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jnkgrnde · 7 months

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— can you stand the rain?, clarisse la rue, pjo

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summary — in which, you and clarisse get into an argument that causes you to kiss in the rain.

pairings — clarisse la rue x black!fem!reader (daughter of poseidon)

content includes — arguing, kissing in the rain, best friends to lovers, jealous!clarisse

authors note — TELL ME BABY CAN YEWWWW STAND THE RAINNNNNN 🗣️🎤 this is def butt but this has been in my drafts for way too long so!

it was a beautiful, sunny day in long island. the smell of strawberries from the fields established themselves as today’s scent for the camp, the lake was cool enough for a dip.

it was a perfect day.

and it was a perfect day for you and clarisse to hang out with each other. you wanted to convince her to take a day off from training and take a swim in the lake to cool off for the day, before eventually doing something stupid later.

you knew clarisse was up because she was always up before you, so you decided to knock on the ares cabin door first to find her. her younger brother told you she wasn’t there and that you could find her at the sparring field. you thanked him with a smile before leaving to find her. lo and behold, there was clarisse la rue in her armor with her electric spear, training with a dummy.

you didn’t know how long she’d been out here, but the training dummy looked about out of comission. “d’you wake up on the wrong side of bed or did you add him to your hate list?” she halted her movements, dust flying beneath her shoes.

“did you need something, sweet thing?” and there she went with the nicknames. she knew you loved them, and she also knew you’d get tripped up by them. “so i was thinking we’d take a dip in the lake today.” and you knew what she was gonna say,

“y/n, you know i have to train today—“ “but that’s what you do everyday, clar! please? just for today?” you begged. you gave her your infamous puppy eyes, ones you knew she couldn’t turn away from. she groaned dramatically. “… you got me. i’ll meet you by the canoes in ten.” you grinned with excitement. “thank you thank you!” you kissed her cheek before running off.

she stood frozen for a second before a smile started spreading across her face. her cheek felt tingly in the spot you kissed her in.

you wore a white overshirt with a blue swimsuit underneath, paired with jean shorts. you carried a bag, sunglasses in your hair. you walked over to the lake, a smile on your face knowing you could be in one of the places you loved most.

you saw clarisse standing near the canoes watching the water. she had a towel laid out and was just taking her shoes off when you covered her eyes. “boo.” clarisse feigned annoyance, but still let a smile grace her lips.

you set down your bag on the sand, taking your shirt and shorts off. “not gonna join me, clar?” “nah. gotta keep watch, y’know, for butterflies and stuff.” you rolled your eyes with a smile before walking into the water, eventually going deep enough to wear you can float. you swam out enough for the sun to beam down on you, and just let yourself feel the water.

clarisse watched you. she loved watching you anytime, but she especially loved when you were in your environment. she took note of the smile on your face and how you occasionally paddled your hands to make sure you kept yourself afloat, although with your powers and everything, it wasn’t hard.

clarisse admired her surroundings before her eyes caught a boy staring at you — carter from hephaestus cabin. he was deeply tanned with a good build and curly hair, and had scars all over his hands and face from working on weapons for the camp.

carter watched with a small smile. he held a gold necklace in his hands, twisting them around. it had a sea turtle pendant, and it shined in the sunlight.

clarisse furrowed her eyebrows. she didn’t like what she was feeling — you were just friends, right? it’s just her being protective over you. she didn’t want you to get hurt or anything. she was sure that’s what it was.

it was a while before you decided to get out of the water. you didn’t realize how long you’d been there before noticing that it was starting to get a little cooler. you swam, then walked back to shore, but not before being stopped by carter.

to you, carter was a sweet, caring boy, just not for you specifically, because you had your sights set on someone else. he was starting to show he liked you, and got bolder as time went on. “hey, y/n. i made you something.” he told you nervously but still with a smile. he held out the necklace to you, the sea turtle shining in the light.

you let out a genuine smile before thanking him, not noticing the burning daggers being glared into the back of his head. he offered to put it on for you, so you turned and he slowly locked the chain together.

“thank you, carter.” you smiled before walking over to clarisse. you found her not so happy, actually stuffing things into your bags. “hey, clar, what’s wrong?” you reached out to touch her arm, and she pulled away like you were a hot pan burning her.

you furrowed your eyebrows in hurt and confusion. her face was scrunched up and she looked at you like you disgusted her. she shoved your bag to your chest before storming off back to the main campgrounds.

“clarisse!” you slung your bag on your shoulder and ran to try and catch to her, but she was already gone. your heart squeezed in your chest and you frowned before continuing to walk to your cabin.

a million thoughts swirled around in your head — why was she acting like this? you were just friends, right? you knew she was protective of you, yes, but not to this extent. you opened the doors to the poseidon cabin, where it was empty. you assumed percy was probably out with annabeth on a date, probably.

clarisse didn’t know why she felt this way; she hated it. she hated the way she acted when you touched her, or how she felt giddy and mushy inside whenever you look at her with your pretty eyes. she hated feeling the way she did around you, because she usually feels guilt, anger, or needing to please her father. that’s how she thinks she’s supposed to feel, how she’s wired to feel.

you make her actually feel like a good person, and she knew she impacted you with the way she acted that day.

it was later at night at the dining pavilion. torches were lit, dryads were flying around with silver platters with food, and campers from different cabins were chatting and laughing with eachother. the energy was high, seeing as there was a planned campfire tonight, with the apollo cabin leading the sing along.

you and percy sat at the poseidon table. his plate was full, and he had blue soda on the side. you gave him a small smile. “have you not eaten since breakfast?” you asked. “nah. annabeth wanted to go on a hike and i forgot to eat after.” you flicked his forehead. “why didn’t you tell me? i have a secret stash in the cabin!” you whisper-yelled. “i’m sorry!” he whined. you both laughed as the conversation flowed.

clarisse stole many glances from the poseidon table, specifically from you. despite what happened earlier in the day, you still smiled. her chest squeezed at the sound of your laughter. she poked her tongue against her lips before looking down at her plate.

it was after dinner where you and clarisse actually saw each other. she was sitting with the ares cabin, and you were sitting with percy and a couple other mutual friends. every time you looked up from the fire, there was clarisse who was staring at you no matter what. you quickly looked away every time you made eye contact.

the empty seat next to you was soon filled, but not by who you actually wanted it to be. carter sat next to, playing with his hoodie strings and smiling at you. “d’you need something, carter?” you asked. you didn’t mean to sound annoyed, but you weren’t as enthusiastic as you were earlier.

“well, i wanted to know if you were free later this week? i-i had something planned and-“ “no, she’s not free.” and standing in front of you was the woman of the hour.

you snapped your eyes up at the familiar voice. she held a glare directed at carter. before anybody could say anything, chiron announced that the campfire had to end early, seeing there was a storm starting to move in. “so, um, are you coming?” carter persisted. “i’ll get back to you on that, carter.” you gave a small smile before getting up. you shot clarisse a look before walking back with percy to the poseidon cabin.

the night was dark, and thunder started rolling in. the camp turned in for the night, all except for one. there was a tapping on your window, waking you up from your sleep. you groaned, already starting to yell at whoever it was before you recognized clarisse.

you furrowed your eyebrows, “what are you doing here?” she held her hand out without a word. you hesitated, looking back at percy to see him fast asleep. you looked back at clarisse, and she looked desperate. you slipped on your shoes before taking her hand and letting her guide you out the window.

she walked with you, out to the woods and seemingly to your secret spot, the spot that was reserved for you and clarisse only. “clarisse, why are we out here?” you asked her once you finally stopped.

your emotions were already starting to heighten, the rain slowly following. she stared at you for a second. “i’m sorry.” she apologized. “why? you left me with no explanation like i was some animal on the street and ignored me. why?”

she breathed out a heavy breath. “him.” she whispered. “what?” “because of carter!” she snapped. you were confused, “what does this have to do with him?” clarisse looked at you like she begged you to understand, like you were supposed to know why.

“because he likes you,” she put out simply, “and i don’t want him to.” you blinked while taking in her words. she was closer to you than before now, her breath on your face. she soaked you in, watching the rainwater run down your face. she came to the realization.

“i like you,” she barely spoke. “i like you, and i don’t want him to like you.” you stood in shock. clarisse liked you. she liked you back, and you had no clue. you cupped her jaw and pulled her down to your lips. it was passionate, like she would die without feeling you again. you pulled away, “so, you stormed off because you liked me?” clarisse rolled her eyes with a smile. “well, when you put it like that.”

you pulled her back with a laugh and the rain getting lighter throughout the kiss, eventually allowing the stars to shine.

#clarisse la rue x reader #clarisse la rue #clarisse la rue x you #clarisse x reader #clarisse la rue x y/n #clarisse pjo #percy jackson and the olympians #percy jackson #percy jackson x reader

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mrs-saturday · 2 months

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⋆ ˚｡⋆౨ৎ˚ Only Bought This Dress So You Can Take It Off

♥ my masterlist!

