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historiaxvanserra · 5 months

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Whatever Our Souls Are Made Of | Chapter 2

Pairing: SingleDad!Rhys x Reader

Summary: The High Lord of Night makes a bargain with a beautiful Priestess and he has come to collect.

Word Count: 3.4k

Warnings: allusions to sexual assault, allusions to depression, abandonment, broken homes (y'know keeping it light, in all seriousness this is not all angst it's quite sweet actually).

Last night you dreamt you went to Hewn City again.

You are a girl; coloured in the shadowed jade light of the Moonstone Palace, and your body feels unlike your own. A hostile vessel-- empty and aching-- longing for some semblance of release. You call into the darkness words akin to prayers; Mother, save me; Father, please.

From the darkness no answer comes.

Then, as all dreamers are, you are possessed of a sudden magic; you walk the halls of The Moonstone Palace. As a shadow or a memory. The cursed daughter of a capricious Lord. An Ill-faded bride to a mercurial God. The time passes strangely there in the dark dreamscape; the passing of time marked only by the slivers of opal light that pierce through the blanket of the dark each night. Fractured rays of pearlescent light that dapple the marble floors and high, onyx ceilings. You cherish those fleeting moments where hope bleeds into you with the rapidly falling night. It is those moments you cling to as dawn breaks.

The morning light creeps in like hunger; veins of first light that cascade-- all golden and ephemeral-- cutting through the darkness of your dormitory as the dream slips away from you again. A figure, obscured by your sleep addled haze, falls into view and you feel it as their weight settles at your side. The feeling of a fine bone hand runs along your bare arm, soothing and gentle and she whispers words close to comfort to you as the world around you comes back to life.

A myriad of light and color.

“Clotho is looking for you,” Gwny smiles down at you and her eyes shine in the first light. All glinting cerulean -- flecked with gold -- reminiscent of a diadem your mother had worn when you were a girl. That diadem and all memory of the woman you called mother is little more than a distant dream now.

A cruel reminder of the home you left.

“What does she want?” You murmur lowly as the fleeting remnants of sleep still cling to you. You rise with haste from your bed with a quiet reluctance and make quick work of pulling on your heavy pewter robes before the morning chill has time to kiss its way up your bare skin. Judging by the slivers of gold light that spill onto the plush rug beneath your bare feet it must only be about 9am but nonetheless, you’re late at starting the day. Gwyn hovers by your cluttered desk, flicking over some of the parchments there, as you dress hastily. By the time you’re covered and running a comb through your unbound hair you turn to face her.

She’s dressed in dark training leathers and her long auburn hair is adorned with white and silver ribbons that make her look as though she is crowned in starlight. She is every inch the Valkyrie in this light you think. Half-divine with an ethereal look about her.

Like a tragic heroine from some old myth.

“I didn’t ask,” Gwyn shrugs and her eyes meet yours in the broken mirror as your fingers twist and braid your hair as it cascades over your shoulder. Something flickers in those blue gold eyes then, some devilment pools in them as she regards you with a delighted smile that arches on smirking.

“Come on, you’ve got a visitor too.” You smooth a hand over the ill-fitting robes and sigh dramatically as you collect the scrolls and the hastily written notes you’d been studying. Gwyn retreats from your dormitory laughing and humming playfully as you fall into step with her as she rounds the corner into the Library itself. A night chilled breeze graces you as you descend into the lower levels where Clotho will be waiting for you and as you approach the balcony overlooking the ground floor you catch the scent of night blooming jasmine and citrus.

That smell seems to follow you these days. It smells so much of the home that you left all those years ago.

A cruel trick of the mind.

Sunlight filters through the large stained glass window that lights the antechamber of the library and as you round the stone pillars the world as you know it is crowned in gold light as the shadowed sun beams illuminate the great cavern of the Library. The Library deep in the bowels of The House of Wind is a feat of architectural grandeur; Like Hewn City, the house itself is carved into the dark stone of the mountain that looms over the City of Starlight, and everything within is saturated in shades of coal and bone. The Library itself is made up of a series of levels and floors, all held in place by dark pillars of the same stone. The large Gothic archways are adorned with carvings and intricate patterns and tapestries -- embroidered on black cloth -- illustrate the mythos of the court you were born into. Tales of dark Gods and gentle maidens. As a girl you had spent many nights enamored by the dark magnetism of the Gods of old and the cruel and beautiful Goddesses they loved. The Library, sacred as it is, breeds a strange sense of reverence in you. For the knowledge contained between its sanctified walls.

The Library is home to the High Lord’s vast collection of Prythian’s mythological texts; Holy relics of the arcane Gods which had once been venerated and revered in these lands so long ago. All that is left of them now, resides in the deepest part of the Library, where you spend most of your days. There in the bowels of the Library something ancient and foreboding calls to you. The knowledge contained here in the dark heart of Velaris could bring kingdoms to their knees if one were so inclined. And in truth, you had thought about surrendering yourself to the call of the darkness that lies dormant in the depths of the mountains more times than you can count or would care to admit. In it, you feel something kindred to you; something aching and empty that resonates somewhere deep in your soul.

As if the very fibers of your being are composed of the same darkness.

When the High Lord had first brought you to the library-- broken and aching-- there existed in you a vengeful wrath that longed to rage until the mountains gave way beneath you. Until the men who had hurt you were nought but dust and age-worn bone. All that rage. All that grief. It had been a terrible thing; haunting and terrible. But it had been yours. So you clung to it, until the girl you were was dead and buried beneath that mountain. And from her ashes the woman was born; tempered by time, and made strong by the faith you had found there in the library’s darkening aisles, in sisterhood, and in forgiveness.

Your thoughts are interrupted by Gwyn’s gentle humming as you are cast out of the memories that come back to you in flashes of jade and twilight.

“I best get back to Merrill before she comes for my head,” Gwyn exclaims loudly, smiling so bright that you’re sure she must be up to something. You offer her a small nod and a polite goodbye which she returns in earnest as her footsteps fall in sporadic succession and they echo down the aisles. You smile at her fondly and descend further into the main floor of the library still clutching onto the hastily compiled notes that are stuffed into the small cloth bound book you had been reading. Anxiety pools in your stomach, coiling and twisting as you approach Clotho’s office.

The office is situated on the main floor of the library and as you approach through the long, empty aisles the door to Clotho’s office falls into view and the swings open with a magical flourish. Through it a large figure emerges followed by the beautiful Priestess, who looks utterly impassive, even in the presence of such an intimidating figure as the High Lord.

You had always admired Clotho; her unwavering courage and fierce devotion to the Priestesses in her care. Her soothing presence and gentle smiles had been a source of comfort and strength for you in those first few months where you had thought you might surrender yourself to the mercy of the darkness that lurks in the bottom of this sacred Library. Since then it is her courage that had made you strong and her friendship that you valued above all else. There was a faith in the sisterhood you had found here, bonds forged of suffering and healing, made strong by the time in these sacred walls.

Now you must find something else to put your faith into. Who or what that might be you are not entirely certain. Yourself perhaps. And though Clotho was hesitant about your decision to leave the library and her behind, she had offered you her support and comfort all the same.

You approach the Priestess and your High Lord with a quiet caution as your school your face to a neutral expression that doesn’t speak to your rippling anxiety at the thought of leaving the place you had come to know as home or the women who you had come to call family.

The High Lord catches your eyes first; he’s swathed in shadow as he steps out and then the light cast through the windows wreaths him in a halo of topaz light and when his violet eyes find yours in the empty aisle he smiles at you. A carefully curated thing that glitters with false charm and behind the violet of his irises you see the darkness that lurks within them. Something kindred to you.

Made of the same darkness.

“There she is!” The High Lord of Night muses, his well-sculpted arms branching out towards you as if in prayer, “my favorite acolyte.” The High Lord's voice is tempered and light, with an air of arrogance about him that makes you smile shyly as he makes three long strides towards you.

There it is again; night-blooming jasmine and mandarin.

Clotho waits a few paces behind him in wordless silence but the silver lined eyes and sad smile she offers you is an indicator of her true feelings at your leaving. And though you don’t broach the subject at that moment you offer her the promise to find her soon. So that you might say goodbye to your dearest friend in the privacy of her office. She only nods and quietly retreats into her office with a few books.

“I’ve sworn my vows,” You offer gently, surrendering yourself to the enigmatic male that stands before you.

Rhysand leans casually against the desk in the forum, his violet eyes trailing lazily over the elaborate cursive on the parchment left by another Priestess, one of his hands is buried in the pocket of his suit pants and the other flexing around the lip of the lectern. In this light, as the sun bleeds through the stained glass windows, he looks like an old God from one of the tapestries hung along the slate walls.

Cut from the same holy cloth.

At once The High Lord meets your eyes and you resist the urge to avert that arresting violet gaze. Instead you offer him the ghost of a smirk as you address him again.

“So, I believe it is Priestess to you, High Lord.” The High Lord’s laugh is a wondrous thing as it permeates the air, rich and deep, and shaded with that same dark magnetism you had witnessed that first night.

“Well then, Priestess, I believe we made a bargain,” Rhysand pushes himself from his perch on the armoire and closes the space between you. He’s so close that you swear he will hear the flutter of your heart as he meets your eyes, “and I’ve come to collect.” His voice drops an octave and the words are tainted with an air of seduction that makes you feel anxious even if you’re certain he doesn’t mean it. Even if you see the morose darkness behind those violet eyes.

Rhysand studies you carefully and you feel his eyes on you even as you turn to shelve the book that you had cradled in your arms. Your silence does little to calm the air around you as you turn swiftly from him. “You still want to come, yes?” Rhysand sounds hesitant and quiet as he broaches the subject. You swallow thickly and cast your eyes along the long aisle of the library you had called home for the last few years.

“Would it matter if I didn’t?” You laugh lightheartedly, gesturing to the tattoo brandished into your skin, still unable to meet his gaze. The High Lord doesn’t laugh. Doesn’t so much as smile half-heartedly. Rather, the High Lord draws dark, thick brows together as the swell of his bottom lip moves into a deep frown. So mournful and aching that you’re sure you feel your heart ache for him in response.

“Of course it would matter,” The High Lord’s voice wavers once more as he addresses you with a sad smile. He’s so beautiful in this light and you regard him as you do all holy things, with equal parts reverence and anxiety.

“You know that, don’t you?” There’s an uncertain quality to his demeanor that disarms you. He’s always struck you as this enigmatic and confident male, with an almost louche quality to him that seemed to exude and air of rehearsed arrogance. But now. Now you see him for what he is; something dark and beautiful and fragile. There is a hesitancy about him as he steps away from you as though the mere distance between you is enough for him to feel untethered to this plane. Left to drift amidst a vast, starless sky

It is you, who closes that gap once more in a bold display of trust and despite the tremor of your own hand when the heat of the High Lord’s golden skin melts into yours, you smile at him as one might smile at something lovely and full of sorrow.

And he smiles back-- as though you and he are not both broken, fragile things.

“Yes,” You admit truthfully.

There is so little that you are certain of now but you know this: that you and he are made of the same darkness -- born from the same star perhaps -- and that with him, you will always have a choice.

“Yes, I do, High Lord.”

______________________________________________________________

“This will be your bedroom,” Rhysand offers with a wave of his hand before it wraps around the burnished gold doorknob to reveal the room nestled between the nursery and his own chambers “I hope it is to your liking?”

The guest room in the High Lords townhouse is just as beautiful as the rest of the house; sunlight, golden and ephemeral, cuts through the drawn linen curtains and cascades along the dark mahogany floors. Through the open window you can hear melodious birdsong from the garden below and as you step into it’s heart, the view of the dark marble fountain at its center that looks as though it is carved from the same mountains that flank the city. The garden itself is coloured with the climbing ivy and moonflowers that arch up the trellis and is shaded by a thick canopy of cypress and bergamot trees, whose citrus scent seems to bleed into the room itself.

“It’s absolutely breathtaking,” You say, smiling so brightly that you’re sure it must rival the midday sun as it bathes you in its radiant light. The rooms' furnishings are made of rich rose wood and the walls are painted a muted sage blue color that reminds you so much of the robes you wear and the bed nestled into the alcove is adorned with many quilts and duvets of cream and pewter and mauve. You don’t think you’d ever seen anything quite as inviting.

The High Lord crosses the threshold and instead of joining you in the center of the room to admire the view of the gardens in the sunlight he opens the door to the adjoining bathroom. The bathroom itself is almost as big as the guest room, with a beautiful claw-foot tub in the middle of the room and both the walls and floors are made of a champagne marble with decadent flecks of gold. You take a few steps towards the washroom and perch by the door frame to admire the craftsmanship. Rhysand does the same and makes no effort to put any space between you as the quiet settles over you both as the shadowed sunlight illuminates the gold accents in the marble.

“There’s a writing desk over there,” Rhys says, retreating back into the main room, pointing towards a matching rose wood desk and chair with a mirror hung above it so that it doubles as a dressing table. “And an armoire there.” he points at the ornately carved chest of drawers by the desk.

“Though if you find you need more room for your clothes there’s plenty of space for another.”

“I think I’ll be alright with just the one,” You say lightly, eyes traveling to the small, worn leather bag at your feet that contains all of your worldly possessions; a few sets of nightclothes, two dresses that are half as old as you are, four well worn books that you had sequestered from the Library and a small collection of trinkets you’d collected over the last half a century. Hardly an extravagant amount of personal belongings but they were yours.

The High Lord hums thoughtfully at you and for a moment you think that he won’t think anything of it but then violet eyes drift to the worn leather satchel and though he doesn’t speak you see the look in his eyes as it morphs from neutral to something akin to pity.

You don’t want pity, you think, and you feel something dark and ravenous nip at the back of your throat. It’s an ugly thing that you bite your lip and swallow down lest you bite the hand that feeds you.

It had been so long since that anger and pride made itself known in your heart.

“If you need anything you just have to ask,” Rhysand says, offering you a polite smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes, he looks somewhere far off and you catch the scent of lilacs and pears when the breeze shifts, “whatever it is you want, you just have to ask.”

