#Once I figure out how to do it without getting caught I’m going to kill Moriarty 🫡!!!!! | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

chvoswxtch · 7 months ago

Text

part six: the final girl

[series masterlist] | [previous part]

pairing: billy russo x fem!reader

summary: you get to choose your own ending.

warnings: swearing, mentions of gore, explicit sexual content (minors dni), knife play, billy infinitely being a cocky lil shit, the mask stays on ;)

word count: 5k

a/n: and that is a wrap on spooky slutty season. I want to once again thank y'all for letting me have fun with this, and for having fun with me. i've always wanted to do something like this, and it warms my spooky slutty heart that y'all liked it. now, without further ado, let's give the people what they came for. ;) as always, feedback is welcomed/appreciated!

“You.”

Billy kept his hands held up in surrender as he watched you grab the bloodied award and rise to your feet, your jaw clenched as you grit that word out with pure hostility. The fire he could see burning in your eyes was exhilarating.

“I can explain-”

“Explain? Explain what? You murdered them-”

“I did it for you.”

Billy’s words caught you off guard. He said it so calmly, and with such conviction. A crease of perplexity settled between your brows, and you stared at him in outrage and disbelief.

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“I brought him here.”

Billy slowly lowered his hands to his sides, keeping his eyes locked on you. He didn’t make a move to come closer, not yet. Roman’s words from earlier echoed in your head.

Last week, I got a picture of you with two words. New York.

Billy was the one who sent him the picture. Billy was the one who told Roman where you were. White hot rage bubbled within you once again, and you gripped the award in your hand as you took a step closer, screaming at him.

“Why the fuck would you do that?”

Billy didn’t flinch at your outburst. He didn’t take a step backwards. He didn’t physically react at all.

“Because you needed it.”

All you could do was stare at Billy in convoluted incredulity and anger. He was making the whole thing sound so simple, so logical, like he was looking at it through rose colored glasses. Taking in the look on your face and the fact that you seemed speechless, Billy took a cautious step forward and spoke calmly.

“He’s dead, sweetheart. You never have to worry about lookin’ over your shoulder again. You’re free.”

“Free? You killed Adam. God, you killed Derek and Annie, you almost killed me-”

Billy immediately shook his head no and cut you off.

“No. I was never gonna hurt you. Look, I'm sorry for scarin’ you, and I’m sorry you did get hurt, but I had to convince the police it was him after you. I didn’t see another way to do this. And look at you. Look how strong it’s made you.”

Billy’s dark brown eyes roved over your figure appreciatively, staring at you almost in awe, the ghost of a proud smile gracing the edge of his lips. There was a glint in his gaze when he met your eyes, and you could see a complete lack of remorse for what he’d done. There was no guilt, no shame, nothing.

“You’re psychotic.”

Billy took another step forward, reaching out to take the bloodied award away from you, tossing it onto the floor carelessly. He lifted his hand to brush a strand of your hair that was soaked in blood away from your face, gazing down at you in adoration.

“No sweetheart. I'm in love.”

Narrowing your eyes, you clenched your jaw and raised your chin defiantly, refusing to break eye contact as you cocked your head to the side.

“So in love with me you’re gonna get me sent to prison?”

Hearing the bitterness in your voice, Billy let out a frustrated exhale through his nose, his reverence for you shifting into pure annoyance at your attitude.

“You ain’t goin’ to prison. I made sure of that. Everything is traceable back to him. When the cops go to the motel he was stayin’ at, they’re gonna find everything they need to wrap this case up with a neat fuckin’ bow. The outfit and mask, the knife and the DNA on it, surveillance photos of you, a disposable cell phone, everything. And this-”

Billy loosely gestured with his hand towards Roman’s lifeless body on the floor surrounded by a puddle of blood.

“-this will be clear and cut self defense. I got the best legal team in the world, sweetheart. Roman had motive, and there’s a paper trail, all leadin’ back to him. None of this is comin’ back on you. I’d never let that happen.”

The implications of what Billy was saying slowly started to sink in. He planned this, down to the last meticulous detail. You didn’t know how long he’d planned it, or who he’d leveraged his power and wealth against to make it happen, but he’d directed every moment of this set up. He had carefully crafted a trap that Roman had walked right into. Adam, Derek, Annie, the cops, his own men, you; you’d all been pieces on the game master’s board, unaware you were losing a rigged match that only had one outcome from the beginning.

Billy snapped you out of your thoughts when he took your face in his hands, brushing his thumbs over the splatters of blood on your cheekbones to wipe them away.

“You belong with me. No one else, me. You know that now.”

Staring up at him, there was a soft furrow between your brows as you let out a breathless and humorless laugh.

“Belong with you? You’re a murderer-”

“So are you.”

Billy arched one of his dark brows in challenge, gesturing his head towards the dead body on the floor next to your feet. Pressing your lips together in a firm line, you clenched your jaw seeing the flicker of amusement in Billy’s gaze. Shaking your head slowly, you smacked his hands away from your face and took a step backwards.

“You’re delusional. You are absolutely fucking delusional-”

“Oh c’mon, sweetheart. We had an agreement, yeah? No bullshit. You gonna stand there and tell me you feel bad about this, huh? You gonna look me in the eye and tell me he didn’t deserve it? Because from where I’m standin’, he had it comin’. Hell, he deserved worse if you ask me.”

Billy was staring you down, daring you to open your mouth and correct him. But even as your lips parted to speak, nothing came out. No words of regret, no remorse of your own, no horror at the brutality you’d just learned you were capable of. Even though you knew you should feel guilty and revolted about what you’d just done, you didn’t. You couldn’t come to your own defense. You didn’t have to kill Roman. You could’ve knocked him out and called the police.

But you didn’t.

You chose to kill him. You wanted to kill him. Because deep down, you knew Billy was right. It was the only way you were going to be free. It had come down to kill, or be killed. Instead of the shackles of guilt and shame dragging you down to the unknown depths of whatever hell was waiting for you for breaking the cosmic rule of taking another life, you felt light as a feather. The fear that had been weighing on your chest your whole life, but especially the last three years, was gone. You could breathe again. You didn’t feel weak or fragile. You felt…powerful.

That moral compass within you was pointing towards relief, and maybe it had always been crooked, you just hadn’t noticed until now. But the moment you watched Roman take his last breath, something changed in you. The false pretense you had existed under abruptly faded away. All at once, the girl you had been trying to lay to rest was finally dead, for good. And it was then that you realized you hadn’t been trying so hard to bury her this entire time because of Roman and out of necessity for your own safety. It was because she was never who you really were.

This was.

Billy could see the initial hesitation on your face that slowly transitioned from denial into a half step away from acceptance. He took a step closer to you, wanting to convince you to take that final leap into embracing the truth he’d always been able to see.

“Think about it. The only time you felt safe was with me. The only time you weren’t tryin’ to be someone else, was with me. Annie didn’t know you, not like I do. Neither did Adam, and neither did this motherfucker.”

Billy pointed towards Roman’s lifeless body as he spit those words out like they were acidic. He took another bold step closer, and this time he wasn’t gentle when he grabbed your face in his hand, half of his fingers wrapping around your throat possessively.

“I've killed for you, no else can say that. You think you were gonna be happy settlin’ down with a nice guy from Jersey, havin’ to fake who you are for the rest of your life? No way, sweetheart. Face it. It’s you and me.”

Tilting your head back slowly, you looked up at Billy, not an ounce of fear in your eyes. Your face was a blank portrait, but there was a glimmer of challenge in your unwavering stare.

“And if I say no?”

The calmness in your voice sent a thrill through Billy. You were almost there. His tongue darted out to wet his lips, and he lowered his voice to a husky whisper, even though you were the only two people in the bedroom. Alive, anyway.

“You ain’t gonna do that, sweetheart. You know why?”

Billy’s question was rhetorical, and it had an undertone of amusement as he looked down at you with mischief twinkling in his eyes. His breath was warm as it ghosted over your lips.

“You know I'm right. You don’t feel a single ounce of guilt about what you just did, and you shouldn’t. He had it comin’, and no one is gonna miss this sorry piece of shit.”

Billy leaned in to nuzzle his nose against your neck, pulling you flush against his body, his other arm wrapping around your waist possessively. You swallowed thickly feeling the coarseness of his facial hair brush against your skin, making you shudder, and your body betrayed your shaky sense of morality, the lingering ache between your thighs from Billy fucking you in this very room earlier suddenly all your brain could focus on.

“You’ve always had a darkness in you, sweetheart. I knew it the night I met you. I felt it. You ain’t gotta hide it, not with me. You ain’t gotta hide period. You can go home again, see your family, your friends. There’s nothin’ holdin’ you back now. You’re not a victim anymore.”

Billy’s smooth words dripping into your ear like raw honey had a soft sigh escaping your lips. The thought of being able to go home, being able to see your mom again, being able to just exist without living in fear…it completely drowned everything else out that you should be feeling. Billy was right, you weren’t a victim anymore. And you were never going to be one again.

He’d done that for you. In his own sick, twisted way that he justified, he’d put a mirror up to you, and you were finally able to see yourself clearly. He’d pushed you to confront everything you tried to run away and hide from. He’d awoken that thing inside you that you’d always known was there, but had been too afraid to acknowledge. He’d forced you to choose between being a helpless ingenue, or a relentless fighter.

There was no going back.

Your eyes fluttered open when Billy pulled back to look down at you. His dark brown eyes were full of awe and reverence. He stared down into your eyes lovingly, brushing the pad of his thumb along the underside of your jaw as his lips spread into a wicked grin.

“You’re a final girl, baby.”

»»———　　———««

The California sun had been something you missed immensely. New York got sunny, hot even, but it wasn’t the same. Those warm rays didn’t carry with them whispers of salt from the sea that tickled your nose or the breeze of nostalgia that caressed your fonder memories. Woodsboro hadn’t hardly changed at all in the three years you had been gone. It was exactly as you had left it.

So was your mother’s house, and your old childhood bedroom. It had been over ten years since you’d last lived in this house, but your bedroom was like a time capsule of your teenage self. The same white cotton sheets and orchid purple comforter, posters of boy bands peeling at the corners, memories with your mom and friends forever immortalized on a corkboard that were held in place with push pins. It even had the same distinct smell that it had ten years ago.

Laying in the twin size bed, you tried to conjure that teenage girl in your head, the one whose room this had been, but you couldn’t. She was as gone as the woman you had been before. You never expected to be back in this room, to get to see your mother again, but the investigation was done, and you were free to move on. Your mom had been shocked when you showed up at the front door unannounced a few days ago, and even more shocked that you’d brought someone with you, but it only took a matter of minutes before she was eating out of the palm of Billy’s hand.

The charming fucker.

The bathroom door slowly opened, the creaking of the hinges breaking you out of your thoughts, and when you glanced over, an amused laugh left your lips as your brows rose up your forehead.

“Seriously?”

Billy remained silent, his boots heavy against the hardwood floor as he took slow, predatory steps towards the bed you were laying on. Your eyes wandered over the sight of him in the black robes, his handsome face concealed by the ghastly mask. Arching one of your brows, a smirk stretched over your lips.

“What, you wanna play psycho killer?”

Billy nodded silently, taking more calculated steps towards you, building the anticipation. Grazing your top teeth over your bottom lip, you sat up slowly and moved onto your knees, looking up at him in faux innocence as your voice came out in a sultry tease.

“Can I be the helpless victim?”

Once again, Billy nodded, tilting his head to the side slowly. He slipped a knife out of the robe, the glint of the metal twinkling under the light in the room. Your lips parted as he placed the blunt edge of it along the side of your neck, gliding it down slowly, the coolness of the metal against your skin making you shiver. He continued to leisurely drag it down, over your right collarbone, and over the swell of your breasts through your shirt.

When he reached the hem of it, Billy grasped the shirt in one of his gloved hands while he used the other to flip the knife over, dragging the sharp side of the blade in the opposite direction upwards, slicing right through the thin material. He took his time, the satisfying sound of fabric ripping filling the quiet as the knife glided through your shirt like fresh scissors through silky wrapping paper.

Goosebumps prickled along your skin as he dragged the blade across your collarbone towards the strap of your bra, not using enough pressure to actually hurt you or draw blood, but just enough for you to feel the faint sting of steel against soft flesh. A succession of two snips sounded, and severed straps tumbled down your arms. But Billy didn’t just reach behind you to unhook your bra, that wasn’t part of the fun. Instead, he cut right through the front of it, wire and all, and then your breasts were bouncing slightly as they spilled from the cups.

Billy wrapped his gloved hand around your throat and forced you onto your back, climbing on top of you, bringing his face down closer. The rubber of the mask was stiff as he pressed his forehead to yours, but you could faintly see his eyes through the black cloth covering the holes of the eye openings.

“Billy-”

“Shh.”

He held his index finger up to the mouth of the mask before bringing it down to press against your lips.

“Bite.”

A flicker of confusion passed through your eyes, but you bit down gently on the tip of his finger, and he pulled his hand back, the fabric of the glove remaining between your teeth as he slipped his hand out. Grabbing it from your mouth and tossing it aside, he traced your lips with his index finger before slipping his thumb past your lips and into your mouth, pressing the pad of it against your soft, warm and wet tongue.

“Suck.”

Wrapping your lips around his thumb, you made a soft noise in the back of your throat as you hollowed your cheeks, sucking softly on his digit and swirling your tongue around it slowly, giving the tip a gentle bite. A muffled grunt came from Billy above, and he pushed his hips forward, allowing you to feel the erection straining against his pants poking against your lower stomach.

“You feel how fuckin’ worked up you get me, baby?”

“I wanna feel more.”

Billy’s dark chuckle was muffled by the mask, his deep voice husky and full of amusement. He slipped his thumb out of your mouth, rubbing it over your lips and down your chin, spreading your own saliva over your skin.

“Greedy little thing.”

Dragging the knife between the valley of your breasts and down your stomach, the cold steel made you tense, your stomach muscles clenching slightly. In a flash, Billy had rendered your sleep shorts into shreds of jagged fabric, but he surprised you by setting the knife on the bed beside your head so he could slip your panties down your thighs, leaving them intact.

“Open your mouth.”

Parting your lips and opening your mouth slightly, you watched as Billy balled up the silky red fabric, and your eyes widened slightly when he shoved it into your mouth, gagging you with your own panties. A soft noise was muffled by the makeshift gag, but Billy ignored whatever you were trying to say. He grabbed your wrists and pinned them above your head on the mattress.

“Be a good girl and keep these here.”

Your heart was racing with anticipation, and a thrill of excitement had your nerve endings feeling like they’d just been hit with a jolt of lightning. You clenched your hands into fists above your head to keep yourself from reaching for Billy as you watched him drag the robe up to his hips so he could unzip his pants, reaching inside to pull out his hardened cock. He slipped his hand between your thighs, coating his palm and his fingers in the wetness that had your inner thighs slick, and you moaned around the gag, shifting your hips up in need as his thumb brushed lightly over your needy clit.

Billy wrapped his hand around the base of his cock, giving himself a few languid strokes as he coated his length in your natural lubrication. He didn’t have any patience left for teasing or playing his own little game, and neither did you. He pushed his hips forward, a muffled groan of satisfaction sounding from deep within his chest as he sank into your tight welcoming heat. Your back arched slightly and your eyes nearly rolled at the sensation of being stretched and filled with his thick cock.

Grabbing your wrists, Billy kept them pinned to the mattress above your head, and he languidly rolled his hips, the denim of his jeans rubbing against your bare thighs with every deep stroke. You brought your legs up to wrap around his waist, trying to pull him closer, wanting him impossibly deeper. Your moans of pleasure were muffled by your panties in your mouth, and you could hear Billy’s heavy breathing through the mask.

“Such a good little slut for me. You like it when I fuck you like this, don’t you baby?”

Billy chuckled darkly in your ear hearing the incoherent response reduced to a muffled moan from the makeshift gag.

“I know you do. I can feel it. This pretty pussy was soaked before I even touched you, and it’s grippin’ my cock so tight, takin’ it so well.”

Billy raised up slightly, letting go of one of your wrists so he could wrap his hand around your throat instead, squeezing just a little as he kept fucking you with slow, deep strokes.

“I knew this shit would get you off. You really are as fucked in the head as me, aren’t you pretty girl? You like it when I-”

All of a sudden there was a knock on the bedroom door, and your eyes went wide.

“Sweetie?”

Billy stopped thrusting, twisting his head to look at the door before looking down at you. Grabbing the mouth of the mask, he pulled it over his head, his raven strands messy from being under the mask. His dark brown eyes were wild with lust and had a dangerous glint in them. He quickly pulled your panties out of your mouth, and you swallowed thickly before calling out.

“Yeah?”

“Are you guys hungry? I was thinking about ordering a pizza.”

Billy’s breathing was heavy, but before you could answer your mother, he swiped the knife off the bed beside your head and held it to your throat. Your eyes widened in surprise, a flash of confusion in them, but then Billy rolled his hips forward, and your mouth dropped open. He quickly covered your mouth with his palm before the moan could slip out, and he pressed the blade just a tad harder against your neck to silence you. He leaned in, his nose brushing against yours as he whispered in a husky and rough tone while staring down into your wide eyes.

“Answer her.”

Billy’s hips were flush against your own, and he was flexing them forward, his cock dragging through your tight warm walls in a way that made your brain feel fuzzy.

“Y-Yeah. That…that sounds good.”

“What kind of pizza does Billy like?”

Your hands flew out to grab onto Billy’s biceps, and your eyes fluttered shut as Billy started to fuck you a little harder, but still keeping his thrusts slow and deep. Because he’d just unzipped his pants, the rough denim of his jeans covering his pelvis was rubbing right against your throbbing clit with every move of his hips. It was maddening.

“Any kind.”

Ever the inquisitive and talkative one, your mother continued to drone on about pizza toppings and the new Italian place in town, rambling about things you didn’t give a single fuck about right now.

You were trying to keep it out of your voice that you were currently getting fucked into the mattress, but it was getting hard to keep your words from sounding shaky and breathless. Billy watched you from above, his lips spreading into a sinister grin, his dark eyes twinkling with delight. He leaned in and nuzzled his nose along the underside of your jaw, nipping at your sensitive skin, pressing his hips flush against yours and starting to oscillate them. A breath caught in your throat, and you whispered pleadingly.

“Billy-”

“Keep talking or I won’t let you come.”

There was an edge of a warning to his voice, and you gripped onto his arms tighter, forcing down the whine of frustration you wanted to let slip.

“Mom, really, anything is…f-fine. Billy just…got out of the shower…we’ll…we’ll be down in a minute.”

“Okay, I’ll get both toppings and the breadsticks just in case. No one ever complained about too much pizza.”

You heard your mom’s familiar melodic laughter and the sound of her footsteps retreating, descending the staircase, and you let out a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding.

“I like your mom.”

Smacking your hand against Billy’s arm, he let out an amused laugh, dropping the knife back onto the bed as he grinned down at you.

“You’re such a dick.”

Billy let out a hum, grabbing your thigh and hiking your leg further up his waist, allowing him to change the angle and thrust even deeper, tearing a surprised moan from your lips. He nuzzled his nose against your neck, nipping at your earlobe as he whispered in a teasing tone.

“Now, is that any way to talk to the man who’s about to make you come?”

Letting out a frustrated whine, you wrapped your arms around his neck tightly and tried to pull him in even closer.

“Billy-”

Grabbing your throat once again, Billy cut you off as he captured your lips in a deep kiss, forcing his tongue past your lips to taste you. He started to snap his hips quickly, and you moaned into the kiss, gripping onto his broad shoulders and digging your nails into the thick fabric of the black robe. The worn frame of your bed began to squeak under the weight of both of you and how roughly Billy was now fucking you into the mattress. Never in a million years did you think you’d be having kinky sex in your childhood bedroom, but Billy had gotten you to do a lot of things you never thought you would.

The moan that tore from the depth of your core was muffled by Billy’s greedy lips, and he tightened his grip on your thigh when you tightened your trembling legs around his waist. Even when he felt your cunt clench around his cock, and the warmth that flooded afterwards, soaking through his jeans, he didn’t stop. He fucked you through your orgasm, and past it. He kept going, determined to force one more wave of pleasure out of you. His kiss was even hungrier, more demanding, and he could faintly feel you clawing at his back through the thick fabric.

When a second round of ecstasy barreled through you and seeped through his jeans to drench his heated skin beneath, Billy finally let go, allowing your greedy cunt to milk him for all he was worth. The instant gratification was overwhelming, turning his vision white for a split second, making his veins feel like they were flowing with helium instead of blood.

“Wow.”

Billy chuckled hearing the breathlessness of your voice. He peppered kisses along your neck, and you could feel his grin on your skin.

“Wow, ‘I just had sex in my childhood bedroom’, or wow ‘that was the best fuck I’ve ever had’?”

“Both.”

Pulling back to look at you, Billy’s dark eyes wandered over your face, and the hazy grin and fucked out look in your eyes made a smile stretch over his own mouth. He brushed his knuckles along your cheekbone gently, just quietly observing you. After a moment of comfortable silence, he spoke.

“We can stay, you know.”

You knew what Billy was saying. When you’d told him you wanted to return to Woodsboro for the holidays to see your mom again, you’d asked him to come with you, and he’d immediately cleared his schedule to make the trip. There hadn’t been a discussion on whether this was just a visit, or a homecoming, but the look in Billy’s eyes told you everything you needed to know. If you wanted to stay permanently, so would he.

Letting out a deep exhale through your nose, you looked up at him with a soft smile, placing your hand on top of his.

“I don’t belong here. I don’t know if I ever did. It’s nice to come back and visit but…it’s not where I’m meant to be.”

“You’re meant to be whenever you wanna be.”

It was such a strange feeling having a person that would do anything for you. You had never had that before. Even your mother had a history of putting her own needs and wants before your own. But Billy…Billy was willing to do whatever it took to make you happy, and ready to handle anyone or anything that got in the way of that, without hesitation. You were still processing everything that had happened, but when you had woken up on that first morning of November, you finally felt like you could breathe. You finally felt like…you.

There was no more running. No more pretending. No more living in fear. It was freeing, and empowering. It didn’t feel like there was anything that could be thrown at you that you couldn’t handle, not anymore. And now, you weren’t doing it alone. You never had to be alone again.

“I know, but I like New York. I wanna be there. The coffee is better.”

Billy smirked and arched one of his dark brows, looking at you with a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

“That all?”

Pursing your lips, you twisted your features into an expression of mock contemplation, pretending to think it over.

“Yeah, pretty much.”

Billy rolled his eyes, shaking his head with an amused snort. He leaned in and nipped at your neck, making you laugh.

“Brat.”

Carding his fingers through your hair, Billy tilted his head to the side as he looked at you curiously.

“You thought about that deal?”

Looking at him in confusion, you cocked your own head to the side.

“What deal?”

“About the book.”

Letting out a soft laugh, you rolled your own eyes and shook your head, a faint smirk gracing the edge of your lips as you quirked a brow.

“What, and be the next Gale Weathers?”

“Why not? You got a hell of a story.”

Billy flashed you a wink, a wicked grin splitting his lips. Bringing your hand up to smooth his raven strands back into place, you bit down on your bottom lip, smirking.

“Mhm. And what would I call this story?”

Billy gave a faint shrug of his shoulders, leaning in with a smirk as he brushed his lips against yours, whispering.