♥ pairing: george russell x fem!reader

♥ synopsis: george needs it, and he needs it NOW.

♥ warnings: swearing, alcohol, oral (f! receiving) , p in v, unprotected sex (wrap before you tap guys!), sex in public, breeding kink if you squint, smut with NO plot, public bathroom sex, club sex

♥ a/n: @chilling-seavey pookie this one is for you 🤭

♥ smut under the cut! ♥

If there is one thing you know how to do, it’s rile up George. And better still, rile him up at all the wrong times, like tonight, in that tight little dress that clings to your hips in all the right ways. The blue pearlescent straps of your heels, against the warm tan of your skin, running up your legs towards the matching dress, are all he has his eyes on while stood with Lando and Alex by the bar of a club in Monte Carlo.

“George, mate, anyone home?” Lando pushes a jagerbomb towards George, while Alex picks his up off the bar and chimes in “Earth to George, we’re trying to celebrate your win here” . He snaps back to reality, taking the shot off of Lando and smiling “Won’t be the only thing we’re celebrating tonight boys” he smirks, downing the shot alongside the other two Brits. “What do you mean Russell George?” Lando asks, leaning against the bar, ordering himself a vodka lemonade. “I’m making my move on y/n.” He states boldly, and Alex’s eyes roll a little “Really man? How many times have you said this now? Like 8000?”. George laughs a little, ordering himself 2 double rum and cokes, and nods “Tonight’s the night, I can’t keep staring at those legs, those hips, that ars-”, he gets cut off by the clack of your heels, and the soft bounce of your tits, as you come striding towards the three. Alex and Lando exchange glances, give George a pat on the back, and make their exit, as you lean against the bar, smiling innocently at the race winner, unaware of the strain in his dress pants.

“So, Mr Monaco 25, how’s it feel to win again?” He tried his best to keep his eyes on your face, and ignore the Tiffany pendant resting on your chest. “Good- Good, I mean, always good to have another win under my belt, especially knowing you were there to see it” He smiled, his voice not sounding 100% convinced. “You sound strange, Georgie, too many drinks?” You giggled, looking at the two drinks in his hands, and he pushed a cup your way “One’s for you, actually, I was about to make my way over” He coughed, which sent the tight feeling in his crotch all throughout his body. “Oh really? Ever the gentleman, aren’t you?” Smiling, you took the drink from his hand, your fingers brushing, sending all the blood in your body to your cheeks. Perfect, he thought, this is his in. “Care to come dance with me? Might sober up a bit with some exercise?” he glanced over at the dancefloor, then back at you. With a nod, you drag him over, the new Charlie XCX album pulsing through the floor as you start dancing, skirt riding, tits bouncing, and George feeling a primal burn in his stomach.

Something about the way your dress highlighted everything about you, your girlish little giggle, and those goddamn tits, sent Russell into overdrive, and his hands found their way to your waist, pulling you close unexpectedly, causing you to look up at the Mercedes driver. “This OK, princess?” he whispered in your ear, low and sultry. All you could do was nod, and deciding to take him by surprise back, pushed your hips into his crotch, feeling the tent that’s been straining there all night.

He groans, grip tightening on your hips, pulling your closer to allow the friction to ease some of his need. “Baby, I’m not gonna be able to hold off much long-” You cut his sentence short by grinding up against him, and pulling his hand closer to your left tit, with a massive smirk plastered across your face, unknowing of what you had just awakened. The taller man groaned a second time, and grabbed your wrist firmly, pulling you off the dance floor and towards the bathrooms. “Georg-” you begin, “Keep it down, princess.” George growls, dragging you into the free disabled stall, and locking the door, before pushing you up against the door. His hands roamed all over you, causing you to sigh softly, as he moved up to your face, tilting your chin up with his thumb and index finger.

“You’ve got no clue how fucking hard that dress has been making me Y/N” he whispered, inches away from your lips, and you find yourself frozen, red in the face, and can feel yourself dripping for his tone. “G-George-” you mumbled, and a look of regret flashed across his face, before you grabbed him by the hair and crashed your lips against his. Despite you being the one to make that move, George quickly established his control, prying your mouth open and leaving no corner undiscovered before moving to attacking your neck. “Mine..” he mumbled amidst hickeys “My girl.” You moaned and grabbed his hair, sliding a thigh between his legs, grinding it against his throbbing erection, eliciting a low moan from the man.

“Nuh-uh, my job to make you moan” he huffed, hands making deft work of your dress straps, revealing the most perfect set of tits George had ever seen. You could have sworn you saw him drool in the split second between him gawking, and his teeth rolling your nipple between them, his other hand, warm and soft, giving your other breast a firm knead. He delighted in watching you throw your head back, mumbling against your skin as he yanked your dress to your ankles, and kissed down your stomach.

“Pretty girl…” he sighs, hands moving to your hips “Been waiting to do this for so long…” his fingers make swift work of the lace panties, and with a chuckle he stuffs them in his jean pocket “Think of it as a trophy. You can just wear something of mine when I bring you home”

You find yourself going red, about to object, but not before George pressed a warm tongue to your clit, looking straight up into your eyes with a devilish glint. “Taste so good m’ love” he licks again, your hands finding their way to his hair, pulling him in closer. George felt his eyes roll back as he tongued your entrance gently, not even pulling up for air. It was almost as though he felt no need for oxygen when his mouth was full with you. Rutting your hips against his tongue to chase down relief became your primary focus, but George held you still, moving his mouth to look up at you, face and chin glossy. A small string of your wetness kept George’s lower lip connected to you, and fell as he spoke.

“Turn around, hands on the sink Y/N” He commanded. You did as he said without question, and feel the sharp sting of a spank as you hear his pants hit the floor. Turning to look at him, your breath hitched as you saw his aching cock against his stomach, dripping with pre-cum, and George with a condom packet between his teeth. “No need” you mustered, smirking at him as he raised a brow “On the pill, and I’m clean.”. It seems he needed no more than that to line up at your entrance, tip teasing your hole. “M’ God- You’re dirty aren’t you princess? Want to take me raw, yeah?”

“Please, Georgie”you whined, to which he slowly pushed himself into you. You winced, the stretch of the Brit’s cock feeling unfamiliar and he stops with a worried expression plastered all over his face. “Too much princess? We can stop-” you shush him, and push yourself onto him until he’s in to the hilt “Just that you’re fucking massive Georgie.”

The moaning, the nickname, the praise. It all sent George over the edge, and you felt the man thrust in and out of you at immeasurable pace. Your wetness dripped down your thighs, and you cried out for the way he established a steady but quick rhythm. To silence your screams, a veiny hand wrapped it’s way around your throat, squeezing gently as the older brit growled into your ear. “Pussy’s mine, right darling?” he sounded rough, and dark, and the possessiveness elicited another whine as he kept talking “Need to fill you up princess, need you full of me” He kept thrusting, hips snapping back and forth to the sweet sound of your strained cries of pleasure. “Need everyone to know you’re mine. My girl. My princess. My cock-drunk baby” He hissed, finally finding your sweet spot, indicated by the scream of his name, which only served to turn him on more. “There? You like that, huh Y/N?” he tightened his grip, cock twitching at the sight of your undoing in front of him. “Gettin’ close, princess” He grunted, and you nod to signify that the feeling is mutual.

“Together?” He pants, the knot of an orgasm building in your stomach. “Please, fuck, Georgie, together-” you cried, cut off only by the warm gush of your orgasm and the feeling of George spilling into you, warm and sticky. George stayed put inside you well after he finished, face nuzzled into your neck. “So good for me Y/N…” he sighs, kissing all the purple blooming across your neck “Gonna have to talk about this when we’re sober” You pause, body tensing, and as if George read your mind, he added “T-this wasn't a drunk mistake Y/N, I have serious feelings, feelings that deserve us being sober” You relax back into him, knowing the crush is mutual, and hummed as he pulled out, and you pulled your dress back up.

“So, fancy coming home with me?” He smirks, your panties in his hand, and a twinkle in his eye.

“Thought you’d never ask, Georgie”

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retroosquared · 2 years

Photo

the Dioscuri

[1] Castor and Pollux (2022) Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. [2] Svarlien, D.A. (1990) Pindar, Nemean 10, Pindar, Nemean, Nemean 10 For Theaeus of Argos Wrestling 444 B. C.

[ID: Two page comic of Lemon and Tangerine from Bullet Train, with text from the Wikipedia page on the brothers Castor and Pollux and Nemean Odes 10 throughout the two pages. The first page reads, “Castor and Pollux (or Polydeukes) are twin half-brothers” over two frames of Lemon and Tangerine fighting over whether they killed 16 or 17 people, then “Castor and Pollux are sometimes both mortal, sometimes both divine.” There is a drawing of Lemon saying, “I never bleed.” in stylized text, then the Wikipedia entry continues: “One consistent point is that if only one of them is immortal, it is Pollux.”

