the men, “Hold your weapons! Gods above please!” The knights peer at you in hesitation; some follow through backing away whilst the majority ignore your command.

Taehyun grits out, “You’re pathetic. Can’t even face me one of one.” Yeonjun shrugs, blood dripping from his lips, “Not my fault they’re so loyal, who am I to deny such help?”

Taehyun haphazardly fights back the soldiers and charges his wand sending a large energy wave sending them flying back violently. Yeonjun holds his ground skidding back a few metres.

You pant in panic, you needed to help. Quickly, your eyes scan the room and you spot the mounted swords on the wall. You peer at the two who seem distracted in their fight and you pull and heave until one of the swords comes off with an unpleasant scrape. It was heavy; you’d only used a sword a handful of times.

At this point, you were willing to do anything even if it may seem imbecilic. At the end of the day, a sharp blade is a sharp blade. You jog over with your sword in hand and raised behind Yeonjun. With a harsh cry you swing forward; Yeonjun’s eyes widen and he narrowly ducks and rolls just missing it.

“Oh, oh, I see. How clever,” Yeonjun snaps. Taehyun muses breathlessly, “Clever indeed,” he sends a large bolt of mana from behind and Yeonjun growls in pain, his knees buckling. You hoist the sword up once more and bring it down, Yeonjun rolls out of the way. Exhaustion is beginning to take a toll on his body.

“Give up!” You bellow with hatred in your tone. Taehyun sends a harsh kick into Yeonjun’s side causing him to cough violently.

Your eyes note how his fingers wrap around his wand; you had to get him at disadvantage. It seemed Taehyun noticed the same thing. He tosses you his wand and rips the sword from your hands before he plunges the sword into Yeonjun’s hand; blood splatters across your dress and you scream, your eyes clamp shut at the gory scene; something that would be forever imprinted in your mind. A disturbing squelch of flesh and blood resounds making you feel awfully nauseous.

Yeonjun screams in agony as Taehyun pulls out the tip of sword from his hand. Yeonjun’s wand rolls out pitifully on the floor and you quickly grab ahold of it.

Taehyun’s face is splattered with blood; a menacing gaze in his eyes as he peers down at Yeonjun writhing and curled up in immeasurable pain. You had never expected him to take initiative let alone so violently like that. You tremble stepping back. Taehyun heaves, wiping the blood with his sleeve.

“You think you’re so fucking clever, always ahead.” Tears run down Yeonjun’s face; his vision blurring as overwhelming pain consumes him. Blood pools around his hand and arm.

“Your arrogance has always held you back. Your ego. Don’t you think, I hated the fact that your father always demeaned you. Why else would I insist for you to improve? Perhaps the way I encouraged you could have been better, but you? You pay back our years of friendship with betrayal? By agreeing to exiling my father and me?” Taehyun loudly bellow; his voice laden with conviction and years worth of pent up anger.

“Do you know how many nights I’ve imagined just stabbing into you? Ripping you and your father to shreds for what you did,” Taehyun pants out. “You. You were the one who painted yourself as the victim, you were the one who ignored all my attempts to talk things out! The fucking audacity to then go after the throne as if stealing my father’s position wasn’t enough!” Taehyun roars ferociously.

You couldn’t even tell if Yeonjun was processing anything; with how much pain he was in. All you could see was unadulterated hatred in Yeonjun’s fatigued gaze.

“I fucking cared for you Yeonjun. I really did. I may have been an egotistical piece of shit at times, but I wanted to see you do well, to grow beside me,” Taehyun rasps out, a tear drips down his cheek. “I hated seeing you so down. Seeing you so broken at times. Do you know how much it hurt to see you go play with Sehun and toss me aside as if I meant nothing? I knew you were jealous, I knew it.” His voice wavers as he speaks.

Yeonjun grunts; growing more agitated. He murmurs slurred, “Shut…your mouth. Don’t, fuckin’ know shit.”

Taehyun outstretches his hand towards you, “My wand.” You peer at him with wide eyes; surely he wasn’t going to do what you think he was?“Taehyun you’re not going to-“

“Give me the wand,” he insists. You shakily hand it over. No! He was going to kill him! “Think about this Taehyun! Wait!”

Yeonjun smiles lethargic, almost lucidly, “Oh. Is this what it’s come to?” He coughs. He rasps out, “Yes, yes do it. Even now,” Yeonjun’s eyes tear up as he uses all his energy and might to speak, “After so much planning and effort, fate seems to favour you-“ he coughs once more. Leaning his head back, he closes his eyes, “Do it. End my life, I know you’ve b-been craving to do so.”

Taehyun releases a chuckle; “Kill you? No, you deserve something far worse than death.” Taehyun grunts as he crouches down, “You deserve to know how those you beat down thrive in front of your eyes.”

“Wait, wait I-“ You stammer. Taehyun shakes his head, “As much as I’d like to give him a second chance at things, it’s clear he’ll only try again.” Yeonjun sighs, “How…irritating.” Yeonjun grows more pale.

“You’re a disgrace to Fortuna’s Legacy of Sorcery, my father’s legacy,” Taehyun snaps lowly, standing up. You shakily watch on, stunned into silence. He takes Yeonjun’s wand from your hands and with a swift motion he snaps it in half. A pained cry rips out Yeonjun’s lips.

A solemn expression paints Taehyun’s face as he peers down at Yeonjun. He’s clearly hurt. He doesn’t want to be doing this. No, he wishes this never would have happened in the first place. Pained memories of him and Yeonjun as children flood his mind. His heart aches seeing his ex-best friend on the floor bloodied, having to handle him so cruelly.

A good, talented soul, soiled by his father’s greedy ambitions and his own jealousy. Oh, what Taehyun wouldn’t do to reverse time to stop Yeonjun’s unfortunate fate.

Voice cracking, Taehyun murmurs, “I wish I could have helped you more, if it were to prevent all this.” Yeonjun’s expression is blank. He murmurs, “Save,” he rasps, “your disgusting pity.”

“You’ll be imprisoned.” You cut in, “For treason, attempt to assassinate the heir to the throne, any other murders you’ve committed. You’ll be tried in front of the remaining Royal Court.”

Yeonjun lies there with an empty expression. One that mirrors an individual who had nothing else to live for. A former husk of what he once was. Taehyun winces; the very same court who exiled him and his father. What a cruel and twisted turn of events.

“Taehyun will be reinstated as the Royal Sorcerer, after further investigation and clarification with the Royal Court,” you peer down, “Mark. My. Words, Yeonjun. You will not be coming out of your cell with that many crimes upon you.” Yeonjun peers at you with the scariest gaze you’ve ever seen. His lips form a grim smile, “But, of course.” You scoff, peering away, a shudder going down your spine.

A bustle of footsteps resound out and Taehyun and you look ahead seeing many courtiers, barons and chancellors accompanied by a few knights rush in. Their eyes are already mortified, presumably by the damage Taehyun left behind and now more so by the current sight in front of them.

“Princess! You’re safe!” One of the steps forward and you icily snap, “Do not show me your false concern. I’ll be rid of you one by one, it’s about time the Royal Court is due for a spring cleaning. I need to find where my true loyalties lie.” The noblemen peer at each other with unease, “No princess- we can-“

Shaking your head, you respond coldly, “Save your pathetic excuses. The vast majority of you sided with Sehun, then Yeonjun. It is clear you are all a bunch of useless lapdogs who will switch to whatever side is most convenient! I have no need for pitiful members like that at my court.” A loud silence permeates the room with your sharp words.

“Do I make myself clear?” You snap. The men bow. “One of you get a healer, and begin recalling the servants to their stations, there’s a lot to clean up. I’m sure the public will hear about it by this evening, so the scribe should get a statement ready.” One by one they filter out as Taehyun watches you distracted as give out commands with ease. This was a side he hadn’t seen from you, you had so much determination and resolve…such power.

Yeonjun lies defeated in his own pool of blood. The world around him blurs and unblurs; he can’t quite ascertain what was going on around him. All he knew is that from this point onward he was going to rot in a cobbled cell and go insane. All this meticulous planning, only for fate to cross him over! Couldn’t he just have one thing? Couldn’t he be superior? Couldn’t he win for once in his life? Why couldn’t he get retribution for his sufferings?

No. No, he couldn’t rot away inside a dingy cell to his death. This could not be how it ends. He had nothing left to live anymore for so why must he be forced to live in a cell for god knows how long? That is the utmost cruelty.

Taehyun peers back at Yeonjun who peers dazed in his own thoughts. A few palace healers rush in and you point towards Taehyun and Yeonjun. “Save Yeonjun, his hand is incredibly bleeding. Take care of Taehyun’s cuts, bruises and burns,” you order.

Yeonjun attempts to resist the healer’s treatment by yelling and grunting, “No-!“ A few more knights hold him down. The entire sight makes Taehyun feel sick. He knew Yeonjun’s entire reason to live was shattered. Most probably he wanted to die.

Yeonjun’s eyes meet fiercely with Taehyun’s as he grits out, “I fucking hate you, Kang Taehyun. I hate you…!”

You watch Taehyun's restrained expression. Your heart feels heavy at the scene. You knew he was holding back watching as Yeonjun attempted to be treated; held down like some sort of rabid animal.

It was a truly pitiful scene. You walk over grasping his hands tightly in yours and look up at him. “You’re truly so strong, Taehyun. I’m sorry things had to turn out this way. I wish things could have turned out differently.”