“How about a play on the original. If you’re gonna be the next Gale Weathers, you could call it…The Manhattan Murders.”

tags: @thyme-in-a-bubble @ferns-fics @danzer8705 @to-thelakes @simonsgirl @sweetserendipity65 @zomtart @day-dreaming-goddess @caroblogsthings @thomasshelbyswife @snowkestrel @hallowedtangerine @ameliaswife @dreadfulxives18 @ebsmind @lllla717 @slumnit @fireeyes-on-teller-dixon-grimes @nolita-fairytale @oliviaewl @r1kk @unlikelystarlightcowboy @imperihoe-writes @dumb-fawkin-bitch @merc12-us @moonyinthestars @sweetttart @i-caught-a-pidge @fruityfucker @strangerfromketterdam @whosprettynow @killing-gremlin

»— if you wanna get in the spooky slutty mood, listen here! -> the manhattan murders soundtrack

#the manhattan murders series #billy russo #billy russo x you #billy russo x y/n #billy russo x reader #billy russo x female reader #billy russo x fem!reader #billy russo x f!reader #billy russo fic #billy russo smut #billy russo series #ghostface!au #ghostface!au billy russo #ghostface!au billy russo fic #ghostface!au billy russo smut #ghostface!au billy russo series

196 notes · View notes

bucketsofmonsters · 1 year ago

Text

Deep Water - Part 3

cw: the ocean, almost drowning, kidnapping, more tags to be added as the story continues

merman x fem reader

Word count: 5k

read on ao3

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

On your first day of work, you were already regretting not pushing harder to get your siren to promise you he would stay away, glimpses of a snaking tail under the water every few hours stopping your heart for a beat every time.

You ignored your first sighting, reporting into the office, getting a list of duties and of expected intake for the day.

You asked when you’d be paid, part of you worried he’d say at the end of the month and you’d be stuck without a place to stay for weeks. You let out a sigh of relief when he said at the end of the week. Only two more days then. You could manage two more days. You were sent off on your way without much else said.

No one was assigned to help you, to figure out what you were supposed to do or how to start, so you did the only thing you could think of. You went and found Finn.

His face lit up the second he saw you, dropping the box he was holding to run over to your side.

“Hello little lady, how’s your first day going?”

You glanced back at the discarded cargo. “Do you not need to get that?”

“Is this going to take long? Okay, you probably want help, I’ll be right back.”

He rushed over to the dropped box that at the very least didn’t look like it had been damaged and hauled it over to a safer location, amidst some other unpacked boxes.

He was back at your side before the incredulous huff of laughter managed to escape you, giving you a sheepish look. “Sorry if I’m overeager, we don’t get many pretty girls out here, I’ve gotta try and help you before someone else snatches you up.”

You gave him a humoring laugh, more polite than anything.

You had a feeling your intentions with one another did not align, but he seemed pleasant and helpful and whatever his intentions happened to be, you could use that right about now.

And he held true to his word. For the rest of the day, he helped you figure out your various duties, largely abandoning his own, only occasionally popping out to make excuses or run and do something that others laughed and insisted really couldn’t wait.

The day passed quickly. The work wasn’t particularly hard, just repetitive. Finn did his best to help but once you realized he couldn’t read, it became a little more difficult.

He still hovered over your shoulder, something that you appreciated but had the unintended consequence of you having to struggle to pull his attention every time you caught another flash of scales out of the corner of your eye.

They seemed particularly likely to appear whenever Finn set off from his latest task he was ignoring to help you again.

You bristled at the thought, trying to tell yourself you were making up patterns, that it wasn’t anything at all.

At least you hoped you were. If it was a pattern, you were going to kill him.

Even once you got the hang of things, Finn refused to actually leave you, insisting that it was improper to abandon you on your first day. You just smiled and continued on, set on getting everything done. First impressions were important after all, and you needed to look just as valuable as your sister had been.

Before you knew it, the day was over and people had begun filing out. It wasn’t empty, the dock was never really empty, but it had quieted down and you finished the last of your work, marking everything down as neatly and perfectly as you could.

“I can take that back for you!” Finn exclaimed as you carefully looked over your work for any glaring mistakes. He seemed excited to find something he could actually help you with.

Part of you wanted to refuse, to take it back yourself, but he seemed too excited, refusing felt like kicking a puppy. Besides, you imagined he’d have a few kind words to say about you and that couldn't hurt.

He came darting back over in minutes, that persistent, goofy smile plastered across his face as he skidded to a halt. “Mission accomplished, ma’am,” he said with a little salute.

“Thank you, I really appreciate it,” you said, trying to push as much gratitude as you could into your voice.

“Now that that’s done, I was wondering if you wanted to go out or something. I could get you some drinks or food or whatever, celebrate your first day being over.”

There it was, exactly what you’d worried this had all been leading to. “Finn…”

Water came splashing up through the gaps in the wood on the dock, drenching the pair of you.

You jumped, reflexively and far too late to save yourself from any of the water.

As you looked through the slats, you could have sworn you saw the glint of scales.

“Yes,” you blurted out, bringing Finn’s attention back to you. “That sounds great.”

You gave him what felt like a poor approximation of an excited smile.

“Really? That’s amazing. The ocean seems to have something to say about it. She’s nervous, poor girl. Promise I won’t leave you behind.” He spoke down to the waves, attempting to lighten the mood as he saw your face go white in your newly wetted skirts.

You smiled, your heart hammering in your ears, and after another quiet little bit of reassurance, he scurried off, telling you to stay put while he found a coat he’d discarded earlier in the hot sun and promptly forgotten about, and then you could be off.

Simon, you guessed that was what you were calling him now, decided that was an opportune time to breach the surface of the water and look up at you with those big, golden eyes.

An anger that had been simmering quietly inside of you at every flash of scales you’d seen throughout the day came to a head as he had the audacity to simply appear like this. “Go away,” you hissed, the words coming out louder than you meant them to.

This wasn’t like the day before. You knew Finn would be back any moment, you didn’t have time to argue on the shore.

He remained resolutely above the water, looking up at you with a determination that almost frightened you set across his impish features.

When he opened his mouth, you held your hands out, trying to tell him to stop, that it wasn’t safe.

And then he started speaking and your hands fell limp to your sides, warning him not seeming quite so important anymore.

The words sounded different. Maybe he was singing? It was hard to tell. You couldn’t even make out the words, couldn’t understand any of it. All you knew was that he was there. Why were you all the way up here? You should be down there with him. Maybe then you could understand.

Whatever noises he was making, ones you were too far away to really hear, wormed their way right through your ears into your head, snaking their way around inside you, taking up the space where your thoughts were moments ago.

There was nothing but him.

Everything else faded away until all you could see was amber eyes.

And then, walking carefully and intentionally, you tumbled into the water, seemingly of your own accord.

The second you hit the icy water, the warm calm you’d been pulled into dissipated. You weren’t sure if it was the shock of the water or your head going under, no longer able to hear the hypnotic noises from the siren you’d thought was harmless. At least to you.

And what a foolish notion that was. He was a siren. It didn't matter if he'd saved you or not, of course he was dangerous. You weren’t special to him. Why would you be?

As you tried to come up for air his arms met your shoulders and pushed you deeper and you realized, horrifically, just how wrong you’d been.

You didn’t understand why he did what he’d done, why he’d helped you before. Maybe he’d just been playing with his food, toying with you until he got bored.

Your mind newly cleared, you fought to swim up. As you did, his tail wound around your legs and you saw a pout break out across his face.

Panic rose in your chest and he watched, head tilted, examining you carelessly, with your legs still bound together under the water.

He looked at you, eyes big and bright and expectant, flicking across your face as he tried to fight back a smile.

You struggled and his hand grasped yours, keeping it in place, effortlessly keeping you under the waves. The bright look in his eyes shifted to confusion, seeming baffled as to why you’d rather breach the surface than steal a kiss from him and let the cold water invade your lungs.

As he stared expectantly and confused at you, you wiggled just enough to free one leg, something he seemed unconcerned with as he continued to hold you under. He knew he was stronger than you, that you had no real shot of escape. You both did.

That didn’t matter to you. You brought your knee up as swiftly and firmly as you could in the cold water that forced a horrible, sluggish feeling into your limbs, and kneed him right in his gills.

That seemed to activate some instinct in him and he wrapped entirely around you, effortlessly countering you at every point of struggle. They were the movements of a practiced hunter.

You kicked and fought and made every attempt to break away and breach the surface but he was too strong, too practiced at this. At holding people down.

You wondered how you matched up to them, how hard you fought compared to his other prey, if he’d remember this at all once you were gone?

At some point in the struggle you must have kissed, in the loosest sense of the word. You missed it in the flurry of movement, just another brush of skin against skin in the struggle. It must have happened though because as your lungs burned just a bit too much and your brain forced you to inhale, you didn’t choke on water but instead felt the burning soothe and your instincts calm, despite the salt water flooding inside you.

Regardless of your newfound ability to breathe, the fight and lack of oxygen had weakened you and your struggle slowed.

As it did, he rose to the surface

When you breached the waves, the dock was nowhere in sight. You had no idea when in your fight he’d dragged you out to sea or how far you’d gone.

“You can breathe,” he said, looking at you with that same quiet confusion as when you’d fought against him. “I made sure you could breathe. Why do you still worry?”

You inhaled in an attempt to answer him with a screamed admonishment and then, before a word could escape you, you were coughing up water

He sat patiently as you did, his arms wrapped carefully around you.

The last time you’d coughed up water like this, you’d been too relieved to be alive to really notice it. You did not have that luxury this time. The saltwater burned coming up, your lungs feeling heavy in your chest as the water poured out of you.

It felt like you were dying. You didn’t understand how you weren’t.

He didn’t seem concerned, just holding you as you fought to empty your lungs so you could finally inhale, every attempted inhalation just stirred the churning water in your lungs, agitating them further.

As you finally emptied your lungs, you sucked in air. Your chest filled and it hurt more than it brought you relief.

“You have to take me back,” you forced out, the burning in your lungs exhausting you past the point of screaming at him.

His lips pursed into a pout and his eyes darted away from yours. “You don’t even like it there,” he said, sounding openly disappointed, not even attempting to hide it. But then, why would he? You were at his mercy, he could do whatever he wanted to.

“I like it better than I like it here,” you said, gesturing around you at the open ocean.

He looked around at the ocean surrounding you and then returned his gaze intently to your face. “I can take you somewhere else.”

“You know that’s not what I mean, you’d better not…”

And then he was off, swimming quickly through the waves.

He kept your head above water carefully, although you still had to keep your mouth firmly shut to avoid inhaling anything, but even that didn’t slow him down.

And then, with no warning, you were going down, back through thick water. You didn’t have a chance to gather your bearing before it was too dark to see anything, Simon’s grip on your arm was the only thing cutting through the cold black abyss around you.

Your arm brushed against hard rock, scraping painfully before it was gone and you found yourself disoriented in the space around you once more. You could be surrounded by rock for all you knew, inches away from it. There was no way to tell, no way to really know anything about where you were being dragged.

Your fight renewed as your air began to run out and the darkness still imposed itself around you. You knew better, knew you couldn’t get away. Even if you did, you didn’t even know which direction was up anymore. Your instincts, however, were not so easily suppressed by silly things like facts.

You couldn’t help but wonder if he was going to kill you. Even more than that, as your time under the water dragged on, why he was going to kill you? Maybe you’d upset him, made an unforgivable mistake when you kicked him or complained just a little too much. The way it looked now, you guessed you’d never know. You didn’t have the oxygen left to figure it out, your brain starting to get foggy.

And still, it continued. He dragged you down and down and then your head breached the surface and as you gasped in air, the word flipped right side up once more.

You dragged air into your pleading lungs, this time no wretched water biting your throat as you did.

Your lungs still hurt though. A quieter ache.

Your eyes adjusted slowly to the dark and you could barely make him out in what appeared to be a cave, the moon shining in through a few holes riddled in the rock above you.

“You could’ve killed me,” you said, desperation creeping into your voice.

His head tilted. “No. I know how long it takes a human to drown. You were fine.”

His words did nothing to settle your unease

“Is this better?” he asked, gesturing around to the cave you’d approached from beneath.

The water was just a small pool in a larger cave, leading off a few feet before revealing a glimpse of the outside world through the holes that let the light in.

You hauled yourself out of the water to look and saw that there was no other way out, only the horrible, dark path through the water he’d taken you through.

You couldn’t get out of here on your own.

Even if you could, you had nowhere to go. There was probably just more open water outside these walls. Even if there was land, you had no idea where you were.

You wondered if Finn was worried about you yet. Maybe he was. Or maybe he thought you’d abandoned him, left him alone on the dock in lieu of having to go out to dinner with him.

You weren’t sure which you were hoping for, which was better for him to believe. Which would be easier to explain when you returned? If you returned.

“You need to take me back,” you said, trying to force some authority into your tone.

“Can I ask you some questions about humans?” he asked, completely ignoring you.

“No,” you snapped. “You can’t. You can take me back.”

He drifted towards you and you pulled back further onto the patch of dry land.

That seemed to hurt him, like he couldn’t understand why you would possibly be wary of him.

He rested his head on the rocky shore, looking defeated, slowly drying blonde hair curling up around his eyes as it was freed of some of the weight of the water, and you fought to not think that if he hadn’t just done what he did to you, maybe he’d look sweet.

“Who was that?” he blurted out, his head lifting with his words as his jaw moved against the stone below him.

“What?”

“On the dock. He was talking to you, you were leaving with him. Who was that?”

“Who, Finn? Why do you-” A thought began to dawn on you. “His name is Finn. You hang around the dock, do you not know him?”

He shrugged in the water. “I’ve seen him.”

“And you care now? That’s kind of sudden.”

“I guess.”

“Alright. Did you kidn- Did you take me so I wouldn’t go with him.” You did your best to keep your voice measured in an attempt to get an honest response from him.

“You’re supposed to go to the beach. You weren’t going to the beach.”

“No, you rejected my deal, remember? I thought I wasn’t going to the beach because you were just hanging around.”

He rolled his eyes just barely, enough to make a quiet irritation stir in your stomach. “Can’t talk to you when I’m around,” he said, matter of factly. “You said you’d go to the beach.”

“I know, but something came up. I’d have come back. I can’t miss one day?” you said, trying to reason with him.

“One day? It was the first day!” he said with a huff.

“I hadn’t even left yet, how did you know I wasn’t going to go meet you.”

“Were you?” he asked, and you didn’t have a good answer for him.

“We’ll never know, will we? Because you decided to kidnap and almost drown me.”

“I didn’t almost drown you. I would never drown you.”

Now it was your turn to roll your eyes. “Alright, well at the very least you decided to hurt me.” Sharp words bounced off the stone walls of the cave.

His eyes widened. “I hurt you?”

“Yeah, of course you did. I couldn’t breathe. And that’s beside how bad coughing up sea water hurts.”

He shook his head. “You’re fine, why would it hurt?”

“Simon,” you said, “It hurts humans when we can’t breathe. And we aren’t meant to have to breathe water, it burns when I have to get it out.”

For someone who presumably had drowned dozens of humans, he seemed to have little idea how drowning actually felt. To be fair, he probably didn’t have many chances to learn about the human side of the experience, you didn’t imagine many survived long enough to tell him about it.

“Oh,” he said, deflating a little. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“Right, just to kidnap me.”

He nodded with no air of shame regarding his actions. “Yeah.”

You settled back against the wall of rock behind you, trying to think of what else you could say to get yourself out of there.

He looked up at you and suddenly he seemed unbearably nervous. “You want to leave.”

“I thought we discussed this, I have to leave. I can’t just disappear, there are people waiting for me.”

“Finn,” he asked, saying the name like it tasted rotten in his mouth.

“Yes, Finn. I told you, I can’t just disappear.”

You had to lean closer to him to hear his next words at all, his voice unbearably quiet. “It’ll hurt you.”

You slid back into the water beside him, hope sparking through you. “I’ll be fine, I just want to get out of here.”

His hands snaked around your sides, pulling you close to him. “Do you want to hold your breath or breathe the water?” You could feel his breath on your skin as he spoke. You didn’t understand how breathing worked for him, where his lungs ended and his gills began.

You shivered as you thought back to retching up the water, how it had burned coming up, how the attempted gasps felt inside already heavy lungs. “I’ll hold my breath.”

He nodded solemnly. “I will be fast.”

You sucked in a breath before he pulled you down, a luxury you had not been granted last time.

He was true to his words. You could feel the water rushing past you as you held your breath, clinging to him the whole way.

When you breached the surface, your lungs didn’t hurt quite as much as they had the first time around. His grip on you was tighter than when you’d arrived, a fear present in him that wasn’t before.

Your hands were wrapped around his neck, the desire to get yourself away from him gone now that you were fairly certain he’d bring you back, even if he wasn’t happy about it.

He brought you to the shore, a familiar spot.

Something occurred to you as you found yourself in shallow water. “How’d you even know where to take me? When you first found me, you took me right here.”

“I know where the ships are going. Always to the same spot.” He sounded almost annoyed at the ships’ predictability.

“Well, they have to go to a dock.”

He grumbled in response, his discontent evident. You weren’t sure how much of it was from this grudge against ships and how much was because he’d had to bring you back to shore.

You pulled yourself out of the water and wanted just sit there for a while, regain some of your energy.

The second you hit dry land, Simon was gone, disappearing before you could say so much as another word to him.

You didn’t really have time to talk or rest anyway, running back onto the dock as quickly as you could, hoping Finn hadn’t left yet.

You found him standing alone on the dock, looking dejected right until his eyes drifted towards you. His eyes widened as they met yours and his expression shifted from surprise to concern, rushing towards you.

“What happened?” he asked, pulling the jacket he’d run off to retrieve over your shoulders. “I thought you’d gotten bored and abandoned me but a swim at this time of day hardly seems like a good idea.”

“I fell in. Guess I’m more tired than I thought,” you said with a sheepish smile, hoping it was anything close to convincing.

His hand drifted up to push wet hair away from your face. “I’m sure you’re not feeling up to going out anymore…”

“No,” you said, not thinking of Finn at all but instead set on rebelling against the attempts to stop you from going. It wasn’t fair to Finn, but by the time that occurred to you, you’d already spoken. “I mean, you waited all this time for me, it would be rude not to go.”

He seemed too excited to notice how suspicious you were being. “Alright, but make sure you’re not overextending yourself.”

You nodded with an unenthusiastic smile and let him lead you off to a tavern somewhere.

It was a largely uneventful evening, all things considered. He bought you some soup, something nice and hot that you could feel in your bones, creating a comfortable warmth in your core.

Your reticence to talk was barely noticed. Finn seemed more than happy to fill the silence, letting you bundle up under the thick wool of his coat and focus on your food.

Before you knew it, it was gone and there was nothing left to distract yourself with.

You waited for Finn to finish whatever story he’d been telling that you hadn’t been listening to and said, “This has been lovely, but I should be getting back.”

He laughed. “What, back to work? I’m not that boring, am I?”

You started as he pulled you fully out of your head back into the tavern. “What? No, of course not.”

“So where are you staying then?” he asked.

You shrugged. “Nowhere. I’ll find an inn after I get paid but until then-”

“You could stay with me!” he blurted out before you even had the chance to finish your sentence.

You weren’t quite as enthused. “Look, Finn, I don’t…”

“This isn’t me trying to come onto you, honest. You shouldn’t have to stay out in the cold, it’s not right. I mean, no wonder you're tired. If you don’t get some proper sleep you’ll drown, and then who am I supposed to try and impress every day?”

It was most certainly untoward, but the offer was tempting nonetheless.

You reevaluated Finn, trying to determine how much you really trusted him. Enough for dinner, sure, but enough for this?

You thought about spending another night alone on the cold shore and decided that yes, you did trust him enough for this.

As soon as you nodded your assent, he grabbed your hand, pulling you towards the stairs in the tavern.

You couldn’t help but think that taking you to the tavern he was staying at felt presumptuous but the allure of a warm room and blankets were too strong for you to say anything to that effect.

His room was decently sized, with a large bed pressed against the back wall. Reassuringly, he started to set up a space on the floor for you, moving some blankets from a chair in the corner to the floor.

To your chagrin, he began to settle into the nest of blankets on the ground and you immediately moved to set it right.

“Absolutely not, you will not sleep on the floor in your own room.”

He looked up at you with big, sad eyes. “But-”

“No buts, I will leave.”

He sighed. “Fine. But know that I’m not happy about it.”

You settled onto the floor and he slid another blanket off the bed onto you. You accepted it without argument, allowing him this at least. Besides, you were in no state to be turning down blankets.

It was late and the blankets helped against your still damp form. The calm itself was refreshing and you fought the urge to thank Finn, who seemed like he’d already drifted off to sleep since you’d begun to settle down.

You had no choice but to try and follow him.

You slept restlessly but at least you slept.

#terato #merman x reader #merman x human #monster x reader #monster x human #monster bf #monster boyfriend #merman #Simon is crazy this chapter #Don’t invite a wolf into your home and then be surprised when it bites

546 notes · View notes

itsythebitsyspider · 4 months ago

Text

Silco x fem reader

Took out the slowburn because as a wise person once said, I have no impulse control. Enjoy the smut.

Anyways, I'm also like, way to tired and impatient to edit this before posting, so: fuck it no beta we die like men.

Here's the main things that was asked of me to give you a basic summary of what's going on:

Silco x fem reader, you are a healer, smut.

Pretty sure there was supposed to be angst and hurt comfort, I guess it's there if you squint. I was also asked a 5,000 word minimum so... yeah. Pardon me for letting that slip my mind. Anyways, enjoy this little drabble. I'm going to bed.

Two years ago you were a herbalist in Zaun. Your parents owned a flower shop of sorts that specializes in healing and harming plants. Growing up, you earned your green thumbs and were able to hold a stable life for you and your parents. That was, until the enforcers came around. They had been searching for four kids who had caused a massive explosion in some fancy rich guy’s lab. You had denied them entry of course, but they never really listened anyway. They pushed their way into your shop, and ultimately ended up setting half of it on fire. This left you and your family struggling for a while, forcing you to take drastic measures. Before, you had only provided people with the ingredients to make the poisons or the remedies. But now, people are paying you to create them. Some of them even paid you to deliver it personally to the target. It was tough at first, figuring out how to distribute the poison without getting caught. You weren’t a trained assassin. But, you weren’t just some nobody off the street either.

Everything in Zaun would break down at one point, causing most people to have some knowledge of machinery. You had fixed up one too many humidifiers and dehumidifiers at this point to not be able to repurpose them into something new. Leading you to create a small canister that, when activated, would subtly fill the room with the poison. Once the victim had fallen under its effects, you could go in and retrieve the canister, and then make your exit to collect the pay.

You had gotten so good at this in fact, that it had caught the eye of the smoke-breather of the underground himself. Silco. It had happened once or twice that he’d hire you. Usually to take out some target in some random location. You didn’t ask, you didn’t need to know. Eventually, he asked you to take out a large group of people, larger than you’d ever done before. You’d hesitated, but the moment you saw the money, suddenly all your worries were gone. You completed the job with barely any bumps, and returned to Silco. Instead of leaving with the money, you ended up leaving with the money and a new job. Silco’s new toxicant.

Now, two years later, it seemed your job had become more peaceful. You found yourself healing more often than you were killing. Every other day you’d get one of Silco’s henchmen coming into your office for some wound or bruise that they’d gotten in a scuffle. It was Friday that was the most important day of your work week. Every Friday you would be in Silco’s office tending to his eye. The shimmer was doing its job of keeping his eye mutation at bay, but the pain would still linger. Your job was to make sure that the eye wasn’t getting any worse, and to dull the pain as much as possible. An additional part of that job was taking care of Jinx whenever you were at work. You didn’t sign up for babysitting.

“I didn’t exactly sign up to be a babysitter, y’know that right?” You raised an eyebrow at Silco while you started setting up your mini workspace.

“I do recall you being desperate for cash once.”

“Yeah, once.” You retorted, carefully handling the glass vials you pulled out of the bag. “I’m well off now.”

“Would you continue to be this way if I were to relinquish you from your position?”

You paused for a minute. Would you be alright if you quit? He’d probably kill you. You were too good at your job for him to just let you go. You decided just to roll your eyes and finish setting out the ingredients on his desk. Just as you were about to start working your magic, the door bursts open. You don’t even have to look up to know who it is. Who else is brave enough to slam the doors open and yell,

“THUNDER AND LIGHTING! THE BLUE BUNNY IS BACK IN THE BUILDING!”