The second page is in two halves, the first half being Tangerine taking off his pendant to give to Lemon. Some parts of the drawing are in colour, some are in greyscale. Over it, the Wikipedia entry reads: “Returning to the dying Castor, Pollux was given the choice by Zeus of spending all his time on Mount Olympus or giving half his immortality to his mortal brother.” The excerpt from the Nemean 10 follows: “‘But nevertheless I grant you your choice in this. If you wish to escape death and hated old age, and to dwell in Olympus yourself with me and Athena and Ares of the dark spear, you can have this lot. But if you strive to save your brother, and intend to share everything equally with him, then you may breathe for half the time below the earth, and for half the time in the golden homes of heaven.’ When Zeus had spoken thus, Polydeuces did not have a second thought.” The second half of the page is a drawing of the scene where Lemon sits next to Tangerine’s dead body. Both are covered in blood and the sunrise is shining on them through the train’s window. The last bit of the Wikipedia entry reads: “The brothers became the two brightest stars in the constellation Gemini (”the twins”): Castor (Alpha Geminorum) and Pollux (Beta Geminorum).” End ID.]

#bullet train 2022 #bullet train #bullet train tangerine #bullet train lemon #the twins #tw blood #my art #look i know the two pages look like theyre totally different art styles and well.#it is what it is!#and yes I did include citations. leave me alone

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uluvjay · 1 year

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from last 2 prompt 33 and 69 with mark estapa where him and reader have been arguing back and forth so it’s angsty with tensionnn

Mark Estapa x fem reader!

warnings?; Cursing, light arguing, small fist fight, party scene, underage drinking, frat house, yelling

i figured this meant list 2 so thats what i went with! hope you enjoyed anon

33. "your not going out dressed like that"

69. "if you interrupt me one more time-so help me god"

You and Mark had been arguing all day and it had been over the smallest things but it was enough to have both of you in pissy moods hours later. Everyone was currently getting ready to go to some frat party, Mark had been downstairs with the guys for a little now while you finished getting ready.

as you made it down the stairs mark turned around and the content look on his face was immediately replaced by a pissed off one.

"you're not going out like that" he told you while looking you up and down.

"um yes i am" you laughed at him, you knew your corset top would piss him off and that was your reason you decided to wear it but you had to act annoyed.

"No your not, your not wearing something that your tits ar-" he started but got cut off by Ethan

"Guys! we are going to be late so you can either stand here and yell at one another again, like you have been all day or get your asses out the door" he told both of you, giving you both a dad look.

"Dude! her boobs are almost out, I'm not trying to have some dude be weird towards her" Mark tried but all of the guys were over both of you at this point.

"You have ninety penalty minuets i think you can handle someone if they're weird to her, now get the fuck out of the house" Ethan said and you could hear the annoyance in his voice so you decided to be the bigger person and walk past Mark and out the front door.

Unlike himself to usually do Mark had left you early into the party and because of it you were throwing shot after shot back in the kitchen with some random girl. You felt like shit that your boyfriend was so upset with you that he wouldn't stay and party with you like he usually did, so you used vodka shots to cover the guilt.

"What's your reasoning for getting wasted?" she asked after you both finished your third shot.

"My boyfriend's mad at me and won't even hang out with me" you told her with a pitiful shrug.

"is that his jersey number?" she asked pointing to your neck where you had a '94' pendant necklace that mark had gotten you for your one year.

"yeah he plays hockey" you told her with a smile, you loved talking about Mark especially when drunk.

"ohh a hockey player, good luck with that" she laughed before telling you bye and leaving the kitchen.

you couldn't help but stand there in your thoughts for a moment, you knew Mark would never, he loved you and he showed you on a daily basis how much he loved you. He actually walked around with a shirt that said "i love my girlfriend" that he'd bought for himself and was extremely happy to show you when it came in the mail, but your alcohol influenced made you think he hated you in the moment

You looked all over the first floor of the house and didn't see him and right as you began to panic you saw a concerned Dylan walking towards you. "Y/n! you need to come outside right now" he told you grabbing your arm and pulling you with him. You had to have asked him a million questions but he ignored them all just pulling you to a growing crowd outside.

As you got to the front you seen Nolan, Jay, and Ethan all pulling Mark away from some dude that was holding a bleeding nose. "What the fuck happened Dylan!?" you asked the boy next to you.

"we were playing pong when that guy and his friend asked for a round against us and then the one that's bleeding asked mark that if they won could he get a night with you and told Mark how good he thought you look in that top and Mark just went crazy" he explained causing you to shake your head and make your way over to where the guys were calming Mark down.

Hearing footsteps approaching Mackie turned around and his face immediately dropped before he made his way to you, "No I'm sorry, i love you Y/n but i don't want him lashing out on you, he needs to calm down" he told you, not letting you any closer.

"Is that Y/n?" you heard your boyfriend ask and watched Mackie take a frustrated deep breath before telling him yes.

"Let her over here I'm fine and we need a second alone" you watched as all the boys looked at each other before Nolan gave the nod okay and everyone started walking away from Mark.

You made your way to him but he stopped you before you could throw your arms around him and ask if he was okay, "I'm upset with you right now" he told you.

"I know and I-" you started but he cut you off

"No let me talk and if you interrupt me one more time i-" but before he could finish you did interrupt him

"Mark just listen for one second"

"So help me god! Y/n I am trying to talk so just shut the fuck up for a damn minuet and let me get my words out" he exclaimed and for once you did listen.

He was waiting for a braty reply but didn't get one and as he looked down at you to begin talking he noticed the new look in your eyes and how you were rubbing your thighs together.

"Are you turned on right now?" he asked with a smirk on his face

you looked down at your feet before answering him, "A little, I'm drunk and then duker said you stood up for me and then putting me in my place kinda got me going" you shrugged.

He didn't reply you just felt him pull on your wrist and looked up to see that you were heading towards the back gate to get out of the yard.

"Where are we going?" you asked

"Home so i can fuck you and then when we wake up tomorrow we can talk about what happened today"

#mark estapa imagine #mark estapa x reader #mark estapa #hockey imagine #nhl #nhl fanfiction #umich hockey

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kckt88 · 10 months

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Courtship.

Summary:

Vaera arrives in Kings Landing too begin her courtship with Aemond.

Warning(s): Misunderstanding, Swearing, Discussions of Abandonment, Dragon Flight, Description of non-con visit to Streets of Silk, First Kiss.

Word Count: 3351.

Author Note: A companion piece to Wedding & Consummation/Bath Time/Arrival(s)/Mother & Father/Petitions & Final Tributes/The Hand, The King & The Dragon/Dragonstone/Blood & Cheese/A Time for Grief/ Rooks Rest & the Silver King/The Gullet/Taking of a City/Harrenhal and the Rivers/The Gods Eye/The Fallen Queen/New Beginnings & Ravenous.

But can be read as a one-shot.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the House of The Dragon or Fire & Blood characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used.

Comments, likes, and reblogs are very much appreciated.

After she had changed out of her riding leathers and bathed. Vaera decided to pass the time by making sure her things were unpacked and placed exactly where she wanted them. Not like she brought many of her things with her anyway.

A few dresses, and books and her most prized possession; a seahorse pendant that Laenor had given her just before they had moved to Dragonstone.

Her father was proud of his house and the history surrounding the Velaryon’s. His bedtime stories about the Merling King were some of her favourites when she was a child.

Suddenly a knock at the door broke her out of her reverie. It was a maid informing her that dinner was ready.

Before she left her chambers, Vaera managed to grab one of the books she had brought with her, ‘Se zaldrīzes lords hen uēpa valyrio’ (The Dragon lords of old Valyria).

She’d spent many hours in the library on Dragonstone looking for the perfect book to gift Aemond as part of their courtship and this was the one, she’d settled on.

Composed entirely in high Valyrian, it detailed house Targaryen and the other dragon lords of old Valyria before the doom. A piece of history long forgotten to some, but interesting to others.

Vaera just hoped that Aemond would like it.

Clutching the book close to her chest, Vaera silently followed the maid down the corridor. The only sound was the slap of her shoes against the stone floor and of course the clanging of Ser Arryk’s armour as he followed.

“Princess Vaera. Your Grace” said the maid after she had opened the large wooden door.

Vaera took a deep breath and entered the dining room. Sitting at the long table was the Queen, Otto Hightower, Aegon, Aemond and Helaena.

“Welcome Princess. Pease come in” said Alicent smiling.

Vaera nodded slightly and slowly approached the table, suddenly becoming very aware of everyone staring at her.

“Allow me to introduce, Aemond” said Alicent proudly as Aemond rose from his seat, he had grown tall since she’d last seen him, his body lean and covered with leather, his features were so sharp yet so perfect that his face looked like it had been carved by the gods of old Valyria themselves.