“Really Rhys, I don’t need anything else,” You make a move to haul your bag onto the plush velvet armchair by the window but in a flurry of movement Rhy takes it from you and places it on the small end table near the bed for you. “it’s beautiful, thank you.”

The High Lord does not respond, only smiles slyly at you from the end table, turning one of the straps of the brown leather bag in his deft fingers.

“What?” You ask with an accusatory tone, narrowing your eyes at the beautiful male beside you.

“Nothing,” The High Lord holds his hands up in surrender to you, his voice is velvet and lilting with his mirth as he looks at you again, “it’s just the first time you’ve called me my actual name.”

“I wonder what it would sound like in other situations.” He all but purrs and neither you nor he can manage to keep a straight face when you roll your eyes dramatically at him and elbow him sharply in the ribs.

The lull in the conversation comes with the passing of the afternoon clouds. They come in hordes of flowering grey and ivory, undercut with a darkness that spells a coming storm. In those quiet moments you watch as the confident facade that the High Lord wears so well melts away and he reverts back to the male you know him to be, tender and morose as the darkness in his eyes melts into a neutral expression that speaks to how truly tired he is.

“Get settled in and then come and find me later, Love.” Rhys voice is quiet and smooth and he offers you a gentle touch on your shoulder as he slips out into the hallway.

“Yes, High Lord.”

The High Lord’s eyes, iridescent and violet, meet yours and for a few moments while he is looking at you, you and he exist somewhere in the darkness between the stars.

TAGLIST: @awkardnerdd @ladybirdbeetle7 @lalaluch @saltedcoffeescotch @mybestfriendmademe @coisas-da-dani @justdreamstars

#acotar #acotar x reader #rhys x reader #rhys x you #rhys acotar #rhysand x reader #rhysand x you #rhysand fanfic #singledad!rhys x reader

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paladinbaby · 4 months

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can’t call you a stranger, but can’t call you up

14 lines from love letters or suicide notes, doc luben / the power unbound, freya marske; photo my own / biotherm (for bill berkson), frank o’hara / georgia, phoebe bridgers / joy is not promised to you, hanif abdurraqib interviewed by ruth awad / wolf or-7, natalie diaz / i’m not speaking first, hala alyan / owl and pussycat some years later, margaret atwood / the dogs i have kissed, trista mateer / i had a dream about you, richard siken

[Image Description: Ten images of text.

1: “The ivy grew too fast. I searched in so many spots. It seemed impossible that I had missed one. But I never found it. How can something be there, and then not there? How do we forgive ourselves for all the things we did not become?”

2: A square photo of the sky at sunset. There are dark trees along the bottom edge. The sky is blue but is mostly covered in clouds. Text in the top left corner reads “The past had a heavy fist around his heart. What he was wait-ing for was for it to physically hurt.” The text is a split up photo of a printed line.

3: “the moon is rising / I am always thinking of the moon rising / I am always thinking of you”

4: Black text on a blue background. “Will you have me / Or watch me fall? / If I fix you / Will you hate me?”

5: “I think what I value most are people who love me enough to be angry at me then come back and still love me. People who are patient with me when they have no right to be. People who know me well enough to know that I am a collage of failures with some really good intentions.”

6: “I confuse instinct for desire - isn’t bite also touch?” Bite and touch are written in italics. The whole line is highlighted in red.

7: “I want to love something. / I want to love something without having to apologise for it. Please don’t tell.”

8: “Anything can become a saint if you pray to it enough -”

9: A photo of a poem written out in a lined notebook, the spiral binding is visible on the right edge of the image. The first line is in block capitals. “I Swear Somewhere This Works

In a parallel universe or another world / or a different life

we sit across from each other

at the kitchen table

and go over / the grocery / list.”

10: “In the dream I don’t tell anyone, you put your head in my lap.” End ID.]

#litstack #web weaving #richard siken #hanif abdurraqib #power unbound #freya marske #frank o’hara #natalie diaz #pheobe bridgers #personal #c: lost township #onion

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ninthcircleofprythian · 25 days

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Unbound

Part 3 - We're Going To Solstice Dinner --- And We're Gonna Get Married

Series Summary - Not having a mating bond didn't stop the love Azriel and Celeste have for each other or their commitment. When an unknown magic lingering from Celeste's past causes her to lose all memories of the last century, will they be able to rebuild their life without a bond tethering them together?

Word Count - 3.7k

Warnings - light swearing

Author's Notes - Last of the background chapters before we head into present time. This is just pure sweet fluff.

Part 1 Part 2

Azriel winnowed to the doorstep of the River House at exactly the time they had planned. Taking a moment to adjust the collar of his dark suit and checking his inner jacket pocket for the small box once more. He gathered a deep breath of chilled winter air into his lungs and exhaled, attempting to steady his frazzled nerves. The exhale escaped him in more of a stutter than he intended, but before his galloping heartbeat could get the best of him, he swung open the door without even bothering to knock.

“Well, well, well,” came Cassian’s voice from the dining room as Az made his appearance in the foyer. “Look who decided to finally grace us with his presence.”

Az joined the gathered group scattered around the dining room, sidling over to the bar where Rhys was pouring. “Thought you might need this,” he chuckled, handing Az a half filled glass. “The speculation is in full force already.” Rhys clapped a hand on Azriel’s shoulder. With a low whisper he leaned closer to Az’s ear, where the shadows' own speculation was also in full force. “You alright brother?”

Azriel swallowed slowly, savoring the oaky blend and allowing the burn in his throat to ground him somewhat. “Yeah.”

“Was she free tonight?” Feyre questioned from her seat on the bar sofa. “Is she coming?”

“She had dinner plans already,” Az watched Feyre’s face fall with disappointment. “But she’s coming for gifts after.”

Feyre’s face switched quickly to joy as she clapped her hands and squealed.

“Honestly, you all act like Shadowsinger has never had a lover before.” Amren posited dryly from her seat next to Mor on the opposite loveseat.

“He’s never brought one around to meet us before,” Mor stated as she lounged, legs crossed in her silvery gown, her own glass of whiskey in hand.

“This isn’t just any lover. This is the lover,” Nesta’s slitted eyes met Azriel’s as she joined the conversation from behind Mor. “Isn’t that right Az?”

Azriel felt the sweat crop up along his palms and he readjusted his tenuous hold on the whiskey glass. Before he could gather enough brainpower to respond, Rhys cut in. “Please, let’s not torture the poor guy all night. We will meet her soon enough, she’s coming after dinner.” Rhys’s hand squeezed on Az’s shoulder before vacating. “So let’s eat.”

“Finally,” Cassian sighed, already claiming his seat and rubbing his hands together over the tabletop.

“Is that all your brain thinks about Cassian? Food?” Amren asked with a grimace.

“Not the only thing dear Amren. As a matter of fact it’s the three F’s,” Cassian beamed a sly smile in Amren’s direction. “Fighting, Food and Fuc—”

“Cassian.” Rhys warned with a snap as Mor guffawed loudly and Feyre cracked out a laugh. Mor ambled over to sit in the seat next to Nesta, Amren having already taken the one to her other side.

“No, slide down Mor.” Nesta instructed, waving her hand. “Celeste is coming too.”

At the sound of her name Azriel felt his heart pause before slamming back into rhythm with a start. The color had fled from his face a bit causing a reaction from Cassian next to him.

“Feeling alright there Azzy boy?” Cassian elbowed him harshly. “Having second thoughts?”

Once again Rhys stepped in. “I said enough, Cas.” This time the look wasn’t as lighthearted in Cassian’s direction. His violet eyes darkening, Rhys took his seat at the other end of the table next to his mate.

Azriel gave an appreciative nod in Rhys' direction. “No. No second thoughts,” he began as he drained the last of his whiskey. “I’m just starving. Kicking your ass earlier today really worked up an appetite.”

A pattering wave of laughter spread around the table as Elain took her seat at the end, right between Amren and Azriel. “I made something special for dessert, aside from Feyre’s cake of course.” She smiled sweetly towards her sister. “For the special occasion.” She swiveled her sweet smile towards Azriel.

He returned the gesture with a soft countenance. “Thank you Elain. That was very kind.”

A knock rang through the entryway, feeling almost as loud as Azriel’s heartbeat.

“That’s probably Celeste.” Nesta declared as she rose to answer the door. Azriel glanced at his empty glass and silently wished he had brought the bottle to the table with him.

“I’m so sorry I’m late.” her lustrous voice carried like a song. “I hope you weren’t waiting on my account.”

“No no, we just sat down. You haven’t missed anything.” Nesta leaned into Celeste’s ear with a conspiratorial grin as she whispered, “His secret lover won’t be coming until after dinner.” Celeste bit down a little too hard on her lip in a smirk as Nesta led her to the seat next to herself.

Settling herself into her seat, Celeste ran a smoothing hand over her silver dress, drawing Azriel’s attention to the flare of her hips. “Great minds think alike,” she commented toward Mor with a nod.

Noticing the similarly colored dresses they both wore, Mor gave a giggle. “They do! You look stunning Celeste, that’s definitely your color.” Turning to face the rest of the table, “Ok let’s dig in. I’m ready for presents.”

The food made its rotation around the table, passed from plate to plate. The conversations picked up immediately and the buzz filled the room. Azriel sat quietly in observance, his brain also buzzing with no room to think up small talk.

“Wine?” Elain offered as she tipped the bottle toward his empty glass.

With a flick of his wrist he waved, the shadows covering the opening to his glass before he could answer. “No thank you. I’m fine.” The last thing he needed tonight was to allow his nerves to get the best of him and end up drunk before the grand reveal.

He risked a quick peek across the table, catching sight of Celeste’s stately profile. The smile that graced her face, crinkling the scar across her nose, was true and bright. Suddenly, her eyes popped open wide as her brows shot up nearly to her hairline. Whatever piece of gossip Nesta was whispering between them must have been piping hot. A few supremely salacious words made their way to Azriel’s ears between the hum of other conversations, color rising along his cheeks at the scene they painted.

“If you think that’s spicy,” Cassian leaned to Az’s shoulder. “You should hear what possibilities Nes has been spinning about you and your lady friend.” Cas winked at his brother with a nudge. Luckily Rhys was far enough down the table to not hear the teasing and give Cassian yet another warning, but Nes did shoot him an icy glare from across the table. A swift bang echoed from under the table just as Cassian yelped, reaching down to rub at his shin with a laugh.

The exclamations and occasional laughs eventually died down around the table to barely a droll as they all sat around satiated on rich food and wine.

Right on schedule, a slip of paper fluttered down from thin air directly above Celeste’s place setting. Reading it with a studied brow, she apologized. “Oh no. I’m so sorry. I have to head out,” she flipped the note pointedly in her hand. “Duty calls.”

Azriel’s heart ramped back up to a gallop as he consciously slipped into his mask of indifference. The smooth execution of her act almost caused a nervous noise to escape him.

“Nothing too serious I hope?” Rhys said with slight concern.

“Oh no. Nothing terribly urgent. I actually have a moment or two before I need to leave.” She rose swiftly from the table, her hand slipping casually into her anxious tell that Az recognized immediately. “Actually Rhysand, would you mind if I passed along my gifts before I left?”

“Not at all,” he gestured widely with an arm toward the living room. “We were about to head there ourselves.”

At his cue the scrape of chairs sounded, the chatter rising to a hum again. Feyre stepped from Rhys’s side as he headed across the foyer and she held back her steps to fall in line with Az.

“I’m about to burst with anticipation, I can’t imagine how you must be feeling. I’m just so excited to meet her Az,” she panted out in a rush. Azriel extended his elbow in a request to escort Feyre across the short distance.

“Soon,” he said richly. “Very soon.”

Knowing that Celeste hadn’t brought gifts for everyone since she was really only close with Nesta and Mor, they all milled about in preparation to wait for their impending guest.

Nesta and Mor had seated themselves next to each other on the sofa. Az directed Feyre into the third seat on the cushions, as he took a leaning seat on the arm of the furniture. Cas and Rhys were chatting casually next to the armchair where Elain sat placidly, tiny Amren nearly being engulfed in the one next to her. Celeste swept over to the window where the pile of presents had materialized with Rhys’ magic as soon as they had entered the room.

Plucking an armful from the top of the stack she deftly turned to pass them out.

“To our gracious hosts for gathering us all here tonight,” two packages were handed out to the mates. Feyre carefully opened the petite package, thanking Celeste gratefully for the shimmering paint additive to create glimmering paints.

“It’s wonderful, Celeste. Thank you.” Rhys’ thanks carried as he held up a dark amber liquid in a beautiful crystal cut bottle.

Azriels attention was elsewhere as his shadows pulled against the mental leash he was holding them on, wanting to reach out and gather around Celeste as she stood so close. She watched Nesta and Mor open equally thoughtful gifts, but his eye caught the movement of her hand. Thumb tucked between her fingers worrying at the webbing between them. Until tonight, it was something he hadn’t seen her do in months.

This is it. This is it. This is it.

His heart and his shadows pulsed to the thoughts. At just the right moment, a small thump sounded in the quiet and another small package fell onto the large pile by the window.

“Is that my birthday present?” Feyre asked her mate with glee in her eye. Rhys just shrugged, corners of his mouth pulled down as he answered. “That wasn’t me.”

Nesta had already leaned down and held the positively tiny box in her palm. “It has your name on it.” She passed the package off to Celeste with a quizzical look crossing her brow.

“Whose it from?” asked Mor, with an equally puzzled quirk.

“I don’t know,” a cautious smile blooming across her face. “It doesn’t say.” Without waiting for any prompting, she tore off the scrap of paper and revealed a small cobalt velvet box. By this point, the mention of a mysterious gifter had gained interest of the entire party as they turned their attention to the tiny package as well.

This is it. This is it. This is it.

Celeste’s hands shook slightly as she touched the soft crush of the fabric exterior. Even though this plan had been mostly her idea and she knew what was happening, she still felt like she was about to jump out of her skin.

Rocking the top of the box back on smooth hinges, she gasped. A truly shocked and surprised gasp. What she had expected to be nestled in the tiny ring box were the simple gold bands that Azriel had rushed off to buy at the very last minute in preparation for this plan.

