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marvelousell · 4 years

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The Agreement (Part 5.)

Pairing(s): frat boy!fwb!Tom x reader, frat boy!Harrison x reader

Summary: Tom is a typical frat boy, his love for partying, drinks and girls are bigger than his ego. Y/N is a whole different dimension, she keeps her circle small, and even though she knows her best friend Tom is a total douche, she can’t say no to the little deal that was sealed between the two of them.

Word count: 3.1k

A/N: I really went with this one lol, I just can’t wait for more Haz in the next parts ngl 👀. Hope you like this andd I would appreciate it if you reblog, leave a comment, or send a feedback!❤️

My tag list is open for this series!

Warnings: SMUT 18+, unprotected sex, swearing, mentions of alcohol

Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4.

Masterlist

“He is looking at you, and he has that smile on his face Y/N!” Anna whispered, laughing with you.

Oh this feeling. You missed it so much.

You would catch him staring, giving you a shy smile every now and then.

And there was Tom. Looking hot as always.

He was talking with him and Harry, laughing and drinking, eyeing almost every girl that passed next to them. Some of them were lucky, getting a hug and kiss on the cheek.

He caught you staring, sending you a quick wink.

Nice one Tom, totally original.

Focus Y/N. Tonight is definitely not about him.

“How did you end up together? Did he approach you first? What did he say? Or you? Or...”

“Okay, okay..breathe!” You chuckled at her excitement, happy to have a friend like her by your side.

“You don’t even know how much I would love this to happen!” She pointed at you and him, trying to look as calm as possible.

“I was in the kitchen getting your drink, and I really didn’t see him. He was getting a refill I suppose, so he started a conversation with me, and yeah..” You explained.

“He asked me if I wanted to go outside because the house was packed, and we just sat there and the chat went really smoothly. He is so sweet Anna.”

“I told you he was so your type! He is the most caring and warm-hearted person. He deserves you, and you absolutely deserve him.”

“We really clicked the day we met, and you know how much I like to talk, he listened to every single word. Every day. Especially when I was talking about you, so I thought this would be a great opportunity.” She began.

You didn’t feel that thrilled about a boy ever since Noah.

He really was the first boy that showed some interest in you. It was a nice 2 year relationship and friendship, however the spark just faded.

That’s what he said.

At least it wasn’t an ugly break up, full of screaming and bitter words.

But still it was your first heartbreak and you didn’t want to hear the lousy “we should stay friends” or “we are going to be in touch” sentence. So you just cut him out of your life, and it sure was a great decision after seeing him a few days after with a girl by his side.

“Y/N!!! Woah look at you! You’re having fun I see huh?” Amelia winked, tipsy already.

“How much did you drink Mel?” You giggled when she hugged you.

“Ya know not that much! But definitely enough to go talk to that blondie back there.”

“Good Mel, I’m glad you are having fun too.”

“I think it’s time that you strip and show that piece under your innocent dress babe.” Anna whispered, trying to coax you.

“Are you kidding me? In front of everyone? If you told me that half of the town would be here I wouldn’t even bother to put it on.”

“Oh please Y/N. Look everyone is already in their bikinis! Believe me you don’t have nothing to hide, only to show.” She smirked, tapping your bum twice.

“God. Okay. But I’m not doing this alone, you two are stripping also!” You said.

“Amelia sure forestalled you.” She laughed, looking at a now half naked and drunk Amelia that jumped in the pool.

“I just hope she will not pass out and end up puking in the car like last time.” You said, looking at her laughing and calling for you to join the party.

Sure why not.

You let your dress slide down your body, admiring the red bikini that was on full display now.

“Well holy moly, if he doesn’t want you I’m gonna take the opportunity.” Anna’s eyes went up and down, admiring your figure.

You were so engrossed in the conversation with Anna that you didn’t feel two pair of eyes staring at you.

“Holy shit.” Harrison muttered under his breath.

He was dumbfound. He couldn’t find the right words to describe how gorgeous you were.

Harrison was already struck by your inner beauty, this was just a bonus.

But he sure wasn’t the only one staring and admiring the girl near the pool.

Right behind him was Tom whose eyes were about to pop out of his eye sockets from the view.

He saw already much more than that, but he couldn’t look away.

The red bikini hugged your tits perfectly, your bum looking better than ever.

The scenes from the previous night were on his mind.

If he could, he would take you right there. In front of everybody.

Tom’s erection was getting more visible through his swimming trunks. The throbbing inside was driving him crazy.

“You ready to jump in mate?” Harrison’s voice broke his silent thoughts.

“Yeah, of course.” He said lowly, trying his best not to groan.

Tom thought that the refreshing pool water would help him to calm his hot mind.

He really needed you.

After all the deal said that you would help each other, isn’t that right?

However his plans to come and talk to you were ruined by his friend who was trying to keep you entertained.

“You call that entertainment? We will see what will you like more soon love.” He thought as he swam away, losing his patience now.

You were okay on your own, dipping your feet in the pool, waiting for Anna that dragged Amelia to the bathroom to pee.

You saw Harrison entering the pool again, sending you a small grin letting you know he would join you in a minute.

He presence was making you so nervous, but in a good way.

“Finally got some more time with you, Mel was killing me with the stories about this blonde dude that she met while spilling almost her whole drink on me.” He laughed, slicking his wet hair back.

“Tell me about that, Anna took her to the bathroom to pee. She is really wild tonight.”

He was in front of your legs, his crystal blue eyes were focused on yours.

“You know.. I really want to ask you something.” He began, swimming closer to your legs to rest his arm on top of your knees leaving a trail of goosebumps on your hot skin.

His cold and soft touch sent waves of pleasure through your body.

You could get used to this.

“Go on.”

“I really enjoyed the time we spent tonight, and I really want to do this more often if you would like that too. I mean I would like to take you out, you’re really lovely Y/N.” He reddened after the words slipped past his lips.

“Of course, I really had fun tonight thanks to you Harrison. I really like you.” You spoke back.

“The feeling is definitely mutual. Are you available on Monday?”

“Yes, Monday sounds perfect.”

“Excellent love, now I think it’s time to cool off a little.” He smiled mischievously, grabbing your hips.

“What do you mean cool—“ You didn’t even finish your sentence because you found yourself underwater.

You were out of breath laughing, splashing water on him.

“Oh you’re trying to drown me? You sure are messing with the wrong person here.” You joked, putting your arms on his shoulder.

“Gonna need much more strength for that love.” His arms sneaked around your waist under the water, drawing you close to him.

“Want to try that again?” He whispered, his face close to yours.

His breath fanned your skin, you were so sure something would happen, but something stopped that.

Or should I say someone in particular.

“Am I interrupting something?”

Gosh Tom, you really are a bitch.

“No, no Tom, we were just chatting.” Harrison answered him, stepping outside the pool to sit.

“Well, Amelia is plastered and Anna asked if you could help her so she could put her in bed.” Tom said.

“Sure, are they inside?”

Tom just nodded.

“You gonna wait for me?” Harrison asked before leaving.

“I’m gonna dry myself off, so we can meet in the garden?”

“Deal love.”

Tom just waited for his friend to disappear from your sight so he could finally speak to you.

“Look at you darling, you look divine.”

“Thank you Tom, you sure know when to come.” You spoke back.

“I’m sorry for ruining your sweet moment here darling, but they really needed him.”

You stepped outside the pool, making your way to the house.

“So you really made my mate go all insane for you.” Tom stated, guiding you to the bathroom.

“Did I?” You asked, your heart fluttering at his words.

“Absolutely. He couldn’t keep his eyes away from you.”

“And me as well.” Tom spoke in your ear, looking around so you could enter the bathroom unnoticed.

Fuck Tom.

Should I be even doing this?

“You made me so hard just by watching you in this red two piece bikini.” He growled in your ear.

You leaned your head on his shoulder, trying to relax as much as possible.

The feeling of getting caught was stressing you out.

But you couldn’t say no to him.

You sighed as his lips were teasing your neck and shoulder.

“Shit I craved you so much baby, couldn’t wait any longer.” His hands made their way to the nape of your neck, untying the knot of your top.

Tom’s fingers danced on your skin, coming in contact with your belly.

His palm was placed there holding you close to him, while his other hand toyed with the knots that held the bottom piece of the bikini in place.

“Can you feel how much I want you right now baby?” He rubbed his crotch on your ass, receiving an exciting moan from you.

“Shh, we don’t want anyone to burst in here do we?” He shushed you, pressing a sloppy kiss on your jawline.

“Fuck, no. Just do something already we don’t have much time.”