His long silver hair tied back, the scar that bisected the left side of his face only added to his already striking allure, his missing eye covered by an eyepatch. Never in her life had Vaera seen a man so handsome.

“Pleased to see you again my Prince” replied Vaera bowing her head slightly.

Aemond merely hummed in response, his arms folded elegantly behind his back.

“What do you have there Princess?” asked Otto curiously.

“Oh, it’s a courtship gift for Prince Aemond” muttered Vaera blushing.

“How thoughtful” said Alicent brightly.

“I found it in the library on Dragonstone”.

“What is this book about?” asked Otto.

“A history of the Dragon lords of old Valyria. It’s composed entirely in high Valyrian, I thought Prince Aemond might like it”.

Aemond stared at her for a moment and then he gave her a sharp nod.

Vaera quickly handed him the book and then took a seat next to Helaena.

Admittedly Aemond’s lack of reaction towards her gift did upset her, she had spent hours looking for it, the least he could do was say thank you.

“How are you finding the Red Keep so far?” asked Helaena.

“It feels good to be home” replied Vaera.

“Was Dragonstone not your home?”

“No. It was not” muttered Vaera as she took a small sip of wine.

“Should you like to come and spend time with me and the children in the gardens tomorrow?” asked Helaena brightly.

“I would love to” replied Vaera happily.

The rest of the dinner passed by relatively quickly, as Vaera readily engaged her aunt in conversation. Aemond was silently observing her and Aegon was in his cups.

“Would you not like some of the pudding?” asked Alicent.

“No thank you. I couldn’t possibly eat another bite” replied Vaera as she dabbed the corner of her mouth with a napkin.

Alicent nodded slightly and returned her attention to her father who was talking about something in Oldtown.

“You don’t talk much do you niece?” asked Aegon.

“I only talk to people who I find intellectually stimulating” replied Vaera smirking as Helaena giggled.

“Well then, your marriage to my brother is going to be dreadfully dull, he’s ignorant in the ways of meaningful conversation, as well as other things”.

“I’m used to being ignored uncle; it is of little consequence to me” muttered Vaera sadly.

“Is everything ok Princess?” asked Alicent.

“Actually, Your Grace I was wondering if I could be excused. Mayhaps Ser Arryk could escort me back to my chambers”.

“Yes of course” replied Alicent, her voice laced with concern as she watched Vaera rise from the table and quickly leave the room.

‘She probably spent hours looking for that book and you barely reacted. Great start to your courtship brother. Gods your such a twat’

Aemond paced his chambers like a caged animal. He couldn’t get his brothers words out of his mind. Admittedly Aegon was right, although Aemond would never admit such a thing out loud.

The thought of Vaera spending hours scouring the library on Dragonstone to find him the perfect courtship gift only for him to brush it off as if it was nothing troubled him greatly.

Never before did he have such a desire to make things right, the look of hurt on Vaera’s face after she’d presented him with the book made his insides squirm. Even more so when he later opened the book and saw her message to him.

‘Naejot īlva beginning’ (To our beginning).

‘Kostagon īlon sōvegon va īlva zaldrīzoti syt eternity’ (May we fly on our dragon’s for eternity).

No, he had to fix it. So, with an air of determination, he decided to make an impromptu visit to the market.

He wasn’t overly fond of descending into the streets of Kings Landing as it usually meant trawling after his wastrel of a brother only to find him on the streets of silk cock deep in some whore. But today was not about his brother, it was about his betrothed.

When she came into the dining room clutching that book, Aemond swore his heart stopped for a moment. He always thought Vaera was pretty even when they were children, but as a woman grown, she was the image of perfect Valyrian beauty. Her long wavy silver hair and her light amethyst eyes that gave her an almost ethereal look.

She was truly a diamond in the rough of those ‘strong bastards’ she had for brothers.

However, Aemond couldn’t help but notice a certain air of sadness around his future wife, she was very quiet at the dinner and when she did speak it was only to his own sweet sister Helaena, or his mother.

He supposed it was just Vaera being naturally nervous, but when she said that ‘Dragonstone was not her home’ it intrigued him and mayhaps one day he would find out what she meant.

There were many shiny trinkets on offer at the market, but none of them seemed right. Just as Aemond began to feel disheartened at his failure to procure a gift for Vaera he spotted a leather-bound sketchbook. The cover had intricate markings that almost made it look like it was covered with dragon scales. He remembered when Vaera was younger, she enjoyed drawing and actually had quite the talent for it. So, without hesitation Aemond paid for the gift and some additional drawing charcoal and headed back to the Red Keep.

Vaera wasn’t in her chambers, she was with Helaena and the children in the gardens. So, Aemond left his gift on her desk and quickly left, he was due to begin his training with Ser Criston and he couldn’t be late. He just prayed to the seven that Vaera liked her gift.

Spending the morning with Helaena and the children was delightful. They spoke of many things whilst they were in the gardens and for the first time in a long time Vaera felt seen and appreciated. It was nice to sit and talk to someone and actually have them listen, she spoke to Helaena of her time on Dragonstone and how lonely she’d felt and if it wasn’t for her Cannibal, then she didn’t know where she’d be now. Helaena also confided much in Vaera that morning and it was then that a bond began to form.

“We shall be firm friends you and I” whispered Helaena.

“I hope so” replied Vaera smiling as she took her aunts hand in hers and squeezed it gently.

Jaehaerys and Jaehaera were such delightful children, blessed with all the sweetness of their mother, giggling as they chased butterflies around the gardens.

Soon their time in the gardens came to an end and Vaera found herself being escorted back to her chambers by Ser Arryk.

As soon as she opened the door, Vaera spotted the wrapped gift on her desk. Smiling slightly as she read the hastily scribbled note that was attached.

‘Syt ao issa future ābrazȳrys’ (For you my future wife).

Vaera undid the wrapping and gasped as the leather-bound sketch book came into view.

If there was ever a perfect gift, this was it, she loved to draw and she was touched that Aemond had remembered.

So, Vaera left her chambers and asked Ser Arryk to escort her to Aemond’s chambers, at first the knight was quite hesitant to agree to her request, but he eventually relented when she assured him that it was merely to say thank you and she wouldn’t actually be going into Aemond’s chambers.

Turns out that his chambers weren’t that far from her own, and after taking a deep breath, Vaera knocked on the door.

A few moments later, the door opened and Aemond appeared.

“Princess”

“I don’t wish to intrude, I just wanted to say thank you for my gift” replied Vaera.

“Your welcome” said Aemond.

Vaera hesitated for a moment before she took a step towards Aemond and placed a kiss on his scared cheek.

“Have a good day my Prince” whispered Vaera.

“Would you like to spend time with me tomorrow, Princess? We could sit in the gardens and read the book you gave me” suggested Aemond.

“I would like that very much” replied Vaera smiling.

“If you’ll excuse me, Princess. I need to bathe. I had quite the rigorous training session”

“Of course, I’ll see you later at dinner” replied Vaera happily as she turned on her heel and headed back towards her chambers, not noticing Aemond briefly touching the place where she had kissed him.

“Kostōba isse magic, se zaldrīzes lords hen uēpa valyrio issi ivestretan emagon gaomagon binding spells se horns naejot control pōja zaldrīzoti, se pōnta gaomagon zaldrīzes perzys naejot reshape dōron” said Vaera (Strong in magic, the dragon lords of old Valyria are said to have used binding spells and horns to control their dragons, and they used dragon flame to reshape stone).

Aemond reclined against the trunk of the weirwood tree and closed his eye. Vaera was very proficient in high Valyrian, and her voice was smooth and firm as she spoke the words of their forebears. In truth, it was rather enjoyable listening to his future wife.

“Lentor belaerys istan mēre hen izulēpsa zaldrīzes āeksio families hen valyrio” spoke Vaera (House Belaerys was one of the forty dragon lord families of Valyria).

“Did you know that Jaenara Belaerys and her dragon Terrax-“

“-Flew further than anyone had ever previously dared. She returned three years later after having found only endless jungle, deserts, and mountains. Jaenara declared that Sothoryos was as large as Essos and a land without end” said Vaera smiling as she gently closed the book she was holding.

“You are well educated Princess” said Aemond.

“I read many books during my years on Dragonstone, although Maester Gerardys was the one who taught me high Valyrian” replied Vaera.

“I also spent most of my time in the library. Ever the good son, studying and trying to be worth something” said Aemond.

“I know that feeling” whispered Vaera.

“At dinner you said Kings Landing felt like home. What did you mean?” asked Aemond.

“I’ve never felt close to my mother or my brothers. Laenor was always there for me, the Red Keep is where I have the fondest memories of my time with him” replied Vaera.

“-What about Dragonstone?” questioned Aemond.