Instead what she saw glittering next to the gold band meant for Az, was a twined band of beautiful obsidian and pristine white gold. Set between the intersecting waves of each color, seven flecks of sapphire blue shimmered around the entire ring. Unbeknownst to Celeste, he had switched out the ring with the one he had been secretly stashing in his top dresser drawer for the last six months.

“What is it?” asked Elain, her hand laid on her chest in anticipation at Celeste’s shock.

“Who. Is. It. From?” Mor practically shouted, the suspense nearly killing her.

All the bodies in the room had collectively begun holding their breath without even realizing it.

Instead of the racing heart and pounding chest he had expected to feel in this moment, the only thing Azriel felt was peace and the pull of his shadows trying to rush to Celeste’s frame. Holding them back for just a moment longer he righted himself from his perch on the sofa arm and with a flare of his wings he stepped forward to meet her in the middle of the room.

“It’s from me,” his deep voice rang clear. His scarred hand swiftly plucked the box from Celeste’s open palm and he removed the ring, setting the box on the low table to his right. Grasping her left hand he carefully slipped the ring over her thumb, following the tradition of her birthplace. The shadows now released from their leash, they swept furiously over their joined hands. “To my sweetheart on her first Solstice – as my wife .”

Everyone watched the scene playing out, their racing thoughts still catching up to the moment they had just witnessed. Before anyone could utter a single noise, Az had slipped one arm around Celeste’s waist, the other reaching into her hair along her neck and swooped in for a burning kiss.

He felt her knees go weak as he deepened into the kiss, supporting her body with the arm encircling around her back. Drawing back, he pressed his forehead against hers. Gasps and voices erupted around them, but he just stood there gazing into Celeste’s eyes, tears cresting over her lashes.

“Breathe,” Az whispered against her temple.

Drawing in a shuddering breath, Celeste leaned briefly from his grasp. Her knees still a little shaky as she grabbed the box and pulled out the band. Turning back into Az’s hold, she slipped it over his own thumb.

“Happy Solstice Az – my husband.” The last two words came out in a trembling whisper as her tears flowed in earnest now.

“Ok. I’ll admit, I didn’t know it this time,” Mor threw up her hands in defeat.

Nesta, forgoing her normally severe resting face, held a mirthful smile. “Oh this is too good. I need to know everything,” she laughed. “Pronto.”

Feyre had jumped from her seat, bouncing on the balls of her feet, hands clasped by her throat and tears in her eyes. “You two? The whole time?! Oh gods. Oh Az—Celeste. I can't believe it–I–I.”

“What she’s trying to say,” Rhys said, ringing the room to face the happy couple. “Is we are thrilled for you both. Congratulations.” His eyes met Az’s with loving words that needn’t be spoken. “What a reveal,” he chuffed out.

“How wonderful!” Elain exclaimed breathily as she clutched onto Amren’s arm from her seat.

“Nicely done, Shadowsinger.” Amren piped up from her seat, still sitting primly with no sign of surprise upon her face, but a shimmering silver could be seen glinting from her lower lashes. “Very nicely done.”

“It was all her idea really,” Az credited as he turned his eyes back to Celeste’s face where she held a smile big enough to make her cheeks ache.

“I never knew you were such a romantic, Amren.” Rhys teased.

“Enough out of you, boy.” She glared, attempting to swipe away the wetness before anyone else noticed.

The only one who hadn’t said anything, still standing to the side in open mouth surprise, was Cassian. Finally jump-starting his brain into working, he rounded a path around Rhys and approached the couple. With arms spread wide, he practically jerked Azriel into a bone crushing hug.

“Congrats brother,” he whispered tearfully into Az’s ear. “I am so very happy for you.”

Azriel’s hold on Celeste fell as he returned his brother’s affection. Cassian held on a few moments more before pulling back promptly and switching his attention to Celeste. Before Azriel could react, Cas had grabbed her by the shoulders and yanked her in, planting a loud smacking kiss to her cheek. “Welcome to the family, Celeste. It’s a hell of a ride.”

A low growl left Azriel’s chest but it was quickly dissipated by the astonishingly luminous laugh that burst out of Celeste.

“Thank you, Cassian. I look forward to spending more time in your company,” she managed to get out through her laughter.

“Ha!” Cas shot out, roughly clapping a hand on Celeste’s shoulder. “I knew I liked you.”

Hours passed and the mood in the room had mellowed into a comfortably tired rhythm of twilight. Wrapping paper littered the floor and various surfaces and open gifts piled in front of their receivers. Amren, Mor and Elain had already called it a night, leaving just the couples gathered in the heat emanating from the fireplace. Celeste was tucked into Azriel's side on the sofa next to him and engaged in a lively conversation with Nesta who was perched on Cassian’s lap in the armchair next to them. Feyre and Rhys just listened intently, an occasional word between them as their hands hung joined between their two seats.

Azriel very much wanted to call it a night as well considering it was technically their wedding night but as he watched the happiness on his wife’s face in the firelight he decided he could wait just a bit longer. They had forever after all. As he watched the light reflected in Celeste’s eyes, he was flooded with a sudden and intense pull from the depths of the chasm inside him. A feeling of happiness and contentment and a twinge of melancholy.

Trying to hide the burn that welled up in his throat and threatened to reach his eyes, Az used the pause in conversation to whisper against Celeste’s hair.

“And where is this other part of my present?”

She shot upright exclaiming, “I forgot all about it!” Leaning toward the low table, she snatched her tiny purse and rummaged inside, pulling out a package about the length of her hand. “Here,” she smiled wickedly as she plopped it in his hand.

Az pulled the twine bow and ran his thick finger through the paper, tearing it in one large rip. He tipped the contents of the box into his palm to reveal a heavily weighted, golden cup. Rotating it around, he read the inscription written across the platformed stand attached to the bottom.

“I heard it's tradition to give the trophy away every year,” Celeste said mellowly. “So I thought you might want one to keep. It seemed like too lucky a number to not commemorate.”

The burn had already breached past his throat and into his eyes and he no longer tried to rein it in. He pushed out a small choked laugh between the tears.

Swiveling to look at Celeste directly, Az met her gaze. “Yeah. Turns out it was very lucky.”

Leaning in, Celeste brushed a soft kiss to his lips before he deepened it with fervor.

“Aw Az, it looks like someone did bet on you after all!” Cassian crooned from beside him as the sisters released pattering giggles. Azriel’s lips still pressed to hers, Celeste joined in with a giggle of her own.

“Well, actually–” she pulled away sheepishly. “I waited until I knew you won before I had them finish the engraving.”

Jerking back slightly in surprise, Az’s eyebrows shot up in amusement before he twisted them into theatrical pain and clutched at his chest.

“Solidarity brother!” Cas shouted with a barking laugh.

This time it was Azriel’s booming laugh that rang loud, joining in the resounding ones of his brothers. Celeste felt her own twinge low in her gut as she basked in the sound, tucking it away in her memory for keeps.

Taglist - @mybestfriendmademe @lilah-asteria @chairofchaos

#azriel shadowsinger #azriel fanfiction #azriel acotar #azriel x oc #azriel x original character #acotar fanfiction #acotar series #acomaf #acowar #acofas #acosf #azriel fluff

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whereisten · 11 months

Text

Late Night Adventures with a Green-Haired Kingpin

*Wildcard Ending*

Summary: You couldn’t quite explain how you, a normal office worker that didn’t even have a traffic violation, ended up in a gang leader’s bed, but here you are.

Genre: angst, fluff, smut, mafia

Pairing: Gang Leader!Taeyong X female reader (who is also a gang leader now)

Warning: violence, graphic descriptions of death and murder, cursing, cheating, toxic relationship, gun and knife mention, possessiveness, manipulation and blackmail, alcohol and cigarette use, character death, smut (unprotected (be safe!), rough sex, impregnation k!nk, dirty talk)

Word Count: 12.2K

(a/n: wow wow wowww we have finally reached the end of this series, I can’t believe it, I’m actually kinda sad to say goodbye. Greenie, I will miss you :( anyway! I hope you enjoy the finale, both endings start off the same for about 1k words, then veer off to two completely different scenarios, so I hope you’ll consider reading both. let me know what you think about them! I had fun writing both! its been some time so my writing style has changed, hope thats okay. Thank you for your support <3)

“Do you think not eating will make me pity you?” Jaehyun stares at you sitting across the table from him sternly.

You look down at your now unbound wrists in your lap then up to the guards standing in all four corners of his dining room. You couldn’t escape if you tried.

“What’s your plan here? What’s your goal? You’ve already killed Yuta…I’m willing to give you everything we owned..and yet..you don’t want it.”

You sniffle as you think of your last moments with Yuta. As frustrating as he was, you didn’t want him to die. You never wanted him to feel pain. He was just a young, insecure guy whose downfalls could’ve been redeemed if given the chance. And in just under a minute, all that was taken from him.

You sit there, stitched up and still in pain as tears fall onto your hands.

Jaehyun carefully cuts the fat from his steak. “Oh..you misunderstand me..I do want everything, and I will take it when I please..but I also want Taeyong to pay for his, and his father’s, wrongdoings. You also must pay for your wrongdoings. You chose to protect your men, I chose to avenge my sister. With each choice comes a consequence, wouldn’t you agree?”

You don’t nod, you only cry harder. A slight feeling of shame hits you and you think of how Yuta would scold the shit out of you for showing weakness if he were alive to see it.

“Hmm?” Jaehyun places a finger on your chin and tilts it upward. You were too lost in your tears to notice he had walked over to you while carrying a piece of steak on a fork.

The annoyingly handsome man smiles slowly while tilting his head. “I have no doubt that Taeyong will find the whereabouts of your men and bring an end to this chapter, I always get what I want.”

You chuckle and brush his hand away. “You’re a fool, he knows I’d never forgive him for revealing that.”

You wince as a sharp pain cuts deep into you again, reminding you of the accident that occurred just hours prior.

“Me? A fool? Hmm and yet you’re in this situation with no Superman to save you..your other hero lay dead, headless, and covered in bugs as the first stage of decomposition starts and-“

“Fuck you! Don’t talk about him like that! You think you’re better than him, but the truth is your daddy gave you everything! You’re nothing but a spoiled brat struggling to fit into his big man pants for the day!” You stare into his eyes and curse him through gritted teeth. Before you can take another breath, he grabs your chin and tightens his grip, then stabs your wound with the opposite end of the fork.

You scream at the sudden pain while trying to escape his hold, but you can’t get away from him. He laughs as you squirm in pain.

“And are you so different? Fucking a kingpin on the first night of meeting him? Learning all there is to know about this business just so you can fuck another man and become work buddies?”

Your eyes widen as your eyes slowly drift up to his.

Jaehyun pouts. “Oh..you didn’t know that I know you’re a whore, a smart whore, but a whore nonetheless. You spread your legs for Taeyong and it got him all googly-eyed and stupid, so stupid he gave you everything. Fuck, pussy must’ve been that good.”

He laughs as he shoves the utensil in deeper. You groan. “Stop!”

“Inheritance is inheritance, who cares how it’s gained..isn’t that right, honey?” The wild look in his eyes reassured you that he was having fun with this.

“Fuck you! You know nothing about me! You’re lucky your dad worked his ass off so you don’t have to lift a finger, you fucking asshole!”

“You know so much, honey. You’ve also got a dirty mouth. Be careful or I might start to like you.”

Your nose flares as you breathe heavily.

He uses his hand on your chin to pull you upwards into a standing position. You try to fight him off, but he overpowers you easily. Something about him makes his strength feel unlike anything you’ve ever felt before.

He releases his grip and moves to stand behind you. He then holds the piece of steak up to your face. “Now, eat.”

You turn your head away, letting out a huff. Jaehyun pushes two fingers into your wound, making you scream again and bend over. “Stop! Please!” You grip the edge of the table, still trying to fight him off.

He only chuckles and pushes his fingers in deeper. “Just open your mouth and I’ll stop, it’s pretty easy.”

You cry harder, but do as he says, opening your mouth as he places the fork inside.

“There you go, good girl.” He smiles again as you chew.

He lets you go and walks back to his seat at the table, leaving you a crying mess. It takes you some time and strength to sit back in your seat, your hand over your wound as blood begins to pour out.

“You and your men are starting to piss me off, but as I said before I always get what I want.” He cuts into the steak slowly, the fork and knife held by his fingers still covered in your blood.

You feel weak, his face becomes a blur and you pass out within seconds.

[5 Hours Later]

With only a few hours left, Taeyong arrives at Jaehyun’s mansion. He sits on the couch and waits for Jaehyun to show up.

He hadn’t slept all night, he’d been working with Taeil to figure out where your men were. He immediately knew he was going to find them and give their location away to save you. As he said before, he didn’t give two shits about them and didn’t care if that offended or upset you. Yuta was killed and he needed to save you before it was too late. He lost his best friend, he couldn’t lose his true love too. Furthermore, you could help him find Haeju.

Jaehyun arrives after about 5 minutes, walking towards the love seat facing him. You walk in after him. Taeyong’s eyes follow the leash connecting Jaehyun’s clenched fist to the collar around your neck and nearly loses it. Taeyong is saddened to see you like this, your shirt stained with blood, your eyes low and red from crying, and your face drained. To make matters worse, the collar has chrome letters decorating it to spell out ‘JAEHYUN’S’.

He truly was a petty and sick man.

“Kneel.” Jaehyun commands while pointing to the spot beside his feet on the floor.

Taeyong’s eyes grow. How dare he, he’s out of his mind. His heart starts to race as he grows angry. “N-“

“It’s okay, Taeyong..I’m okay.” You kneel quickly, ignoring the fact that Jaehyun was hell-bent on breaking you down and putting you below him. He was exactly as you told him, a spoiled brat.

“Good girl.” He smirks as if hearing your thoughts.

Taeyong grits his teeth when he sees you clutching your stomach and wincing.

“She needs to rest.” He says to Jaehyun sternly.

“Oh god, I hope that’s not what you came here to tell me.” Jaehyun rolls his eyes, leaning back and taking in Taeyong’s irritated appearance. He knows he’s practically two seconds away from lunging at him, and he loves it.

“Taeyong..you don’t have time.” You whisper through a strained breath. Kneeling in that position puts more pressure on your wound.

