#I added a basket for little rabbit dream :) | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

fermentedfanfics · 1 year

Text

the cottage on the hill.

hey cuties here’s another au fic, i feel like aus are the only things i write these days?? i just have a lot of ideas i want to insert loki into lmfao. ummmm i simply did no research on this genre whatsoever so i’m really sorry if it kind of sucks or is a little all over the place?? let me know what y’all think! <3 also, there’s going to be instances of mentioning of reader’s father’s initials on items, it will be done so as (F.I) thank you cuuuttiiiieeessss. this fic series is explicit and for 18+ audiences, minors dni.

summary: reader lives in the hills outside her local village, close to the fae border. after a fateful encounter with a black cat, she accidentally invites the fae king into her home. warnings: (for future chapters) fem!reader, smut, fear kink, praise kink, piv sex, unprotected sex, different time era, kinda obsessed loki? not kinda, he is obsessed, i’ll add more as the series progresses. word count: 4.1k tag list: @colorsunimaginable @huntress-artemiss (please reply below if you want to be added to the tag list for this fic series!) part two (will link once posted.)

“You should move into the village.”

You’ve heard the sentence plenty of times, over and over again– and at this point it’s a nuisance. But the old woman in front of you, her serious tone, you know you cannot laugh and wave her off. Not Meredith. Your fingers dig into the handle of your woven basket, placing four nice, round apples (the last of her order) into her hands– she sharply thrusts the six copper and one silver coins it cost her into your hands. “The hills are not safe.” Meredith grumbles, her one eye that hasn’t gone blind is shooting beady daggers into your soul.

You thickly gulp and shakily nod your head, tucking the coins into the small pack sewn to the hip of your dress. “Yes, Meredith. I’m making arrangements.” You lie, and she knows you’re lying to drop the topic. But before she can barrage you again with eerie warnings of your home, your heels have turned and you’re on your way. You thank her profusely of her patronage, but you must be on your way. Household chores and the lot.

You’ve actually not much to do today, but you desperately do not wish to sit and listen to Meredith and her outlandish stories of the fae. You were smarter than she thought, you knew to stay home and never wander. Ever since the passing of your father, the village has grown more concerned about you living in the hills all by yourself.

With nothing much else going on in their lives, it’s expectant for them to bud their noses into other’s lives and gossip– you didn’t think this much though.

“Y/N!” Gareth, a tall townsman that you’ve found yourself day-dreaming about on multiple occasions, catches your attention just as you are to leave the village. His frame towers you, and his dirty blond hair is messy from work, sticking to his forehead in the sweltering heat of the day. “Heading home already?” He muses.

You smile, nodding slightly. “Only a few deliveries today.” Gareth looks you over, your basket almost empty, odd for someone about to head home. “May I walk you?” He offers, but before you can even think you’re declining his offer and absconding.

You aren’t sure what possesses you to isolate yourself from the town, but ever since your father’s passing you’ve found yourself uncomfortable with any sort of bonding the people of the village offer you. Even from someone you fancy.

It’s an hour's time from your home to the village, you hope to be home before the sun sets. While you aren’t afraid of walking home in the dark, your trusty dagger tucked to your hip and out of sight, you also didn’t want to deal with the troubles night brought. The warm, summer wind kissed your cheeks and cooled the sweat forming on your forehead, thankful you weren’t nearly as heated as you could be.

Following the brown beated trail from your house to the village, you kept notes of your surroundings. The birds that flew ahead, the rabbits that hopped around you– if you had your traps you’d make the effort to catch some for dinner. You thought of tempting one with kindness and taking your blade to it, but you didn’t want to waste daylight.

The forests around you whispered ancient tongues directed towards everything but you about you, just as they were taught to. Where you were, who you spoke with, what you were doing– they knew far too well who would be asking these questions. But they didn’t have to, he was already there– watching.

You listened to the crunching of the leaves and sticks below your feet, enjoying the day's walk. If you were in your right mind, you would have taken Gareth up on his offer to walk you home, but there was something different. Something wrong. You could feel it in your gut, and your father always told you to never ignore a gut feeling.

Picking up your pace, the strange feeling relaxed a bit as you could see the faded, moss-overgrown roof of your home. You could practically feel the comfort of your rocking chair once the stone fencing of your house came into view, shoulders slumping.

Digging into your basket, you pulled an apple from it. Turning it to the side, you eyed the small, brown, bruise that made the woman that you tried to sell it turn it away. You felt lucky the apples trees lining the forest near your home had decided to bear fruit this soon, but a bit bitter at the expectations from the villagers. The trees were there when you were born, they weren’t going to be perfect every year.

Pulling your dagger from it’s sheath, you carefully cut the bruise from it and began to cut the apple in half, then into quarters and so on. You were left with dingy, but still edible apple slices, popping them into your mouth as you completed your trip. The sweet juice was satisfying.

Without warning, a sudden loud chatter pulled you from your thoughts. Your dagger slipped from your hands from the startle, looking down to see a beautiful, sleek black cat staring at you. He seemingly came from no where, or at least snuck up on you while you hadn’t noticed. “Oh!”

He was possibly the most beautiful cat you’ve ever seen in your life, your heart instantly swelling. Black cats were a parah amongst the villagers, harbringers of bad luck, death, and everything terrible. It wasn’t uncommon to see the instant death of black cats– it was one of the reasons you didn’t want to move to the village.

Squatting to your knees, you held your hand out to the cat, beckoning it. “Hello pretty kitty..” A smile curled to your lips as he dipped his head into your palm, purring. Oh, what a way to end the day. However, just as quickly as he turned sweet, he instantly turned sour.

The cat snapped at your hand, nipping your palm with his sharp teeth. You shouted, wincing in pain as you fell back onto your backside. “Fuck!” You cursed, looking down at the small bite mark in your hand, light dribbles of blood pooling from the wound. Well, suppose there was a reason people were wary of black cats.

Before you could react, he swiftly picked your dagger into his mouth, blade hanging out. In an instant, he was a black blur in the wind. “No! No, no, no– please!” Your voice immediately cracked, standing to your feet in an instant to chase. But it was no use, the minute the cat ducked behind the apple trees and into the forest your run came to a stuttering halt. Your chest rose, a burning sensation flaming across your skin and tears pricking your eyes.

Your father’s dagger, his prized dagger– the one he made himself and gifted you just days before his untimely death, it was gone. Just like that. Falling onto your bottom once more, you heaved at the sky. “Fuck!!” You shouted.

What would a cat want with a dagger anyway?

It was dark by the time you picked yourself help and dragged yourself into your home, tears streaking your cheeks. You cried hard and long in front of those trees, your grief gripping you by the throat with a strong vice. You’d thought you were okay. Yes, you were broken by your father’s death, alone with no one to protect or love you– but you’d stopped the crying weeks ago!

You were frustrated at how easily your sobs came back due to something so simple. Sniffling, you closed and locked your wooden door before heading to the kitchen. You needed to eat. A solemn expression settled on your face, and the ache that grew in your chest hummed painfully.

A soup would do good tonight, something comforting to pull you from this rut. Grabbing two large, chunky potatoes from the sack in the corner of your kitchen you placed them on the counter, ready to cut. Instinctively, you reached for your dagger to use and gasped when you felt it’s emptiness.

Shit.

Tears welled again, and your crumpled to the floor like a wet rag. Nothing had ever hurt so much.

Your little home filled with the sounds of your moaning sobs, weak sniffles and frustrated screams. You felt like a child having a tantrum, and all you wanted was your father. But even he couldn’t come to help.

You cried yourself to a short slumber.

Thump. Thump. Thump!

You jolted. Eyes bleary from the tears, you confusedly blinked them. Was that the door? Pushing yourself up off the floor, you wiped your wet face with the sleeve of your dress. Seems you didn’t sleep that long, it was still dark outside– just how late into the night was it?

Thump. Thump. Thump!

“Gods! Who…who would be here..?” You whispered to yourself, picking yourself up off the floor as you tried to make yourself look presentable and not like you hadn’t just crumpled into a mess of a woman. Wiping your hair from your face, you quickly rounded the corner of your kitchen to your front door.

The strange feeling that fluttered your stomach on your walk home returned, making you hesitate in opening the door. Unsure of the feeling, you took a step back from the door, staring at it warily. Perhaps you had heard wrong?

Thump. Thump. Thump!

Christ your candles were still lit, they knew you were home. You didn’t wish to deal with an intruder or burgler, let alone someone coming in to do you harm. You didn’t have your dagger, but you surely had your kitchen knives.

Running back to the kitchen, you quickly grabbed one and slid back to the door. Hiding it behind the door, you finally slid the wood slab that kept it locked away and creeked it open, peaking your head out. “..Yes?” Your voice wavered slightly.

You were surprised at the stature of the stranger in front of you, noting how you actively had to look up. He wore a hooded cape that hid most of his upper torso, the hood settled atop his head and slightly covering his face. It was dingy and slightly torn, little holes littering hte hems indicating how long he’d been using it for. His boots were covered in mud, as if he traveled far. You squinted your eyes at him.

“Can I help you, sir?”

“My lady,” He grinned, cunning and wicked. Your stomach twisted.

“I’m terribly sorry to bother you so late into the night, but, I was passing– and noticed the initials etched into your home.” Despite his attire, he was eloquently spoken. You gripped your knife tighter, trying to keep a calm face.

“Are you perhaps, F.I?”

“I am. What is it to you?” You were stern, this caused him to chuckle. It was deep, almost mesmerizing.

“Then, I believe this belongs to you.”

The stranger then reached his hand out, and you tensed. You were expecting something terrible; a curse, a dagger ready to rob, anything bad that would befall you and make you meet your end tonight. You were correct, in a sense, but the dagger in his hand made you gasp.

You didn’t even think when you dropped the knife, the clatter not reaching your ears as you opened your door wider and grabbing it from his much larger hands. “My dagger!” You heaved, the smile of relief that washed over your features make him smile wider.

The handle was carved beautifully out of wood, wrapped in a thin leather for grip. But in the blade, an engraving stood out. F.I. Your father’s dagger was back in your hands. “Gods! I never thought I’d see this again. Sir, thank you! Where did you ever find it?” Your wide eyes looked back up at him.

“Well, I found it quite odd to see a cat carrying such a thing. It dropped it when I scared it, so I kept it– just in case. And on my travels to the next village over,” He motioned towards the one you had just came back from. “I saw your home, and your initials.”

Your heart raced with excitement and joy, pure, unbridled joy. The sadness you had felt had washed away, and was replaced with a happy melancholy. Your father was still gone, but it was like he’d returned home.

Your fingers grazed the blade, looking it over. It was undamaged, surprisingly. “How could I ever thank you?” You whispered, your mistake.

The stranger held back his wide smile, sharp teeth gritting with delight. He knew not to get too excited, not too giddy. Good things come to those who are patient afterall.

Dipping his head slightly, he cleared his throat. “If it’s no trouble to you, madam, would you be so kind as to offer this traveller a meal? To ready him for his continued travels?” He innocently asked.

Looking up at him, you thickly swallowed. A stranger, in your home. Your mind, body, and soul were on different paths. Your gut said no, turn him away and call it a night. But, your heart, oh your weakness. He had kindly given you back your beloved dagger, even though he could have kept it for himself because of how well it was made. A meal was nothing to you, nothing.

Biting your lip, you peaked at the knife on the ground. Norns. “Yes!” You almost shouted, clearing your throat. “One moment.”

When you shut the door of your house, you looked down at the dagger for a moment before tucking it into it’s sheath on your hip. You picked up the knife that had made it’s way to the floor and tried your quickest to put it back into the kitchen. You hadn’t even started dinner, but the soup you were to make would do just fine.

Back to the door, you opened it and this time fully opened it, allowing the stranger access to your home. “Please, come in.” You offered with a wry smile.

The stranger graciously accepted your offer, stepping into your small, cozy little home. Your scent engulfed him, and he had to turn away from you for a moment. You’d already turned your back to him, heading back to the kitchen. “There’s not many places to sit, other than the table and my chair. Feel free to get comfortable if you wish, I’ll be making dinner then.” You wave your hand at him.

He takes your advice and melts into your chair, almost radiating in the fact that it was yours. He was delighted, gleeful in fact. You’d been much dumber than he expected, but it was with charm. Your back turned to him, he greedily took in your backside and bottom as you began to chop away at vegetables; potatoes, carrots, peppers– anything to add to the soup. It wasn’t going to be much.

“So, my lady. What does F.I stand for?” He mused.

You bit your lip, rolling your shoulders slightly. “I’ll admit that I lied to you. They are my father’s initials, not mine.” You admitted, dumping the potatoes into a pot of water you had prepped before you fell asleep. You’d have to go out and get some chicken feet to add flavor so you weren’t just feeding him vegetables and water.

“Ahhh, a little liar on my hands?”

“Well, I didn’t know who you were!” You defended yourself.

“And your name?”

“What about it?”

He grinned, so you were a tad bit informed. “May I have it?” His question was so simple, and very innocent. He was good at making your skin crawl, your forehead sweat, and your abdomen warm. Strange, indeed. You remembered what Meredith told you. Never give your name to a stranger, they’ll take it for good. “No..” You sighed.

You jumped when he burst into laughter, haughty and loud. You’d almost nicked yourself with the knife when he did, looking over your shoulder with confusion. “You are very smart, madam! Suppose I should stop testing you.” Testing for what? You wondered.

“What is your name, my lady?” He finally asked, like a normal person. You were beginning to believe he wasn’t a normal person, and the thought alone made you shudder. “What is yours?” You asked instead.

“Loki.”

“Loki?” You reiterated, it was a foreign name certainly. One you’ve never heard.

He liked the way his name rolled off your tongue, and the fact that you simply didn’t realize who he was by name only elated him. Were humans forgetting? Becoming more stupid? Loki revelled in the thought of what the future would bring.

“Yes, Loki. Now I’ve told you mine, you must tell me yours!”

You chewed on your bottom lip. “Y/N.” You huffed curtly.

Loki already knew your name, the trees whispered your secrets to him. It’s why he knew everything about you, why he loved you.

“I must step out to my coop for an ingredient, try not to mess with anything.” You simply stated as you walked across from your kitchen to the back door by the chair he had so comfortably plopped himself in. You wiped your hands onto your apron before opening the door and stepping out. You just needed some chicken feet.

When you returned, you instantly noticed Loki was no longer in the seat he was in. Before you could panic, you finally noticed him leaning over the pot of water and vegetables.

“I told you not to mess with anything.” You almost scolded him, a hint of faux-ire in your voice. You tossed the chicken feet you’d acquired into the water, looking up at him. He seemed dissatisfied with what you were making, and it made you upset. Sure he returned your dagger, but he was a guest and you were genuinely going out of your way to feed him.

No traveller would be this picky.

“I was wondering if you’d planned on feeding me just water and vegetables.” He taunted.

“And I was just thinking no traveller would be this picky.”

His silence chilled you to your core as you picked up the pot, huffing at it’s weight. You struggled to bring it over to the fire hole in the center of your home. With effort, you were able to plop the pot right over the fire– it would be a bit before it was done. This left you with some time with Loki, and your skin itched at the idea.

You melted at the dining table your father had also made, a soft sigh escaping your lips. Loki joined you, sitting across. His hood was still on, despite his comfort in your chair he had not made any advances to relax.

“Where do you hail from, Loki?” You finally asked him a question, one you should have asked long ago. The strange feeling in your gut did not leave whatsoever, in fact it only worsened. The hairs on the back of your neck stood when he was near, and his voice sent chilly vibrations throughout your body. You weren’t quite sure if you were afraid, or attracted to him.

“Asgard, and I assume you hail here?”

You couldn’t tell if Loki was lying or not. With everything he said, you just weren’t sure what to take at face value. It was what bothered you the most about him, he was a wall you seemingly couldn’t knock down. You weren’t sure you wanted to.

“Yes. My whole life.” You admitted.

“And where is your father?” The question stung, and Loki knew it did.

You’d remembered and grieved your father’s death far too many times today, your face said it all. Nose slightly scrunched, brows furrowed in such a miserable sense– it almost made Loki want to jump from where he was and hold you.

With watery eyes, you coughed slightly to cover it. You looked away, over to the pot checking it hadn’t boiled over. “He’s dead.” You quaked. This night wasn’t how you planned and you wanted it to end instantly.

But looking over his figure, his large hands with long, delicate fingers– he’d overpower you easily should the night go awry. You admit you were scared of Loki, deeply afraid. His mere presence evoked a trigger in your flight or fight responses, and you wanted to fly.

“That is a shame truly, to leave a lovely daughter all alone. With no one.”

His words were a stab to the heart, breaking you down. You abruptly stood from your seat, clearing your throat. “The..soup.” You motioned over to it, your excuse for leaving. Hastily making your way over, you grabbed a large wooden spoon from the kitchen and began to stir. It finished much faster than you anticipated, but you were glad it was. The sooner he ate, the sooner he left– right?

Loki watched you carefully as you walked from the kitchen to the pot again like a ghost, two bowls in hand. You first filled his, the broth a nice brown-ish colour from the cooked chicken– and when you handed it to him you held up your hand for one moment.

You returned from the kitchen with a loaf of bread, breaking a piece for him. He gratefully took it. You then made your own bowl and joined him once again at the table, exhausted. Loki ripped a piece off the bread you’d given him, dipping it into the hot liquid before taking a bite. A hum escaped his chest, as if he were a starved man eating for the first time in weeks.

Starved but picky? His strange aura eluded you. “Much better than I expected, this will get me through the night, madam.” He grinned, almost as if he wanted to taunt you to anger– to do something not in your right mind.

What was the point in sharing names if he was just going to call you madam and lady? You weren’t even a lady, the state of your home made that clear. Tearing off a piece of bread, you silently dipped it into your soup and took a bite. Much to your surprise, he was right.

The soup was delightfully flavourful, instantly warming your core. Your mouth watered as you swallowed the broth soaked bread, picking up one of the smaller wooden spoons you’d grabbed for the two of you to eat with. You scooped up a chunk of potato, slurping it down with a bite of bread and as you chewed you began to realize there was something off about the soup.

You wanted to panic, to stop eating, but you didn’t. You kept eating it, because it was delicious. It was the most delicious soup you’d ever made, and you were a pretty good cook. Your mind ran wild with how something so simply put together tasted so good that you didn’t notice Loki had finished, and was watching you devour the soup and bread like you were the one starved.

When you finished the soup, you couldn’t stop the sigh of content that released from your chest. You felt warm, fuzzy, and sleepy. A tired you’d never felt before. You chalked it up to eating such a hot dinner on such an emotional night, but you knew you were going to sleep heavily afterwards. You looked forward to it.

Loki standing up pulled you from your daze, your tired eyes looking up at him. “Thank you for the meal, my lady. But I must take to the night.” He told you holding out his hand. Without much thought, you slipped your hand into his. Loki brought your knuckles to his lips, placing a chaste kiss upon them. Your brows flew up in surprise at the sentiment, the skin where he’d kissed feeling hot as well as your cheeks and ears. This was unexpected.

“Oh, it’s alright– please.” You awkwardly pulled your hand from his, stepping aside to lead him to the door. A part of you was jumping with glee that he was leaving so soon.

“If it’s no mind to you, when I am finish with my duties in the village, may this traveller come back for another meal tomorrow night?”

His question did not have time to linger before you agreed without thinking, wishing you’d bit your tongue. With a grin, Loki let himself out and was gone into the night. You closed the door, sliding the lock into place.

You stared at the door for a moment, then wavered to the bedroom in the back– it was your father’s bedroom now turned yours. You plopped into the bed, softly grunting as your body collided with the fluffy blanket. Your body was burning, and your head was elsewhere. That soup did a number on you, and as you thought back to seeing Loki leaning over the pot, you drifted into a deep slumber for the rest of the night.

337 notes · View notes

sanghyukstattoos · 3 years

Text

SF9′s reaction: you comfort them when they are exhausted and upset

Characters: Sweet guys who could only appear in your dreams

Word count: lmao

Genres: Fluff, smut, suggestive smut

A/N: For more works like this one, click here

Hearing the front door open, you called out, ‘’Binnie?’‘, voice distinctly echoing in the walls of the hallway. They were ghostly practitioners because your husband did not answer back. Like you, he had just come back from work, his briefcase already tossed to the side and entering the storeroom turned jacket area, he hung his suit jacket. Unlike his morning attire, his shirt was crumpled from the sleeves to the back and the belt was quickly rounded, thrown into the basket of belts.

You watched him sigh in overall discontent, chuckling at his need to just take a day off and relax. You excitedly stretched your limbs, setting down the numerous take-out fliers you had pulled out. Your eyebrows went up and your mouth puckered in question. Looking from side to side, you wondered, what is the rush?

He had not answered your call but upon seeing you, he lit up, quickly moving towards you as a rabbit would when it is cuddled and gave you a tiny, baby peck on the cheek. You smiled in delight, walking along with him as he asked, ‘’How was your day?’’. You hummed, stating that it was hectic yet good and he agreed with the former point.

‘‘Mine was hectic too’‘ he pouted and you caught his attention with a gentle smile, taking him in your arms and giving him a hug. He settled into your arms, the tiredness looking familiar to you. You were sure that his head was hurting. His expression was similar to when he was in a fucked-out state- hazily staring at you through those beautiful half-lidded eyes, lips slightly parted as he gazed at you, but only this time he was dreaming.

‘‘You know’‘ he whispered, leaning into your embrace. You nodded, wrapping your arms around his waist and leaning into his chest as he rested in the crook of your neck. He did not explain any further, choosing to rest in the silence of your comfort. ‘’We should have some wine.’’ he whispered, hugging you closely. ‘’Now?’’ you asked, purely curious. He agreed and you replied, ‘’How about after we do this?’’, motioning to the bath.

You found it evident that he was fatigued, saying, ‘‘Come with me, I’ll wash your hair’‘. He happily nodded, taking off the rest of his clothes and feeling the stickiness of the day escape him. He felt less stuffier now than when he first entered the house, smelling like the office he had worked in all day. His eyes reflected greediness as he stepped into the water, making you chuckle, pleased that he was looking more handsome than ever and in good shape.

First on your list of things to do was to grasp his face in your hands and kiss him. Passionately, your lips settled onto his, lovingly holding him in place. He was enjoying it, gently gripping at your shirt. Although he had this innocent appearance to him, the strength and endurance he had in his ambition paralleled yours, one of the reasons why you had fallen in love with him. There was little lingering, yet feeling like you could be closer.

Sometimes, you spent your lunch with him, overlooking the pretty white blossoms cornering your building. It crowded your view of the often busy street and sometimes went bald but in your office, you forsook the working relationship you had with him. Sharing your food, plotting the evasion of your higher-ups orders- How could you explain it? It was intimate, fiery and included a tingle of the senses. (Perhaps, all of the senses?)

You wanted to love him over and over again, like watching one episode after the other, late into the night. The two of you were intimately brought together, your feelings escalating when you made love on the bed, on the kitchen counter on a lazy morning or on the sofa while watching some boring movie, sometimes switching fast sex to casual.

He leaned back, hands quickly motioning to you, ‘’Get in here please’’. You laughed aloud, excitement filling your system like blowing air into balloons at birthday parties. He breathed out a sigh of relief as your fingers tangled in his shampoo-filled hair, white, scrubby bits everywhere, some even floating in the air.

He was relaxed, soothed by your touches before he started giggling and playing with the water, running his hands through it and smiling at the ripples that formed. ‘’Should I join you?’’ you teasingly pondering as he pouted at you, maybe thinking, get in here? Please?. Not caring whether you were ruining your clothes, you took them off with your soap covered hands and threw them in the basket. He admired your figure and the way it was enveloped by the warm water.

He welcomed you with extended arms and you straddled him, comfortably settling on his lap. You could not choose what to liken his smile too. You tangled your fingers in his hair, pretending to be distracted because you were unable to to contain the heat that rose to your cheeks that in turn, rose with your smile. You wanted to give him some advice which got pushed back when he began to wander your body, delicately bathing your skin with warm water.

You paused, purely curious as he rested a hand on your ass while you were brought close to him, his lips encasing yours in a touch that evoked a heated response from you. You rose with the kiss, unconsciously grinding your hips against his tip that brushed your inner thigh. You were taken back with his unexpected actions, very much enjoying the effects.

He parted your ass cheeks, arousal flooding to your sex as it was embedded within the two of you. Every time felt congruously new, like a passionate relish of red, plump apples or biting into a ripe mango, feeling the juice trickle into your mouth, encasing your tongue in something watery yet sugary.

He left you little to the imagination: water spilt out of the tub, rippling with fast movements. You threw your head back, heavily breathing, both of you vicarious in the feeling of sounds. You let out soft cries of pleasure while he thrusted his hips up, groaning at the feeling of your walls clenching down on his member. He felt the smooth curve of your ass, grabbing it as he buried himself inside you, kissing every part of your body that was accessible to him as you held onto him, bouncing unrhythmically.

He roamed your body, over and over again. You were lost right now, gasping, moaning, crying out in intimacy as you held onto the tub. You lifted your hip, and then in a quick, repeated motion, you met his own. You could feel him trail your legs as you got off him and faced the wall, hands slipping for grasp as he entered you from behind. He was pleased to end his day with you, to feel you around him, habiting his nearest surroundings. And for you words of advice, he was thankful too.

Today had been rough. Inseong was swamped in how people were treating him, the intentions behind their behaviour ambiguous. So he found it vague to explain it to you or rather, find a label for it. He said that it was complicated and you understood, telling him that many things were hard to justify too, because it didn’t fit the category of direct and explainable. It was the small things that either added up or didn’t.

Then came the pressure that followed such things. The embedded attitudes of people felt relentless. It was similar to an unjustified attack, tiring Seong out from daily routines and schedules. He had informed you of what was going on. When you asked him what his plans were, he simply shrugged, sighed and gave you a smile (keeping hopes up that it would go away). Some things did not go away unless you told them too.

You couldn’t tell him to ‘let it pass’ or ‘ignore them’ because although it did not seem like it, those words were inconsiderate. Instead you told him to stand up for himself, in small ways, like their behaviour. You refused to see him hurt like this- partly defeated and showing easy acceptance of something that could be changed. You did your best to encourage him, lightly scolding him for keeping such a mindset in the first place.

As he sat on the sofa, suit still on and laying exhausted in your arms, nestling into the comfort he found in you, you combed through his hair, wanting to ask him some questions. He mumbled his answers sleepily, not bothering to hide the truth from you, saying it plain and simple. As it should have been told from the start, you heard it, brainstorming of how to combat this. But both of you were equally worn out and so you accidently fell asleep in the living room, waking up hours later in each other’s arms.

The next time, you had come home some hours after him, daylight fading into the distance but the blues had already set in, much earlier than you had thought. You remember entering the house and placing your shoes in the stand. You had placed your stuff in the bedroom, quickly changing into home clothes. All the while, the air was silent albeit the presence of Seong who had already texted you that he had reached home.

You were happy to see him, having kissed him in a hurry to feel him on you unlike the first half of the day when you had so dearly missed him. After a good conversation, he downplayed the events in a deflating manner. The story was malicious and you did not appreciate their insincerity. They had treated him more roughly then before and it occurred to you that Inseong’s tunnel of vision had narrowed. In hope he thought that there wasn’t much for the future but you were infuriated upon hearing his story.