“After Laenor died. I felt so alone. It was like I didn’t fit with my own family. Even after I discovered the truth of who I was. It didn’t matter” said Vaera.

“The truth?” mused Aemond.

“I’m not some Strong bastard who was lucky enough to favour my mother’ s colouring, and I am not the daughter of Laenor Velaryon. I am the product of my mother’s wedding night dalliance with her Uncle Daemon” replied Vaera.

“I would have thought that being the rogue princes daughter would afford you some delight to your mother” said Aemond.

Vaera’s little confession was not surprising at all. Aemond had long suspected that Daemon was her true father. She was no strong and she bore no resemblance at all to Laenor Velaryon.

Technically she was a bastard but her mother’s later marriage to Daemon slightly validated her birth, but her blood was more Valyrian than his and the blood of the dragon ran thick and Aemond knew she was of value based on that alone.

“You would think so. But all she saw when she looked at me was the reminder of Daemon’s abandonment. After their tryst, he left Kings Landing and ended up across the narrow sea with Laena Velaryon” muttered Vaera.

“And your brothers?”

“It was far easier for me to be passed off as Laenor’s daughter. My strong brother’s. Not so much. I guess they grew to resent my Valyrian looks” said Vaera.

“But with your mother’s marriage to Daemon, surely things would have improved for you”.

“I had no desire to get to know Daemon, despite my blood, Laenor is my father and losing him was tough, plus Daemon isn’t overly kind to those he views as mistakes. He once told me that I was only worth the dragon I claimed” retorted Vaera.

“How did you come to claim the Cannibal?”

“Ever since I stepped foot on Dragonstone, I kept feeling as though something on the Dragon mount was calling out for me. I tried to ignore it as I wasn’t sure I should answer, but after you claimed Vhagar, I realised what that voice was and I couldn’t ignore it anymore. At first, I thought it was Vermithor, but the feeling led me into another cave. Littered with the bones of those who had tried and failed to make a claim” said Vaera.

“Were you afraid?” asked Aemond.

“Oh, I was terrified. But somehow, I knew that Cannibal wouldn’t hurt me” said Vaera.

“Claiming one of the most feared dragons alive is quite the achievement”.

“So was claiming the last living remnant of Aegon’s conquest” whispered Vaera.

“A sentiment not shared by everyone” replied Aemond.

“I meant what I said that night on Driftmark. You didn’t steal Vhagar” said Vaera.

“I-I never did thank you for trying to help me” whispered Aemond.

“It never should’ve happened in the first place” said Vaera quietly.

After a few moments of silence. Aemond gently took the book from Vaera and began to read the next chapter.

After that day in the gardens, Vaera and Aemond spent as much time together as they were allowed.

As he got to know her more and more, Aemond found himself enjoying the time he spent with his future wife. They took turns reading their favourite books, or simply sitting with Helaena and the children as they played outside.

Vaera would often sit under the weir wood tree with her sketchbook open in her lap and create such beautiful works of art. One of them was a picture of Vhagar that Aemond had framed after Vaera had presented it to him. It hung pride of place on the wall in his chambers.

Vaera would also visit the training yard on occasion and stand with the other ladies and noblemen who would often observe his training sessions with awe.

Eventually Vaera would soon discover that she possessed a natural talent for using a bow and arrow and Aemond found himself standing proud as his future wife would fire arrows at targets with such precision and accuracy that she looked like she’d been doing it for years. Some people may have turned their noses up at the Princesses behaviour, but Aemond was always quick to defend her.

Vaera also began visiting the Sept. It was quite a shock to see her knelt down beside his mother giving thanks to the seven.

When he questioned her about it, Vaera was open and honest about her attempts to get closer to Alicent as she was soon to be her good mother and she wanted to prove that she was not like her own mother. Vaera wasn’t a true believer in the faith of the seven, but she respected it.

Perhaps the most significant time of their courtship was when they flew their dragons together.

It pleased Vaera no end that Vhagar actually seemed to enjoy the Cannibal’s presence, given his reputation, many of the other dragons were afraid of him. But Vhagar had no such issue, and she readily took to the sky alongside him.

Aemond directed Vaera and Cannibal to an island just near the Stepstones. It turned out to be a place where Aemond would often come with Vhagar to be alone and have time to think.

It was here that Aemond confessed to his visit to the streets of silk on his thirteenth name day.

Vaera was patient and listened when he told her that it made him feel dirty, and disgusted with himself, that he wanted to wait until he was married before he lay with a woman, yet it was Aegon who dragged him there, to make him a man, to make sure he was as educated as he was.

His brother would try to tempt him numerous times to return to the whore that took his innocence, but he was frightened and would often hide in his chambers.

He often felt less of a man for doing so, but he didn’t want to sully himself any further with a paid whore.

He desired a wife, a woman who would look at him as he was and love him with every breath she would take. A woman who would be his and his alone.

She was that woman, and Aemond knew in his blood that Vaera was meant to be his, they were twin flames that were always meant to burn together.

It was also here where Aemond removed his eyepatch in front of Vaera for the first time and showed her what lay beneath. The eyelid was missing, with the surrounding flesh red and scarred, yet nestled within the hollow where his eye had once been, was the brightest sapphire that Vaera had ever seen, it was so hauntingly beautiful.

Yet Aemond lowered his head, almost as if he was scared of her reaction to what he considered as ugly and disfigured.

Vaera gently placed her hand on Aemond’s scared cheek and smiled.

“Issa gevie zaldrīzes” (My beautiful dragon).

“Vaera” whispered Aemond as a lone tear trickled down his cheek.

“Ao issi drējī nykeā irudy hen se gods” replied Vaera (You are truly a gift from the gods).

“Avy jorrāelan-” muttered Aemond (I love you).

“-Avy jorrāelan issa gēlenka zaldrīzes” replied Vaera sweetly (I love you my silver dragon).

Aemond smiled at Vaera as he placed his hands on her face and kissed her gently.

Sure, it was inappropriate and technically they weren’t supposed to spend prolonged periods of time alone with each other, but this was their moment, and no one would take it from them.

#house of the dragon #aemond targaryen #hotd fanfic #aemond x oc #aemond fanfiction #hotd aemond #aemond fic #aemond x original female character #aegon ii targaryen #alicent hightower #otto hightower #helaena targaryen

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coolancientstuff · 7 months

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PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Askalon. Circa 425-400 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.10 g, 6h). Imitating Athens dekadrachm issue. Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, wearing circular earring, linear necklace with ball pendants, and crested Attic helmet decorated with two Udjat eyes and an olive leaf over the visor, and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing facing, wings spread; olive sprig and crescent to upper left, AN (in Phoenician) to upper right; all within incuse square.

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wildharesandboundteeth · 17 hours

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A subtle and low energy form of worship inspired by Chaos Magick and Sigils

So this one's a bit of basic Chaos magick I've been using for years to charge my sigils. It's slow but steady form of charging sigils that also adds a more 'personal touch' compared to charging with the moon and/or sun. Basically you just put the sigil on a body part with the intention of it being worship.

I am not the first one to do this but I figured that it might be good to share this knowledge to more people.

The basic formula is your God's symbol/ a correspondence of them on or against your body with the intention to dedicate each action of that body part to them.

A choker with a bird pendant dedicating every word you say to Hermes. (Good for presentations and for shit talking with the boys.)

Some examples:

(helpol specific because I'm more familiar with them at this moment)

A rose on your chest,/shirt/bra/binder with the intention of dedicating every heart beat to Aphrodite. (Low energy, more consistent and makes you feel hotter than usual. ;) )

Athena's name written on your finger to dedicate each word written to Her. (Good for homework though try not too write anything too stupid (very difficult for me).)

Ares's symbol painted on the bottom of your exercise shoe's inner sole with the intent to dedicate workout to Him. (Who knows? He might join you (and put you to shame).)

Ways to mark yourself:

I used to use this method with the elemental alchemical signs as well back when I worshipped/drew power from them more often. Holy book versus, sacred numbers, ect. can also work. Heck, maybe even write the entire Mahabharata on yourself.

Non-toxic marker / pen

Water / soil / ash / powder of ground herbs or flowers (non-toxic)

Temporary tattoo / Henna / actual tattoo

Sewing / embroidery / iron-on patches / fabric marker / washable fabric crayons

Honey / milk / yogurt / lotion (all good for the skin)

Face paint / graphic eyeliner / make up (especially foundation you're going to blend)

Just tracing the symbol with a finger

Suggestions

Tip: if you're going with more subtle correspondence (like a drawing of their animal) as opposed to just writing their name or symbol, it's good to do a ritual/ a small prayer to inform them. Just telling them can work too if you're too exhausted for those.

The same effect can be achieved with key chains, stuffed toys, taglocks, ect but I personally like this method as it's something I'm familiar with. It's also harder to forget to do bring something along if it's on your body (yes, I am calling myself out). It also feels more personal.