“You mean you don’t have much time? I have the whole damn time if you ask me.” Tom teased, chuckling into the nape of your neck.

His free hand reached the edges of your bikini, pushing the material to the side dipping one finger into your folds.

“Looks like I wasn’t the only one excited here hm?” He rubbed you slowly, slipping one finger inside of you without a warning.

You tried your best not to be loud, but the feeling of Tom’s fingers buried inside of you made you weak.

“Would love to see you fall apart on my fingers baby, but we both know we need each other now right?”

“Hell yes, please fuck me.” Your eyes still closed, enjoying the pleasure he was giving you.

He removed his hand, making you whine from the feeling of being empty.

“Don’t worry I got something much more better.”

The dark trunks of his were now long gone, his hands lifted you up on the washing machine spreading your legs wide open.

Tom smashed himself inside of you, making you both whine from the feeling.

Your palm grasped his wet curls tightly, pulling him closer to your trembling body.

God this feels so wrong, but so great.

What are you doing to me Tom? No wonder Sophie went crazy about you.

“Tell me love, who can make you this good?”

“Shit you Tommy.” You bit your lip drawing blood to the surface, only to stop the moans escaping from your throat.

“Don’t break the deal between us love. Look how good we make each other feel. You can still be with whoever you want and me as well, no one needs to know it will be our little secret.” He pleaded into your ear.

You were aware of the situation.

Although you knew that this would be wrong in every possible way if something happens between you and Harrison, you couldn’t say no.

He was so addicting, his touch, movements, small talk.

Everything.

What happened? How did you fell for someone like Tom?

“Christ, this will be so wrong but I-I can’t break this fucking deal.” You muttered out, squeezing your eyes shut from the familiar sensation forming in the pit of your stomach.

You’re going to be the end of me Thomas.

He smiled at your response as his hands pushed through your hair gripping it lightly.

You were close to the edge. You whimpered as his fingers started rubbing your bundle of nerves.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck I’m gonna cum.” You managed to choke out.

Tom wasn’t that far from coming and seeing your beautiful face as you came, he almost bursted.

“That’s right beautiful, you’re doing so good for me. Don’t worry just our little secret.”

And with that he pulled out his length shooting his load on your bare chest.

“Fuck you look so good with my cum all over you.” He smirked playfully, eyeing your tits.

“Full of yourself Holland, hand me a tissue please.” You replied.

The reality hit you hard in that moment.

You were nervous, anybody could tell if they saw you honestly.

You loved Tom and ending this..whatever it’s called wasn’t something you wanted.

And hurting a guy like Harrison by doing something behind his back was a no as well.

“Hey, don’t stress that much.” Tom spoke handing you the tissues.

“You know he likes you, I’m thousand percent sure, he is my best mate I know when he likes someone or not.” He laughed, helping you down from the washing machine.

“I hope so..but that’s not the only thing why I’m worried.” You whispered as you searched through your bag for dry clothes.

“Look I know you think that this is bad..but believe me it’s just a silly deal that’s here for us if we need to blow off some steam and stuff like that. No feelings love, that’s making everything different.”

Maybe he was right?

No one would say a thing, eventually your crush will fade and no harm done.

You hope so.

“Yeah..you have a point. No one will know?” You asked once more.

“No one love.”

“Okay.”

You could feel him staring as you tried to dress yourself.

“Do you mind turning around?” You asked, trying to hide your breasts and everything else as much as possible.

“Why? Nothing I haven’t seen or felt before.” He leaned on the white tiles with his eyes still on your body.

“Dear God.” You spoke. Annoyed.

You gave up, starting to dress in front of him.

“I look like shit now, great.” You stared at the reflection in the mirror.

Hair a complete mess, the light makeup long gone by now, your cheeks flushed.

“Oh c’mon you stole his heart anyway, he won’t notice anything.”

Crap, Harrison.

He is probably looking for you.

“How long are we here? He probably thinks I stood him up or something.” You panicked, grabbing the doorknob.

However Tom’s hand was fast enough to stop you.

“Wait, I will go first to see if someone’s around. I will knock if the air is clear, then you can go.”

“Okay, just hurry up.”

The 10 seconds were like an eternity.

You’re heart was running wild because of Tom and Harrison.

You wanted them both.

“Come out.” He said, knocking on the door.

“I see you around then?” He added before you tried to disappear.

“Yes.” You gave him a one last look before speeding down the stairs.

“There she is!” Anna shouted, pointing at you.

“I’m so sorry, I couldn’t f-find my bag so it took me a while.” You spoke, looking at Anna and him.

“No problem, but you missed the fun with Amelia.” Anna giggled.

“Oh that was a show I bet.”

“Definitely, Harry said that she can sleep here tonight, so we don’t have to worry if the car will smell like vomit.” She joked, making a slightly disgusted face.

“Ew.”

“Okay, I’m going to find Harry and when you two are done call me.”

You were lost for words again.

He was absolutely beautiful.

“So..” You began, rocking back and forth on your feet.

“Our date still on?” He asked nervously.

“Of course I really did enjoy my evening with you.”

“I’m so glad you did, because I honestly want to see you more.”

Before you could even answer, his arms were on your back.

He pressed an innocent peck on your cheek out of the blue.

Harrison didn’t want to rush anything, but he wanted to show how much you fascinated him.

“See you on Monday?” He said.

“See you on Monday.” You confirmed, embracing him in a short hug.

“Oi, oi already going home?” The cocky voice spoke behind your back.

“Someone wants a decent amount of sleep Holland.” Anna replied, stopping just like you to see what he wanted.

However he did have some company with him.

The same blonde from the living room.

Wasn’t the sex a while ago enough for him?

Of course not.

You felt sick seeing his fingers caressing her slim hip.

Please let us leave.

“The party just started, you’re no fun like always.” He was being a total douche in front of her, nothing like Tom that hangout with us.

“If you’re trying to impress your girl here, you’re failing. Try to sober up a bit then you can talk to us, good night.” She grabbed your hand, marching to her car.

“He is being an total ass tonight.”

“Yeah..” You mumbled, the picture of Tom and the blonde occupying your mind.

“You upset about something? You know you can tell me everything.” She glanced at you, bringing her attention back to the road.

“Oh n-no, nothing’s bothering me really. I’m just stressing about my date on Monday.” You spoke, it was true after all. You were nervous about that as well.

“OHH, yeees Harrison told me he asked you on a date. Believe me nothing to worry about he is head over heels for you babe!”

“Will you come help me out before the date?” You questioned.

“Absolutely! I’m always here to help!” She screeched happily.

“See you then Ann, thank you for this evening and Harrison and everything. Have a good rest, good night.” You hugged her, before exiting the car.

“No problem love! Love to see you happy like this, good night!”

This was an intense night. You were all over the place, the whole night repeating in your head.

Your apartment was dark and quiet.

You kicked your shoes off, exhaling loudly as the tune of a received message grabbed your attention.

Unknown number

I loved your company so much I forgot to ask for your number. Hope you don’t mind that I asked Ann. :)

Haz x

Of course not! I’m glad you asked her! I enjoyed your presence as well. Xx

You were so overwhelmed that sleeping was impossible at that moment. The only thing on your mind was the date and Harrison.

Tag List

@averyfosterthoughts @i-cant-hangout-im-drumming @timey-wimey-lovi @rachaeldonnaspiteri1 @peterparker-rickybowen-mybabies @sweetestscape @quacksonhq @stuckyyrogers @kaylinfayezink @tomhollandthing @stardustom @hannahholland1811 @yoinkyourheart @magicwithaknife @thurstyforholland @quaksonhehe @fanficscuziranout @runway-to-my-aid @definitely-not-black-cat @got-to-get-away @littlebookbengal @primadonnasdream @readheadwriter @ifntelyinspirit @juliebean247 @hes-amarillo @danicarosaline @lukesbabylon @lulueliott24

437 notes · View notes

lipstickbisous · 4 years

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the lion and her sun. (3)

PRODUCT OF LOVE

notes: fuck it, i’m posting it now....we get to meet ellaria!! but just to warn u, aurane is a bit of a bitch to her at first but she warms up. we also get to learn a little bit more about aurane’s love life (lil surprise in there) and a few--VERY FEW--soft moments between her and oberyn. i was watching harry potter while writing this so if some parts sound harry potter-ish..that’s why.

also this is what aurane wears in her walk with oberyn (if u want to see it i’ll still describe it)

it felt weird writing doran as someone who walks (no offense).