You were still on for fighting back, not hitting the knees or lightly shoving. There was no sugar-coating, making the relay barren but you had wanted him to understand what you had meant. Instilling some fight into him, he had understood, swallowing your advice to find others that disagreed with this type of treatment. To find like-minded people and rid himself of his problem, once and for all.

It wasn’t easy for him but in the coming weeks, you noticed a change- that he was happier than before. He was giddy and you reflected on previous memories, thinking that he had always managed to be happy, those people had just dampened it. Today, you sat with an unopened wine bottle, texting your friends till Inseong came home. And when he did, your phone was flung somewhere (so precious, hopefully on the sofa itself) and he took you into his arms, giving you a hug.

You excitedly returned it back and the familiar thudding returned when you saw him smile, gummy version and lit eyes showing. Although he was tired, he was brimming with energy, agreeing to your proposition of wine and cookies. He rolled onto the sofa, throwing the covers over your thighs and leaning on your shoulders. His legs ached from the walk to get home as quick as possible but it felt worth it.

You gave him a peck, grinning as he cutely leaned in for more. The more you gave into him, the more you smiled from ear to ear. The screen of the television greeted your eyes in the bright light of the living room, heart beat steady as you embraced Seong. Bringing his hair back, you chuckled at his facial expressions that immediately relaxed, taking a sip of his wine in the process. ‘’That felt good’’ he commented, feeling the rumble of your chest as you laughed.

‘‘Including your whole day? That sounds good’‘ you replied, cross-legged as you grabbed a cookie, Seong’s eyes tracing the crumbly deliciousness. Breaking a piece, you plopped it into Seong’s parted lips, smiling at his quick response to the melted chocolate. ‘‘It was and things are looking up’‘ he happily motioned, responded and you listened as he spoke more, entailing you to the details. You firstly felt happy, secondly thrilled that you had won, unanimously.

You could hear someone distinctly coughing in another room, its nature echoing and reverberating and hence catching the attention of JaeYoon as well. He kept silent, not a peep from his mouth when the familiar pain affected his temples, lighting up like red lights around his eyes and cheeks, inciting him to desire a cough.

You watched from your spot at the door, his back hunched and eyes monotonously staring at the screen. You flinched as you thought of the pain of staring into something that bright in a room so dark. As you leant against the door frame, you saw him harshly rub the pain away from his heavy eyes that would not open as far as they usually would.

He looked like he was having trouble looking up, heavily exhaling as he tried to resist the pain. They grew stronger like the thudding sounds of boots against a wooden floor that by the second neared closer to you.

He gets up from the table, his chair scraping against the floor as it is pushed back with sheer force of his anger, annoyance, irritation. It takes him less time than swinging a baseball bat to launch a last-minute defence than to grab the chair he sits on and fling it at the wall. He believes that no one around as he sighs, then shamefully picks it up and sits on it again, reflecting.

You wondered what he was imagining, looking lost in thought. His cheeks turned red like the sunset, a gradient of embarrassment. What he was feeling was understood by his team members and although you were blameless, a part of your decision-making process pricked at your mind. It started to gnaw until you shooed it away, tricking you into thinking that his pain was influenced by you.

You were mindful of your perception of his situation, understanding that if you did not have the full details, you did not have the right to serve him harsh words either. There could have been more to what he had told you because he was an excellent soldier and knew how to weave tales to best fit his situation, even to his team leader.

He knew now that you were at the door, shadow having shifted due to the movement of light. When he faced you, he settled his hair down, even though it already was- a habit he had when he was nervous. He yearned for your comfort like a hug or a few words of advice. It was not selfish of him for it was human desire and unable to breach the relationship he had with you, he settled for your praise whilst watching you from afar.

Under your gaze, he felt nervous but his thoughts overcame him because he felt hardened to the fact that he could not change the past and knew still, that it was useless to ponder over such things. As you scanned his form, the anger he felt was irreplaceable and you felt that you could not soothe him, yet. For the kind of person that he was, you knew that he would pull through.

You made your move to give him time, giving him one last look as you turned back and walked away. Hours later, he must have been calm, rationally thinking of the situation when you saw him in the swimming pool on the roof. Leaning against the wall, he put his phone down upon seeing you enter. You said nothing, his eyes wide and suggesting something that could not be put into a sentence. You expected him not to question and he did not, waiting for you to speak first.

As you slipped into the water, a line of goosebumps trailed your leg yet you entered without flinching, letting a wave of water swallow your body. You were engulfed and while basking in the liquid, you moved towards him, coming together for camellias and carnations presently unknown.

Warm sunlight and the mindless singing of birds filled the air like filling water into a jug. You paddled towards him, watching him stand up straight, eyes never moving below your jaw. He waited and waited till you came to him, till your face was as close to him as two threads sewn one after the other. His system was frozen, back against the wall, water still, only small ripples forming as you moved towards him.

‘‘We can’t let someone know about this’‘ you mumbled, regretfully looking at his confused eyes. His lips were parted in question, words barely coming out as he shook his head in agreement. Unconsciously moving closer to you, you smiled, exclaiming, ‘‘Should I show you the place where everyone goes to take a break without me knowing? And you too apparently’‘.

‘‘Did I read that wrong? Or something? I thought-’‘ he asked, clearing his head and halting your movements when you began to walk away. You chuckled, replying, ‘‘Hold on-’‘. You disagreed as you continued, ‘’No, you didn’t. I just thought it would be better to be somewhere private than here.’‘. He came to the realisation pretty quickly, turning his opinion around at the open space for a lack of privacy or none thereof in the first place.

As he followed you, it clicked to him and he didn’t stop himself from asking, ‘’There is a place where people go to relax?’’. You laughed, pointing to some place beneath the surface of land, carefully opening the door. You marvelled in amazement when it did open, exactly as you were told, your eyes meeting his affiliating gaze based on the way you smiled in wonder. Reflective, you looked around, laughing as you caught each other turning at the same time.

‘‘I don’t know why we haven’t been introduced to this place as yet’‘ you stated, seeing a glint of something shiny in the background.

‘‘I agree and shouldn’t you know about this? Given where it is’‘ he motioned, pleasantly unsurprised, figuring that you had your own place to relax. As he bent down to crawl you responded, ‘’If anyone, I might be the last to know’’, drawing a laugh from the both of you at how true it was.

The entrance was wide, allowing you to swim without hitting the sides. Lights lit the sides and you were met with a staircase, droplets cascading down your wet clothes as you stepped out of the water. Neither of you bothered to comment on the spiral staircase or the enormous dry room, filled with private corners of games, food and drinks.

You stared at with mouths agape until Jaeyoon broke the silence. After finding a place to change into fresh clothes, you met him at the massage chairs, twined in a corner that gave you a view of the doors. ‘’Here’’ you handed him a beer bottle, asking him, ‘’Aren’t you going to switch it on?’’, looking around for a button. He shook his head, popping open the cap between the bend of his arm and taking a sip from it.

Well, you thought, Jaeyoon’s attention turning to the buzzing machine as you relaxed, sighing in content. He was bewildered, asking, ‘’You turned it on?’’ while trying to configure the buttons himself. You met his stare, trying to playfully kick him, exclaiming, ‘’Stop staring at me, turn it on!’’, drawing a laugh from the both of you as he slipped into the darkness of the massager. You were caught in the trap of the machine, its gentle massages turning sinister.

Your bottles were left empty handed as you felt the soothing motions of the machine. The place was appropriately sized for a team of eight people and two people had managed to occupy a small corner of it. You smiled, thinking of the room itself, trying to enjoy yourself in the moment without thinking of anything else. Meanwhile, Jaeyoon was drifting off, pleasantly lost in the idea of starting something new with you.

Sanghyuk leant on his elbow, propped up by the pillow, peering at you with ambiguous eyes. You merely hummed at his offer and a small smile tugged at your lips. This proposition of his always stood, no matter the circumstance. You thought that there was nothing for you to lose but you were wrong. And so you shrugged, tossing the covers aside and getting in beside him.

There was a gap in between, obvious that he was treading the waters carefully. You laid next to him, not touching his arm or leg, perhaps expecting him to pull you towards him. The gap was evident, but only to the both of you. He lingered next to your fingers and you interlocked it, turning on your side as you asked, ‘‘Are you worried about something?’‘

Strands of hair flopped on his forehead as he nodded, taking in a deep breath. In doing so, he swallowed his stress and looked at you. He flashbacked to your features, expressions, mannerisms, recounting them one by one. Your breath hitched as he grasped your waist, pulling you closer till your body was touching his.

There it was. He did not say anything, evident that he didn’t have a reason to be with you today. Unlike his usual line providing you an explanation, he chose to forgo one this time. And he didn’t need to. There had been another fall today at work but he didn’t particularly care about it. Not until he heard you say in that tone of voice, ‘’It’s all the same, it doesn’t matter’’ with that look in your eyes.

It was as if you didn’t know each other that well, that you hadn’t been sleeping with each other all this time. Like he had once heard, there is an emotional component to sex. All he had done then was nod, but then began his doubts and he wanted to know if it was true.

If you reciprocated his feelings. You cleared your throat, removing the strands of hair from his face. ‘’Say something’’ you murmured, and he only replied by caressing your cheek and bringing you closer to him. He wanted your lips, to feel you on every part of his body and for you to pull him close and hold him and tell him how much of a good boy he was for you.

‘‘You look like you’re in a different place today’‘ you continued and he decided that he would tell you. His heart began racing and he got nervous, shifting his line of sight to the ceiling. You sighed in frustration, leaning a distance away from him, removing his hand from yours.

There was no rule that you couldn’t like each other, you were adults and you could sort this out as it happened. But you hadn’t known why you did not speak about it all this time. You had purposely thrown him off these days, either by telling him that you were busy and you couldn’t meet up with him or that you just were not available. And like that, what was in sight was out of mind.

But it hurt you. To see the look on his face was painful and you could remember crying about it once. But whatever your reason was, you wanted to settle this.

Your friend could not understand why you wanted to turn Sanghyuk down. She was in disbelief over his physique and how sweet of a guy he was and the fact that the two of you got along very well. She was proud of you for finding someone whose intentions were good, inside and out. ‘’You need to say something Sanghyuk’’ you said, reaching out for his hand.

‘‘I’m not sure how to-’‘ he started, waving his hands in the air. But he pulled you, planting his lips on yours. And you did this thing with swinging around on your decisions. You gave in, kissing him back. It was pretty, sure, because you had kissed many times. This time, there was a confession leaning over your head and Sanghyuk did not anticipate the fact that you would accept.

You needed to think about it. ‘’Please stop thinking so hard. Tell me. I just want to tell you that I like you. You want to say, ‘’Although, I like you too, it’s complicated’’.’’. It was a gold-mine worth of information which shouldn’t have been worth its value. As you leaned back and told him, he listened and just when you had finished he groaned out a ‘’come here’’ and pulled you into his arms.

In three moments, he told you some statements that began to mean so much more than some cheesy lines written on a paper. Perhaps, when those lines were written, the writer had empathised with the person and then understood the deeper meaning of those lines. You realised that you hadn’t read the text properly, skimping over it. But now, you gasped in awareness, his softness and gentleness bringing tears to your eyes.

He wiped them away, pressing a kiss to each cheek. The two of you laid there in the peacefulness of being in each other’s arms, the threads of your relationships being folded by beautifully intricate knots. When the last hours of the week had arrived, Sanghyuk was so exhausted that he fell asleep in your arms. You had been watching tv as he sat there, persistently asking to eat you out.

You had narrowed your eyes but you then as you looked at him, you remember caving in. The yes was fairly quick. He also moved quickly onto his knees, clearing telling you, ‘’Thank you’’ before he took off your bottoms, propping your knees on his shoulders. You had tugged his hair, making him go faster as your eyes absent-mindedly trailed to his messy nose and mouth.

You had told him how much of a mess he was making and when you asked him if he liked it, he proceeded to giggle. He ate you out multiple times, ignoring the ache of sitting on his calf muscles and only focused on you. You cleaned yourself up, making a mental note to return the favour, in another way as you tucked him into the sofa, throwing your leg over him and falling asleep like a baby.

'’Are you feeling okay?’’ you asked your boyfriend, whose sighing was aimless, less than distinct the fatality of the sound of giving up. He was constantly running his hands through his hair. However, to take the hair out of his face he was met with the bright sunlight that the open curtains let through, shining almost everywhere apart from you.

You were barely covered by the warmth of the high-numbered tog cover. Each part of your body was warming up, leaving with something of an uncomfortable feeling. Seokwoo was rehearsing lines in his head, too many thoughts swarming, not permitting him to concentrate. He was unaware that you were watching him, almost losing him to a daydream.

Attention on him when he discarded his slippers, you pulled the covers over him as he settled into your side. He grumbled nonsense words that made you chuckle, lovingly caressing his cheek, losing your grasp as he smiled. You smiled back, nestling into the warmth of his arms, throwing an arm over him and kissing each eye that blinked in wondersome, secretly glowing with love too.

He laid on his back so that you were on top of him and hence, earned a giggle from you. Looking at you, he softly spoke, not vague in his indication of what he was speaking about, ‘’You know how I’ve been working all these days?’’. It was unfair, that so many people in his profession had to deal with a distinct loss of sleep and fatigue.

You hummed, encouraging him with a nod, understanding that it was building up and today, he couldn’t seem to make it work with what he had in front of him. ‘’I can’t do it- No, I can but I’m too tired right now’’ he continued, heaviness not allowing him to continue.

As he told you the details in a soft, whispery voice and light-heartedly neutral tone, you felt a deep sense of sadness overcome you. You wanted to help him so you told him many things. There was a story of your own work, wrapping the details with a snapping recovery from previously stimulated events. All the while, he listened carefully, not saying a word, occasionally asking a question or too. The latter especially made you smile as you carded your fingers through his hair, laying your head on his chest while speaking to him.

‘‘It won’t be the defining moment of your life, ever. It always feels like it in the moment but when you pass it, you won’t look behind. And when you do, it will be because you have already encountered something so difficult. ’‘ you spoke, peeking at him humming in agreement. ‘‘How much longer do you think you’ll need on it?’‘ you asked and he sighed, lost in contemplation over the calculation of the number of days he would need for this.

You chuckled, grasping his fingers and softly nestling against his cheek, bringing him back to reality. ‘’Should we do something instead? Maybe you can take a break for a little while?’‘ you questioned, thoughts already forming in your head. He lit up at this idea, giving one last look to the work on his desk before you tugged him along to the kitchen.

‘‘It’s good for you, you know. Like it’s good to get out and do stuff’‘ you said with a laugh, flailing your hands arounds to try and get him to understand that you wanted him to cook. You held back your laughter as he stood there with an apron on, utensil tilted at an angle, egg almost about to be whisked and an unamused expression adorning his handsome face.

He had not thought that he would be the one to cook! The pearly whites of your teeth showed as he looked up, sighed, collecting himself while standing in front of the counter, holding in his laughter as he heard yours float the room. He shook his head stating, ‘‘You are so sneaky? When did you even put this on me?’‘ he laughingly questioned, motioning with an open mouth of feeling startled towards the apron that he had no idea how- landed on him.

You whole-heartedly shrugged, smiling as you grabbed a handful of chocolate cereal, dipping them one by one in Nutella. ‘’Give me some’’ he salivated, opening his mouth as you filled it. He gladly received them, moaning in delight, instantly savouring the double-sweetness of the snack.

His cheeks moving in cute, little circles as he crunched, flipping the sizzling pancake. Leaning back, he cleared his hair from his face and you admired his bare face. ‘’More’’ he said, bringing you out of your day-dream. You were watching the way he moved, licking his lips as you asked, ‘’Should we add some Nutella to the pancakes?’’.

He excitedly nodded, saying, ‘’And some bananas and that, what is it?’’, leaving you mid-state as you collected the ripe ones, peeling them open and slicing the softness. You began guessing, ‘’Caramel?’’ to which he replied, ‘’Similar!’’. You were suspicious, adding, ‘’Are you just going along with the first thing I say?’’.

‘‘No’‘ he stated, laughing, even more so when you said, ‘‘Yea, honestly, I can’t think of anything else. What do we have in the house?’‘. The pancake almost burned before you pointed to it and in a hurry he turned it over. The both of you sighed in relief because it could be eaten. It hadn’t been too far gone for it to meet the trash.

‘‘The thing that people drizzle on their- oh! maple syrup!’‘ he exclaimed and it clicked in your head, saying, ‘‘That! Where is it?’‘. He threw his head back, holding back a playful groan, replying, ‘‘I don’t know. I have never tasted it’‘.

‘‘It’s been in our house for decades though’‘

‘’Don’t play. How did it taste?’’

‘‘I thought that it would really sweet you know?’‘

‘‘Uh-huh, like when they drizzle too much and the whole thing is just-’‘ he expressed distastefully with his mouth.

‘’Yea! But it wasn’t. It was kinda sweet and I ended up having some more’’

‘’What did you have it with’’

‘’Bananas and buttered bread’’ and he agreed, salivating in delight.

What a cutie, you thought, getting off your seat to pinch his cheeks and make cooing noises at him, then wrapping your arms around him and leaning into his side. When you looked up at him, he leaned to give you a kiss, beautifully wholesome and restrained, warm breaths exchanging as he comfortably moved against your lips, hands mid-air but lips softly pressing against yours. The pancakes sizzled, crisping around the edges as you softly moaned into the kiss, the thumping of your heart ever present in your ears.

Almost as far as he could grasp the situation, he was also having trouble. The trouble to walk as he would occasionally stumble, he tried not to make a habit of it. He was sweating, mini droplets of blood splattered over the right side of his hair and face.

He chuckled, muttering an incomprehensible set of words as he looked down at his right leg. It was bleeding, viciously. The blood was seeping from out of the wound and staining his trousers and he could feel it. He could feel its pain, jolting out his dream-like state when a car honked.

He was surprised because it wasn’t that loud as compared to other cars. The sound was almost muffled and he smiled, clutching his leg as he continued walking. He shook his head, clearing his mind when he realised that he was supposed to be catching the suspect.

Adrenaline flew through body, almost faltering but he wouldn’t give up. Sweat greatly stained his hair, dampening it to stick to his forehead. He stumbled, catching the corner of a wall to steady himself, and then he moved on. He walked and walked, not giving up and finally, the perpetrator was in sight.

He weakly called out for you to stop. You had just taken a rough turn and although your muscles ached, you needed to keep going. The faint rustling of the detective’s steps and voices could be heard. You ran and ran, the distinct voices of cry ringing through your mind.

You did not hear Zuho at first. He reached out for you in the darkness of the night, lightbulbs then collided with a huge trash can. The noise echoed and you jumped back, struggling to get yourself in the blind spots of the cameras that lined the alley.

Breathing heavily, you glared at the figure that was crouched. You only figured that it was someone drunk or high, until the headlight lit up. You were taken back, your system freezing as you viewed the fatigued face of Zuho. Through the ups and downs of your career that had been impacted by the fall of various democratic powers, the two of you joined the resistance.

In its early stages, when there were hardly many people, you slowly climbed the ranks, proving yourself to be an asset to the growing group. Zuho, on the other hand, remained close by, not desiring to engage in the ranks of the resistance. Instead, you kept your status as his mentor, teaching him how to hone his skills.

He looked after the house that the two of you owned, taking on the role of domestic duties till you came home from work and made love to him. When the resistance wanted to utilise all their people to the best of their abilities, he gladly took on the role of househusband, even if they did not have a job opening for him.

‘‘Shit’‘ you muttered, walking back to Zuho. The bells rang louder, the closer you approached Zuho. His lieutenant’s badge shone in gold and you crouched, desperately telling him, ‘‘I can’t take you back. They will find out about you’‘. He moaned in pain and when you pushed back his hair, you were overcome with the need to kiss him.

You pulled yourself back, watching from the corner of your eyes about the detectives and in that moment, he collapsed. His weight gave way and with a thud, he hit the floor. You decided not to let him die on this floor. You adamantly shouted into your receiver, ‘’Help me!’’. You heard the footsteps rush behind you, pulling you off the floor and pushing you in the direction of the car.

As you looked back, you saw them in a co-ordinated manner pick him up. Getting into your cars, you drove away, your colleague looking back at the soldiers who were scrambling to treat Zuho. ‘’This will fuck our plans’’ he muttered, holding back tears at Zuho’s state. You weakly chuckled, eyes dropping but you fought to stay awake saying, ‘’We will see from here on out’’.

Handling businesses on the ground made you realise that your group had more power than you thought. The workers of the law were corrupt, not all of them though. Some of them fought against these dirty workers and while some slipped into the greediness of money, some held on, even if their hands were burned off. The pain that rotted the city was terrible and you were sure that you had not seen the worst of it.

You were received by medics of a nearby camp and you woke up, shortly before the completion of two whole days. When you woke up, you reported to your boss first, then searched for Zuho. You walked the place by yourself, not wanting to answer any questions. Although, it was nice to know that people still cared for you even after your undercover disappearance for the last six months.

You smiled, pausing when you saw Zuho laying on the bed, saline attached to his right hand vein and catheter hanging on the other side. You showed your badge to the cards and the barcode right above your right hand elbow. As soon as they verified both, you almost slowed down, tracing the board that held his information.

You did your best to hold back your tears, repeatedly blinking, walking and turning around. Clearing your throat, you stood up and shook your shoulders in a motion that was similar to shaking the weight off. You sat back down, leaning on Zuho’s shoulder and grasping his hand, you softly squeezed. The last of your relief washed over you and you desperately wanted the feeling to come back.

It felt good and after so long, you knew that your battles had only just begun. You had made a mistake by bringing him here. But it was either that or he would have died by the time they had gotten him to a hospital past the civilian areas. Zuho woke up, seeing your form peaceful. He was overwhelmed, mouth dry and a groan escaped his lips causing your head to snap up.

You handed him a glass of water, his thirst as a result of the injection he had been given. You smiled, reaching over to place a kiss on his cheek. ‘’Should I just stay with you?’’ he groggily asked, gently squeezing your hand when you smiled, placing another gentle kiss to his cheek. ‘’You should stay’’ you commented, having already chosen a plan with your commander.

It included Zuho and all you needed was his approval on his part. You pressed the button on the control and you kicked your shoes off, joining him. ‘’I was worried about you all the time, you know.’’ you spoke, breaking the peaceful silence. He had been stationed not far from you but you could never see him. Such meetings were prohibited. At the end of every three weeks, you did meet and bask in each other’s warmth in your provided house.

But once every twenty-one days was not enough. He always wanted to be with you but there was the risk of your jobs clashing and interfering with your work plans. ‘’I was worried about you too. It was hard not to’’ he replied, nudging your cheek with his nose. He wanted to reunite with you right now, squeezing your arm as he slid down to your waist.

You connected your lips, running through his soft hair, grasping the back of his head and pulling him closer. Your bodies touched, the warmness exchanging in your own space. You put a hand on his chest, smiling as you leaned back, whispering in his ear, ‘’ We can’t, you have a catheter on’’.

Only for this context was it a moment of finality and his ears almost burned when he groaned, kissing you and leaning back, throwing his head back on the pillow. Your laughs mingled and you patted his better leg, getting off the bed. ‘’Where are you going?’’ he asked, eyes curiously wide and hand reaching for your presence.

You hummed, a bounce in your step as you said, ‘’I’ll go get some food for us’’. He nodded, pausing when you spoke up once again, ‘’I was just thinking of how to pleasure you. Think about it while I’m gone.’’, patting the wall as you left. Upon hearing you, he groaned, letting out a small cry. The catheter was the least of his problems because it was the wound that would take most time to heal.

He smiled at your words, looking at the direction in which you left, thinking, what a person. However, he was filled with an even bigger sense of determination. He would live and see this problem to its end. And then he would buy a house with you and have kids. He could see himself eating the food he cooked and watching tv with them all day, smiling into his dream. Your relationship was never founded from this war anyways.

It was never torn apart because of it and you always stood by each other’s side. He decided that he would fight beside you, taking your guidance and training himself for the final war to come. He imagined a gun in his hand, pulling the trigger over the perpetrators of violence against the civilians he had spent months building trust with.

Taeyang came home bone-tired. His shoulders ached, joints unnecessarily struggling. There was a familiar tiredness in his body, radiating throughout. It seeped into whole wavelengths and he was sure that you noticed it. And it was hard not to as he mumbled something incoherent, resting his head on your shoulder, sighing as he inhaled the smell of home.

Secure was the feeling that surrounded him, the one he realised was the most important after being in this industry for so long. So normal were some things that many didn’t even notice how invading it was. He found that it came from his members, his family and you. To get home after a long day and not be all alone in the house. It was the knowing that saved him from rolling his eyes and falling asleep on the floor.

You awed, snuggling into him. You pressed a kiss to his cheek, hearing him whisper, ‘’I’m too tired, we should go to sleep’’. His stomach garbled, empty from hours of burning and burning, tirelessly or passionately, easy to understand that he had some sort of fire raging within him. All that fire was laying low now, needing fuel to rage. You chuckled, grasping his hand as you asked, ‘’How was your day?’’, leading him to the kitchen.

He nodded, giving you a thumbs up and slumping on the table. You turned around in surprise as he whined a little, telling you belatedly, ‘’There are too many things to do. I have to shower, wash up, eat and then sleep. It’s like there is a never-ending list of things to do.’’. You cracked up at his statement, drawing some chuckles from him too.

‘‘I’m just saying, you know.’‘ he said as you placed noodles in front of him. The smell was enough to wake him up as he perked up, drooping eyes being set aside. ‘’I ate, you go ahead.’’ you said, motioning to his food.

‘’What time did you get home?’’ he asked in between bites.

‘‘Afternoon’‘

‘‘Was it tiring? How was it?’‘, he questioned, slurping the noodles.

You hummed, nodding, ‘’Tiring and we did the best that we could. Anyways, I don’t have to leave until tomorrow afternoon. So, at the office-’’.

Twirling the noodles around, he listened to your story, commenting, ‘’You did it because you thought it was best. The important thing is that now they know. They don’t have questions and stuff.’’

You agreed, ‘’They don’t have questions and they aren’t confused’’, continuing, ‘’The competition is tough, you must be stressed no?’’

‘‘You know what I’m worried about. Although it is the same old, even if we manage to get something out of this, I will be proud’‘.

You wowed, replying, ‘’You should always be proud of your team. It’s not easy wanting something. When your own standards haven’t been met for a long period of time, you don’t realise that you’ve been trying to achieve even the littlest of things.’’

He was silent at your statement, inquisitive to your words, gears turning in his head. ‘’Between the both of us, it will be stronger if it comes from you. Aim higher, this is the real-world so be careful of what you want.’’

‘‘Fair enough, not everyone gets what they want’‘ he hummed, washing his bowl.

Shifting to the bed, he joined you after his shower, bouncing on the mattress with a sigh of content. Like a child receiving their favourite toy, he smiled upon meeting the comforter, its warmth hugging him. You held him to your chest and he snuggled right in, lulling to the way you carded your fingers through his hair.

The night was pleasant, enough for him to kick the covers off, speaking to you with closed eyes, ‘’This competition will keep me awake forever’’. He chuckled, continuing, ‘’I’m buzzing right now’’.