Disclaimer: Please only do this for gods/entities you know and have a relationship with. I would also advise against doing this to a god that has rejected/not answered your requests to work with them. And please don't mark yourself with a god that you straight up do not know anything about.

I sometimes put wellness sigils for my loved ones on my pulse point(s) or along my chakras with henna. It's slow but with time, it's really builds up.

More rambling

Nowadays, I always make sure to always have the sigils for Lord Hermes and Lord Ares on my foot so I can dedicate each step I take to them. I usually dedicate longer walks to *runs to them but I feel like having a physical 'anchor' helps me concentrate the energy and intent. It also helps if I just plain forget to dedicate a walk to them.

*Disclaimer: author of this post only runs for the bus or because they're late. In no way are they healthy nor disciplined.

In addition to all the worship stuff, it also feels comforting to having something of my loved ones near me/ on me. It reminds me that I am (somehow) loved and that there's something to fight for. Though I might just be getting sentimental in my young age.

So that's my suggestion for you lovely people. I hope to helps inspire someone or something. If anyone has any other suggestions, ideas or constructive feedback, please let me know.

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aresjeweler · 1 year

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Clown Doll Pendant

The Clown Doll Pendant from Ares Jeweler is a unique and playful addition to any jewelry collection. Crafted from high-quality sterling silver, this pendant features intricate detailing that brings the clown doll to life. From the curly hair to the playful smile, every aspect of the clown doll is captured in this stunning piece. Whether you're looking for a fun and whimsical accessory or want to add a touch of nostalgia to your style, the Clown Doll Pendant is the perfect choice. Wear it on a chain or cord for a versatile look that can be dressed up or down.

#Fashion #Handmade #Pendant #jewelry #Clown Doll Pendant #jewelry making #Ares Jeweler

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kulemiwrites · 5 months

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𝐑𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐏𝐓. 𝟸| 𝐀𝐤𝐢𝐫𝐚 𝐍𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐦𝐚

Part: ii of iii

Genre: Romance, Eventual Smut

Rating: 18+

Word count: 5.2k

Character(s): Akira Nishikiyama, fem!Reader

You can find Part 1 HERE. Too long for tumblr? Read on AO3

You make up your mind on what to do about Nishikiyama's after hours invitation.

You knew what your answer was long before you stripped out of your clothes and stepped into the locker room’s lukewarm shower. You convinced yourself that you “just needed to think it over more” as the suds slid down your body and then the drain. You pretended that you weren’t really sure about it as you dried, then lathered yourself up in smell-good cream. By the time you pulled your jacket over your shoulders to cover the thin straps of your comfy dress and gave yourself one final touch up in the full body mirror before heading out of the back door, it was practically a done deal.

Rushing to the curb of Senryo Avenue, you dug into your bulky crossbody for the business card and the folded yen notes that he squeezed into your hand with a pat and a wink just before parting ways.

“Your cab fare for the night.” he told you, pink lips gently curved up upward. “Either to get home from work or to go have a couple of drinks on me.”

The taxi’s door opened and you hurried to it, having a one-sided race with the couple rushing hand in hand down the sidewalk. You lowered yourself inside, forgetting to duck and banged your head.

“Ah,” the driver sucked air through his teeth, “Please do be careful, Miss.”

“R-right,.” you sighed, grimacing as you rubbed at your head. You wondered if you would wind up at the bar talking to Nishikiyama with a giant, cartoonish knot at the center of your forehead. Was that head thump your sign to turn tail and head straight home? After all, if he’d seen you like that, you might’ve just lost your highest paying customer! Right?

Right?

“Where are we headed this evening?”

Without even a second’s hesitation, your arm extended toward the driver so that you could hand him the business card.

Dammit. Betrayed by your own reflexes.

“This address, if you don’t mind.”

“Yes, of course.”

The driver passed the card back to you shortly and you began tracing its thick edges with your thumbs. Originally, you looked out of the window to admire the beautiful grit of the scenery but eventually your mind had begun to wander.

Just what were you doing going out to meet a customer? This one, especially. You’d usually decline offers to meet after hours. Sure, he had been nice enough but if anyone happened to see the two of you out together, the treatment you were receiving at work was sure to get worse. Just the thought was enough to make your stomach flip with anxiety.

That was, until you thought about the feeling of his big, warm hand above yours when he’d given you cab fare tonight and how could you forget his smile? That damned smile.

You weren’t kookoo over him like the others were. No, but not even you could deny how attractive the man was… Not enough to make you lose sight of yourself or anything. Of course not but well, you did have eyes.

That thought reminded you of your state of dress. You had only packed an outfit that was comfortable enough to wear on your commute back home, certainly nothing to wear on a night out on the town, especially not next to him. When he was at the club, he’d been wearing a maroon suit with a patterned black and gold shirt and a silver pendant. He was gorgeous. You supposed he usually was. You’ve seen the way the girls you worked with go out after work when they went bar hopping. You could understand why he’d have been drawn to any one of them– they fit, tonight you were just…

It wasn’t as if this was a date or anything but you thought that any reasonable person would be concerned about how they’d be perceived. You worried you’d stick out like a sore thumb if you got too close.

“Miss? Miss?” the driver said firmly, snapping you out of your daze.

“Huh?”

“It would seem that we have arrived.” he chuckled out awkwardly.

“Oh,” you nodded, unfolding then counting the notes. “So we have. Thank you so much, sir.”

“No problem at all.”

You handed him the cash and hurriedly exited the cab, this time being mindful of your head. Fighting with the strap of your bag, you almost couldn’t believe your eyes. The bar was on this side of town? You read the Ginza address on the card and you weren’t even sure what you expected but you knew you didn’t picture him inviting you here!

People passed your stiff daze dressed in vibrant, stunning clothes, many of them holding large, luxury brand shopping bags at their sides as they chatted amongst themselves. They must have been at this for hours. You were right, you weren’t at all dressed for the occasion if these strangers were anything to go by.

The sidewalk was clean, garbage cans beneath every tall zelkova tree wrapped in lights that lined the curb. The buildings were neat brick and stone and glass almost completely bare of gaudy posters advertising seedy back alley shops, just tidy little sandwich boards here and there. Even the barkers were different, meeker.

It was like a different world compared to the ever classy Kamurocho.

You read the column of business signs on the midrise building before you until you spotted the name that matched the one on the business card. According to the sign, the bar was situated somewhere on the first floor. You nodded to yourself and slid the card back inside of your purse then started toward the building.

The closer you got to the frosted door though, you felt a heaviness in your legs and when your fingers wrapped around that gilded handle, you couldn’t even bring yourself to pull. Your arm instead went limp and suddenly the hustle and bustle of the city behind you was drowned out by the beat of your heart thumping in your ears. You felt the muscles in your face contort, those in your forehead working the hardest with deep brow furrows.

Oh?

You were nervous.

But how could you be nervous?

“It’s only Nishikiyama-san,” you mumbled to yourself. “What the hell is wrong with me?”

It was your job to drink with him. You didn’t want to be arrogant but one must remind themselves that the man paid for your time. It might have been after hours but this was no different than what you’d done mere hours ago. It was just a couple of drinks! How bad could it be?

You’d drink. Chat. Go home.

Was there really any reason to be noodle-armed and lead-legged outside in the cold? Worst case scenario, he’d invited you there to see if he could convince you to work at a club he’s got dealings with or something. He’d never given you the poacher-vibe before but you couldn’t be too careful. It wasn’t uncommon for his type to pull stunts like that with hostesses.

You’d drink. Say no. Go home.

Releasing one, long stuttering breath, you straightened your posture then found the strength to pull the weighty door. You navigated your way through the ornate ground level of the building until you could find a directory to point you in the direction of the bar. You had the option of stairs or an elevator but you opted for the stairs simply to prolong the amount of time it took to get you there.

At the top of the stairs, you spotted the bar in the middle of the corridor thanks to the sign that hung above it. Hitonomi written elegantly in black kanji through the stem of a gold-lit martini glass.

You could feel the lead legs returning but you persisted until you reached the manual sliding door. Affording yourself one more deep breath, you slid the door quietly and slipped inside.

Funky jazz tunes greeted you, easing you into the mellow atmosphere. Two tall, vivid money trees framed the white frosted door and on the wall just ahead of you was an oversized painting of a silhouette of what could have been a woman looking down at something, but you couldn’t be sure. There was a metal abstract divider acting as a partition to separate the gap between the entrance and the main dining room. You continued along the deep red carpet, noting its subtle diamond pattern until you passed the divider.

You could see why someone like Nishikiyama would find this a nice place to unwind. At this location, it fit the bill for the luxurious outing that he seems to pride himself on being able to afford but it was still modest enough to fly under the radar– perhaps it didn’t exactly catch the attention of the types that went to places for the sake of being able to say that they’ve been… People like Nishikiyama himself.