and yes i know that my timeline does not add up according to the show but that’s because i’m writing my own timeline cuz i can. (sry for attitude)

basically, we just don’t pay attention to timelines in this fic :)

pairing: oberyn x oc

summary: with her wedding on the way, aurane meets a new friend and visits the water gardens.

word count: 6k

masterlist

aurane’s horse had now been returned to the stables as she stood, feeling particularly small, in front of the great castle. it had been made of clay and marble and concrete, a bright white color completing contrasting the gardens it sat on top of. there were towers in various parts of the land and perhaps it being so disarrayed without symmetry is what made it so interesting. on the edges and hemming of the towers were intricate designs, similar to the ones she admired on her dish.

the most aurane could say at the moment was that this castle was nothing like the one in casterly rock or in king’s landing. it intimidated her.

behind her as she stood with her head practically facing the sky, oberyn began to chuckle. “shall i walk you to your room?”

aurane had half a mind to refuse and let herself find wherever she would be staying, soon to realize that this place was completely new, and two minutes inside she could’ve easily gotten lost. without saying a word in response, she nodded and bit her tongue, just to make sure that this was still very real.

the walk to her new bedroom was longer than aurane had wanted it to be, especially with the stares of sers and ladies that had been dressed in the finest silks and linens while walking in the gardens. she could’ve sworn she heard whispers but they were so silent that none of the guards or even prince oberyn noticed, but aurane was a lannister, so she rose her head the slightest bit and ignored them while walking by.

while oberyn led aurane around the halls and rooms of the castle, casually walking past them as if they were not a sight to see, there was a falter in his steps. he stood in a great room with paintings on the ceilings and that smirk on his face. “perhaps i should show you to my brother.”

one single mention of the oldest martell and aurane felt shivers. surely he would be even angrier over the death of their sister and wishes a worser fate for aurane. “prince doran?” she asked, gulping with fear. hopefully, oberyn hadn’t noticed it.

he only nodded and swiftly turned to his left and aurane hesitantly followed. the soldiers behind them continued to march with their wooden spears in hand, which did nothing to ease the anxiety in her bones. aurane hadn’t heard much of prince doran from her family, only rumors of his little brother. but if oberyn had been so intimidating to aurane...what would doran be?

in front of the soon-to-be married couple stood in front of a pair of doors, both decorated with golden patterns on top of the wood. aurane, still dressed in her itchy clothing (only worse in the heat), began to breathe heavily, noticing that her corset was still extremely tight. it was also then that she realized she hadn’t broken a single sweat since their arrival. but now, as they stood in front of what she guessed to be the throne room, she felt a droplet trickling down her temple.

oberyn chuckled. “don’t be so nervous, lion,” and with a single push against what looked to be extremely heavy doors, aurane was met with the sight of the most beautiful room she had seen. inside sat two thrones crafted of wood and more clay. on the back of the throne stood a two tall wooden poles holding up a piece of honey-colored silk. it saddened aurane to think that at one point, there would’ve been three thrones, but in one of them sat a man wearing a robe similar to oberyn’s, with dark brown hair to his chin. “brother!”

prince doran looked as if he were always somewhat pissed off. his lips naturally curved into a small sneer, and with the way his hands gripped the wood of his throne, aurane felt as if she could sense his anger. “aurane lannister,” he spoke while standing from his throne. “or aurane hill?”

the princess smiled graciously though both dornishmen in the room saw right through it. there were very few times that aurane had been called by her rightful bastard name, but her family had always reassured her that it didn’t change thing. it was something that aurane never understood because why should it change a thing? “i suppose it’s neither now.”

aurane wasn’t precise on how anyone in the throne room would react to her remark in the moment. everything about it had been true--in a week, she would be a martell. prince doran began to chuckle before standing, “she’s witty, i like that,” nodding his head and walking closer. oberyn’s smirk from behind aurane was practically radiating. “not like your family. i can appreciate it.” there wasn’t much to say in response so aurane simply nodded in gratitude for the first semi-compliment of the day. doran noticed her discomfort at the moment and looked to his younger brother. “i think it is time to show the princess where her room is. the journey was long and eventful, i’m sure.”

long? yes. eventful? just the opposite.

“thank you, my prince,” she curtsied and turned around along with oberyn to exit. in her last moments in the throne room for what she hoped to be a long time, she finally let the paintings and plants and decor on the walls sink into her mind. aurane belived she would enjoy drawing them, even if it was from memory.

and again, aurane was being led through the unrecognizable but yet insanely memorable walls of the hallways. aurane felt a certain prick about oberyn’s attitude--it was almost as if he thought he were better because he knew every single entrance, exit, and hall of the castle. little did aurane know, the prince thought nothing of the sort.

her fingers absentmindedly traced over the marble walls, skipping over the leaves of tropical plants she had never even seen before in casterly rock or king’s landing. her eyes were dancing in every direction, and oberyn noticed but made no comment or remark. it was just a simple smile as he watched her interest suddenly peak when the walls stopped and the balcony to the west wing of the castle began. there aurane could see the perfect view of the gardens below, the palms swaying in the light breeze that contrasted the heat on aurane’s skin.

when oberyn’s footsteps stopped, resulting in him standing in front of a smaller pair of doors, but with the same golden design, aurane let out a sigh. much to her dismay (which was a surprise to her as well), her little silent tour of the castle was over.

oberyn gently pushed the door open and allowed aurane to walk inside. it had definitely been bigger than her room in king’s landing, more like the one in casterly rock, but it had been so long ago that she was in her original home that could barely remember it. on the opposite side of the room was a long balcony that stretched from one wall to the other. the curtains were made of fine white linens but aurane was much in need for them--the view was nothing more than the golden-sand beaches and the long stretch of blue oceans.

her bed was also made from wood and marble and when pressing her hand against the sheets, aurane could’ve sworn she had almost melted. she had felt silk before, when the starks visited her family they’d brought along some of the softest furs, but the fabric she’d been gifted with was simply pure. there were two candles, one on both sides of her bed, along with large plants similar to the ones in the hallways.

on the other side of her room three large dressers, each with four drawers, and a two beautiful, large wooden wardrobes painted white. a mirror hung over the dressers and next to the mirror, on a marble hook connected to the concrete walls, held an outfit. it had been two pieces and was already a lot more revealing than anything aurane had ever worn before. her stomach and cleavage were always covered, along with her legs. this outfit showed her waist and hips with a small top in a triangle-cut and a skirt down to her feet. the fabric had already been quiet transparent, even with its coloring as a bright shade of orange. aurane wasn’t sure if the color would look good on her but she hadn’t noticed the fact that her jaw had dropped.

a chuckle arose in the silence. “in the wardrobe are undergarments, along with plenty of other attire. they will be helpful with the weather,” oberyn advised and aurane closed her mouth. her shoes tapped against the polished floor and she opened the wardrobe to reveal just that--eight wraps for around her breasts and eight for her legs. she shut the wardrobe after noticing the other outfits folded on the bottom and thinking of whatever was inside the dressers. “if you worry they don’t fit, we do have tailors here in dorne.”

it was a smart comment, yes, but aurane didn’t completely care about whatever the prince had to say. “they’re fine,” she pursed her lips. aurane now stood at the door, where oberyn had been standing in the frame.

“i can help you unpack your things,” he offered, motioning to the guards behind him that held aurane’s many bags and belongings. there was a slight curve in his lips and part of aurane wanted to believe it was a kind smile. but in her head, she scoffed. another way to try to seduce her? did he think she was really that dimwitted?

she shook her head and turned to look out the window, staring across the sea. the air was full of the salty smell and inside of the small palm forest that surrounded the beach sang birds so loud aurane could hear them from her room. “no, thank you,” she answered, turning back to the prince, who remained in the doorway. “you already have every girl here on their knees to be fucked by you. you don’t need one more.”

and with that, aurane shut the door and locked it before anyone could push it back open.

―

it had at least been one day, but aurane wasn’t completely positive how much time had passed. she had watched the sun set and the sun rise once so it must’ve been the second day of the week--or, had she seen them twice?

aurane hadn’t left her chambers at all since she’d spoken to prince oberyn. she’d locked the door and no one had even tried to knock or break down the doors. the only time she’d opened them was when the guards had brought her luggage last night.

now, it was around lunch time and aurane had finished the complimentary dish of nuts and berries and wine. her stomach began to rumble but since she’d awoken that morning, she had ignored it. her corset and dress from king’s landing were displayed out on the floor--for the night, she had sat naked in her chair, not because of the heat, but simply because she could. she still had not donned the dornish clothing that prince oberyn had gifted her with, but, of course, aurane didn’t know that it was an act of his kindness.

instead of the revealing outfits or her itchy dress, aurane wore the silk robe she’d found in the back of her second wardrobe. it had been colored golden, and until this moment where aurane was playing with the hem, she hadn’t noticed the embroidery on the bottom. a cup of wine sat on the table next to her as she poured herself a third drink of the day, enjoying the scent and feeling of the air.

then, a knock on her door.

part of aurane smiled inside. she’d gone almost twenty-four hours without any sort of bother. with one sip of wine, she asked, “yes?” she noticed her voice hadn’t been so hoarse and raspy from not having anyone to converse with, but it wasn’t much of a shock considering there were moments she’d talked to herself or even began to sing.