You lolled, ‘’Buzzing? You did the most activity around today and you are still awake? That’s remarkable’’. The comment drew Taeyang to open his eyes who gently poked your side, chuckling as he commented himself, ‘’Are you asleep?’’. You hummed, throwing your leg over him and asking, ‘’What do you want?’’.

He lay awake, pondering over your question and you literally peeled open your eyes to tell him, ‘’Sleep Tae, nothing bad will happen. You’ll feel better after you get some sleep.’’. He turned around at your statement, bringing you closer to him. You were safely tucked away in your fiancé’s arms and the two of you slept until late dawn, only stumbling in the kitchen for some lunch.

He groaned, over and over again. Ever since he had laid down to sleep, he felt nauseous, its grip vice in his stomach and throat. He tossed back and forth, side to side, changing positions to comfort himself. He was alarmed at the sensitivity of his body, aware that something was wrong, but was unable to discern till the last moment that he would vomit.

He released the gruesome contents into the bucket he had prepared mid-struggle. He was scared. He did not want to experience the same thing again. The pain in his throat was like stinging, but from the inside. It was like something had clawed through, letting the marks fester. He kept wondering why this was, it had never happened to him before.

He grasped his head, the pain causing him to fall back onto the bed and close his eyes. Till the pain had passed, he did not move an inch, holding still. The pain faded away and after laying down some more, he picked up his heavy bones and made his way to the bathroom to rinse his mouth.

He called out to you in the darkness, cautiously entering to find you. For the type of person you were, he knew that you’d take action immediately, questions later but he didn’t think that mattered. It was more about the fact that he loved you and felt comfortable in your arms.

He knew that it would be a heavy confession for you, if he ever got around to telling you about it. His feelings about you were big and complex, especially when he was unaware of how you felt about him. You were dead asleep, softly snoring but when a specific word like ‘’Noona?’’ floated in your head, your eyebrows furrowed and you wondered if you were really dreaming.

Waking up with a jolt, you groggily asked him, ‘’Are you okay?’’, reaching out for him in the darkness. He shook his head and you pulled him to sit on the bed, him telling you in reply, ‘’I puked’’.

You awed, pulling him in for a hug. He looked so adorable as he said it, a small pout adorning his face, cheeks probably pink and cutely looking at you. He looked small in this moment and you couldn’t help but bring him into your arms, comfortingly running your hands through his hair while whispering soothing words of praise.

You also could not help pouting yourself, deep sadness spreading within you as you thought of him in pain, thinking, poor baby. ‘’I should-’’, ‘’Huh?’’ overlapped as he quickly got up, starting to regret his decision to come here. You grabbed his hand, pulling him back to the bed. ‘’You can sleep here’’ you motioned, separating your pillows to give him one.

You got into the covers, leaving half the bed for him. He opened his mouth in question and you rested on your elbow, telling him, ‘’If you aren’t comfortable enough, you can go back. Trust me, I won’t mind. It’s all the same to me’’. You cleared your throat, laying back down, regretting your last set of words. He got into the bed, thinking at the same time, Alright, it’s all the same.

After resting for a couple of seconds, you turned around, saying, ‘’I lied, it’s not the same to me’’. He hummed, snapping his head to you, taken aback by your taking back. Exposing his beautiful gummy smile in the near darkness, he replied, ‘’Just to be clear, I feel the same way about you’’. It was shorter than he had anticipated because you had given a response he had not thought would happen.

‘‘What’s on your mind?’‘ you asked and through some small words, it became a better conversation. He elaborated himself and under the softness of the light, you curled up into each other. You snuggled in each other’s warmth, some peacefulness filling this hectic lives of yours. You pressed a kiss to his temple as he slept like a baby, keeping a close eye on his condition throughout the night.

Chani was asleep, amongst the fluffy covers that enveloped his frame from head to toe. Snuggled with an air of warmth around him, insulating him from the slight cold of the autumn breeze, he softly snored in the midst. The clock of his sleep was ticking for almost ten hours now and so peacefully did he look as he slept that you let him be.

After running from pillar to post and staying up for filming, he was undeniably exhausted. His eyes would not open, heavy in their mood and feeling almost like tape held them together. Prying them open, he groaned, catching your attention. The refusal of his eyes were utmost and so he shut them and laid back down, comforting himself on the pillows. You moved from your desk to the bed and you laid a hand on his chest, softly calling out, ‘’Baby?’’.

Hearing no response, you leant over him, giving him a kiss and gently shaking him. You repeatedly whispered your nickname for him, hiding your head in the crook of his neck and snuggling into the warm space. You chuckled as he hazily groaned, words indistinct to your ears, laying a hand on your waist.

You had just finished completing your report, thinking nonsense vacation dreams to yourself of the things you could do if you had time off for the next few days. ‘‘I’m up’‘ he noted, pulling his eyelids open regardless of how much they hurt. When he found clarity, he switched your positions so that he was facing you. ‘’Go back to sleep but I just wanted to know if you were okay.’’ you stated, placing another soft kiss to his jawline.

His cheeks were puffed from having just woken up and he looked adorable. If you had told him that he would have asked, ‘’Why?’’ and tossed his head back and forth in playful frustration. Even then you would have found him cute. You tucked a stray hair back into the softness, admiring his sleepy form, eyes barely staying open as he lingered over you.

‘’I won’t go back to sleep’’ he murmured, making you chuckle, knowing that sooner or later he would lay on his back again and doze into another world. He shook himself awake as you replied, ‘’It looks like you need sleep though’’ causing him to roll his eyes. He hummed, throwing a leg over you and nestling into your neck, probably still in the state where he felt as if he was dreaming.

You kissed his neck, peppering a trail of light kisses in the same area, combing through his hair. He could feel the touch of your lips leave a trace of warmth on every spot, gently urging him to wake up. After a couple of minutes, Chani inquisitively asked, ‘’How long was I asleep for?’’ startled at the answer you gave him. He poked his head out from the crook of your neck, staring at you with open eyes as he registered the double-digit number.

‘‘I had work to do...’‘ he said, trailing off. After two seconds of debating, he plopped back into your warmth, deciding that he could do it later. Lightly pushing his shoulder emitted a groan from him, one that resembled ache. Plopping on his back, your giggle turned into concern as you asked him, ‘‘Are you feeling okay?’‘.

‘‘My back hurts, and legs too.’‘ he nodded, playing with strands of your hair. You hummed, asking, ‘‘Do you want me to give me you an oil massage?’’. He perked up at the idea, graciously kissing you and telling you that he would return the favour.

As he sat on the bed, you admired his toned back. Squirting a bit of oil onto your palm, you rubbed your palms together and at the first touch, he relaxed. You brought both your thumbs together, rubbing in circles and squeezing the ache from his muscles.

He moaned in delight, hands on knees as he lost himself in the pleasure. It was like the pain was evaporating from his overworked muscles. You chuckled at his noises, his soft whines escaping when you touched a particular part in the middle of his back. When you were done, you grasped his face and kissed him passionately.

His hands wandered around your waist, tugging at the hem of your top. You giggled in delight, breaking away from the kiss, meeting his eyes. He grabbed your legs that had been straddling his waist and leaning back from planting another kiss onto your neck, he asked you, ‘’Should I do you?’’.

You squealed as he tossed you on the bed, motioning to your top and as you took it off, he began his lustful descent, starting by him dragging the whole thing out, leaving you in beautiful shambles.

288 notes · View notes

jlalafics · 3 years

Text

"Almost Paradise"-a birthday story for mrspeetamellark!

Happy birthday @mrspeetamellark! This is one day late but I hope you enjoy this continuation of your lifeguard!Peeta story!

You can find the first part here.

Also, mind the smut at the end.

______

“How do I look?” Katniss stepped into the living room where Annie and Finnick sat on the couch. “Do I look too much like a girl who’s seen nothing but forests and whose pastime is archery?”

She did a little twirl in her sleeveless green jersey dress and cropped jean jacket for the couple.

“You look cute!” Annie stood up, rounding her. “But take the jacket off.”

“And undo the braid,” Finnick added.

Katniss shrugged the jacket off, handing it to Annie before unraveling her braid.

“Why?”

“If you’re cold, he can’t give you his jacket or put an arm around you if you’re wearing one, can he?” Annie pointed out.

“And nothing is sexier than a hair flip and an over-the-shoulder smile,” Finnick told her.

Katniss snorted. “What do you mean?”

The man bent his head, throwing it back before looking over his shoulder to smile at Annie and Katniss.

“See?” Finnick smirked. “Irresistible.”

“Is that how Annie got you?” Katniss asked.

“No, it’s how he got me,” her cousin replied. “His hair was at his shoulders at the time.”

There was a knock on the door.

“He’s here!” Finnick screamed out excitedly.

Katniss laughed, going to the door. “I thought I was going out with Peeta.”

“I’m just really happy for you,” Finnick replied.

“He’s hoping that you’ll stay the night with Peeta so we can shag like rabbits,” Annie said as Katniss opened the door.

“I should at least take you to dinner before you stay over.”

Peeta stepped into the house, his eyes meeting Katniss’. He kissed her cheek.

“You look beautiful.”

“Thanks.” Katniss looked over Peeta in his brown leather jacket, fitted white tee, and jeans. “You look great.”

“Yes, very dreamy,” Annie agreed.

Finnick fluttered his lashes. “I’d do you.”

“On that note, we should go,” Katniss told him. “Bye, guys.”

Annie gave her a hug. “Have a shit ton of fun.”

Taking Peeta’s hand, Katniss led him out the door.

“Use protection!” Finnick called out, just as the door closed behind them.

++++++

“My Mom is the local medicine woman while my sister assists her,” Katniss said as they strolled. “I’ve never been very good at all the medicinal stuff which is surprising since I usually go hunting with my Dad or Gale…well, maybe just my Dad now.” She turned to the man, smiling at her in amusement. “I’m talking a lot, aren’t I?”

“No, I like it,” Peeta said as he gazed at her. “You have a lot to say and I want to hear it all.”

“Maybe it’s because I kind of disappear into the background a lot of the time,” she told him. “Being a hunter and all. I mean, everyone who lives in my neighborhood looks the same. Dark hair, olive skin…Mom and Prim are the exception. Both blonde and blue-eyed.”

“Why is that?”

“My Mom grew up in the higher-class part of District 12,” she explained. “And she ran off with my Dad.”

“So, they were Star-Crossed Lovers,” Peeta replied.

“Yup, minus the gang fights and death.” Katniss looked around the line of shops along the wooden-slatted walkway. “Where are we?”

“This is District 4’s commercial area,” he explained. “This is where visitors like yourself might come to eat at a restaurant or buy some local goods. The folks from the Capitol come here during the summer and double our revenue for the year.”

“We don’t have anything like that in 12,” Katniss replied. “Unless you’d be interested in goat’s milk or cheese made by Prim’s goat.” Peeta raised a brow and she chuckled. “Yes, my sister has a goat.”

He reached for her hand, giving it a squeeze.

“Would buying goat’s milk score me brownie points with you?”

Katniss closed in the space between their joined hands. “Maybe.”

Peeta stopped, reaching to lift her chin. “Maybe?”

“Probably,” she relented, her chin wobbling in nervousness.

The way Peeta gazed at her was exhilarating and unnerving, all at once. It was as if he knew exactly what she was thinking. If she was being entirely honest, most of her thoughts regarding this strong-jaw, golden-haired man were not entirely clean.

“Are you hungry?” he asked.

Katniss swallowed harshly. “Starving.”

Peeta stepped towards her, his hands going to her shoulders—to turn her around.

In front of her was a storefront displaying an array of pastries and cakes, but it wasn’t the food that made her jaw drop slightly.

It was the sign.

“Mellark Bakery?” Katniss turned to him, a smile playing on her lips. “You have a bakery.”

“My family has one,” he told her simply. “I thought that we might explore some career options for you.”

Katniss was confused. “What?”

“You said that you didn’t have your dream job.” Peeta pulled her towards the entrance. “I thought maybe we could see if you cut it in the culinary world.”

“Or I could possibly burn the place down,” she retorted.

“Come on. If anything, it will be something worth remembering,” he told her.

“I can’t believe that you remembered the ramblings of a deranged woman who swam right into an undertow.”

“Kind of hard to forget when you were screaming in my ear.” Peeta put an arm around her, his mouth brushing against her lobe. Her legs almost caved at the motion. “I think it will be fun. Doing something together in the back of the bakery.”

“Fine.” Katniss let out a sigh. “You’re lucky you’re so damn cute.”

He kissed the top of her head affectionately.

“I’m lucky because you said yes.”

++++++

After stepping into the bakery, Katniss was introduced to Peeta’s parents, Charlie and Roberta.

“How did you get Peeta’s name?” she asked immediately. “Your names are surprisingly normal.”

The elder Mellarks immediately took to her with easy chuckles.

“I was under some heavy-duty pain relief after he came out,” Roberta answered. “And Charlie here was running on no sleep at that point. One of us must have sputtered out, Peeta.”

“They just wanted to be different,” Peeta told her, arm still slung around her shoulders affectionately. “But they kept in order.”

She turned to him curiously. “Meaning?”

“Nop,” Charlie replied, a grin that Peeta obviously inherited, on his mouth.

“You Mellarks are confusing,” Katniss said with a shake of her head.

“Not Nop, but N-O-P.” Peeta looked to his parents in affectionate exasperation. “As in Noli, Oren, and Peeta. So, as you can see, I got the best name of the bunch.”

“I guess I must be pretty boring with my plant name,” she replied. “At least, Prim got a sweet one, and it fits her perfectly.”

The bell at the top of the front door interrupted their conversation and Peeta quickly led her to the back of the bakery, where she was greeted by stainless steel counters and industrial ovens. There, Peeta told her that they would be making sticky buns for them to eat. He pulled his family’s recipe book from the back office and showed her the recipe.

“You’re the first non-Mellark to see this book in years,” he told her.

“Don’t worry.” Katniss smiled at the man beside her. “I won’t steal your precious recipes.”

They both got to work making the dough and Peeta showed her how to add the ingredients into one of the electric mixers. After, standing behind her, he instructed her on kneading the dough to the right consistency—smooth and just a little sticky.

“There you go,” he said lowly, his warm breath against the nape of her neck. Katniss’ breath quickened at the feeling of him pressed to her back. “Just put a little more pressure into the dough.” He moved her hair to one side, resting his chin on her shoulder. “You’re actually pretty good at this.”

Katniss made another fold, pressing into the dough.

“It’s actually relaxing,” she admitted.

Peeta took a bowl, placing the dough in it so it could rise.

While they waited, Katniss told him more about District 12, about the main street where there was very little commercial area. How her father recently retired from the mines and how one of her friends was the mayor’s daughter.

“You’d like Madge,” she said. “She’s very sweet, all blonde hair and blue eyes.” Katniss peered at him. “Maybe I won’t. I tend to become invisible when Madge is around—”

“I happen to have an affinity for brunettes with smoky eyes,” Peeta told her. “You’re not invisible, Katniss.” His arms wrapped around her, pulling her against his chest as he kissed her temple. “I see you.”

“Thank you for telling me that.” Katniss turned to look at him. “I see you, too.”

Peeta’s hands reached to cradle her cheeks and her breath hitched in anticipation. He leaned and Katniss didn’t pull away when he brushed his lips to hers. It was the gentlest of touches, but it spread through her like wildfire.

“More,” she breathed against their kiss.

Peeta shifted, and their lips once more. Her bottom lip was pillowed between his own and he sucked at her tender flesh, drawing a moan out of her chest. Her hands reached, carding through his hair to grip and anchor her as Katniss felt that she might collapse in pleasure at any moment.

“You are fucking delicious,” he whispered along her tongue. “I want to taste every part of you—”

“Well, don’t do it here!” They pulled apart to see Charlie at the doorway leading to the front. “I don’t want to tell my grandkid that he or she was conceived on the counter where their Dad was.”

“Moment’s over.” Peeta helped her off the counter—how did she even get up there? He gave her an apologetic smile. “For what it’s worth, that was one hell of a first kiss.”

She had to agree.

Katniss had wanted a kiss where she saw stars behind her eyes—and she did.

However, it didn’t compare to what she felt as their lips met.

Fire.

++++++

After being discovered by Charlie—or Dad, as he insisted Katniss to call her—the man had sent them away with a basket of bread and pastries, along with some cheese, meat, and wine. They had found a nearby parklet decorated with flowers and made sandwiches.

They sipped on their wine while Peeta told her more about the Mellark Family. Their bakery had been a staple in District 4 since Peeta’s great-grandfather had built it from the ground up. Roberta was a Capitol transfer that had come when she was in her teens in search of adventure. What she had found was love, Charlie sweeping her off her feet and putting a ring on it as soon as he could.

“I think Noli might’ve been the reason for the rush,” Peeta told her with a smirk. “Don’t let them know that I know.”

Peeta’s two older brothers were working in different Districts, Noli in District 2 and Oren in District 7, but visited often.

“Oren’s girlfriend is actually from District 7 and they’re visiting in the next few days. You should meet Johanna. I think you’ll like her.”

When they were finished with their food, they returned the basket to his parents and Peeta came back with keys to a Land Rover that had seen better days. The blue paint was rusting and when Peeta turned on the engine, she could feel the hard rumble directly under her.

They had set off on a tour of District 4 and Peeta had pointed out the Hall of Justice in their town square and the mayor’s home, a block away from it. He showed her where he and his brothers went to school. After graduation, Peeta had been the one who decided to stay in District 4 and would eventually take over Mellark Bakery.

He had a love for baking, finding peace in just creating.

Katniss admired that he had found his place in the world.

“Tell me about this guy you’re supposed to marry.”

She met his eyes as he stoked the bonfire in front of them.

They had settled on the beach after their tour, the tide low enough so they could settle close to the water.

“Gale is…complicated and simple all at the same time.” Her fingers dragged along the cool sand. The moon rose over the water, highlighting the curiosity on Peeta’s handsome, sculpted face as he waited for her to continue. “It would be simple to marry him and start a family. That been the plan—to him at least.”

“And why is he complicated?”

“Because I want more,” Katniss replied. “I’m not ready to settle. Not in District 12 and not with him.” She took a deep breath. “I don’t want lukewarm love…a lukewarm life. My family is great, but they know me enough to see that I’m floundering in 12. It was why Prim urged me to just leave after Gale got down on one knee.”

“She’s one smart sixteen-year-old,” Peeta remarked.

Katniss nodded in agreement. “Definitely an old soul.” She stood up, holding out her hand to him. Peeta took it and rose from his seat. “You ever want more?”

“Not until recently,” he told her, his blue eyes darkened in the moonlight.

The heat between them was inescapable. However, neither made a move to part.

Instead, their bodies only pressed closer until Katniss could feel the prickle of her hardening nipples against Peeta’s broad chest.

Her eyes went to his. “What do you want?”

“I thought that much was clear,” he told her roughly.

Their mouths met in a crushing kiss. Her hands grasped at his biceps as he encircled her waist, pressing his pelvis to hers and she pressed up, feeling the cloth of his jeans against her clit.

Peeta growled, his lips moving off to taste and suckle her skin. Katniss purred as he reached the juncture of her neck and bit lightly. She watched as he kissed along the neckline of her dress, his hands grazing the sides of her breasts teasingly before he sunk to his knees.

Panic gripped her and grabbed his wrists. “What are you doing?”

Peeta grinned. “What do you think I’m doing?”

“I’ll never come that way,” she told him simply. “And this has been better than anything I ever felt. I don’t want to ruin it.”

“Give me a chance,” he replied, his hands on her hips to keep her from joining him on the sand. “If you don’t like it, then we’ll stop.”

Slowly, Katniss acquiesced.

Peeta lifted her skirt, carefully tucking it up into the elastic waistline. He stared at her bare skin for a moment and she consciously rested a hand to her stomach.

Thank God, she wore her cute underwear.

“Lovely,” he breathed out.

Peeta kissed along her thighs, letting her get comfortable enough to widen the opening between them. His mouth pressed to the insides and she knew that he could taste her arousal, his tongue swiping quickly along the line of her panties.

“Fuck, you’re wet,” he said hoarsely.

His mouth went to her clit, sucking through the lace, and she keened at the sudden twist in her belly.

Her hands moved to her panties and he helped her, guiding them off her before they found their place in his back pocket.

Peeta’s mouth was immediately on her cunt, roughly kissing along her sodden labia and her hands dug into his hair, holding him in place. This was something that she had never felt before, waves of desire pulsing through her core and she tried to catch that feeling with each swipe of his tongue.

“Ride my face,” he commanded, hitching her thigh over his shoulder. “I want to taste all of you.”

Katniss let out a breath at the desperate tone in his words. She pressed her pelvis closer to him, experimentally moving back and forth along his tongue as his hands cupped her bottom.

When her clit hit his nose, she let out a hiss. “Fuck!”

He chuckled against her cunt, before pressing his tongue flat against the nerve before thrusting two fingers inside her.

The euphoria took over and Katniss moved a hand to her chest, pinching a nipple and feeling the sparks of pleasure course to her core. Her other hand remained firm on Peeta’s head as he sucked and fucked her with his tongue and fingers.

Katniss felt herself there at the edge, surprised at how quickly Peeta had gotten her there—but she let herself fall into it.

Like that afternoon, she headed right into a riptide, knowing Peeta would be her rescuer.

“Oh…fuck…” Her hips canted on her own as she crested, pushing her cunt onto his face. “…I’m coming—” Peeta’s fingers quickened as he lapped at her peak. “…yes…Peeta!”

Her body snapped and Katniss arched, crying out into the dark sky as her orgasm crashed over her body and she felt the warm release seep out her conto Peeta’s waiting mouth. He was gentle, lightly tasting her as she came down from her high.

Carefully, they fell back onto the sand, breathing harshly, as they looked up the starry heaven above them.

Katniss reached for Peeta’s hand and he entwined their fingers, squeezing her hand tenderly.

Peeta tugged until she rested her head against his chest, and she sighed contently at the feeling of solidity that being with him brought her.

“I think I found what I was looking for,” she said quietly.

His hand settled in her hair. “And what is that?”

Katniss turned; her chin pressed to his chest so she could meet his azure eyes.

“You.”

Peeta smiled, the warmth of it spreading through her body and causing a flutter in her stomach.

She didn’t know if this was love, but she was willing to stay until she knew what it was.

“Do you want to go…” Peeta’s gaze was careful, his hand moving along her hair as to not break the spell between them. “…to my place?”

Finnick would be getting his wish.

Katniss nodded, a smile playing on her lips.

“Let’s go.”

*I’d like to do another part at some point…

#lifeguard!Peeta #birthday present #everlark fanfiction #everlark #rated m

105 notes · View notes

hyuneytoast · 3 years

Text

Hearts of Roses || Scene 2

⇢𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂 》 “Don’t forget about the thorns.”

In which you stumble upon Wonderland and the Prince of Hearts. How you end up in Wonderland is something explained as complete nonsense, but also quite simple; Just a key and a door. What if it’s not easy to return from Wonderland, though? A locked door and a lost key; now surely that’s not so bad if it weren’t for the Queen of Hearts’ threatening intentions.

⇢𝓣𝓪𝓰𝓼 》 Prince of Hearts!Hyunjin x Fem!Reader, Fantasy AU, Alice in Wonderland AU, Stranger to Lovers, Fluff, Slight Angst

⇢𝓦𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 》 Explicit language

⇢𝓣𝓪𝓰𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽 》(Let me know if you want to be added!)

@danyxthirstae01 @sailorhyunjinz @rapilne @peachy-maia @hyunj1nn133

𝓢𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓼 𝓜𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓪𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽 || 𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓸𝓾𝓼 || 𝓝𝓮𝔁𝓽

II.

You stumble pass the door, feet being met with, in a way, familiar grounds. Once again, towering mushrooms and a dense forest greet you. The sunlight filters through the canopy and casts itself messily around. You let your skin soak the soft warmth as you stand there for a good solitary minute. Were you really returning? Should you continue to be here? You have no clue, but you can confirm that Wonderland and the people you’ve met have never once left your mind. A good excuse for your terrible lack of sleep last night too. It’d be a shame too if you weren’t to show up when Hyunjin asked you to with evident hope, right?

“Returning, I see? Seems like Wonderland has turned you into a madly, vulnerable fool now,” An unforgettable voice laughs in amusement. Your eyes scan each branch in search of the cat-like acquaintance.

“I’m not always in a tree, you know. I’m over here~”

In front, a grinning figure slowly appears in front of you, now sitting upon the grass. And hell, even considering the magical hole you dug yourself into, you doubt you’d ever get used to his “tricks.”

“Hello again, Minho.”

“I’ve been expecting you in the back of my head.”

“You’d know I come back?”

“Of course! I was watching your goodbyes last night ’til I spent this morning in dread, listening to two idiots speak about you.” Minho crosses his arms against the back of his head while falling slowly aback, laying in the green.

“Who?”

“That’s not important; your life does not depend on knowing so therefore I have no need to tell. But I do must say, one of those idiots are waiting for you. Ah yes, our dear prince is disgustingly waiting for you with heartening patience,” He frowns with closed eyes, faking a gag.

“O-oh. Well—”

“If you desire to be pathetic like him, I suggest you begin wandering off at this very second in the opposite way.”

The cat boy and his irritating habits of interrupting and insisting you to leave makes you let out a low, hopeless sigh. “Now? I still don’t know my way around or where exactly to go. I don’t think wandering around aimlessly is… the wisest decision either.”

“Now surely you didn’t fully think that thought yesterday, did you? If I remember clearly, you left with a smile. Besides, reasons like that, Y/N, make everything more fun! Surprises here and surprises there!” Minho cackles before is resting figure vanishes out of sight.

You frantically look around, but all fails when you find yourself permanently alone once again. “Whatever,” You grumble.

And just like that, your feet move aimlessly in an unknown direction, the opposite of where you went with the dark rabbit, Changbin, yesterday. Wandering and wandering, and deeper in the forest you go; no sense of direction but surely a sight of wonders. Once you get a taste of something, you go back for more. That is very much like your current situation. Not like you actually have a choice though since you have no clue of how to get back on your own.

Tickling below your knees, the breeze creates a rhythm having the tall grass swaying back and forth and your hair gently dancing along too. Incredibly huge butterflies prance along, wings glistening like the day’s sky. You admire the mushrooms from enormous to tiny. Perhaps you poke some of their squishy caps too, smiling to yourself at the fun feeling and aspect. Is it wrong to say that in an unknown somewhere full of mysterious madness, your soul still manages to be put at ease? Maybe it’s the magical atmosphere, or the forest’s serenity that you could never experience in the city. Perhaps it’s both that isn’t so wrong either. An escape from a harsh world; such an opportunity practically pleads you to blissfully wander day by day.

Against the lush green and patches of dirt, a trail of bright red splatters and puddles trail ahead to the left. Appearing to be too colorfully reflective to be considered blood, thoughts immediately recall last night’s encounter with the prince. Red paint! Your feet reroute you along the crimson trail. Curiosity taking over each inch, not to mention, the doubts of possible dangers awaiting at the end. You hear a cheery hum as you walk around a huge bush of roses; similar to last night’s but wilder, more lush. Your eyes meet with a familiar individual that just may have made your heart skip a beat without a warning.

“Y-Y/N?” Hyunjin marvels, mentally sighing in joyous relief.

“Hi, Hyunjin.” If Minho were here, he’d certainly wouldn’t hesitate to mock, or maybe even smack, the grin upon your face.