He weakly smiles squeezing your hands back, “Perhaps. What’s done is done. There’s nothing I can do now. He’s not remorseful in the slightest. It’s only a fitting end. He’ll only end up endangering others. His only goal got ripped away from him, he’s bound to be unstable.”

You nod with a frown. Taehyun hums, “You’ve got your throne back, princess.” You didn’t feel quite as happy as you should be. You were supposed to be overjoyed weren't you? This was your entire mission. You murmur, “I suppose. But at what cost?”

Taehyun remains silent; his eyes glancing over in Yeonjun’s direction, a newfound quietness resounds as he had finally passed out in the arms of the knights. “…at what cost,” he repeats to himself. They carry him away as though he were a rag doll.

“He’s getting what he deserves, Taehyun. The things he’s done are unforgivable. Remember that,” you murmur resolutely. He nods slowly, “I…yes. You’re right.”

“Take all the time you need, I’ll be by your side no matter what, Taehyun,” you reassure with a small smile. After all, for this long he had been beside yours. He pulls you into his arms wincing slightly at his injuries. The warmth helps you both ease down.

Closing your eyes and leaning against his chest, you hear his racing heart beside your ear.

You softly murmur, “It will be okay. We will be okay.”

Taglist: [open]

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[thewalkingwillowtree]

Safe Haven

Series Part Listing Found Here

Neteyam x Original Na'vi Female Character

Summery: Seeking refuge, Xilä and her father venture to the lands of the Omatikaya clan, in the hopes that the Toruk Makto would be generous in allowing them to stay. This is her story about not only finding her strength, but finding love. 

I feel like the above image needed to make a comeback for this part. Tehehe. Special thanks of course to @cinetrix

Warning: This story contains smut, violence & abuse (please don't read if these topics will affect you)

PART WARNING: Contains mentions of childbirth

Some characters have been aged up. Neteyam in particular is 23.

Xilä is my own creation.

~

Part 12 - The One After Iknimaya

Niwan Loreyu was just as beautiful as Xilä remembered. 

The moment they stepped through the vined wall she felt the calming waves of that familiar feeling of being hugged lovingly. 

Eywa. 

Scanning the scenery before her, Xi squinted when she noticed a few new and somewhat out of place items littered around the small area.

“What’s-” she started, but Neteyam simply pulled her along until they drew nearer to the far right corner where there sat the base of a massive, thick tree trunk- its branches not visible since it grew out of the hideaway. 

“Is that my satchel?” she asked, confused, noting it along with a couple others hanging from the trunk. 

Stepping away from him, she surveyed the area properly, lighting up as she did. 

Connected to the trunk and the side of a wall of strange vegetation, was a lush canopy of beautiful flowers. A large soft pelt was spread underneath it, creating a romantic and intimate looking bed. Xi even spotted a few stolen blankets from her own bed back home, rolled neatly at the edge of the pelt. 

Turning around, she saw a basket filled with a few little pots and washcloths which was placed on a rock by the pool of rippling water. 

A small wood crafted folding table sat nearby with two patched cushions as seats- one on either side of the table. And in addition to the glimmers of the bioluminescent plants and the on and off blinking of flying glowbugs, there were tiny lit lamps scattered across the space. 

“Neteyam?” she asked, turning to him with a sweet but curious smile. 

He scratched his temple sheepishly. “I was um, hoping we could maybe stay a few days? Just the two of us, spending time together? I don’t think one night alone with you is enough for me honestly,” he admitted quietly. “But only if you want to of course,” he added quickly. 

She stared at him. He was shy right now and it was honestly the cutest thing ever. 

“What about food?” she asked in faux seriousness, enjoying the way he was all squirmy at the moment- a far cry from his usual self assured disposition. 

He pointed to one of the hanging satchels. “Enough for hopefully a week,” he said. “And we’ve got drinking water,” he continued, gesturing to the small trickling waterfall. 

“Bath,” he said, walking over to the pool, showing her the soap balms and washcloths. “Bed,” he added, jerking his head to the pelt under the canopy. 

“And if we get bored, which I highly doubt we will, I packed a few games as well. I even borrowed a deck of UNO from one of the lab guys,” he finished with a tiny smile, tail wagging behind him, seeming eager to know what she was thinking. 

“Wow,” Xi said, impressed. “What about clothes?” she asked, trying to prolong her teasing.

His brows narrowed as if he realized what she was doing, so he turned the tables on her instead. “They’re in your satchel, but I don’t think you need them since I’m planning on keeping you naked the entire time,” he said matter of factually. 

“Right,” she replied with burning cheeks. “Um, one last question. Did you ah- tell our families? Sal and Jxo aren’t going to show up thinking you kidnapped me are they?” she joked. 

“No.” He laughed and shook his head. “There’s a big trip planned for tomorrow, you know the one Lo’ak was boasting about last week?” 

She nodded, remembering how excited her friend was about finally getting a vacation.

“They’re leaving tonight, maybe after the party- spending a week away near an old RDA base. It’s um, kind of a secret tradition to take the new recruits out to bond a bit, but it’s really just an excuse for the warrior’s to get drunk and let loose for once.” 

Xi shot him an amused look. 

“Anyway….uh, our families may be under the impression that I’m surprising you and taking you along on the trip with the others. So we’re free to stay here…none the wiser. Lo’ak. Um, he'll cover for us.” 

“Sounds like you have it all figured out….” She bit her lip, feeling herself practically swoon at the sweetness of the man in front of her. “Teyam this is all incredibly sweet. I love it…Thank you,” she whispered. “When did you even plan all of this?” 

Having enough of their distance he moved towards her, eyes gleaming with intention. Titling her chin up, he leaned forward to trace his lips over hers. “Since the moment you agreed to be mine, Xilä.”

And then he was kissing her, feverishly, demandingly, soul sucking, breathtakingly. 

Xilä gasped when he bent her backwards, taking from her what he wanted. He pulled away too quickly for her liking, but then he was suddenly scooping her up from under the thighs and his lips were back on hers again. 

Xi squeezed her legs into his sides while her arms twisted behind his neck as they kissed with abandon, tongues and teeth clashing unceremoniously. 

Neteyam blindly walked towards their canopy, his footsteps illuminated with every step against the soft mossy flooring, until he reached the pelt. 

Keeping her enclosed in his arms he kneeled, then sat back, settling her into the cradle of his folded legs. He broke their kiss and nuzzled her cheek, lovingly caressing down the column of her neck with his nose and lips as she sighed against him. 

“I love you,” he said into her skin, so quietly she thought she imagined it. 

“I love you too.” 

Sitting straight, he reached behind and grabbed his queue, bringing it between them. Xi followed and did the same, watching, entranced as the pinkish tendrils revealed themselves. 

Neteyam’s eyes darted between hers for a fleeting moment, quickly checking for that final sign of confirmation and Xilä’s free palm soothed down his chest in response.

Eyes locked on the ends of their queues, they made Tsaheylu. Tendrils entwining, they glowed in unison, joining as one. 

Pupils blown wide, they inhaled simultaneously, consumed by the rush of emotions filling them- both in awe by the intensity of each other's feelings.

They remained still for a moment, enthralled by the connection. 

Xilä smiled up at him. Then, pulling him towards her by the nape, she kissed him, slowly. She tried to look into his eyes when they broke apart but he averted his, choosing instead to lick a path down the soft of her skin, tasting and savoring the feeling of her in his arms. 

Laying her onto her back, Neteyam followed, continuing his feast as he lapped and kissed his way down her clavicle. 

Xi purred, absorbed by his affections. 

She let him undress her, smiling when he nipped her ankle after he’d removed her extravagant anklets. Her hips jumped when he playfully tested the pool of liquid between the valley of her thighs after removing her skirt and undercloth. And when her top was gently pried away, he tasted each of her dark blue hardened nipples, just because. 

When she was completely bare, he sat back and stared unabashedly. He took his time, gazing appreciatively at her soft but toned lines- her months of training, hard work and proper nutrition was clear as day. 

A heated flare of raw deep rooted possession filled him and Xilä gasped almost inaudibly when she felt it through their bond.

The longer he stared the deeper her blush turned. Her dark spiced coloured hair looked almost as black as his tonight, and her once overly pale dusty blue skin, now had a healthy and darker hue to it from all her days in the sun. 

She was breathtaking. 

Sitting up on an arm, Xi tugged on his loincloth and he complied, quickly undoing the tie to fling the cloth away, along with his belt and knife holder. 

Now it was her turn to stare. Almost impossibly, Xi’s blush ran even deeper. Biting down on her bottom lip she peered up at him with an innocence mingled with a wanton neediness.

“Um, this might be a really stupid question,” she whispered, sending another somewhat nervous glance down to the hardened appendage currently sweeping along his lower abdomen. “I’ve been wondering for a while, but we’re here now so…I kind of need to ask…um, will it…fit?” 

Pushing her completely onto her back once more, he hovered over her and grinned against her lips. “Yes,” he assured as he slipped a hand between her legs to cup her. “If I do it right.” 

She gasped into his mouth when two of his fingers instantly slid into her, curving with a pleasurable pressure. 

Neteyam used his tail to nudge her thighs further apart, allowing more room for his working hand and throaty noise filled the air when he sped up his pace. 

Xilä’s moans were like music to his ears as she rocked her hips against his fingers. 

“Neteya- mmm, shit.”

In quick succession and with a single circle of his thumb to her clit, she was clenching around his fingers and coming with a breathy sigh. 

“Good?” he asked, withdrawing his hand to suck his fingers clean.