Taeyong swallows hard. “Fine..here..the coordinates of where their men, along with my own will be meeting. I faked a message from Yuta’s number calling for an emergency meeting at 12.”

Your eyes grow, you shake your head. “No! What are you-“

He continues. “It’s a warehouse, so there will be approximately 5 exits your men will have to cover. Do what you will, they mean nothing to me now, let y/n go so I can save my sister.”

“Taeyong, don’t do this.” You start to cry once you see the paper Taeyong places on the center table.

“Oh? It’s that easy, is it?” Jaehyun crosses a leg over the other, his dimples showing through as he grins.

Jaehyun’s right hand man grabs the paper and leaves the room to make preparations for an attack.

“I gave you what you asked for, now let her go.” Taeyong doesn’t look at you, for the sight will drive him mad if this takes any longer.

Jaehyun nods. “Sure. Go on.”

And it’s a little too easy. No catch? No pause? Just freedom? Oh no..you both knew Jaehyun better.

You start to crawl towards Taeyong, and once you’re within an arm's reach away, Jaehyun tugs the leash hard and snatches you by the collar back towards him. You yelp and grab at the collar once it tightens.

“But..I didn’t get what I asked for, did I?”

Taeyong stands up. “Stop with the fucking games! Let her go!”

You cough and gasp for air.

Jaehyun shakes his head while laughing. “I think she can stay beside me for a few more minutes..at least until my guys confirm yours are dead. It’s only fair. Or…you could stay here and let your sister die.”

Taeyong sighs and sits back down.

After a few seconds, he says through gritted teeth. “You’re an asshole.”

Jaehyun nods. “Yes..well, it’s just another day.”

“Just…five minutes..give me five minutes then.” Taeyong looks into his eyes, trying to hide his embarrassing tone of desperation.

Jaehyun scoffs then eyes him up and down. “You don’t need five minutes, you probably finish in two..”

“You broke your own rule and lied..the least you can do is give us that…I don’t even know if I’ll see him again.” You growl at him.

Jaehyun looks down at you. “Ahh..and the bitch makes another demand.”

Taeyong's eyes narrow, he never thought he'd feel such a burning urge to kill anyone as strong as this.

“Two minutes and bring my toy back unharmed.” Jaehyun lets the leash go.

Taeyong quickly kneels to the ground with you and holds you in his arms closely. He helps you up to your feet then quickly walks you outside.

“Listen, we don’t have much time but trust me, okay?”

You sniffle and shake your head. “Taeyong, you bastard, I’ll never forgive you for this.”

He holds both of your arms and holds you firm towards him, his eyes growing as his grip tightens. “Y/n, just trust me!”

You nod, but don’t look into his eyes.

“I’m..sorry I couldn’t save you, but I know he won’t kill you, he needs to have something over me and as of right now, he knows it’s you..it’s you above everything..look at me.” He uses his finger to bring your chin up towards him.

Your teary eyes finally meet his, melting him where he stands. Had his mind not been in a million places at once, he would’ve kissed you until the sun set. “I love you.”

“That’s not enough, Taeyong..what are you going to do?”

“First, I’m going to save Haeju, then I’ll come back for you, just wait for me, I promise..”

You nod. For a moment, you had forgotten that Haeju was running out of time. “She’s probably at the pit, it’s a house in the middle of nowhere..here take this.” You hurriedly hand him your smart watch. While getting stitched up, you remembered that it was connected to a tracker you left inside a vase at the house. The watch could pinpoint where it was once the app was activated.

“Follow it quickly, it’s just a guess, but I doubt Yuta would leave her in a place that I don’t know of.”

Taeyong nods. “Thank you, do whatever he says, give him whatever he asks for..just until I get back, okay?”

You nod. “Please…be careful.”

He can’t hold back any longer. He leans down and kisses you deeply, drawing you in as your eyes shut. Your heart starts to race and tears flow down your cheeks as you think this will be the last time, if not for a while, then for forever.

Taeyong feels himself tearing up as well. He remembers all the moments you spent together and the times you made him happy. He remembers when you lived together like a normal couple and how your smile brightened every day for him. Losing Yuta was too much for him to bear, he knew he couldn’t lose you too.

You finally pull away and press a hand to his chest. “You have to hurry.” You swallow hard and look away.

He nods and hurries out of the mansion.

You watch him walk away and it feels like everything moves in slow motion. You’re being dragged back into the room by the guards, your arms ache, but all you can do is watch Taeyong leave. Your heart breaks slowly as you know it will be the last time you see your green-haired lover. You don’t feel the guards tightening rope around your wrists once more.

Jaehyun places an arm along the top of the couch, watching you sit still on the couch across from him.

About 30 minutes pass as you stare at the ground and Jaehyun checks his emails and calendar on his phone.

He finally places it down and grabs your leash.

“So…How does it feel? To be used and thrown away like nothing?”

You chuckle and look up to him. “He isn’t throwing me away, he’s saving his sister..then he’ll kill you.”

Jaehyun only laughs. “Why do you even care for that freak?”

You sigh and rest your back against the cushion. Maybe if you visualize yourself choking the life out of Jaehyun, you’ll be satisfied enough.

“It doesn’t matter to you.”

“Well..do you love him?”

“If I say yes, will you leave us alone?”

Jaehyun laughs again, his dimples showing through even in the dim lighting of the gold-lined room. “Now, you know I can’t do that.”

You laugh. “Of course…coward.. are you scared you’d have to keep looking over your shoulder?”

He smirks, tilting his head as he observes the collar around your neck. “You’re lucky I need you.”

“And you’re lucky I’m tied up right now! You bastard!”

“Hey hey hey..” he yanks the leash, bringing you to the edge of the couch. You steady yourself on your knees to avoid falling off.

“No need to yell, you’re funny, but don’t push your luck with me..” he stares into your eyes and there’s a dark glint in them this time. For once, you genuinely feel threatened and it sends shivers down your spine.

“Boss!” One of his henchmen bursts into the room.

“It was a set up!”

Jaehyun lets the leash go and stands up. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

The man hands the phone to his right-hand man. You strain your ears to listen and hear they were unable to make contact with the team that set out to kill your members at the meeting. The back up team arrived at the location Taeyong told him about and discovered that Jaehyun’s men were victims of a building bombing. Bombs were set up and detonated when the clock struck 12, killing all of Jaehyun’s men. Your guys were safe, the meeting was faked.

Taeyong must have met with your guys and devised the plan while he was gone. He knew it was risky, but took a chance anyway, knowing that Jaehyun would trust him if he left you behind.

You smile in relief, but know you’re about to see a side of Jaehyun you’d never seen before.

You can’t help but laugh when you see his face become drained of all color while listening to the person speak over the line.

He throws the phone to the floor, watching it break into several pieces. He stomps over to you quickly and grabs you by the collar, raising you off the couch as you whine.

“Did you fucking know about this?” He takes a knife out of his pocket and presses the tip into the space just below your jaw.

However, you don’t stop laughing, it was about time the bastard felt pain like you did.

“Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t, maybe I don’t even know what you’re talking about.” You chuckle and the knife goes in deeper. You could care less what he did to you, you just wanted your guys to be safe and Haeju to be found before it was too late

He growls then throws you back down onto the couch. “Fucking bitch!”

“What’s the problem? Daddy can’t fix this for you?” You say in an annoying high pitched voice. Jaehyun slaps you hard, making you split blood onto the couch. You go dizzy for a moment, but resume your laughing fit.

“First, I’ll tear him limb from limb, then gonna kill him in front of you!” Jaehyun growls.

You chuckle. “You idiot. You killed him the moment you killed Yuta and took me away, you killed him the moment you made him choose between his sister and me..”

Jaehyun stops his pace and smiles slowly. “Hmmm..you’ve given me an idea actually.. what’s worse than killing someone quickly?”

You sniffle while sitting up slowly. What is he getting at?

He sits beside you, making you slightly nervous with the close proximity. Would he kill you now? “Killing them slowly..what if I *did* marry his sister?..he’d have to see my face, always next to his poor, innocent sister’s, and regret being alive every single day.”

You turn to him, shaking your head furiously. “No..it’s not what Haeju deserves..leave her out of this..”

Jaehyun looks down at you with furrowed brows, taking the leash up slowly into his palm. “Now..now, you’re in no position to be making demands..unless..you’d like me to marry you instead?”

You knew what he wanted. To not only hold his marriage with you above Taeyong’s head, but to gain complete access to your money and assets now that Yuta is dead.

You chuckle. “You’re insane.”

He stands up. “Fine. Haeju it is.”

You jump to your feet. “No! Neither of us..you won’t hurt him this way, you’ll only dig a deeper grave for yourself if you marry either of us in front of him!”

“Well, sweetheart, I’m quite the daring person, I’d love to see how deep the grave gets…so what- or who- will it be? You or her?”

[10 Days Later]

You’re getting dressed when a notification pops up on your phone screen.

[BREAKING] Body of Young Woman Found, Mutilated by Knives

Your eyes widen. You unlock your phone and read through the article quickly. “No..no, it can’t be.”

“Are you ready?” Jaehyun opens your door and walks in.

“No..this..this can’t be happening..” tears flood your eyes, it was your worst nightmare playing out in real time. The body was confirmed to be Haeju’s. You feel your heart break into pieces. You stumble back and sit onto the bed as everything turns gray. Jaehyun didn’t let you have a phone so you couldn’t get in contact with Taeyong. His guys were also unable to find him. This is why.

He must’ve lost it when Haeju died. There’s no way he’d be back for you now, the one person he truly loved was gone. You wish you could apologize to him, you wish you could console him as he cries.

“Let’s go.. and don’t make me come back.” Jaehyun leaves your room, ignoring the fact that you’re sobbing into your hands after hearing the news. He’s cold-hearted, cruel, unfair, and now, you’re stuck with him forever.

Guilt eats away at your heart for the entire day. You can’t focus on the new responsibilities you’re tasked with as Jaehyun’s wife. You were able to save your guys after everything, begging Jaehyun to allow them to live as they had nothing to do with you and Taeyong’s choices. He could use the men to replace his that passed, and you proved that they were valuable by highlighting their accomplishments.

You even surrendered everything to him once you married, combining your accounts and giving your businesses to him so he’d take the title as the owner alone. You knew Yuta would’ve cursed you out for giving him everything, but it was all you could do to save everyone.

Now, with not a penny to your name after all these years, you were reduced to being the wife of a kingpin, a woman whose only duties were to provide a man’s needs while sitting quiet and pretty. It upset you, to feel like just an object after all you’d been through. But this was your punishment after letting Yuta and Haeju down. You deserved this, you deserved to be unhappy for the rest of your life.

Jaehyun was just happy to own you. Taeyong was nowhere to be found to pay for his crimes, he knew sooner or later, he’d be back for you. He awaits the day he gets to kill you both, not until after inflicting so much pain that you beg for death of course. Until then, he’d have to keep you alive.

In the meantime, both you and your men pledged allegiance to him and he couldn’t be happier.

[Three Months Later]

As time goes by, you worry for Taeyong, but you also feel as though you’ve been abandoned again. Could you blame him? You let his sister die. Why would he want to see you? You’re also a practical death trap for him here with Jaehyun.

But still, you wondered why he didn’t care about what happened to you.

“Hey..everything okay?” Xena leans over and asks as you both get pedicures together. If it were up to you, you wouldn’t have taken care of your appearance, but Jaehyun said that he’d never have a disgusting woman by his side for his business partners to see. If you wanted to be claimed as a luxurious handbag for a man, you needed to look expensive like one. And that meant getting all sorts of treatments done to your body daily. It was tiring, but it meant pleasing Jaehyun and in turn, staying alive.

You turn to her. “Not really, but it’s okay.”

Surprisingly, Xena was nice to you. She ended up falling in love with a doctor from the underground hospital she stayed at while healing. You realized it didn’t take much to get her to be head over heels though. She told you she thought she loved Taeyong, but she didn’t, she just liked the attention and his smile.

She knew you were stuck here in this never-ending loop of life while being a wife to Jaehyun of all people. She could see that it was hard and that you missed Taeyong, and the pain in your eyes was satisfying enough. After all, you did cause her to be shot.

Then again, Jaehyun was harsh and she couldn’t imagine being with someone she didn’t truly love.

“Okay..” she nods.

Later that night, you, Jaehyun, Xena and her new boy toy, Doctor Kun, have dinner together. They laugh and have a great time, while you give a small smile and nod. How could you find joy like some regular housewife?

After about two hours, you say your goodbyes and start to clean the dishes.

Jaehyun leans against the counter and looks at your sad face. “It’s been months..when are you going to get over it?” He says sternly as he crosses his arms in disappointment.

He eyes you up and down in the lavender colored spaghetti strap silk dress he chose for you.

You chuckle. “Get over it? That’s funny.”

He raises his brows. “If you don’t want to do the job of a wife, then I could just kill you and get another, would you like that? How about I relieve you of your duties?”

You look onto him with empty eyes.

“Taeyong would be sad though..” he tilts his head, his mouth tilting upwards once he realizes he’s said the words that will spark feelings in your heart again.

“Oh fuck off, Jaehyun, you need me.”

He steps closer to you. “What I need is for you to smile and stop being a self-indulgent bitch. You make people uncomfortable when you act like that.”

You suddenly throw a dish to the floor and look up at him. He isn’t startled, only amused as he always is when you get upset. It’s like seeing a dog run wildly through the house because he caught the zoomies.

He chuckles.

“Uncomfortable? Jaehyun, I’m in a fake marriage! Oh, I’m sorry if I look miserable, but maybe it’s because I fucking AM! Have you ever thought about that?!”

“And how did you get into this position? Your memory isn’t that bad, is it?” He says smoothly.

He steps closer and you can feel the heat in your cheeks rise. He’s so intimidatingly close, he towers over you and you back away, but the edge of the kitchen counter hits your back.

“All I want is for you to smile..I give you everything, your life is grand and expensive..look at this mansion you can prance about in.” He stands directly above you, eyes staring intently into yours as he smirks.

You can’t help but look away, feeling the intensity might burn right through you if you stare any longer. Jaehyun can practically feel your heart racing.