You cursed under your breath. You’d tried your best to teach her proper manners, but they never really took. At least, if they did, she never bothered to use them. “Jinx how many–” Your eyes widened as you took in the state of her. “Jinx!” You rushed over, immediately grabbing her arm and wiping the soot off to try and see if there was still skin underneath all the ash that seemed to cover her entirely.

“What happened?!” You exclaimed, scrambling through your pockets for a rag that wasn’t covered in blood or dirt.

“Oh, this ol’ boo boo? It was actually exactly like Silky-boy here predicted!” She bounded over to his desk, glancing at all the bottles you had laid on on the surface before moving to the other side and sitting down, kicking her feet. “Firelights were tagging our stuff. Turns out, they also had an enforcer on their payroll. Which! Doesn’t make sense cause uh- yknow. Bugs don’t have jobs. They don’t get paid too well.” She giggled. “Well, unless they’re a butt-kicking slug wrestler!”

She promptly frowned. “Mm…”

You let out a worried sound and walked over, having finally found a clean rag and started cleaning off the blood and ash. “So, explain what happened on the flight.”

“Thought I saw her.” Jinx muttered, a distant look in her eyes. She seemed frazzled.

‘Saw who?’ you almost asked, but you knew almost immediately who she was talking about.

“She’s gone, Jinx.” Silco spoke up from his chair. You had almost forgotten he was there, the man’s presence so silent that he could sneak up on a fly. “Whoever you saw–”

“Wasn’t her. I know.” Jinx furrowed her brow. “Whoever she was, she ran. Like a coward.”

“Was? What did you–”

“Gave her a taste of underground lead!” Jinx grinned. “Oh you should’ve been there! Pew pew pew! God the firelights really should get better at dodging. Anyways~! I think we’d make a whole bunch more cash if we made fireworks. Did you know shimmer is like- super explosive? The whole airship nearly went BOOM!” The blue haired girl threw her hands in the air, making an exaggerated explosion sound before plopping down onto the desk.

“Cmon plant lady! Work your magic so I can get to hopping!” Jinx complained.

You sighed and rummaged through your bag, trying your best to apply the antiseptic onto the squirming girl. After struggling to put some bandages on, you sent her on her way, and she bounded merrily off to do God knows what, God knows where. Probably figure out that shimmer firework idea of hers down in her lair.

You pinched the bridge of your nose.

“I know that look. I’ve made it many times when raising that strange creature.” Silco chuckled, patting the stool next to his chair. You grumbled and sat down, grabbing your vials and beginning to grab the final ingredients. “She’s more troublesome than finding mold in my Burdock root.” You grumbled, shoving the plants into the small machine and pressing a button. The muted whirring of the machine started off.

“Yet, you seem to care for her regardless.”

“Just because it's troublesome doesn’t mean it’s something to give up on.”

You glanced at the door Jinx left through, mind flashing through the two years you’ve known her now. You were only there for two years, but it felt like you’d known them for much longer. The machine on the desk beeped and you sighed, pouring the powder into the previously prepared mixture and stirred it for a few moments.

“Alright, c’mere. And you better hold still.”

Silco obliged, turning his large chair to face you. You pulled on a rubber glove from one of the little pockets on her belt and dipped two fingers in, gently reaching out to apply the new salve to his scars.

“It surprises me that it still hurts after all these years.” You commented as you tried to smooth out the mix on his face. “I’m no doctor, hardly anyone down here is, but I’m starting to think it’s phantom pains.”

“What makes you think that?”

“Chemical burns like this would’ve damaged the nerve endings. Most of the time it causes numbness. I mean, the damage it’s left on your face, I’m pretty convinced your nerve endings have just been fried.”

“For someone who isn’t a doctor, you seem to know a few things.” The man in front of you spoke, doing his best to remain still while you worked.

“Being the main healer here– other than Singed of course, but I don’t exactly trust his work ethic, I’ve picked up on a few things.” You finish applying the salve and check your watch. “Three minutes.” You murmured to yourself.

“Singed is the best thing we have to a doctor.”

“Yeah, I know.” I sighed. “I just… wish there were better options, y’know?”

Silco crossed his arms. “We’ve been trying to get better options for a while. Right now, we have to make do with Singed.”

“Yeah, yeah. Your whole, ‘make them fear us’ agenda.” You groaned. “Look, I just think there’s a better way–”

“And do, pray tell, share the secret to utopia. Because I and many others have been working towards this for years now, and we’d love for you to come and spout some naivety on our hard work.”

You glared at him. “Okay what is with the sudden hostility? I’m just trying to have a conversation here and you want to be an asshole about it.”

“Hostility? Darling I am being realistic. You are a good healer. A good Toxicant. But there’s a reason I’m the one running things and you remain in a clean room fixing up injuries.”

“You little–”

The beeping from your watch saved you from potentially losing your job. You bit your lip and reached for a wet cloth, wiping off the cream. “There. If it still hurts, apply this and let it sit for three minutes before wiping it off.” You said through gritted teeth, grabbing your things and shoving them into your bag before storming off. If you were in here any longer, you were going to make sure he could only see through one eye.

Sadly, there was no rest for you seeing as you returned to work the following Monday. There was a meeting Silco had asked you to be at. The moment you saw the familiar briefcase with money you knew he wasn’t just asking you to attend. He wanted your services.

“What’s the job? Based on the stacks, I’m assuming its a group. Pretty big one.” You commented, running your fingers along the dollar bills.

“Are you familiar with the coal mines?”

You paused and looked up, searching his face for any sign that he was joking or pulling your leg. But as always, his face remained unchanging.

“Yeah, I’m kinda familiar. My Dad worked there. Sometimes when he’d forget his lunch I’d take it to him. I could barely breathe down there. It felt like my lungs were full of some thick smog.” You grimaced, recalling the air quality down there. It was hard to breathe, and it felt like you were being weighed down. You remember having to go down there and work every now and then when your father came down with an illness or injury. Every time you left, your lungs felt like they’d smoked an entire pack of cigars in just one hour.

“Could you recreate a version of that very fog?”

“You want me to do what?”

“I doubt the people we’ll be meeting today have ever had to work down there in those mines. I can tell just by the way they breathe, even the way they smoke. The way they act so carefree and unburdened, never weighed down by the carts of coal.” Silco’s voice had a slight edge to it.

“So… an altered version of that? Altered how?”

“A little easier to breathe through. Perhaps you could rig your machine to release the smoke a little slower. I don’t want them to immediately notice what’s happening until it’s far too late. A little symbolic, don’t you think?”

“Very.” You muttered. Yeah, you could make the humidifier a little more subtle. But making sure they didn’t catch the smell of it? Those mines had a distinct smell. Blood, sweat, and a purely earthy smell. You’d have to cover it up with an even more potent smell. Perhaps plants?

“What room will you be meeting in?”

“We, will be meeting in the old observatory in the abandoned astrology building. Do you know the one?”

“Yeah. I need a few guys to help me set the place up if I’m to do this.”

Silco raised an eyebrow. “Interesting request, but I’ll grant it. I don’t want to know what you do, the less I know the better. So whatever it is you need, you have it. You need not ask.” With that, he tapped the briefcase and went back to whatever he was writing on those papers of his. You swear, some days it seemed like Silco did more paperwork than he did crime.

‘Alright. Take a few guys, handful of plants, and just get the place ready. Nothing too hard.’ All you needed to do was take them to your shop and load up the plants. You wanted them to feel relaxed, so a few lilac’s would do the trick. Maybe some Jasmine? You groaned. You never bothered learning about proper flower placement, focusing more on keeping your plants healthy and alive for your customers. Maybe you should’ve bought that book about weddings and flowers, but you thought it would be stupid to buy a book about weddings if no one ever properly got married down here.

Regardless, you had taken a few men and brought them to the shop, having them carry the heavier plants that couldn’t be removed from their pots until you got to the observatory, otherwise they might die of shock.They loaded up all the plants into the two trucks and drove over to the observatory.

It was a mess, Overrun by nature and obviously raided by bandits and such, it was a mess. You groaned and gave the order to start cleaning. It could’ve been a one and done thing, but of course, things were never that simple.

It took about an hour and a half to get everything cleaned up before you could finally start the careful process of giving the plants a new, temporary home. You pulled out your notebook and dotted down the date you were replanting them. You could come back for them in a few weeks after the plants weren’t so stressed from the first move.

You glanced around at the observatory. It actually looked really pretty. With time and money, this place could be turned into a pretty good plant nursery. You glanced down at your pocket where you kept emergency cash.

You didn’t like dipping into your savings. Ever since the Enforcers had burned down your flower shop the first time, you felt the need to always have money in case it ever happened again. Plus, with your Dad’s need for shimmer because of his lung cancer, money wasn’t something you could easily throw around. Somehow the destructive product had healing properties, but in order to actually be able to help your father, it required a professional to apply it in order for it to stabilize his lungs. The product had to be applied to the inside of his lungs. At first, you didn’t hire anyone. If it needed to be in his lungs, then maybe the humidifier you used for work would be better. So a few days later you’d manage to vaporize the shimmer and distribute it using your humidifier. But when you tried it on your father, whatever was inside his lungs acted like a filter, keeping both fresh air and the shimmer out. This forced you to hire that professional, and was the main reason there was a huge dent in your paycheck every month. Your mother had tried to get a job, but she was already far too worn out to properly do anything in the underground. At least, anything that would’ve helped to pay for the medical treatments. You absentmindedly reached into your pocket to trace the lucky dollar coin you’d found a long time ago. If you truly wanted this, you’d have to figure out a smarter way to do it.

You glanced over at the men that Silco had sent over your way. Anything you needed, he had said, was available to you. Obviously, you couldn’t just ask for the lease to the observatory. The only reason you were here was to make some huge statement in the middle of the meeting. Silco had a thing for making symbolic statements. You swear, he probably had some secret library full of books that had so much symbolism that you couldn’t get past the title without having to decipher its hidden meanings. Maybe you could convince him that it was necessary for you to have an observatory because it was symbolic of the mines or something?

Or, you could convince him it was beneficial to his business. Silco was always looking for new investments, always looking to better his empire. It’s what made him such a good crime boss, never stagnant, always evolving. If you could convince him to give you a bigger place to house your plants– somewhere that would allow you to get him better, more diverse ingredients, maybe he would be willing to give you the observatory.

Filled with a new determination, you finished the final touches and hopped into the truck, excited to get back.

“...you just want it for your plants, don’t you?”

He saw right through it. Fuck.

“What? No. If I wanted it for my plants I would’ve just gone and bought it or something.” You huffed, crossing your arms stubbornly.

“So you went to the observatory, saw the large space and the windows and thought that I could benefit?” He raised an eyebrow. “Sorry if I don’t exactly see how I, a drug dealer who deals in a chemically enginerered drug, could benefit from a plant house.”

“It’s not a plant house it’s-!” You sighed and rubbed your face. You put your hands together. “Silco, sir. Look, I’ve got an entirely good reason why it’s good for the both of us.”

Silco pinched the bridge of his nose and leaned back.

There was a knock at the door. “Not now.”

Sevika entered. “Silco, you have a meeting in–”

“Not. Now.” He said firmly. “Whatever it is, push it back.”

Sevika narrowed her eyes. “Push it back? We’ve been struggling to get this meeting for–”

“And to teach them a lesson in how valuable my time is, you will have them wait. Are we clear?” He looked up at her. Sevika growled but nodded. “Understood, sir.” She closed the door with a little too much force.

You were suddenly anxious, feeling like you had just forced him to make some probably important people wait so that you could finish your barely thought out idea.

“I can go. It’s no biggie, we don’t have to…” You trailed off as you saw his pointed look. The damage had been done. Now you need to see it through.

You reached into your pocket and rubbed the coin again before speaking up.

“Look I’m the best healer you have. Along with that, I’m the best toxicant you have. Albeit I’m the only toxicant you have, but compared to any old apothecary out there you know I can outdo them. I’ve done a lot around here, you know that. I’ve killed the people you wanted dead. I poisoned the people you wanted threatened. And I’ve healed you and the people you’ve asked me to heal. I even take care of Jinx when she’s having a manic episode and you’re not around to help ease her out of it! So on top of all that, I’ve also somehow become like a mother to that girl. God knows how much she needed one, but apparently decided she wouldn’t get one.”

You took a deep breath before continuing.

“Yeah, I want that observatory for selfish reasons. But frankly what botanist wouldn’t? The windows would’ve been perfect if we had sun, but I can put lamps around that’ll act like the sun. Yeah if I crack open a window the air will damage some of the more sensitive plants, but I can repurpose some of the rooms into specific and climate controlled spaces for those kinds of plants. I mean, think of it like this. How many more poisonous and venomous and alleviating plants would you have access to if I could just get my hands on that building?”

You stared at his stoic face. “It would be a good investment.” You finished weakly.

Silco let out a sigh and your heart sunk, feeling like you were about to get brutally denied.

“And when would the renovations on this place be completed?”

“Huh?”

“The renovations. You said that you could make specific rooms for plants that need special care. I assume you’ll be needing a lot of materials in order to do that. If I supply you with the building and the tools to spruce it up, I expect great things of you. Do you understand?”

You stared at the man for a moment, feeling blindsided by his sudden offer. He’d never done anything that wasn’t absolutely necessary. Where in the world was this coming from?

“Do you understand?” He repeated himself.

“Yeah! Yeah. I- I understand. I can get started on that as soon as I get the lease.”

“I suggest you get started after the meeting is done. Getting the lease won’t be a problem.”

Right. The meeting, you’d nearly forgotten about that. That was tomorrow. He would get you the lease by tomorrow? Wow. Perks of being a crime lord, meant that you had a much easier time getting things. Especially when you were the crime lord.

For now, it was time for you to go home and finish making the smog for tomorrow, and then plan out what you were going to do in your new nursery.

—

Time couldn’t go by any faster. You’d sat through the boring meeting. Well, boring until it's gotten interesting. You smelled the familiar fog, tensing slightly. You were standing behind Silco. You quietly cleared your throat to let him know that the smoke was already becoming noticeable. Sevika took notice and turned around, subtly putting on her gas mask.

“We should cut a deal and give back the Gemstone.”

“Better to have some trade than none at all.” Finn added.

Silco waved his hand. “The border issue is temporary. Jinx will deal with it.” He was about to go on to change the conversation when Finn interrupted him with a laugh, the clicking of his gold jaw sharp.

“Rumor is, your dog’s off her leash.” He grinned, peering down at Silco, as if trying to make him feel small. You could see the irritation in Silco’s tense frame. He tapped his finger on the desk and you reached into your pocket and pressed the red button in your hand, increasing the intensity of the humidifiers surrounding the room.

“How can you bring Piltover to heel if you can’t even handle your own people? Huh? Much less that crazed mess you call your–”

Fin was cut off by a cough. He cleared his throat. “That crazed–” This time, he was subdued by an even worse cough. The others at the table seemed confused before they were all suddenly overwhelmed by their own coughing fits. “What is that?!” “What’s going on?!”

Silco tapped the table again before standing up. The red smoke began to fill up the room even more. If you raised the intensity any higher, you’d have to put on a mask yourself.

“You don’t recognize it? Truly, you haven’t the slightest idea what it is?” Silco asked, as he walked around the table, looking at each of the victims with a gleam in his eyes.

“Oh come now, we were born of this. We came, from this.” He let out a disappointed sigh, as if they were children who couldn’t answer a question in class. “The mines they had us in. Air so thick it clogged your throat. If you stayed in there too long, you’d feel it. Clumps of that sludge slowly making it’s way into your lungs.”

You winced, mind falling back to your father at home, probably struggling to breathe through it.

“Stuck in your eyes. Blinking the dust out that would get in no matter what.But I pulled you all up from the depths.” He leaned down into the face of another one of the leaders who was clutching at their throat. He gently tilted their chair backwards until he let go and let them fall to the floor.

“Offered you a taste of topside. The bottle at the bar you could only ever dream of being able to afford a glass of. I gave you fresh air to fill your dirty lungs. I gave you life. A purpose.”

Silco stopped as he reached the other end of the table where Finn sat. “But you’ve grown fat and complacent. Too much time in the sun.”

Silco was always one for dramatics. But you couldn’t help but admit, he knew how to send a message. You watched him toy with the other leaders for a while before eventually giving you the signal to shut off the humidifiers. You reached into your pocket and shut it off before collecting the four you had hidden around the room and following him out.

“Flair for the dramatics much?” You asked, following close behind him.

“Some lessons are best learnt the hard way. They won’t be doing this again.”

“What was it they did?”

“They don’t want to fight for the cause anymore.” Silco sighed. “I’ve spoiled them rotten. I wanted to show them what they could have if they fought, so I showed them what it would be like to live a life like topside. But instead they drank themselves drunk and stupidly believed the world was theirs.” He narrowed his eyes. “Now, they won’t make that mistake again. If I have to instill the fear back into them myself, I will.” He growled.

You stared at him for a while. Was he always this… no. No. That would be crazy. You shook your head and continued to follow. He seemed tense, too tense. Almost like Jinx before she had one of her episodes. You took a deep breath.

“So I was thinking about giving you an elephant plant for your office. It gets real stuffy in there.”

“You want to give me a plant for my office? I think I’d kill it.” He mused.

“Obviously. You’d probably overwater it or something. Or let Jinx put some spray paint on it.” You scoffed, remembering the time you left a plant out in the open and jinx painted a smiley face on it’s leaf. You had then gone and swiped out all her paints for empty cans in retaliation. The little ‘prank’ war had continued for a while until you’d nearly gotten her to dye her hair yellow, and she surrendered. Now she only painted on the flower pots instead of the actual plant. Progress.

“Mm. I suppose a plant would be alright to keep in the office. You’d give it to me? I don’t have to buy you some old, run down building or bribe you with a suitcase of money?”

“Nope. Entirely free. Think of it like an expression of my gratitude.” You grinned.

“Does this gift come with you?”

You froze and coughed, as if you had accidentally set off the humidifier and breathed in the smoke. He stopped walking, looking at you as if you were the one saying something absolutely insane.

“I- I- what???” You quickly ran to catch up to him.

“I said, does it come with you? If I’m to receive a plant, I’d like my professional botanist to be the one taking care of it. As you said, I’d probably overwater it.” He said, as if he hadn’t said anything out of pocket at all.

Your face burned red, trying to come up with a response. Sarcasm? Truth? Insult? Silence? All three?

“Yeah well, the only reason you keep me around is for me to sell you plants and heal people so…”

“That’s not the only reason I keep you around.”

“Lemme guess, cause I take care of Jinx?”

“Because I like having you around. You… brighten the place up a bit. Like a plant I suppose.”

You froze once again, but this time he didn’t wait for you.

‘He likes having you around? You were a headache. It didn’t make sense. Silco kept you around yeah, but that was because you were the best toxicant in Zaun. You’d often have him tell you that the moment he found someone who was half as good as you and half the headache, he’d trade you in a moment's notice. You had only scoffed and finished applying the salve to his face, knowing he was only saying that because he had a distaste for having the thick medicinal cream on his face.

Other times he had gotten complaints about you and had gone to see what the fuss was about, and walked in on you yelling at his men about being stupid. You had turned to him, turned back to the men, and continued yelling at them. Silco had sighed, muttered about how he was going to inject nothing but pure shimmer into his veins, and left. You swear, you would probably be the reason he got a shimmer addiction.

At least, you would’ve been. Had he not dropped this sudden bomb on you.

“I mean seriously. What kind of guy just drops that on a girl??? Huh??? Honestly!” You grumbled, roughly grabbing the watering can and spilling water all over the floor. You cursed and reached for a rag, throwing it down onto the puddle before moving back to the plants. “Y’know what he said? I’ll tell you what he said. He likes having me around. Me. Me! What the actual–”

“Uhm. Excuse me, are you.. Talking to the plants?”

You whirled around to see someone standing a few feet away. You were about to tear into them about minding their own business when you realized that was probably a customer. You quickly slapped on a smile. “Hello hello hello! Welcome to Zaun’s highest rated apothecary where our thumbs are as green as our plants.” You winced at the corny slogan your Dad had come up with. You never bothered to figure out a better one. “What kind of plant are you in the market for today?”

“Not really looking for anything specific. Just something nice. I saw this purple one in the front. Looked kinda like a dandelion.”

“Oh the Allium? Very good plant, especially for down here. Those girls are tough. They can grow in most soil as long as you drain it well, they’re rodent resistant, which is good for the pests that people like to keep, and they really like the sun. So if you have a lamp anywhere, I’d make sure to put her around there.”

The person nodded. “So.. easy to take care of?”

“Yep. For the most part, you just have to water it. They’re tough plants. If you ever have any issues you can always bring her back and I’ll take a look at it.”

“I’ll take one.”

“The plant or just the flower?”

“The plant please.”

“Okay, wait by the register, I’ll bring one out from the back.” You went to the back, going through the array of flower beds before picking up a white Allium from its potted home and bringing it out to the register. “Name?”

“Diana.”

“Okay Diana,” You wrote it down on the list. “You want the basic care package?”

“Uhm. How much extra will that be?”

“Three silver cogs and seven bronze washers.”

“Oh, then yeah I’ll take it.”

You nodded and reached under the counter for the small tote bag, setting it up on the counter. “Your total will be ten silver cogs, or one gold hexes if you have one.” Diana set the money on the counter and slung the tote bag over her shoulder before carefully lifting the potted plant. “Have a good one.” You called as she left. You turned back to the plants. “Where was I..? Oh. Right. Watering the burdock root.” You sighed and walked back into the front of the shop, picking up the watering can where you left it.

“He’s gone mad, I swear. Jinx’ madness has finally gotten to him.” You muttered. “And he think’s he can just get away with it! No. Not on my watch.” You said firmly.

“Tch. Thinking he can get away with messing with me. Not in this life.”

—

“What was I thinking?” Silco groaned, rubbing his face. Sevika let out a chuckle, sharpening her arm blade. “I don’t believe you were thinking.” She replied. Silco gave her a half hearted glare. “Thanks for that astute observation. I never would’ve come to the conclusion.”

“You can be pretty thickheaded.” She snickered.

“I am not thickheaded.”

“You are.”

“Name one time.”

“Last valentines day you got her flowers.”

“It’s not strange to give flowers on Valentines.”

“She’s a florist. She could’ve grown herself a garden of those.”

“...that was a momentary lapse in judgement. I learned, and the year after I got her some exotic seeds from some distant land.” He waved his hand.

“Uh huh. And then that time she nearly got stabbed on a mission and you bought her an entirely new mission wardrobe?”

“I expect my workers to be properly dressed based on the needs of the mission. Having her get stabbed again would only hinder the mission.”

“And it just so happened to fit her, and not be some kind of eyesore?”

“If I were going to get her something to wear I was going to make sure she didn’t look like it was purchased in Zinny’s Zappy Outfits.” Silco scoffed, opening his desk to look for a paper. He set it down on his desk and started writing.

“Face it. You like having her around more than you’d like to admit. Way, more than you’d like to admit.”

“She’s an annoyance.”

“Yet where is she the majority of the time she’s here? Glued to your side, by your orders.” Sevika grinned. “Just be grateful that Jinx hasn’t caught on. You two would be set up on a date faster than you could even say tea party.”

Silco groaned. “Do not remind me of the tea party incident.”

“Hey, you’ve gotta admit, the girls got a knack for kidnapping. She hasn’t been caught ever since.”

“Because she stopped.”

“...”

“Because she stopped.” Silco said again, narrowing his eyes.

“Sure. If that’ll help you sleep at night.”

“Get out.”

Sevika raised her hand in surrender, walking over to the door. “Oh and by the way, tomorrow you have a meeting with the construction workers for that observatory you bought her.”

“What time?”

“Two.”

“Alright, thank you Sevila. Dismissed.”

“I cannot believe you bought her a whole–”

“Dismissed!”

—

Your mother always told you that you had beautiful eyes. She said they were one of your prettiest attributes. Silco also seemed to think so.

The man made eye contact often. Today, you’d make sure he couldn’t hold eye contact with you for longer than a few seconds.