“Good,” she echoed, feeling her body tingle and relax from the orgasm he’d given her. 

His fingers were back now, dipping between her folds, pressing against her entrance. All three, thick digits were sheathed inside her this time, slowly stretching her with every stroke and curl. 

“More,” she begged. “More. Please Teyam.”

Greedy for more, Xi took matters into her own hands. She reached between them and gripped him causing him to gasp in shock and bite down hard on the breast he had just sucked into his mouth. 

“AH!” she yelled, arching in pain, making her accidentally tighten her hold on his length. 

“FUCK!” he grunted, in not only surprise but mostly from the sudden pressure on his poor dick.

Groaning out loud, he sucked in a breath of air, screwing his eyes shut when she began to stroke him. 

Fingers barely meeting her thumb, Xilä began to move her hand up and down the way she often saw him do. She peered down between them, loving the feeling of him all hot and hard and heavy. She glanced up at him with a grin, the same time he glared down at her with flaring nostrils. 

But then he was quickly averting his eyes from hers and her fun was halted when his sticky coated fingers suddenly tugged her bandaged wrist away. 

“Fuck,” he muttered again with closed eyes and a clenched jaw- straining to gain control of himself as he breathed heavily. 

“Are you okay,” she asked, trying to push him back to see his face. He looked pained and a pang of guilt clouded her when she figured she must have done something wrong.

“Mm. Yeah just give me a minute, baby.” 

“Alright,” she hushed, palming his biceps in comfort. 

Xilä could feel the push and pull of his raging emotions…but then, eyes narrowed on the man between her thighs, something else occurred to her. Lips parting to say something, a little noise escaped her when three fingers entered her once more without a word. 

“Neteyam,” she called, but he ignored her, choosing to focus on the squishing mess between her legs.

Doing her best to stay immune to the delicious pleasures quickly consuming her, she pushed at his chest. “Neteyam, look at me,” she said. 

He glanced at her for a fraction of a second before finding her breasts far more interesting, leaning down to sooth his tongue over the deep indents he’d made on the right one. 

“Nete-yam,” she tried again, voice breathy and strained and pleading. 

“Hmm?” he hummed in faux interest as he curled his fingers deeper. 

“Why won’t you- f-fuck!” she stuttered out when he found that one particular spot inside of her, but she stayed strong. “Why won’t you look at me?”

“Leave it, Xi.”

She didn’t like his response, so she tried a different tactic. 

“Eyes, Neteyam,” she ordered, causing him to freeze. A frustrated mewl left her when his fingers stilled too, she was so close to coming. 

“I can’t,” he said, almost as if he were mad at himself. 

“Why not?” she asked, biting her cheek to stop from laughing at his stubbornness. “Tell me why you can’t look at me in the eyes, handsome.”  

“Stop,” he warned.

“Unless…they're bothering you?” she teased in a sing-song voice. “Are my eyes too mu- AH SHIT!” 

He had effectively shut her up by grinding the heel of his palm on her clit while rubbing right against that one particular spongy spot again. 

“Come for me, Xilä,” he ordered.

Her breath hitched and Neteyam smirked against her collarbone when he felt her tensing up. 

Fire licked her inside out as a coil tightened low in her abdomen. Xilä’s thighs quaked and her back bowed, then a sharp cry ripped from her lips as she gushed all over his hand. 

More than pleased with himself, he helped her through the waves, whispering words of praise into her pointed ear. 

“Good?” he eventually asked once again, checking in on her as the pads of his fingertips rubbed her along her swollen folds.  

“Good,” she replied with a happy hum. 

Feeling his movement, Xi looked down to see him slathering his shaft with her slick- the arousing sight alone brought back that flickering coil in her lower abdomen to life once more. 

“I’ll go slow, alright?” he assured, when he caught her staring. “Tell me if you need me to stop, okay?”

She nodded. 

“Baby.”

“Yes. Yes, okay,” she said quickly, giving him the verbal confirmation he was seeking. 

She inhaled deeply when she felt him plunge his fingers into her one last time for good measure before pulling out to guide his tip to her entrance. 

“Relax, sweetheart,” he soothed, feeling her nerves through the bond. “Don’t tense up.” It was a hypocritical thing to say he knew since he was nothing but tense.

Xilä forced her muscles to relax. She winced when he gave that first push forward, he was much thicker than all three of his fingers combined so it was a bit of a squeeze. 

“Fuuuck,” Neteyam breathed.   

Xi squirmed uncomfortably at the foreign sensation, holding in a whimper at the slight twinge of pain. While Neteyam, although extremely tense and raging to keep control of himself, took his time to ease his way in- slowly stretching her, molding her around him to perfection. 

Dragging, in, out, in, out, in, out, in, out.

He’d only pull out just enough so that his tip still kept her entrance open, before delving back in- each time, deeper than the last. 

Xilä’s jaw fell open when he was finally fully seated inside of her.

“Oh Eywa. You’re so deep,” she said in awe, struggling to control her breathing. Fingers creeping downward to rest on her lower abdomen, she gasped. “I can feel you. Right here,” she said, showing him the slight bulge. 

It took a few moments for her to adjust to having him inside of her, but once the slight pain turned into a dull tingle, Xilä couldn’t help but marvel at the feeling of their connection. 

It was incredible. 

“Fuck, fuck. Xilä I can’t. I need to move. Please. I need-”

“Take me,” she said, giving him the okay. “Make me yours.”

Xilä grunted from the first slam of his hips. She gasped with the second and moaned loudly at the third. 

And then Neteyam was wild and relentless. Her breasts shook with each roll, each rut as he growled into the skin of her neck. 

Palms flat against his back, her nails dug deep into his flesh.

It didn’t take very long for her to feel the familiar spring inside of her come to life again, twisting and turning, coiling tighter each time as it prepared to snap- to break, to explode. 

“Shit. I’m going to come,” he cried hoarsely, feeling her clenched firmly around him, locking him in a sweet but tortuous grip.  “Are you close?”

“A-Almost,” she panted.

Sneaking a hand between them, Neteyam worked his fingers against her swollen clit, quickly drawing her closer to her impending rapture.

Eyes rolling, toes curling and body quivering, Xilä screamed his name. What felt like an eruption of molten fire, began to spread through her body like never before, sending rippling shockwave after shockwave. 

Breath erratic and wild, Neteyam chased after her, cursing when his entire body turned taut. He twitched inside of her as hot spurts of come filled her, groaning when her walls continued to pulse, practically milking him of everything he had. 

“Oh fucking hell, Xilä,” he rasped, collapsing completely on top of her with an awed laugh. 

“Oof! ‘Teyam! I can’t breathe!” Xilä exclaimed with a breathy laugh that instantly turned into a wince when he shifted, his pelvis dragging along her already throbbing clit.  

“Sorry,” he apologized, gently easing up onto his forearms as he caught his breath.

“No, I didn’t mean go away,” she protested, locking her propped up thighs to his hips and capturing his cheek in her palm. 

Xilä smiled. “You’re looking at me now,” she teased, loving the intimacy of him still fully sheathed inside of her as his eyes bore into her soul. 

“How do you feel?” Neteyam asked, gaze soft on her as he drew a palm down to caress the skin of her thigh. 

There were remnants of a dull twinging ache between her thighs but the bliss Xi was feeling at the moment countered it all.  

“Like I want to do that again soon,” she answered with a purred hum, eyes closed as if in pure ecstasy. 

His eyes darkened at the sound of her voice and he felt himself begin to harden again. “I think I can make that happen,” he said, surging down to steal a kiss. 

~

Later that night, after a few more rounds of intense lovemaking, Xilä was exhausted. 

She had had a long day after all. 

After Iknimaya, there was the ceremony and feast. Then there was the pairings festivity where she danced to heart’s content followed by a slew of the most brain numbing orgasms she’d ever experienced. 

So suffice to say she was completely beat and extremely sore. 

“Hey, no sleep just yet sweetheart,” Neteyam called softly, rousing her from her doze. 

“Teyam,” she whined unhappily, when he pulled her to sit in front of him, jelly thighs draped over his as their still connected queues draped beside them. 

Neteyam stretched to the side, producing a little pouch he had stashed away, and Xilä, too tired to even be curious at what he was up to, slumped into his chest, cheek finding a comfortable spot to rest. 

“How do you feel, Xi?” he asked, lifting her hand to unwrap her compression bandage. 

“Sore,” she rasped, voice scratchy since she’d done a lot of screaming that night. “But not bad,” she answered with a yawn as she cuddled further into his warmth. 

Moving quickly and with precision, he treated her bruised wrist with the balm his grandmother had given him, clenching his jaw to contain his bubbling anger at the sight of the ugly marks still there. 

When he finished, he rewrapped her wrist with a new bandage. 

“Back up, baby,” he said gently, pushing her off his chest. “Drink,” he ordered, handing her a vial of pain tonic before stretching over for a water skin and making her drink half of it in one go too. 

“I love it when you do this. It makes me feel all fluttery inside,” she admitted through squinty eyes after a gulp of water. 

“Do what?” he asked, unable to keep the grin off his face at the sight of her sex mused hair, kiss swollen lips and soft sleepy expression. 

“Take care of me.”

“Oh yeah?” he hushed out, feeling himself melt at her confession. “Well I’m all yours now, Xi. You’ve locked me down. So I’m going to be taking care of you for the rest of your life.” 

“Sounds terrible,” she sassed in mock sarcasm while simultaneously swooning on the inside. 