He wraps an arm behind you and reaches to the back of your head, grabbing your hair clip so it falls loosely to your shoulders. You look back up at him through wide eyes, slightly scared by him in this moment.

He places it onto the counter then leans down. He’s intoxicating as his movements hypnotize you, your mouth opens on instinct. He presses his knee in between your legs, making the fabric of your dress rise. His lips just centimeters from yours, you feel his hot steamy breath enter your mouth.

But he doesn’t kiss you, instead he places his hand onto your neck and squeezes. You whimper at the sudden sensation of his finger tips digging into your throat. He leans back and looks into your eyes. “Smile.”

You shake your head, causing him to tighten his grasp. You hold his wrist in an attempt to stop him. “Smile or I’ll kill you right now.”

His knee presses into you harder, giving you friction that you so desperately need in between your legs.

“No.” You grumble out.

He turns the stove top on the oven beside you on. “Don’t push me, y/n.” His husky voice enters your ears.

“I hate you.” You look into his eyes.

With that, he spins you around, grabbing the back of your head and forcing you down onto the stove. You place your hands on the counter on either side. “Stop!”

“Smile!” He presses you down harder against your resistance.

You’re just centimeters away from the stove, feeling the heat decorate your cheeks as it gets hotter with each second.

“Okay!” You cry out, tears now falling out of your eyes.

He lets your head go and spins you around.

You smile and wipe away your tears for him.

He finally smiles back and rubs the back of your head. “Good girl.”

He kisses you for the first time, it isn’t nearly as magical as it was with Taeyong, but you welcome the embrace. It has been some time since you last felt lust like this and you needed a release.

Jaehyun wasn’t kind and he wasn’t gentle, but he was handsome and good at winding you up.

You take his shirt off over his head and unbuckle his pants.

He rips the straps off your dress, allowing your chest to be free. He then kisses your neck and shoulders as his hand holds the back of your head. You moan, chills running wildly throughout your body before he takes one of your nipples into his mouth while caressing the other.

He pushes the bottom of the dress up so you can wrap your legs around his waist as he kisses your neck. He enters you quickly and easily, noting how you were turned on just as much as he was by his actions. He grunts and curses as you cry out his name. Your nails scratch his broad shoulders then his back, drawing out blood as he fucks you against the kitchen counter for the first time.

“Fuck..” you whimper and shut your eyes tightly. He’s rough and unforgiving with his thrusts, you nearly cry from the feeling of being stretched out to fit him, but within minutes you reach your climax together.

Jaehyun pants as his head rests on your shoulder. “He’s never coming back, y/n.”

You look down at the knife set to your left, you have him right where you want him. So why don’t you do it? You could end it all now, but you know that stabbing him will only lead to your death.

You had to follow Taeyong’s orders. You had to wait for him. Surely, he’d show up.

You never made love again after that day, you were only lustful for that moment, but never again. Jaehyun wasn’t Taeyong, he’d never be him.

You did, however, help Jaehyun make business decisions and even caught when partners were trying to sell him short.

One day you meet with property owners looking to sell a nightclub. They inform Jaehyun they only wish to receive 30% of the profit from the club, leaving Jaehyun with 70%. They call it a fair deal, but you notice something is wrong.

Jaehyun’s advisor agrees with it at the meeting, but you stop Jaehyun from signing.

“I’m sorry..it’s just, something isn’t sitting right with me..” the men turn to you, their sharp eyes exposing their disgust at you opening your mouth in the first place.

“Go on.” Jaehyun looks at you and nods.

But you didn’t need his permission to. You continue. “The club is located in a city with a diminishing population, folks are getting older and leaving to calmer places once they retire. By investing in this club, Jaehyun would be losing more than what he would gain, resulting in immense negative profit for us, and minimal loss for you as you would no longer have the responsibility of upkeep and creating appeal.”

The men are stunned silent, two shift in their chairs and look down.

Jaehyun smiles slightly then looks back at the men. “Well..is my wife correct to assume you are setting me up?”

“No..sir, we’d never do that, please believe us-ah-we just..” one man scrambles to come up with an excuse.

Jaehyun raises his hand. “That’s enough, get out.”

They move quickly, knowing that Jaehyun has a short fuse and would easily end their lives if he felt the need to.

Afterwards, it’s just the two of you in the room. He is impressed by you and even turned on by the way you talk, he wishes he could take you right then and there, maybe even while the advisor watches. Nonetheless, he knows you’ll never touch him again so he chuckles and stands up to leave with his advisor.

“You’re talented and smart, I’m happy I kept you.” He says over his shoulder as you bow.

You grimace while feeling like some sort of pet for the man.

“I was only stating my findings. It was pretty obvious what they’re trying to do.” You stand up straight and meet his eyes, the ones of Satan himself. He never let you have a phone, but he did get you a computer to do research. Of course, he also made sure to track every website you went on.

Jaehyun smiles then closes the door behind him.

[Two Months Later]

You were sitting at your desk when you heard Jaehyun call you downstairs.

You enter the dining room and feel an overwhelming sense of shock when you see him.

Taeyong.

He smiles when you walk in, making your heart melt. You feel a mix of emotions. Happiness, regret, and fear all flood you at once. You wondered why he had dared to enter the lion's den, but you also felt relieved to see he’s still alive and well.

His hair is an intense raven black color now, but makes him look more mature and just as handsome as he was from the very first day you met him. You want to hug him, to cry with him, to feel his heart against yours once more.

“Sit.” Jaehyun interrupts your thought, he feels ill seeing you happy at the sight of Taeyong.

You do as he says, sitting in the seat between him and Taeyong.

Taeyong is overwhelmed when he sees you. Just as pretty as ever, you look healthy and gorgeous in your lavish jewelry. They weren’t you and he knew that, but he figured Jaehyun would dress you up like a doll just because he owned you. He wanted to kill him so badly, for many reasons. Behind all the glamour, however, he could see the emptiness in your eyes. They were now a dark abyss that had lost hope and he felt bad for being the reason for it. Soon, he’d make it up to you.

“Well..should I kill you or her first?” Jaehyun places his hands on the table and leans forward while smiling.

Taeyong looks away from you and back to Jaehyun with an evil glare. “I’ve come to talk..after some time away, I’ve made the decision to leave everything to you…Jaehyun.”

You gasp. Was Taeyong really willing to give everything up?

“You expect me to thank you? Why shouldn’t I just kill you and take it? It belongs to our family anyway. Haeju is dead so there goes the idea of our families merging.”

Taeyong shows his irritation at the mention of Haeju and clears his throat. “I guess I should explain the benefit behind keeping us both alive..”

“I’m losing my patience, Taeyong.”

“My businesses are still gaining value with interest as time goes on. Everything imported into my account will automatically be put into yours, but only while I am alive. It is not until I die that the value of these investments will be frozen and assessed by a special agent. Long story short, I’ve made it so that my assets will increase drastically over the next few months and years…so if you killed me now..you’d lose a lot. And no one likes to lose, isn’t that right Jaehyun?”

Jaehyun chuckles. “You sly bastard..”

Taeyong slides two stacks of papers across the table to Jaehyun.

“Just sign it and my earnings become yours forever…”

Jaehyun leans back in his chair. “What’s the other contract for?”

Taeyong’s nods and crosses his arms. “Oh that? Those are just divorce papers for you and y/n.”

Your eyes widen. Taeyong was insane if he thought this would actually work on Jaehyun, but then again, has he ever proven to be sane in the time that you’ve known him?

You look up at Jaehyun whose smile slowly turns downward. Why did he seem to be more upset about the divorce?

“The papers state that everything y/n owns now belongs to you and she leaves with nothing. Although, I suppose she’s already given you everything, so in that case she will have to pay a certain percentage of her income for the rest of her life to you. 90% to be exact.”

Your brows furrow. You open your mouth to protest at the absurd request, but you trusted Taeyong to have a plan.

Jaehyun shows his disapproval with the request with his facial expression alone.

“Both contracts state you agree to let us live freely while still benefiting from our hard work.”

You knew Taeyong was smart, but you didn’t expect this sort of courage. Who was this Taeyong in front of you? Maybe Yuta and Haeju’s deaths changed him. Maybe the absence of green hair dye allowed him to think clearly.

After a moment of silence, Jaehyun laughs like a maniac at the table. You swallow hard. It wasn’t going to work, he was going to kill both of you.

“Guards.” He waves a hand and every guard in the room points their shotgun at you, some point theirs at Taeyong.

“You’re pissing me off, I like having y/n by my side, I own her..” he says the last three words with a snarl.

“Jaehyun!..Please-“

“You don’t have to beg him, y/n, not anymore..and definitely not while I’m here.” Taeyong reaches into his pocket, pulling out a ziploc bag and placing it into the table.

“When’s the last time you’ve seen your sister, Jaehyun?”

You look closely and find..a finger.

But not just any finger.. one with the initial’s ‘XK’ tattooed onto it.

Xena. You were with her when she got the tattoo to prove her loyalty to Kun. You draw in a sharp breath. “Taeyong..”

He slides the bag across to Jaehyun who stops laughing and looks closely.

He holds the blood-stained bag up and realizes it’s his sister’s ring finger.

He slams it down and stands up. “Where the fuck is she?!” He takes his own gun out of his pocket and points it to you. “Tell me now or she fucking dies!”

Taeyong only laughs “I’m the only one that knows where she is, kill her and you’ll never know where she is..all I can tell you is she doesn’t have much time.” He smiles wickedly.

Jaehyun cocks his gun. “Do you think I’m fucking playing with you?! Tell me now!”

Taeyong leans forward, staring into Jaehyun’s soul like Lucifer readying to claim. “Sign both contracts and I will tell you. Should the contracts be broken, my lawyer has the right to take all of your assets and put them into a private account.”

Jaehyun grumbles. “Why the hell would I trust you after what you did last time?!”

Taeyong tilts his head to the side. “Yes, what I did was shitty, wasn’t it? This time, I will go with your men to her location, but first..you must let y/n go.”

You shake your head, knowing that they’ll just kill him after Xena is found. “No..Taeyong, come with me please.” You start to cry. “Don’t leave me again.”

Taeyong continues to impress you, but the biggest surprise of all is that he is willing to give everything up for you, even after you unknowingly aided in Haeju’s death.

He turns to you and reaches his hand out on the table. You take it and sob.

Taeyong rubs his thumb over it slowly. “It’s going to be okay..he won’t kill me, he’d lose too much, and Jaehyun is too smart to make a mistake like that, isn’t that right?” He turns to look at Jaehyun who still holds his gun out furiously.

After being pushed into a corner, Jaehyun has no choice but to agree. “Fuck..fine!” He signs both contracts quickly and puts his gun down.

“You better not fucking die quickly.” If there was anything Jaehyun loved more than himself, it was money. From birth, he had access to everything because of it, he was greedy and would do anything to have it. He couldn’t love you, he wouldn’t even try, but he did love the idea that you belonged to him at the end of the day.

You were just another item for him to have access to because of his wealth and status. The fact that Taeyong was actually able to take something out of his hands like a spoiled baby losing a toy pissed him off. More than ever, he felt the urge to kill him.

“Get her out of my sight!” Jaehyun yells. Some farewell that was.

The guards drag you by both arms from the table and out of the dining room. “Taeyong! Don’t do this! They’ll kill you!”

“Don’t worry, we’ll be okay, I’ll know where to find you, just remember what I told you.” Taeyong yells back before the heavy doors close with an echoing bang.

[The Next Day]

With the help of public transportation and a few nice strangers, you found your way back to Taeyong’s old mansion. You traveled with tears overflowing you during some moments. Taeyong risked everything for you, even harming Xena in the process. How would you see him again?

You also had nothing but the clothes on your back, no phone, no purse, no money. How would you survive? You’re free from Jaehyun, but at what cost?

You brushed your thoughts away and headed to the only place you felt was home. You hoped he’d pop up one day if you stayed there. You’d persevere no matter how long it took.

Taeyong’s house was now abandoned, and with no gate guard, you walked in easily.

You hoped you had some old clothes there in good condition. You push the heavy doors open and walk in, wiping tears away after the long journey. His mansion was vastly different from the very first night you entered it. Much like your life, it quickly lost its charisma and beauty.

You gasp when you see someone in the shadows. It couldn’t be..

“T-Taeyong?”

You walk closer.

“I’m sorry, love, it’s just me.”

Taeil turns to you. You sob harder as he pulls you into a hug.

After pulling yourself together, you sit down at the table with him.

“Taeyong wanted me to give this to you.” He slides a briefcase on the table.

You furrow your brows. “What..what is this?”

You open it to see wads of cash under a passport.

“We created a new one for you, he told me to tell you to leave..go somewhere you’d both go and don’t look back.. don’t tell anyone where you’re going, don’t even tell me..” Taeil says lowly.

“B-but I can’t leave, not without him..”

“Y/n..I know it’s hard, but you have to trust him. You already know where he’ll meet you.”

You look down at the passport.

If you left now, just how would Taeyong find you? You nod towards Taeil and tell him thank you.

Before he leaves, he turns to you. “I’m sorry.”

You nod, but you aren’t sure why he was apologizing. Did he think Taeyong wasn’t going to make it?

[One Month Later]

When the first two days passed, you were okay. “It’s only been two days, y/n, calm down.” Then days turned into weeks and weeks turned into a month.

Taeyong never showed up. You sit on the beach and take in the sight of the crystal blue water of the Bahamas. You’re right back where you started, regretting the night you met Taeyong and let him turn your life upside down. He put business first, he always has and always will.

He probably stayed to take care of things with Jaehyun. But then again, what if he was killed? There was no way of knowing now. You didn’t have a phone, you couldn’t risk being tracked. You only had your shack that was adequate for you and the small amount of things you had.

Day after day, you engaged in your routine of having breakfast at a nearby cafe, going to the library to catch up on the news, getting dinner items from the supermarket, then watching the sunset. Oh, and your nightly cry, it was at night that you missed him the most. You missed being in his arms and feeling his warmth around you as you fell asleep. You missed feeling safe and happy.

[One Month Later]

A few more weeks pass and one day, while in the supermarket, you glimpse someone with green hair.