“i have your lunch,” the other voice spoke sweetly. perhaps it was the dornish accent or the mention of food or the aroma of the food through the door, but the want to be left alone suddenly faded.

aurane tied the front of her robe to cover her bare body and set her wine down. she stood up from the chair and felt the cold of the marble floor against her bare feet as she walked to door and quietly unlocked it.

outside of aurane’s room stood a tall and thin woman with tan skin just like hers. she had short black hair that naturally curled down to her chin and thin soft lips, holding a tray with a single plate of food and a cup of some sort of juice. the woman wore an outfit similar to the one aurane had been gifted with and aurane immediately knew who this was.

she chuckled breathlessly. “you’re that whore he runs around with,” she leaned against the door way. as soon as she said, aurane could see that the woman’s kind smile faltered the slightest bit. aurane shook her head. “i’m sorry.”

the woman’s smile grew again as she nodded. “it’s alright,” she spoke so unaffected by aurane’s hateful words, and the princess couldn’t help but admire it. “but, yes, i am the whore he runs around with.”

aurane winced at her words being spoke back to her and stood away from the door, allowing the woman to walk through. “please,” she looked to floor and shame and sighed. “you don’t look like a servant to me.”

“no?” the woman spoke with such a smile that aurane had only seen on boys. she felt something in her stomach flutter. “too old?”

the sudden accusation caused aurane to laugh nervously. she felt her cheeks heat up as the woman bent over to set the tray of food down on her table near the window. “no,” aurane trembled and closed the door. she walked over to where the woman was standing and looked at what was in the cup. it was a liquid, but not a transparent red like wine. instead, it was opaque and orange. “too pretty.”

aurane sat down and scanned over the food the woman had brought her before noticing that she’d sat down across from the princess. “thank you,” she grinned before pouring herself a cup of wine. the intrusion hadn’t been a problem but it was slightly awkward considering the ways aurane had been raised.

“i don’t think i’ve gotten your name,” aurane spoke, picking at the grapes placed in a clay bowl. with a fork in her hand, she jabbed at the thin slices of meat and placed one in her mouth. it been seasoned with fresh and ethnic spices that were new to aurane’s taste buds. it was a strange flavor but as soon as she swallowed it down, there wasn’t much to hate about i.t

the woman watched in wonder. “ellaria sand.” she mused and took a sip of wine, her eyes focused on aurane’s lips as the princess devoured another piece of the beef.

aurane only chuckled. “a bastard,” she whispered to herself, inhaling the small group of vegetables that she had never seen before. “just like me.”

there was a certain flavor about the food that kept drawing aurane to consume more and more of it. in king’s landing, the only seasoning the cooks used in the kitchens down below the castle was salt and pepper and perhaps a bit of garlic from the crop gardens. although aurane had longed to explore the city below, visit the markets, and trade with farmers, her father had denied her any freedom of such.

“pardon me,” ellaria spoke up through her cup of wine and aurane stopped eating for a second. perhaps she had been insanely hungry and this meal was a sort of satisfaction. “you must be some sort of dornish, your grace” the princess furrowed her brows and began to feast again. “no pink person could ever eat that food.”

aurane shook her head and dove her fork down to her plate before noticing it was empty. “and why not?” she chuckled, padding a napkin against her lips.

the other woman shrugged and imbibed more of her wine. “those,” she pointed to the empty plate, holding only crumbs. “are the strongest spices in all of westeros.” aurane looked down at her dish and chewed on a stray piece of food that had remained in her mouth.

she laughed before reaching for the cup on the tray and bringing it towards her view, swishing around the orange liquid inside. “what is this?” she questioned.

ellaria’s eyes were skeptical at aurane’s wonder with the drink. in king’s landing and casterly rock and almost any other city in the land, the only beverages being marketed were wine and water--the latter usually being disease-ridden or still obtaining bits of salt. “orange juice, your grace.”

before taking a sip, aurane shook her head. “please don’t call me that,” and swallowed down a mouthful of the juice and was surprised when the sugars complimented her taste buds. aurane looked back at the cup with widened eyes. ellaria laughed.

“it’s good, right?” the older woman spoke, finishing her wine and setting her cup on the table.

aurane nodded happily and drank the rest of her juice in one large gulp. “i’ve never had oranges,” the princess mimicked ellaria’s actions and placed the goblet back on the tray, throwing her napkin on top of the plate. she sat back in her chair and let the silence flood into the room. she found that if she was completely still and no wind threatened to blow, she could hear perfectly the waves against the shore and the birds in their trees. with her stomach now satisfied, aurane began to play with her robe again. “you birthed him several children, am i correct?”

there was only a few seconds of silence before ellaria answered. “i did,” she smiled, brown eyes gazing off across the see from aurane’s window. “three bastard daughters.” the younger princess laughed humorlessly, to which ellaria grew confused.

“how am i to marry a man who has already been given three children?” with her last word, her index and middle finger accidentally tore the edge of her robe. aurane gasped and ellaria immediately crouched to her knees on the marble flooring and held the ripped hem of the silk. “i’m sorry.” aurane apologized

ellaria gently shushed the princess and began to slip it off of aurane’s shoulders, but the younger woman’s hands caught hers. “has no one seen you bare before, sweet girl?” aurane didn’t move--yes, a few man had seen her in all of her glory--but yet she remained hesitant as ellaria pulled the robe from her completely, leaving her revealed in the warm air of dorne. “you don’t have to worry. we share the same sights.” she hung the robe on one of the hooks near aurane’s wardrobe and opened its doors to reveal the many outfits and robes and undergarments. ellaria grabbed one of the blush-colored robe and handed it over to the princess. “besides, this material is very delicate.”

with the pink robe in her hands, aurane hesitantly stood from her seat, her entire body on display to whoever could see through her window, but with ellaria standing next to her there was a part of the princess that didn’t care. aurane slipped the soft sleeves onto her skin and tied it so she was covered once again.

before she could take her seat, ellaria spoke. “have you ever been in love?”

aurane didn’t like the question. so sudden and it was completely off topic. in the back of her head, aurane knew the truth but hadn’t paid any attention to it in years and didn’t want to. the simple question that the lovely woman across from aurane had brought up the thought and it hurt inside. “yes.”

interest piqued in ellaria’s head as she took her seat and leaned forward. “who?”

“you’ll laugh.”

she shook her head. “i won’t.”

it had been silent again while aurane contemplated the outcome of her answer, whether she decided to give it or not. it had been a short summer love that didn’t waver in strength. “robb stark,” the mention of such a person made ellaria widen her eyes and she sat back as a sign for aurane to continue. “the starks had come to casterly rock when we invited them for a celebration of their son, bran,” aurane began to play with her robe began but soon caught herself and let her fingers stay by her side. “we were both sixteen. it was the normal age for a girl to be married off into another family, but as a bastard, no one seemed to want me. i say that with no complaint, though,” she noted. “they had stayed for the summer. they weren’t too used to the warm weather and i didn’t mind robb’s company.”

ellaria smiled warmly. “he was your first?” aurane nodded. the older woman once had a summer love when she was younger. a sweet boy who shown her nothing but kindness. but summer loves were not those meant to last--only those to remember. “when did they leave?”

“when the nice weather ended and the days grew shorter,” aurane smiled. she hadn’t seen the prince of winterfell in year and could imagine how different he looked now at the pristine age of twenty-five. “we wrote letters to each other that took unbearably long to send. one day, i’d forgotten to write back. and i hadn’t remembered it for a few months. i tried to write one and i sent a pigeon to winterfell hoping he would receive it. either it got lost on the way or he just hadn’t bothered to respond.”

both eyes met each other, sharing the same smile. it stayed like that for the next hour as familiar memories and daydreams about aurane’s first lover flooded into her head. it was the first time she had gone without a drink after reminiscing her past. aurane could’ve possibly fallen asleep even but if she had, ellaria was kinda and let her rest. but now, aurane was awake and very much content.

the older woman tapped the table and stood from her seat. aurane found that she enjoyed ellaria’s company and furrowed her brows. “i think you should put on one of those,” ellaria pointed to the open wardrobe. “perhaps you’d like a walk in the garden. just to get out of this room.” she held the tray on her forearm and walked to the door, holding it open with her foot before chiming another thought in. “also, i forgot. prince oberyn has eight daughters.”