It had a warmth about it that wasn’t the slightest bit intimidating. It was quite cozy in fact, perhaps even a bit more intimate than what you’d imagined on your way here, what with the tight seating and dim lighting.

The bar was just to the left of the entrance and you’d spotted him there in an instant.

Nishikiyama was dead center, smoking one of his usual Cabins as he stared up at the bartender with the same parted-lipped, amused expression he gave you when you were in the middle of an anecdote. Smoke was forced out of his nose as he blew a raspberry in what seemed like an attempt to stifle laughter. Then, he tossed back his head, hair flying back with him as he laughed heartily before pointing his smoking hand at the bartender and chuckling out something that you couldn’t make out with the distance.

His maroon coat had been hanging behind him on the royal blue bucket barstool and he’d had the sleeves of his shirt rolled up to the elbows. He brushed his hair back from his face, allowing more of his side profile.

He really was so–

“I don’t recall seeing you around here before.” the bartender’s gruff voice said, interrupting your thoughts and you’re grateful that he had.

Nishikiyama had been about to take a sip of whatever he’d been drinking as his delayed reaction turned his attention to you but once he spotted you, he lowered the glass and smiled. It seemed as if his eyes had a bit of a twinkle in them when he noticed you, much different from the look he often gave you at the club.

He rested his chin on his fist. “She’s with me.”

A flurry of microexpressions that you couldn’t quite read crossed the other man’s face, “Of course. Well, welcome, Miss…” he trailed off.

You and Nishikiyama answered him with your name in unison which for some reason made the man chuckle as he looked at the other before returning his attention to you.

“_____-san, then? What’ll you have this evening?”

Nishikiyama looked at you, his expression one of geniality as he placed a menu in your hand. “Whatever you want, okay? Don’t be shy. It’s my treat.”

You skimmed the menu.

You’d have hoped it was his treat! The prices at this place were nothing to sneeze at. You felt almost duped by the atmosphere– there was nothing inviting about the potential tab! If you didn’t regularly run his pockets you might have questioned if he could actually afford casually drinking at a place like this or if it was simply posturing to impress you.

But… Why would he want to do that anyway?

You ordered your usual drink of choice. Depending on how the night went, you might venture out and try one of the signature cocktails later.

“Of course. Just a moment.” the bartender said with a bow.

“C’mon, get comfy. Or do you see somewhere else you wanna sit?” Nishikiyama turned to face the fairly empty bar before shifting his attention to you, “Want some privacy?”

You were used to being out in the middle of a mostly packed room, in the light where everyone could see you. It wasn’t as if you were afraid of him or anything but somehow, sitting in one of those darker corners made you nervous beyond belief. It made you feel as though this would turn into something you weren’t prepared for it to be.

Privacy felt intimidating.

You shook your head. “I’ll just join you here at the bar.”

“Suit yourself.” he said as he slid himself off of the bar stool with a soft grunt.

“Left or right?”

“Huh?”

He stood in front of you as he gestured with his thumbs. “Which side do you want to sit on?”

Has he always been that tall? More importantly, he smelled good at the club but why did he seem to smell even better now? You shook the thoughts from your mind and frowned.

“Oh, I don’t know! You pick.”

He smiled as he pressed his palm to the top of your head and used it to gently maneuver you back slightly, “Then, I’ll sit you on my good side.” he said, then slid out the seat to the left of his.

The bartender sat your drink at your newly assigned seat then Nishikiyama waited until you sat down so that he could push you in before returning to his own.

Cheers!

“So, you think the left is your good side?” you asked, lightly swirling your drink in its glass. “I’d have thought someone like you would believe all your sides are good.”

“I can’t tell if you’re complimenting me or calling me a cocky dick.” he chuckled, finally taking a sip of his drink.

“Mmm,” you hummed, “I’m just saying that, having sat on both sides of you, I don't think you have a bad side.”

He folded his arms on the bar then stuck his neck out to you so that only you could hear what he was saying, “Listen, _____, I know you’ve heard a lot of stuff about me but let’s get one thing clear: I am not easy. Alright?”

You could feel horror twist your face. Did he really? Was he? Did?

“What?”

“Butter me up all you want, but you’re not getting into my pants.”

Your entire body had begun to heat up from bottom to top. You could feel it radiating off your ears even. “I never– I don’t want to get into your pants!” you nearly shouted, drawing the attention of the bartender, who did an awful impression of a guy who hadn’t heard anything when he clearly did.

“That so?” Nishikiyama wiggled his eyebrows and smiled, “Say it louder so the people in the bar across the way can hear it too.”

The realization crashed down on you like a tsunami, you’d already begun to sweat. “Oh, you were joking.”

He scoffed as he placed his cigarette back in his mouth, “Of course I was joking. Don’t make it so easy for me to tease you. I won't let up so quickly next time.”

You let out a heavy breath. “You scared me! I really thought you thought I was coming onto you or something.”

He stared at the bar then mumbled, “Would that be such a bad thing?”

He didn’t look directly at you when he said it so you couldn’t read his expression, nor could you decode his tone but you assumed it must have been another one of his jokes. He had told you not to make it so easy. So, you decided to not take it seriously. Instead, you brought your hand to your mouth and laughed a bit as you swung your foot at his under the bar.

“What are you saying, Nishikiyama-san?”

He blew a breath out of his nose and there was a tiny curl to his lips before he tossed back the last of his liquor.

“Hey man, I think I’m good on these.” he spoke abruptly to the bartender. “It’s definitely a good cocktail.”

The other man wiped his hand on a towel before taking his empty glass. “But is it good enough for the menu?”

“I’d say it is.” he said. “Maybe make it a little stronger though and add a dry vermouth or something?”

“Ah… vermouth. Okay, just one more. Last one, then I’ll give you your bottle..” the bartender said, rubbing his hands together.

Nishikiyama groaned, laying his forehead onto his forearms. “You said that last time!”

“Quit your whining! It’s free booze!”

“Who cares if it’s free! Let me drink what I came for, dammit.” He turned to you with a slightly pouty expression, you’d never seen him look like this before but it sort of stunned you that he could make such cute faces. “The guy forces me to be his taste test dummy every time I stop by and he holds my keep bottle hostage.”

“You have a keep bottle?” you asked.

“Of course I do.” he said. “You’d never know it with the way this guy acts though.”

You laughed. “You’re really giving him a hard time.”

“Ahh, he’ll be fine.” he said, plucking away his cigarette ashes. “We’re usually worse than this but….”

“Oh?” you sipped your drink. “Well, don’t let me stop you from having fun.”

“Who said you were stopping anything? The night is young.” he asked, leaning back onto his chair as he traced his lip with his propped hand. “If anything, I’d say the same to you. Loosen up a little. I thought getting you out of that damn club would help you relax but if anything, you seem more tense.”

“I do?”

“Work’s been stressing you out these days, hasn’t it?” he asked, giving the bartender an acknowledging nod when he heard him place a new glass beside him.

His chocolate eyes scanned your face as if he’d been searching for something before finally settling on yours. As lovely as the rest of him was, there was something about the way he looked at you that always made you feel a tad uneasy. It wasn’t as if you disliked it, on the contrary, you just found it difficult to maintain eye contact for very long. If there was one thing you could say about Akira Nishikiyama, when you had his undivided attention, he made it known.

Anyone would feel as if they’re under threat of melting and losing their composure. Right?

Right?

Your brows tightened at the thought, and the feeling, “Is it really that obvious?”

He brushed his knuckles gently against the sleeve of your jacket and feigned offense, “C’mon! I know you try your best to play it up and all, but no matter how good you are at your job, there’s bound to be someone there that’s paying enough attention to spot the cracks.”

“And that someone is you?”

“Of course!” He smiled a big, goofy grin before taking a sip of his drink and nodding at the bartender. “This one’s the winner.”

“You’re not just saying that?” he asked, hopefulness in his voice.

Nishikiyama scoffed, “Since when was I the type to spare your feelings?”

“Dammit, you’re right.” The man’s face lit up as he whipped out his notepad and walked through the door behind the bar.

You traced your finger around the rim of your glass absentmindedly until you heard him snap his fingers at you. “Back to me, princess.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’ve gotta know though,” he asked. “What’s got the best hostess in town bogged down?”

Taking in a long, sharp breath, you thought about what could have possibly given him any indication that something may have been wrong with you. Had you not been doing your job properly?

“What makes you think anything has me ‘bogged down’?” you asked.

“Plenty of things.”

“Like?”

“When certain girls sit in our section, you seem like you tone yourself down– like you’re trying not to upstage them or something.”

He was right. “That’s silly.”

“You’re tense as hell when you’re next to me but you’re limp as a noodle next to any other man in my party.” he said, studying your face then his lips curled into a smile. “Which means, either one: there’s something going on backstage where I’m concerned or, two: you’ve fallen for me.”