Today as you walked into work, you’d already gotten a few looks. The shirt you wore underneath the soft leather jacket was low cut. Showing just enough to be eye catching, but not enough to give away everything. That red little piece was a contrast to the usual earthy tones you’d wear.

Instead of heading for your office in the medbay like you usually would, you went straight to Silcos office. You had a few things you wanted to run by him for the plant nursery. He was the one footing the bill after all, he had some kind of say in what went down.

You walked in, making sure the files covered your chest. “I’ve got a few ideas for the nursery but I couldn’t decide which ones I should use. Think you can help me?” You asked innocently.

Silco looked up at you before looking back down at his desk. “I can spare a few moments.” He gestured to the desk. You walked over and dropped the files on the desk.

Silco looked up and you had to bite back a grin as you watched his eyes drift down before snapping up to meet your eyes. Step one, complete. What was step two? You had no fucking clue.

“So I was thinking about different kinds of air conditioners.” You flipped open to the first page. “But then I dripped into the humidifiers and of course once you do that there’s the dehumidifiers and I mean seriously, how many ‘fiers’ are there?” You sighed, and put your hands down on the desk, leaning over to look at the pictures.

Silco rubbed his face, faking annoyance. “I regret saying I’ll help you. I’m no architect or home designer.”

“Yet here we are.”

You started to prattle off about the different things you wanted. You knew you had him hooked when he didn’t even catch you repeating yourself. You adjusted your collar and he looked away, grabbing a photo and feigning interest in it. You weren’t about to let him get away with it that quickly.

“Ah, looking at the air cubes? What do you think of those?”

“What? Oh. These… colorful things.” Silco glanced at the pile of papers. “Uh, quite expensive. Are they worth it?”

“I think so. They have reservoirs for nutrient rich water, brain buckets that send water to each bucket so I don’t have to, and it’s self draining. Personally I like doing it myself, keeps me busy.”

You watched him start to tune you out.

“And then there’s a super charger that sends plant food and makes the plants basically invincible for like four seconds. The sunflowers produce more sun for the other plants, the peashooters shoot a lot more peas. About a hundred or so.”

“Mhm. Sounds like a good investment.”

“Yeah but the zombies are always banging on my door trying to eat my brains and all.”

Yeah. You were shameless.

Fiddling with the button on your shirt and ‘accidentally’ letting it slip. Instantly, whatever part of him was paying attention was gone.Were all men like this? Flash them a little bit of skin and they were drooling dogs? You didn’t entirely mind. Not when this glass of fine wine was the one on the other end of the leash. Just how much more could you take this? Your eyes drifted down to his belt, and you decided you wanted all of it. You looked outside to the barely cracked open door and made a motion for the man stationed outside to lock it and leave. The moment the door shut you looked back at Silco. “Your face is red. Are you feeling warm?” You reached a hand over and pressed it to his forehead. “Is it the eye?” You were so obvious with how you were faking innocence. But he didn’t seem to notice.

“Ah- no. I believe it’s quite warm in here.”

“Yeah, yeah. I noticed that too.” You let your hand linger before subtly letting it glide down his face before you took your jacket off and set it down on the chair behind you. You slowly walked over to his side of the desk. “So, give me your thoughts so far.”

“I’m not sure I have any at the moment.” He watched as you sat down on his chest, finally looking up to meet your eyes.

“Try.” You slowly moved your left leg up onto his chair, placing it on his lap. His hand slowly moved, wrapping around your ankle. “I’m thinking about… you.” His hand slowly moved underneath the dark, flared jeans you wore. His rough hand trailed up your soft skin, feeling the rough patches of your scars.

“Yeah? What about me are you thinking about?” You tilted your head, a small smile on your face. “I can’t imagine its about anything I came to talk to you about. You were far too distracted for that.”

Silco chuckled, moving his hand out of your jeans and holding onto your knee. “You’ve got that right.” He slowly moved up your thigh, squeezing the flesh there before rubbing up and down the sides. “I was thinking about that damn red of yours.”

“You noticed the red top?” You teased.

“How could I not notice that damn red top?” He let a bated breath slip out of his mouth, reaching up his hand for your belt. He paused and looked up at you.

“Eager, are we?”

“If you knew how long I’ve been waiting for an opportunity such as this,” His fingers unclasped your belt with a practiced motion. “You’d realize just how patient I truly am.” You lifted yourself up so that he could pull your jeans down. He discarded them onto the floor next to his chair. You’d find them later.

Rather than continue from where he was at, Silco seemed content to start over from the beginning. He scooted his chair back and grabbed your right leg by the ankle. “I’ve ignored you for so long. I won’t be neglecting any part of you, any longer.” He whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of your foot. His hands slowly began to massage your foot, working their way up to your ankle. He leaned down to kiss you again, this time moving up above your ankle. His hands would trail up and down your skin while he kissed you over and over again. His lips were soft, not rough like you’d expected them to be. You’ve seen him put on foundation on his scars, it wasn’t too far off for him to wear chapstick as well.

Momentarily distracted, you hadn’t noticed that Silco had made it all the way up to your thigh until you felt teeth on your inner thigh. The feeling sent a sudden shock up your spine and you shuddered, leaning back on your hands for a moment. Silco didn’t stop, continuing to press kisses on your inner thigh. Occasionally he’d nip at the flesh there, as if taunting the idea of leaving a mark on you. He nuzzled his face into your thigh before slowly looking up at you. You couldn’t help but try and memorize the sight. This man. A feared, and respected man. Had suddenly become so pliant with you. As if you had somehow quelled the beast that drove him on this vendetta against Piltover.

He moved his chair closer. His hands rested on your thighs, slowly trailing up and finding the lacy waistband of your underwear. He slowly dragged it down, but rather than just throw it elsewhere, he took the time to actually set it down atop the pile where your jeans were.

You, suddenly self conscious, had tried to close your legs. Silco’s hands grabbed onto your knees. “Don’t hide from me, darling. I want to see every part of you. No matter how much you’d rather hide these…” He traced one of your scars. “Imperfections of yours.”

He leaned down and kissed your thigh again. “Don’t be embarrassed.” He whispered. “I would never judge you.”

He slowly pulled your legs apart, and you felt exposed. More exposed than you’d ever been in your life. The air in the office, despite its warmth, still sent shivers down your spine when it met the heat that had coiled in your lower regions. His hands rested on your hips as he leaned in. The moment you felt his mouth on you, you had to shut your eyes and collect the thoughts that instantly scattered. A guttural moan left your mouth, overwhelmed by the sudden rush of pleasure. His hands moved down to spread your legs further apart before he started to really get a taste of you. His tongue set out to trace every dip and fold, finding your sensitive spot and then feeling the area around it as if to map you out. He would occasionally switch up his technique, switching from merely lapping at you to drawing out little patterns with the tip of his tongue. Try as you might, you couldn’t keep yourself quiet. His fingers, the sneaky little bastards, had already joined in on the torment without you realizing. While his tongue worked to gently circle around, but never touch your clit, his fingers had already started to test out how tight you were. He let out a hum, seemingly pleased with what he was learning. You barely registered the vibrations, already teetering over the edge of an orgasm. Your legs trembled. You could feel it building as you twitched on his desk. When you felt a second finger– or was that a third? You couldn’t tell. It was hard to focus on both his fingers and his tongue when both were doing so much to keep you from forming a singular, coherent thought.

You let out a moan, legs instinctively shutting, regardless of the man you had just trapped between them. If he was saying something, you couldn’t hear it over the sound of your heart pounding in your ears. You kept your legs shut, starting to regulate your breathing when he suddenly started moving again. Regardless of the lack of oxygen, it seemed like Silco had taken it upon himself to finish what he had started. Which left you squirming around as all the sudden pleasure reached its peak, and you came crashing down. Your grip on him trembled and you finally released him. He had the mind to stand and move a few things off his desk so that he could lay you down.

It was then that you saw the mess left on his face. Silco looked down at you before reaching up to feel his cheek. He chuckled and drew his fingers to his mouth. “You’re lucky I don’t mind the mess you’ve just made of my office.” He had started to wipe the remnants off his face as he spoke. “If this continues to happen, I’ll have to get the carpet replaced. At one point, even the desk. All of these, small prices to pay.” He pushed your shirt up to feel your stomach. His hands moved to squeeze and grab at your flesh, almost like a cat kneading a blanket.

“I’d like you to wear things like this more often.” He reached up and pulled the shirt up to expose your bra. “Of course, if you did, I wouldn’t be able to get any work done.” He reached up and toyed with the fabric, feeling you up through the padding. “I’m not entirely complaining. You are the welcomed distraction in my chaotic world.”

He looked down at you from where you had remained sprawled out on his desk. “You’ve been oddly quiet. Well, aside from your moaning and all.”

You stared up at him. You didn’t really have much to say. What were you supposed to say? ‘Thanks for eating me out?’ ‘Hey, you’re surprisingly good with your tongue?’ Every retort that came to your mind was either sarcastic, or some version of a joke. But what ended up coming out of your mouth, turned out to be the very thing that had been on your mind for a while.

“Do you like me?”

Silco blinked, having expected some kind of dirty retort instead.

“Do I like you?”

“Yes. Do you like me romantically?” You emphasized the word romantically, not wanting him to escape this one. “And don’t use some kind of metaphorical bullshit on me. I want the honest truth. Not some philosophy quote, not your vague little one liners. I want the cold, hard truth.”

“Nothing about the way I feel about you is cold.” He reached up to run his fingers through your hair. “I do, in fact, like you. I’ve liked you for quite some time now. I like you, romantically. I like you in the sense that I’d like to be with you, as your partner. I like you in the sense that I’d like you to be by my side. I like you in the sense that, God willing, I’d like to grow old with you.”

“You mean older than you already are.” You said before you could stop yourself.

He sighed. “Yes, older than I already am. Cheeky brat.”

You giggled, pulling him down for a quick kiss. You’d rather he brushed his teeth before trying to kiss you after what he’s just done.

“And you? Do you like me?” Silco asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Well I thought that was obvious by now. You think I’d wear something like this for anyone? Work the hours I do?”

“I thought I paid you well.”

“You do.”

“Yet you complain about the hours?”

“Shush you. I’m trying to have a little romantic moment here and you’re kinda ruining it.”

“My apologies. Continue.”

“As I was saying,” You huffed. “I’ve done a lot of things I wouldn’t normally do. Just to get your attention. It’s kinda stupid of me. I told myself I’d never do anything stupid for a man. Yet here I am.”

“I don’t–”

“Let me finish.” You gave him a pointed look and he nodded, falling silent.

“I like you, Silco. Romantically.” You paused and took a breath. “I want to be your partner. I want to be by your side. And I want to be there with you when you’ve achieved this dream of yours, and we get to live somewhere that doesn’t have break ins on a regular basis, or steal or kill or have to do anything like that to survive.”

It was a quiet few moments before you finally asked the question. “So, will you be my partner?”

“I’d be honored.”

Hello, authors note here. I capped this at 8,409 words. Decided to keep the smut focused on you because it felt in character for Silco to prioritize you over himself. But trust, if anonymous requests a part two or smth I will make sure that he gets taken care of. I took my time with this one cause I wanted to do some plant research. Didn't research it too intently because this is just a drabble, but enough to get a few details. Anyways hope you enjoyed. Requests are still open. Here's my feeble attempt at tagging before I pass the hell out, feel free to add any tags you think should be added.

#arcane silco #silco x reader #jinx mention #sevika mention #plants #reader insert #female reader #fem reader #smut #pretty tame #arcane #one shot kinda

79 notes · View notes

glennrheesworld · 1 year ago

Text

Request: ugh anyone x reader but the reader is really shy, and they yell at the reader and the reader cries 😣😣 but comfort and stuff

𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲~

genre: angst to fluff pairing: Carl Grimes x reader (gender not specified) summary: Reader goes outside the walls to get Carl a birthday gift but gets injured, making Carl concern. warnings: mentions of blood, yelling, & crying

a/n: sorry for the long wait @dreamtofus, I hope you guys enjoy this request!!

You have always been the shy type, even in an apocalypse infested with the walking dead.

You had grown pretty close with everyone in the group over the past years, but it didn’t make your shyness disappear.

As Carl's birthday approached, you decided to venture outside the walls of Alexandria to find a special gift for him, comic books. Even though you knew it wasn't a great idea, considering the potential threat of Walkers or worse, people, you managed to sneak past the gates without being caught.

The plan was simple. Find a bookstore, get a few comic books, arrive back safe, and wait to surprise Carl until his birthday. You had it all figured out and expected it to go out smoothly. But it didn’t.

Once you had arrived, you were soaking wet from the rain, shivering with chattering teeth, and a small fresh cut on your leg. How did you get it? Well, you fought a few Walkers before tripping over one of them, just to feel the metal of a car part scratch your leg. Your favorite jeans had ripped all thanks to the wet concrete and that damn Walker. But you still got Carl’s gift in your bag.

You had managed to sneak past Daryl near the gates into Carl’s house, which you shared with him. Trying to be as quiet as possible, you slowly sneak past the kitchen, but unfortunately for you, your shoes squeak. Carl turns and spots you, soaked and trembling.

“Babe?” The sound of his voice makes you flinch. “Uh, hey…” You try offering a short smile at him. His eyes trail down from your wet hair to your clothes and finally to the ripped leg of your jeans.

His brows furrowed as he notices the cut on your leg, little blood staining the ripped fabric. “What happened to you? And where were you?” He asks you with confusion and concern.

You stood still, your gaze dropping to the floor as you fist your wet hands to your sides. “I’m okay.” You mumble, staring at your wound, not really feeling much but a tiny sting.

“No, you’re not. You’re clearly bleeding from your leg, what happened!?” Carl’s voice slightly raises, walking towards you. “I… uhm I went outside.” You didn’t really lie, you were outside, outside the walls.

You didn’t have the heart to tell him that you had gone outside Alexandria, fought Walkers, and injured yourself all by getting him a birthday gift. No. You just couldn’t tell him.

Carl’s face scrunch in anger and shock, “You went outside!?” His eyes shift around with furrowed brows, clearly angry that you went outside by yourself. “Are you out of your mind? You went outside the walls and hurt yourself!”

The sudden raise of his voice makes you flinch slightly, your shoulders dropping and eyes glossing. “It's dangerous out there! What if a Walker bit you or what if someone killed you!?” He adds on, turning his head as he points to the door.

Keeping your face down, you sniff. You avoid looking him in the eye as you bite your lower lip to stop it from trembling. Sometimes you wish you weren’t this sensitive. You sniff again before feeling tears starting to form at the corner of your eyes.

“Why would you put yourself in danger? Do you not realize how lucky you are to be alive right now—”

“I just wanted to get you a birthday gift,” you let out a small sob, lifting your teary gaze to Carl’s eyes. “I didn't mean to worry you." You bring a cold hand to wipe your tears, feeling frustrated.

Seeing your tears start to fall, Carl's expression softens as his anger disappears. Feeling guilty for being the cause of your tears, he steps forward and wraps his arms around you. He pulls you into a tight hug, not caring if you’re soaked and dripping from the rain. He just wanted to make sure you wouldn’t cry more.

You nuzzle into his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his body slowly spread to your body. “I’m sorry, okay?” He softly whispered, his hands around your waist. “It’s too risky out there, you know that.”

Letting out soft cries, you tighten your arms over his back, pulling him closer. He speaks again, pulling away to see your face. “I don’t want to lose you.” His voice is gentle with care, compared to a few moments ago.

Carl’s warm hands cup your face, staring into your teary eyes and tear-stained cheeks. “I’m sorry, Carl.” You whisper back, sniffing as he smiles faintly. “I’m sorry for raising my voice.” His blue eyes search yours as you return his smile.

“You mean so much to me, I don’t ever want to imagine losing you.” He then presses his lips to yours, his thumbs caressing the side of your cheeks.

He rests your forehead against yours after pulling away, closing his eyes as he enjoys your presence. “We should get your wound fixed and then get your warm bath ready.” Carl presses a soft kiss on the bridge of your nose before you nod in agreement, now remembering how uncomfortable and sticky your clothes feels.

#carl grimes x reader #carl grimes x you #carl grimes #twd x reader #twd imagine #twd fanfiction #twd angst #twd fluff #the walking dead #thank you for requesting!#rick grimes #glenn rhee #daryl dixon

403 notes · View notes

crimson-and-clover-1717 · 7 months ago

Text

Ed’s Initial Intentions regarding Stede

Thank you so much for your attention to the poll. The consensus is it’s complicated - and I sort of agree - although I’m swayed towards Fascination alone.

This is my interpretation…

Stede causes Ed to access hidden or denied parts of himself before they’ve even met. And it causes a change in Ed’s behaviour. Ed’s come across many rich or aristocratic folks to rob whom he would see killed without issue; but not someone who’s also a pirate, doing their own original thing, and who seems ambivalent towards Blackbeard’s existence. It’s dopamine to Ed’s novelty-starved brain. It’s not as if Ed carries out a usual raid on the Revenge intending to kill Stede, only to find himself unexpectedly charmed. Ed’s bewitched even before he meets Stede, which means Ed’s entire approach and thought-processes are altered.

Killing Stede and the crew isn’t necessarily off the table should the need arise, but I don’t think it’s actively on in any capacity. There’s no plan, and there’s no ‘uszh’ for once either. Because none of this is uszh. Ed’s engagement with the Revenge is not his normal MO. History’s most brilliant tactician is free-styling. Possibly free-falling.

At the end of 102, Izzy states, ‘Captain says follow that ship.’ And Fang answers ‘Oh really? Why?’ To which Izzy replies, ‘How should I know? The man’s half-insane.’ This conversation shows this isn’t usual strategy. Even Fang asks why - he thought they’d seen the last of those ‘fancyboys’. And Ivan’s sad he didn’t get the chance to murder them, which seems the usual way of things. Plus they’d already had the chance to take or plunder the ship when it ran aground, so this stalking manoeuvre is out of the ordinary. It feels like wasted time and energy.

By the start of episode three, Blackbeard’s ship is a few hundred yards out from the Revenge, and Izzy’s trying to manipulate Ed into usual strategy again by suggesting opening fire, or boarding and throwing the Revenge crew to the sharks. Instead, Ed wants to wait until they make landfall and invite them aboard his ship. Ed’s doing something very different again because he’s unwittingly engaging with an unfamiliar part of himself. And interestingly ‘Go suck eggs in Hell’ appears not to insult, but to somewhat seduce him further. Before meeting Stede, he’s already out of his depth emotionally, and acting out of character, literally.

Despite what Ed would do normally, I just cannot see him landing on the Revenge with the active intent of plundering the ship and / or killing Stede and the crew. His words and actions suggest he’s already through the looking-glass.

So, to The Plan. We have three interesting moments which lead up to its revelation: the clothes swap, ‘careful of your face’ and ‘show me the ways of an aristocrat’.

For me, the three strands, which have no previous connection (other than Ed and Stede playing together), come together in Ed’s mind somewhere between Ed leaving Stede on the lookout, and Ed speaking with Izzy below: a matter of seconds. It reminds me of Keyser Söze in The Usual Suspects, pulling together disparate ideas into a cohesive story spontaneously. It’s the mind of a quick-thinker. And it’s in-keeping with Ed’s ability of reacting in the moment to the moment when necessary.

I think Ed also feels forced to perform Blackbeard for Izzy because Izzy’s threatening to leave pushes on that white father-figure emotional bruise. At this stage, Ed doesn’t have enough emotional loyalty to Stede to not voice such a plan; whilst his identity is still too caught in Izzy’s web to let him go - ‘you’re needed here’. For me, the plan to kill Stede is brought about in the moment via an act of psychological coercive control.

But Ed’s also kicking the can down the road. It’s a sort of Faustian bargain. Why not promise Izzy both their souls if it means Ed and Stede can hang out a little longer? Yet on another level Ed’s possibly hoping the debt won’t be called in, such is the complexity of the push and pull here. He’s putting it on the tab, the never-never. He’ll out-manoeuvre it if he decides that’s what he wants. Of course there’s doublethink going on because Ed’s in the middle of an identity crisis.

Ed daren’t admit his real reason for wanting to stay on the Revenge. He can’t comprehend himself even how deep this goes. His look as he turns is one of exhaustion and confusion. Stede Bonnet has him rattled. What started as a trickle of unease and ennui before they’d even met is now a whirlpool of unidentifiable feelings around both Stede, and Ed’s own perception of self.

Ed’s free-falling in liminal space.

#ed teach #stede bonnet #104 #the plan #faustian bargains #doublethink #identity crisis #liminal space #ofmd meta #ofmd

101 notes · View notes

sharksfrommars · 1 month ago

Note

For the Asylum AU

What do you think their parents felt about Everything that happened?

I feel like Filbrick would play the blame game, A LOT.

He’d blame Stanley for ruining his chances and future. Making ford feel like a failure for losing millions, which made him to be the perfect prey for cult influencers

He’d blame Ford for getting caught up in a Satanic Cult. And killing his brother. Permanently, tarnishing their name leading them to be shunned from the community.

But… he’d ultimately blames himself more than anything… he blames himself for picking favorites, and just seeing his kids as investments. He blames himself for causing an imbalance. For focusing too much on Stanford because his potential was apparent. Which lead to Stanley getting all jealous sabotaging his brother. But he also acknowledged that he gave Ford a big ego and enabled him, and so when he was by himself after failing going to WCT, he ultimately chose a cult who done nothing but enable him even more.

Ultimately, Filbrick would actually feel bad and lash out on everyone blaming even himself.

Omg this is so good! Fully agree. (I did not anticipate writing this much! I’m meant to be getting ready for work but this was so good, I couldn’t not write about it!)

On the outside, Filbrick pines is stoic and uncaring. He disowns Ford, he has to. He never expected to have raised a murderer. Especially one who murdered their own brother.

Filbrick cared about the twins. And he never stopped. He was hard on them because he expected the best from them, at least that’s what he told himself. He kicked Stan out because he didn’t think he was going to amount to anything without a push. He needed to learn how to make money for himself to build a stable life. He thought he was doing the right thing. And maybe he was angry, so sue him! The boy had just ruined Ford’s chances at college, of course he would be angry. He had to follow through.

he was rooting for Stan though. He believed that one day, Stanley would return, having made an honest life for himself. He told himself that Stan would understand why Filbrick did what he did. He never believed Stanley would die out there, in such a gruesome way. At the trial, as he saw his son gleefully describe how he tortured and killed his brother, Filbrick felt his eyes tear up behind his dark glasses.

The last time he would ever see Stanley was him on the pavement, with tears in his eyes, begging to his brother to help him.

Ford’s decline hurt more. In recent years, Ford and Filbrick hadn’t been getting along. There were a lot of arguments, about money, about their mother, about how Ford seemed to have just abandoned his family to chase fairies in Oregon. He thought Ford needed a reality check; the boy always had his head in the clouds, but he was letting fantasy interfere with his chances for a stable life.

He should have seen it as a sign, in retrospect. Of course Stanford was being manipulated. Of course he’d become a satan worshiper, denouncing his duty to his family for monsters. Isn’t that what he always did? Ford hasn’t visited home in years, he barely called. Filbrick figured he must’ve been taken in by the cult in college. That’s when the strain on their relationship started.

Ford was meant to be their ticket out of poverty. The twins didn’t know just how close to the poverty line they were, Caryn made sure of that. Ford getting a full ride into college was supposed to make all their suffering for all those years worth something. Now, Filbrick thought he never should have let him go.

Now, he couldn’t look his son in the eyes.

Caryn and Fibrick visited Ford once. It was hard, seeing their little genius, locked up and manic. Saying all sorts of horrible things. Filbrick didn’t say anything. He couldn’t. The man in front of him was not his son, it couldn’t be. Caryn ended up shouting at Ford, begging for a reason until she was nothing but a pile of tears. Filbrick disowned him on the spot.

the people around town talked. The story spread through Glass Shard Beach like wildfire. People wouldn’t buy from them anymore, they could barely walk down the streets. The pawnshop closed down, and Filbrick had to go back to work as a bricklayer to support himself and his wife.