“I must be seeing things, plus his hair isn’t green anymore.” You mumble to yourself and continue shopping.

Then minutes later, you turn the corner to get to the aisle with eggs and collide into someone, making your basket drop as you yelp.

“Oh! I’m sorry.” You bend down and pick your basket up.

“It’s fine, y/n.”

This person somehow knew your real name, and not the fake one from your passport that you told to everyone. Did Jaehyun find you?

You look up slowly to see wavy green hair touching the man’s shoulders. Your eyes shift to his.

“Taeyong-“ you gasp, dropping your basket before throwing your arms around his neck.

He runs your back and smiles while breathing in your scent. “Y/n…my baby.”

You start to sob into the crook of his neck. “I’m so sorry..I’m so sorry about Haeju.” You sniffle.

Taeyong pulls away and smiles softly. “Let’s go home and talk.”

Taeyong takes you to his home, a new house he purchased with cash he withdrew before leaving.

You enter it and stare in awe. “It’s so beautiful, Tae.”

“It’s perfect now that you’re here.”

You put your hands on your hips and turn to him. “What took you so goddamn long?” You manage to get out while choking up. You missed him so much, you couldn’t believe you were actually with him.

“Y/n..” he pulls you close and kisses you deeply, you close your eyes and fall into him while he caresses your back.

“I thought you died.” You cry harder, but he kisses your cheek and wipes your tears.

“I know..I know, I just had to make sure you were okay first.”

“You don’t get it Taeyong. I’m never okay when you aren’t here.”

He looks into your eyes, holding back his own tears. You’re more beautiful than ever in his eyes. He wants to kiss you for days, he wants to caress you until he takes his last breath.

“Come with me..” he takes your hand and leads you to his patio where you sit down together in front of the beach.

He runs his fingers over your hands and swallows hard. “I haven’t..been honest with you..mainly because I haven’t found the time until now..but I need to explain what happened in the time that I was gone.”

Taeyong was different, he spoke more maturely and he was gentler. His hair was green again, but he wasn’t the maniac you met on the first night.

“Okay..”

“Haeju didn’t die..I was able to save her in time at the pit thanks to you, and the private account I told Jaehyun about is actually hers.”

Your eyes widen. “But..I saw it in the news.”

He nods. “I know..I had my guys “burrow” a female body from a morgue, they placed it in the trap after we got Haeju out. The body was so badly destroyed with the bomb Yuta set up, we only had to leave her wallet and belongings there for investigators to confirm her identity. Taeil forced news stations to release the article so Jaehyun could believe her death.”

Your mouth falls open. Haeju was alive after all. You felt relief.

“I dyed and cut my hair, then Haeju and I went to Japan. We both changed our names and she enrolled in a different college while telling her closest friends what happened. She wasn’t too happy about it, nor the fact that Yuta used her, but she’ll be okay…I’m sorry, y/n, I had to protect her.” He looks into your eyes as the reflection of the sun setting hits them, bringing out the depthness of the color. A truly beautiful work of art is in your eyes right before him.

“I see..I’m so happy she’s okay..I wish you could’ve found some way to tell me..but I get it, Tae. I’m just glad you’re here.”

He smiles and hugs you close, bringing you into his lap as he resumes your kiss. You hold his face in your hands and turn your head to give him more access. Being this close to him, feeling his heart race as his hands grip your body, it still isn’t enough.

You pull away. “Before we continue, I still want to know what took you so damn long.”

Taeyong gazes down at your lips, wishing you’d kiss him again.

He licks his own. “Okay..” he drags his fingers down your arm, making the hair in the back of your neck raise. He had changed since you’d last been together, but he still knew how to make you weak.

[Before Taeyong’s Meeting with Jaehyun]

Xena is in the kitchen cooking when she here’s a knock on her apartment door. “Kun, baby, can you answer that for me.”

Since being shot, she decided to live a “normal” life, while still indulging in expensive things of course. She just didn’t need the drama that came along with the money, and Jaehyun was doing a great job of running their father’s business anyway. When she first decided to work for him, she had her eyes and heart set on Taeyong. He was her incentive, but once everything happened, she discovered that she didn’t love him, she only wanted his attention and with you still around, that would never happen.

Kun made her happy though. He lived a simple life and showed her what true love was.

Kun walks out from his office room and does as she asks. “Who are you?” He eyes the strange man up and down.

“I’m here to see Xena.”

“Who is it?” She shouts out and looks toward the door.

She nearly drops the spatula when she sees him.

“Taeyong” comes out in a faint whisper.

He walks in. “I’m sorry to interrupt you, I won’t take up much of your time actually.”

“Wait..did THE Lee Taeyong apologize?” She crosses her arms and walks toward him. “Kun, can you finish that for me?”

Kun nods and walks into the kitchen, leaving her and Taeyong to talk alone.

“How did you find me?” She asks as Taeyong makes himself comfortable on her living room couch.

He smiles. “Come on Xena, you know how this works.”

“You should be apologizing for putting me in the fucking hospital. You never even visited me. Were you too busy dyeing your hair a normal color?” She sits down across from him.

Taeyong nods. “I’m sorry..it wasn’t supposed to happen that way..”

She rolls her eyes. “So..you disappeared, your girl is married to my brother, I’ve clearly moved on…what is it you want?”

“Haeju..was murdered..I couldn’t save her..” Taeyong shakes his head, his eyes well with water.

Xena leans forward. “Haeju..your sister? No..she-“ memories of Haeju flood her mind as she thinks of when they met for lunch. She was sweet and they bonded well. She had nothing to do with this world and shouldn’t have suffered because of it.

“She was being held captive, but Jaehyun didn’t allow me to get to her in time.”

“I’m..so sorry.”

“I need you to help me.”

“Taeyong, if this is about the merge of our families, I can’t do it anymore, I love Kun and-“

“No..no, it’s not about that..I need to get Jaehyun to let y/n go.”

She chuckles and leans back into the couch.

“Wow..” she rubs her temple. “You are a man with a serious deathwish. You do know who my brother is, right?”

Taeyong nods and leans forward. “It’s exactly that..he’s your brother, you’re his only weakness.”

“He will never let y/n go, Taeyong. I’ve seen it myself..”

“Seen what?” Taeyong’s brows bunch together. Jaehyun couldn’t possibly be in love with you. He’d kill him on sight if that’s the case. He was already upset with the fact that it was a business marriage and you now carried a last name that wasn’t his.

“Jaehyun is infatuated with the idea of owning her. He watches her like a hawk and doesn’t even let her hang out with anyone but myself. It would be like taking a toy out of a two year old’s hands..”

“Well..it’s not impossible..” Taeyong persists.

“I don’t know..he’s still my brother after all-“

“Xena..listen to yourself right now. Haeju is dead because of him. None of this is her fault. And y/n being a prisoner for the rest of her life, I know you never cared for her, but do you really think she deserves that?”

She looks to the floor while thinking. “Just what is it that you want me to do?”

Taeyong explains his plan to fake her kidnapping. They “borrow” another body from the morgue, but this time, only cut off a finger and tattoo it to match Xena’s ring finger.

Once the plan was set in motion, Taeyong led Jaehyun’s men to Xena who was in a hotel room sleeping safe and sound.

Taeyong then escaped to the pit to prepare for his departure from the country again. He had to lay low and untraceable once Jaehyun discovered he was tricked again.

[Present Day]

“That’s it?” You look up into his eyes.

He scoffs. “What do you mean “thats it?” You should be thanking me or telling me how smart I am right now, do you know how much planning when into saving you from that obsessive asshole?”

You only smiled while Taeyong went on and on. It was nice to have him back.

“Speaking of..are you sure he won’t scour the world for us?”

Taeyong looks to the water. “He won’t..he’s too preoccupied with other things.”

You lift your head from his chest. “Wait..what DID you do during those months?”

Taeyong’s mouth pulls into a sly smile. “Don’t worry, baby, I took care of everything.”

“Taeyong..”

“No more questions for today.” He puts a finger to your lips. “Kiss me or I’ll leave for a few months again.”

You gasp. “Lee Taeyong! Are you insane? Threatening to leave me? Oh you’ve really pissed me off.”

You lift yourself up completely and stop into the bedroom. “I’m going home!”

He runs in after you laughing. “You’re already home! Come back here!”

He spins you around and drags you back to the bedroom, pushing your body into the wall. Your shoulder blades collide with it, but you’re too distracted by his smooth lips and wandering hands to care.

You wrap your arms around his neck and pull him closer as you kiss. His hands rest on your hip, fingertips digging in deeper and deeper as your tongues tangle around each other.

He leads you to the bed as you moan, laying you down before leaning over you and taking your shirt over your head. It has been way too long since he felt you, he was going to go crazy if he waited any longer.

You feel the same way, shimmying off your sweatpants so you can finally feel his skin on yours.

He places his jeans below his hips and kicks them off. He then resumes your kiss while still leaning over you.

You unbutton his shirt, revealing his beautiful tattooed body little by little.

“Tae..I need you.” You whisper into his ear, feeling his fingers release your waist then float down to your apex.

You widen your legs more as he groans.

His eyes leave your face to focus on your pointy nubs begging for his attention.

He licks around both of them as his finger massages your folds slowly but purposefully. Your hands find his hair, combing through his emerald locs while he works both nipples in his mouth. He pushes his fingers in, moaning when he feels how wet and tight you are for him.

Your head falls back into the bed as you grind onto his hand. “Fuck..” it feels good to have him touch you after all this time. His thumb flicks against your clit while he lays sloppy kisses onto your neck.

His lips graze your ear. “It’s been so long, baby, but you still feel so good. I’ve been thinking about you and how you feel around me…” he uses his other hand to play with your nipple in between his thumb and index finger.

You draw in a sharp breath as his fingertips press onto your sweet spot. “Tae..”

“You’re so pretty, I just want to fuck you all day and night long..can I do that? It’s been a while, right?”

“Yeah..” you whimper. He can feel you clenching after hearing his proposal.

“I’ll take you in any position and in every room in this house, would you like that?”

You nod and close your eyes, preparing for the climax of your life.

“This pussy is mine, right? It’s so good, I had to come back for you.” His fingers move fast, he moves his other hand downwards to tap away at your clit.

You clench even more and grasp his arm. “Yeah..right there.”

“I’m gonna fuck you until you’re round with my kids, we can finally fill this house, what do you say?” His husky tone makes you lose.

“Yes!” Your nails dig into his arm as your body contorts below him. Your head falls back into the bed while he slows his fingers and kisses your neck.

“Hmmm..it’s been so long, you don’t even remember the rules..”

Your eyes open. “Rules?”

He nods. “I didn’t say you could cum, did I?”

“No..but Tae, it’s been so long I-“

“Shhhh..it’s okay, we have a lot of making up to do..I just hope you’re ready.”

You swallow hard and look into his eyes as he moves further down your body.

“Now..let me taste you.”

He grabs both legs by the crooks of your knees and pulls them apart. He wastes no time and begins licking up your essence. He uses the tip of his tongue to lick in-between your folds and then your clit.

You let out a mewl and place your hand in his hair.

He licks all over, his tongue going deeper and deeper with each swipe. He teases you with light movements from his tongue for a few minutes, making you breathe heavily and curse under your breath. “Tae..please.” You whine.

You try to push him closer but he resists.

“I’m so hard, but I still want to take my time.” He smirks then maintains eye contact while flattening his tongue against you.

You throw your head back. “God..I missed you.”

With that, Taeyong moves faster. You start to ride his face, moving back and forth until you see stars.

He stands up and flips you over so you’re on your stomach with your ass up. “You’re lucky I’m too fucking hard to play with you more.”

“What’s the rush? We have an entire lifetime to play..” you chuckle, but it’s interrupted when he slams himself into you. The breath leaves your body before you groan. “Taeyong!”

“You’re right, I’m gonna enjoy ruining you every night.” He pulls out slowly, enjoying the way your tight opening quivers with him inside it, struggling to adapt to his length fast enough.

He grabs your hair and snaps your neck back. “Ow!” You yelp.

He pushes back in again. “Did you miss this?”

“Of..course..fuck.” You shut your eyes tightly. Taeyong was fucking you to fit him, you couldn’t focus on anything but the grinding sensation of him finally in your body.

Your ass hits his hips as he goes deeper with each thrust. You can’t keep yourself from moaning, listening to how he pants and whispers curses.

“This pussy is so good..I’m going to fill it until you leak all over me..”

His fingertips dig into your hips, leaving a burning sensation and you’re sure you’ve started bleeding.

“Tae..I’m going to..”

“Let me see your pretty face as you do, baby.” He pulls out and lets you turn over on your side.

He kneels and then straddles your leg while curling your other leg around his side.

He holds his hard cock in his hand, brushing the tip against your dripping folds.

He pushes in while looking into your eyes.

His intense eye contact and the way he clenches his jaw makes you even wetter than you were before.

He thrusts into you, watching as you grip the sheets beside you and whine.

This position allowed him to go even deeper while still maintaining eye contact with you.

Your clit was perfectly stimulated and he could watch every cry escape your mouth as well as your breasts.

Here you were, looking perfect as ever for him during the sunset. You always took him well while still looking so pretty. He falls in love with you all over again, gazing at your face, then your neck, your breasts, your stomach, and your thighs. If he could paint you in this moment he would. But he knew he was blessed to have you all to himself. You’re all his finally and falling apart on his cock once more. He had no plans to let this sight go for the next few days. He really did plan on fucking you everywhere and every day.

“Fuck, it’s so deep inside you..” his tongue darts across his bottom lip.

He thrusts harder than pulls out completely.

“Faster..please.” You beg him while looking at his beautiful body above yours. The way his veiny hands roam your body and keep you in position for him drives him crazy. You can clearly see the base of his dick disappear inside you now, the sight makes you dizzy.

“Of course. Anything for you.”

And with that, Taeyong drills his cock into your pussy, whimpering as it swallows him, begging to be emptied into.

“Taeyong!” You cry out while watching his abs flex and his beautiful body glisten in sweat above you.

He moves fast and places a hand around your neck, knowing that you preferred being quieted this way.

He squeezes your throat and starts to choke you.