Neteyam laughed. 

“What’s so funny?” she mumbled with a grumpy frown. 

“Nothing. You’re just really cute when you’re half asleep,” he said, taking the water pouch from her hands and guiding her to lay down.  

Hydrated and unable to keep up any longer, Xilä was asleep within seconds. 

Quite tired himself, Neteyam stretched out alongside his wife and pulled her into his arms. 

His wife. 

Shit. 

How’d he get so lucky? 

He peered down at her, eyes tracing over her relaxed features. He could feel her calm through their still connected bond. It washed over him, subduing him into a lulled trance, until he too drifted off. 

~

“You’re kidding!” Xilä snapped with an angry scoff. “But they were the assholes that started it in the first place! They were picking on Kiri! Why did you guys have to apologize?”

Neteyam smirked up at his gorgeous mate. She was seated on top of one of the nearby boulders, removing the tangles from her clean damp hair with a whittled comb while he continued to relax in the warm rippling water after their shared bath. 

“Dad’s orders,” he shrugged. “We were the ones visiting their clan, so it was our responsibility. Dad had warned us beforehand that we had to be on our best behaviours and in his eyes since Lo’ak struck the first punch, it was on us.”

“Well that’s just stupid. You were their guests. They should have been more welcoming and not judgmental little assholes,” she said defiantly.  

“It’s in the past anyway,” he said, more for her comfort, seeing the flicker of her protectiveness begin to spark and enjoying it way too much. “We were just all idiot teenagers back then,” he smiled. 

“Well,” she sniffed, “if I ever come across this Ao’nung and his skxawng friends, I’ll be sure to give him a piece of my mind,” she said, combing the strands a bit harder than before. 

“Oh yeah?” Neteyam teased, getting to his feet to close the short distance between them. 

With her seated on the high boulder, they were at eye level now. “Don’t talk too soon sweetheart, you might just get your chance,” he said, spreading her thighs so he could slot between them. 

“W-what do you mean?” Xi asked, slightly distracted, swallowing hard at the sight of water droplets rippling down her husband’s delicious build. Eyes swooping lower, she sucked in her bottom lip with a deep inhale. 

“Dad’s got a few talks in the works. Majority of the well connected clan leaders are looking to get together for a meeting sometime early next year. They want to create a network- more trading, better and easier communication methods, cross training and sharing of knowledge, just an all round discussion of change for the future ahead.”

“Wow,” Xilä said awed. “But wait, how will that give me a chance to speak to Ao’nung?”

“Tonowari, the Metkayina’s olo'eyktan, offered to host the meeting at his clan...I'm going to be in attendance, and I’d love it if my wife were at my side,” he said, tucking a strand behind her ear. 

“She would be honored,” Xilä whispered, smoothing her hands down his chest to palm at the panes of his abdomen. 

Dragging her forward until she was seated at the edge of the rock, Neteyam kissed her. Pulling his queue over his shoulder, he broke their kiss and jerked his head, gesturing for her to do the same. 

Tsaheylu made, Neteyam fucked her right there. He made her come twice before allowing himself to follow, filling her full of his seed, fingers reaching down to make sure she was stuffed with every last drop. 

It was already their fourth day of marital bliss and every single moment had been incredible so far.

Xilä was a fucking dream and Neteyam was addicted. 

He had stayed true to his promise and kept her naked the entire time. 

Sex to her, he soon realized, was just like their training lessons. She was a quick learner- eager to please, eager to explore...and eager to kill him, he thought. 

The moment her stare pierced him the first time she wrapped those pretty pouty lips around his swollen mushroom tip, he exploded. He had come in an instant, as if he were once again a fucking horny teenager. 

And when he thought that was already bad enough, his little mate continued her torture by sucking him dry- eyes watering as her mouth swallowed him as far as her throat would allow before hollowing her cheeks as she released him with an audible POP. 

Then while his poor soul was gasping for air, wondering what the fuck had just happened, she had the audacity to smile up at him and ask if she’d “done it right?” 

Suffice to say he had her on her back within seconds. Her voice turned hoarse that night from all the screaming she’d done as his head stayed buried between her thighs. Tongue and fingers relentless as they teased, denied, edged and then finally gave her orgasm after orgasm.  

Sex with Xilä was a whole new world for Neteyam. Her body was his map to explore and their bond, their connection- Tsaheylu, only made things intensely better. 

Her pleasure was important to him, he was addicted to learning what did it for her. 

Like how she loved her tail tugged on while she bounced on his lap, or how she’d mewl and moan and pant and beg whenever he edged her with his tongue and fingers, even how she’d clench around him in a vice like grip if he whispered words of praise in her ear. 

There weren’t many things that she disliked, but he learned that lesson quite quickly after he made the mistake of wrapping his hand around the front of her throat. She had completely freaked out, gasping for air even though he hadn’t even given the slightest squeeze. 

Feeling terrible, Neteyam had apologized profusely even after she assured him it was fine. 

The turn out after that wasn’t bad though. Because that day he learned another thing about her…he could make her come by sucking on her tits alone if he gave them attention long enough. 

And it was a fucking glorious sight to see. 

On their fifth day, they agreed it would be their last. With all their lovemaking, they burned through their calories and so too their food. Neteyam had mentally berated himself for not packing more to last the entire week.

“How do you think our tent’s coming along?” Xi wondered as they sat across each other at the folding table. “Oh, UNO!” she yelled quickly, placing a red number three card in the pile with a happy tail wag.

“Sorry sweetheart, draw four,” Neteyam smirked with a “ha! Got you,” raise of his eyebrows, grinning at her pout and little nose scrunch. “I hope it’s finished,” he replied to her question.  “Our families are going to go crazy when they find out we came back mated. We’ll need a place to hide,” he joked. 

“I can’t wait to decorate it. One of Sal’s friends makes these amazing tapestries. I think I’ll ask her to make one for us if she’s got free time- one with all the colours, I like those the most. Oh and I was thinking we could maybe reuse your hammock- if that’s okay? I think I actually prefer it to my bed, and it’ll be big enough for the both of us anyway,” she rambled with an excited expression as she rearranged her new drawn cards. “Also where do we get the hanging chimes from? You know the ones that jingles to let you know you have compan- What?” Xi asked, flushing when she caught him staring. 

“Nothing,” Neteyam said with a soft smile. “I just can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, is all.”  

Xilä melted. “I can’t wait either.” 

After he won that round, they continued discussing their plans for their home. He loved that she was so opinionated on what she wanted for it. He knew it would be her first official home- one that she created and he was more than happy to make sure she got everything she wanted. 

Midway conversation, he noticed her squirm a little, glancing down at her lap a bit uncomfortably. 

“C’mere baby,” he said, trying to quash his knowing grin. “Are you dripping?” he asked, as she settled against his chest. 

“Mm,” she hummed in acknowledgment. “So, is this a thing that’s usually done?” she asked curiously. She noticed over their stay so far, he developed a habit.  

She felt him shrug as he slipped a hand between her parted thighs, thick digits stuffing back his leaking seed into her. 

“Never done this with another girl before, if that’s what you’re asking.” 

“You seem to like doing it,” she noted in amusement, jerking in his hold when he accidentally grazed her still over her sensitive clit. 

“I like everything with you,” he answered, in complete honesty, pressing a tender kiss to her pointed ear. 

But it was the truth. There was just something about having her full of his come that he loved. It was intoxicating was all he could explain it as. 

Xilä released a leisured sigh, relaxing into his arms as she took in the beauty of their hideaway. “I’m going to miss this place,” she said. “I’m also not looking forward to our journey home,” she grumbled somewhat, squeezing at her aching thighs knowing fully well the ride back wouldn’t be any help. 

“Want a massage?” Neteyam offered, fingers still playing between her folds. 

Xi snorted. “No thank you. I know well by now what your massages lead to. I’ve learnt my lesson after you offered last night. You’re the reason they ache in the first place,” she sassed. 

“I’m offering a serious one this time. I don’t want you hurting on the ride back,” he said with a concerned frown. 

“Alright,” she agreed. “After lunch though. I’m getting peckish,” she said, halting his wrist when his playing became a bit too deliberate. She was still recovering from being pounded on her hands and knees not even an hour ago. 

Tilting her head up along his shoulder to meet his gaze, she brought his fingers to her lips, sucking each one clean. 

Neteyam groaned at the sight. “Oh you are such a spicy little minx you, know that?” 

Xilä laughed. “So you’ve said a few times,” she teased, twisting up onto her knees to plonk herself in his lap. She hugged him around the waist, face snuggled into the crook of his neck- just wanting to be close to him. 

“I thought you were hungry,” he smiled, pulling her in closer. Ever since their very first hug, he always marveled over just how perfect she fit in his arms. 

“Mmm yeah, but this is better,” she sighed in content. “Just a little longer please.” 

A comforting silence passed between them as they stayed wrapped up in each other. Only the sounds of the trickling waterfall, the dull roar of the wind and distant cries of creatures could be heard. It was peaceful and all was calm. 

“Sometimes I think I’ll wake up and realize it was all a dream,” Xi murmured against his skin. 

“What was all a dream?” 

“You. Sal, Jxo. Everything that’s happened since I arrived here…Teyam, I never thought I’d be blessed like this…I don’t know what I did to deserve it. I get these feelings sometimes that I’d wake up back in Li’ona and realize it wasn’t all real, and you were gone, and you weren’t really mine.” 

“Xi,” he frowned, trying to tilt back to see her face, but she didn’t budge. 