Sherman sent money every month. Not much, just enough to cover a few groceries. But he was angry, that they just “abandoned” Ford. He rarely spoke to them, except to give updates on his brother. Filbrick never wanted to hear it.

Caryn was despondent, barely even there. She spent her time sitting at the beach, staring off at the silhouette of the boat her boys played on, all those years ago. She lost a part of her soul, that day in court. Lost her spark, her motivation to survive. She barely spoke to her friends (not that they called), she stopped doing card readings and her whole ‘psychic’ shtick. More often than not, she’d find herself at the bottom of the bottle, a complete mess. If it wasn’t for Filbrick taking care of her, in all his seriousness and practicality, she would’ve ended up on the streets.

on the outside, Filbrick was stoic, uncaring. But he too lost a part of himself that day in court. He lived on routine and regret, going through the motions. And he would spend his nights in bed alone, as his wife got drunk at the TV, and his mind would wander around all the mistakes he’d made.

#gravity falls #gravity falls au #reverse portal au #asylum ford #filbrick pines #caryn pines #stanley pines #stanford pines #this was sad to write #Drabble

52 notes · View notes

pit-and-the-pen · 11 months ago

Text

I'll Crawl Home to Her- Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Think of this chapter as an apology for the last chapter <3 I split this into two parts so hopefully, I don’t have as long between them! (also girly finally has a name, let's just pretend I've been using it the whole time...)

Warnings: Mentions of not eating and weight loss, grief (Rhys is not doing well without Feyre),

WC: 12k

After Rhys and I got back to the house, things seemed better. Madja had already arrived, diligently working on Cassian’s shredded wings. She had knocked him out with a hefty dose of sleeping tonic, hopefully enough to keep out the worst of the pain while she healed what she could.

Azriel had been moved to his room, and once Madja confirmed Cassian would be able to fly again, I didn’t leave his side. It felt strange. To not have his head in my lap without his voice or seeing his hazel eyes. No snarky comments. He stayed asleep as his body cleared out what little poison had found its way into his blood, the wound in his chest already looking better. I protested any time someone suggested that I move from my spot. So Rhys and Mor brought me food, leaving on the nightstand without a word.

A small part of me felt guilty for not being there for Rhys. For not sitting by Cassian while his wings healed. The mating bond was so new that I wasn’t surprised by his small outbursts or hard stares. I didn’t blame him. I tried not to let my mind drift to what I would have done to the King of Hybern, to Tamlin and Lucien, if Azriel didn’t make it. Even then, it wasn’t the same. Azriel wasn’t my mate. But staring at his sleeping face, I accepted that whatever I did feel for him had long passed the childish crush I harbored for so long.

It was days before he even twitched, before any semblance of movement came from the figure in the bed. I couldn’t move. Couldn’t take my eyes off of him for a single second. The last time he ended up with an arrow in his chest. And gods help me if he doesn't wake up. No. He’s going to wake up.

As if the mother herself heard my words. There was a faint twitch in his wings. Then before I knew it he shot upright in his bed. Chest heaving as his head whipped around. My hands were instantly wrapped around his. “Az. Az.” He shoved me off, eyes wild. I tried to get my feet under me but I wasn’t expecting the sudden push and I found myself on my back on the ground, a harsh cry falling from my lips at the contact. The sound of Azriel’s labored breathing filling the space. I went to pull myself up before shadows started to fly around the room. In perfect time with his rapid breaths. I sat there, utterly unable to think of anything to do besides look. My body acted before my mind caught up with it. I reached out a shaky hand for one of the black tendrils. Sliding my fingers over it and the flurry of movement stopped. “Azriel?” I spoke, voice shaky.

“Melody.” He all but whispered back. Voice caressing my name. The shadows retreated back to Azriel. Staying close by his side. I could finally see him, see those hazel eyes staring back at me. I pushed myself off the ground and stayed still only long enough for him to see that it really was me. Then I launched myself against his chest. My arms wound around his neck, pulling him into a tight hug. I didn’t think as I pressed a kiss to the top of his head. But his arms wound around my waist instead of pulling away.

“You’re safe. It’s okay. You’re home.” I muttered into his chestnut curls. Rocking back and forth on my heels as I held him. Eventually I untangled myself from him. His hands stayed on the small of my back. Holding me close to him still.

“How do you feel?” I worked up the courage to ask him.

“Did that really happen? It wasn’t just a bad dream?”

“I’m so sorry-”

“You’re sorry? Melody. I almost got us all killed. If I had known Jurian was going to have an ash arrow…”

“Absolutely not. You’re not blaming yourself for any of that. Not when I almost lost you.” My voice broke and the familiar sting in my jaw had me turning away from him. “Cauldron boil me. I thought you were going to die. So you don’t get to sit here and blame yourself for not knowing everything that could happen in the world. Tamlin fucked us over. End of story.” I fought the tremble in my voice. Fought the rising panic at the twisted slideshow of him half conscious in my arms.

“Hey. Look at me. Princess, I’m right here.” He raised a tentative hand to tap at my cheek. I might have been imagining things but I swore a single tear rolled down his cheek. I let his words sink in. He’s here. He’s alive. Isn’t that exactly what I had been praying for all week. For him to wake up and be okay. So then why the hell was I crying.

“I’m sorry. You’re the one that's injured and I’m crying.”

“No need to cry over me, sweet girl. Save your tears for someone important.”

“Azriel” My tone is deathly serious. “Do not think for a second that you aren’-”

A knock on the door interrupted my words. Making me jump out of his hold. I took a large step back before Cassian’s head peaked around the frame of the door.

“Welcome back to the world of the living. Az.” Cassian walked into the room and I held back a gasp. I haven't seen much of Cassian outside of those first few hours. The hours where Madja was frantically trying to piece his wings back together. But I think I overestimated just how well Madja could heal, or underestimated how hard wings would be to heal. Something. Because I was not expecting to see every single inch of Cassian's wings covered in bandages. He seemed to trace both of our eyes. He tried to hide the wince as he gave them a little flap.

“Looks worse than it feels.” He gritted out.

“I doubt that.” Azriel mutters. I go to elbow him before I stop myself. My eyes instead landed on the angry red mark right over his heart. Perfectly poised. I feel my breathing speed up as I really see it for the first time in a week.

“Should you even be walking around?” Azriel chuckles, but concern laces his every word. Cassian laughs before the sound cuts off with a grunt.

“Rhys told us you were awake. So I wanted to see you with my own eyes. It’s right back to bed rest after this.”

Azriel makes a noise in agreement.

“Cassian?” Azriel starts. “I’m glad you’re still here.” His voice sounded thick. A slight wobble that makes my chest pang.

“I’m glad you’re still here too. Although we both know it’ll take more than that to get us both.”

A sob bubbled through my lips. I turned my face away as the two Illyrian warriors trained their eyes on me. I held up my hand, signaling them to give me a minute.

“How about.” I took a deep breath. “We don’t go around trying to tempt fate right now. Just be happy you both are here. End of sentence.”

“Princess.”

“No, I know. I’m happy you’re feeling a little better Cassian. Now get your ass back in bed. I’ll…I’ll grab you both food.” I said, suddenly needing to do something with my hands. I shoo Cassian back across the hall to his room and I did not leave until he propped up with his pillows again. I shot him a glare that told him to not move and then headed towards the kitchen.

I didn’t do much. Just heated up some pieces of bread and cut thin slices of cheese, some leftover meat from the fridge. Not nearly enough for two full grown Illyrains that were still trying to heal, but enough to get them through until I could cook dinner.

I walked into Cassian’s room first. Cassian was nothing but smiles as I handed him the plate.

“I might get hurt more often if it means I get to see you playing nurse princess.”

“Cassian-”

“Don’t. I know. We’re both here. We’re all here.” He flinched slightly. “Well not all all of us but she’s okay at least.” He was rambling and I leaned down to press a light kiss to his forehead, deciding against giving him one of his signature hugs.

“No more dying on me, General. Do you hear me?”

“Yes ma’am.” I point to the plate and mime eating before I turn around and carry the other plate to Azriel’s room.

I knock despite the open door, not wanting to startle him. But his shadows are already nudging the door open wider for me. The fae lights cast a small glow to the room, the curtains still drawn tight. I place the tray of food on the small table beside his bed and sit down next to him. He doesn’t say much, just letting us sit in comfortable silence.

“You should eat.” I say eventually. He chuckles.

“I’ll survive.”

“Az.”

“Just stay with me?” He asks, and how am I to deny him. I curl up closer to his side. I don’t know when it happens but feeling him next to me sends me into a dreamless sleep.

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

The next few days pass the same. I help the boys with whatever they need. Cassian needed more help than Azriel due to his balance issues. Eventually Cas was able to walk without my arm to support him. We walked back and forth along the long hallways in the townhouse. We spent hours with him just flexing his wings up and down, up and down, until he was sweating and wincing with pain.

Rhys is busy with literally anything else it seems. He is only in the house long enough to change clothes and maybe eat whatever I’ve left out for him. He’s never in his room for more than a few minutes. At this point I’m surprised that he has any hair left with how much he’s been running his hand through it. Not once has anyone dared mention Feyre. No ideas have been shared on how to get her back. I know that the mating bond wasn’t the one that was snapped between them but I can see the way the distance is wearing him thin.

Rhys will push down emotions until they nearly kill him and I had enough of it, I catch him one day trying to sneak out to do gods knows during the late hours of the night. The lights flicker on in the hallway as I sit down at the large table in the kitchen.

“Hello.” Is all he says to me, turning to leave again.

“Sit down Rhys.” I sigh to him. He tries to pretend he doesn’t hear me. “Rhysand. Sit your ass down in this chair right now or so help me, I’m following you wherever you go.”

He flinches at my tone. The voice that makes me sound eerily similar to our mother. I see his shoulder rise as he takes a deep breath and he sits in the chair that I kicked out with my foot.

“You’re not sleeping, you’re hardly eating. When was the last time you even bathed?” I could see the dark circles under his eyes, the slightly sick pallor of his tan skin. “Everyone else might be content to let you destroy yourself but I’m not going to sit back and watch it happen.”

He doesn’t say anything, just stares blankly at a spot behind my shoulder.

“Killing yourself isn’t going to bring her back.” I whisper, scared to say it too loudly. He flinches.

“Melody-Please.” His voice breaks.

“No. And you can’t keep blaming yourself that it happened-” He opens his mouth to try to interrupt me but I hold up a hand. “You aren’t going to sit here and tell me that’s not exactly what’s happening here. You’re punishing yourself for what happened at Hybern. No of us saw it coming. We got sold out by the one person we should have seen it coming from. But guess what, it happened. And we all survived. Be happy for that. Be happy that you didn’t have to take home your brother's lifeless body. Be happy that Cassian was able to keep his wings, and most of all, be happy that Feyre is somewhere where we know she’s safe.”

“BUT SHE SHOULD BE HERE!” His fist slams down on the table, I don’t even flinch. “I should have been able to protect her. The one thing in life I swore I would do, I wasn’t able to do. And now she’s back at that house that she hated. The one that he locked her away in and there’s nothing that I can do.” His head slumps, his voice breaking.

“So you do what you can. And most importantly you remember why she did it. She didn’t put herself back in Tamlin’s arms because she was trying to save herself. Rhys,” I place my hand over his, still clenched in a fist. “She did it for you, for us, for her real home. She did so that we could come back.” He takes a deep breath, his head shaking slightly.

“I should have been enough to protect her. Why do the people I love always get hurt?” He speaks like it’s a confession. And the words sound so foreign to me, that self hatred I know he hides away. That I feel tears well in my eyes.

“Rhys-”

“I wasn’t enough to save you. I couldn’t save our other sister, I couldn’t save my own mother. Cassian and Azriel should have died in Hybern. I should have died under the mountain.”

“It’s not your job to save everyone.” And once again he’s shaking his head.

“I’m sorry that you’ve felt like this for so long. But we’re your family. No one thinks you're a failure Rhys. If you do, fine, that’s your own guilt to process and I won’t tell you what to feel but I know I don’t see you like that. And no one else sees you like that. We’re by your side through all of this not because you’re our high lord but because we love you. We’re in this together and we always have been.” And he looks at me, really looks at me and I see nothing more than my older brother. The boy he used to be before he ever thought he would be high lord. The scared boy in Illyria who took in strays because he cared so much.

“Now, you can sit here and continue to feel sorry for yourself, continue to waste away while we’re forced to watch, or you can make sure all of this means something.”

The difference was night and day. Cassian’s wings were getting stronger every day. We had taken to him training by carrying me up to the house of wind then back down. He didn’t make it the first time but within a week he was able to do it without breaking a sweat. Azriel and Rhys were watching the other courts. Spy networks to try to figure out plans and paths for the other courts.

Rhys took over for what Azriel couldn’t do. Rhys didn’t open up more than he did that night, but I saw the way his face seemed more relaxed. His shoulders were a little less tense and it wasn’t perfect but it was a start. We’d focus on all the other stuff after the war. And the war was coming whether we liked it or not. He had only been gone for half a day when I felt the image slam into my head. Cassian and Azriel were sitting next to me, one of the few moments that the three of us were together. Feyre being slashed across the face by Eris. Running, ice cracking under her. She was in Winter. Close enough from the border that we could be there in a matter of minutes.

“Shit.” I pushed myself up to my feet, not caring as the chair clattered to the ground at my feet. Cassian was out of the house faster than I could blink.Azriel following right behind.l I was left on my feet staring at the open door of the house.

I’m on my way back. She’s going to be okay. Rhys' voice filled my head and I could hear the desperation in his voice, the sheer force at which he was rushing to get back to the house.

I sat and waited, picking at my nail bed until they started bleeding, watching the scabs form only to pick them back open. Blood was caked under my nails by the time I heard the beating of wings. They’re back. I practically screamed in my head. I felt the sigh of relief from my brother.

Less than 5 minutes.

My throat felt tight as I took in Feyre. Her clothing was torn and dirty. Hair a tangled mess. But she was alive. Alive and home. I sent the image of her standing in front of me to my brother.

“Feyre.” I choked out. And her small smile was all I needed to launch myself into her arms. She seemed taken aback by my sudden movement, arms hanging limply by her side until they wrapped around my shoulders.

“Welcome home.” I whispered, clutching her closer. I finally pulled away from her, giving her a quick once over for any major injuries. She seemed okay, safe for a gash that was already healing in her arm.

“Eris had her cornered.” I felt the blood leave my face at Cassian’s words.

“How did she-”

“You think I would let her die?”

The relief that had rushed through me was quickly pushed out of my body as I caught a glimpse of the long red hair that trailed behind her.

“Get out.” My tone was enough to make Lucine freeze in his tracks. His eyes locked with mine and I felt Azriel by my side in an instant. “How dare you show your face in this city. In my house.” I felt that darkness rattling in its cage. Begging to be released. Genuine fear flashed across Lucines face. I risked a glance at Feyre and I saw the startled look on her face.

“He saved me.”

“I don’t give a flying fuck what he did. I care about what he’s done.” They both flinched.

Feyre said my name and it was only the near silent footsteps of my brother entering the room that stopped me from wrapping my hands around Lucien’s throat. I looked up at the ceiling and took a deep breath.

“Don’t think this is over.” I gritted out to Lucien who took a deep breath of his own.

Rhys cleared his throat from behind me and I had the sense to step out of the way. Letting Feyre see her mate. And when their eyes met, she collapsed onto the floor. Sobs already echoing through the room. Rhys was on his knees in front of her in a matter of seconds, holding her face in his hands before they whispered to each other and he pulled her lips to his.

I was happy for them, but I would be happier if I was anywhere but that room.

“Find somewhere else to be.” Rhys didn’t even pull away from Feyre long enough to make sure we heard him. And I didn’t need to be told twice. I pushed the two gawking Illyrians out of the house, Mor grabbing Lucien’s arm and towing him behind her.

“Gods.” Cassian mumbled under his breath as I pushed him a little too hard. Azriel glanced at me, silently asking if I was okay. I thought for a second and shrugged.

Mor winnowed all of us to the outskirts of the house of wind, Azriel flying me up to the door.

The moment we entered the house, I had the front of Lucien’s shirt in my hands.

“You fucking bastard. You scheming, slimy bastard.” I shoved him so hard he fell onto his back, scooting across the floor as I stalked over him. “Give me one reason why I shouldn’t kill you right now.” Lucien was silent. The room was silent. The redhead in front of me just hung his head, shaking it slightly.

“I don’t have one.” HIs voice shook but I didn’t let it freeze the anger burning through me.

“Then you better start explaining what the hell happened.”

So he did.

“Despite what you think, Tamlin does love Feyre. In his own way and after everything with Ama- With her” He corrected himself, not willing to say the witch queen's name. “He was so scared. His court was, is, in ruins. It looked bad to have a partner going back and forth. He tried to get information out of Feyre. Layouts and locations and plans. But she only gave us the same excuse that she didn’t remember. Saying that Rhysand was playing with her memory. They were insignificant details. But it terrified Tamlin. To think that he was sending his mate into danger whenever she left his side. If we had known what was really happening..”

“You would have never let her leave.” Lucien had the decency to look ashamed.

“He got more and more worried. Was searching all over for any way to break the bond. Every time he thought he might have found a way, it was a dead end. So he got more scared, but also was spending more time away. I was too. I saw through the happy act she was putting on but I couldn’t do anything to help. I didn’t know what she wanted, what she was waiting for. She started talking to me but that only made Tamlin more and more mad. She was looking for any way to help us and Tam pushed her away everytime.” The words kept coming.

“Then he lost it. She had threatened to follow us. To leave the house, Tamlin was so scared he was shaking. The thought of her getting hurt again because of him was eating him alive. I don’t think he even began to think of what locking her in the house would do. Neither of us did.” He looked to Mor now, for the first time.

“I’m glad you got her. She was drowning and there was nothing I could have done.”

“You could have stood up to him.” I said bluntly.

“I couldn’t help you. Why do you think I could suddenly help her.”

“Because you should have.”

“And then what? I piss off Tamlin enough that he kicks me out of the court, thinking I’m making another move on Feyre. Don’t give me that look, he thought when she first got there but I would never. If he gets sick of me, then where do I go? Not back to Autumn. And who would take me in, everyone’s afraid of my father. Afraid of Tamlin. I would be utterly fucked. So I sat by yet again and watched every day as she got worse and worse. And I hate myself for it.”

“So how does all of this become helping Hybern?”

“Tamlin lost it when he came back and found Feyre gone. He searched the whole court for her, even sent people into summer to look for her. We searched for days and then he caught that familiar whiff of Rhysands power and he truly lost his mind. Again, we’d been hearing how awful he was to her but he knew he couldn’t just march into the Night Court and get her. And now I know we wouldn’t have found her anyways because she was here. He tore the entire manor apart. He just…he’s not himself anymore. I don’t know what happened to my friend but something under the mountain changed him.”

“Good. He could burn the entire place to the ground and he still wouldn’t have gotten all he deserves.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“Don’t. Fucking. Speak. For. Me” I hissed at him. He raised his hands in surrender.

“Hybern walked right in. Offered Tamlin a way to get Feyre back and stopped listening after that. Plus Ianthe did what she does best. She saw an opportunity for more power and she jumped on it. Whispering to Tamlin how everything would be better if we joined Hybern. We, I, never wanted to go that far. But once Tam get’s something in his head…”

“It’s like talking to a brick wall.” I finished for him. He nodded and I let out a heavy sigh. Everyone held their breath as I reached out a hand to pull Lucien off of the floor.

“Thank you-”

“If you take one step out of line. One hint that you’re going to go running back to him. And I’ll gut you where you stand.” Was all I said as I walked away from the group. I felt all their eyes on me and I didn’t care. I stormed up the stairs to my room and slammed the door. I was acting like an upset babe but so be it. I can feel the anger coming off of me in waves. Explanation or not, it doesn’t undo everything that Tamlin has done. The image of Feyre’s face as she had to watch her sisters being thrown into the cauldron, not knowing if they would survive, was something that haunted my dreams. A feeling of being helpless to defend your own blood. It boiled my blood. Despite Lucien claiming he wanted to stop him, he didn’t. And that’s the only thing that matters. He could have but it was uncomfortable for him to do, so he did what he does. Sat back and let it happen. Playing the nice guy when Tamlin wasn’t around. I can’t count the amount of times Lucien held me as I cried only to let the same thing happen again and again. But he’s here. He got Feyre back.

Part of me was more angry about that. He got her out. And I’m thankful that he did but why was she any different? What had been so bad that he decided to leave another court. I pushed the thought away, choosing to sit in my own rage instead of nurturing the little kernel of sympathy that I was feeling for Lucien. He made his bed, he can fucking rot in it for all I care. At least that’s what I told myself as I flung myself onto the bed and pulled the covers over my head. Blocking out the faint knocks I heard on my door.

Of course it wasn’t that easy. I felt the bed dip as someone sat down next to me. I peeked my head out from the covers long enough to see Mor. Her face was tight. Eyebrows pulled close to her nose and her teeth clenched.

“I wish you would have hit him at least.” She joked and I pulled the blanket back over my head. “Okay, wrong thing to say.” She gave a tense laugh. “It was weird seeing him.” Her voice was suddenly small. I wanted to kick myself in the head. I never once considered what it would be like for Mor to see him. Her own memories that would have dragged back up. I pulled the covers back down, looking at her now.

“I don’t remember much, but he was the one that called Azriel for me that day.” She was picking at her nails, chipping off pieces of her perfect manicure.

“I’m not saying I’m happy he’s here. But there’s good in him, as good as any of the Vanserras can be.”

“That makes it worse.”

“Why?”

“Because he could be good. But good people can’t stand around and watch bad things happen.”

“You know it’s not that simple.”

“Amarantha almost killed me for doing it. So yes, I do know. But I also know that I would rather die than watch the people I love get hurt.”

“Then you’re better than most people. Congratulations.” Sarcasm dripped from her voice and I fought the urge to kick her out of the room. I know she was hurting, the way her eyes were flickering around the room, avoiding mine, let me know as much. So I let her bitch at me. If it made her feel better. I pulled the blanket back a little more, patting the area next to me. She thought about it for a second before she crawled next to me. I didn’t hesitate to wrap my arms around her.

“When did everything get so damn complicated?”

“Get?” I asked and she laughed. A real laugh this time and I found myself laughing right along with her.

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

We all found ourselves in the house of wind that night. None of us were brave enough to try to see if the coast was clear at the townhome.

“I wouldn’t blame them if we didn’t see them for a month.” Cassian said as he drained the contents of his glass.

“Gross. Okay. It’s bad enough I had to see…all of that. But don’t remind me.”

“Aw sorry Princess. I forgot we had virgin ears in the room.”

“Knock it off you oaf.” I threw a pillow in his general direction. “He’s still my brother. I don’t want to hear your speculation about his sex life.” I cringed even saying the words.

“Prude.” Cassian snorted.

“Asshole.” I countered.

“Gods why don’t you two kiss already, it would be quicker than listening to this all night. Isn’t that what you all do here anyways?” Lucien chirped from the corner of the room.

I was about to snap at him when a deep rumbling growl filled the room.

“Shut your mouth Lucien. I won’t stop her if she goes for your throat this time.” Azriel bit out.

I felt a shameful blush creep over my cheeks as Azriel defended me. I wanted to scream how wrong Lucien was. Wanted to run my hands down Azriel’s perfect face and let him know exactly what I thought of him. It had taken one touch from him earlier to calm me down. Right as he had to haul me off of Lucien earlier.The redhead asked one question about Elain and I lost it.

Screamed at him all over again. For his audacity to say we stole her away from him.

“I don’t know what I expected from the night court.” Muttering under his breath had me launching myself at him. Hands already reaching for his neck. And it was truly only Azriel that stopped me. He picked me up like I weighed nothing. Threw me over his shoulder and put me in my room. I pouted like the child I felt like until I had calmed down enough to be in the same room as him.