Your body moves up and down on the plush bed, your breasts bouncing up and down while he destroys you.

He throws your leg up on his shoulder, his cock his your g-spot repeatedly and you silently go insane. His thrusts are fast, but his sturdy length slides in and out of you easily, never failing to press against your extremely sensitive areas.

“Good girl...take it just like that.”

His tone is low and husky, he continues to choke you while looking into your eyes deeply. The dark glare turns you on even more. Of course you were his, no one gets you to the edge like he does and no one is as beautiful when they try.

And with a few more thrusts, you come undone just as he does, your body shaking once again.

Your eyes roll in the back of your head as he kisses you through it.

It feels like minutes pass by while you experience your most intense orgasm. He ensures you are stuffed with him completely before pulling out.

He lays down beside you and kisses your forehead. “Rest for now..we have a few more days of this to prepare for.”

You laugh. “Still greedy as ever.”

He runs his fingers along your back. “Mhmm.”

“You’ve changed, Taeyong..how could you leave the business behind? You were a kingpin.”

He smiles and kisses your neck. “I guess I have changed, I’ve been too easy on you..”

“I’m being serious..why did you choose this life?”

He sighs. “Well…we never got a chance to talk about it, but…when Yuta died, I realized that I didn’t want that anymore. I didn’t want the pain.. I only wanted to be with you. I need you to be happy and alive. In just a few seconds, all that was taken from Yuta…how could I let that happen to you too? It’s tiring.”

“What is?” You run your hands through his hair.

“Having to watch my back all the time..having to dominate all the time..so I did what my father failed to do..I put love first. I don’t want to lose you and the chance to live happily.”

You tear up at his confession and kiss him again.

You made love several times that night after taking a shower. Taeyong made true to his promise to make love in every room, making you cry out his name until your voice became hoarse.

A few days later, you get a job at an insurance agency while Taeyong buys supplies for his craft. He starts painting and selling some of his works, but most of his money is made from investments he executed while staying in Japan. These were done under his fake identity, so technically Jaehyun didn’t have the rights to them. You both live a normal life and just a few weeks later, you hear the good news.

[Five Weeks Later]

You’ve been feeling ill for the past few days, so Taeyong takes you to urgent care. When you describe the news to the doctor, he states he suspects you’re pregnant.

Taeyong’s eyes widen. “P-pregnant?”

You roll your eyes before looking at him. “Well..you did say you’d make it happen.”

You take the test and confirm your pregnancy.

To Taeyong, you are the most beautiful woman he has ever seen while you grow throughout the months. He takes care of you and makes sure you have everything you need. Massaging your feet and giving you warm showers whenever you asked.

“We’re naming him..Cerulean right?” Taeyong rushes you to the hospital after your water breaks.

“We are NOT naming our baby after a color..oh God this hurts.” You wince in pain as Taeyong speeds through traffic. “Be careful!! You’re going too fast!! You’re driving like a maniac!” Some things never change.

You give birth to a healthy baby boy and name him Cyan. Your hearts grow even more when you become pregnant again soon after, giving birth to a healthy baby girl named Dahlia.

Taeyong is the most attentive father you’ve ever seen, rocking the babies to sleep and feeding them whenever they cried. Of course, it’s the bare minimum, but the man before you blew your mind away. You love him so much.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” He says before taking his shirt off and crawling into bed beside you. He had just put the babies to sleep.

“Oh..nothing.” You chuckle.

He snatches your book away from you. “Hey!” You call out while leaning over him to get it back.

He places it on the nightstand beside him and turns to you with a mischievous smile. “You look like you wanna have a third one so let’s get started..” he tickles your side and nuzzles your neck while you giggle.

[6 Years Later]

You’re heading home after picking the kids up from pre-school.

“How was your day today?” You turn to face them in the backseat of your car.

“It was good, mommy! How was yours?” Dahlia calls out.

“It was good, thank you for asking. Cyan, honey, how was your day?”

Cyan pouts and looks out the window.

“Cyan got into a fight with a boy because he made fun of his name!” Dahlia swings her feet.

“Oh…Cyan, it’s not good to fight. Solve your problems with words next time, okay?”

Cyan nods, but still pouts while looking out. He couldn’t be any more like his father, could he?

“With that being said, did you win?”

He flicks head towards you and smiles while nodding. “Yes, mommy!”

You smile brightly and give him a hi-five. “Good job buddy! But don’t do it again, okay?”

He nods. “Okay, mommy.”

“Alright, let’s go home to daddy.”

Taeyong was out at the supermarket picking up pasta for dinner when you entered the house. The kids run off into the living room as you place your purse down.

“Hey! Who are you?!” Dahlia calls out. Your brows furrow as you walk in after them.

You see Dahlia looking up at a man with long black hair. You gasp when you recognize the person.

You step in front of the kids to block him.

“W-what the hell are you doing here?” You panic. How did he find you? Your home phone is too far away to grab.

Jaehyun maintains eye contact with you, then kneels down and looks at Cyan and Dahlia with a smile. “Hey, little kids…go play in your rooms now. Your mom and I are gonna have a little chat.”

Cyan looks up at you with wide eyes. “Mommy, who is he?”

Jaehyun smiles widely, but it gives Cyan a bad feeling. “A friend.”

“Y-yes, go to your rooms and lock the doors. Don’t come out until I call for you, okay?”

They do as you tell them. You breathe a sigh of relief once they’re out of sight, then look back at Jaehyun. “He’ll be home any minute now.” You say through gritted teeth.

The man you once saw in freshly tailored suits every day now wore a simple white t-shirt and jeans. His hair was also messier than usual. Dark rings settled under both eyes. He didn’t have any guards around him. Something was definitely wrong.

He steps closer, making you trip and fall into the couch behind you. “I could care less, y/n. I’m here for you. Did you think you could escape me? Taeyong tore you away from me, and that’s never happened before..I always get what I want, y/n.”

You reach behind you to see if you can fish out the hidden gun. “Jaehyun..you have to let it go..it’s been years.”

“Oh trust me…I know how long it’s been, I’m the one who lost everything..Taeyong set me up, he rewrote contracts and by the time I realized it, it was too late. I lost everything…” he looks towards the kids’ rooms.

“I think it’s time you lost everything as well..I’ll take care of them and we can get going, y/n, just you and me. I don’t have nearly as much money as I did before, but I’ll have you.. rightfully.” He smiles and turns to walk, but you quickly pull the gun out.

He turns swiftly, leaping back to you to get it out of your hands. “Get off of me!” You yell during the struggle.

Then suddenly, you hear a sharp pop echo in your house.

Taeyong speeds towards you as you stare at Jaehyun who stops moving. “Y/n! Are you okay?! Where are the kids?!”

Jaehyun spits blood out and onto your face as you stare in horror. He chuckles before falling to the side and bleeding into his hand from his abdomen.

Taeyong grabs you from the couch. “Y/n! What did he do?!”

You shake your head. “I-I’m fine..the kids are in their rooms. He-“ you breakdown into tears after feeling horrified at Jaehyun’s sudden drop in.

During the time that you waited for Taeyong, he executed a plan to destroy Jaehyun and it worked. He rewrote percentages behind Jaehyun’s back, causing a negative spiral in profit. Jaehyun’s business partners turned their backs on him, becoming his enemies one by one. He was left with nothing after slowly losing his profit over the years.

Taeyong puts the kids to sleep while you wash your face off. You then burn his body on the beach and sit beside the fire. “Why..didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I didn’t think he’d find us..I was sure someone would kill him once they found out “he” changed their contracts.”

You look towards him, tears in your eyes again. “We could’ve..” you sniffle. “We could’ve lost them, Tae.”

“No..that will never happen, I’ll always protect you, the bastard is dead and no one knows where we are..we’re free.”

You nod, still shaken up by what happened, but he was right. With Jaehyun dead, you didn’t have to look over your shoulders everywhere you went. It was finally over.

Taeyong takes your hand in his and kisses it. “I love you, let’s live happily.”

You give him a small smile. “Ahh Greenie..an entire lifetime with you? What a headache this is gonna be.”

The two of you laugh before heading back inside to your sleeping kids

And so, you raised them together and lived an honest life, enjoying the simple things like beach days and amusement parks as well as teaching your kids about art, how to drive, your responsibility of course, and eventually, how to apply for scholarships.

Haeju visited every now and then too. The world of underground crime was no longer part of yours.

Taeyong didn’t think it was possible to escape and be happy with a normal life, or rather he didn’t think he’d feel the need to, but he was wrong. He found someone worth leaving it for. He found someone worth living for.

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intercosmicc · 1 year

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cosmiccs fic recommendations

A/N: none of these stories belong to me, all credit goes to the original authors! if you don’t want to be on the list, please just let me know! also please be sure to always read warnings <3

(there will most likely be a part 2 i have a bad habit of not liking fics lmao)

.·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙　✩　*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ . .·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙　✩　*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ . .·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙　✩　*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙

daryl dixon

peak-a-boo by @starlessea

miss me by @cultofdixon

withering flowers by @ficnation

daryl dixon masterlist by @r66dus

laying on daryl’s frame by @dixondeliria

masterlist by @daryl-dixon-daydreams

jealous daryl dixon by @e-m-christina

eyes on me by @dreamingdixon(warning for description of SA)

we used to share a bed by @twdeadfanfic

big brother by @starlessea

speak up by @weretheones

din djarin/the mandalorian

family head cannons by @dameronology

security by @dindjarindiaries(OC story but has a self-insert on ao3)

moments in the dark by @talesofesther

in time by @221bshrlocked

ibac’ner by @unbound-space-trash

tasm peter parker

remember me by @softlymellow

second chances by @wondergotham

dating andrew! peter parker by @bowieandqueen11

let me help by @nina-corpsewitch-zenik

coming home by @mads-weasley

are you ok? by @lenaswritingandstuff

crush by @ptersparkers

the first fall of snow by @godlessandwrecked

relief by @lipstickbisous

fluff alphabet by @kaylawritesfics

steve harrington

loving you is a full time job by @wolfstarlvrs(wouldnt let me tag)

providing protection by @captainhotch

of caresses and care by @bejeweledmastermind

nuggets by @spideystevie

#andrew garfield x reader #the amazing spider man #tasm fanfiction #steve harrington #steve harrington x reader #stranger things #din djarin #din djarin x reader #the mandaloria/reader #twd fanfiction #daryl dixion x reader #daryl x reader #fic rec #masterlist #fanfic #daryl dixon x reader

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inconspicious-random-thoughts · 15 days

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Husk

I have a lot to say about Husk for about 2-3 months now and I really don't know where to start. Que a lot of rambling that I hope comes out coherent.

I think the best unique thing about Husk that I love is the fact he can potential crossed paths to most of the sinner characters we were introduced, in their living life. He was born between Alastor and Angel birth years. I did the math on this once but I can't be bothered with it now. I think Angel and Alastor were about a decade-possibly 15 years apart, while Husk was in between. So they were from the same generation.

The thing that sets Husk apart from the other characters, was he actually grew to an old age. While the others died relatively young or midlife.

The fact that Husk was a world traveler means he wasn't stuck in the city/town/state he was born in like the others may have been. Increasing his odds to cross paths with the other sinners.

I like to imagine that Husk has some type of butterfly effect of the other characters lives that he unintentional and unaware he caused that lead the sinners lifes to what they are.

I lowkey headcanon (not seriously, just for funsies) as weird parody of an guardian angel. Here me out. He not a guardian angel tho. I love his avian cat design. But admit it, its freakin weird he has wings as a cat right?

The only ones we see with wings are the royalties of Hell (Can the Ars Goetia fly?) the sins...and angles.

Beside Valentino. But Val sort of makes sense...hes a moth. Moth has wings by default. Husk is a cat, yet he has wings? It also makes sense why Val is a moth. Granted I think a prostitute be more moth like...standing by a street lamp on a corner street at night. THAT makes sense. But given, Val a pimp...I guess it works for him too.

So Husk, a cat, has wings...makes me think why he has wings in his afterlife. Seems like a random thing to be given when it seem to be reserved mostly for royalty and wings seem like it be a huge advantage to have in Hell when most sinners don't get it. Must be some type of reason Husk has them. But alas I don't know or we probably never know beside cool character design.

Now, going on with this weird wing thought...and my lowkey non serious headcanon (Which im 100% isnt going to make canon), Husk is some unintentional weird type of opposite effect of an guardian angel.

Husk with his potential of crossing paths with a lot of the sinners we know, I think it be hilarious if he butterfly effect that he indirectly caused their path towards Hell or death. Like for example, he gave Nifty directions that started a weird Rube Goldberg machine situation of cause and effect that caused that directed her to find a man she became obsessed with and stalked then eventual murdered. Husk involvement is completely indirect but at the same time, the vent would never would happen if he wasn't involved.

Moving on from his living life to his afterlife.

Husk died in the 70s and the pilot 2019. Alastor was missing for 7 years (starting 2012), I vibe that Husk been under Alastor ownership for quite awhile before that. No later than 2000 but I'm fairly sure he was owned much before that. But I'm going with the minimal amount of time of Husk soul being sold. So Husk was able to fall, rise to overlord fairly quickly only to lose the status just as quick. His reign was very short lived. The rest of the time was serving under Alastor. That's quite a wild ride in a span of 30 (But I personally believe its much shorter) of unbounded soul years. Which seems a lot of years, but when you have eternity to live out the rest of your life, its very little.

I don't question how Husk was able to become overlord so quick. He a master magician...so very good at sleight of hand/cheating as well as lifetime gambler. He able to keep a stoic expression to minimize his own tells, while being very perceptive and skilled at reading other people very well. He can easily win and work with and manipulate people desperations of gambling their souls to him without much risk to himself. He can easily play hand in his favor with his skills and the rare chance he can't, he can fold and cut his losses before it gets to deep.

However, what had him lose it all. Because I doubt someone was better at cards then Husk. Especially in Husk own house. I don't doubt Alastors good at cards. But I don't think Alastor skill at cards is greater than Husk. To the point Husk lost everything to him including his own soul. I think they both cheat if they play a game together. In fact I think they have play a game, with intent of cheating and trying to catch each other in the act. Its their own game while playing a game, knowing each other enough that they will cheat and it brought a new level of fun trying to catch each other while not getting caught themselves. It probably became a own special drinking game, that one has to drink when they got caught. But I don't think Alastor the reason why Husk lost everything.