“I shouldn’t have said anything. It’s stupid I know-”

“It’s not stupid,” he said firmly. “It’s not. Xilä, please look at me.” 

“Let’s forget it, I don’t mean to be a downer during our time together,” she said, sitting to face him with a forced smile.

“No, we are not dropping this. Xi, babe, I want you to tell me these things- I need you too, okay? So that not only do you get it out of your system, but so I can talk you out of thinking you're not worth any of it. To tell you that those tiny whispers in your head are wrong.” 

Looking down, he shifted her on his lap so that he could tear off a string of beads from the front of his loincloth. 

Taking a section of her hair, he began braiding the strands, weaving in the beads as he did. 

“I carved these myself years ago,” he said quietly as he worked. “Here.” He gently guided her fingers to the coloured pieces. “Do you feel that? Look. Do you see them? Do they feel and look real to you?” he asked, peering down at her, pointed ears twitching earnestly. 

Xilä nodded, brows pinched together in confusion. 

“If I’m not around whenever you get those feelings again. Use this. Look at them, feel them. They’re real Xilä Sully. I am real. And I am happy to remind you of it whenever you need me too,” he said seriously. 

At a loss for words, Xilä simply smiled- a real one this time, then said, “I love you Neteyam Sully.” 

~

After their lunch, a massage that led to one last round of lovemaking and bath, they began to pack up their things- loading up his direhorse who had spent the few days roaming free around the area just outside niwan loreyu.

The moment they crossed the border, reaching the first cluster of communities, Neteyam could tell something was off. 

Hearing his name yelled, Neteyam spotted Spider chasing wildly after them and instantly pulled on Antoyle’s reins. 

“Seriously man, why the hell is your comm off?” Spider spat as he ran to close the distance. “Look never mind, just go! It’s D’avi. She’s in labor and asking for Xi.”

“Oh Eywa!” Xilä exclaimed from her seat in front of him. 

Charging off, Neteyam got them there in record speed. 

Without a glance at the gathered friends and family members, Xilä flung herself off the direhorse and headed straight into her sister’s tent. 

The interior had been rearranged somewhat- the usual way the healers normally did in order to prepare for a birth. 

Mo’at was stooped between a panting D’avi’s spread legs, chanting quietly. Yalnïk sat behind his wife, keeping her propped up- dabbing at her forehead with a cloth while Sal and Yalnïk’s mother were on either side of her, holding her hands, fussing over her as they spoke soothing words of encouragement. And then there was Kiri, who shuffled around, assisting her grandmother from the side lines. 

“Oh D’av, I’m here, I’m here,” Xilä cooed, moving to crouch on the same side as Sal, who let her hold D’avi’s hand instead. The mother kissed her adoptive daughter on the temple, more than happy to have her back home. 

“Well you sure took your time,” her sister sassed between labored breaths, accepting the kiss on the cheek Xilä gave her in greeting. “You are lucky my children decided to wait for their aunt to arrive.”

“They love me already,” Xi teased easily, brushing away a sweat soaked strand of hair from D'avi's forehead. “You alright there Yalnïk?” she asked, noticing her brother-in-law’s greenish hue. 

Before he could respond however, his wife snapped. 

“Why do people keep asking him if he is okay? I AM the one birthing not one but two of his massive babies! Have you seen his head? Two of those are about to be pushed out of me right now! Do I look okay? Ask me! Not him! Ask me! Because I am not okay, alright? It has been HOURS and they refuse to come out! He is the reason I am here! The idiot put two of his massive headed babies in me and I am not okay! It’s all his fault! Him and his stupid big fat dick- OH EYWA!” she cried out as a wave of pain hit her. 

Xilä was biting down hard on her cheek as her sister ranted hysterically. Glancing around she could tell the two mothers and even Kiri were also highly amused, and like her were trying their best to school their features. Her brother-in-law on the other hand, turned crimson. 

“Breathe D’av, breathe. Hey, look at me,” she whispered, while D’avi panted. “You’re going to do great, okay? You’re one of the strongest women I know. You’ve got this.”

Tears welling in her eyes, D’avi tightened her grip on her hand. “I'm so happy you are here with me, Xi. I don’t think I could do this without you,” she admitted softly. “You’ll help me right?” she pleaded, showing off a rare side of being vulnerable. 

“Every step of the way,” Xilä assured, kissing the back of her clammy hand. 

“It is time,” Tsahìk declared. 

~

When Neteyam returned to the outskirts of D’avi and Yalnïk’s tent after unloading Antoyle of their packed belongings, he was surprised to see the man standing outside- staring at the closed flap where D’avi’s cries could be heard.  

“Yalnïk?” he said as he drew near. “Why are you out here?” Neteyam asked quietly, sending a hesitant nod in greeting to a pissed off looking Jxo who stood nearby with Yalnïk’s father and twin brother. 

Yalnïk, who seemed a bit queasy, side-eyed him guiltily. “I got kicked out,” he whispered reluctantly.

“What? Why?”

Rubbing the back of his neck, the soon to be father released an embarrassed sigh. “I looked…..then I fainted. So the women kicked me out,” he admitted, frowning helplessly at the closed flap when D’avi cried out again. 

“Ah….Right,” Neteyam said, nodding in sympathy before giving him a pat on the back in comfort. 

“Is he still glaring?” the fisherman asked under his breath, lips barely moving.

Catching his meaning, Neteyam found Jxo’s cold hard stare before quickly averting his eyes with a fake cough. “Yep.”

“Fuck. He’s never going to let me live this down…Hey can you piss him off again like last time, so I can get off the hook?” he joked half seriously. 

They both chuckled then instantly sobered up when their father-in-law made his way over to them. 

“How was the trip?” the elder asked, gruffly, glare cutting into the side of poor Yalnïk’s head once more. 

“Um, good. I’d say it was good,” Neteyam said awkwardly, avoiding the man’s obvious appraisal, hoping he couldn’t suddenly read minds and see the flashes of what exactly happened between him and Xilä on said trip. 

There was no way in hell he was mentioning that he’d taken the man’s daughter as his mate while he was in this pissed a mood. 

Neteyam was saved from Jxo’s further questions however, when the cry of a baby’s voice rang out, startling them all. 

~

A girl and a boy. 

D’avi birthed two healthy, gorgeous babies, and Xilä was already in love. 

She was not the only one it seemed. Sal, Jxo and both of Yalnïk’s parents were completely smitten with their grandbabies. 

When the okay was given for them to come in, Xilä stood on the sidelines as she witnessed their joys of pure unconditional love.

Big, gruff Jxo was soft and tender as he greeted his daughter first. Kissing a still sobbing D’avi on the forehead, telling her how proud he was of her. Sal was also a slew of tears as she held out baby L’eo to meet his grandfather for the first time. 

Meanwhile tiny baby L’eya who was nestled in the arms of her tearful father was being cooed and awed over by her other grandparents. Yalnïk’s brother grinned widely as he welcomed his twin to fatherhood, teasing him that his own twins now each had their own little playmate. 

These two babies had not even been in the world a full hour, and yet they already had so many people who loved them. 

It was a beautiful sight and Xilä’s heart felt full. 

An arm wrapped around her shoulder, pulling her in for a comforting side hug. It was Tsahìk. Kiri had left not too long ago, carrying their supplies back to the healer’s tent. 

“Congratulations to you too my dear,” Mo’at murmured, causing Xi’s head to flick to hers in surprise. “Oh come now child, don’t look at me like that. Did you honestly think I could not sense your bond to my grandson the minute you stepped into this tent?” 

Xilä flushed, pointed ears tingling with embarrassment that it had been so obvious to the elder. 

“Don’t worry, I won’t say a word until you two are ready,” the grandmother continued, turning back to survey the sweet affair before them. “But this means I can begin to advance your training even further now.” 

“My training?”

“Mm yes...It won’t be for years of course, but you will make a fine Tsahìk when the time comes,” Mo’at said frankly. 

Xilä’s jaw dropped. 

~

“Xi darling,” Sal called softly when she re-entered the tent much later that night. “Neteyam is outside for you,” she said, reaching out to take the drowsy baby girl from her arms.

The tent was quiet, save for the suckling sounds of L’eo feasting on an exhausted D’avi’s breast and the low snores of Yalnïk at her side. The poor man had been up with his wife since the night before when her contractions first began. 

“Alright thanks, I’ll be right back,” Xi whispered in response, easing the tiny baby into her grandmother’s arms.  

Heading outside, Xilä flung herself at Neteyam the moment she was within reach and he caught her around the waist with ease.  

Feet dangling off the ground, Neteyam took advantage of the position to walk them into the shadows between two tents. 

“Hi sweetheart,” he murmured, hiking her higher to steal a kiss. 

“Hi handsome,” she smiled, titling her jaw to grant him further access when his lips began to make a path across her skin.  

“How’s D’avi and the twins?” he asked, settling her back down on the low grass, keeping her locked in his arms. 

“They’re great. D’av is resting and the twins- gosh Teyam, they’re the sweetest little things. I can’t wait for you to meet them,” she whispered with gleaming eyes. 

“That’s amazing,” murmured, pecking her on the lips again, like the addicted man he was. “Did you have dinner? I can go get you something- and for D’avi too of course,” he offered, ears twitching in concern as he peered down at her.

She shook her head, heart fluttering at his sweetness. “Sal’s cook mates brought us a really nice spread a couple hours ago. I had two entire bowls of hot stew.”