Even now, Lucien still gave me a wide berth. I’m honestly a little impressed that he found the nerve to try to make a joke. But Lucien saw everything. That was one of his biggest strengths. So he no doubt could tell the way I knew my eyes lingered on Azriel. The way I blushed when he looked at me for too long and he had decided to go right for the throat in his own way. Calling out Cassian and I’s banter as anything more than just that. Reminding him not so subtly about Cassian and Mor.

“Get snippy with me all you want, shadowsinger. If you can stomach it, go ahead. Me on the other hand. I’m tired and sore and just want to go the fuck to sleep. So goodnight. You all can take turns plotting to kill me in the morning.” And he stormed off with no other words.

He had just left the room before Cassian chuckled, poking me in the ribs with his elbow.

“He sure can dish it out can’t he.”

“Shove it, Cas.” Azriel snapped at him. My eyes shot to Az, eyebrows raised in question.

“Maybe he’s right. We’ve had a long day. It might be time to get some sleep.”

“Yeah.” I stood up, pulling away from Casisan’s side. “Walk with me?” I held my hand out for Azriel to take. He stood with a huff but grabbed my hand anyways. I prayed Azriel missed the way Cassian muttered under his breath.

“Thank you.” I said once we were out of ear shot. I had led him to the library in the house.

“For what?”

“I don’t know. Defending me.” I suddenly felt shy under his gaze.

“Princess, I will always defend you.”

“I know. You know there's nothing going on with Cas and I right?”

He bristled at my words.

“It wouldn’t be a big deal if there was.” His tone was unreadable and I felt stupid for the way my heart sank.

“Yeah totally. But I was just letting you know. I mean you would probably be the first to know anyways. The way these things have been following me around lately.” I looked down at the shadow that was currently resting right at my foot. Nearly wrapped around my ankle. As if sensing my glance, it pulled back in closer to Azriel.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I like having them around. It makes me feel safe. Like there’s always something or someone watching out for me.” I felt my cheeks heat up as the words fell out of my mouth. I tried to look away but a gentle hand brought up to my cheek stopped me.

“Melody, look at me please.” His words were enough to stop my heart in my chest. We still had never talked about the kiss. After everything that had happened with Hybern, it never felt like the right time.

“Azriel. I need to talk to you.”

“Anything.”

“You kissed me.” The words were out of my mouth and you would have thought I poured a bucket of cold water over his head. His hand dropped from my face and he took a step back. I didn't realize just how close we were standing together until I felt the empty space where he had been.

“Az. Please.”

“No. Just stop. It was a mistake. That’s all.” This had to be a nightmare. But the cold shock to my entire system, the pain that radiates through every fiber of my being told me it wasn’t. Not even my nightmares would be this cruel. To let me think that I was so close to having him only to have it ripped away from me.

“Oh. Right.” I took a step back of my own. Willing the world to tilt back onto its axis. Trying to pretend that I didn’t feel like I was drowning in all the words I had planned on telling him.

“Right. Of course. A mistake.” I felt the sting in the back of my teeth, the way my whole face tightened up. The itch in the back of my nose. I was going to fall apart right in front of him if I didn’t get out of here right now.

“Melody.”

“No. That’s all I needed to hear. I just needed to know that you felt the same.” I forced out. Trying to keep my voice as calm as possible. And despite my better judgment, despite that little voice in my head that screamed at me to stay right there and scream and curse and yell at him to love me back. I walked away. I left him standing in the garden, hands balled into fists at his side. And I walked into the house. Trying to keep it together as I passed Cassian. Not even bothering to say good night as I all but ran up the stairs into the room that was mine when we visited.

I almost screamed when I saw a figure curled up in the middle of my bed. But as the fae lights flickered on, I let out a sigh of relief.

Nesta.

“That was…dramatic.”

“What?”

“All of that in the garden.”

My heart stopped for the second time that night. “You..You heard all of that?”

“Well it was kind of hard not too.” She pointed to her ears. “Super hearing, remember? Perk of being made and all of that fun stuff.”

“Nesta. If you heard all of that then you know I’m not in the mood for whatever this is.”

“What all of what is?”

“This thing where you say something hurtful and I throw it right back and we go until we’re both pissed at each other.”

“I just came to bring you this.” She smirked. Holding up one of the smutty romance books I saw her constantly reading around the house. “Figured you’d need it since you clearly aren’t getting anything any time soon.”

“Get out. Please.” Her words sent a fresh pang of disappointment through me. Of course I had thought of Azriel that way over the years. Gods, it was all I could think about lately. But more than anything, I wanted him to be my friend. And I don;t know how I was ever supposed to look at him again without collapsing into tears. Nesta’s eyes met mine and I saw her face drop for the first time. The first time I saw that feline smirk slide off of her beautiful face.

“He must mean a lot to you. To look at him like that.” She said like she was talking to herself.

“He does. He did. I don’t know anymore.”

“Do you still want me to go?” And it was that little bit of warmth in her voice that I clung to. Even if it was sympathy. Even if Nesta really hated me for simply being fae. Sitting alone in my room and crying wasn’t going to get anything done.

“No. I’m sorry.” That was all it took for her to scoot to the other side of my bed. Patting the spot next to her. She curled her knees up to her chest as I climbed in next to her.

“Then you better tell me everything.”

So I did. I told her how it all started. Every little glance and touch and feeling. Almost five hundred years worth of history between Azriel and I. Which wasn’t a lot since it was mostly me just being an idiot in front of him. But she kept quiet. There were no nasty comments to be found on the tip of her tongue.

“I wish I loved someone like that.” She whispered into the air as I finished. Feeling like I had been trampled under an avalanche.

“It’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Or do you think I’m just an outlier.”

“That’s not what I meant. I can’t even imagine how you;’re feeling right now. But I also just couldn’t imagine having that much space in me to love someone that much. Love them and not have them.”

“Nesta, has anyone told you that you’re great at pep talks?” I chuckle softly

“No.”

“Good then I don’t have to tell you someone’s been lying to you.” And my words pull a genuine laugh from her. A full head thrown back, eyes crinkled, full bellied laugh..

“Thank you.” I tell her when a comfortable silence fills the air.

“You don’t have to thank me.” She says with a large roll of her eyes.

“I know, but I am. So suck it up.” I elbow her and she laughs again. “No but seriously, thank you. I probably would have spent all night curled up trying not to cry.”

“Well, I’m always here with a book if you need it.” She yawns and goes to leave the room.

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

With Feyre now back, we were spending more time than not around the map in my office. Cassian and Azriel taking frequent trips to Windhaven to try to get the Illryians together before the war came. We would need every single male they had so training had become even more rigorous. We had months at most to make them battlefield ready.

I spent all of my time not at the town house at the house of wind. Which despite all the space was feeling very cramped. Nesta and I had called a silent truce since that night when I spilled my guts out to her. Lucien hovering in the background, getting used to the fact that Velaris even existed. And then there was Elain. She mostly just sat in her room and stared out her window. Nesta would be able to get her to eat only enough to keep her alive but she wouldn’t take anymore than that. The few times I tried to talk to her were unsuccessful.

I saw how much it was killing Lucien. To be so close to his mate but not be able to see her. He followed the rules Feyre had given him to a T. and I truly believed he just wanted the best for her. He wanted the same thing that we all did and that was for her to be okay with this life that she did not choose.

I tried again to talk to Elain. Nesta and Lucien get into another fight about what to do with the poor girl.

“Get her some fresh air. Let her see the sun. Being locked up in this house isn’t doing her any good”

As much as I hated to admit it, Lucien was right. Feyre always talked about how much Elain loved gardening. Were we any better than Tamlin, was I any better than Tamlin, if I kept her locked inside a house that she didn’t want to be in and just watched her waste away.

I knocked gently on her door. I didn’t wait for a response, I knew I wasn’t going to get one. To no surprise, Elain was sitting in her chair by the window. The sun made her flecks of auburn shine in her hair. It gave her cheeks so much needed color. But I could see the deep set rings under her eyes. The purple marks that let me know exactly how well she was adjusting to life as a fae.

“Elain, I want to show you something. If that’s okay. You don’t have to, if you don’t want to but I think you’ll like it.

Elain didn’t speak. But she took my outstretched hand and let me lead her to the garden. She seemed more upset after Feyre had left. But I saw the tiniest bit of life return as she took in the flowers around her. It had been my mothers garden. I wanted to burn it all down when I returned home but Rhys wouldn’t let me. The smell alone made me want to puke but I fought it down. Elain’s eyes had been looking out the window longingly for weeks now. If this would bring back a semblance of the girl Feyre had talked about, I could suck it up. If she had gone into that cauldron, kicking and screaming. I could go out to the stupid garden.

So I walked through the familiar hedge’s, twin moon statues on either side and let Elain lead the way from there. She wandered through the rows. Some empty from when I demanded all the roses be pulled from the ground, some not. Some held beautiful twisting nightshades, and my mothers pride and joy, black lilies. Black until the center spots which held a rich purple. I loved them too. I found myself smiling at the flowers, mind wandering to thoughts of my mother.

“You have to be gentle with them. They’re more fragile than your little sister, more fragile than a babe. If you touch the petals too much, they could die.” So I avoided the petals, sprinkling dirt around the newly exposed roots like she had shown me. She patted me on the head when I did it correctly, my own crooked smile plastered on my face. “Now, I think I remember you talking about cookies earlier?”

Elain’s soft voice pulled me out of my memories. “Pretty. I miss my garden at home. I want to go back.” Not unusual for her to say. She always wanted to go home and I could do nothing but wrap my arms around her as she started sobbing again.

“I know you do. I know more than you can understand.” I had stopped apologizing by now. Sorry I wasn't going to undo what was done to her and she had enough sympathy for herself. I couldn’t explain to her that I knew what it was like to want to go back home so badly your bones ached. I couldn’t explain to her that I had barely survived my time under the mountain and the only way I did was with the knowledge that I would see it again someday. So I held her instead. I poured all of the kind thoughts I had about the girl, all the words Feyre had spoken about her, into that hug. Hoping that even for a second I could make this new place feel like home to her.

Eventually, she had cried herself out. I was able to get her to take a few sips from the tea I had brought out. No luck on the assorted fruit or bread. But she did study the bread. Not like she was hungry but in a way that seemed like curiosity. Eyebrows furrowed slightly, eyes unblinking.

“Can you show me how to make this?” She asked suddenly and I jumped, not expecting to hear her voice again.

“Of course. Any reason?”

“I want to do something with my hands again. But gardening..it’s too…” She struggled to find the words, her hands started shaking and she closed her eyes tightly. Sucking in deep breaths through her nose. I placed my hand around hers, breathing in time with her. The trembling stopped and she opened her eyes. That little spark I saw earlier gone. I went to stand up, to show her to the kitchen but she remained sitting. Eyes far away and glassy. So I sat back down.

The two of us sat out there until I saw Nesta marching through the garden. She paused when she saw the two of us. Face softening ever so slightly. Nesta was a harder nut to crack than Elain. All bark and claws and eyerolls, but the way she looked at her sister. We never talked about that night in my room. The secrets that we shared, and I never would. Not when I recognized so much of myself in the female in front of me. So scared she didn't know what way was up or down. Just trying to keep her head above water as everything surrounded her on all sides.

Cassian had seemed to gravitate towards the eldest sister. It didn’t seem to be a conscious decision but he would always sit next to her. Eyes followed her when she walked out of the room. His wings would flair out during their many arguments, but would always curl in slightly towards her. No one dared comment on the fact that Rhys did the same thing with Feyre. The idea that all three of the sisters had found their mates was too complicated for right now. They were still trying to make it through the day, still waking up in the middle of the night screaming from whatever had happened to them in the seconds they were pulled into the cauldron. All of that could wait until later. And it brought me some sick sort of joy to see the way Lucien squirmed when Elain would flat out ignore him. But she ignored everyone so I knew it wasn’t personal, as much as I wished it was.

As if sensing that I was thinking about him, Lucien appeared behind Nesta. He didn’t even get to utter a greeting before Nesta was pulling her sister by the hand back into the house. Lucien’s eyes followed her the entire way. A look that was so full of longing I had to avert my eyes, suddenly feeling like I was intruding on a private moment.

It seemed like he just noticed my presence and went to walk away.

I sighed heavily and kicked the chair Elain had been seated in closer to Lucien. He raised an eyebrow at me.

“Unless you want to go back to pouting in the house, which by all means, do.” I said in return.

He tentatively sat down, shoulders tense. I didn’t try to speak to him. Didn’t want to know what was going on in his mind.

“I know you think I’m horrible.” He started. I kept my face neutral. “And I know it doesn’t fix anything now, but I’m sorry. I’m sorry for all of it. I’m sorry I didn’t get you out of that house. I’m sorry you think I’m such a coward.” I leaned back in my chair as I let his words sink in. “I didn’t ask for her to be my mate. I’m not even sure I really want a mate.” I snorted at the words and he rushed on. “After everything with my last… lover, I never thought that I would be blessed with a mate. You weren’t the first female I had failed to save.” And I knew this. Had heard bits and pieces of the story during my time in spring. His face fell when I didn’t respond, he started to move to get up and I let him. He was almost out of the garden before I spoke his name. He turned to look at me, his face so full of guilt that I couldn’t stop the words that came out of my mouth.

“Make this one time count then.” Make what you did for Feyre count. He looked confused then his face became sullen as he nodded. He didn’t say anything else before he kept walking back to the house.

I sat out by the garden long after the sun had set behind the horizon. It was getting colder out, proof that summer was starting to end, but I didn’t have it in me to move inside. I stared at the stars, tracing the constellations in my mind.

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

We all reluctantly agree that a trip to the court of nightmares is needed. If we’re really going to stand any chance we need Kier’s soldiers.

I’m standing at the base of the stairs, waiting for Feyre and Rhys to pull themselves off of each other for long enough for us to get anything done. I’ve been thankful for the fact that I’m practically living in the house of wind. Some silly part of me is jealous over my brother's happiness.

Azriel walks in and we both gawk at each other. For once the Illyrian leathers are gone. Replaced with a suit that puts Rhys’ to shame. Tight black dress shirt that clings to every single one of his muscles. His pants are still those tight training pants that showcase his toned legs. I force my eyes away from him, only to catch his roving all over my body. A small feeling of pride settles in my bones. I might have picked out this dress exactly to get that reaction from him.

The slits on the dress sit high on my hips, the fabric draped expertly to hide as much as they show. A deep vee plunges almost all the way to navel, draped in the same way as the skirt.

I will the goosebumps to disappear on my skin. I can almost feel his gaze like it’s his hands all over me. I look away, biting my lip to hold back a shudder.

“Gods girl. Save some for the rest of us.” Mor says as she takes in my dress. I’m thankful for her interruption. It cuts some of the tension I can practically taste in the air.

I link my arm with Mor and don’t wait around for the others as we winnow to the court of nightmares.

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

Per usual Azriel walked in after us. His dramatic entrance had people darting out of their way. I couldn’t help the satisfied smile that rose on my face. I also couldn’t keep my eyes off of Azriel dressed in his tight button up and dress pants. So unlike the usual fighting leathers he wore around everywhere. Still in his signature black, and of course, he still had the various harnesses that strapped his weapons to him, truth teller hanging at his side. Siphons on his hands and shoulders. But something about his clothes made him look even deadlier. The idea that he didn’t need to be in his leathers to make someone spill their secrets, or to spill their guts.

He caught my eyes across the room, a smirk on his face that softened for merely a second before slipping back in that cold one.And it was that second of a real smile, a break in the cocky and cruel demeanor that made me almost fall to my knees. If Rhys had not been standing beside me, I would have collapsed at the weight of that tiny golden string that seemed to float across the room, settling right in front of Azriel. Azriel’s nostrils flared and I could simply not look away from him. Every single molecule of my body was tuned into him. I lurched forward, Rhys’ hand wrapped around my arm and pulled me back from running down the dias into Azriel’s arms. Azriel noticed the movement and ran his eyes down my entire body, twice, before he turned around and walked towards the meeting room.

My mind went back to our conversation a few weeks ago. It was a mistake. My heart broke all over again. He didn’t want me. Azriel was my mate and he did not want me. Even I had noticed the way his gaze lingered on the oldest Archeron sister. I felt my knees tremble as the weight of what was going to happen crashed over me. He was going to laugh me off. I was never going to be anymore than Rhys’ sister to him. I was a mistake. It was so cruel that I almost wanted to laugh. The very thing I had been praying would happen for centuries happens right as soon as I find out that he doesn’t want me like that. It takes all my focus to turn back to the room. To not focus on that golden string that seemed like it was pulling me tighter and tighter the further Azriel got from me. Could I keep it from him? A small part of me had been hoping that the mother would be kind enough to have my mate be someone else. Someone else so I could get those hazel eyes out of my head. That I could be happy with someone else that was not the male that had made his intentions crystal clear. No. I would not be selfish enough to tell him. Maybe it would never snap for him and we could just continue as we always have. Toeing the line that neither of us would dare to cross. Azriel could be my best friend. I would not lose him because of the bond. I felt a small glimmer of calm wash over me and it was enough to bring my attention back to the room around me.

A scream ran through the air and pulled me out of my downward spiral. I tensed up. Eyes darting around to find the source of the noise .Frozen in the middle of the crowd, three males were trying to plead to those around them to be spared. Cassian grabbed all three of them by the knap of their necks like they were nothing more than puppies.

“Meeting room. Now” Rhys said in the general direction of Kier as he helped Feyre rise from the throne, a ravenous look in his eyes as he watched her walk in front of him. I looked away quickly. Trying not to imagine Azriel giving me that same look. It felt like every nerve in my body was on fire. I was itching to talk to Azriel. Did he know? His look told me that he had at least sensed something. The thought immediately made my hand shoot up to my chest, rubbing away the discomfort that came with it.

The meeting room was nothing special. The same cold marble as the rest of Hewn city. No warmth to be found. I took my usual spot besides Azriel and I tried to ignore the way he shifted his chair ever so slightly away from me.

“Thank you for meeting with us, Kier.”

He scoffed. “Let’s skip the niceties and get down to what you want from me, Rhys. You want my soldiers. And I already know what I want in return.”

“You’ll remember that they are mine. This palace, the people of your court. All of it is mine.” He growls.

“Then that begs the question. Where exactly does our high lord spend all of his time? It’s certainly not in his court. So where exactly do you hide Rhysand?”

“I don’t have time for this.”

“My answer is no.”

“You would-” Azriel starts but Rhys simply holds a hand out for him to stop.

“I anticipated your less than enthusiastic response. That’s why I prepared something that you can’t say no to.” He speaks to the corner of the room. “You can come in.”

I must be dreaming. This has to be some sick twisted nightmare. My eyes dart from my brother to Mor as he enters the room. Eris. A snarl rips past Azriel’s lips and Cassian’s hand is instantly on his sword by his side.

“What is he doing here?” Cassian spits out. So they weren’t aware either.

Rhys ignores us all. I reach under the table and grab Mor’s hand. She instantly has a death grip on mine. Squeezing it so tightly I can feel her nails digging into my skin. I don’t go to move her.

“Eris has been working with us for some time now. In exchange we support him when he kills Beron.”

“And where do I play into this?” I can see the hungry gleam in Kier’s eyes despite his best efforts at appearing nonchalant.

“You’ve wanted an alliance with Autumn for as long as I can remember. This is your way to get it. But you can’t if there is no Pyrthian left to come back to. And that’s what will happen if we do not work together.”

Eris launched into the story of how he had been working against his fathers back over the years. When I felt Mor tremble, I thought of what it would feel like to sink my hands into his throat and pull it out. Rhys and Kier talked to Eris. Their words flowed in one ear and clean out the other, not finding purchase. Between Mor trying to keep from shaking next to me, to the feeling of that golden string that I kept pulling against, I was exhausted. Mentally and psychically.

Something warm snuck along my stomach, fanning my whole body. I felt myself sag ever so slightly. I couldn’t place where the feeling came from but it made my skin prickle and my heart sped up. I tried to look at Azriel but he was pointedly looking everywhere but me. Eyes unsteady, fluttering between our group. Sinking in the words that my brother was speaking. He must not have felt anything because how else could he be so composed right now. I was practically vibrating next to Mor and if it wasn’t for our current situation, I know she would have called me out on it.

“Not good enough.” Kier’s head snaps to Rhys. “ I want something else in return.” My eyes widened as I realized what exactly it was that he was asking for.

“No.” Mor bites out. “Rhys you can’t seriously be considering-”

“You do this on my terms. One week. And you are only allowed in my house. You will not step foot outside, you will not interact with any of my people. If you can agree to those terms then we have a deal.”

“Rhys. Please.” And it’s the closest to begging I’ve ever heard from Mor. Rhys ignores her pleading and I want to throttle my brother right there. He nods his head.

“I also need the Ouroboros Mirror.”

Kier laughed at her words. Even I raised an eyebrow.

“It’s yours if you are brave enough to look into it. Oh did you not know?” Kier laughed again. “You have to look into the mirror to take it and anyone who has looked into it has gone insane.”

Feyre paled at his words and said no more on the subject.

“Have you lost your damn mind?” I was screaming in my head. I was immediately met with Rhys slamming his mental walls shut. I knew I wasn’t the only one that was screaming at him. I sensed the way she had tensed up and I wanted nothing more than to kick the red head clean across the room.

The meeting seemed to be finally over. Rhys didn’t so much as say a goodbye before we were winnowing back to Velaris.

“How could you?” Those Were the first words anyone spoke when we returned. “How could you work with him? Of all the people in this damn world you picked him?” She was livid, voice trembling with anger and a shrill sadness. I wanted nothing more than to wrap my arms around her when I saw the tears spring in her eyes. “And Velaris? You want to let them come here? To my home.”

“If I had told you you wouldn’t have agreed and I needed us all to be there. I needed this to work.”

“You still should have warned her.” I grumbled to my brother. Not the least bit happy with him either. He gave me a shut up look and I didn’t back down. “You wouldn’t have just invited Tamlin to a meeting. Why is Eris any different?”

“It;s different because we need him.”

“It’s different because you said so.” He growled at my words, at the venom dripping from my words. At the challenge laced in them. I had opened my mouth to speak when I saw the shadows wrap around Rhys’ ankles. A flurry like I had never seen. Rhys stepped out of them, swatting them away like they were nothing more than a fly buzzing around his head, but they lingered.

“Azriel. Stop.” Rhys commanded. A sign of how annoyed he was. Azriel did not call his shadows back, instead he stared down my brother. A small snarl forming on his lips.

“Az…” And no sooner did his name leave my mouth did his shadows retract. Instead of going back to him, they swirled around my feet. Laying there leaving my feet with their slightly cold feeling.

“The next time you do something like that, I will kill you.” Mor spit at Rhys before she stormed off.

“You got us what we needed, Rhys, I won’t deny that. But at what cost?” Is all I say before I take off after Mor.

She’s curled up in the middle of her bed. I don’t hesitate to climb in behind her and wrap an arm around her. She’s muttering to herself. I run my hand over her hair, trying my best to comfort her. I don’t even have words to say to her. It might have been centuries since she’s seen Eris but those wounds run deep. Deep enough to destroy the confident female that she has always been.

I stay with her until she falls asleep. And even then I stay until I’m sure she won’t wake up screaming. Eventually I deem it safe and peel myself off of her, careful not to jostle her.

I sneak back to my room. Exhaustion sinking into my bones as I crossed the hallway to my room.

I was so tired it was no surprise that I didn’t see him before I was slamming into his chest.

Strong hands wrap around the tops of my arms to stop me from toppling backwards.

“Whoa there.” Azriel says as he steadies me. I tense as I hear his voice and he lets me go, taking a step away from me. I can’t look him in the eye.

“Is she okay?” It’s obvious who he’s talking about.

“She’s rattled for sure. But she’s asleep and I think that’s the best we can hope for.”

He nodded and I keep my gaze fixed above his shoulder.

“That’s good.” His voice is tight. The words clipped. It is borderline painful to be this close to him. My skin feels itchy and all of my nerves seem to be focused on the spot his hands were just on me.

“Azriel…” I start and he shakes his head.

“Not tonight. Please.”