“Oh how brightly I am shocked to see you have returned very much sooner before my eyes than I have expected,” The boy rambles with a smile he can’t hold back, fumbling to settle the red-dipped paintbrush and palette on top a giant, flat stone.

“Yes, it seems that yesterday was more than enough to convince me,” You respond rather sheepishly.

“Quite happy to hear that as much as I now know I can keep my promise. Now, um, kindly, asking, may I?” Despite the nervousness mixed in with his soft tone, Hyunjin eagerly holds his hand out (which you notice is decked with a few silver rings), but still patiently waiting for a response.

You nod, placing your hand in his large one, cold skin sheltering yours. He gently tugs you around the stone and tall rose bush, revealing a part of the forest containing the most mushrooms you have seen so far.

“What about your paint?”

“That, my dear, can surely wait longer than all of us in Wonderland combined. Besides, you mean far more than all my replaceable paint.” He flashes you a smile while giving your hand a reassuring squeeze.

Now when was the last time you felt like… this? Felt like whatever this is that you’re feeling. Your words stuck in your throat and all confidence shying away; A desire to bury your heated face in the comfort of your blankets along with tying your hand with Hyunjin’s, never wanting to let go of such simple yet heart bursting touch. Oh god, Y/N, calm down—

“Y/N?! And our dear prince, Hyunjin? Why, what ever are you doing here?”

The two of you snap your gazes to the ringing voice on your right, a red-haired male standing under tall mushrooms with a covered basket in hand. He cocks his head to the side, giving off a few rushed blinks.

“Bang Chan, lovely you meet you once again.”

“Likewise, Y/N!” He flashes you a grin and a small wave.

“Ah, my dear friend! You have caught us as I was making my way to reveal Y/N the garden!”

“The garden? Oh, the garden! Yes! What a sight to behold once you get there, like a rainbow palace that makes me promise you won’t regret the adventure!” Chan gives a small clap before waving his basket. “Not a similar treat, but I was on my way to deliver a few things to Felix.”

“Felix?” You question the slightly familiar name, but you can’t recall encountering him yesterday’s tea party.

“Yes, Felix!” Chan chimes as if he was just asked one of the most precious questions. “He’s one of the most beloved bakers in Wonderland, role done at the castle’s kitchen. A dear friend to many as well, hard not to be friends with him if I must say.”

“Yes, yes, but let’s not forget about me,” slightly whines Hyunjin. “And correction, hard for you to not be friends with everyone. We’ll visit Felix and I’ll make sure you meet him, Y/N. But that shall be for another day when the sun hangs as now, we mustn’t waste any more time. Farewell, Chan!” Still holding your hand, he tugs you forward to where you previously left off.

“I’ll be sure to see you again, Chan!” You glance over your shoulder, giving him a bright face.

“Farewell!”

Small conversations fill up the time that’s basking under the tattered sunlight, feet now walking on a stone trail where the forest seems to set clear into a field. Who knew venturing to a garden could grant so much little details about a person? The two of you would exchange questions that were yearning to be answered. He’d ask you about the different opportunities in your world to your favorite things, like flowers and colors. You’d ask the same, along with your curiosities of his royal heir. Turns out, he’s the next in line for the throne and his favorite color is red. Turns out, he dreams of someday owning a dog.

Little things like that.

“I’m assuming this is it?” Stopped in the tracks, you stand before a stone archway supporting dark wooden doors with black iron handles. Green vines ravel around the tall arch and stone walls, small pink blossoms appearing every here and there.

Hyunjin releases your hand, clapping joyously with crescent eyes. “Yes, we have most certainly arrived!” He steps forward, pulling the door out and gesturing towards the opening. “After you, my lady!”

“Thank you!”

You make your way pass the entrance, now entering a world splashed with even more vibrant colors. Blossoming trees stand tall, small shrubs dotted with warm-colored flowers, and bushes branching high wrapped in every color a garden could possibly hold. Few smooth stone benches are neatly placed throughout and behind the stone trail that’s willing to take your around the base of the garden, willing to show you as much as Hyunjin is. Intaking even further little wonders: The small bright caterpillars resting on leaves, red birds chirping their melody, sapphire-blue butterflies visiting, and flowers consisting of either loosely flared petals or neatly compact ones. Even the gentle breeze puffing through makes the garden more alive as it slowly sways.

The sight alone leaves you breathless. Leaves you breathless as it should for being such a lush garden you’ve never thought you’d ever see. Like one that jumped out of a fairytale book. Like one that has been experiencing an everlasting season of Spring.

One step after another and many more. A reaching hand, pointing out to a branch holding small white flowers, petals in a formation of a star.

“I insist you smell this one, it’s one of my favorite scents.”

Fingers gently wrapping around the branch, you pull it slightly down in your face, nose up against the blossom that it tickles your skin. The scent is soft, but still rich in a sensual sweetness. With a helpless smile, you turn to Hyunjin’s face which is rather quite closer than you recall, catching you a bit off guard but still leaving you to maintain composure.

“I see why it’s one of your favorites, it smells very pleasant.”

“Indeed.” His hot breath is felt against your skin, brown twinkling eyes adoring into yours, but only to be pulled away as a hysterical laugh booms from outside the walls.

“Fucking hell,” Mutters Hyunjin who has nothing but disappointment plastered upon his face. “Why must the world be so cruel when all I want is to show you peacefully around.”

“It’s okay, I certainly don’t mind. Unexpected company or not, I am without a doubt enjoying myself here,” You assure the boy, lightly patting his shoulder.

The dark doors open with a small creak, the iron handle given a clinking sound. The garden is now accompanied by three, the extra uninvited guest standing and peering at the two of you, face offering no emotion. The man’s finger scratches the side of his head of disheveled black hair. He stands tall, wearing what seems to be a spade card of seven draped over a black attire.

“Your majesty, I kindly expect to be informed about this situation here,” The stranger speaks huskily, face remaining still as stone.

“I assure you not to worry. I am spending the day with a very good friend of mine, nothing in the absurd. Now, what has had you sent here?”

“The Queen demands a fresh bouquet of fine red roses for tomorrow’s banquet, and with such the finely wild roses here, I bound to return to the castle after picking them.”

Hyunjin chuckles, hand slipping down to grab a hold of yours. “Quite a coincidence! You may go ahead as my dear friend and I were actually preparing to leave.” A lie. Definitely a lie since Hyunjin planned on staying for at least an hour more of telling you tales about the flowers. “Let’s go, Y/N,” He whispers in your ear, which most certainly doesn’t raise any suspicion from the newcomer or any confusion from you at all…

He leads you to exit the garden, hand gripping yours gently but firmly, and footsteps noticeably hurried, nervous one might manage point out. The other male just moves his head, fiercely glaring over his shoulder right into your eyes. That there just shares an anxious shiver down your spine. Everyone seemed more than friendly, or that is, until he approached. The intimidating sight disappears as Hyunjin closes the door behind, now letting out a sigh. A sigh of what? Relief or panic, perhaps both Hyunjin might answer.

Continuing to pull you forward back to where you previously came from, you quietly clear your throat, asking, “What was that about?”

There obviously was something off in the atmosphere once the strange man dressed as a card entered. The short visited garden due to the cold glares and insisted exits, a nervous undertone from your friend.

“I deeply apologize, darling. I did not plan on getting your hopes high only to leave so soon. I’m sorry for any uncomfortable feelings.” He sighs once again, head hanging low. A purposely dodged question, but an uttermost sincere apology to note.

You were itching to ask the question once again of what really had happened, but peering at him and taking notice of the frown that never left his face, you knew better than to. Looking slightly down with eyebrows knitted, he’s clearly deep in thought, and if only you could, you’d even see the worry dancing around in his eyes. Aside from this, something in the air already told you it’d be best to leave the conversation as is. So, to your unfortunates, you push all your questions of concern to the back of your head.

“It’s not a worry at all. Though the time was short, it’s been a long time since I’ve felt this happy. So, very much, thank you, Hyunjin! This day still doesn’t fail to come to my appreciations.”

“A relief to hear that, so thank you. If you ache to see more as much as I, perhaps I could take you somewhere else? There’s a lovely river not too far; dozens of rose bushes remain untainted. I could take you there if you’d like. Maybe we could paint too.” He returns your gaze, his frown washed away, but bites his lip from nervousness. “B-but, if you’re not comfortable with that or want to go home, I-I can take you, it’s n-not a problem!”

“No, it’s okay, I promise!” A guilty pleasure: Hearing his stutters and seeing the tips of his ears burning red; It’s adoring to be the most honest. “I’d love to visit the river with the roses you speak of.”

The clouds faintly hang above in the soft pink and purple hued blue. There wasn’t all day left, but like dangerously piling berries in a basket or collecting more flowers than your hands are meant to hold, there still was time to stretch and spend until the last ounce.

And with all worries dissipated, he looks at you with a tender smile and crescent eyes.

And once again, such a look from him doesn’t miss to make your heart flutter.

“AH! So, the truthful words you dare to spill, my own son with such a girl! And despite being cornered in the garden, you dare not to get a hold of her?” Shrieks a high-pitched voice followed by frenzied giggles, all echoing off the castle’s marble walls.

“Your majesty, it did not seem the wisest choice at the time! Making such an impression that has a chance of failing? Why, the prince wouldn’t even let me approach her from several feet away! And—”

“You never fail to surprise me, always going about and missing opportunities like a mad fool with only a crooked mind. Especially when you bring me this news! You’ve outdone yourself, surely!” The Queen bursts out in even louder cackles, her head thrown back against the throne. The man of a seven spades card stands before her, hands fumbling around and nervously chuckling, unsure if he should join in on the laughter and unsure of his next move. The Queen then snaps, straightening her posture, leering with eyes that could nearly tear the guard apart themselves.

“YOU GODDAMN PRICK!!!” Everyone standing within the throne room flinches, which the Queen proudly notices. “Look! Look! I can promise next time will be worse if this girl isn’t in my grasp by the next four weeks! I can’t have the prince abandoning his duties and own throne like this nor does she even belong here. I truly cannot let my Wonderland given to her just like that!”

Every word is spit out with passion. Sinisterly passion. Pure insanity from the Queen of Hearts.

“Perhaps she isn’t as bad as most of us assume, your majesty. Perhaps! You should at least get to know of her and her capabilities,” Suggests the seven spades guard whose trying everything in his strength to not tremble under the intimidating gaze.

“I will gladly take your opinion, but I do have a request or two.”

“Yes, what ever is it you’d like me to do?”

“Follow them. Follow her! I’d like to know everything possible, from her effect on the Prince to how she even got here. But! You hollow-minded fool, please do be most utterly discreet about it.”

“As you wish, your majesty.”

#hwang hyunjin imagines #hwang hyunjin x reader #hyunjin imagines #hyunjin x reader #hyunjin #stray kids #stray kids x you #stray kids x reader #hyunjin fluff #hyunjin fanfic #hyunjin oneshot #stray kids oneshot #stray kids imagines #skz ff #skz scenarios #skz x reader #skz x you #hwang-hyunjin-x-reader #hwang hyunjin

66 notes · View notes

writingbakery · 4 years

Text

“what’s new, pussycat?”

this work is my absolute pride & joy, one that i hold very near & dear to my heart! it was previously written for a different fandom, & ive reworked it to fit here. i hope you love it as much as i do, & yes - there will be more parts to this story! ✨taglist; @katsukisprincess @secondhand-trash @redbeanteax @monst @shinhoetoshi @shinsouzone @togasknifes

[pairing; panther familiar! hitoshi shinso x green witch gn! reader]

[warnings; fluff, meet-cutes, magical au, bitchy witches, soft words, strangers to lovers]

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

for a green witch in a relatively small town, you’ve got a pretty good life.

you’re not the most powerful witch around; your talents are more centered around healing, crafting potions & spells, but you don’t mind. you like helping people, whisking away their problems & leaving them happier than when they walked into your little shop.

your shop is perfectly situated right at the forest line at the end of town, making it easy for you to restock your supply. you don’t get many customers, but you treat everyone like they’re most important, focusing on what they need & providing them with just what they’ve asked for. you don’t have many friends, most of the other witches not thinking much of your talents or your profession - they were all more modern witches, using electricity & technology to help others - but the ones you do have treat you nothing but kindly.

you’ve got everything you need in your little shop; a tiny apartment just above it, a loyal customer base, & the forest to soothe your worries.

the only thing you don’t have is a familiar.

you turned twenty six months ago, the age at which every witch receives their familiar. sometimes, it happens sooner, sometimes it takes a little longer. you’re just a hint impatient.

you’ve been ready for your familiar since your powers emerged at six years old, little flowers & vines bursting from chubby fingers & small palms. your friends even had a betting pool set up, sero swearing that you would get a kitty cat, & kirishima insisting it would be a rabbit.

you don’t care what your familiar is. you just want to meet them.

you’ve nagged your mother more than enough over the years, whining & complaining at your lack of a companion - both the animal aspect of them, & the human. familiars often became their witches’ best friends, & on most occasions, have fallen in love with them.

it’s a romantic concept, really. two magical beings, tied together forever by their shared powers, falling in love.

you’ve had dreams about it. kaminari makes fun of you for it whenever he can.

still, you don’t need to fall in love with your familiar. you love them already for supporting & adding to your magic, even if you haven’t met yet. you just know you’re going to be the best of friends.

you also side with sero. you’re definitely hoping for a kitty.

you alway tell your friends you don’t mind being patient, but secretly, you wish your familiar would speed things up a bit.

the other witches in town don’t tease you outright, a bit more poised than that, but you’ve heard more than enough whispered giggles of “bet it’s a fly, & it just can’t find them” & “maybe [y/n]’s just too weak for one”. you know they consider you a joke, a laughingstock, but you do your best to ignore them, burying your head in your spellbooks & inventing new potion strains.

you’re good at what you do, & that’s all that matters. but with a familiar, at least you’d fit in. you’re not expecting anything huge, not like the wolf inasa got, or the pheonix momo was gifted. you just want something that’ll care for you, help with your little tasks & fill the hole in your heart.

you even have a little side room set up in your shop for them, complete with a small fluffy bed & lots of pillows. kaminari had wrinkled his nose at the setup. “what if they don’t like all the fluff?” he’d asked - his familiar, an overexcited ring tailed lemur named mina, had absolutely destroyed the setup kaminari made for her, choosing to snuggle the taller witch in her human form every night. you had a separate betting pool with kirishima & bakugou about when those two would finally start dating.

mostly, you just hope your familiar won’t be disappointed with you. you aren’t the fastest on a broomstick, or the smartest with spells. your potions are good, but they take you a while to brew, & you don’t get that many customers. you’re definitely not the best witch in town, but you try your best, & you hope that counts for something.

it ends up counting for a lot, even if you don’t realize.

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

you’re looking through your little vials & plants one day, crafting a rejuvenation potion for mrs. parks - she’s got a garden to maintain if she wants to win first place in the landscaping competition next week, & at 85 it doesn’t always come naturally - when you realize you’re clean out of starflower. the pretty little orange & yellow foliage always added an extra boost to your energy potions, & you chance a glance out of your shop windows. it’s a nice day, sunny but not too hot, & you easily tug on your jacket & basket to gather some from the forest.

the air is warm, floaty with the smell of spring & you bask in the pleasant heat of the sun as you walk. the forest is unusually quiet, a sort of energetic thrum hovering just under the surface & normally, you would be concerned. but the day is so lovely, the warmth seeping into your bones & you brush it off as a slight imbalance in the woods.

you find the right clearing relatively quickly, sitting cross legged amidst the flowers & beginning to pluck them. you coo to the brightly colored petals gently, asking them to feel safe, protected. you wouldn’t hurt them, nor waste them unnecessarily. they were headed to a good purpose, & you reassure them as such as they make their way into your basket.

the already quiet air stills suddenly, birds silent in the trees & leaves pausing their ruffling. you shut your eyes & soaks up the sudden silence, an odd sense of calm settling over your body before you open them again.

a pair of amethyst violet eyes stare back at you, barely ten feet away from your face.

you open your mouth to scream, but let out nothing but air; your breath seems caught in your throat, lodged painfully deep. the creature in front of you is still, black fur gleaming glossy in the afternoon sun - a panther, twice the size of any normal big cat, sharp fangs glinting in its large mouth. you just stare, frozen & wide eyed.

the panther tilts its head at you inquisitively, letting out a sharp exhale through its velvety - almost cute? - black nose. you do scream this time, a barely there squeak that youd defend to your dying day as a very aggressive yell.

& then you pass clean out, slumping to the cool forest floor.

above you, the panther simply snorts, rolling bright purple eyes in mild annoyance as it curls its lithe form around your unconscious body, settling in for a nap.

it protects you from harm, patiently waiting for you to wake up.

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

you wake up confused & a little dizzy.

you’ve only been out about an hour, but already the sun sits lower in the sky, a chill sweeping through the quiet wood. you’re disoriented, taking a few moments to remember where you are, & why. youre warm despite the cool forest air, body swathed in silky softness. you burrow deeper into the warmth, sighing softly as you toe the line between sleep & awake.

then you remember the panther.

shooting straight up from the dirt, you look around wildly, all traces of sleepiness gone as you take in your surroundings.

the panther lays curled around you like a warm blanket, keeping you tucked up against its shoulder with massive black paws crossed in front of your legs. it’s fast asleep, not even stirring as you shift a little to study its face.

gold runes run from the tips of each large, silky ear, trailing down either side of its face to its long whiskers. each rune matches one on your own arms, elegantly winding down your smooth skin. a little flutter settles in your chest.

this is your familiar.

you run one slim finger down the sides of the panther’s sleeping face, gentle & light as you trace over the marks that mirror the ones you’ve had since birth. it’s a little nerve wracking, a little unreal.

you’re so awestruck you don’t feel a pair of sharp violet eyes tracking your every move, looking just a little fond.

you start a little when the panther stretches, long heavy limbs arcing out into the air as it yawns. you get a good eyeful of sharp, gleaming white fangs & an impossibly cute pink tongue before the panther is staring at you again, seemingly waiting for your next move.

oh right.

hastily clambering to your feet, you stand in front of the lying animal, just about level with its head. you swallow a little nervously, shifting from foot to foot as you look up into bright, curious eyes.

“a-are you my familiar?” you ask, immediately cursing yourself for stammering & asking stupid questions. you’re supposed to have your shit together, you’re the witch here.

the panther seems unfazed, if not a little amused, as it nods once, then twice, eyes twinkling in the sunlight. your own eye twitches.

you’ve got a familiar. a panther familiar. you, [y/n l/n], who can’t fly a broomstick straight & nearly burnt down your shop crafting a potion last week.

suddenly everything seems a whole lot less simple than it was before.

bracing your hands against your knees to catch your breath, you let your mind go wild, running through a million thoughts at once. what would the other witches say? what would your friends say? how the fuck was this panther going to fit inside your house?

you don’t have a single answer for any of them that won’t send you into a panic.

your stomach ends up deciding for you, the low rumble of it breaking the tense silence. the panther actually does roll its eyes at you this time, standing to its full - very, very tall height & moving to kneel at your side. it motions towards its back a little impatiently, & you scramble to climb on.

you can feel lean, powerful muscle underneath you as the panther begins to walk through the forest, quickly shifting through the underbrush towards town.

it’s much quicker than you walking on your own, & you appreciate that.

you know you’re going to get plenty of stares once you hit town, & you’ve already got a plan set: make it through quickly, avoid questions, & once you’ve got the both of you locked up in your shop, the panther can shift to its human form & introduce themselves. simple.

the second you step foot - & paw - into the town, you know you’re screwed.

all of the townsfolk are staring wide eyed, giving the pair of you a very wide berth as the panther trots along the street. hushed whispers are already circulating, & you can feel endless sets of eyes digging into your back.

just a couple more feet, a few more moments. then we’ll be safe, you think as your shop comes into view, breathing a quiet sigh of relief. you slide down off the panthers back to unlock the door & usher it in, locking it behind you both with another relieved sigh. you relax too soon.

there, in your kitchen, sit sero & kirishima, both gaping as they stare at the massive panther in your foyer. sero’s got a teapot in one hand, the other cupping the air - a shattered mug at his feet.

“we came for tea,” kirishima squeaks. sero is dumbfounded where he stands. the panther huffs unamused, tail flicking & breaking one of the china plates along the wall.

you sink to the floor in despair.

what the fuck, is all you can think, burying your head in your hands.

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

your friends take it all in surprisingly well. sero sweeps up the shattered mug & dish, kirishima makes them all tea, & you have a mild panic attack.

the panther simply curls up in a corner of the shop, avoiding everything delicate as it takes up a good chunk of the space. kirishima can’t stop staring at it, eyes blown wide as he takes in every inch of the creature.

“it’s really yours? your familiar?” he’d asked, voice hushed. you swatted at his arm with a scowl, glancing over at the uninterested panther. “stop talking about it like it’s not here! you know it can hear you.”

truthfully, however, you don’t even think the panther is listening. it has an air of disinterest clouded around it, lazily examining its paws & twitching its whiskers every so often.

sero maintains that he won the bet, much to your chagrin. “it’s just a really big cat!” he insists. kirishima simply rolls his eyes & tells him to take it up with bakugou.

it takes an hour or two, but eventually you manage to shoo your friends out of your shop, a headache building at their incessant questioning - “so what's its name? boy or girl? did it try to eat you? why is it looking at me like that?” - & all you want to do is sleep.

you lead the panther to the small side room you’d dolled up, albeit for a much smaller animal, wincing at the judgemental look you receive in return. “right, that won’t work. i mean, you could stay in my bed? it’s really big, just a bunch of cushions & blankets on a floor mattress?” you offer, twisting your fingers in your shirt a little shyly. the panther pauses, then nods again, squeezing its massive frame through the narrow staircase to follow you upstairs.

your bed - a custom made mattress that spanned nearly across the entirety of your bedroom floor - seemed to accommodate the panther just fine, and it paced around once, twice, before settling in one corner of it. its lithe form took up a good two thirds of the mess of blankets, & you can’t help but coo at the sight. it really was just a big kitty cat, although you’d probably never say it to the creature’s face.

you busy yourself with getting ready for bed, washing your face, brushing your teeth & changing into your baggy blue silk pajamas - they’ve got little yellow crescent moons sewn into them, & you swear the panther laughs at you in them - before settling between the sheets.

“goodnight, mr. panther,” you mumble sleepily, silently hoping that things would be easier to fix in the morning before drifting off to dreams.

above you, the panther huffs a little fondly, nuzzling your soft little cheek before falling asleep as well.

—

the next few days aren’t any easier.

for one, you’re swamped with customers for the first time ever, people crowding into the tiny shop to catch a glimpse of the enormous panther curled up in the corner. normally you wouldn’t allow it, but the panther doesn’t seem to mind, & everyone who walks in leaves with something - you’re making a killing.

another little problem: the arrival of your - rather powerful - familiar means your own abilities have gotten a much needed boost. everything you make is soaked in energy, & your plants are shooting towards the ceiling every other hour.

in short, you’re probably the most powerful nature witch in the country, let alone the county.

you appreciate the fact that you’re better at what you do, but it tires you out quicker, & you’re twice as busy now that you can do so much.

all of this would be reasonably manageable, if your familiar wasn’t still stuck in its animal form.

the panther’s refused to shift for the entirety of the time you’ve known it, staying in its animal form in the corner of the shop. it simply watches & observes, occasionally nudging the right vial or plant closer to you with its large black nose. it’s a cute sight, the little nature witch bustling around the shop in your emerald green robes, a huge black panther tracking your every move with a fond expression. you’ve started to get comfortable around it as well, but you would like to get to know it eventually, & you enlist kirishima’s help.

the more experienced witch drops by with an old history book one afternoon when you aren’t as busy, the pair of you sitting at the table to read up on familiars.

“it says here familiars usually shift within the first day of meeting their witch,” kiri reads from the book, squinting at the tiny text. you had shooed the panther into the garden so you could talk uninterrupted, & you watch as the large creature nips at the butterflies circling its head. it makes you smile, heart a little fond at the sight.

“it’s been almost a week, kiri,” you pout, looking up at the witch in concern. maybe it's not comfortable with me yet, you add in your head. your stomach twists uncomfortably at the thought.

kirishima, seemingly sensing your worry, ruffles a hand through your hair, a reassuring smile on his face.

“don’t worry, [y/n]. i’m sure they’re still getting used to being here with you,” the taller comforts you. “just give it a little time.”

watching as your familiar tramples your hydrangeas, looking up at the window with a guilty expression on its face, you can only sigh.

“i hope you’re right.”

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

nearly two months later, you’re starting to doubt kirishima’s advice.

your familiar still hasn’t shifted in front of you, although you’ve got a sneaking suspicion it does while you’re asleep, a smattering of all black clothes hidden in random corners of his shop.

you still know absolutely nothing about them, every question you throw at the panther met with unblinking silence. but the panther knows all about you.

it knows which tea you prefer in the morning & evening, nudging out the right canisters with one massive paw. it knows every plant in your shop & garden, delicately ripping out whichever ones you need with sharp fangs. it knows to growl when a potion is boiling over, or huff when a customer is at the door. it even ran off a few thieves a week ago, snarling with its hackles raised at the foot of the stairs as they screamed & ran. you had given it an hour long head massage, complete with ear scratches, as a thank you.

the panther has settled itself in your shop & your life almost perfectly, a constant presence that you’ve grown fond of. but it doesn’t change the fact that they still haven’t revealed themselves to you. you feel like this relationship is ridiculously imbalanced; the panther knows you inside & out. you don’t even know their name.

still, you push down any doubt or insecurities you’re feeling, determined to let the panther come to you in your own time.

the mayor’s birthday changes all of that.

the mayor always requests a grand celebration, complete with magical fireworks, charmed balloons, singing lilies, & a three tier magical cake. normally, he only requests singing lilies & roses from you.

this year, you get a golden invoice for everything.

the mayor wants you to craft the cake, enchant the balloons & streamers, gather the singing flowers, and charm the fireworks, all in less than two days. you immediately break into a sweat.

you can’t ask your friends for help, as they’re tied up in their own town’s festivities. your only choice is to get the other witches’ in town; surely they’d help with the mayor’s birthday celebration.

surely not. they laugh you away from their shops the moment you ask, a pleading expression on your face.

“you shouldn’t need help, little dirt witch. you’ve got that powerful familiar of yours, don’t you? unless you can’t handle it,” they mock you, & your fists clench unwillingly; you force yourself to breathe.

you don’t need their help, or their disdain. you’re going to do it all by yourself.

you start with the flowers, collecting the brightest & loudest singers from your garden & placing them in charmed rainwater to keep them pristine. the panther helps where it can, delicately holding them between its fangs.

enchanting the streamers & balloons takes the better part of the day, & you’re up late into the night crafting the fireworks the right way. you fall asleep in a spellbook, the cake left forgotten till the morning. the panther simply rests its head next to yours on the table, the pair of you fast asleep until the next day.

when you wake up, the birds are chirping steadily outside, sunlight filtering in through the windows. it’s calm & soothing, & for a moment you’re at peace.

then you see the time, panic immediately setting in.