“Okay good. Are you staying here tonight? To help out?” he asked.

Xi bit her lip and nodded in response. It was on the tip of her tongue to apologize for choosing to stay the night here, instead of with him, but the knowing look he shot her had her swallowing the apology. She knew he didn’t mind, but she still couldn’t help feeling a small pang of guilt. 

“Listen,” she started a bit apprehensively. “I was thinking…so this is a really big moment for D’avi right now…and I don’t-” her mouth twisted, unsure how to word what she was trying to say. 

“Baby, it’s fine,” Neteyam assured, reading her worry all too well. “I don’t mind waiting to tell our families about us. It’ll be a good thing- Hey I’m serious,” he emphasized, seeing her uncertainty. “I honestly don’t mind stalling all the impending fuss and lectures waiting for us,” he joked. “But you’re right. This is your sister’s moment.” 

She mentally sighed in relief, sending a quiet thank you to Eywa for blessing her with the most thoughtful mate in the universe. “Thank you…Um, also, Teyam, it's your birthday’s next week. What’s the council going to say?” she frowned, worrying her bottom lip. 

“That’s for me to handle Xi. Don’t worry about them, alright? How about we go see our tent later tomorrow?” he asked instead, steering the conversation to a lighter topic. 

It seemed to work because Xi lit up the way he loved to see. “Okay,” she agreed quickly. “Oh and maybe after we can go for a quick fly around? I want to see my Journey again.”

“Whatever you want, baby,” he sang, bending at the waist to lift her by the thighs, just because he could. “Now, listen here wife. I’m going to be sleeping all alone tonight. So I’m going to need something to remember you by,” he said in mock seriousness, nudging her nose with his expectantly. 

Xilä laughed at his dramatics, but eagerly leaned in anyway to kiss her husband goodbye. 

~ 

Before Neteyam knew it, three fast weeks flew by.

His days were filled with the tedious works of reinforcing their borders, upping their security from roaming palulukans and heading numerous planning and development strategy meetings. 

Whereas Xilä’s days were split between helping D’avi settle into motherhood and continuing her studies with his grandmother. 

On those few nights when Xi wasn’t at her sister’s, or he wasn’t on watch, Neteyam would sneak into her room at Sal and Jxo’s, where they were back to being as silent as possible. 

Jxo however, seemed to have developed a sixth sense overtime and would often drop smartass remarks to him. 

“You dragged your feet last night. I thought you were a highly skilled warrior?” or “Why don’t you just save yourself the trouble and wake the whole village with all that racket you make sneaking in. You’re not fooling anybody.” 

Suffice to say and much to Xilä’s displeasure, Neyetam refused to touch her in any sexual capacity while under Sal and Jxo’s roof. And so they had become creative when it came to their lovemaking. 

Then there was Neteyam’s birthday. 

Twenty-four years of life. 

It had been a quiet affair after much begging on his part. He really didn’t want any grand celebrations or masses of attention. 

His family held an intimate gathering at their home tent where halfway through, he and Xi snuck out and made their escape from Camp. They spent the remainder of the day, flying, relaxing and enjoying gratuitous amounts of extremely loud sex- niwan loreyu had been a most welcomed hideaway once more. 

When he revealed he was officially a taken man to the entire Council the day after, almost all of the members congratulated him- most looking relieved he was finally in a secure match- others not as pleased with who he had chosen.

Fe’ska, Leati’s mother had turned sour. He knew even after admitting his betrothal to Xi, the woman still held out the hope that he’d end up with her daughter. 

Jake, who was seated at the head of the table however, simply smirked and sent his son a “good on you,” nod as his eyes shined proudly. 

The Council however were against Neteyam putting off the announcement of his pairing with Xilä, but his father had finally put his foot down and overruled them all, citing that his son would do that on his own terms and that now they were all being “fucking ridiculous” with their demands. 

Neteyam appreciated it when Jake then held them all to an oath of secrecy. 

But that was two weeks ago…

Now, however. 

The jig was up. 

The moment Neteyam walked into D’avi and Yalnïk’s tent that morning to check in on Xi, he stopped dead in his tracks. 

‘Shit. Here we go,’ he thought with an accepting sigh of defeat, feeling the sting of the stares from the women seated around the table before him. 

They knew…. 

~

Oh my goodness. This took way too long to write and edit and I lost some of it- just DRAMA with this part.

But enough about that....you guysssss. They're mated! Gah I could cry because it's been such a journey.

I hope I did the love scenes justice. I just really wanted fluff Fluff FLUFFY throughout this part.

Also, I did that thing again when the part was getting way too long. So I had to cut and put it in the next one.

Anywhoo...I hope you guys enjoyed it.

Please let me know your thoughts, you already know I love hearing from you all :)

Ps. I have no full knowledge about the Na’vi and their body anatomy and how everything works. So I used my imagination for the first time sex and baby birthing scene.

Ps. Ps. So it ended on a bit of a cliff hanger which I absolutely hate doing. But I figured you guys could get involved and share how you think the women in Neteyam and Xi's life may react to them hiding the fact that they're already mates.

Tags: @jakesullyfatjuicypeen @granddearduck @riatesullironalite @strawberri-blonde @earthling55 @innercreationflower @duckworthbean @gyuventure @btsiguess-kpop @blkmystery @neteswife

If you'd like to be tagged or I forgot you by accident, please let me know.

[corgate-epistolary]

May 3rd, 624

(Transcript under the cut) (Read on Ao3 HERE)

[Written on off-white writing paper with a smooth but lightly textured hand, in golden yellow-brown ink, in cursive. Letter was folded into its own rectangular envelope, and sealed with a wax seal depicting a cat surrounded by moons, mountains, and window-like arch frame. The wax seal is silver, pale green, and gold swirled together]

Elowen Vance, A.Mg. Corgate Village Post Office

May 3rd, 624

Eris Mirrows, A.Mg. 87 Lancedragon Street Avalon

Mx. Mirrows:

We have arrived safely at Corgate.  The [scratch-out] villagers have been, on the whole, extremely [scratch-out] welcoming to Mg. Hawkins & myself. For once, Mg. Hawkins country manners are serving him far better than my own, as the locals see him as one of their own come home again.  I know Mg. Equlee is bitterly disappointed by the council’s decision (and if it were in my power I [scratch-out] would have [scratch-out, “recom”] recommended to send both, [scratch-out, appears to have been a closed parenthesis] as irritable as they can be to [scratch-out, “the”] each other) but I do not believe he would enjoy this section of the trip.  Please do express my condolences & apologies if you feel it

[end of page 1]

would be in his best interest.

The train journey was fine, & the tracks in this area are in good repair.  Should you ever have cause to visit, it is about one day’s journey via the train from the city to the station in Corgate, which is very small but well kept.  I am told from here it is another two hours’ [scratch-out, “tra”] travel to the ruins.  As such, I am intending to make the journey to the station for mail & supplies once weekly, and will consider it a morning’s work.

While I am away from Avalon, would you please keep me abreast of the latest happenings with the council?  And of course the general public knowledge of our colleagues & their doings.  I know you find it a little trivial, however [scratch-out, “evew”] even you must recognize the importance of good information before some other magician drags yours into some risky scheme.  We have a duty to ensure that they do not blow themselves up, after all.  I ask only because Mg. Hawkins (and I, in my less charitable moments) is convinced that this posting, far from the city & the university, is intended as a quiet exile as punishment for Mg. Hawkins’ lack of interest

[end of page 2]

in pursuing more formalized proofs & magical education.  I am sure you can hear in your mind his perennial exclamation that he is “getting along just fine as I am!”  I know I can even though I can hear him snoring quite plainly through the inn walls.

Such walls!  The buildings in Corgate seem made [scratch-out, “of”, but written poorly] of tissue paper to my eye - all frame, wattle, & daub and no bricks to be seen.  I am not so sure I will be truly suited to agent’s work in the field, but I can certainly see that Mg. Hawkins is quite in his element.  He seems quite at peace with himself here in a way he has [scratch-out, “nev”] never seemed back home.  Like a bird let loose from a cage, I suppose.  I am ever so glad he is happy, but I will have to learn his trick of avoiding the country mud before I go mad.

On an unrelated note, however, would you please stop by Vimes Place and look for my brown satchel?  In the scramble to get Mg. Hawkins (and all his supplies) out the door, I believe I left it

[end of page 3]

on the front table. It [scratch-out, “on”] only has a few novels & my copy of the notes on the ruins, which I could copy over again if needed, but I do not want to, AND you have the key.  I would trust it to you & to the post office [scratch-out, at the bottom of “office”] here in Corgate, but ask Mg. Equlee to put a little locking on it first.

I will look [scratch-out, “y”] for [scratch-out] your letter when I come down to Corgate next.  [scratch-out, “Stay we”] Stay well!

Ms. Elowen Vance, A.Mg.

P.S. Please let me know if any of my plants start looking sorrowful.  And do forward a newspaper [scratch-out] or two from time to time if you can

[end of page 4][end of letter]

[promisesbutnevertokeep]

Isn’t that what he wanted? Part two

part one | part two | part three

Tags: @the-flaminhos @zer0brainc3lls

Trigger warning: Mentions of suicide, Violence, character death, sad, a bit gory, guns are mentioned.

(I have quoted parts from the death cure)

———————————————————————

The Flare, medical name Virus VC321xb47 was a man-made disease created by the Post-Flares Coalition after the Sun Flares. The idea was to decrease the population to a point where the remaining food supplies would be steady by systematically infecting people with the virus.