―

dinner had been served and oberyn had made sure a dish had gotten to aurane’s locked room, just like he had with her lunch. he would’ve taken it to her himself if ellaria hadn’t offered. and when she came back two hours later, dropping off the tray that now held an empty plate and cup, she told him everything.

“robb stark,” ellaria repeated. she rested lazily on oberyn’s bed, pressing a pillow closer to her face. something about that girl wove its way into the woman’s heart and ellaria couldn’t say she wanted to complaining. “she didn’t say anything of anybody else.”

oberyn nodded and sat himself at his desk. he had a numerous amount of crumpled up and discarded papers across the surface. his quill out of its case and ink missing its lid. “and you mentioned the gardens?” he asked, crossing his legs and holding his chin in his hand.

his lover sighed. “yes, my love,” she disclosed. “now come lay with me. enough poetry.”

in her room, aurane stood insecurely in front of her mirror, watching as any move she made was imitated by her reflection. aurane had been told many times by men that her body had been perfection--it might’ve been from wearing those cursed corsets underneath her dresses--but that late afternoon, as the air grew cooler but remained somewhat insanely hot, aurane was poking and prodding at every part of herself she found as imperfect.

she had to admit that she had found the coloring strange, but it complimented her skin well. a mix of browns and oranges and greens it was, all morphing into a light beige. the material wasn’t as transparent as some of the other dresses and tunics but if it weren’t for the decorative beading her entire breasts would be exposed to anyone who looked.

on aurane’s neck hung the golden chain, her last memory given to her in casterly rock from such a long time ago. dark brown waves of hair hung to her waist with two braids pulled to the back. her coloring complimented the entire setting of dorne, but still it didn’t feel like home.

when ellaria had mentioned a walk through the gardens it had sounded pleasant to aurane. it didn’t matter which city she was in--king’s landing, casterly rock, highgarden, or here in dorne--there was nothing better in the princess’ mind than walking along dozens of trails covered by different trees and plants and bushes and flowers.

but now, moving around to face different directions so she could see herself from every angle, aurane was starting to reconsider her choices.

perhaps leaving my room after a day might be nice. she had thought. there are so many new plants and flowers to draw.

now aurane only saw flaws. and if there were people in the gardens, and they already didn’t want a lannister in their home, she could imagine the type of remarks and comments they would whisper around.

aurane began to undo two of the buttons the front of her tunic before hearing a firm knock on her door. because she already answered the knock before for dinner, she wasn’t expecting anybody.

“it’s unlocked,” she yelled with a shaky voice, leaving the buttons alone and placing her hands at her sides. the tunic hadn’t been itchy like her dress while on the ship but still she poked at her stomach.

the door opened and aurane looked up in the mirror to meet dark brown eyes and a smirk. it hadn’t been necessarily seductive but something about it sent a wave of heat through aurane. “well, my sun,” along with the temperature of the summer air in dorne, the princess’ cheeks felt warmth at the name. “i cannot say you don’t look striking in dornish clothing.”

what a gross comment. aurane first thought, her mind immediately flashing to how much skin she was showing in her outfit, soon to realize that compared other woman in sunspear, aurane was dressed quite reasonable. “thank you, my prince.” she bowed her head.

oberyn tutted from behind and closed to bedroom doors. “lion,” with aurane chewing on the inside of her cheek and it was obvious that she had begun to strip, he could that she was reassessing her decisions. oberyn’s arms gently wrapped around aurane’s waist, and his fingers danced over the loose buttons before slowly popping them back into the other side of the tunic. “don’t use the formalities, just speak normal to me.”

her jaw clenched as his fingertip accidentally touched the inside of her cleavage before unwrapping himself from around her and reaching into his pocket. “what’re you doing?” aurane instantly cautioned, leaning against the dresser. at any moment, the prince of dorne could easily pull out a dagger or some small weapon. he was the red viper after all.

instead, he rose one hand in defense, the other revealing a small vial that contained an amber-colored liquid. he held it out to her as she gently eased away from the dresser. “you rub it on your skin,” he spoke quieter than before and while it soothed aurane it also piqued her concern. oberyn popped open the cork and placed his palm on the open top of the vial, flipping it over so that a tiny a amount remained in his hand. one simple look of an eye for permission and aurane nodded. she looked down to the floor as his fingers reached over to her neck and pressed his palm against her skin, soon rubbing the liquid in. exposed in the air, aurane noticed it’s certain aroma of cirtus and sugar. when she looked back up at the prince, he spoke raspy, “it will keeps the bugs away. it may be sunset but the air remains the same.”

she smiled thinly and muttered, “you don’t have to tell me.”

oberyn chuckled and held his arm out to aurane, hooking it so hand remained at his hip. the princess was hesitant. she knew her only option was to take it, placing her arm inside his, because if she wouldn’t it would only be slightly suspicious but what was this? the prince had no reason to spend even a morsel of time with her so why would he waste a perfect night for a walk in the gardens with a lannister? was it to poison her?

he could lead to somewhere secret and beat you, rape you. she thought as she hesitantly took his arm. they exited her room, shutting the door behind them. it was then that aurane noticed the two guards walking close on their trail. perhaps he’s gotten others to do it for him.

the walk to the gardens was not as long as the walk from the docks and to aurane’s room had been. if anything, sauntering down the hallways again had been peaceful and unnerving. the designs on the walls were the same and the plants stood generously. only this time, aurane felt her heartbeat quicken as oberyn pulled her into an unrecognizable staircase.

“what’re you doing?” she asked in hush tone.

oberyn didn’t stop their wandering about the stairs despite her whispers. he only smiled until they arrived at a small door that seemed out of place in dorne. its handle was rusted and dirty and the wood seemed to be wasting away over the years. oberyn pushed the door open and the sunlight aurane was blinded with caused her to squint.

the prince smirked and bowed. “the water gardens, my sun.”

more beautiful than the ones in casterly rock and the ones in king’s landing, that was for sure. hedges and bushes had been cut so perfectly, from every angle to side, and grown in a pattern that of a labyrinth although they only rose to aurane’s hips. in each center of every small maze stood a palm tree almost as tall as the castle. certain bushes were ornamented with pink and orange flowers, others with small little red berries. the scent was nothing like the beach outside of aurane’s window. citrus, like the liquid oberyn had massaged onto her neck, spices like the ones in her lunch, and a breath of fresh air that aurane had never tasted in her former homes.

it was everything to aurane. this place was now her home? she’d seen the gardens from afar as oberyn had led her to her room the day before but up close, everything seemed to be so ethereal. she could imagine the days she would spend there, sketching in her books to recreate images she could only dream of--but now, there they were, portrayed out in front of her as if they were heaven.

there was a chuckle snapping aurane in her gaze. she had noticed her eyes had softened, her brows curved, and her lips parted. “something tells me you like it here already,” the prince laughed, and for once, aurane found herself enjoying it. before beginning to walk again, oberyn held his arm out for the princess to wrap herself around again. she only shook her head and strolled down the garden pathways by his side, holding her hands behind her back. “you have a strong manner,” his eyes tried to catch aurane’s but she was intoxicated with the sight of this new world. “all you lannisters seem to have that.”

aurane rose her brows and smiled tightly. “as you said in our first meeting,” her footsteps were quiet against the stone paths. there were other couples roaming about and to any person, the prince and princess could’ve looked like any couple. “i’m not a lannister. i’m a bastard,” she looked to her soon-to-be husband. “my name should’ve been aurane hill. born of secrets and rumors.” deep laughter and sighing was the only response she was given. she furrowed her eyebrows. “you can’t possibly think my father raped my mother?”

the prince shrugged and aurane’s eyes widened. “why would a lannister, especially one such as your father, fall in love with a dornish maiden?” a couple passed by them, looking up and down at aurane. despite her dark hair, dark eyes, and tan skin, it was clear she was not local. her posture said so, her expression said so. “i am not saying it is your fault, lion. your father ordered the murder and rape of my sister and her children. i feel as if i can rightfully accuse him of such crime.”

aurane chewed the inside of her cheek and scoffed out a single laugh. how could the prince say such words in such a calm tone? nonchalant he was, but that would be an understatement. “do i look like a product of rape to you?”

a smile and a halt in their stroll. “you look like a product of love to me, lion,” he cocked his head and continued to walk.

it was a compliment, aurane knew that, but he couldn’t possibly mean it? so why was it sending a trembling feeling through her body? inside, her skin was crawling, the contents in her stomach from dinner were shuddering and her legs wanted to collapse in the middle of the garden right there and then.