“wake up! wake up! i have to have the cake ready in four hours! it’s going to take me three just to mix the batter!” you’re running around the shop in a flurry of robes & quick spells, arms full of supplies. the panther just watches from its position on the floor, eyebrow quirked.

you’re halfway through mixing the batter when you realize you won’t finish in time.

you can’t focus on charming all three tiers at once as he mixes, but if you do them one by one you won’t finish in time. you pause, turning desperate eyes onto the panther.

“i know you’re not ready, & i didn’t want to push, but please. i need your help,” you plead. hands clasped in front of you & flour in your hair. the panther continues to stare, unmoving, as though immune to your begging.

it’s too much all at once, stress & anxiety building until you snap.

“why not! why! i get it! i understand you’re disappointed! i’m not some high tech witch in a big city, i’m not powerful! i’m weak & i suck & i can’t brew potions fast without blowing them up & i fell off my broomstick in the garden & you saw, i know! i just need help, for god’s sake! just help me, & you don’t ever have to talk to me again!” you promise, eyes watery as you burst into tears.

dropping your head into your hands to muffle your sobs, you barely register the faint whirling of air in front of you.

hands suddenly flutter over your crying form, hovering just above touching you as a low, rough voice pulls you from your misery.

“please stop crying, shit, please, i’m sorry, i swear i didn’t mean to make you cry, fuck,” you hear, & you tilt your head up, rubbing tears from your eyes.

there’s a man standing in front of you, wearing all black. he’s got messy purple hair sticking up from all sides & dark eyes, a hint of violet flashing through them in the light. there’s circles as dark as his clothes under his eyes, a familiar look on his face - like you’d seen it every morning waking up.

this ridiculously handsome man, looking slightly panicked, is your familiar. every time you’d called him a “pretty kitty” suddenly flashes through your mind.

fuck.

pushing all those thoughts to the back of your mind, you straighten up, hastily wiping your eyes on your robe sleeves. “can you stir the second pot, please? i’ll worry about the other ones,” you ask meekly, a little embarrassed now. you ignore the familiar’s prying gaze, simply muttering spells under your breath as you stir the first mixture.

the pair of you don’t speak unless it’s instructions, racing around the tiny shop to craft the magical cake. flour & sugar & icing cover every available surface as you wave your hands, whisking it all over the towering cake. you struggle a little to reach the very top, on your tiptoes as you attempt to frost the highest tier. warm, strong hands grip your waist & lift you right off the ground, holding you up to help; you blush furiously as you quickly finish.

you’re just putting the final smattering of glitter onto the cake when the mayor’s party attendants arrive to collect it. you can finally breathe as you watch them carry off everything you both had made, shoulders sagging in relief.

your familiar leans against the counter, wiping down the tables with a rag as he watches you. now that everything’s been finished, there’s no avoiding it.

“i’m hitoshi. that’s my name,” the panther - hitoshi - offers, presumably sensing your nerves. “& for the record, i think you’re a great witch. youre powerful all on your own, even without me.”

you can’t help your smile at that, a little flush to your cheeks as you sit at the table. “then.. then why didn’t you shift?” you ask softly. up close, you can see tiny freckles in place of hitoshi’s whiskers, the glossiness of his hair reminiscent of his panther fur.

the familiar shrugs, cheeks going a bit pink themselves as he stares at the table. “at first, i was just a little shy. it’s nerve wracking, meeting your witch. & then you just… passed out, you know? i was worried about how you’d react, so i decided to give you time.” you can understand that, listening closely.

“you were so nice to me, you weren’t scared at all. you scratched behind my ears & made me cleansing potions. & you let me stay in your bed, so easily. you were just…. nicer than i expected. and…. and prettier.” the familiar’s cheeks are a rosy red now, bright in contrast to his soft skin & prominent dark circles. you think it’s adorable.

“i just didn’t want you to think any different of me, you know? you liked panther me a lot, even though i kept breaking stuff, &.... i wanted you to keep liking me.” you outright coo at that, ignoring your familiar’s protests as you dissolve into giggles.

“really? of course i’d still like you, silly! i let you cuddle me! i called you mr whiskers for a solid month! oh god, i called you mr whiskers,” you whine, pouting a little. you’d called hitoshi a bunch of silly nicknames before he’d shifted, from pretty kitty to mr whiskers to sugarpaws. you’d been trying to compensate, in your defense, & hitoshi had seemed to like them.

hitoshi’s the one laughing now, smile bright as he gives you that same fond look. “it was cute. you were trying really hard,” he admits, head cocked to the side as he watches you.

you sit in a comfortable sort of silence then, simply taking in each other’s presence a moment.

“so, you thought i was pretty, huh?” you tease, breaking the silence as you move to stand in front of hitoshi. you giggle more at the flush that follows, ignoring hitoshi’s mumbling rant about “soft little witches” & “green robes & moon pajamas, that's ridiculous”, your smile growing ever wider.

you tap a finger against hitoshi’s nose, the familiar protesting in flustered panic. standing on tiptoe, you press a light kiss to the cranberry stained cheek, watching hitoshi absolutely melt.

“i thought you were cute too, pretty kitty,” you smile, turning to tidy up the pots & spellbooks & leaving an awestruck hitoshi at the table, hand frozen where you had pressed your lips.

i could get used to that, you think, giggling as hitoshi trips over himself to squish you against the counter, covering your face in kisses.

just you, your shop, & one pretty kitty.

#bnha shinsou #bnha hitoshi #hitoshi shinsou #shinsou x y/n #shinsou x you #shinsou x reader #bnha x y/n #bnha x you #bnha x reader #shinso x reader #bnha imagines #bnha fanfiction #bnha fic #boku no hero fluff #bnha fluff #evywrites

1K notes · View notes

icequeenoriginal · 4 years

Text

An Unusually Anxious Prince

Summary: Roman goes into the forest to collect berries and finds something much more interesting.

Author’s Note: I couldn’t help myself so I wrote another scene for my Sleeping Beauty AU. I’m still not sure if I’m going to write a whole story for it though, I just really wanted to write this one, it’s my second favorite scene. Also Happy Pride

Here is the original scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXbHShUnwxY (Not the entire scene but it was all I could find on YouTube)

Warning: One bad word in caps, jokes/fears about being eaten

Roman opened his window as he hums a melody he has known since he was a child. He smiled as he looked over the beautiful valley he lived next to. This was going to be an amazing day.

It was his birthday! His 16th birthday!

This was going to wonderful! He has read in so many of his storybooks that the most amazing things happen on your 16th birthday. Anything could happen!

Including falling in love.

Roman quickly threw on a white shirt and white pants. He posed in the mirror before pausing. He hummed as he felt something was missing. He searched through his dresser before pulling out a black corset with gold string and gold border. He slipped it on and posed in front of the mirror again and smiled at the satisfaction he felt as he looked at his outfit.

He started to descend the stairs but paused when he heard familiar whispering.

“You make the suit and I’ll make the cake, Lolo.”

“How are we going to get Roman out of the house?”

“We’ll think of something.”

Roman couldn’t help but smile. He loved Patton and Logan, really, but they could be as secretive as an elephant trying to sneak through a china shop. He still does not have the heart to tell them that he found out the truth about Santa Clause when he was five after catching Logan wrapping his gifts.

He couldn’t hold anything against them, they raised him after all. They were the best kind of guardians. They were very doting, always giving him what he asks for, but still raise Roman to never be greedy. Patton would sing to Roman whenever he was scared and Logan taught Roman everything he knows. He loved his dads.

Roman shouted, “Good morning everyone!”. He happily ran down the rest of the stairs

Logan and Patton jumped back quickly, using their backs to hide whatever was on the table. Roman smirked at them, they were very much failing at being slick.

“What are you two up to?” Roman asked, trying not to laugh as he did so.

“U-Up to?” Patton squeaked out, slowly trying to make himself as tall as possible. “Nothing at all!”

“Oh really?” Roman attempted to peer behind Patton.

Logan gently pushes him back “Ah! Roman! We need you to...to…” Logan back at Patton, his eyes screaming for help.

“To pick more berries!” Patton yelled, startling both of them. Patton picked up a basket sitting on the table. He was going to use it to place flowers in for Roman’s birthday party as a centerpiece but sacrifices had to be made.

“Berries?” Roman asked, clearly thrown off. “But I picked some yesterday”

Patton made a nervous face before smiling, “Well, we need more. We used them all to make Logan’s favorite jam, a-and I ate the rest. You know I get snacky when I’m cooking.”

Roman smiled as Logan placed his red shawl over him. It was his favorite, Patton had made it for him on his 10th birthday. Roman stepped outside of their small but comfy cottage.

Patton smiled at him and said, “Take your time, no need to hurry back”

Logan nodded in agreement, “But don’t go too far!”

“Yes and don’t talk to strangers!” Patton added

Roman chuckles, it was the same speech they always gave him when he left the cottage. He waved as he walked down the path, pretending that the huge excited smirk on his face was not there.

“Do you think he bought it?” Patton whispered rather loudly to Logan

“Of course he did” Logan whispered back.

Roman covered his mouth to muffle his laughs and headed off. ~ The forest was nice. The weather was warm and the wind was low.

It was nice; calm and quiet. Too quiet for his liking.

Roman began singing loudly, a melody Patton taught him when he was five. He paused to listen and smiled as the birds responded to his call.

He sang again as the bird flew towards him, one landing on his extended finger. More small critters made their way over to him. Squirrels, rabbits, and small birds surrounded him. Even an owl awoke from its slumber to land in his empty basket.

Roman smiled and pets all of them before heading back on the path to the berry grove. This was much better. A walk through the forest is so much better with company.

Roman continued to sing, a bit louder, hoping to attract more friends to make his special day even more special.

Virgil rode on through the forest with a small frown on his face. He was undoubtedly bored. The journeys to and from home were always boring. Not that he was complaining! He would never leave home if his home again if something “exciting” happened on any of his journeys.

If there was one thing Virgil did not like, it was trying something different. It was way too stressful and overwhelming to him. He always thought the status quo got a bad rap. It was nice, relaxing, and kept him safe and sane.

Which is why he was screaming at himself for following a random voice in a random forest. Internally of course. He has class.

All he had to do was keep heading straight, he was very close to home. He could do this in sleep. Which he was so he didn’t hear the beautiful voice.

He didn’t know why he wanted to follow the voice. It was probably a siren luring him to be eaten. That thought was enough to make him turn his horse the other way.

The voice continued to sing, this time using words. “I wonder~”

It was a very nice song...and logically it couldn’t be a siren. They resign in the ocean and he was nowhere the ocean. If anything, it would be a fae who is leading him to its circle so it can eat him.

And now he was heading back to the path home...

“To someone~. To find me~”

GODAMMIT!

He turned his horse back towards the way of the voice and used the lope to make his horse go faster do he couldn’t chicken out once more.

If he got eaten, his ghost will just haunt the fae. It was only fair--

Virgil was so lost in his own mind that he did not realize his horse jumped over a small pond and he was not holding on. Gravity pulled him right into the pond.

That’s what he gets for following mysterious voices in a forest...

Roman happily skipped as his basket became more and more filled with berries. He spins, slowly so not to drop any berries and picks some more berries. He walked over to the rather large edge of the cliff, his favorite spot in the world.

There was a tree with low enough for him to sit and nap in for hours. It was nicely shaded with the higher branches of the tree where his animal friends could rest with him. Best of all, it overlooked the beautiful castle with its gorgeous landscape.

Roman always pictured himself heading over there for a ball, late at night while Logan and Patton were sleeping. He would look around the gorgeous castle and then bump into someone. As soon as he was done apologizing, he would make eye contact with the man and it would be his true love!

Roman threw his head back and groaned. He turned away from the castle and walks away in a huff. The animals follow him, trying to be as concerned as they could be.

“They treat me like I’m still a toddler!” Roman said as he stomped his foot. He only stopped when he almost dropped his basket. The owl flew in front of him and hooted, seeming interested in Roman continuing his rant.

“My uncles! Logan and Patton! They don’t want me to go anywhere! They barely let me come this far to get berries! Much less meet another person.”

Roman plopped down in front of a different tree, letting himself stew in his own anger. Once that past, he smiles to himself. “Well, jokes on them! I have met someone!” Roman then jumped up determinedly with a large grin on his face, leaving the basket on the ground.

The animals moved closer, eager to hear more about this person. The birds tweeted as if to cheer for him.

“That’s right! And not just anyone! He’s a prince! An amazing prince! He’s handsome and kind and the most romantic person I have ever met, after me of course!” Roman giggled as his own joke.

“We usually spend our time talking and singing together as he takes down by the lake on his horse. We will have a picnic together, it would be silent so we could hear the wonderful sounds of the forest. Then when we finish, he picks me up by my waist and then…umm...”

One of the squirrels nudged his foot, demanding that he finish the story he was telling.

Roman gave the squirrel a bittersweet smile, “Well, I don’t know what happens next, I usually wake up around that part.” All the looked down sad, making Roman blush from embarrassment.

“I know, I know, it’s depressing. But uncle Patton always taught me, since I was little, that if you have a dream more than once, it is more likely to come true. And trust me, I have had this dream more than once.” Roman said to them with a laugh.

The animals did not look convinced, causing Roman to sit back down. He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. He watched as some of his animal friends run off into the forest but he thought nothing of it. He figured they had something important to do.

Virgil groaned as he rubbed his neck. He groaned as he leaned against tree. He turned his head and watched as his favorite cloak dried on a tree branch. It was black it not only matched with his black boots, black pants, and black shirt (he loved the color, okay?) but also was his favorite color.

He pulled off his boots, groaning as more water fell out of each boot. He tossed them under his cloak and rubbed his feet.

“You know what Susan? I probably deserved this. No, I definitely do for a random magical forest voice. This is definitely my punishment, right girl?” He smiled at his horse but frowned quickly when she neighed loud and quickly. Her snout was pointing towards his cloak and he turned in horror as a bunch of animals were stealing it along with boots.

“Hey! Give me my stuff back!” Virgil shouted as he ran after the animals, Susan right behind him.

~ Roman hummed softly as he gently petted the chipmunk on his lap. He yawned into his free hand, the sun pulling him into a nap. Logan and Patton did tell him not to hurry back…

A couple of his bird friends tweeted loudly, stirring him wide awake. The squirrel from before nudged him again, this time pushing on his face. He turned his eyes towards the direction the squirrel was pushing and bursts into laughter.

His owl friend had a black cloak tied around its neck while two birds held up the ends. Two bunnies were hopping, each in a black boot, under the cloak

Roman smirked as he made his way over to them, “Now what do we have here? Could it be? My dream prince?” He looked at the animals up and down and his smirk widened. “It is! Your highness,” he bows playfully “I had no idea you were coming! What a pleasant surprise! Oh, but what would my uncles say! They would say ‘Roman! Why are you talking to a stranger!’,” Roman frowned turning away the clothed animals but suddenly turned back with a big smile on his face, “But then!” he boops the owl’s beak “I would say...I know you! I walked with you once upon a dream!”

Roman spun around and leaned next to his owl friends, “I know you, that look in your eyes is so familiar a gleam”

Roman grabbed the sides of the cloak and began dancing around as he sang, “And I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem.”

“But if I know you, I know what you'll do.” He pulls the owl closer by the cloak and giggles.

“You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream.” Roman wraps the cloak around himself. He closed his eyes for a bit, imagining that his dream prince was really there, holding him lovingly.

Roman let go, nearly causing the owl to fall, and began to dance away from the cloak as he sang “La La La La!”

Meanwhile, Virgil and Susan had made their way over to the clearing and took in the sight before them. The voice from before did not come from a fae, luckily from him but a boy. A very handsome boy at that…

Virgil shook his head to shake the thought away, he needed to focus. As the boy danced away, Virgil reached over and pulled his cloak away from the owl. The rabbits quickly followed and, by grabbing the front of his boots, dumped the rabbits out.

He should have just left right then and there, he got the answer of the voice and his stuff back. He should just get back on the road and head home.

“If I know you, I know what you’ll do~.” The boy sang with his back still to Virgil. Virgil recognized the song, from when he was a child.

Virgil couldn’t help himself, he sang, “You’ll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream.”

Roman whipped around and made eye contact with Virgil, “Oh!”

Virgil freezes, his eyes lock with the boy in front of him. He now has a good look at the boy. At his gorgeous brown eyes, his beautiful autumn hair that was long enough to reach his shoulders, his broad chest, and the terrified look on his face as Virgil stared at him.

Virgil jumped back “I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I was just...your animals...they...I...you…”

Roman giggled, after calming down from the initial shock, “No, I’m sorry they took your stuff.”

“Oh, uh, n-no hard feeling,” Virgil said with a nod.

Roman raised an eyebrow, “Have we met?” There was something familiar about this boy, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.

Virgil couldn’t lie, he felt like he knew this boy, it was on the tip of his tongue. Though his brain was too busy short-circuiting so he switched to his most basic function, sarcasm, “Was it once upon a dream?” He smirked.

Roman laughed and smiled sweetly at Virgil. “Was that it? Hmm…”

Virgil blushes embarrassed as he rubs the back of his neck and laughed nervously. He had no idea what to say.

“Hmm...I’m not sure, you might be a stranger after all. You’re gonna have to prove it.” Roman says firmly

“Prove it?”

“Mhmm,” Roman stretches out his hand to Virgil “Dance with me,”

Virgil was nervous, to say the least. He wasn’t that great of a dancer and he didn’t want to embarrass himself. He didn’t even like dancing that much but still, something in him told him that he wanted, no, needed to dance with him.

Virgil nodded and took Roman’s hand. They danced so well that it was as if they were dance partners for years. It was magical and romantic and neither wanted it to end. It seemed meant to be, but neither knew why.

But we do. We know it’s true as visions are seldom all they seem.

But if I know you, I know what you'll do.

You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream.

Taglist: None this time because this, like the first one, was just a fun little thing for me.

#thomas sanders #sanders sides #Sleeping Beauty AU #prinxiety #roman x virgil #roman sanders #virgil sanders #logan sanders #patton sanders #part 2 #sanders sides fanfic

73 notes · View notes

elisaphoenix13 · 3 years

Text

Before The Dawn (Ch.5 END)

There was a scream followed by a loud splash and then soon followed by Diana yelling "again". Summer was in full swing and of course Tony made sure to teach Diana how to swim the second she was able. He was always worried about her walking over to the lake and drowning from the moment she started walking, and she took to the water like a fish. Tony was significantly less worried after Diana learned, but he always made sure she was supervised. At the moment, all three of them were outside and the man was carefully throwing her off the little wooden pier while Cassie tended to the garden. Gerald was nearby lazily munching on some overgrown grass, and possibly still a little miffed about the fence that surrounded the garden.

The little garden had grown in the five years since they planted it and Gerald was constantly trying to eat all of their fruits and vegetables. So Tony put his foot down and built a fence around it so the alpaca couldn't get into the garden anymore and sample the goods. It was pretty funny watching him try to reach the garden over the fence for the first hour after it was officially up. Now he had to wait for one of the humans to be kind enough to treat him.

It happened often enough that he mostly stopped trying to get the berries himself.

Cassie sighs and gathers the last of the ripe zucchini and stands with the full basket. "How does a salad sound for lunch?" She calls out.

Tony looks over from helping Diana out of the lake and throwing a towel around her. "Why are you always trying to feed me rabbit food?!"

"Because we grow it!" She huffs and opens the gate to the garden to leave and then quickly closes it behind her. "It's good for you!"

"I knew I would regret that garden." Tony grunts as Diana runs over to her fort and crawls in. "Stay out of the lake, piccola!" He calls as he follows Cassie inside.

She went over to the sink to wash the fruits and vegetables as Tony went into the garage to work on...whatever. He mostly tinkered these days and it was only for a couple of hours. If he was in there longer, it usually meant he thought of a project, but he still didn't stay in the garage all day like he used to when they first moved to the lake house. Cassie counted it as a win and didn't try to drag him out as often.

When she finished washing the vegetables, she put some aside to go with dinner and grabbed a cucumber to chop up. It went in with some lettuce, tomatoes, and olives in a bowl and then she grabbed the box of croutons from the cabinet. She added a good amount to the salad before mixing it all together and then grabbed the dressing from the fridge to be added separately. There would likely be leftovers and if she put the dressing in too, it would make the salad soggy and then none of them would eat it.

Once she puts the bowl in the middle of the table and sets some smaller bowls down with it, she turns toward the garage door and walks over to open it.

"Salad is ready." When Tony makes a face, Cassie sighs. "I'll make pasta to go with it if you come out and go get Dia."

The engineer straightens. "Alright, fine."

"I can't believe I have to compromise with a grown man to get him to eat some vegetables." Cassie rolls her eyes as Tony walks past her.

"Hey! I eat my vegetables! I just don't want my meal to be just vegetables!" Tony exclaims.

"You're supposed to be the adult!"

"And you're supposed to be a kid." He points out.

They both stand in silence. She knew what he had meant, but didn't take offense to it. In fact, she was pretty sure that he was feeling bad about how much she was doing even when she assured him multiple times that she didn't mind. Which she didn't.

"Life dealt us a pretty crappy hand," Tony finally says quietly. "You...you had to grow up faster than you should have because I was taking too long to step back up."

Cassie sighs. "I don't think I would have been able to either of I saw what you did. I'm pretty sure the rest of the world that went through what you did had their issues too." Tony opens his mouth to argue but she continues. "I would have only been angry with you if you hid in the garage all this time and left me to Diana. It took time, but you came out. Now you're hardly in the garage. I don't blame you and I know you didn't take me in to take care of Dia for you."

Tony nods and kisses her forehead. "Thank you. You have no idea how much I needed to hear that."

And that was that. He went out the back door to go retrieve Diana for lunch and Cassie went back to the kitchen to put some pasta on the stove. She poured some in the water once it started boiling and when it was done about ten minutes later, Tony and Diana still hadn't come inside. Cassie made sure to drain the pasta and left it in the strainer before walking out the back door to see what was taking so long. She didn't find either of them near Dia's fort so she went around toward the front when she heard voices coming from that direction.

She found Tony holding Diana, who was wrapped up in her towel and was talking to Natasha and Steve. Cassie saw part of a third person next to the captain but couldn't quite make them out since the blonde was taller.

"I was wondering what was taking you so long." She finally says, gaining everyone's attention.

There was shock, clear as day on Tony's face, but before she could ask about it, the third person finally stepped into full view. Cassie froze halfway to them and almost pinched herself when she saw her father. Was she dreaming? Scott was one of the victims of the snap, but now he was here? How did he come back? She was so confused, but even more so than that, she was so, so happy. She hardly noticed when she ran the last few feet to throw her arms around her father. One second she was staring at her father in shock, much like Tony had, and the next, she was crying into his shoulder and hugging him so tightly because she was afraid it was all a dream.

What seemed like ages later, they finally pulled away from each other and Cassie smiled as she wiped her eyes. "I guess I have to make more food."

"Oh my god, food." Scott says. "I'm starving!"

=========

Scott ate like a man who hadn't eaten in forever and according to him that wasn't much of an exaggeration. He'd technically gone five years without eating and Cassie made sure to feed him until he was full. Natasha and Steve stayed for lunch, but they opted to head back to the compound while Scott stayed at the lake house to stay the night. He and Cassie were currently laying on her bed with the tv on and she was curled up against him as much as possible. The silence was comfortable and Cassie enjoyed being able to cuddle with her dad again with strong arms wrapped around her.

Tony and Diana even made sure to let them have their space.

"I missed you." Cassie whispers.

Scott kisses the top of her head. "I'm sorry peanut. It may have only been a few hours for me but I missed you too. I always do."

"Will you stay? In here with me, I mean." Cassie asks. "I'm...still kind of afraid you'll be gone when I wake up."

"I'll stay until you wake up." Scott promises. "I'll stay until Tony figures out a way to bring the rest of our family back, and when he does, I'm going with him to help."

She didn't really like the idea of her father leaving to possibly risk his life again, but if there was a way to bring everyone else back, she wouldn't complain. Diana deserved to have her mother and brothers back. Tony needed them back too. Cassie saw the small glimmer of hope in everyone's eyes when they talked about the chance to make everything right again, and she couldn't begrudge them that. She got her dad back on a fluke, so who's to say they couldn't use that fluke?

"You promise to be careful if he does figure something out?" Cassie asks.

"Promise. We have a lot of catching up to do." Scott smiles.

She slept easy that night. Her father's warmth was comforting and she seemed him out constantly over the next few days. There was always that small nagging fear that it would be the last time she would ever see him, but she did a pretty good job of ignoring it. When he and Tony left the cabin after figuring out time travel, Cassie was left to watch Diana with the promise that Happy would come help keep an eye on them until they got back.

It took a few days with hardly any updates since Diana didn't even know what was going on or why her Daddy had left. Cassie had to keep a strong face for her and tried to keep to their usual activities until one day when multiple portals opened in their backyard. All of the Avengers came through, including ones that had been victims of the snap and she felt her heart nearly burst with joy as she got Diana and led her outside with Happy. Watching the little girl stare up at the doctor when he stepped through one of the portals, and then run up to him in pure joy almost made Cassie cry again.

Stephen easily accepted the little girl despite the shock on his face as Tony was helped through the portal by Bucky. Even from where she was standing, Cassie could see the remains of charred skin on Tony's arm, but although he looked exhausted and in pain, he seemed relatively okay. He was led inside and up to his room to rest with Stephen following close behind, and that left Cassie to look for her father. It didn't take long to find him, and he was partially hanging onto Sam looking like he might have grown one too many times. He told her so when she went to check on him.

Poor Stephen didn't get a chance to bond with Diana right away. He and Bruce got busy making sure everyone was relatively healthy and not toeing a dangerous line, and Cassie got to work making huge amounts of food for everyone. Bucky eventually joined her and helped, and only when the food was ready, did Stephen get a chance to sit down for a minute. Diana jumped at the chance, ditching her brothers who she had spent time with in the meantime but they didn't complain.

Seeing everyone reunited with their loved ones warmed Cassie's heart and it felt like home again. It was loud, it was a little chaotic, and she never realized how much she truly missed it. They had a victory party that lasted a full week once Tony was up and about, and just when Cassie was about to worry about the almost hidden gleam of sadness in her father's eyes...it seemed to vanish. She did notice that Scott had taken a shine to someone she didn't recognize (apparently one of the people Tony fought alongside with in space when she asked him about him), and they were friends from the moment they got acquainted.

Cassie watched them constantly. Watched their body language as they talked and laughed together, and she saw her father do something she hadn't seen him do since she was a small child. He smiled. Not the kind of smile that he showed everyone or even her...but a smile that actually reached his eyes. That was when she decided to properly meet the other man, and that was when she found out his name.

Quill.

Of course, she sized him up just so she could get an idea of what kind of person he was, but what she saw made her back down. There was pain in his eyes. A lonely kind of pain that was similar to what she saw in her father. Cassie backed off again and continued to watch them. She watched them be so open with each other, but with everyone else, they talked like they were friends. With each other, it was different. She couldn't put her finger on it either, but something told her she wouldn't have to worry about her father being happy anymore.

"Hey, are there...uh...anymore of those little ham rolls?" A voice interrupts Cassie's thoughts and she looks up from the vegetables she's chopping to look at Peter.

"Yeah. Hang on." Cassie finishes cutting the cucumber and walks over to the fridge to pull out the plate full of ham rolls. She hands them over to the older boy, almost missing the blush grace his cheeks.

"Thanks." He stammers before hightailing it back outside.

Cassie had her own agenda now.