However the plan had its flaws. The disease was easily able to mutate and spread, causing a pandemic, and a desperate need for a cure, or some sort of treatment to handle it because otherwise, fatalities would outnumber those born, and humanity would risk extinction.

The last city, 23:19PM, Thomas and Newt had just found and rescued Minho from the WICKED facility. And now they could be safe and happy, just the three of them reunited and Bubbles together with no WICKED to worry or run from again, right?

If only it was that easy and simple. But life’s not fair, easy or simple, they’d learnt that the hard way.

They ran together, trying to reach the tunnels to join everyone as they went to evacuate the progressively breaking city.

Newt, however, fell behind. He couldn’t keep up, his body slowly deteriorated as the virus moved up further. Blackened, dying veins made their way up to his porcelain skin, making his features look like cracking pottery. He coughed and moved against a wall, struggling.

The others were long gone, but Thomas stayed put. He was struggling to walk or support his frame, the black liquid spilling his mouth “Tommy.. please.. I..”

It seemed like a light switch, flicked on every time the flare took a hold of Newt, he’d become aggressive and seem more like a monster. Thomas tried to grab him to carry him to the others but he pushed him away, grabbing the gun from him, more of that vile liquid spilling, he pointed it at the boy he did love so so dearly. Then the switch flicked off and he noticed what he was doing, instantly turning the barrel to face himself. He hated this creature inside him.

The brunette pushed him down, taking the gun off him so he couldn’t hurt himself. Newt frantically took his capsule necklace off, almost snapping it “Take it..” he said breathlessly, barely audible. Thomas was trying to calm him but his attempts were futile.

That switch was flicked on once more.

“TAKE IT!” He yelled at Thomas desperately, snatching his hand to give him it. He tried to find Thomas’ eyes for some clarification he was real. The switch turned off “Tommy.. please do it..” the eyes Thomas found utter comfort in we’re now pleading him to pull the trigger.

Thomas refused.

“Kill me Tommy, if you’ve ever loved me, kill me, please.” The blonde begged, the pleas became more intense “KILL ME! Please! Put me out my misery before I become like them! I don’t wanna become one..” he sobbed, he was quite literally begging for death. For that sick, twisted peace he’d sought for many years before on the maze walls. The pain he felt currently, brought back those all too familiar feelings of loneliness and despair.

Thomas refused once more.

“Do it! Kill me or I kill you!”

“Newt…”

“Do it before I become one of them!”

“KILL ME!” And then newt’s eyes cleared, filled with a familiarity, a last gasp of sanity and the aggression stopped, voice soft “please Tommy please.”

And then with his heart falling into the black abyss, Thomas pulled the trigger.

He felt guilty the second he heard the gunshot. He couldn’t even find the tears to cry, he’d just killed the one he loved, Newt, the one he did all this for, he’d just killed him.

The last city, 23:57PM, Thomas and Minho sat over the cold, cold corpse of their beloved friend. Minho closed Newt’s eyes to make it more peaceful for him, like he was sleeping.

There was movement in Newt’s satchel, a small fluffy cat crawled out, walking to her owner in confusion. The poor thing didn’t understand what had happened to her friend. She pawed at Thomas. After noticing that he was crying, she realised.

Her owner was dead.

———————————————————————

right so the bubbles mention at the end, I feel so bad for doing that I’d like to formally apologise to specifically @the-flaminhos and @zer0brainc3lls I will get some fluffy Bubbles content for you seen.

[orangevtae]

Protector [Din Djarin x Skywalker!Reader]

Summary: Din's been on your track for a while now, but he actually didn't know that you were being hunted for to be delivered to an Empire Lord that has been after you simply because you were part of the Resistance so you both make a deal: you pay him so he protects you till you got to Nevarro so you can pay the price for your own head and you go to your separate ways. But is Din capable of doing it?

Warnings: Even if the story it's written between the events of seasons 1 & 2, maybe there can be some spoilers. Strangers to lovers (kinda?). Murder and death. afab!reader and use of she/her pronouns. Mentions of the Skywalker twins, reader and them are not blood relationed tho. Found family kinda thing. Typical Star Wars and The Mandalorian like violence. Touch starved Din (No one's gonna change my mind on that).

A/N: another day, another Pedro Pascal character. I decided to delete Supernova cause i didn't like the way it was going and i thought about this one and liked the idea better, maybe it will be multi-chapter, still thinking about it. Enjoy! <3

next

Chapter 1: The Meeting

Din was yet in another icey planet. The snow beneath his feet was fluff, what made his boots smooth down while he heard the crunchy sound of it. The kid was safely neated and warmed on it's satchel by Din's hip as The Mandalorian was with his attention on his track orb that was beeping the louder he walked.

He didn't mind snowy icey planets, his beskar made sure to keep the cold out, he only thought about how this kinda of place seemed to be the prefered ones for the bounties he went after to. The thing is: this bounty in specifically never stopped on a place for more than a week, he got lucky if sometimes they decided to stay for two weeks, but it never lasted.

He has been after you for quite some months now, Din thought that maybe that was the longer he took to find a bounty. It was hard to keep tracks on you, he got near close to capture you once on Coruscant but you got him lost on the multitude on people on there, he only got closer enough to see you flying off on a ship, attentively looking back at him. So now, with you close to reach and him lucky enough to find out about where you were hiding before you took off by the end of the week was everything he asked for.

You knew he was after you, which bounty hunter wasn't? But the fact is: he in specifically was the one that could actually keep his track on you. You made all the others get lost, being tricked whenever they got too close so you could use the force to persuade them to believe that you weren't the person they were looking for.

But this one, this Mandalorian guy, really made up for the legends he had on his shoulders. At first, you were deeply afraid of him, he for himself looked butch enough and with the beskar clad armor he wore, he looked even more intimidating. If he ever so captured you, you were done for.

You don't know how long you were in the run now, you just knew that it had been so long that you blocked your siblings from the force connection you had so just you wouldn't endangering them on this too. You knew Luke and Leia could take care of themselves, they had much more force training than you, but they had their own lifes and you didn't want them in trouble cause of your problems.

It was easy to persuade the others bounty hunters, even if they were in that line of work, not all of them were good on their stealthy, you lost count how many times you got them lost cause they made fools of themselves but with the Mandalorian? You only got lucky the first and only time you were able to drible him and run away before he captured you. Right now, you wouldn't have time to hide or run cause you didn't thought yet about the next planet you would go to because the Mandalorian found you first, so you had two options and neither of them were good enough to do before he shot you with a blaster and it's bye-bye you.

You took a deep breath, you were patiently waiting for him to get to the room you were staying at and you weren't less surprised when you heard the door open and close, the sound of heavy boots making themselves known as he got inside "Don't move" he commanded, his voice a little raspy from the modulator from his helmet.

"So...you finally found me" you commented, voice low.

"Yeah, you were kinda hard to keep track on but not enough" he said "Stand up"

You took a deep breath, it was now or never "Okay, listen, i have a proposal for you" you said as you stood up, hands above your head "I'm pretty sure you don't know who is after me."

"No clue, my job it's just to catch you and bring you" he said, taking slow steps towards you as he stood tall before you, blaster directly aimed to your stomach "and i can bring you in warm or i can bring in cold, you decide it. I'm going to get my payment either way."

"Please, just listen to me" you begged, looking up at him. Your orbs found the T line on his helmet, that was a little tilted down at you since you were a little smaller than him and you almost felt like crying if that would made him listen to you, you didn't care if you were going to be shot, you have to at least try "The man that is looking for me, he's an former Empire Lord. Even if the Empire it's over, there's plenty of man like the one's after me around the galaxy."

"So what?" he said in return.

"So what is that he's after me cause i was part of the Rebellion, got sent on a mission where my purpose was to find and take down the ship he was and the crew members with him by the end of the war. He still was alive after i took everything down and that set a rage on him and he's been looking for me ever since." you let out a deep breath "I never did anything moraly wrong that could cause my name to be around a bounty hunter track orb or to have a farrik Mandalorian after me. He's just after me cause he wants revenge and the Republic doesn't know how to find him cause he is always hidden the dark where their eyes are unable to see and if i wasn't being honest about it i wouldn't come up with such history, it has too much backstory for it to be a teltalle so i can ditch you, so i am asking you to please believe my word."

For a moment, you thought that he wasn't conviced and that he would end up shooting you without needing to think twice He was silent for a few good moments, just shallow breaths being heard from his modulator.

"I don't trust you" he said finally "You could very well just made that up so you could try, so i need something to know that what you are saying it's true."

You almost sighed with relief at it and nodded "Downstairs, the lady on the reception, she was an former Rebellion ally, we fought together many times, she can confirm you my story. I'll be right here when you get back, you have my word."

You heard a deep sigh coming from him "Okay" he said, holsting his blaster back on his hip "If you story is a blanty lie and i discover that that woman downstairs has nothing to do with what you saying, you can expect that when i come back, you are done for."

You nodded your head, feeling your thighs tremble a little "Okay."

"Stay right here, if you move" he held up his tracker "I'll know"

And he went out the door.

You let out a deep breath, your hands were sweating and trembling as you took a seat on the bed beneath you. To say you were scared of him was mere fact, that guy was even broader up close than what you've seen last time from afar. He stood tall before you all the time while having a calm demeanor with a blaster pointed at you ready to shoot if you ever tried anything.