“You know?” My shock rocks me to my core. I finally gather the courage to look at his face and I see nothing. No emotion.

“I’ve known for a long time..” His rubbing his thumb and forefinger together. One of his nervous ticks. I didn’t think it was possible for my heart to break even more. He knew.

“How…how long…?” My voice breaks

“Long before you went under the mountain.” And he didn’t tell me. Didn’t tell me because he didn’t want me. I feel hot tears slide down my face. I don’t have anything to say. What could I say? Plead for him to love me when he doesn’t? He starts to walk away, taking the warmth of his presence with him. I reach blindly for his arm. My hand wraps around his toned forearm.

“I’ll get over you, I promise. These feelings, they can just be temporary- with everything happening around us. I just… Please don’t leave me.” The grief that gripped my heart was enough to knock the wind out of me. The idea of losing him because of this stupid feeling in my chest. When I looked at him there was no disgust in his face, no loathing or anything that I had expected. He just stared at me blankly.

“Stop. I can’t… Just please, stop.” His voice was tight, breathing heavy.

“Azriel.”

“I can’t do this.”

My heart sank to my stomach. “Do what?”

“Talk to you about this. Talk about us. I prayed you would never feel the bond.”

It was like he had stabbed me with the blade at his side. I think I would have preferred it over the echoing numbness that coursed through me. He didn’t want me. All those touches and all this time, had I misread the signals that much. But I felt it, that little hint of deceit down the bond. The way his shadows wrapped around my feet, around my shoulders. Comforting me.

“We can talk about this, we don’t have to jump into anything. We can take out time-”

“No.” He all but shouted at me. He was breathing heavily, I could feel his exhales brush across my face.

“Please. Why wont you talk to me?” My voice broke, tears welling in my eyes. I couldn’t look at him, look at the way his face just dropped. We stood in silence, my words ringing around the room.

He didn’t try to hide the sob that left his mouth. “I’m terrified” My eyes snapped to him as he took my face gently between his hands. “You were taken away from me once. It nearly killed me then, but now, I know it would. And I know you’re more than capable of protecting yourself but if something were to happen to you because of me…” he trailed off, voice breaking at the thought.

“Azriel,” I looked him deep in his hazel eyes. “I’m the High Lord's sister. I’ve been trying to outrun Tamlin for over a hundred years. You forget that I lost you once too.” I finally met his eyes, his own tears echoing mine. “I have loved you since I knew what that word meant. Please don’t run away from me. Not from this.”

“You can’t mean that.” He whispered. I felt everything like a tidal wave. The rush of shame, the denial, the self loathing.

I didn’t respond right away, instead I took his hands in mine and placed feather soft kisses onto the scarred skin. “I mean it with every cell in my body. Every part of me is yours, Azriel. I’ve always been yours. Even before I felt the bond. It was always going to be you.” And as I placed kiss after kiss on his hand, I felt the sobs leave his body. Felt his wings wrap around me, securing us in our own little moment of time. I looked up at him, seeing this beautiful man with his soul laid out for me to see and knew that there was nothing I wouldn’t do for him. Nothing I wouldn’t risk if it meant I got to see those Hazel eyes looking at me that way. “Kiss me?” I whispered, almost pleading.

“I won’t be able to stop if I do.” He closed his eyes and I used my hold on his hands to pull him down to me.

“I don’t want you to. I want my beautiful mate to kiss me right here and right now.” It was like the world moved in slow motion as he leaned down to connect our lips. And it felt like every moment leading up to this had been in black and white. The world erupts into color for the first time as his lips touch mine. It wasn’t like the desperate kiss in the court of nightmares. This was his own personal love letter. And he had spent all of his life writing it. I thought I had spent my life waiting for that first kiss. But this kiss, this moment, was exactly what it had all been leading to. Time slowed down around me. Not caring about anything but the male in front of me and I let the rest of the world fade away. Wars and powers and horrible nightmares be damned. All I needed was the one thing standing in front of me. And I would be damned before I ever let someone take that away from me.

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

Taglist: @nickishadow139 @tothestarsandwhateverend @quinzzelx @durgenyx @i-am-infinite @mariahoedt @acourtofbatboydreams @nocasdatsgay @sarawritestories @ninthcircleofprythian @evergreenlark @marvelbros-oneshots

103 notes · View notes

thewritetofreespeech · 7 months ago

Note

Could I request Gerhard Fra with Dali's sister and they finally confess to each other?

There was an old grandfather clock in the Delico sitting room. It would tick evenly with the time, in a manner that Gerhard had never paid attention to before. Yet, right now, it was deafening.

The noble stood in that very sitting room, brought here by Dali’s staff, to wait for what seemed like an eternity.

He wasn’t sure what had possessed him with the need to confess that day, but it was an all consuming feeling at this point. Gerhard had to tell [Y/N] how he felt. Society formalities and the barrier of their stations be damned, he would not deny this anymore.

Frida greeted him, like any suitable lady of the house, and gave him what he thought might be a knowing smile as he was shunted to wait for the other Lady Delico. He may have even heard a quite ‘good luck’, however that could have been his imagination.

“Gerhard!” The man turned to see [Y/N]’s enter the room, like a bright light from the sun parting the clouds. The woman of his dreams. The woman who also happened to be his rival’s little sister. “So good to see you. It’s been so long.”

“Indeed.” It had been too long. Gerhard wanted to tell her that any day not beside her was too long. Yet the words cling in his throat.

“You’re looking well. How is Angelico?”

The question of his son caught him off guard. “He’s…fine.” At least he assumed. Gerhard does not see his son often but assumed a member of staff would tell him if something was wrong. He then coughed once to clear his throat. “[Y/N], I came here today to tell you something?”

“Oh?” Her eyes were curious. So much like Dali’s but instead where he found that spark irksome and unnerving he was drawn to it. “What did you want to tell me? Something not unpleasant I hope.”

“No. It’s not. Well, at least I hope it isn’t.” He cleared his throat again. Why was it so dry? “[Y/N]….for sometime now I have….I mean..I have always had a fondness….an affection…what I’m trying to say is…” The words just wouldn’t come out! And [Y/N]’s calm, curious patience with him made it all the harder to get them out.

Perhaps this was a mistake.

“Gerhard,” he looked up at the sound of his name on her lips, desperate to hear it again, “it’s ok. You can tell me anything.”

Gerhard took a deep breath, steeled himself in the way that any lord would, and began again. “[Y/N], I came here today to tell you something. Today I came here to tell you that I—”

His confession was interrupted again. Only this time not by his own stammering but broken glass. “What was that?” [Y/N] asked in concern, as they both rushed to the window.

Outside there were hordes of people. Listless strides of the enthralled. Storming the Delico estate in droves. “Stay here!”

“But…the children…”

“Stay here!” Gerhard repeated in earnest. “Barricade the door. Hide. Do not leave this room unless under threat of your own life!” He could not have her die before he told her how he felt.

He then left to go find Dali and see to what was going on. Unable to find him in the mass that blocked his path. They were easily dealt with. But one, familiar figure strode through the halls before him. No longer the peaceful beauty of the house, but a mindless shadow. ‘Oh Gods no…’ He thought. Not Frida…

Gerhard’s lament was cut short as the doors flew open and, just as quickly, Frida attacked Dali. On instinct, Gerhard struck back. Killing his friend’s wife without a second thought to save him. Dali clung to his fleeting wife’s frame as she told him to love their children. He suddenly crying through the ringing in his ears and turned around to see Dali’s youngest wailing in the arms of their nanny. The horrified figure of the aunt beside them.

Gerhard hung his head. He couldn’t possibly tell her now.

#;ask and ye shall receive (request answers)#delico's nursery fanfiction #delico's nursery fanfic #delico's nursery x reader #delico's nursery imagine #delico's nursery scenario #delico nursery scenario #delico nursery imagine #gerhard fra #gerhard fra x reader #gerhard fra scenario #gerhard fra imagine #scenarios #imagine #delico's nursery #delico nursery

86 notes · View notes

chaosduckies · 5 months ago

Note

Could we get a part 2 of Birds of a Feather?

Oh yeah of course! Can never have too much parental g/t! Decided to have a sick tiny because why not? (Also fluff) so I hope you like it! And I’m so sorry that it took so long to answer- I re-wrote this too many times to count but figured this was the best one!

Word Count: 3.6k

Cw: None!

Birds of a Feather (2)

It had only been a week since Gabriel found out about Lizzie and I. I would say that it’s been interesting. Lizzie goes out more often, and it seems like the house isn’t as quiet anymore. It did kind of help with the anxiety a little bit. I never really liked the silence. Just meant that I couldn’t tell where humans would be.

Now? When Gabriel is home Lizzie always tries to bother him with questions and if she could be held or picked up. She was still just a kid but I didn’t trust Gabriel. That’s why anytime he gave us food I still checked it for poison even though some part of me doubted that he would poison us. What were the chances of that ever happening? I also will never let him hold me. Never. Not even touch me. I always just ran away, hid, or grabbed my needle as fast as I could. That didn’t mean he stopped trying or asking, though he did say he would respect my personal space. It’s just… how was I supposed to trust a human after hiding from them my entire life? It didn’t seem easy to just blindly trust one after all of this time. Sure, he gives us food and all of that, but that doesn’t mean I’d just put my life in his hands! Literally!

Today was a snowy day. It was cold in the house, meaning that the walls were even colder. Normally I would have just borrowed some cloth, but since Gabriel knew about us I couldn’t do that. I was too afraid he’d just be mad. There was no telling what he would do to me! I shuddered just at the thought. As long as it’s not my sister…

Lizzie couldn’t wait for Gabriel to wake up so she could go with him. She always tried to convince me to get out. To really do anything now that we were free to walk around without the fear of being noticed, but again, she didn’t know how terrifying it was to now be out in the open. How could she know? She was too young to ever go out borrowing so she didn’t know how scary it was. Though I should probably teach her sometime soon. Not today though. I felt sick all over. My head felt hot, I was coughing, my body felt weak, I could barely keep my eyes open. I haven’t been this sick in a few years.

I still forced myself to go out and borrow a few things. Like at least try to get a few more “blankets” for us. Lizzie said she would ask but I told her no. I can take care of us on my own. I don’t need help from a human. Even if it hurts just to move.

Lizzie hadn’t caught on that I was sick, or at least I think she hasn’t, which was good because then she would’ve definitely told Gabriel. The last thing I needed was for him to find out. Who knows what he might do? He might take his chance to finally kill me, or even just get rid of the both of us now that I could barely move. Not like he could do that already though.

I cautiously watched as Lizzie ran over to the living room, where Gabriel was. Lizzie never seemed to be scared for some reason. What goes through her mind when she’s “playing” with him? Gabriel too! I was surprised that he hasn’t hurt her. Not even once. The entire situation was strange to me, but as I watched from afar, I kind of found myself wanting the same attention that Lizzie had. Gabriel actually seemed happy that she came to keep him company instead of annoyed. Every story I heard with humans always ended up with us dying, but this? It was entirely new. Even if Gabriel seemed like a murderer and was so intimidating, he hadn’t done anything to hurt either of us. It was so much more different here, and I had no idea why Gabriel was different, not that I was complaining. It actually made my borrowing trips easier. He left cabinets slightly open for me, left food out in case whatever he gave us wasn’t enough, or if we didn’t like it. Everything was so much easier, but I didn’t want to entirely rely on him for help. I can take care of both of us. I have been for a while now so what’s a few more years?

I gripped the hook in my hand, weakly limping over to the side of the counter. I was craving crackers for some odd reason, and there was no way in heck that I was going to ask Gabriel to get me it. No matter how sick and weak I felt. I threw my hook up onto the side of the counter, my muscles already feeling strained. I know you’re supposed to rest when you’re sick, but I couldn't. I have my sister to care for and right now my main focus is getting something to keep her warm and maybe those crackers that I was craving. She was already complaining last night that it was cold and I couldn’t do anything about it at the time.

With a few tugs to make sure that it was secure, I started climbing, my muscles straining under the pressure and my head spinning a little bit. When I reached the top, I took a few seconds to catch my breath. I rested a hand over my burning forehead. Of course I had a fever. A bad one by the looks of it. My eyes didn’t even want to stay open anymore. I didn’t know how I would get back down, but I’ll figure it out when I get there.

I sniffled, rubbing my eyes before walking around the counter in search of an unused piece of cloth or just something until I could find an actual blanket. I would kill for a nap right now, but maybe whenever I get back. That seemed like the safer decision. This sickness will pass eventually. I just felt absolutely horrible right now.

There wasn’t much to be offered on the counter today. Except for the extremely tempting crackers that were sitting in a basket like usual. Since Gabriel was home, I had to be extra quiet, but I could already tell that the plastic would give me a hard time. Just another borrowing trip… it’s not like you haven’t borrowed from him before. Of course I did get caught and the events that happened afterwards left me in complete shock, but that wouldn’t happen again. Hopefully. Maybe.

I trudged over to the basket, struggling to pull one that was hanging off the side. I looked over to see that Gabriel was still busy entertaining my sister. I should have plenty of time to get this, right? Obviously he would know that it was me who stole it but I just had to keep thinking that he wouldn’t do anything to me. I mean, he probably does care about Lizzie more than me. Since she actually spends time with him… But I just can’t see how. He’s not our parent, and I couldn’t just accept the fact that he’s actually helping us. There has to be some trick right? He’s just building up to gain our trust and make our lives more miserable. Well I wasn’t going to let that happen.

As I started to take out some pieces, feeling selfish for not being able to find something for Lizzie but I was hungry. I didn’t bother to eat last night since I had already felt bad before this morning, but I wasn’t expecting to feel so weak and sick when I woke up. I just sighed, coughing a little bit before sitting down and still struggling to take out a piece of the peanut butter crackers I usually don’t like to eat.

Suddenly I heard someone getting up, and out of my instincts, I hurried to take out a piece and hid behind the basket, clutching the cracker to my chest and having trouble breathing. My head already felt dizzy and my arms weak but I could get out of this just fine, right? I could barely keep myself on my feet for any longer but it was only a few more minutes until I could go home. I could just use my hook to.. My hook. Where was it? I glanced back at where I came from and there it was, still hanging on the side of the counter. Panic surged through me as I stepped to go and grab it, but it was already too late.

A shadow loomed overhead, observing my hook and turning directly towards the crackers I was stealing. He was going to get so mad at me. I was going to die. Where was Lizzie then if he was coming over here? I hadn’t heard for a while. Did he already… No. He wouldn’t, right? There was no way. I winced at the thoughts, struggling to stay as quiet as possible.

“...Andrew? Is that you little guy?” I didn’t even have enough energy to be angry at the new nickname. But I was more mortified by the fact that he already knew it was me. Of course he did. I was the only one who could’ve been climbing up here if he was with Lizzie, not that she even knew how to climb yet.

I sucked in a shaky breath, almost tripping over my own two feet when I came out of my hiding spot. I had no idea what he would do if I didn’t listen. I was trembling and tried to hide it but of course I did a terrible job at that. I looked down at my hands, quickly hiding the piece of food that I stole behind my back. I closed my eyes shut and hung my head in hopes that he wouldn’t hurt me. That all he would do is take my food away. I’d just have to try and find something else to eat then, but the fear crept slowly throughout my body.

“Are you okay? You look sick, kid.” He asked concernedly to my surprise, not even acknowledging the fact that I was very obviously borrowing things from him. I didn’t feel okay actually. Everything in my body just felt off. I could think straight but not at the same time? I somehow felt cold and hot all over and had coughing fits every now and then. I don’t think that’s okay but there was no way I’d be admitting that.

I nodded my head, getting a little light-headed from the simple movement. He quirked an eyebrow up like he didn’t believe me and sighed, leaning against the counter. I took a few shaky steps back, eyes wide and ready for whatever punishment I was about to receive, “So you’re up here taking my food again?” A slight smile on his face but I just jumped and held out the piece I was hiding, “I-I’ll put it b-back. I’m sorry.” I apologized.

I had expected him to say yes to putting it back, but to my shock he just shook his head, “No, you can have the entire thing if you want.” He started, moving the package closer to me. I flinched a little, cursing myself for showing that I was scared. Of course he already knew that though with how I reacted to him noticing that I was taking some food. Nothing would happen though, right? He’d just leave me alone now and go back to my sister, right? Just grab whatever he needed from here, and leave me the heck alone. I was practically pleading for that outcome at this point.

Gabriel studied me for a bit longer, a suspicious look on his face, “Are you lying about not being sick kid?” He asked again. Could I even lie to a person like him? If I said yes, who knows what would happen? It was hard to tell if it would be a good or bad outcome. I couldn’t tell. I sucked in a sharp breath, nearly coughing from the air hitting the back of my throat. If I said no he’d just keep asking, but all I’d have to do was escape by then, right? I would feel better in a few days anyways. Maybe.

I shook my head, trying to calm my racing heart as he lifted himself off of his arms. I nervously started messing with my hands, trying not to show him just how terrifying he was looming over me. Everything just seemed so much more terrifying when you’re sick for some reason. I felt smaller, more insecure, vulnerable under his gaze.

“You’re a terrible liar.” He sighed, hand slowly reaching for me. I didn’t even register that he was going to grab me before his fingers were nearly halfway wrapped around my skinny frame. I scrambled backwards, tripping over my own two hands several times while trying to grab my needle, but of course I forgot to grab it before I went borrowing. Great going me! Before I could get up and run, I was picked up in a fist. I kicked and pushed at the fingers, struggling so much and already feeling tired after just a tiny bit. I hate being sick. I was too weak to get myself out of this situation, I forgot my only weapon, and the worst part about this is that I quite literally sank into the warmth his hand provided. I mean, this was just because I was sick, right? I wouldn’t have done this if I were in my right mind. No way. I would’ve fought back and climbed back down to the safety of my cold… lonely home.

I pushed and kicked as much as I could, trying my hardest not to stay comfy even though my eyes felt so heavy and my body was warmed up within seconds, “Let me go!” Tears started forming in my eyes, trying not to think about what could happen to me. Before I could kick away his fingers one last time, his thumb gently, yet firmly, was placed over my face. That’s all it took. Just one simple movement. I could be dead right now. I started crying softly, barely hearing the words that came out of his mouth, “Calm down little guy. You’re gonna make yourself even more sick.” And I obeyed. He practically already threatened me, and it’s not like I could speak either. I hated the new nickname, I hated being this helpless, and I hated just how much I wanted him to keep me in his hands so I could be warm. No! That’s so stupid. Why would I want that? It’s just the sickness talking…

Soon enough we were moving, his thumb moved away from my face as I stared up at him with wide eyes, red and puffy from the tears that were still falling. I tried to wipe them away as much as I could until I felt myself being moved. I was no longer in a fist and I wasn’t moving anymore. I staggered backwards as much as I could before hitting his fingers and flinching, covering my head with my arms, “I-I’m s-s-sorry.” My voice barely came out as a whisper, and I doubt Gabriel even heard it.

“Kid, I'm just trying to help you feel better. Here.” He handed me one of the crackers I was going to eat. I looked up, feeling a little too weak after all of that adrenaline to even move. It felt like my head was throbbing and my muscles screamed to stop moving. And honestly, after all of this, I wasn’t even hungry anymore despite the fact that I haven’t eaten for some time. I shook my head, getting light headed once again. Everything in my body begged me to just lay down and close my eyes, but there was no way that I would be doing that. I’m not trusting him even for one bit. Lizzie might- Wait. Lizzie?

My eyes searched frantically for her, the extra adrenaline making it possible to move my limbs again as I looked over his hand, spotting her lying underneath a piece of cloth and asleep. She… fell asleep? Around him? Did she really trust him that much? Well, I guess it made sense. She’s spent more time with him than I have, but I still think that all of this is just a trick… Oh who am I kidding? He’s genuinely a nice person. I’m so sick and tired of always being on edge and barely being able to stay alive. I’m tired of struggling just to get basic living needs. Gabriel was offering all of that and so much more and I can’t just accept the fact that he’s just trying to help, no matter how afraid I was, I think I would just have to trust him in this. That none of this was a trick and that he’s genuinely trying to help us stay alive.

“You have to eat something. You’re not going to get better otherwise.” He gestured to the food again. I shook my head again, wincing and holding my head from the throbbing pain. I nearly fell over hadn’t his fingers been there to support me. His eyes softened, slowly bringing me closer to him, but at this point I could care less. I felt so much worse than before even climbing up onto the countertop. To know all of this would happen in just one week. Getting found, then getting sick and being forced to be taken care of by a human. I didn’t even have enough energy to care anymore.

“Okay, I’ll be right back, stay there.” He ordered before tilting his hand slowly onto the couch. I let out a yelp of surprise before hitting the cushiony surface right next to Lizzie. Stay here? Where was he going? Was he going to leave me alone? Just abandon me? I couldn’t stop the tears that formed. What did I care if he left me? I would be just fine on my own… Right? I could barely even move my limbs anymore from thinking I could just go borrow with barely any problems. Turns out all I ended up facing were problems. I didn’t want to be left alone either.

I turned back to my sister, wiping away the loose tears as I heard Gabriel coming back. For some odd reason I was actually happy that he came back, though I couldn’t help but struggle to move myself backwards. He just stared at me a little shocked, “I had really expected you to try and escape.” He sighed, slowly sitting back down and moving something in his hands. It looked to be some sort of cloth, though what could he need it for?

“Well here, if you’re not going to eat then you could get some rest. I’m sure you're exhausted if you can barely even hold yourself up.” He dumped the cloth in front of me. For… me? I cautiously reached out, pulling the soft piece towards me. So warm… I snuggled close, but didn’t lay down. I could stay up… I didn’t need sleep. I needed to go home and rest. Even if it would be so much colder there than staying out here.

Gabriel sighed, his hands covering his face like he was frustrated with me, “If you needed help why not come to me?” I scrambled backwards, pulling the cloth over my entire body. Was he mad at me for it? Was he going to hurt me because I didn’t ask for help? My chest tightened at the thoughts, closing my eyes shut as I waited to be lifted off from the ground in one sweep, but when it didn’t come I sheepishly peeked my head out.

“I didn’t mean to sound so angry, I promise I’m not,” He started, sighing, “Listen, you’re what? Thirteen, fourteen? You’re just a kid. You should be having fun and playing with your little sister. Not struggling to survive and get food everyday.” His eyes softened, turning towards me. I bit the bottom of my lip. But how else was I supposed to live? My sister and I would’ve died countless times had I not been the one struggling. Heck, there were even times when I thought I wouldn’t make it. Getting caught in a spider web, nearly getting trapped in a rat trap, tangled on my rope. I had to grow up if I was going to live. It’s not like I wanted to.

“I-I had to if I was going to live. I d-didn’t want to die.” I looked down, hoping that he would get it. I wonder what life would’ve been like if our parents hadn’t died. They would’ve taught me so many more things before I was so abruptly forced to go borrowing. I could’ve still been a kid, maybe just barely moving out, but at least I’d know what I was doing! I’m terrible at borrowing!

Gabriel nodded his head, “That’s understandable,” He turned his head and smiled down at me, “Now just get some rest. I’ll take care of you and your sister, don’t worry about it.” I nodded my head, wrapping the blanket even more around me as I coughed, groaning from how scratchy my throat felt. I forced myself to lay down, wincing from the simple movements.

I really didn’t have any other choice. I was too tired to stay awake, too weak to move, too sick to do anything but hope that I was trusting the right person. He would take care of us. I wouldn’t have to fight for survival anymore. I could actually be happy again. That was all I could really ask for. ——————

I had a lot of fun writing this and I’m hoping to get back to writing my main stories soon! Since I will be having a break soon and can finally edit all the things I’ve written-

I have no idea if I’ll be doing a part 3, but if you want one please let me know! Thank you for the ask anon!

Taglist: @da3dm

If you would like to be added please let me know!