I think the reason Husk lost everything in Hell as quickly as he gained it...is by self destructive depression. Husk was the cause of his own downfall.

I only suggest this because...how else an extremely skilled card player who also skilled at sleight of hand, will lose hand after hand in his own gambling house?

My other clue is this:

Along with his heavy drinking. I think Husk always been a heavy drinker but it hit a all new level when he lost his love and became extremely jaded by the event.

I think Husk had found a very special someone and something happen to them. Be it died during an extermination or been betrayed by them, etc. Or it may be someone in his living years and something reminded him of them and triggered a downwards spirals for him.

Mostly, I think he caused them to leave him or indirectly caused them permanent death, etc. and he filled with self loathing, regret and remorse. Because he did love and care for them...but he fucked it all up due his own self-centered, selfishness and greed at the time. The pain caused him to close off his heart to avoid feeling that loss again and drink himself stupid to avoid feeling anything or to quiet his self hatred thoughts.

I believe the lost of them sent him a destructive spirals of depression. He started drink insanely heavier, which impaired his judgment greatly and just grew apathetic.

Enter Alastor and the lost of Husk soul

Alastor may have very well manipulated and cheated his way with the impaired Husk to gain his soul. Very possible. Especially the way it was pictured in the flashback. Alastor symbols and lit up eyes and extended antlers along with a sinister smile as well as Husk stunned expression of his loss of the game.

BUT

I don't think that how it went down. I can't remember the exact wording but it sounded like Husk turned to Alastor for help. It was a last resort, but Husk was desperate enough to go to it.

They were both overlords at the same time at one point. Alastor and and Husk was good friends once. Maybe, not close like Alastor is with Rosie but still good friends. Alastor probably took a liking to Husk as he from the same generation. I also assume Husk appear around Vox falling out with Alastor as Husk and Val fell around the same time. So Vox probably started befriending Val and helping Val with his rise to overlord. I can see Alastor do the same with Husk just to spite Vox and cause him to be jealous. But even if it started as a ploy to upset Vox, Alastor probably end up liking and growing fond over the cat. Playing hands and having late drinking and jazz sessions and such. Alastor appreciate Husk blunt and often correct observations and insight.

So when Husk was clearly not doing well and smarten up enough to seek Alastor for help. I think Husk knew the rate he was self destructing he was going to lose it all, including his soul. So he went to Alastor and struck a deal before Husk truly got in a shitter situration with a shitter dealer that he would regret much more.

Because let's be honest. Husk knows what he was getting into when he offered his soul. Think about it. Even if Husk had an impossible high number of souls...say a billion. He lost a billion souls by suddenly being bad at gambling. Even if the pot is a billion souls that he want to regain back, its not worth the risk of betting your own soul. Even if your got an amazing hand...Is it worth the risk during a harsh losing streak playing against another overlords as an opponent?

Husk knew he was going to lose his soul with his spiral. He knew what he was getting into. He an overlords himself. He may have treated his own souls more poorly than Alastor himself. I don't think Husk was cruel... I'm sure he had his own moments like Alastor and had causes. I do think he was a apathetic/detached master. The souls he owned was just a commodity he use for gambling. When sharing his retelling to Angel about this. He sounded remorseful that he betted souls like they were just an object and not a precious thing. I think he only felt that way AFTER his own soul did not belong to him. That's when he realized what a shitty and dick move it was to prey on desperate souls and pass them around when it should been obvious.

Husk collected souls to use as a commodity. Husk preyed onto the sinners desperation and addiction to get them.

While Alastor, I don't think he really cares about hoarding souls. He powerful enough without them. BUT if an opportunity reveals itself, he take advantage. But he only does it with quality souls that has real potential and use. He a quality over quantity man.

Husk knows what it means to sell one's soul. Yet he still offered it to Alastor. Because despite the rep Alastor has being ruthless, Alastor is probably one of the "kinder" overlords to have as a master. But Husk only knew that by insider information by witnessing himself by hanging out with Alastor and possibly glimpsing how he treated his contracts. Which appears not to be much different than any other sinner.

I know Alastor performs horrendous acts. He goes on killing sprees, probably enjoys torturing people. But I don't think he does it to his own souls. Because, TBH, people who do that want to feel powerful and they do it with people who cant fight back. Alastor is already powerful. He doesn't need weak prey and why damage his own property when no one can stop him from breaking someone else's? Alastor is so powerful that its boring. Where's the fun and entertainment when everytime you "play", the game is stuck on easy mode and the opponent is knocked out of the ring within minutes. Heck, Alastor gets even less than that. He just looks in their directions and people forfeit. Alastor wants the thrill of a challenge and exchange wits and banter. So he seeks stronger opponents to fulfill is needs for carnage and havoc. Not some frighten, defenseless slave.

Alastor not a good man as he willing to commit terrible acts and enjoys it. But from what we seen, hes not a bad man's as it appears he doesn't attack without cause or reason. He appears he only acts monstrous when he defending. He has no interest in sex so he not going to force Husk into sexual acts. Alastor may have his contracts to demeaning things or just do things for shits and giggles and entertainment but overall, hes tamed to souls he own. (The souls he doesn't own that pledge their service and loyalty however...is another story) Alastor pretty much just let his contracts do what they please as long as they respect him and do what he commands as he needs them. Which, honestly isn't much. Alastor seem to summon his shadow minions over his soul contracts because it seems less of a bother to everyone while Alastor remains more in control of the situation. It's simply less chance of error if Alastor used his shadow minions that act on his will vs some contracted soul who most likely is performing half heartedly as they are forced to do something they don't want to do. He use the contracted soul for a long term project since it would take too much power and effort to maintain and sustain his shadow minions over a extended time. It seams Alastor only have souls as a resource an a backup reserve. More of a "better have it and not need it then need it and not have it." Alastor even gives them task that align with the skills they are good at. I think part of it is because Alastor is also on a leash so as much as he denies it, he has empathy. But he will still utilize the resource when needed but overall he self reliant and a lone wolf and rather no really on people if he can help it, even if he does own them. I also think he knows Overlords and soul ownerships sort of go hand and hand. But I think soul ownership leaves a bit of a sour taste in his mouth. Not because of his own soul but being a mixed man in the 30's....its very likely he had some heritage on his precious mother side of ancestral slaves. So, Alastor understand the necessity needs of ownership for survival and advancement in Hell, but still has a distaste to it.

Granted we don't see how Alastor (beside with Husk and Nifty)or anyone besides the Vees, interact with their contracts, and we know they treat their people poorly. But I think from what we seen is Alastor is very mild. Including the scene he threatened Husk.

Mind you, Alastor was giving clearly giving clues he was already agitated before that interaction. He was essential a growling dog warning he was going to bite if it interactions going to continue. His snapped his neck irritatedly along with a clearly exasperated "what is it" that didn't have a radio filter when he addressed Husk when Husk went to get his attention. Husk was trying to warn Alastor about Mimzy but it was clear to even someone who doesn't know Alastor...(and Husk knows Alastor well) that Alastor was already on edge. Yet Husk continued to push forward. Even then...Alastor kept composure. Laughing off and dismissing Husk concerns. It was when Husk muttered a jab about sensitive personal information (One that I'm sure Husk wasn't even originally meant to know )about Alastor that anyone could have overheard if they were near, and that same sensitive information promised to trigger Alastor...THAT'S when Alastor became terrifying and threatening. So granted, no one deserve what happened to Husk when he was threatened but at the same time...it was Husk own undoing at the moment. Husk muttered that jab to Alastor that antagonize Alastor to reacted harshly. Husk was lucky that Alastor restrained himself ONLY to threat....Alastor gave Husk mercy by warning him to watch himself because next time would be the last time.

So Alastor is rather mild with his demands with contracts for the majority of the time but when he isn't, he very brutal but he usually given a cause to turn.

So Husk offered his soul to Alastor knowing what it would mean to sell his soul. Specifically chosen Alastor because, it would surprise to anyone to hear, is the lesser form of evil in such a situation. He sold his soul while he was somewhat lucid and not completely impaired to work out a deal that doesn't completely screw over Husk. Place some terms and agreements. I do think they did play a hand and wager, either to finalize a clause they couldn't agree with and use the bet to finalized it or just have Husk go out a way he comfortable with. Alastor may also play some mild manipulation but I don't think Alastor preyed on Husk as its implied. Alastor was sought out for a reason, and on Alastor part, an overlord soul is too tempting to resist. Especially being handed on a silver platter. If Alastor wanted to decline the offer, for the unlikely name of friendship, knowing it would ruin it. It wouldn't have done any good in any scenario to decline. If Husk was worry about losing his soul due to his own destructive impairment, might as well gain something from it and offer some protection to a friend then lose out on a quality soul, instead of watch from afar the downfall of his friend which he probably won't see again afterwards. It also strategy. It either gain a quality and powerful soul to his collection, or lose out and someone else has it...that could be potential be used against Alastor, along with any possibly knowledge Husk had gathered on the Radio Demon. So even if it wasn't tempting or desirable, its about survival.

Naturally, their friendship has soured greatly since then. Because, how can it not? I don't think Husk hates Alastor. I know the fandom believe he wants him dead. But Husk is just being jaded and surly. Husk didn't treat Alastor more venomous than any other resident when he was introduced. Husk is also comfortable enough to voice his less than kind opinions about Alastor or to Alastor. Husk doesn't act like a terrified servent in Alastor presence. (Unless he knows that Alastor in bad mood and looking for a cause for someone to be his punching bag), The two act like longtime friends but one is grumpy because he there out of reluctant obligations and just frustrated, annoyed and just tired of this shit of Alastor antics that hes forced to endure. Alastor seem to treat Husk more friendly, which to be fair can be an act but I think it part genuine.

Out of the two of them, its Husk that reminds everyone that Husk is on the Alastor leash. Alastor not the one that usually "putting Husk in his place", Husk the one that normally does it. If anything, I think Husk hate and angry with himself that everything is is own undoing. Frustrated and annoyed by Alastor who amused by it. Alastor is also just a reminder how low Husk became. It's easy to blame Alastor for his problems and even understandable that he does. He does blame Alastor for his current predicament at times simply because its just easier to do so and feels better to blame someone else to be the cause of your problems but ultimately, Husk knows he brought it all on himself and I think that's what hurts and bothers him the most.

Husk wants his soul back, but I don't think he wants Alastor to be dead for it. Tho, I think Husk feels that's the only way to get it back at times. But despite it all, he cares about Alastor. Even if its begrudgingly. I think Husk also knows its better to have as Alastor as a great ally than an enemy, even a dead one to gain his soul back. Husk is wise, even is Husk gain his soul back, regain his full power and strength it still fails to compare to Alastors own power. Husk knows there are greater foes that Husk cant compete and defend for himself or his newfound family against, but Alastor can, even if Husk doesn't fully trust Alastor. But Husk trust his own experience and knowledge of Alastor to guess his motivations and intentions.

I think Alastor called upon Husk to the hotel to bartend, because A) He knew from their former late night hang outs that Husk can make great drinks. but B) Husk also has wisdom and experience that can fulfill Charlies needs and benefit for the hotel. Husk has skills on perception and reading people from gambling. Husk knows about losses, knows the woes of losing his soul, knows about addiction, lost of love etc. I think Alastor pulled Husk to the hotel not only because Husk has skills that can be utilized to help but I think Alastor knew Husk can benefit from the hotel to be the sinner Alastor remember he use to be. Not the "husk" he became. Alastor doesn't believe in redemption, at least one that send someone to Heavens gates. But Alastor can see the possibility of rehabilitation. Something Husk could benefit. He lowkey subtle hinted it at the pilot. "I thought you be perfect to man the front desk as the job seem to be made for him" (At a rehabilitation hotel) Husk is not going to work on himself because Alastor commanded him to be. So Alastor has Husk station there with the possibility and off chance of Husk getting help even if its through osmosis from the sidelines. May even warm up on the idea and want to better oneself. Guess what...its working. Alastor won't admit his underhanded method of helping. He has a reputation of being ruthless to maintain after all.

I think its also why he pulled Nifty. He using her skills but also figure a place like the hotel is one of the few place that accept Nifty the way she is and let Nifty develope friends and family that would embrace her. I think Nifty was a lonely soul and she just TOO much for most sinners to handle. But at the hotel, she can be welcomed and be herself. It also a place Nifty would enjoy to be in. She a simple girl. She likes to clean and kill bugs. A large building will grant her that.

Alastor even try buttering Husk up and get Husk more comfortable with the idea of working at the hotel by offering him cheap booze free of charge. Alastor didn't have to care at all and can just say "I own you so...tough shit." But he did try to get Husk to warm up to the idea despite Husk not having a choice in the matter, and wanted to at least ease his grumpy avian cat into the change.

If Alastor care so much why doesn't he release them? One might ask. Beside overlords being super possessive and Alastor being a control freak? I think for Nifty, She doesn't want to and she needs the protection.

Husk...I think Alastor fears with their soured friendship, there is nothing stopping Husk to reveal any or all his sensitive knowledge about Alastor if he not bound to Alastor and forced to be silent by it. Husk is probably the only one that knows about Alastor own sold soul beside the one he sold it to. Alastor confines to Rosie but I think he still restrained himself real intro personal stuff. Husk is probably Alastor other confident (Tho, probably not by choice by either, Husk being forced into now, and Alastor lips being loosen by Husk made drinks combined with the comfort and nostalgia he has with the cat while inebriated. Which he rarely indulges in because of that fact, but still does on really hard days and regrets the things that slip but at least Husk can't tell a soul on Alastor command.) Information can be such a powerful tool that can be weaponized. Husk knows things about Alastor that would just completely ruin, may even destroy him or actually bring Alastor to his final demise. Also, small part and Alastor won't admit it, he values Husk perceptive insight and Alastor trust him to be his eyes and ears.

I'm sure there's more I wanted to say. But I'm sure I ramble incoherently enough about my thoughts on Husk.

What do you all think?

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