But you wouldn't, cause you actually needed him. Not that you weren't capable of taking care of yourself, cause in reality you could take anyone down in a matter of seconds if you needed, but you needed a safe scape out and you assumed he had a ship and you needed to get to Nevarro without other bounty hunter stumbling into you.

It seemed like hours, it looked like it has been an eternity before the Mandalorian apeared on the door of your room again, closing it after he got inside.

"So?" you asked

"She confirmed your version, but why an Empire scum is after you? Really, i mean" he asked you, putting some weight on his left leg and one of his hands on his hip

"I killed his son" you stated "I didn't knew he was on board of the ship" It got silent suddenly.

It looked like the weight made your shoulders sunk.

It was the first time you ever revealed that, it was an acident, the kid wasn't supposed to be on board when you bombarded the Imperial ship, that kind of information wasn't given cause no one knew he was on board when you and your team were supposed to explode it.

"We didn't know, that kind of info never came to us and when it came...well, it was already done and his father has been after me ever since" you sighed

Mando didn't said anything for a while, only sighed and looked at the satchel at his hip where the Kid was still sleeping peacefully "So, what was your proposal?"

"Take me to Nevarro, i can pay you in double the reward for me and i am guessing you have a ship" you stated to him, squaring your shoulders "I need someone as you to take me there cause i'm always on a track. I just need to get to Nevarro to pay the reward that it's on my head, i guess that that may erase me from the Guild's records"

Din thought for a while. Even on his line of work, it wasn't acceptable to kill kids and he thought that you were paying for something that wasn't your fault and you clearly just wanted a stop to the constant feeling of running away. That didn't mean he trusted you tho.

Plus, he needed the money, he had an extra mouth now so he needed to buy food since the green child under his care never stopped eating amd he wanted him to at least live well under his care.

"I'll take you there, one of the head leaders of the Guild is a friend of mine, i guess he can do that for you if i ask him, it's a more than fair trade i guess" he shrugged, putting his blaster back on the holter "But i don't trust you."

"You don't have to" you looked him at his helmet, where you guessed his eyes would be "Just take me to Nevarro, i'll pay you and we both go on our separate ways"

"Deal" he tilted his head towards the door signaling for you guys to head out the door.

You grabbed the backpack you always carried with you that had just the few belongings and headed out the room, the lights went off and the door closed behind you and your new companions for a while.

For your lucky, you always remembered to pay your stady on the places you would be in the moment you arrived at them, so you didn't had problems when leaving the in you where. When you put feet outside of it, the cold air hitted you with force and you squeezed the scarf closer to your neck and nose and followed the Mandalorian that was a few steps ahead of you.

When you took steps enough to at least walk by his side in silence, you noticed a pair of green ears peaking out of the satchel he had around his hip, you frowned when it turned it's head and stared at you with it's big orbs. You let out a little smile make itself on your lips when you noticed that it was a baby, he cooed to you and you waved a little before looking front of you to make sure you wouldn't step on some ice that would make you slide face down on the ground. You haven't noticed the baby till now.

You knew that Mandalorians had a costume to take orphans in their care till they delivered them to their family's or they stayed with them of they couldn't find, you were surprised to know that this Mandalorian beside you had that kind of mission on him. It didn't take long to get to the hangar where the Mandalorian had put his ship into.

You let out a quiet whistle at seeing his ship "Wow, Razor Crest. It's been a while since i saw one"

"Ever piloted one?" he asked, this seemed to peak his interest

"No, we had one at the Rebel base, it was only used once" you whispered

"C'mon" he clicked a few buttons on the pad of his arm, making the ramp of the Crest to get down.

When it was down enough, he went ahead of you and climbed it, you followed close behind, when you were inside, the same ramp got up and the Crest was started, lifting off the ground so you decided to go to the cockpit, where the Mandalorian and his little green friend where at and then went off planet.

[gojocp]

tangled

cw: tangled au! reader wears a dress and has VERY long hair, geto as flynn ryder, reader as rapunzel featuring: geto suguru 1 | 2 |

a/n: hello!! i'm so glad you guys liked the first part, i did make some very little changes to it after it was posted, but here's the second one lmk how it is!! <33

tags: @cofijelli (lmk if you want to be tagged in future parts)

you come out from hiding behind a mannequin and clutch the frying pan to your chest.

the strange man's eyes flutter open, and you knock him out with the pan again. you look over to your chameleon, pascal, and he gestures to check for sharp teeth, as your mother was telling you all outside people have them.

you use the handle and lift his upper lip, not seeing any teeth. feeling a bit relieved, and hit him once more with the pan for good measures.

'what is mother gonna say? oh god, what do i do?' you think to yourself. 'no, this is good. i can prove myself. i am strong enough to leave.'

you head back towards the unconscious man and, using all your strength, you haul his body into a nearby closet, and block it with a chair.

you notice a crown has fallen out of the satchel, and head toward the mirror to try it on. you put it around your wrist like a bracelet, receiving a look of disapproval from pascal, and then put it on your head, earning you another.

you open the satchel and find a 'wanted' poster of the criminal in your closet. 'suguru geto, wanted dead or alive.'

"(y/n)! let down your hair!" you hear.

"coming!"

you shove the crown and poster into a satchel, and then into a nearby pot.

after helping your mother into the tower, she says,

"i have the biggest surprise for you, dear!"

"i do too.." you chuckle nervously.

"ooh, i bet mine is bigger. i'm making hazelnut soup for dinner, your favourite! surprise!"

"well.. mother. i've been thinking about what you said earlier.."

"i hope you're not still talking about the stars," she says.

"floating lights," you correct, "and yes i'm leading up to it.."

"because i really thought we'd dropped this conversation."

"i know you think i'm not strong enough to handle myself out there.." you start.

"ohh, i know you're not strong enough to handle yourself out there." she cuts you off.

"but if you'd just-"

"(y/n)."

"just listen.."

"(y/n).." she growls, feeling more agitated.

"just look, mother-"

"enough, (y/n)! you are never leaving this tower! ever!" she shouts, eyes crazed and wild.

slowly, you take your hand off of the chair blocking the closet and look at the painting you made of the 'stars'. with tears welling up in your eyes, you say,

"i know what i want for my birthday now.."

"and what is that?" she questions, pinching her nose bridge.

"new paint, the kind made from the shells you once brought me.." you say.

"(y/n), that would be a three-day trip," she responds.

"i just thought it would be a better idea than.. the stars." you sigh.

"okay.. i'll go get them."

.・。.・゜✭・.

"are you sure you'll be alright." your mother asks, packing food into a basket for herself.

"i know i'm safe as long as i'm here," you respond, hugging her as she places a kiss on your head.

"alright, i'll see you in three days," she states, lowering herself using your hair.

.・。.・゜✭・.

fwip

suguru wakes up tied to a chair, hair all around him, and a chameleon sticking its tongue in his ear.

"what the hell?!" he shouts out, rubbing his ear with his shoulder, trying to remove the uncomfortable feeling.

"i'm not afraid of you.." you call out from the shadows, using your hair to swing yourself down from the ledge you were previously standing on.

"...huh?" he mumbles, shocked and confused by the amount of hair you have. "what..?"

"..how did you find me, suguru geto..?' you question, slowly raising your frying pan.

"uh- yeah, uhm. suguru's fine. anyway, it's really not that deep girlie-"

"(y/n)." you interrupt.

"yeah- i was running away from guards, saw a tower climbed it, and.." he pauses. "where's my satchel?" he asks frantically, throwing an accusing look your way.

"i've hidden it, somewhere you'll never find it." you say, crossing your arms with a proud look on your face.

"it's in that pot, isn't it," he states.

*CLANG*

fwip

"would you stop that!" he shouts, rubbing his ear with his shoulder again.

"now, i've hidden it somewhere you'll never find it." you start, "so what do you want with my hair, to cut it?"

"huh?

"sell it?"

"no?? look, the only thing i want is it to get out of your hair. literally!"

"you- wh-" you stammer, "you're telling the truth?"

"yes! i saw a tower, i climbed it. the end."

turning away, you hold pascal in your hand a communicate with him.

"i know, i need someone to take me."

"this could be my only chance." you explain to the chameleon.

coming to a conclusion, you begin, "okay suguru geto, let's make a deal."

"a deal?" he asks, giving you a judgmental look.

"yes. a deal. look here." you start, turning him to look at your painting of the lights.

"do you know what these are?' you question.

"the lantern thing they do for the lost princess?"

'i knew they weren't stars' you think.

"yes, tomorrow night, they'll float in the sky. you will take me to see them, return me home safely, and only then will you get your precious satchel. that is my proposal." you explain.

"yeah, uh, no. the city and my aren't really 'best friends' at the moment, so no. i'm not taking you anywhere." he says, trying to free himself from the hair prison.

"then you can say 'bye' to your satchel." you retort, tightening the hair on his wrists, halting further movement.

"bye then." he says, calling your bluff.

"something brought you here. call it what you will. fate, destiny-"

"a horse."

"so i have decided to trust you." you continue.

"a garbage decision at that."

"but trust me when i tell you this, you can tear this tower apart brick by brick. but without my help, you will never see your dear satchel again." you threaten, pulling the chair so he's at eye-level with you.

"i take you to see the lantern, bring you back, and you promise to let me go?" he inquires.

"i promise."

"??" he gives you a look that tells you he isn't quite convinced.

"and i never break my promises.. ever," you add.

"fine. we'll go." he sighs, giving in.

"really??" you gleam, letting go of the chair and dropping suguru on his face.

"ow."