“come, my sun,” he looked back to her as she stood in the same spot. “my paramour tells me of your relationship with robb stark.”

aurane scoffed and smiled humorlessly. ellaria had been a beautiful woman and regarding aurane’s disrespect she had shown in their first minute together, ellaria had manifested nothing but kindness to the princess. while catching up to the prince, she muttered, “i can’t fucking trust anyone here, can i?”

the prince arched an eyebrow. “and what is that supposed to mean?” such words should’ve given at least some sort of blow but they didn’t seem to bother oberyn.

shit. she thought. he wasn’t supposed to hear that.

“why else would a martell want a lannister?” she questioned the prince, earning herself furrowed eyebrows and slightly shocked expression. she pursed her lips and dragged her fingers against the petals of the flower and the leaves of the bushes before they stopped in their footsteps again. “since my father has committed ‘such crimes’,” she paused. “why would dorne welcome his daughter?”

the prince laughed, but this time, aurane didn’t feel the shiver in the warm heat, or a blush across her cheeks. the tension between them was visible and it seemed that any couple who had been enjoying their evening in the water gardens had suddenly disappeared. “you think we would...” oberyn couldn’t bring himself to say it. his hand reached to aurane and rested and her lower back. “you think we would hurt an innocent girl?”

aurane wanted to cringe in disgust at his contact with her, drawing so close to her backside. her hand met the back of his, her fingers so soft against scarred and calloused skin. oberyn would be lying if he said it hadn’t felt heavenly.

ethereal, even.

but as much as he enjoyed the slight touch she had made, she pushed his hand off of her waist and turned on her heel to return to her room.

tags: @pascalpapi @heavenbarnes @zeldasayer @ohpedromypedro @absurdthirst @ithinkhesgaybutwesavedmufasa @pedropascalito @pedropascalonline @qveenbvtch @cyarikaaa @honeychicanawrites @vintagethereal @pedropascalispapi @wakalas @fleetwoodmactshirt @otherthingsinhead @forever-rogue @arianawills

#oberyn martell #prince oberyn #oberyn x reader #oberyn x you #oberyn x oc #oberyn x ellaria #oberyn x ellaria x reader #oberyn martell fic #game of thrones #pedro pascal #pedro pascal fic #pedro pascal x reader #pedro pascal x you #pedro pascal x oc #pedro pascal character #pedro pascal characters fic #pedro pascal fanfiction #ellaria sand

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let-it-raines · 4 years

Text

I’m married, I used to be a wedding planner, I’ve been to far too many weddings. All this said, I still struggle real hard to write a wedding. So, nonnie, I hope you like this! It was nice to get it out of my head and have it put in actual cohesive words, even if it took longer than I intended❤️

found on ao3 | here |

*I’m having to repost because something super funky was happening with the “keep reading” as can be seen in the screenshot of the ask. Sorry about that!*

-/-

June 19th, 2021

Ruth wants them to stay apart tonight.

It’s some kind of tradition or superstition, and as an athlete, Killian gets it. He does. He is all about doing the same stupid thing over and over again because it was happening on a day where something good happened. When he made it to his first post-season, he didn’t shave until the last ball was played. In 2018 when they made it to the World Series, he wore the same pair of socks every day. He washed them, but it was still the same pair of socks.

(He’s too particular about cleanliness not to wash things.)

But those were things he needed in order to convince himself that they were going to win, that he was going to be able to do it, and that everything was going to be alright.

He doesn’t need to spend the night away from his wife the night before their wedding.

The thing is that they can’t exactly tell anyone that they eloped over a month ago. It would break their family’s hearts, and he and Emma are committed to keeping that secret between the two of them.

That was their day, just them, and it’s not something to be shared.

He’s been wearing his wedding ring on a chain around his neck for the past month, and God, he can’t wait to get to put it on his finger tomorrow even if he’ll have to put it right back on the chain for games.

They likely shouldn’t have picked a wedding date right in the middle of baseball season, but this is the date that worked for everyone.

No game happening.

No work for Liam and Elsa.

Ruth could come to town.

And no one was so pregnant that they couldn’t attend.

(Anna told him that if they got married while she was eight months pregnant with twins she would murder him, so they obviously changed the original date.)

“Mom, I’m not doing that.”

“It’s tradition.”

“I stayed apart from David when we got married,” Mary Margaret adds in as they walk down the hallway after paying the restaurant for the rehearsal dinner.

“I’m staying in my own damn apartment,” Emma huffs. “I like my bed and my stuff, and I don’t want to have to sleep on the rock-hard bed in your spare bedroom.”

“Okay, well, you stay home, and Killian can stay at Liam’s.”

Emma stops walking and crosses her arms over her chest before briefly glancing at him. She is not happy, and if she didn’t love her family, he imagines there would be some kind of strangulation happening right about now.

Well, if there also wasn’t the threat of jail as well. That might also keep her from doing it.

“I appreciate you both looking out for tradition and any possible horrible things that may happen to us if we don’t stay apart,” Killian sighs, “but this wasn’t something we were planning on doing and neither of us are interested in it. If down the road we don’t work out, feel free to say ‘I told you so.’”

“Are you serious?”

“As anything.”

Killian glances over at Emma, at the small smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. If he looks at her, he can ignore the disapproving stares of Mary Margaret and Ruth. It was Ruth who was insistent, but now, he might be a little more scared of Mary Margaret.

“Emma,” Ruth sighs, “won’t you please do this? It’s tradition, and it would mean so much to me to get to spend this night with you.”

Emma sighs and tilts her head up to look at the ceiling. She’s got on a short white dress tonight, and it flows off her body from the waist down, but it’s tight around her chest where the material barely covers her breasts. He’s been distracted by it all bloody night and the way that his mother’s ring hits in the concave between her boobs, but now as her neck is elongated, all he can focus on is the smoothness of her skin and the way her summer tan accentuates all of her features.

Beautiful.

“I’m sorry, but no,” Emma finally says. “I will see you both at nine tomorrow morning, and you will be with me until I walk down the aisle at six. That’s so much time, and I would much rather spend the night with Killian. I don’t think we’re going to be cursed.”

“Let the woman go,” David yells from the elevator door. “I’m ready to go to sleep.”

“David speaks the truth,” Killian laughs, reaching over to thread his fingers through Emma’s. “It’s been a long, wonderful day, and I cannot thank you both enough for it. Let’s all go home, though, get our beauty sleep. We’re all going to need it. There’s only so much editing the photographer can do.”

Mary Margaret and Ruth finally relent, and David manages to drag them out of the restaurant where they have been camping out for the last several hours, toasts given and delicious food eaten as half of the people they knew came up to he and Emma to congratulate them and talk about their excitement for tomorrow. The wedding has ended up being much bigger than either of them intended, mostly because of the sheer number of people they know and getting carried away with the help of Mary Margaret, Ruby, Elsa, and Anna. It’s honestly been insane and a whirlwind with the season taking up most of his time, and after they got married last month, neither of them have cared much about what this wedding will be like.

It’s a celebration with their friends and family, and if everyone else is happy, he will be too.

Though, he is excited to see Emma’s dress. He’s not seen it yet, but he knows he’ll find her beautiful in anything.

Killian tugs on Emma’s hand, and they start walking to the elevator, heading down to the lobby to get his car from the valet. There are photographers waiting outside, and he hears Emma groan. He squeezes her hand, wishing there was some other way to comfort her from the nuisance that are gossip reporters, but there’s nothing they can do now besides get his keys, get in the car, and go home.

“Was Ruth driving you crazy too?” Emma asks as they start slipping out of their clothes in their closet. “I know she means well, but oh my gosh, I never realized how much of a traditionalist she could be until the past few weeks.”

“I mean, it’s not unheard of for couples who already live together to stay apart the night of the wedding.”

“No, it’s not, but I still didn’t want to do it. I mean, have you slept on the bed in the guest room at David’s? It’s awful.”

“You could take the couch.”

“I promise they wouldn’t let me.”

Killian chuckles and hangs his shirt up before taking off his belt and his pants as Emma unclasps her bra. “Tomorrow you’ll wear the pretty white dress and carry a far too heavy bouquet, and everyone will be so amazed by your beauty that they won’t care that you kept bucking their traditions.”