10 notes · View notes

fangirlxwritesx67 · 4 years

Text

Deeper Than Deep Conditioner

I picked up this prompt from @awesomesusiebstuff over at @cabin-fever-bang“ Prompt: The two Sam’s (our Sam and AU Sam) maintaining their hair care routines while quarantined.” All the thanks to @boondoctorwho @itmighthavebeenintentional and @there-must-be-a-lock for the beta. @there-must-be-a-lock gets credit for the title and the ending all at once. Thank you my dears. ... Honestly after everything, the last thing the Winchesters were expecting was having to deal with more of themselves. They knew that Chuck, in his petty fit of rage, was destroying all the universes he had created. They knew in theory that there would be other Winchesters, other sets of Sam and Dean. They just never considered actually meeting any. The Sam and Dean that came blurring through their bunker walls seemed specifically intended to cause them peak annoyance. The only reason they ever left them there alone was a need to trick Chuck, to beat him at his own game. After that mission was over, the Winchester brothers dismissed their alternate selves. They sent them to Rio, to beaches, to a place of sun and sand far from their current battle to save their world. The minute they left, Sam turned to Dean. “Rio? Really? That was our happily ever after, the sand between our toes.” Dean shrugged, looking so sad and resigned that it broke Sam's heart. “Hey, at least somewhere some version of us gets our happy ending.” Sam shook his head, long hair brushing his cheeks. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Finally he said, “Dean, as long as we're together, I'm good." Dean threw an arm over his shoulder. “Me too; just don’t start wearing a manbun. Come on, let’s have a beer.”

That night settled into the familiar bunker routine and each brother went to sleep in his bedroom. Dean dreamed of driving away, of bikini beauties on the beaches of Rio. Sam dreamed of scarves and what it would be like to have no bigger worries in the world than his hair.

The Winchesters woke up to voices in their kitchen and rushed in, weapons drawn. There was the alternate pair of them, suddenly returned.

“Sorry, sweethearts,” alt!Dean said, “Flights are all cancelled. A virus or something.”

Alt!Sam nodded with a little pout. “And I had already booked a full weekend of spa treatments in Rio!”

The original Winchesters sighed.

“Sit down,” Dean commanded, in a voice that brooked no argument. Even his alternate self obeyed. He returned to the table in the kitchen with four coffee mugs and a big bottle of Jameson. Each man took a mug.

“Is there cream?” asked alt!Sam. The look Dean gave him would’ve curdled milk, if there was any, which there wasn’t, because Dean took his coffee black, like a man.

Sam and Dean gave one another a long hard look. Sam nodded, deferring to Dean. He turned to their other world selves.

“You can stay here,” he began. “This is a safe place, but it’s safe for a reason. You have to abide by the rules.”

The alt!WInchesters nodded earnestly.

“And here’s the thing,” Sam added. “I’m Sam, he’s Dean. It's too confusing to have two of each. You have to pick something else.”

The other pair of brothers spoke in whispers for a long moment before turning to face their other selves. “I’m okay with Deano. And he - he’s-” “Sami!” he said with a smirk. Sam rolled his eyes.

Dean and Sam took Deano and Sami on a short tour of the bunker, showing them to a set of adjoining rooms across the hall from theirs.

Dinner that night was a fractured affair. Cas prepared sandwiches. He knew how keenly humans loved them. Something told him that a meal where everyone could choose would be the best thing for the very different and divided Winchester brothers that were suddenly doubled in the bunker.

Dean and Deano seemed to be in a competition for who could pack the most meat and tomatoes and bread together, but eventually they each picked up a carefully layered sandwich. Dean swiped a six pack of beer and they headed down the hall.

“We’ll be in the Dean cave,” one of them called over his shoulder. Once they were gone, the two Sams looked at one another.

“I like a good sandwich, but honestly,” Sam shook his head.

“A salad is better after all.” said Sami.

Sam wanted to disagree, but he couldn’t. The two of them dug into the fridge for vegetables and dressings. Finally they both settled on opposite sides of the kitchen table.

“Is this really how you live?” said Sami, with a dismissive glance at his paper napkin. “Look,” Sam answered. “I’ve done my best. It’s taken a lot to get us this far.”

They both retreated to the comfortable solitude of their phones while they ate. Before too long, they were showing one another new stories, pages, and memes. They began to laugh and relax together.

It was later, much later, after falling into more than one internet rabbit hole, that Sam and Sami parted, with a promise to go running together tomorrow.

They met before sunrise at the door of the bunker. Side by side both Sams strode out into the predawn fog. They settled easily into a matching pace. They were one another, after all. As the sun rose, they returned to the bunker.

“Meet me in the shower,” Sam tossed out.

Sami edged into the shower room soon after. “We didn’t get to bring much when we came from our world to here.”

“That’s fine, come on,” Sam gestured from under a steamy shower.

“But, but,” Sami hesitated, “What about our hair?”

“Our hair?” Sam half turned and held out a bottle of Suave 3 in 1 body wash, shampoo and conditioner.

Sami cringed, noticeably. “You have got to be kidding me.”

“Why?” asked Sam, “It works just fine.” He shook his head like a puppy, spraying water everywhere in the shower room.

“Ugh,” Sami responded. He rinsed his hair with, notably, just water.

The two of them made their way to the kitchen. Sam was making a smoothie when Sami appeared. He quickly added his own ideas and suggestions. Most of the fruits and vegetables in the bunker kitchen ended up in the blender before they both enjoyed a post-run drink.

“So,” said Sam eventually. “I think I’ll go to the library.”

“Or,” Sami rejoined,” We could go to Ulta. Your hair care regimen is positively barbaric. It’s honestly an affront to us all that you manage to look as good as you do.”

Sam shrugged. “Ulta is closed.”

Sami pounced on that. “So you know-?”

“Look, I’m no haircare expert. But basically all that’s open now is Walmart.”

It took some convincing, but eventually Sam and Sami rolled up to Walmart in the Impala. Sami scoffed before they went in, but Sam silenced him with a hard look.

The hair care aisle was long, and well stocked. Not all the salon brands Sami was used to, but plenty of good stuff. He kept pointing to bottles that cost $15 or more, while Sam shook his head.

Finally he broke down in exasperation. “Why, what do you use to make your hair so perfect?”

“I just wash it and then-” Sam tossed his head and his hair settled back in perfect waves around his face.

“Ugh,” Sami scoffed. “How? That’s so unfair.”

Sam shrugged. "It’s not like it ever seemed to matter. We were always busy with more urgent things. Like, saving the world."

Sami protested. "But, but, my hair is sacred. It's worth the time and effort."

Eventually the two of them moved on from the shampoo aisle -- basket full -- to the produce section.

That night for dinner they enjoyed a cold quinoa salad with tomato, cucumber and avocado. Their brothers were off somewhere else, probably trying to find the best takeout cheeseburgers and extra crispy fries in the state. It was oddly peaceful, just the two of them.

After eating, Sami stood up. “We have plenty of time for a hair treatment, now."

Sam looked at him, baffled.

Sami pulled some things out of the Walmart bag. “I know it’s generic, but these deep conditioners are better than nothing.”

Sam scoffed but finally gave in and combed deep conditioner into his hair before wrapping it in a bag. The final touch was knotting a towel around his head. He laughed, before he looked at Sami.

His alternate self was taking this so very seriously. Apparently, somewhere out there, was a universe where he pampered himself. Maybe there, everything wasn’t life or death. Maybe there was a place where he could enjoy something as simple as a deep condition.

Sami pulled up a BBC show on the laptop, something Sam had wanted to watch but never had time for. It was a little silly and very nerdy. But for the first time in a long time, he caught himself laughing while he watched it. When the first episode was over, Sami nodded towards the showers.

Sam rinsed and combed and dried his hair. It had never felt more soft, more perfect. More importantly, though, he felt relaxed. He felt like it was okay to take the time on something as frivolous as a hair treatment. Call it “self care,” he thought to himself.

Sam Winchester woke up with his own fingers pulling his hair. Had it all been a dream? He sat up slowly, a hollow feeling of loss settling in his chest. He shook his head as reality began to sink in.

His last faint trace of hope disappeared the moment he wandered to the kitchen. There was no pile of fresh produce waiting for smoothies, no leftover quinoa salad. None of it had happened.

The alternate version of Sam and Dean were gone, and with them the sort of life that had time for hair treatments and self care. His universe had no space for indulgences like that. Toes in the sand in Rio was a fantasy, nothing more.

Sam stumbled into the bunker shower, his thoughts heavy. He should've known it was too good to be true. There wasn't a happy ending for him and Dean, not in this universe. He sighed as he picked up the 3 in 1 body wash, shampoo and conditioner.

He smiled sadly and shook his head. His sense of disappointment went deeper than deep conditioner. He sighed and watched the soapy water swirl down the drain. ...

SPN First Last and Always: @boondoctorwho @dawnie1988 @deanwanddamons @divadinag @flamencodiva @fookinghelljensensthighs @idreamofplaid @kalesrebellion @maddiepants @magssteenkamp @onethirstyunicorn @the-chocolate-moose @there-must-be-a-lock @tloveswriting

Sam Girl For Life: @awesomesusiebstuff @lilsylvia @winchesterxfamilybusiness

Dean Curious: @adoptdontshoppets @awesomesusiebstuff @deangirl7695 @deans-baby-momma @mrsjenniferwinchester @stoneyggirl @supersassyprobablysad @wayward-gypsy @winchesterxfamilybusiness

#cabin fever bang #sam winchester fanfic #dean wichester fanfic #alt!Winchesters #susies stuff

33 notes · View notes

nancypullen · 4 years

Text

Geez, Where Did I Go?

It’s been at least a week since I’ve posted and I still have nothing to share. Well, nothing of much interest. I’ve been dinking around, doing small projects, reading a lot, and just...existing. Isn’t that what 2020 is about now, existing? Let’s see - we’ll start with the 4th. We kept things low key, grilled some kebabs and corn, sweet corn on the grill is the bomb. Yum!

The ol’ reliable Weber grill is still our favorite. No gas for us, we use charcoal the way our founding fathers intended. ‘Merica! We get our carcinogens the old-fashioned way. Our neighborhood lost its ever-loving mind with fireworks this year. There are always a couple of houses that light up the night on the 4th, but this year, I’m assuming because most public events were canceled, our neighborhood was like a war zone until about 11 o’clock. It was AWFUL. I enjoy a good professional fireworks display, but a bunch of bubbas with explosives is just chaos.

youtube

We survived, the kitties were traumatized, and as far as I know no homes were burned down. On Monday the mister and I had a hot date. We drove over to the fairgrounds where the health department is doing drive-thru Covid-19 testing. Testing opens daily at 9am and at 8:58 we were the third or fourth car in line. It was a very easy process.

One person came to our window and filled out an informational sheet for each of us. Mickey’s sheet was slapped on the windshield in front of him, mine was in front of me. As we pulled forward under a canopy medical personnel verified ID and then swabbed our noses. We were in and out in maybe ten minutes. Now, about that swabbing. They have to go way,way back in your nasal cavity, up where you keep your thoughts and dreams. Your body doesn’t like that so it reacts. It felt like that cotton swab had lava on it. The burning! Ya’ know how when you get chlorinated water way up your nose it burns? It’s like that times 100. Thank goodness it’s quick. The guy who swabbed me stuck it up my left nostril and swirled until he hit brain, then he did the same on the right side. It was probably 10 or 15 seconds total, but very unpleasant. Mickey agreed that it burned, but didn’t think it was bad. His eyes didn’t even water. Granted, I think I have more sinus and allergy issues than he does - maybe I had swelling, narrower passages, or maybe I just don’t like having my brain poked with a stick. Either way, we’ll have our results in a few days and assuming we’re negative we’ll be making the drive up to Maryland to spoil the grandbaby. Totally worth it. In other news, the gardens are fabulous this year. My asters are blooming...

the scraggly little drift rose is looking better every day...

The Bee Balm and Crape Myrtle shrub are competing for attention...

the verbena is throwing a party...

so is the speedwell, the salvia, the vinca, the reliable zinnias, and ohmy, the hydrangeas!

We can smell the lavender from the deck. The herbs and my one big tomato plant are thriving.

It’s out of the frame but the tomato plant has over THIRTY green tomatoes on it. Yesterday I examined a large, low hanging ‘mater and decided that I’d pick it in the morning. Perfectly shaped, nicely red, just a hint of orange at the top - I figured one more day would make it just right. This morning I opened the back door and headed for the tomato of my dreams. Two bunnies scampered away. You probably know where this is going. My perfect tomato

was breakfast for a bunny.

I should have picked it yesterday! Arrgh! The rabbits usually don’t bother my garden much, but that tomato was almost ground level. Dang it. I normally have the mister go out after dark and *ahem* answer nature’s call near the garden but he hasn’t done it this year. Laugh if you will, but it works. Tip: make sure your motion activated lights are off if you’re going to pee around the garden.

And speaking of that wonderful guy, on the 7th we celebrated 36 years of wedded bliss. We ordered takeout from a favorite restaurant and toasted each other with Diet Coke. Honestly one of our best anniversaries - no fuss, just simple pleasures. He told me that he’s glad I said yes, and I told him I’m glad he asked. These two kids had no idea what was in store, but I’m so glad they stuck it out.

That guy has been a shelf installing maniac lately. He put up the laundry room shelving and I’m still organizing and tagging baskets for that. I’m trying to find a balance between practical and pretty. It has to function, but if I can make it look like decor then I’ll be happy.

Then he added an extra shelf to the closet in the spare room where my desk sits and where I make my crazy cards and other stuff. I’m REALLY excited about how organized everything will be now - sure beats my piles on the floor. I’ll snap a picture when it’s all finished. I guess that’s where I’ll leave you, I’ll head back to my favorite room and continue arranging ink, paper, and containers of buttons and lace on that new shelf. I find peace in that little room, just me and my dead friends.

Hummingbirds,cardinals, yellow finches, and robins flit back and forth from that tree to the bird bath. Deer come to the trough and rabbits play tag and I have a front row seat to all of it. From this window I’ll see storms roll in and the first yellow leaf of autumn swirl downward. It’s kind of amazing how satisfying a hole cut into a wall can be. I hope you’re having a lovely day. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be lovely. Pleasant will do. Content is good. Look for silver linings, look for humor, appreciate the good. Even in these crazy times, there’s so much good. If you can’t find it, then be it. Send some love into the world. Take care, stay safe, stay well. XOXO - Nancy

1 note · View note

greyskywrites · 4 years

Text

Wolf’s Price

[First] [Previous] [AO3] [ko-fi]

Part V. Ima Vulgas || Mother Wolf

“News has come to me of what befell Morhall, and our king. They say my daughter fled into the snow, rather than be killed by the Kressosi. They say it is impossible that she survived, but I do not believe it. My Liana is a wild creature, fierce and stubborn. I do not know all of what the man we called our king did to her, but I know that if he did not break her spirit enough to make her afraid of the wild, then there is nothing in those wilds that can kill her, either. “My Liana will come home someday, and mark my words that when she does, she will be a greater woman to Saren than any queen who ever wore a crown.” Ervind Anarin, from a private letter

XIX. Journey

5.1k

Veland helped me to gather wood for a fire, though he was quieter than I liked. I had told him we were going to see my family, and that was all, but I knew he must be able to sense that something was wrong. He asked me why we had to leave in secret, why Muras and Todd weren’t coming with us.

“There are dangerous people looking for us,” I told him. “Men who would hurt us. That is why we have to go to my family. Muras and Todd… they cannot help us.”

Veland held his armful of wood, and bit his lip. “Why not?”

That was a good question, one that I didn’t have a satisfactory answer for. I smoothed Veland’s hair. “Because this is a journey we have to make on our own, puppy.”

Always, it should have been alone. I was foolish for thinking I could keep Todd and Muras with me and still pay my debts. I should have left them the moment my feet were once more on Sarenn soil. If I had not been so afraid…

We were camped in a hollow where the wind did not touch us. We had been traveling several days, and we had to stop to find food, or else we would starve before we got any further. Tyna had come up with some mushrooms under the snow that were a little past their prime, but still edible. Veland had shown me how to build a rabbit snare, and set them himself. Atsa children learn early how to make such snares, but I took him away before he could learn to hunt for foxes and weasels. He would have made squirrel snares, too, but the squirrels were still hibernating. We would have to hope there were enough rabbits around to feed us.

I eased myself down on the blanket by the fire, the baby kicking up a storm. They had hardly ceased moving since I left Morhall, as if they, too, were running. We set the wood we had gathered near the coals to dry before we added it to the fire.

Bili snorted under the trees, shaking his head. Tyna emerged from the trees, having been checking Veland’s snares. She had two rabbits on her belt, and something in her herb basket. “I have good news,” she said, “I found a squirrel cache.”

“What did it have?” I asked.

“Walnuts. There must be a tree nearby.” She sat by the fire, and pulled out her knife to skin the rabbits. I sent Veland to the stream to fill our soup pot with water, and stoked up the coals of our fire.

Tyna waited until Veland was gone to say what was really on her mind. “I still think we could have afforded the time to better plan, store up some food.”

“I was not staying another moment in that place.” I had been so angry I was afraid I would kill them. I hadn’t felt rage like that since I decided to call the Wolf down on Corasin. It had scared me bone-deep, to feel that kind of hate again.

Tyna let out a quiet sigh, and separated out the organs we could eat and those we could not. “Be that as it may, this was rash. How do you mean for us to make it all the way to the river?”

I wasn’t certain, yet, but I knew I had no fear of starving. I had not come all this way just for the Wolf to let me die alone in the wilderness.

I took the walnuts from Tyna, and set out in search of a flat stone on which to break their shells. Veland came back from the stream with half a pot of water, which Tyna helped him hang over the fire. In went the rabbits, and their hearts and lungs and livers. The rest, Tyna wrapped in the skins and carried off into the trees, to pack them in the snow far away from our camp.

Veland came to smash walnut shells with me, crouching in the snow, a serious little frown deep in his face. “Ima,” he said, “how long are we going to stay with your family?”

“I don’t know.” Truthfully, I did not know how we would be received. Julas had a family, a Kressosi wife… I was arriving some eight years too late, asking an enormous task of my brother. An enormous amount of forgiveness. The only thing I knew for sure was that Julas would not immediately turn me away. We had been as close as twins, once.

“Can I see my brother again?” That was how he asked to see Kip’s portrait. He had a hard time with Kip’s name, if he even remembered it, but the word for ‘brother’ he had learned quickly enough. I reached under my blouse to retrieve the locket, taking the chain from my neck.

Veland opened it carefully, squinting at the small painting. “Is he with your brothers?”

I shook my head. “No, puppy. He’s with his father, in Kressos.” Foolish of me, to tell Veland he might someday meet his brother. They would never meet, now. I had made sure of that. Perhaps it would have been easier to never tell Veland about Kip at all. To not instill in him the same sense of scattered loneliness I carried in myself.

What was I going to do when Julas started doing math, and realized how old Veland was?

My son was not going to be anyone’s king.

When we had cracked open all of the walnuts, we added them to the soup pot, and I wrapped a blanket around my shoulders while Tyna cooked. The baby kicked again, and I let out a breath.

Tyna glanced at me.

“He’s coming soon,” I said. “Before the next dark moon.”

“That would be early, still.”

“I know, but,” I held my own belly. “Veland and Kip both jumped like this, in the month before they were born.” It would be early, but not so early. Tyna nodded. “Then we had best find a safe place for the little one to be born.”

Veland snuggled up against my side, and I wrapped an arm around him. “Puppy,” I said, stroking his hair, “there is much I have to tell you, about where I came from. Who I was, before I was your mother.”

I was dreaming of being a wolf again, of running through the trees on four legs with a pack at my heels. I would wake up with snow and twigs in the wolf pelt I slept on. Tyna said no one could wake me before dawn. More than once, she had tended to Veland’s bad dreams while I slept.

We had found for ourselves a cave that was too shallow to host a slumbering bear, but deep enough to keep us out of the wind while we slept, and nurse a little fire.

Veland set his snares, and we didn’t starve, but it wasn’t enough to really ease the hunger. I knew we had to do something. I would not bring a baby into this cold when we were already withering. So in the night, when I woke inside of a wolf skin, I set out hunting.

Tyna about jumped out of her skin, the first morning she woke to find a deer carcass in our cave. Three wolves sat on the edge of our camp that day, watching as we butchered it. What we could not eat, or fit into our soup pot to keep hot for the next day, we fed to them. Everything that could be eaten was. We cracked the bones for marrow, sucking it out as we huddled by our fire, cut fat into our soup pot.

We stopped going hungry.

Veland would curl up with his head against my belly while I told him about my family—our family. I told him about my brothers, and my parents. “Your grandfather is passed now, but as far as I know, my mother still lives. She will be so happy to meet you.” I told him all the stories I had grown up with, of Anar and his sons, of great people in our family line. Veland would only move his head when the baby managed to land a kick against his skull.

“Ima,” he said, curled up next to me.

“Yes, puppy?”

“Are dangerous people looking for us because you used to be a princess?”

Tyna looked up from the tear she was mending in her coat, her eyes meeting mine.

I stroked Veland’s hair. “That’s part of it,” I said, “but not all.” I hesitated, and drew in a breath. “There is more I need to tell you,” I said, “about your father.”

Everything I had been through, I think it was telling Veland that he was the son of a king that was the most difficult. To try and explain to him, in a way he could understand, the importance of that, without terrifying him. He needed to be afraid, but he did not need anything added to his nightmares. “There are going to be people,” I told him, “who want to make you a king, too. A king is a very dangerous thing to be.”

I kept thinking of my meeting with Weta. Three kings will die on your account. “I won’t let anyone put a crown on your head,” I said, “because if they did, Veland, there is no count to the number of men who would want to take it from you.”

Veland stared at me so, it took everything I had not to look away. “My eba… was the king?”

I nodded. What else was there to say to a boy who could still count his age on his fingers? He did not need to know yet just what kind of man Corasin had been.

“But… Uncle Muras is the Wolf’s Son… he killed the king.” Veland’s face scrunched up in a frown. “Uncle Muras killed my eba?”

I took Veland’s hands in my own. “He did,” I said. “Because he is a soldier of Kressos, and that is what they do. That is why you can never be a king, Veland. Kressos will do everything they can to prevent it.”

“Would Uncle Muras ever hurt me?”

I gazed at my son, confused and afraid. “No,” I said, softly. “No, he wouldn’t.” If he had wanted to do anything of the sort, he had had ample opportunity.

Instead he had let everyone at Morhall believe that Veland was his.

I pulled Veland into a hug, kissing the top of his head. “I love you so much,” I whispered. “I will do everything—everything I can to keep you safe.”

Veland sniffled into my dress, and I held onto him while he hid his face from the world. These times when he was able to hide, they would be few and far between. I wouldn’t take any of that from him.

Tyna came over to sit beside us, and draped a blanket over Veland, rubbing a palm across his shoulders. “Little one,” she said, “there will be many people, too, who want to protect you, and keep you safe. Things will be hard, for a while, and they will be scary—but there will be good times, too, and friends you can trust. Your ima isn’t trying to frighten you, just prepare you.” She gazed at me a moment, and squeezed Veland’s shoulder.

Tyna had given up wearing her hair in a Kressosi style. It was braided now, beginning at the crown of her head. It had been a long time since I wore my own hair that way. Eleven years.

After we ate, as night closed in on us, I asked her if she would help me braid my hair.

Tyna looked at me a moment, as if I had asked something impossible of her, and then she nodded. By firelight, while Veland slept, she combed through my hair, gently working through the tangles. “I didn’t think you were going to tell him the truth about his father.”

“He deserves to know,” I murmured. “There will be no avoiding it.”

Tyna parted my hair, her fingers against my scalp. “And what are you going to offer the lords of Saren, if not a prince?”

“What they really want, and what they would get if I gave them a prince,” I said, “a bloody and brutal war.”

Tyna worked slowly and methodically with my hair. “And after?”

“I can’t give them rule,” I said. “I can’t tell them how to do it. It’s something that they will have to work out on their own. The only thing I care about is keeping anyone from ever again calling himself King of Saren.”

“Yes, I remember your hatred of kings.” Tyna’s voice was gentler than I expected. “What will you do with yourself, if such a war is won?”

I had thought so much on the inevitability of war with Kressos, of the pain and suffering it would bring, that I had not thought of an after. Of what my life would look like when my debt had been repaid.

I tilted my head forward, to keep the tension in my hair as Tyna finished the braid. “When war is done,” I said, “and my debt to the Wolf is paid… I will retire to Arborhall… and grow old and fat on cider and lamb.”

Tyna laughed softly, finishing off the braid. “An admirable plan. Will old Aziran-trained physicians be welcome?”

“I don’t see why not.” I was pleased that she intended to stay with us, at least for the time being. I had grown fond of Tyna’s stern and practical nature, even as she scolded me for doing dangerous and foolish things. She had even made sure Veland still practiced his letters, tracing them in the snow with a stick while we cooked and worked.

She had also saved him from poisoning us all with mushrooms that he found under the base of a particular tree.

When she tied off the braid, Tyna held my hair a moment more before she let it fall against my back. I touched the crown of my head, feeling how differently the weight rested on my skull. “It’s strange,” she murmured, “I didn’t think I’d missed this.”

“The hair, or being Liana Anarin?”

I wasn’t sure how to answer. Tyna got up to put more wood on the fire, to keep it burning through the night. It was the firewood, more than anything else that occupied our time now. We collected a great many pine cones to keep it lit. She seemed different, since we had left Morhall. I thought, perhaps, she felt a little guilty about all the people we had left behind.

“Where did you even get the name Sargis?” Tyna asked suddenly, looking up from the fire.

I laughed a little. “From a drunk man who asked me to marry him on the riverboat to Kressos.” I had almost forgotten him. He had been maybe seventeen, sloshed out of his mind, and I had grabbed his shirt to keep him from falling overboard. He had looked at me, smiled, asked me to marry him because I was “so kind and beautiful,” and immediately vomited over the side. “He said if I married him, I would be the most beautiful woman in the Sargis family.”

Tyna almost smiled. “Seems you’ve not had any shortage of suitors in your life.”

I shrugged, rubbing my belly. “For all the good it’s done me.” I got up to stretch, and we heard a wolf howl in the distance.

“One of yours?” Tyna asked.

“I don’t know. What makes them ‘one of mine?’” I settled onto the blankets and fur. Bili, who had already bedded down, reached over to sniff and snort in the middle of my back. The gelding that Tyna rode was already asleep, head tucked against his side.

“You’ll have to be better about pretending you understand how this all works when you’re talking to lords,” Tyna said.

“I’m not a fool,” I said, annoyed.

“No, you aren’t.” Tyna settled in, taking off her shoes. “I know you aren’t.” She rubbed her ankles, wincing. “You were right that I’ve been in Kressos too long. There’s so much theater to politics.” She pulled a blanket over herself, curling up on our makeshift bed of thin cedar and pine bows. “But there’s no sense worrying about all that playacting when we’re still in the woods, is there?”

“Can I ask you something?” I murmured.

“You can ask whatever you like, I can’t promise I’ll answer.” Tyna put an arm under her head, looking at me.

“Are you really here because you want a free Saren?” She had spent so many years in Kressos, killing for the crown prince—I had to wonder.