#G/t writing #g/t fluff #parental g/t #g/t #g/t community #duck asks #I had so much fun writing this one #I was sick while writing this so I think it played out perfectly lol-#I just needed to find time to edit-#And there may still be some mistakes but that’s fineee #But I really did enjoy it!#Andrew really has some trust issues huh?#Thanks for the ask anon!#love you guys ❤️

37 notes · View notes

thesagesjournal · 18 days ago

Text

[Birthday] Lennox (May 16th, 2025)

Twitter thread | Bluesky thread

Is something the matter, Master Sage? I apologise that you must see me like this... ...This is the first time you've seen me fresh out of the bath? Haha, I don't mind you looking. Besides, having you all to myself this morning, makes today feel that much more special.

Birthday morning

Lennox: Ya–wn… Ah, it’s you, Master Sage. Can I help you?

Lennox: You needn’t have come all the way here so early in the morning, but thank you nonetheless. It means a lot to me.

Lennox: You’re the first to wish me a happy birthday today. That alone makes me feel blessed.

Voicelines

Lennox: It’s incredible to see wizards from every country celebrating my birthday alongside a human such as yourself. I want nothing more than to protect the wonderful life we have made here.

Figaro: Happy birthday, Leno. Say, care to share a drink once the party’s over and the kids are asleep? We could have a pleasant conversation like the good old times.

Rutile: Mister Leno~, can you hear me? It’s not like him to get so drunk, but then again, everyone was scrambling to share a toast with him… What should we do, Dr. Figaro? Should we take him back to his room with a bit of magic? …Leave him be? Well, he does look pretty merry!

Mitile: Mister Leno! Mister Le–no–? What are you doing here, leaning against the wall and smiling to yourself? The party needs you! Come on, let’s go and see what everyone’s up to!

Oz: Take this wine. It’s a specialty from the South that I happened to have a bottle of at my castle. I recall that you prefer spirits with a Southern taste, so I thought it would make a good gift. It has endured the frigid North for many years. I hope it’s to your liking.

Arthur: Happy birthday, Lennox! …Ahaha! It’s not every day I get a hug from you! …Did Lord Figaro put you up to this? I figured as much. But there’s merit to that. After all, we express joy not only through words, but also actions, and this hug tells me everything I need to know.

Cain: Aw, hi sheepie! Know where I can find your shepherd? It’s his birthday and I gotta congratulate him! …Whoa, I didn’t know sheep were this fast. And your eyes look a little funky, like you’ve got glasses on… Ah, Faust! Doesn’t this sheep remind you of… Wait, that’s Leno?!

Riquet: Happy birthday, Lennox. Here, I made you these special birthday glasses as per tradition in the Master Sage’s world. Look, they match the decorations on the cake and the sheepies! Cute, right? …And they look great on you, too!

Snow: Oh, you simply had to see how pleased Lennox looked just now with his homemade birthday crown! The Southern folk are making today as memorable as possible. Even the sheepies are looking spiffy with their own crowns to match! Hohoho, today shall be a most fun day indeed.

White: ‘Tis Lennox’s birthday today. We just saw Faust pass by with a wine bottle in his hands and a smile on his lips. Hohoho, without a doubt, he’s headed in Lennox’s direction. Perhaps we ought to give him something to show our appreciation for his ceaseless efforts as well.

Mithra: I heard they’re hosting an arm wrestling contest at Lennox’s birthday party, but I think I’ll pass. Those toddlers are overly excited about it, but I’m just fine with watching and eating. If I lose by any chance, I might end up killing them, I’m afraid.

Owen: <Cur Memini>... Happy birthday, Lennox. Feeling sheep-ish already? Being the one herded isn’t so bad once in a while, don’t you think so, hmm? Only I can understand you normally now, though. …Huh, wait. Where do you think you’re going? …Hey!

Bradley: Yo, Mister Shepherd. Been thinkin’ ‘bout that one time ya caught me changin’. Don’ think I didn’t feel ya ogglin’ me up an’ down. If ya wanna see my scars that badly, I don’ mind showin’ em to ya. …Yer doin’ it again. Jus’ to make it clear, that was a joke, ya hear?

Faust: Happy birthday, Lennox. I spent a lot of time thinking about how to thank you for… Ahaha! Never thought I’d see the day when you'd respond with a ‘ya~y’! Be honest, did someone set you up? …Oh, well, it wouldn’t be a birthday without a bit of unbridled joy, would it?

Shino: Happy birthday, Lennox. Listen, whatever Faust gives his gift to you, make sure he knows you liked it. Just say something like ‘yay’ or ‘wahooo’. He picked your gift with lots of care.

Heathcliff: Happy birthday, Lennox. Every time I catch sight of fish near the shore, I’m reminded of when you taught me to fish. The longer you wait for a fish to bite, the sweeter the reward feels. Handling the bait still feels a bit gross, but I’ll get used to it eventually…

Nero: ‘appy birthday, Mister Shepherd. Though, gotta say, ya make a pretty good fisherman, too. The fish ya bring is always fresh as can be. …Ahaha, don't tempt me with the offer. With how good yer skills are, I might take ya up on it someday.

Shylock: I must let you know that one of your sheep paid a visit to my bar earlier today, undoubtedly to celebrate your birthday. They make for rather noisy, but nonetheless adorable patrons.

Murr: Wo~wie! Not skipping leg day even on your birthday? That’s routine for ya, alright! …Putting strain on the lower half of your body, I see, I see. So that's how you get those perfect legs! …Join you? Me? Ahaha, thanks, but no thanks! I’m more of a brains guy, ya know!

Chloe: Do you remember the last time we were peacefully enjoying a drink at Shylock’s bar? Because I do! You looked so cool and composed, it gave me just the inspo I needed! I’ve been working on a design with that image of you in mind since then. I hope you’ll like it!

Rustica: What's a birthday without some music, so, allow me to perform something for you. …Indeed, you've sung this to us once, and ever since, I’ve become infatuated with your voice. Now, shall we take it up a notch? Put out your hand, as if you're inviting a loved one to dance.

#mahoyaku #mhyktl #birthdays #2025 birthdays #lennox

24 notes · View notes

rookiesbookies · 11 months ago

Text

Soap What if AU based on the new skin?

This is based on that new CoD skin where he has the funky face mask. Soap you sexy sexy lad I love you

Make sure to hit up my master list (pinned on profile) and my AU list (linked on master list) for more. The fic is under the cut-

And a quick thank you to my lovely mutuals @shotmrmiller and @ohmygraves - my dyslexic butt couldn’t do it without you both *MUAH*

Amidst the chaos of battle, a figure emerged from the smoke and dust. Clad in unfamiliar gear that glinted menacingly in the sunlight of the desert waste, a muzzle or mask of some sort over his nose and mouth. As the soldiers on the battlefield tensed, the world slowed, and for a moment the dust settled so they could lay eyes on the man.

The breaths of the soldiers Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley, Kyle ‘Gaz’ Garrick, and Captain John Price caught in their throats, and a chilling realization dawned upon them, slithering up their spines and making their skin crawl - it was John MacTavish, Johnny, or what seemed to be him.

The Soap had returned, but not as the valiant ally they once knew.

Simon, Kyle, and John stood frozen in disbelief, their eyes wide with shock and horror at the sight before them. They had seen Soap die. It was irrefutable. The hole in the head, blood seeping into the cracks of the cement. blank, dull eyes, so different from the usual vibrant feverish blue.

They had mourned his loss and buried his memory deep within their hearts, they had buried their brother in arms and brother at heart.

Yet, here he stood, wearing the insignia of the enemy, his blue gaze ice-cold and unrecognizable from the warm and bubbly Soap they once knew.

He was just how they had last seen him. Due to Scottish Highlander genetics, he had never been a scrawny kid, always broad and covered with coarse hair. He was still built like a rugby player, just as wide. The only difference was a dent in his temple, it was just large enough to see, and the ventilation face piece he was wearing drew attention away from it. Scarring had turned some of the hair over it white.

Unlike the wound on his head, his death was still fresh, even after over two years, in his teammates’ minds. Not a day would go without a somber moment for him, a memory making them all laugh. A team of four now cut down to just three. Like a table, if anyone put pressure on where the missing leg was it would fall- all having to take a moment and walk away from each other before quietly reconvening.

When he looks over the three of his past teammates, it’s as if they aren’t even human. To him, they are prey.

No witty remarks were leaving his mouth, not a quip or joke. Johnny just barked orders and raised his gun.

“Captain!” Simon quickly tackled Price out of the way, through a door, and into a side room of the building. “This isn’t a good time for sightseeing.”

Price barked an order at Ghost and Gaz, they quickly moved out of the building without what they came for. Now they’re directive changed.

They had to talk to Laswell.

“I brought his body back, it was recovered. Why is he out there now, alive, and against us?” Price yelled. He wasn’t yelling at Laswell, as much as he just happened to be emotional and yelling to express himself.

“We’re both asking the same question right now, John.” She said, calmly. “I sent out word and I’m running it up the flag pole as we speak.”

“I want to know who let someone else get ahold of his body. He should be buried and resting,” Price said, white knuckle gripping Laswell’s desk.

“And I agree, but we can’t change the past. We need to figure out what happened and what to do now.”

“I can’t kill him,” Price whispered, looking down at the desk, “even if it means letting him rest again if we can’t save him, I wouldn’t be able to do it.”

“That’s an incredible jump to a conclusion,” Laswell said, raising an eyebrow.

“He deserves to be at rest.”

“I never disagreed.”

“I-I know,” Price breathed out, before walking towards the door of her office, “let me know when you get answers.”

It was days before John Price heard from Kate Laswell.

“John, I think I have a lead,” she said quickly, the second he answered her call. “They outsourced the transportation of the body to a third party. When I looked into it, they were owned by a shell company with a suspicious name.”

John groaned. “What do we do with that information?”

“I think Grave’s Shadows got to him,” Kate said, her voice softer. “It’s not unthinkable that they could have done something to his mind.”

“He was dead,” Price spat, “I held his cold lifeless body on the heli ride back to base. No heartbeat, no breathing. We’ll talk about this later.”

When Price and Laswell were briefing the team on a new mission, however, was when things hit the fan.

“An unknown transmission,” Kate mumbled. “Think it’s our answer? It’s address looks like its coming out of an American base.”

“Well, let’s answer it,” Price said gruffly.

“Hey, old friend,” Graves’ accent sounded, invading Price’s ears. “I heard you had a run in with our latest advancement.”

Price noticed the background. The outline of Soap’s silhouette stood in the dark, back lit.

“Why don’t you say hi to our newest team member, Razor,” Graves says, waving Johnny forward.

John could practically hear Simon’s eyes roll at the code name they had given Soap. It was truly something Soap would have never been given or picked, a clear jab due to it being another bathroom supply. It was far from his personality and clearly Graves’ sense of humor.

“You know that’s not his code name,” Price practically growled.

Kate put a hand on Price’s shoulder, “what did you do to him?”

“Well I did nothing,” Graves said, “it’s amazing how far medical advancements have come, truly. The best part is, he’s the perfect soldier.” Graves hummed, “just perfect at following orders.”

Price couldn’t watch anymore, Johnny was like his son- the whole team was, but Johnny reminded him so much of his younger self. He closed his eyes, trying to calm his heart rate. He was amazed Simon had stayed silent this long, no quid or snippy banter, and he was sure Kyle didn’t even know how to react.

Price didn’t quite know how to react either. On one hand, Soap and more importantly Johnny was alive, he was healed. On the other hand, he was a shell of his former self and far from the witty and friendly sergeant he once served with.

Simon looked like an animal in a corner. He was coiled up in himself, his arms crossed, and Price could see his knotted eyebrows under the mask.

Price only wanted to hang up the call. To throw the computer out the window nearest to him and possibly a chair as well.

“I’d like my sergeant back, Graves.”

“Hmmm, I think he’s mine now. It was my medical services that brought him back, Price.” Graves spat back. “Well, I’m glad you’ve made your introductions!”

Graves hung up the call. Price stood up and walked out the door. Simon stewed in his anger. Kyle went to go get his mind off it. Kate had some calls to make.

————

Hoped all of my lovely readers loved this. Sorry it took so long, 1.2k is nothing to sneeze at. I’ll probably do a follow up part but if you’re a veteran of my page you know Imm really bad about part twos.

If you loved it: hit up my inbox, like, reblog, and leave me a sweet little love note in my comments for more all are available options.

If you didn’t love it: pop on into my inbox, tell me what you want to see.

As stated up top- my door is always open, make sure to hit up my master list (pinned on profile) and my AU list (linked on master list) for more glimpses into my brain like this one. I love hearing what you want to see and I can only truly know that via comments and ESPECIALLY inbox messages

I love you all, be good, play nice, and keep reading on <3

72 notes · View notes

daddydixonscrossbow · 10 months ago

Text

Summary: After reader does something to ‘save the group’, it’s still seen as a problem by Rick.

Warnings: TWD themes, walkers, blood, killing/death, weapons, arguing, reader’s in their 20’s, Daryl and reader have something going on, Rick and reader don’t get along, gorey/horror-ish

I’ve had this idea stewing in my head for days

Word Count: 2.4k | unedited

»»———-　　———-««

You watched the walker drop to your feet as you withdrawal your knife from its skull, “Are there anymore?”

Maggie shakes her head, “No, I think that’s all of ‘em, for now, at least.” She lets out a sigh, “I just wanna get these kids to the kingdom. Who knows what’s going to happen with hilltop.”

You nod, “We will, okay.” You reach out and squeeze her arm, “These kids are my number one priority right now.”

“Alright. Let’s keep it movin’.” Rick announces, “Should be about another hours walk.”

Maggie moves to walk next to the carriage and you fall back to walk next to Daryl, “What’s going on with Rick lately?”

“Whatcha mean, darlin’?” He asks as he glances over at you.

You shrug, “He’s just been, how do I put it without sounding too mean.. mm.. a major ass?” Daryl chuckles at your words and you scoff, “I’m serious, Daryl. Maybe it’s just me but-“

“Nah, it is just you. I ain’t gon’lie.” Daryl smirks, adjusting his strap on his shoulder, “He don’t like how y’go against him sometimes.”

“All for good reason.” You mumble, and Daryl nods, “I know, I know. But it’s-“

“Just how Rick is.” You glance over at Daryl and he sighs, “He’ll come around, y’jus gotta fall back a little.”

“Fall back a little.” You laugh and shake your head, “You must not know me at all.” You smirk at him and he shrugs, shaking his head, “Know y’better than y’know yourself.”

Everything comes to a halt and you and Daryl quickly snap into action.

His cross bow up, and your pistol tight in your grasp, “What’s going on?” You whisper and Maggie turns around, “Rick see something.” She shrugs, “I don’t know, he just put his-“

“Everyone. Woods. Now..” Rick motions to the tree line and you, Sasha and Glenn instantly start helping Maggie get the kids out.

Luckily, there were only five on this trip, and most were old enough to understand what was happening. You motion for them to follow Maggie and you follow behind them.

“Maggie.” She looks at you and you motion towards a fallen tree and she nods, guiding the kids and in the direction.

Rick and Daryl stay back, closer to the road to see whats going on. You turn to Sasha, “Go with Maggie. I’m going to stay in between, watching for anything around us.”

“You sure?” She asks and you nod, “Yeah, just protect those kids.”

She nods and moves back with Maggie.

You look around, staying at the ready. Your blood was pumping as you seen an old car come to a stop, four people stepping out at once.

“Oh ho ho. What do we have here?” The one says from a distance, “Looks too fresh for it be left here, right?”

That wasn’t people from the kingdom, hilltop, or even Alexandria.

You glance back at everyone by the tree, and your attention is caught by some old sheds that are taken over by overgrown weeds.

You motion for Sasha and Maggie to look behind them and they both quickly pick up on what you’re saying. As they get ready to move, Rick, Daryl, and Glenn move to where you are and you can hear Rick sigh, “Why are they moving?”

“There’s some old sheds back there. I figured it would be sa-“

Rick cuts you off, “You think it’s best to move them when they’re literally right there on the road?”

“A’right, a’right, we don’t have time for this.” Daryl glances back towards the me and you watch as Maggie and Sasha get the kids into the sheds, them following.

Rick doesn’t say a word, he just looks down, shaking his head.

“Shit. They’re comin’.” Daryl pushes you against the tree and stands in front of you. Rick and Glenn move to different trees and you wait.

“They gotta be around here somewhere.” The one says, “With somethin’ like that, they can’t be too much further.”

“How many ya thinkin?”

“Probably a few. Ain’t no way someone solo is travelin’ like that.”

Daryl glances down at you, giving you a nod and you nod back. He leans out slightly and looks, leaning back in. He looks over at Rick and motions and Rick nods, mouthing, “Don’t. Move.”

You hear the footsteps get closer then they stop.

“Hey, Lyle. Over here.”

The footsteps depart and Glenn quickly makes his way to the sheds. Rick moves over to you and Daryl, “We need to wait them out.”

“They know we’re here, jus’dont know where.” Daryl shrugs, “We can take’em out, there’s only four of’em.”

“And risk open gun fire into the sheds, no.” Rick motions to the buildings and shakes his head, “No way.”

“I have a plan, but I don’t think either of you are gonna like it.” You look between them, “I’ll distract them. Two of them are bound to follow me. You guys get the other two, then go with Maggie, Sasha, and the kids.”

“You ain’t doin’ that alone.” Daryl argues and you shrug, “What other choice do we have?”

Rick stays quiet, and you sigh quietly, “I’m fast. I’ll lose them then loop around to the kingdom. Just tell them I’m coming and let them know about what happened.”

Before either one of them can stop you, you take off, running back the way you came from.

“Hey! Hey! There’s one!”

You were running as fast as your feet could carry you.

You ran for a few more minutes before you dive down behind some large rocks, giving yourself a few seconds to catch your breath before you get up. You peak around, looking to see if they’re coming.

Two of them are following. Just like you said they would.

You heard faint gun shots from where you left Daryl, and you can only hope that it was successful shots from your side.

“I think she went this way.”

“We gotta go back man, they probably killed Lyle and Paul.”

You being your gun around, firing off a quick shot which hits one in the arm, “Ah! Fuck!”

“Shit, shit, shit! Brian, hold on.”

You take your moment and keep going, ducking down when you hear the gun fire. You stop behind another big tree, panting as you check to see how many rounds you have left, and thankfully you have more than enough.

“Come on out, sweetheart. We just want to talk.” The man chuckles, “If anything.. I think we need to work on your aim.”

You roll your eyes, snapping your head over when you hear a few walkers making their way towards all the noise, “Shit.” You whisper quietly, resting your head back against the tree as you think quick.

“I promise I won’t hurt’cha.” The man sighs, “Here. I’ll even take care of these living dead shitbags for you.”

As he fires his gun, the guy you shot comes around the tree, only to be met with your gun to his face, “If you want your friend here to live I suggest pu-“

The guy fights back, slamming your wrist against the tree. You drop the gun, groaning as he pushes you against the tree. You kick out, catching him in his side and he groans, stumbling back, “Fuckin’ bitch.”

You drop down, picking up your gun and firing at him. His stomach takes the bullet and he drops to the ground, yelling for his friend, “Get her, Derek. Fuck, she’s right here.”

You feel a hand on your shoulder and it’s a walker. You grab its arm and push it towards the guy on the ground. His screams fill the air and you back up, waiting for the other guy to show his face.

A bullet smacks off the tree next to you and you turn to run. You duck down behind a fallen tree and aim, waiting for the perfect time.

The guy peaks his head out from behind the tree and you fire. You instantly hear the gurgling scream and that’s when you know, your aim is fine.

You walk back up, knifing the walkers in the skull as you make your way to where the guy was laying, choking on his own blood.

You bend down, taking his pistol, “Looks like my aim is just fine.” You walk back, killing the walker that ate half of the guys face. You grab his gun and keep walking.

As you make your way back to the sheds, a part of you hoped they were still there, but a part of you hoped they got the kids and ran.

You go to each of the shed doors, whispering before opening each one, and there was no trace of them. You let out a sigh of relief, walking up to the other two bodies that were lying on the ground.

One had a hole from an arrow and you couldn’t help but crack a smile.

The other one, you assume, Rick shot in the chest. You bend down, knifing him in the head before picking up the knife laying next to his body.

You make your way out to the road and start walking towards the kingdom.

If you had to guess, you were about a half hour or so, behind them. So it wouldn’t be long until Rick was tearing your head off.

You were tired, so you weren’t rushing to catch up to them, you knew you’d be fine. And you were. As soon as you walk up to the kingdom, you’re met with the guards and they let you in.

Sasha and Maggie run up to you, “You okay?” Maggie asks as she looks over your face, “Ya aren’t hurt are you?”

You shake your head, “I mean, my wrist might be a little bruised, but here.” You pull the two guns from your waist band and hand them to Sasha, “They were on the two that were following me.”

“You are one badass bitch.” Sasha laughs as she takes them, “Glad you’re good. Seriously.”

You nod, looking over at Daryl who’s leaning up against the one house and you give him a smirk.

That smirk is quickly taken away when Rick steps into your line of sight, “Can we, uh.. talk for a minute?”

“You mean yell at me for a minute?” You roll your eyes and look over at Maggie and Sasha who are walking away.

“You could have gotten everyone killed.” Rick grumbles, “Do you not think?”

“Oh no, Rick. I thought about it. I thought about the lives of those kids who made it here in one piece. I thought about just taking a shot at all of them. I thought about shoving you out in the open and letting them fire at you. Trust me, Rick. I thought about a lot of things out there.” You go to walk away and Rick keeps going, “I had a plan, y/n. Okay? I had a plan to get us all out of there without having to separate like that.”

“What? You were going to talk our way out of it? How many times has just talking your way out of it work? Huh? The, the, fuck. Terminus? Um, those guys on the road? Rick you bit a guys fucking throat out.”

“We’re not talking about terminus or the guys on the road. We’re talking about children, and how your actions about got them-“

“Don’t you dare put that on me.” You shake your head, walking up to him, “I made it easy on you. I ran, took two with me. From the looks of it, you and Daryl had it easy, or at least Daryl did. The chest, Rick? Really.” You laugh slightly, “I don’t understand why you have such a fucking problem with me.”

“You don’t listen to anything anyone says here.” Rick scoffs, “You’re rebellious. You’re thoughtful and you just do what you think is best. You crossed damn like, y/n.”

“I crossed a line?!” You laugh slightly, your anger boiling up even more, “You do what you think is best, right? Rick, I always have a plan. No matter who the hell I’m with. I always have a backup plan. An escape plan. Whatever.“ you shrug, “I’m a person of action.”

You turn to walk away but stop, “Oh, and they didn’t start firing until I was a good distance away from the sheds, so fuck off, Rick.”

“I want you out of here.”

You stop, looking up at Daryl who’s now walking over with his attention now turned to Rick.

You turn back, “What?”

“You heard me. You can leave in the morning.” Rick shrugs, “If you’re not going to consider everyone else’s safety then-“

“Those kids were and will continue to be my number one priority, Rick. Why are you so blind to see that I put my life on the line so you could get those kids here?”

“I didn’t ask you to do that. I told you to not move and what did you do?” Rick tilts his head and you squint, “Those kids are safe. I’m okay. You’re okay. What is the big fucking issue?”

“The issue is-“

Daryl cuts Rick off, “A’right, that’s enough. Drawin’ a crowd.”

Rick walks away and you purse your lips to try and not laugh, “someone’s gotta pull the stick out of his ass.”

“I told ya to lay off.” Daryl stares at you and you sigh, “Can we do this later, I need something for this wrist.”

“Yeah, c’mon. You can tell me what happened then I can give ya the whole spiel.” Daryl chuckles as he lays his arm over your shoulders.

“You know I’m right, Daryl.” You smirk up at him and he shakes his head, “I’m not sayin’ you’re not. I’m just sayin’ you can’t be doin’ what you did all the time, y/n.”

“You’re worried about me.” You tease with a smile and he scoffs, “Whatever ya wanna call it, a’right.” He leans in to kiss your head and you glare at Rick as you walk by him to go to medical.

»»———-　　———-««

This was just an idea off my head, I needed to write it. Sorry if it sucksss. Love yas!

Here’s a kiss for likin’ and reloggin’💋

124 notes · View notes