“Getting a little cheesy there, Jones.”

“It happens sometimes.”

Emma shakes her head and bends over to grab one of his t-shirts. She doesn’t bother to hang up her dress or put away her bra or her shoes, and one day he will stop hoping that she’ll clean up her clothes.

Maybe.

Possibly.

Probably not.

He ends up picking up her clothes and putting them away after he’s changed into a pair of shorts, and he finds Emma in the bathroom taking off her makeup and washing her face. It takes her a little longer than usual to do it, and by the time she’s finished, he’s scrolling through Netflix trying to find something for them to watch as they fall asleep.

“You went ahead and got yourself comfortable, huh?” Emma laughs as she gets into her side of the bed and pulls the covers up to her chest.

“You took forever to take your makeup off.”

“Had to make sure there wasn’t any left. I’d definitely get, like, the biggest zit in the world, and believe it or not, I want the pictures to look nice tomorrow.”

“They could always airbrush it out. As long as it’s not too big. I was kidding about the photoshop thing earlier.”

“Shut up,” Emma laughs, reaching over to gently shove him. “Did we bring any leftovers home?”

“No, but I know Scarlet took a box home. You could always call him.”

“Would it be crazy if I did that?”

“Yeah, love, yeah it would.”

“It was really good food.”

Killian puts the remote down and leans over to wrap his arm around Emma’s waist and pull her closer to him. She’s warm, even if her feet are cold, and he breathes in the lingering scent of her perfume as she settles against him.

“We have some food in the fridge. Or I can make you something.”

“None of that will be the same as Will bringing me the leftovers.”

Killian laughs into her neck and then kisses the skin there. “I know for a fact that you’re going to brunch in the morning, so I think you’ll be able to make it.”

“Don’t be jealous that my friends plan on me having better food than Liam plans on you having.”

“Well, maybe I’ll have to attend the brunch as well.”

Emma twists around in his arms, elbowing him and kicking him before she settles so that the tips of her nose brushes against his. “I’m so glad we got married at the courthouse. I mean, I’m excited to wear my dress and to have the big party, but I really liked that day.”

“Aye, me too.”

She presses forward to glide her lips over his, soft and slow, and neither of them are in a hurry to get anywhere. He loves when they get to be like this, when they have time to tease and explore and not be in a rush to get to a certain destination.

There’s always somewhere to be, something to do, a game to play, someone to talk to. There’s always a rush.

Right now, however, the only rush is the beating of his heart and the way that the woman in his arms makes him feel.

Frustrated and exasperated and so damn in love that he’ll pick up her shoes when she leaves them around, which is always.

When they come together, it’s in that same gentle, slow motion that they were following earlier. Emma’s hair is cascading down her back in long, soft waves, and when she bends down to mold her lips to his again, he shifts his hips up to keep their rhythm as his hands settle on her back sides and hold her down to him. Who knows how many times they’ve done this and how many times they’ll do it in the future? It’s the past and present all at once, but he doesn’t care to be in any moment other than this one.

Damn is he glad that she’s not staying at the Nolans’ tonight. He can’t imagine her being anywhere else other than here with him.

When he wakes in the morning, it’s to the softness of Emma’s lips pressing against his chest, her mouth tracing his skin. Slowly, Killian blinks his eyes open, a smile curving on his lips, and while he expects Emma to be still be naked next to him in bed, she’s not. Instead she’s clothed in a button-down and a pair of shorts, her hair freshly washed and her face bare of makeup so he can see her freckles.

They come out more in the summer, and he’s rather fond of them.

“What are you doing out of bed?” He mumbles, reaching over for her and pulling her back to him. She easily falls into him, resting half on top of his leg while his hands reach out for her. “It’s not time for you to go yet.”

“We were up pretty late there, twenty-nine, and you slept in. So, yeah, it’s time to go. Elsa said she’s almost here to come get me.”

Killian juts his lower lip out. He knows Emma will find it ridiculous, which is exactly why he does it. “We’re technically already married. Want to play hooky?”

“No,” she laughs, getting up to lean back down over him so she can kiss him. “I’ll see you at the end of that aisle.”

“Well, technically you’ll see me for the pictures beforehand.”

“Semantics.” She kisses him again, lingering this time. “I love you. I will see you later. You’re going to be the most handsome man there tonight.”

“I better damn well be. I love you, Emma.”

And then she’s getting up and walking away, picking up a large tote bag, a backpack, and her dress before she’s walking out the bedroom door.

What a lucky son of a bitch he is.

Killian doesn’t have anywhere to be until noon. None of his friends or his brother are calling and texting and badgering him to do things, so he gets up and gets dressed to go for a run. It’ll be hot later, June in New York not exactly pleasant weather, but this morning, it’s nearly perfect, even if he has to avoid a few photographers as he makes his way to the park. They’ve been worse than usual lately, the wedding putting them into overdrive looking for gossip and exclusives, and Killian’s doing his best to ignore them. He always has, especially when people are trying to attack Emma.

He is not going to let them ruin is mood today, not when he’s got miles ahead of him and a damn big party to attend tonight.

He runs for almost an hour. Technically today should be a pitching practice day for him, but Al took him out of the rotation so he’s only missing one game while in Spain instead of the two he was slotted to. He’ll have to do some kind of practice, but how many times does a man get to have a honeymoon?

Well, considering all goes well and all that.

He stops for coffee before he goes home, drinking it on the walk back, and he slips in the back entrance of his apartment complex before taking the elevator up and hoping into the shower the moment he gets inside. It’s like it’s any other day.

Except it’s not.

“Where are you?”

Killian jumps at the sound of Liam’s voice, and he quickly turns off the water and grabs a towel to tie around his waist. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“Making sure you’re not still asleep.”

“It’s almost noon. Have I ever slept in that late?”

“All the time.”

“Since I was a teenager then?”

“Eh, maybe. Not that I know about, though, unless you had a late travel day. You going to put some clothes on?”

“You come into my place, unannounced, and you’re going to complain that I don’t have clothes on?”

“I’m your brother. That’s what I do. Now, come on, Elsa told me I should take you out for lunch. I apparently didn’t think about that.”

“You’re a spectacular best man.”

He shrugs. “I do what I can, which has mostly been keeping Addy and Lucy out of their dresses so they don’t stain them before tonight. Who puts kids in white?”

“Your wife picked out those dresses.”

“Of course she did,” Liam chuckles. “But seriously, finish getting ready. Robin is getting us some food, and we’re going to eat at the venue.”

“What? I don’t deserve to dine in?”

“Do you want to?”

“No, I’d much rather sit on the couch and eat.”

“Exactly. Let’s go.”

When they get to the pier, Robin, Will, Eric, August, Kris, Graham, and David are already there, food and drinks spread out across the table in front of them. They’re in the middle of some debate about Thursday’s game, Will arguing with Robin about him misreading one of Will’s signs, and they don’t notice when Killian sits down and grabs a bowl of pasta from the center of the table.

“Pleasant, don’t you think?” Killian asks David.

“Exactly how I would want all of my friends to be acting on a day when we’re all supposed to get along.”

“It’s worse if they’re also your coworkers.”

David chuckles and takes a sip of his water. “Did Ruth break into your house in the middle of the night to try to separate the two of you?”

“God, no,” Killian laughs. “And if she did, I’m sure she would have been in for quite the sight.”

“Please remember that you’re talking to Emma’s brother when you speak to me.”

Killian shrugs and smiles. “What? You don’t want to be having this conversation?”

“I want to be having anything but this conversation.”

“Okay, we can talk about last year’s Christmas when you – ”

“Jones, shut the fuck up.”

Killian chuckles and pokes his pasta with his fork. “No, Ruth didn’t come and get Emma in the middle of the night. I was almost convinced she and Mary Margaret would, so I’m thankful that she didn’t. Emma left so damn early this morning, though, that she might as well have stayed somewhere else.”

“A lot goes into them getting ready for today. Though, honestly, I’m pretty sure Ruby has all of them getting drunk on mimosas.”

“Oh, I would bet on that.”

“What are we betting on?” Will interrupts. “Are we betting that Emma doesn’t walk down the aisle tonight? Is she going to be a runaway bride?”

“Don’t be an asshole, Scarlet,” Robin mutters. “You can’t say shit like that.”

“What? We all know I’m joking. Emma is far too good for the man, but she loves him. She’s definitely going to show up…probably.”

Killian flips up his finger at Will and keeps eating his pasta. “I feel like I was much more supportive on your wedding day.”

“Oh, you were, but I like to switch things up. I keep it interesting.”