He was… partially correct. “Alright,” you laughed. “Let's not get ahead of ourselves.”

Nishikiyama’s smile melted into something more serious as he placed his hand on the back of your chair and turned you so that you had no choice but to face him.

“But, I think the thing that bothered me the most– what made me invite you out tonight so that I could get to the bottom of it, is that your eyes aren’t shining the same.”

He was so close to you as he looked into your eyes as if he was checking one final time to confirm his suspicions and while he did that, you lost yourself in him. You could see every pore, line and bit of stubble coming in. You should’ve been upset by this closeness, frustrated that he was in your bubble. Instead, you were fascinated that he’d been watching you so closely for who knows how long when all you’d thought you were to him was the girl that poured his drinks and talked to him while he was bored. You wondered if any other customers saw you like this or if this was all him. Before you could even finish that thought, you wondered if you even cared if other customers saw you like this. Part of you wanted it to be unique to him…

“Huh…” he huffed, then flashed those pearly whites. “Cat got your tongue?”

You blinked out of your daze and shook your head, “Sorry, I’m just a little surprised you pay that much attention to your hostesses.”

“I don’t.” he said, finally settling back into his seat to take a drink of his cocktail. “I pay attention to you.”

What the hell? Your heart skipped a beat– None of your customers have ever made your heart skip a beat. You didn’t allow it. You kept each of your customers at an arm's length specifically so that they couldn’t get too close but even doing that couldn’t keep Nishikiyama from seeing through you.

And why would he even care to see through you?

“Me?” was all that you could really manage.

He nodded, “So, again, I ask... What’s the problem?”

You fixated on the candle on the wooden bartop as you contemplated what to say next.

You were conflicted. He’d pretty much hit the nail on the head. He was still your customer. So, you weren’t quite sure how wise it would be to open up. Sure, he noticed a couple of things but his impression of you and your club was what kept the lights on. He was no small spender. Losing his patronage could prove detrimental… But, it was perhaps for that reason that you considered if maybe honesty was indeed the best policy.

After all, he had noticed all those things even when you’d been trying your best to hide it. Maybe if it continued on like this, he would decide he’d rather go for someone else that could better keep it together. You winced when you felt the pang in your chest brought on by that thought.

While this entire situation brought on a bunch of undue, (unspoken) ire, you’d known in reality that it was misplaced. You were simply frustrated and though it was his fault. It wasn’t his fault. Deep down you wondered, if you’d lost him as a patron, wouldn’t you have actually been devastated?

Current events aside, the truth was, Nishikiyama was one of your favorite patrons– even after you closed your eyes and removed his bottomless wallet.

But you weren’t allowed to admit that– Policy and all.

“Hmm?” he hummed, tapping his pointer finger on the bar in your line of vision.

When you glanced at him, he tilted his concerned face at you. It was hard to conjure up a lie when he watched you like that. You wound your shoulders and silently prayed to whomever may be listening that opening your mouth wouldn’t backfire.

“So, uh, do you remember earlier…when I mentioned that there are rumors going around about you?” you asked, playing in the condensation on your glass.

He nodded, a ghost of a smirk kissing his lips.

“Well,” you sighed. “I’m… also, included in the mix.”

“How do you mean?”

You frowned, not sure if he was messing with you or if he genuinely needed you to spell it out for him but his face betrayed nothing.

“People are thinking that you and I have hooked up, Nishikiyama-san.” you said bluntly.

Nishikiyama was silent for a while, his eyes bouncing between yours before he inhaled sharply and then went for his drink. Still, his expression told you nothing.

You weren’t quite sure what to do with that. So, you stopped looking to him for indicators on whether what you were saying was okay or not and just kept talking hoping that maybe he’d stop you if he didn’t like what he was hearing.

“I’ve denied it, of course.” you clarified, “I didn’t want people getting the wrong impression of you– or me, but… It doesn’t really seem to matter what I say because they all prefer sensationalism and getting good gossip out of it rather than the actual truth. At first, they were just whispering about it like, ‘Oh, do you think they–’ but then, the more you showed up and the more you requested me, they took that as their proof that we had. That’s when they started telling me about you. I guess thinking that it would upset me or get me to crack but, I don’t care what you do in your personal life.”

He seemed to have flinched a bit at your final sentence but still he didn’t say anything. Instead, he finished up the last of his cocktail.

“I-I didn’t mean it like that. I’m sorry.”

Nishikiyama smiled a barely there smile at you then waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it. Go on. Let it out.”

“Oh, uh, just that…” you’d sort of forgotten what you’d said last.

He seemed to be able to tell.

“They tried to get you to crack…” he said, pushing his empty glass away from him then reclined back into the blue chair.

“Right, and I suppose that since I never came out with a story of my own to satisfy their lust for gossip, they started to assume I was lying. The cattiness has always been there– It’s a part of the culture but… Then, they just got mean.”

“Mean?”

“Yeah, childish stuff too. Like, notes in my locker, writing stuff on my mirror between customers so I’d see it when I got back, hiding my clothes after shift showers. That sort of thing.”

Nishikiyama had gone from being totally unreadable to mildly upset to something resembling guilt.

“All of that over some fucking rumors that they started?”

You smiled sheepishly as you nudged him with your fist, “What can I say, you’re a popular guy.”

He shook his head while pinching the bridge of his nose and released a long shaky sigh. Nothing but the jazz from the speakers behind you filled the gap. He tilted his head back, running both his hands through his hair as he stared up at the pendant lights hanging from the ceiling.

He seemed stressed.

Should you not have told him?

“You know,” he began. “____, when I saw that you were worn out in the beginning, I’d hoped that it was a money issue. So, I started spending even more than I needed to, just to make sure you were covered. Even if I didn’t touch half the shit they brought to our table. I thought I was helping you… But to think that all this time, I’ve been the reason for your trouble all along–”

“You’re not.”

“I am, though. I am.” he said, his gaze went so deep you felt as if he was peering into your soul. “Listen, I’m… I’m sorry about all of that. If I’d known that all of that was happening, I would’ve just stayed away from the damn club.”

“I wouldn’t have wanted that!” you said, reaching for his wrist. “I love it when you come around and I’m not just saying that… I’m off the clock, so.”

He chuckled, “And I lo– I enjoy your company, you know? But not at that cost.”

You sighed, it felt good getting it all off of your chest but it brought you no joy that he blamed himself for any of this. After all, he’d never cut your bra with scissors and left the pieces in a toilet for you to find later. His only crime was that he’d been too sought after for his own good– that and well, perhaps, whatever it is he truly does for a living but that’s a different conversation.

“So, where do we go from here?” he asked.

You shrugged, “I’m not sure. I’ve been flirting with the idea of leaving and going to a new club.”

He hummed, placing a cigarette in his mouth. You grabbed his lighter from the bar and he leaned toward you so that you could light it for him.

“Alright,” he exhaled. “We’ll go to a new club, then.”

“We?” you laughed.

Nishikiyama beamed, “What? You didn’t think I was just going to lose out on a drinking buddy over this, did you?”

“What was all that about ‘staying away from the club’?”

“Yeah, that club!” he said. “If you go somewhere else, you’re starting out on a clean slate!”

You narrowed your eyes at him, “And what happens when I start there and you show up and find that you’ve hooked up with 10 of those girls?”

“Oi, oi. Just who do you think I am anyway?” he said with a faux shocked expression.

“You’re going to get me bullied out of every hostess gig in Kamurocho at this rate, Nishikiyama-san.”

“You’re going a little insane with this hypothetical situation, ____.” he teased. “But, alright, fine. Then, what’s the alternative? Say I don’t come to the club anymore–”

“Why do you keep suggesting that?”

He held up his finger at you. “And I don’t follow you to whatever new club you end up at, are you saying that that’s it? I won’t be drinking with you anymore?”

He seemed to be so fixated on that.

“We’re drinking together right now, aren’t we?” you smiled. “We’re not bound to any dingy little club.”

The corners of his eyes lifted, and there was a very subtle scrunch just below the bridge of his nose as his pink lips curled. There was something so tender about his expression and you weren’t sure if it was the drink you’d nearly finished or if he’d worked some weird magic on you that made parts of you flutter.

“Then, I guess we shouldn’t let the night go to waste.” he said.

“The night is young.”

Part 3💛

Please do not reupload/repost/rewrite but reblogs are ALWAYS appreciated. Thank you for reading!

#akira nishikiyama #nishikiyama akira #akira nishikiyama x reader #nishikiyama akira x reader #another 5k words about how pretty nishiki is but the reader is too scared 2 look at the woman in the mirror and admit what she already know #PLEASE JUST MAKE OUT ALREADY I BEG #im sorry if reader is frustrating to anyone- she frustrated me too <3 we're in this together <3 <3 <3 *holding your hand and swingin*#it's gonna turn around I SWEAR!#confía en mí 🩷

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