Tyna gazed at me a moment longer, and she drew in a breath. “That was why I decided to make a friend of you, when I realized who you were. I thought, finally, this can make a real difference. Something more than the nothing action of killing a single king and a single prince. Without something—someone—to remind the people what it means to be free, I couldn’t kill enough Kressosi nobles to make a single bit of difference.”

“And now?” I asked.

“And now,” Tyna murmured, “I am here because I don’t want to be parted from you.”

I gazed back at Tyna, not sure I wanted to ask her what she meant. I was still raw, still aching from what I had left behind. She had to know that. She probably knew, too, how badly I needed her help. How friendless I was in the world without her.

“Don’t look so morose, Princess,” Tyna said, calling me that because she knew it would needle me, “I know how hard things must be for you right now. You asked a question, and I answered. That’s all.”

The baby kicked me in the ribs, and I let out a breath, shifting. “You should have seen the way they looked at me when they told me. They knew what they had done to me, and they thought I would just… stay.” That was what burned me the most. That they thought they could just tell me, and everything would be the same, afterward.

“I can’t puzzle out for you what they were thinking,” Tyna murmured, “or what they hoped to achieve. I can’t say anything that will make you feel less betrayed—but I can tell you this: your story isn’t hinged on those men. It never was. You are the one who was chosen by the Wolf, and you are the one who speaks for a god. Yours is the story that will be remembered, and not theirs.”

I laughed softly, shook my head. “I don’t care about my story,” I said. “I care about my life.”

I ranged far in my wolf dreams, farther than I should have been able to. I was coming to know this forest better than I had known any place I ever called home, its hills and hollows and the clear cold streams, many of which were at least half frozen.

As we were not presently in want of food in camp, I was only wandering that night, sniffing my way through the dark trees. The moon above was a thin sliver, not enough to light up the snow on the ground. I had slipped past a slumbering woolly rhino bull unnoticed, and was sliding through the ferns when I caught the scent of a human camp other than my own.

I stopped, chest deep in the brush, listening. It was late, and the camp was quiet, but I did not think it was large. I could only hear a pair of elk breathing, grunting in their sleep. Hunters, I thought. That was the only reason to be this deep in the forest, so late in winter.

I crept forward just to be sure, careful to stay downwind so the elk would not scent me and panic. I could see the smoldering embers of a fire, a red glow against the forest. Two figures were bedded down together, against the side of one of their elk. I watched them from the brush, trying to get a scent on them.

And when I did, I recoiled.

As familiar to me as my own scent, I knew them.

Todd and Muras had come looking for me.

I backed slowly into the trees, and spent the rest of the scouring the area around them, looking for others. They couldn’t have come alone, that would be mad. Alone, in an unfamiliar forest—they couldn’t be.

I found no one else.

As dawn drew near, I was called back to my human body in the camp. I plunged into as many streams as I could, following them until I could no longer, in hopes that if my tracks were discovered, they would soon again be lost.

I woke with the sunrise and a gasp, bracing as if I expected to be found already. I sat up slowly, scanning our camp—but Veland slept on, and Tyna too. I was the only one awake in the thin grey light.

I carefully pried myself up, bladder bursting, and watched the trees warily as I walked into the brush. How could they be here? To guess where I was going was one thing, but to find the route I had taken—I didn’t know how they could have done it.

I pulled our soup pot from the snow we had packed it under and hung it over the fire to heat while I waited for Tyna and Veland to wake. I could hear the wolves howling again, calling to each other. “Don’t harm them,” I whispered to the winter air. “Please, don’t hurt them.” If more blood had to be spilled on her account, she didn’t want it to begin with them.

A raven croaked somewhere nearby, and I let out a breath, deciding I should make myself useful and take the elk to the stream for water. I scratched Bili’s neck while he drank, his ears flicking every which way, listening to the sounds of the forest.

Muras and Todd were to the north of here by a few days ride, and it would not take them long to spy the smoke from our fire, if they hadn’t already. Could we risk leaving the cave, and looking for a new place to shelter? There might not be another place that safe for a hundred miles, and I knew the baby was close. If we didn’t have shelter when it came…

Tyna knew something was wrong the moment she looked at my face. She sent Veland to gather wood, and looked closely at my eyes. “What is it?”

“They’re looking for me,” I said. “And they’re not far from us.”

Tyna looked north, as if she could see them from our camp. “Well,” she said, “that’s terrible bad luck for us.”

“As best I can tell,” I said, “they’re alone. No soldiers anywhere that I could find.”

Tyna made a puzzled frown, bending to tend to the fire. “I can’t imagine Morhall would let go of its only commander like that.”

I held my belly in both hands as I walked around the camp, stretching my legs. “I don’t know how they’re here, but if we stay here, they’re bound to find us.”

“Much as I agree, I can’t advise we move without knowing where we’re going,” Tyna said. We didn’t even have a tent to shelter us from the wind if we couldn’t find a place to shelter. ��Perhaps your wolves can give them the runaround for a bit. Lead them astray.”

Perhaps. I wasn’t certain, though, and that uncertainty meant I didn’t want the pack anywhere near the two of them. I remembered too keenly the men that had died on our journey north.

We ate, and set out to gather firewood and things that might supplement our soup pot. Tyna was happy to come across some large mushrooms growing out of the side of a tree, holding a tiny bit of snow on their tops, which she told us were quite delicious and filling.

Veland was quiet and sulky, which I had anticipated, but that didn’t make me worry any less. He checked his snares, and we were richer three rabbits. Toward midmorning, my feet hurt too much to do anything but return to camp and begin drying the wood, and skin the rabbits.

The baby was still kicking fiercely, which did little to improve my mood. I was sore and tired and cold and somewhere out in the trees Muras and Todd were looking for me.

It seemed I had always ended up in the beds of men who refused to let me go. Perhaps it was time to give them up altogether. I seemed to have nothing but bad luck with them.

I knew, even as I thought it, that it was both unkind and untrue.

Kaspar, for all his faults, had always been good to me. He had wanted me to be happy, he had wanted to take care of me. He just couldn’t be what I needed him to be.

I had known Todd would always put Muras first. There was no betrayal in that. They were connected in ways that I couldn’t be, simply because of how long they had known each other. Even so, once Todd was satisfied that I was not dishonest, and that I did not mean to displace him, he had always tried to make me laugh. He had played with Veland, kept a careful eye on him when he absolutely didn’t have to. I knew there had been times when Veland had gone to Todd for help before he had come to me.

And Muras… I knew why Muras had lied to me. It wasn’t because he wanted to protect me from the truth of myself, or protect us both from it. He had lied to me because as long as he pretended he didn’t know who I was, he could keep me by his side. As long as I was only Lya Sargis, and not Liana Anarin, he could allow himself to love me. Lya Sargis was only his Sarenn mistress. Lya Sargis was someone safe to love and protect.

Liana Anarin was a great deal more dangerous.

I knew and understood. It didn’t mean I forgave him for it. For marring the memory of his affection and tenderness with a lie. That he had known what he was bringing me back to, known exactly what it meant to me—and let me believe that I still had to hide it from him. How much easier would I have slept on that journey, in those walls, if I could have known there was one place I didn’t have to keep my suffering to myself? If I had known that my secret was safe.

That was what I was most angry about—that Muras had denied me that safety. And now he had the gall to come looking for me.

When Veland and Tyna returned, I had cooked the rabbits and mushrooms into our soup pot, and we ate together as the snow fell around us, hopefully dense enough that it concealed the smoke from our fire. I wrapped my arms around Veland while we sat, and thought on Arborhall, with its warm hearths and my foremothers’ tapestries.

I wished my father had lived long enough that I could see him again, or that I had been brave enough to return sooner. I had nothing to put in his barrow mound when I went, but I hoped that knowing that I had lived, that my son had lived, would be enough.

I could not let my father’s spirit believe that he had consigned me to death.

It was my father that first taught me to ride. It infuriated my mother endlessly, how my father conspired to get me away from my lessons and had me always at his side, whether he was with the elk or holding audience. Some of my earliest memories were of being perched in my father’s lap, playing with a toy while he discussed wool taxes with with the shepherds’ guild. I was his firstborn, his only daughter, and he spoiled me terribly.

But I learned, from all those hours spent watching my father. I learned how it was that Arborhall was run, not just the household that my mother managed, but the estate over which my father was lord. When times were lean for the farmers and shepherds, they were lean for us, too. “Starving men are dangerous men,” my father told me. “Hunger makes wolves out of all of us. When that is true, it’s best not to be the fattest lamb on the field.”

When our younger brothers were born, Father took Julas and myself to see them, and each time reminded us that we must look out for our brothers, that our family must be a haven for all of us. The world, he said, was a dangerous place, and if we could not trust that we would be safe with each other, then we could not trust anything at all.

I hadn’t known what he meant, then.

My father’s brother, the uncle Barwald that Tyna once met in Azira, I think was the reason for that warning. From what I remember of him, he was not a bad man, but he was terrible at correctly judging what he could say in front of strangers. Father had to work hard to appease more than one person my uncle had offended.

But when they traveled together, it was my uncle who could spy and shoot down a hunting snow lion no one had yet seen or heard. Once, when they were charged by a woolly rhino bull—a beast which is near impossible to kill when enraged—my uncle managed to put a musket ball through the bull’s eye, bringing it to a stop just at the edge of their camp, where everyone else had already fled trying to climb into the trees. However much trouble my uncle caused with other people, my father knew he would not have survived without Barwald.

While Julas and I were young, I think my father realized with some dismay that I was a great deal more like my uncle than I was like him—that wherever I went, there would be some trouble trailing behind me.

#original fiction #prose #wolf's price

6 notes · View notes

fanficshiddles · 5 years

Text

Seeking control, Chapter 5

Tom bided his time before using his special key. He waited a week, until he knew that she was going to be out for the day on Sunday.

He’d bumped into her the previous day and she had said how she was going a couple of hours away to visit her cousin. So he knew that she was going to be away for the whole day…

Sitting by the window, he saw when she left to catch the bus. He then waited an hour, to make sure she wasn’t coming back for anything forgotten, then he went round. He knew the key would work, because he had tested it briefly a few days ago. Only opening the door slightly while she was asleep, then closing it again as quiet as a mouse.

Entering her flat, he first had a quick look around her living room. He noted that she kept the place clean and tidy. Considering her slightly scatty personality, that surprised him.

He passed by the bathroom and had a quick look in there, finding that’s where she kept her anxiety meds along with some other basic medication like painkillers and antihistamines. He noticed that the bottle of her anxiety medication had a third missing, so he knew she was definitely taking them. Which pleased him.

Moving on to the bedroom, that was where he found his treasure.

Hiding in one of the drawers of her nightstand, he found a rabbit vibrator. With plenty of batteries in the drawer too and some lube. Which made it obvious she used it on the regular.

Tom pulled her bed quilt back, then made himself comfortable on her bed where he was surrounded by her smell. That made his erection even harder. In a sudden haste, from the rush of excitement with what he was doing, he unzipped his jeans and pulled his cock out.

To start, he gave himself a few languid strokes, moaning and letting his head fall back onto her pillow. He imagined her there with him. That it was her hands stroking him, wanting to please him.

He turned the vibrator on and ran it up and down his length, the vibrations adding to his pleasure. When he pressed it against the top of his shaft, that was all he could take. He was slightly ashamed with himself for how short a time he was lasting lately when he masturbated to thoughts of Ellie.

When he came, he made sure he made a mess of her vibrator while the rest of his sperm spilled over his stomach, soiling his shirt.

Tom lay there for a while until he got his breath back. He carefully got out of the bed after a while, and made his way into the bathroom to clean up the vibrator. As much as he wanted to leave his essence there, he knew he couldn’t without it being blatantly obvious.

He wiped off the worst from his shirt too, he would chuck it into the wash when he got back to his own flat. He was about to leave the bathroom when he spotted her washing basket, with a pair of her knickers right on top.

Snatching them on his way past, he returned to her bedroom to put the vibrator back. Then shoved the knickers into his pocket, set up a camera and left her flat, making sure he locked it behind him.

That evening when Ellie got home, she felt a weird shiver run down her spine when she walked in. She wasn’t sure why, but she felt like something was a bit… off. But there was nothing in her flat to point to that anything had happened while she was gone.

So she did her best to shrug it off and had a quick shower before going to bed. But she kept tossing and turning, unable to sleep because she was feeling rather amorous.

Flicking on her bedside lamp, she reached into the drawer and pulled out her trusty rabbit vibrator. She checked there was still batteries in and then went to town with it.

Whilst she tried not to think of her neighbour/doctor, she found she was unable to stop picturing him. Imagining how it would tickle if he went down on her, with that beard of his. Being able to tangle her hands in his hair while he suckled on her clit…

When she thought about how he’d already seen her, down there, it was humiliating to think about yet it also aroused her in a very odd way.

Along with thinking about Tom, the rabbit vibrator filled her up nicely and with the ears vibrating over her clit it wasn’t long before she was coming all over it.

Unknowingly to her, the very man she was thinking about was watching her through the miniature spy camera he’d set up in her bedroom… Looking directly at her bed.

He was watching her masturbate with the vibrator. While he jacked himself off at the same time. Thinking about how if he hadn’t washed off his sperm, it would be inside of her right now.

Over the following week, almost every night, Ellie woke up to rather disturbing dreams. She kept dreaming that there was a large figure standing over her at the bottom of her bed, watching her sleep. When she woke up and scrambled to turn on the lamp, there was no one there.

But one night, she had been so sure that she heard the click of her front door. But when she bravely went to check, she found it securely locked.

‘I must be going crazy.’ She muttered to herself.

But oddly, she couldn’t shake the feeling that it was Tom that was haunting her in her dreams.

Ellie bumped into Tom one day in the lift. They were both heading back up to their flats.

‘Hello, Ellie. How are you?’ Tom smiled.

‘I’m good. Thanks. How are you?’

‘I’m very well, thank you. How are you getting on with your medication?’ His question slightly surprised her, not expecting him to ask that out of the practice.

‘Oh, uh, seems to be going ok at the moment. I’ve been alright in social situations, confident enough. I think.’ She nodded and smiled.

‘That’s good to hear. Book an appointment for a couple of weeks’ time. So we can go over your progress and discuss where to go next, whether you need to try a higher dose or perhaps something else. Or the other options to help you, too. It’s not a quick fix and will take time, but we’ll get you there, Ellie.’ He said softly and gave her shoulder a squeeze.

‘Thanks, Tom.’ She smiled up at him.

‘My pleasure.’ He grinned. ‘Do you fancy a drink?’ He offered when the lift stopped on their floor and they got out.

‘Oh, no thank you. I have a lot to do before starting work next week. Thanks though.’

Tom nodded and bid her goodnight.

Whilst Ellie so desperately wanted to say yes to joining him for a drink, there was a bigger part of her that was screaming at her to stay away from him. That he was dangerous… why? she wasn’t entirely sure yet. It was the bad dreams and the way he acted sometimes, it was just a little unnerving.

So she decided it would be best to try and avoid him. Which she knew would be easier said than done.

#Tom Hiddleston #fan fiction #seeking control #doctor Hiddleston #pervy doctor #dark fic

115 notes · View notes

acuaticamber06 · 5 years

Text

Two down, one to go!

***

She tilted the small barrel where she kept her baking nuts on its side, scooping out what little was there.

Barely enough to make one loaf.

There was no avoiding it: Dawn needed a new supply.

The hearty bread that Ris had become so fond of was a constantly shifting thing. It was never the same twice, with the types of nuts and seeds and their ratios changing based on what she had. Occasionally she added fruit to the mix as well, when it was available. But it would be very plain, indeed, if she had nothing to add to the bread at all.

Eager to go, she gathered her bags and a hand basket, locked the door behind her, and set out into the crisp, autumn morning.

The Alnwick market was as lively as ever, and she enjoyed strolling amongst the stalls in the sunshine, smiling and chatting with the vendors. They were her neighbors, after all; the people who lived on the outskirts of Alnwick with her, who kept small farms to supply the city with fresh food. She bought vegetables to make a stew for dinner. A little boy won her over and she bought a bouquet of yellow mums for her table. Zucchini, onions, and a small pumpkin soon weighed down her bags, all destined to be pickled according to Mrs. Lenande’s recipes.

Finally, she reached her last stop and her favorite store in Alnwick: Pierson’s Spices. As soon as she stepped into the store, the smell of herbs and spices overwhelmed her with dreams of culinary possibilities.

Mrs. Pierson greeted her cheerfully, but her enthusiasm waned when Dawn told her the reason for her visit.

“I’m afraid we haven’t any nuts for you today.” She lamented. “Garrin hurt his leg rough-housing with friends, and until it heals he cannot go out and forage for them. Neither can I search for them, with Garrin injured and Molly as young as she is.”

While Dawn was disappointed that there weren’t any nuts to be had, she certainly couldn’t blame the Piersons. So she bought a braid of garlic, draped it over the handle of her basket, and headed for home, her arms aching under the weight of her purchases. It never failed: whenever she went shopping, she always seemed to come home with slightly more than she could carry.

After she put away her groceries, she stood in the kitchen, frowning at the empty nut barrel once again.

Well, if Garrin can’t look for nuts, nothing says I can’t!

In a moment she was back out the door, basket in hand, wearing clothes she wouldn’t mind getting dirty.

The forest that surrounded Alnwick was a beautiful place. It was a gentle wood, a welcome relief from the craggy, unforgiving mountains she had crossed when she made her escape. There were trees of all kinds, and nut trees were no exception. She trailed beside a creek, picking up the hazelnuts and walnuts as she went. She felt like a squirrel, inspecting them for cracks, then shaking them to make sure there was actually a nut inside.

When something rustled in the bushes nearby, Dawn ignored the sound. She had been spooking the local wildlife the whole time she’d been foraging.

It’s probably just a rabbit.

She reached down for another walnut and glanced into the bush to see if she could spot the poor creature she’d scared, and her eyes locked onto a large pair of eyes. Distinctly feline eyes.

With a growl, the cat launched out of the bush at her, and Dawn backpedalled like mad. In her haste to get away, she tripped, basket and nuts flying in a spray above her.

She squealed before she hit the water, but the breath was knocked out of her when she went under. The icy current cut right through her clothes, though she only had a moment to register the cold before her head hit something sharp and everything went black.

When she came-to, Dawn immediately rolled over and heaved up a lungful of water. She laid there, coughing and hacking, until she could breathe freely again. Slowly, she started register what was going on around her.

The creek was bubbling away merrily as if it hadn’t just tried to kill her. The breeze rattled loose leaves down from their limbs and went right through her wet clothes. She might well have been wearing nothing at all. And an Arinaen woman was pacing very close by, worry plain on her face.

“Oh, thank goodness! Are you alright? Are you hurt?” Her black-spotted ears were turned back, and her tail swished to and fro in agitation.

“I- I’m fine-“ Dawn struggled to speak through the coughs. “There’s a- wildcat- We’re in d-anger-“

The Arinaen’s expression went from one of relief right back to concern.

“No, no! You’re safe! Astra’s not wild; she’s my pet.”

“You keep a- wildcat as a pet?!?” Dawn asked incredulously. She rolled to her knees to stand, and the Arinaen came over to help.

“Well, yes!” She said brightly. “She’s my hunting buddy. I’m sorry she scared you. Astra tends to be extra protective of me when we’re tracking.”

She clicked her tongue and a beautiful snow leopard emerged from the brush, it’s white fur dappling an iridescent lavender where it caught the light. It’s now-familiar eyes regarded Dawn warily.

“It’s alright, Astra.” The Arinaen cooed. “She’s a friend.”

Astra walked over and circled Dawn, smelling her. Dawn shut her eyes when the cat got close. She couldn’t tell if she was shivering from the cold or from fear.

“See? Nothing to worry about.” A hand took her arm and plucked at her sleeve. “But you’re soaked! You’ll freeze to death if we stay here. Come with me; I have a camp up this hill. It will take me a bit to get a fire going, but-“

“No, wait!” Dawn tugged her wrist from the woman’s grasp, checking to make sure her scarf was still snugly in place on her head and hugging her arms close to her chest. “I l-live in Alnwick. My house is on-n the outskirts of t-town. It isn’t far. I’ll j-just go home.”

Dawn clamped down on her jaw to keep it from chattering. The woman looked taken-aback.

“But-“

“Please?” Dawn interrupted, starting to panic. She knew her wet shirt was translucent. At any moment, the stranger would see her skin through the fabric.

I can’t be recognized! Not now! Not when I finally have a place that feels like home!

“It’s really not far!” Dawn smiled through gritted teeth. “I’ll be fine. Thank you for pulling me out of the creek. I’m in your debt.”

She picked up her empty basket and walked quickly, heading back the way she had come.

“Wait!” The Arinaen called, jogging up beside her. “I’d like to come with you. To be sure you make it home safely.”

Dawn started to protest, but the chill was making it too hard to speak, so she simply nodded. She powered ahead, desperate to get home before her secret was discovered.

Many tense minutes later, Dawn threw open the door to her cottage and bolted inside.

“Come in!” She called over her shoulder, going to the wardrobe to retrieve a new outfit. She rushed to the bathroom with her dry clothes. “Make yourself at home! I’ll be back in just a moment.”

She closed the door behind her and took a shaky breath. Terror still coursed through her.

I’m not safe yet. She might have seen something. She might have followed me home to confirm her suspicions.

Dawn unlaced her bodice and peeled the wet clothes from her body, dropping them into the tub for the time being. Toweling off, she changed into her thickest, woolen shirt and skirt. She was fully aware that she would probably switch to lighter clothes once she was warm again, but at the moment they weren’t quite enough to get rid of the chills still running up and down her spine.

She paused with her hand on the doorknob, taking a few steadying breaths.

It’s okay. Just go out there, smile, thank her again, and kindly ask her to leave.

When she opened the door, Dawn was surprised to find the woman knelt by the hearth, using the bellows to fuel a now roaring fire. She could see steam spiraling from the kettle that hung over the flames. The Arinaen’s ears swiveled at the sound of the door and she stood quickly, looking a little embarrassed.

“I started a fire. I hope that’s not too forward of me...”

“Not at all. I appreciate it, actually.” Dawn grabbed a folded blanket from the end of the bed, wrapping it around her shoulders, and gestured to the padded chair in front of the hearth. “Have a seat.”

The Arinaen watched her sit on the stool by the fire with confusion.

“Wouldn’t you rather-?”

Dawn shook her head.

“The closer to the fire, the better.” She smiled. “Really. You can sit.”

The Arinaen hesitated, but eventually did as Dawn bid, her white tail curling around her leg timidly. Astra, who had been laying the door, got up and laid down at the woman’s feet.

Dawn spread her hands in front of the fire and felt life slowly coming back to her limbs.

“We never had a formal introduction, did we?” She asked, looking over at her guest.

“Oh, I’m sorry! I never told you my name! I’m Nico.”

“And I’m Dawn.” She smiled. “Forgive me for not getting up to shake your hand; the fire is too nice to leave.”

“Of course. How do you feel now? Are you alright? I apologize again for Astra. She won’t hurt you. I promise.” Even if Nico could somehow mask her face, her ears would leave nothing to the imagination. They were like a dowsing rod for her emotions, and they pushed back with worry.

“I’m fine, thanks to you. If you hadn’t pulled me from the water, I would have drowned.” She felt the back of her head. It was quite tender. “I think I hit my head on a rock and passed out.”

Nico hopped up from her chair, startling Astra, who rumbled her confusion.

“Let me run into town and buy you some ice!”

Dawn blinked as Nico hurried to the door. Astra heaved herself to her feet with a groan and followed her.

“Wait, you don’t have to-“

“It’s the least I can do after what happened! I’ll be back as soon as I can!”

Before Dawn could say another word they were gone, the cottage door shut behind them.

She stared into the fire, puzzled. Why was this perfect stranger being so kind to her? If she knew the truth about her...condition, why wasn’t she afraid?

Fear suddenly gripped her heart.

What if she left to sound the alarm? What if she was running through town, yelling for the authorities?

Dawn curled in on herself, burying her face in her knees. She didn’t know what to do. Ris might be willing to help her, but then again, the truth might change his opinion of her, too.

She had no one to turn to, and nowhere to go.

She would lock the door, but it was pointless. That would only delay the inevitable. They would come in after her, pitchforks and torches, burning the house to the ground.

Tears welled in her eyes.

I can’t go back. I can’t. I can’t. Not like this. I’ll die-

The door opened and she jumped, certain her end was near, but Nico strode into the room, bag in hand.

“That man isn’t selling ice; more like highway robbery. But it’s no problem.” She handed the cloth full of ice to Dawn. “Here, put this on your head.”

Dawn looked down at the ice in her hands. No authorities? No torches?

Nico doesn’t know.

Her secret was safe. Dawn could have wept with relief. She was already on the brink anyway with hysteria. She stood up from her stool, quickly running the back of her hand over her eyes.

“I hate to rush you out, but I think I need to lie down. As it turns out, drowning can exhaust a person.” She offered a hand to Nico, who took it. “But you are welcome here. Both you and Astra. If you’re ever hunting in this part of the woods again, I insist you sleep here instead of outside.”

“Fair warning: I may take you up on that.” Nico smiled. “Rest well.”

After they’d gone, Dawn took off her woolen garments in exchange for her lighter under wear and laid on the bed, the ice soothing the goose egg on her head. She wondered distantly, as she drifted off to sleep, if Ris would be alright with her having more than one friend.

#my writing #Nico #nekoro #nekob00

12 notes · View notes

bdfanfic · 5 years

Text

Oak in Grey Hollow - 3

Chapter 3 - A Day in the Life

As the cart rumbled along towards the next village, Mira continued her reflections on her initial meeting with Oak in Grey Hollow. Of course, by now she knew the import of her ‘dream’, but at the time she passed it off as caused by a bit of bad rabbit stew. But she’d had quite another surprise the next day…

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

The breakfast was perhaps a bit meager, but still better than anything she’d eaten as a beggar. Hollow then had her help set up a large tent in preparation for any visitors that might drop by. In essence, it was simply intended as a private meeting place where Hollow could converse with his customers without eavesdroppers. However, it had the right mystical aura when he had applied certain perfumes and incense within.

When that task had been completed, Hollow took down two outfits from the doors of the cart. One was a rather mundane set of breeches and blouse in a drab grey and tan, but the other was something else entirely! Jewels sparkled and the fabric was in various shades of translucent purple, the entire thing light as a feather.

“This,” Hollow explained as he laid the dress out on the table they’d set within the tent, “is yours. You will wear this here, as my servant. It may be, perhaps, a bit over the top - but the local citizens are impressed by such finery, and I expect will be somewhat more amenable to parting with their coin when they see you in this as my devoted servant!”

“Servant?”

“Oh,” he replied, a bit chagrined. “Assistant?”

“Let’s go with assistant,” she agreed, giving him a warning look. “Can I try it on?”

Hollow’s snout wrinkled. “Um… perhaps a little clean-up first? I need it pretty badly, and you even more than me!”

She nodded, and they headed to the stream, Mira carrying the mundane clothes that she would wear into town later, while Hollow brought a small basket containing towels and some vials and other odd objects that she didn’t recognize.

When they got to the stream, she eyed Hollow warily, not sure exactly what Hollow expected of her here.

“Now this,” he said, handing her a slippery yellow object, “is what we call ‘soap’. Rinse yourself first, then rub it all over vigorously. Then a final rinse should do. As for your hair, this vial contains another cleaning agent made specifically for cleaning hair. Do the same - rinse, rub it in, then rinse.. And… do it twice. I think you’ll need it. Finally, this white vial contains a finishing agent. After washing with the first, do one more round with this.”

She took the objects and examined them, sniffing at the ‘soap’. It smelled surprisingly good!

“So how do you know much about hair, Hollow? You haven’t got any!” she pointed out.

The enchanter surprised her by stripping naked while he responded, and she looked away reflexively.

“Ah, but Anabelle does!” he said as he splashed into the stream behind her. “Besides, you’d be surprised how many requests I get from humans regarding hair troubles! These cleaning agents were some of my first forays into the alchemical sciences. Took some experimentation, but I finally hit on an excellent combination of ingredients. Leaves your hair shiny and supple! And best of all, there’s no magic involved!”

“Experiments?” she asked, setting the vials and soap down. She heard splashing behind her and turned to see Hollow dunking himself under the water.

He rose out of the shallow stream, shaking himself and began applying the soap vigorously.

“Well,” he said as he bathed, apparently oblivious to any modesty issues, “we’d best not talk about that. I assure you there was no permanent damage! And one of the gentlemen actually preferred being bald anyway! Say, are you going to use that soap or not?”

Mira drew in a deep breath. “Um… Hollow. Do you expect me to bathe right here with you?”

He cocked his head to one side. “Well, yes. Why not?” he asked while washing his chest. She saw the blue symbol slowly begin to disappear from his chest. And then something extraordinary happened…

Mira shook her head to clear it, not at all sure if what she was seeing could be real. Meanwhile Hollow continued washing, now sitting in the stream and cleaning his feet.

No, she corrected herself mentally when rubbing at her eyes didn’t change what she was seeing. Hollow was cleaning HER feet. Hollow was now unmistakably a female Argonian.

“Well?” she asked Mira, her voice now significantly higher in pitch. “We haven’t got all day!”

MIra finally shrugged and did as she was bid, and soon she was in the stream bathing herself as well. The water wasn’t too cold, but it was a bit bracing. She sat and began washing her legs too, still debating exactly how she should ask Hollow about his… her?... transformation.

“Hey Mira,” the now-enchantress asked. “Do you think you could help me put my ward back on when you’re done? I can do it myself, but it’s a bit tricky. It’s just a circle and a five-pointed star, drawn in a special kind of soft blue magetallow wax. Doesn’t have to be perfect, and I’ll do the enchantment part.”

“Um… sure Hollow,” she agreed, “when I’m all done. But, I thought you said the ward was there to keep you sane?”

“Oh, for certain it is! Why, I couldn’t last an hour in this way. Even now I get the strangest feelings! Frankly I don’t know how you women manage it. But then, it’s all you’ve known I suppose.”

Mira debated if she should get mad about that comment or not - perhaps later, when she’d gotten to know her employer better. Instead she rinsed herself and went to the side of the stream, grabbing the first vial and pouring a bit out before rubbing it through her hair. It began to lather.

“That’s it!”, Hollow said, climbing out of the stream and laying on the grass sunning herself while she waited for Mira to finish her hair. “Work it in good and deep.”

Finally when she’d applied the second vial as well, she climbed out of the stream and took a towel to dry herself off, while Hollow took the other.

“Now, if you don’t mind…” Hollow said, handing her the blue wax.

“Let me get dressed first, Hollow,” she said, determined that - as bizarre as this morning had already been - she was at least going to be fully dressed when Hollow became male again.

“Please, can you hurry up?” Hollow said. “I’m feeling very weird already.”

“Only just now?” Mira thought as she pulled the blouse over her head.

She took the wax and began to draw a circle across Hollow’s no-longer-flat chest. It was surprisingly difficult! It didn’t help that Hollow began to laugh when she started on the star.

“Hold still! Jeeze!” Mira protested, and Hollow tried to get herself under control.

“Okay, I think that’s got it.”

“Thank you Mira!” Hollow said, then closed her eyes and began to murmur something. When the incantation was finished, Hollow was male again. The transmutation hadn’t been some slow change, but instantly Hollow’s chest was flat again, and other parts weren’t.

Mira’s blush was instantaneous as well. Her eyes shot skyward.

“Oh, that’s so much better!” Hollow said, his voice back to what she had come to consider normal.

He began to dress again in a new, duplicate set of clothes while Mira’s mind began to race.

“Hollow…” she began.

“Yes?”

“That ward… it… makes you male. But without it, you’re female. What were you originally?”

He stopped and turned towards her, tying his boots. “You know… I’m not really sure.”

“I mean,” she continued, “if you are female without the ward…”

“Sorry Mira, I really can’t remember. I’ve done a lot of experiments, some on myself. I think I remember coming up with the ward after one of those experiments, but… I’ve been a lot of things. I was a True Neutral once! It was… boring.”

“I imagine so,” she laughed.

Then she looked at her old pile of clothes. Hollow looked at them too. Then he looked at her and shook his head. She left them, the last of her old life now truly left behind.

When they got back to the cart, Hollow dug out about 10 smallish posters and handed them to Mira, instructing her to post them in the village about a mile farther up the road.

“Make sure the arrow is pointing back this way though,” he added as he untied Anabelle from the side of the cart. “Take it from me, you don’t get much business the other way! Then, when you’ve put them all up, hurry back here. We’ve got to get you ready before they start coming!”

“You’re letting me take Anabelle?”

“Oh, yes. A girl on a horse is a lot less likely to be hassled than one just walking into town on foot. Besides, Anabelle insists. Try not to talk to the locals though, if you can avoid it. Mystery is one of our biggest draws. These poor village folk don’t get much of that.”

“Got it,” Mira said. “No saddle?”

“Sorry, no. Anabelle doesn’t like them. But she’ll keep under you, won’t you Anabelle?”

In response, the horse looked at them dumbly, then went back to grazing.

Hollow helped Mira climb up, and before the sun had crossed noon, she was off down the road at a plodding pace, but faster than walking.

The village was a quaint little place. Most of the people were inside, though a couple were out on the main street, eyeing her suspiciously. However, as she began to hammer the posters into place, others began to emerge - the children first of all.

“An enchanter! Mom! A traveling enchanter! Can we go see him?” one waif called to his mother.

Mira didn’t hear the response. She was already off to post the last advertisement up. However, she did grant the village some respect after that. The kid could read at least!

And then she was done and heading back down the road where she’d come from.

“Wait here, Missy!” called a man from a doorway. “You can’t just nail up a sign on my gate post like that!”

Hastily she considered. She could just ride out of town and ignore him, but it wouldn’t do to have these people upset with her and Hollow already. She pulled in Anabelle and climbed down.

“Sorry sir,” she said, bowing low. “I’ll take it off right now…”

“Now hold on, missy, I didn’t say you had to take it down. I just want some compensation is all!”

“I’m sorry,” she said, keeping her head down. “I.. don’t have any money.”

“Oh, that’s alright,” he said, his voice softening. “Can I get a discount?”

At that, she brightened up considerably. “Oh yes sir! Certainly! I’ll see that Hollow gives you a 10 percent discount on any purchases!”

“That’s more like it then. Well, tell this…” he paused to squint at the poster, ‘“Oak in Grey Hollow’ I’ll be expecting it when I drop by tonight.”

“I will,” she assured him, then went back to Anabelle. But she soon found she couldn’t climb upon the horse by herself. There were some snickers from the villagers as she tried to jump, but the horse was simply too big and there was nothing to hold on to. She considered grabbing onto the horse’s mane, but something told her that would be a bad idea.

Then, amazingly, Anabelle lay down, allowing Mira to climb on her back easily. As soon as she was on board, the horse rose again and started trotting out of the village smartly, hooves prancing high in the air as the villagers looked on in wonder at the trained horse.

For her part, Mira was as surprised at the others in the change that had come over the old grey paint. Perhaps she’d underestimated the horse after all!

#argonian #the elder srolls #prequel adventure #fanfiction #enchanter

4 notes · View notes

honeywithblueberries · 6 years

Text

Idol Chp 2 Journey to the Sahara

A/N: A special thanks to kt_valmiri for editing (and adding the bunnies!) and ScaraMedn for beta reading! Thanks for helping me every step of the way, my friends :)

(\/) (00) (“_”)o

It seemed as though Judy had barely closed her eyes before morning arrived. Rena undid the rope that attached her to the support beam and helped her to once again clean herself. Through this she held vague wisps of her dream, but really all she remembered was the color green.

A bowl of oats and berries was placed in her paws and fresh water was given to her. Once her hunger was sated, Judy was lead to an open wagon pulled by a wolf several times larger than his kin. She said not a word as Rhea lifted her up next to supplies for the long journey.

Dorian brought the cushions she had slept on and set them to the floor. The bunny followed the wolf’s motions, barely listening as he described the journey to Sahara Kingdom.

“We will be passing through the borders of the Savanna. King Adrian Bogo is attaching his gift to the prince with our convoy. His majordomo, Lionheart, will be escorting us to the palace.” Dorian reached over the side of the wagon to adjust the cushions.

With a paw, he patted one invitingly. Judy, having stood at the edge of the cart, stared blankly at them. Were it not for the she wolf’s paws on her shoulders, she would have bolted.

“Will it be a long journey?” Her voice was still hoarse with tears, the bunny sank once again to her knees onto the soft cushions. Dorian gently placed a paw upon her ears to sooth the still distressed rabbit.

“About three days. Two if the weather holds. I have meet King Adrian and Lionheart. They are both kind, Lionheart especially, if a bit loud. He may bring his assistant Benji.” The wolf smiled at the thought, though his friend did not smile back. “He will make the journey much more enjoyable.”

When she didn’t respond, Dorian lifted his paw away and joined Rena at the back of the convoy with a small defeated sigh. The cart jerked, it’s wheels giving a light groan as the wolf began to pull. With the motion of the cart, Judy’s eyes grew heavy and very soon she drifted off once more.

(\/) (00) (“_”)o

Judy slept most of the way through the Savanna, her dreams more vivid this time. She sat atop the grassy hills not far from the royal burrow. With smell the sea on the wind, her hilltop granting her a beautiful view of it, her mind grew peaceful as she took it in.

The canine whom had visited her previously, came once more. Still and silent, he merely sat with the homesick bunny and observed the comings and goings of the distant tide and birds. After a time, the stranger, with his green eyes and fiery fur, turned to her and smiled.

And to her surprise, she smiled back.

It was then that her body began to ache with the need to move, her consciousness drawing her into the waking world. The… whomever he was, faded as her eyes blinked open. Under a small awning that had been placed over her, she sat up and stretched. Her tired mind registered the voice of another and the stillness of the cart.

Perking her ears up to catch snippets of the conversation, she peeked her head out of her make shift shelter. A large cheetah was telling an animated story to a group of young wolves, their muzzles hanging open as they watched him act out his story.

Lips curled up as she watched the cat make faces and mannerisms for each different character of the story he was telling. The main character of the story was drawing his bow, only to have the string snap. One chubby paw when to his eye in mock hurt, while the other flailed the broken weapon at whomever he was aiming at.

Before she could stop herself, she giggled. Six sets of ears stood straight and flicked in her direction. The cheetah, his arms now raised over his head, turned his big brown eyes to her.

They grew wider the longer they stared at the bunny who stood frozen in front of the crowd of predators. Paws dropping to his chubby cheeks, his expression went from shock to a beaming smile of complete adoration.

“AWWWWWW!”

Scampering to the side of the cart, he gripped the edge to haul himself half way over the side. Judy had ducked back under her awning in alarm, starting at the paw jutted out to her.

“Oh. Em. Goodness…” He squealed in delight again as she overcame her trepidation and crept closer to cautiously shake his paw. “They really did find a bunny. Oohhh! You’re even cuter than I imagined!”

As she had grown up in a kingdom whose population was almost completely bunny, the term ‘cute’ was used to describe only the most desirable. Beautiful, handsome, and gorgeous were used, as well, but to be called cute was for another to admit attraction beyond the physical. Someone being called ‘cute’ was a high compliment.

It was something she had never been called.

Having a mammal who was most likely ignorant to the meaning bunnies had for it only made her feel patronized. She wanted to correct him, but how could she, knowing that he meant no harm by the statement? The silent debate she held in her head did not get far before the cheetah’s face dropped in horror.

“Oh, that’s right!” His other paw lifted to trap hers. She was suddenly pulled forward into a tight embrace, the air being crushed from her lungs as he squeezed.

“I am such a ditz! Everyone knows you can’t call a bunny cute! And here I go, insulting the guest of honor. Me, Benji, whom everyone thinks is just a flabby, court jester.”

The doe extracted herself, taking in a deep gulp of air once free.

“It’s quite all right,” she gasped out, rubbing her ribs. Looking around at the dusty land, she turned back to the cheetah. “Where are we?”

“The Savannah!” another booming voice called out. “At least, within the outskirts of it!”

Judy felt her eyes go wide at the sight of the mammal approaching. She had never seen a lion before and found herself unprepared for it. Towering over the little bunny in her cart, he stood proud as he beamed at her. One paw, easily the size of her whole body, stretched down, though it hesitated when he realized just how small she was.

Deciding just finger would have to do, the lion’s grin grew when she accepted it.

“Welcome to the convoy, my long-eared friend!” He laid his paw flat, allowing her to cautiously climb onto of it. Raising it eye level, he winked at her before turning his attention to everything around them. Her gaze followed his, a little gasp escaping her at the sight.

Giraffes as tall as trees carried large baskets and picked ripened fruit from the trees surrounding them. Rhinos carried spears that they brandished at each other, always prepared to protect the travelers, while graceful gazelles and antelope practiced intricate dances with their long limbs and mesmerizing sways of their hips.

And, of course, the wolves.

The pack rested amongst the travelers, exchanging stories of past glories and feasts. Even a few young ones who were making their first trek towards the Sahara were allowed to challenge the rhino guards to spar. Others played music for the dancers, helped prepare food or challenged each other to spirited games of tug of war using only their muzzles. It was quite humorous to watch a grown wolf become frustrated when their opponent refused to concede.

“Are they all here for-” Judy’s words were cut off as the lion navigated the crowd.

“For Prince Nicholas’ birthday?” His laugh was more roar as he threw his head back at her nod. “But of course, my dear! The whole of the Zootopian Market comes together for moments like this. It is an honor to representing King Bogo. Oh! You would love the king! Fine male, he is!”

“Why are we stopped here?”

“This is the Watering Hole!” Came the voice of Benji. The friendly cheetah grinned up at her as he pointed towards the small body of water not far from them. “Not the main one, mind you. But traders who head towards the Market stop here.”

“Indeed!” The mighty lion came upon the water, lowering himself to allow her to hop off his paw. “Here, we shall await Emperor Big and his entourage. When they arrive, we carry on to the Sahara.”

“And how long until we arrive?” Judy stepped into the cool water, paws dipping down to scoop up a healthy drink of it. Her body relaxed at the sensation of it trickling down her throat and refreshing her body. Already she felt more alive.

“This time tomorrow.”

“Lionheart!” Turning their heads, the trio looked to see Liam striding towards them, a large smile on his muzzle. “My wolves spotted the emperor. They estimate his approach to be over the pass, within the hour. Have your mammals refreshed and ready to move!”

“Aye, Liam, you old dog!” Lionheart reached back down and scooped Judy up once more. He turned them both towards the alpha who gave a polite nod to the young doe. “Benjamin and I were just enjoying the company of your bunny. A fine gift for the prince, I must say!”

At his words, her ears dropped as she was carried back to the waiting cart. Liam’s expression went slightly dark, though he did not comment, instead leaving to ensure everyone else was ready to move out. Benji seemed to understand the sting she felt as the oblivious lion lowered her once more. He gave the fur on her head ruffle before heading off to gather his group. The chubby cheetah stood beside her just outside the cart.

“I apologize for Lionheart,” he said nervously. “He’s a good mammal, really. He just doesn’t think before speaking.”

“He’s right though.”

Judy crawled back under the bit of canvas that had shaded her thus far. Curling up in misery, she buried her nose into the cushions, paws over her head to hide herself further.

“I am to be nothing more than a glorified pet,” she mumbled.

“No!” Exclaimed Benji pulling the canvas back to let the sunlight shine down. “No, no, no, no, no.”

He gently took her paws and tugged her to her feet.

“I’m guessing you were brave before this. Back in your homeland.” He smiled at the nod she gave. “But what I know of rabbit clans, your life was never your own. Had you been born a buck, you would be a prize amongst your family. As a doe, you are a burden.”

Her eyes rose to meet his, silently conveying the truth of the matter.

“And now!” The cheetah huffed and quite suddenly tossed her into the air, pulling an undignified squeal of surprise from her. Catching her with skill, she was twirled around as her happy new friend brought her away from her cart once more.

“Now! You are on an adventure! The sights you shall see, the new foods you shall try, mammals of every species, coming together in harmony! And you shall meet them all! Just look at what this world has to offer you!”

They paused by a giraffe, who smiled down at them before leaning over slowly to present them with a basket of figs. Judy accepted one and groaned in delight as she took a big bite. She smiled her thanks at the strange creature, who beamed back.

“Figs for a bountiful harvest and healthy future,” the giraffe explained. With a final nod, the tall creature passed the basket a group of meerkats waiting for them.

Benji pulled her away towards the rhinos, eyes wide as they wielded their weapons and readied themselves to march once more. One paused mid-stretch and made eye contact with her. His resting scowl made her ears drop with nerves as he tugged his helmet off and strode towards the pair.

Judy was placed on the ground in front of him, the large mammal considering the doe for a moment before plopping the head piece on her. It completely covered her small form, much to everyone’s amusement, though Judy felt flushed she was given a chance to try it on.

Amidst the chuckling, the rhino leaned down to peek at her through the opening.

“A fierce warrior needs a fierce war face,” he explained, showing off his own with deep growl. “Show me what you got.”

Trying to swallow her nerves, she scrunched up her face and gave a timid growl. The others watching only laughed harder. Even Benji couldn’t resist the squeal of delight.

“Oh, I think my bunny slippers just ran for cover.” The rabbit scowled at that, only for the rhino scoff. “Show me your real face!”

She took a deep breath and jumped forward, teeth bared and eyes narrowed.

“RAWR!”

“That’s a little better.”

With a grunt, the helmet was picked back up and put into place, the rhino’s expression never changing. Though she could have sworn he gave her wink before rejoining his team. Her half smile was more genuine as she was pulled and tugged from mammal to mammal, each gifting her with a warm smile.

With shy eyes, she paused in front of the group moving in such beautiful ways to the music. She watched their hips shake, hooves and sashes moving as one, while they smiled at their diminutive audience. One young gazelle bent over to grasp Judy’s paw, pulling her in line with them. Tentative at first, the dancers taught her their steps, applauding as she mastered them quickly. The rabbit doe grinned as she followed their lead, until she eventually misstepped and landed in a laughing heap on the sidelines.

“The wee rabbit can dance!” Cried a wolf with a loud, barking laugh. “So let’s see if she can play! My mandolin, Gari!”

To her astonishment, the instrument was plopped into her lap. It was far to large for her, but the wolf guided her through a few simple chords. Liam himself applauded her performance, stating what a pity it was Garrett would not be able to learn from her. And, as she was placed back in her cart and they started moving again, Benji told her stories of how their world was formed.

At the dawn of time, greats gods and goddesses, in their fury and pride, each tried to outdo the others in their creations. A powerful god pulled the earth up by its roots in anger at his daughter’s elopement, creating the mountains that framed their view. A little goddess, proud of the tiny pond she made, cried the oceans into being when the others tormented her for it. The stars were fire arrows, shot up by the first wolf alpha when he lost his way in a snow storm. And the winds were those who lived before them, reminding those still living of their presence.

Judy felt her sadness melt away for the time being as Benji told her story after story. So different they were from the ones she grew up with. And stories of the goddess Serendipity were what really held her attention the most. She had heard whispers about her; the goddess of fortune and random occurrence. Stories of her painted the rabbit goddess as playful and influential.

Her clan, when it was first formed, had celebrated the goddess. Does especially had followed her example, being spirited, headstrong and ready to take chances. From her sprouted Easter, who brought fertility and life to the land they called home.

But the bucks feared the strength their does found in the powerful goddesses and, in their fear, had toppled the statues and destroyed the shrines devoted to their matrons.

Texts were burned from the meager collections the clan had gathered…

But they were not forgotten. Whispered was the correct word for how the stories were now told. Judy had listened as she grew from a little toddling kit to potential pawn within her kingdom. It was to Serendipity that Judy spoke her prayers. And it was she who received the best offerings the doe had.

The messenger god may had been called upon for council the night before, but she was a servant of Serendipity. Although, the canid who had been visiting her dreams was cause for curiosity.

“Benji,” she called softly. The cat had fallen into silence as his brown eyes focused on the still approaching entourage of the emperor. “Do you know of a dog or wolf god or goddess?”

He actually shuddered slightly at the question. “Several, actually. A few of them the wolves hold dear. But the foxes of the Sahara prefer Karma, Goddess of Balance.”

“Karma?”

With an absent nod, Benji kept his eyes on the on the large polar bears approaching. They were due to join paths and carry on to their destination.

“Indeed.” Once again, the cheetah shuddered. “I’m not too fond of the canine gods. They always make me nervous.”

“You get on quiet well with Pack Wolford.”

“That is only because I have known them all my life.” He leaned over to her as he walked, paw held up to keep his words a secret. “And usually Lionheart or King Bogo is around, so I know they won’t try anything.”

Judy giggled at his expression.

“His imperial majesty, Emperor Big!”

The call brought their attention to the polar bears they were now marching next to. The two largest carried a litter between them, a heavy looking thing that the pair bore without a single hint of fatigue. Pausing, another stepped forward to swing the door open, revealing a small, plump shrew.

Finely dressed in lighter layers, he allowed the bear to lift him up. The marching was paused, allowing the heavily dressed bears to shed their winter clothing. Lionheart and Liam were both greeted as the crowed fell into low bows.

“Oh…” Said Judy in low voice.

Benji looked up from his bow towards her. “What?”

“I was expecting someone….” She paused on the next word. “Well, bigger.”

He grinned at her while straightening as the three leaders conversed quietly. Before he could respond, however, a low nasally voice was raised.

“Bring the rabbit to me,” was all she heard before her vision was swallowed by the polar bear in front of her. In her surprise, she scrambled back only to be scooped up by the scruff of her neck and carried over to the minute emperor.

An uncertain glance was cast towards Liam, who gave the shrew a disapproving look at the way she was being handled. With a small wave of his paw, she was set before them, Lionheart beaming down as Emperor Big regarded her.

“My child,” he began, obviously still appraising her. “You are a creature of beauty. A fine prize for the prince. I feel you shall bring much fortune to my godson.”

He beckoned her closer, reaching out his paw for her own. She cautiously accepted, her ears blushing as he pressed a kiss to the back hers. The emperor simply smiled as he released her.

“I have a daughter your age,” he continued. “She rests in our litter. Once the princess awakens, she shall keep you company for the remainder of the journey. I feel you will get on well with her.

“Go now my child,” he gave a regal nod as Dorian stepped forward to escort her back to her spot.

Casting a glance back, she met the hooded eyes of the Emperor one last time. He gave her a nod before gesturing the lion and wolf closer to him. The awning was replaced and the wagon began to move once more. Benji went back to walking and talking as she laid back and observed the clouds moving over head.

All the while, she pondered the life she being brought to.

“I recognize her…” Emperor Big had been moved to Liam’s shoulder. The alpha kept his head high and ears straight as his companion mused out loud. “There’s something you’re not telling me and it makes me nervous. Why do I feel she is not some random rabbit found as all the others were? I shall organize my mammals after the celebrations, on the off chance the Sahara needs them. Should the need arise, we march beside King Taiem. Remain alert when you and your wolves return to the meadow lands.”

“Already done, your imperial Majesty.” Liam cast his eyes towards the shrew as he walked.

The group marched well into evening, torches lit to guide the way. Most of the predators stayed in the lead, using their night vision to best advantage. It was late when they stopped to make camp, the emperor’s daughter having woken up hours before.

She and Judy had spent the time dancing in the back of the bunny’s cart, the music having played nonstop during the march. As Big had predicted, the two got along beautifully. And as Francesca had never traveled to the Sahara either, they speculated on what they would see.

Princess Francesca jabbered away with the chubby cheetah while Judy lay half listening in her cart. Once more, she was secured to her sleeping spot, with a wolf standing guard to keep her from sneaking away. Though they needn’t have bothered.

The Savanna was long gone. Daunting sand stretched for miles making the doe positive she would not get far. No matter how tempted she was. Instead, in an attempt to draw her thoughts from escaping, she allowed her eyes to close and her mind to be consumed with green eyes and red fur.

(\/) (00) (“_”)o

A ragged creature pulled himself out of the cave he had taken shelter in. When the sudden storm had released it’s fury, the miserable little thing had been battered by it. The winds blew leaves, dust and tree branches into his face. The latter caught him sharply on his long ears with their jagged ends.

He was left with only a shallow scratch and mild pain, but in the darkness such a thing only heightened his confusion. Pure luck had him stumbling into the cave, effectively sheltering him from the heavy rain and deafening thunder. After a day and a half of sleep, he stepped out into the sun and scanned his surroundings.

Days had passed since he and seven others had left the Burrows in separate directions, each in search of the missing princess. All had expected to find her within hours of departing. She was, after all, just a doe. Pampered and spoiled and raised to be obscenely obedient. The buck was entertaining the thought of the price she would have to pay for putting him through this. He was a male with needs and, for her disobedience, she would satisfy them.

The thought becoming more and more appealing, he traveled over the cragged landscape, ears up and listening for signs of his prize. Having never ventured far from home himself, he figured that he was in the outskirts of the Savanna. The old Pride Lands they had been called, before the lions that ruled it were conquered by the cape buffalo.

Sounds of loud, jovial voices, jumbled though they were, bounced off the dry ground and rocky terrain. Angling his ears towards the noise, the scout dropped to a crouch, creeping along the ground until he came to rest upon a steep incline. Peeking over the edge, his wide eyes watched a curious procession of mammals.

Several carts, all pulled by strong mammals that would easily tower over the bunny, were dragged across the Savannah. Three were loaded with casks and barrels, no doubt filled with liquors, while others were filled with baskets of fresh produce and others foods to sustain the travelers.

What looked to be a full pack of wolves pulled a cart at the end of the line, this one smaller, as an enormous cheetah walked by its side. His animated voice and laughter echoed up to the unknown observer, who was unwilling charmed in spite of the creature’s species. But the sight of a familiar face poking out from the back of the cart in response to the predator’s antics, caused the feeling to evaporate.

Brown eyes narrowed greedily upon Judy, watching as she smiled and laughed back at whatever was said to her. A voice called out to both, causing her to straighten and look towards the speaker. Taking in her small curvy form, the hidden bunny cursed the group that found her before he did. His pleasure would have to wait to be sated until he returned to the king.

Knowing there was no way to sneak in and take the princess back while surrounded by all those noses, he turned and left in the direction of the Burrows.

“Gotcha,” he muttered with a grin.

#zootopia #wildehopps #judy hopps #benjamin clawhauser #nick wilde #alternate universe

9 notes · View notes