They keep eating and jokingly arguing and not agreeing on a single thing, but then they turn on the game tapes that most of them are supposed to be watching for Monday’s game. It’s like it’s any other day, all of them messing around and groaning about mistakes, except after a few hours, they start changing out of their lounge clothes and into black tuxes with crisp white shirts that they’re under strict instructions not to spill anything on. Emma is just across the hall from him now, and Ariel keeps walking over to make sure that nothing has been ruined.

Between Ariel, Mary Margaret, and Ruth, none of them have any room for error.

Maybe those three should be their coach instead of Al.

The photographer comes and gets Killian and all of his groomsmen around four, they take all of the pictures on the list that he and Emma made up, and then Killian is told to walk out onto the large deck that’s just outside the ballroom. The Hudson is right below them, an expanse of sparkling blue water that makes a spectacular backdrop, and he tries to focus on it even though he knows that he’s standing out here so he and Emma can take their pictures.

She’s been texting him on and off all day, little updates about how things are going, and it’s been odd knowing she’s just around the corner but not with him. And he would be a liar if he said he wasn’t curious what her dress looked like. He never thought he would be a man who cared about something like that, who thought that a dress could make any difference in how he looks at the woman he loves, but he knows that Emma loves this dress. If she does, that’s enough for him to look at her that little bit differently.

Like she’s the most beautiful woman in the world, because to him, she is.

What a day for some sentimental thoughts.

“Hey, handsome,” she sighs, and he immediately turns around at the sound of her voice. “I know you love the water, but I don’t think jumping in is really an option right now.”

“I mean, I could, but this was a bloody expensive tux.”

“Be a shame to ruin it and all that.”

Killian’s finally able to look away from her face and the bright smile there to look down at her dress. It’s not a bright white, exactly. It’s off a little bit, and it hugs her until it gets to her waist where it loosens and begins to flow until it hits the floor. Pearls cover it, a few at the top and then more and more as his eyes scan to the bottom of her dress. It’s different than what he expected, but it’s Emma.

This is Emma.

And she’s gorgeous and radiant, and while he’d marry her again in a courthouse with no pomp and circumstance, he’s glad they get to do this too.

“You look – ”

“I know,” she finishes for him. “We clean up pretty well, Jones.”

“Don’t I know it?” He leans in and brushes his lips over her cheek, lightly so he doesn’t mess up her makeup. “All of our friends are staring at us from inside.”

“Is it creepy?”

“It’s terrifying.”

“Addy and Lucy are very excited. Have you seen them yet?”

“I haven’t had the honor, but I have talked to them on the phone several times. They want to know if they get to tear up your flowers.”

“What did you tell them?”

“I obviously told them yes, so you best watch out for that.”

“I’ll be on the look-out. You want to take some pictures until our faces hurt?”

“Obviously. It’s what I’ve dreamed of since I was a young lad wondering just what this day would be like.”

She gently pushes at his chest. “You had anything to drink there, twenty-nine?”

“I had one small glass of rum, which is nothing compared to the mimosa fest you went on.”

“Hey, now, that was mostly Ruby and Elsa. I, too, only had one glass. Wanted to make sure I’d be able to recognize you. You’re wearing almost the exact same thing as Liam. Wouldn’t want to marry the wrong Jones.”

“Don’t even suggest that.”

“Are you two going to make out now or what?” Ruby yells from the entryway. “Because I need to know which parts of Emma’s makeup I have to fix!”

“She’ll never change, will she?” Emma laughs, her smile as radiant as he’s ever seen it.

“Never.”

They seem to take pictures for hours, pose after pose with just the two of them before they add in the bridal parties and family and have ticked off everything on the list. Emma wasn’t kidding when she said their faces would hurt from smiling so much, and he knows that she has heels on so he imagines her feet are killing her. But soon enough, he’s having to leave Emma back up in the bridal suite while he lines up at the front of the ballroom, ready for Emma to walk down the aisle with all of these people looking at the two of them.

What a weird tradition.

But hey, he gets to marry Emma twice, and he can’t really complain about that.

-/- -/-

“How drunk is Kris right now?”

“Well, he’s starting talking about how much he loves ice, so I think he’s at least five drinks in.”

“Is it six-drink Kris that gets a little frisky?”

“Babe, he’s a married man and a father of two now. His tolerance dipped, and it’s now drink two where he gets frisky.”

“That would explain why he tried to touch my ass earlier.”

Emma laughs and moves her hand to gently shove Killian. His eyes crinkle with his smile, his summer tan making everything seem brighter, and she idly wonders if his face still hurts from smiling for pictures from earlier. Or, well, still smiling now. It’s got to be getting close to ten, and it doesn’t seem like anyone has left the reception. She can’t even remember a time where her face didn’t hurt or where her feet weren’t killing her despite the fact that she chunked her heels at least an hour ago.

It’s been a good day.

Like, really good.

She’s never really had an idea of what her wedding day would be like. It’s not something she imagined in much detail. Maybe it would be a small crowd, just her closest friends and family. This isn’t some extravagant thing, but it’s definitely much bigger than any sane person would call a small crowd. That’s all thanks to Ariel and her constantly coming up with people they forgot or Ruth asking if they could invite some of her friends since they all wanted to see her daughter getting married.

Emma’s heart still flutters every time she thinks about Ruth calling Emma her daughter.

But the extra people and flowers and lights really just make it one better, bigger party, and despite the fact that for awhile she kept getting pulled away to talk to everyone, she really hasn’t had to have that much interaction with the people who aren’t in her close circle.

That’s been nice.

Being able to dance with Killian and eat in a hidden room and not constantly be pulled apart at the seams has been that way too. Half the reason they got married at the courthouse was for fear that they wouldn’t be able to enjoy their wedding day, but that’s not at all what’s happened.

She’s happy. That still, somehow, surprises her sometimes, and she doesn’t want to take it for granted.

“You’re ridiculous, Jones,” Emma laughs, her hand sliding back to rest around Killian’s neck. They’ve had two slow songs in a row, and she’s enjoying the change of pace. “How much longer until I can get you out of this tux?”

His brows raise, and his smile turns salacious. “Look who’s getting frisky now.”

“I mean, I am expecting to get lucky tonight.”

“As you should be. Though, I’m not entirely sure how I’m supposed to get you out of your dress. Are you sewn into it?”

“There’s a small zipper on the side. Don’t break it.”

“Why? You planning on wearing this thing again?”

“I am obviously going to lounge around the apartment in it. No more sweatpants for me. Only gowns.”

“Seems practical.”

“I am always practical.”

Killian dips down and tugs her close as his mouth closes over hers. She can taste rum and cake on his tongue, and she appreciates the mixture of sweet and spice. His kiss doesn’t linger for long, but the feeling of it settles somewhere deep in her belly.

“I love you, my wife.”

“You just love calling me your wife.”

“I do. It’s got a nice ring to it. Makes me feel far more responsible than I am.”

Emma chuckles and shakes her head. He’s an idiot.

“I love you, too. Do you want to – ”

“Hey,” David interrupts, “can I borrow Emma for a minute?”

“What, mate?” Killian laughs, already letting go of her. “Do you not want to dance with me?”

David winks. “We’ll have our time later.”

“Promises, promises.”

“Oh my God, stop.”

“Never, love.” Killian winks and starts stepping away. “Do you want another glass of wine?”

“I do. Oh, and one of those popcorn bags. The – ”

“The cake flavored kind, I know.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a popcorn bar at a wedding before,” David says as he takes Emma’s hands in his and pulls her close. The song is changing to something faster, more upbeat, and while everyone else is changing how they dance, they don’t. “That’s kind of ingenious. I’ve always thought most wedding food was stuffy.”

“Says the man who had the most classic wedding menu in existence.”

David shrugs. “I can’t help it that I didn’t know I could sneak in some classic stadium food but put a gourmet twist on it so we didn’t seem cheap.”

“Eh, screw wedding traditions. Most of them are outdated anyway.”

David smiles and then spins her around, gently letting her go before pulling her back in as laughter rumbles in her chest. Never let it be said that David Nolan doesn’t know how to dance.

“You look beautiful tonight, by the way. I don’t remember if I got the chance to tell you that.”

“You did, but thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself.”

“What a roundabout way to say I am the most handsome man in this room.”

Emma rolls her eyes. Her brother is also an idiot.

“Maybe to Mary Margaret.”

“Fine, fine,” he sighs, “I guess I can allow you to think that your husband is the most handsome man in the room. How’s that feel, by the way? Any different?”

Emma hums and looks over David’s shoulder to see Killian already holding a glass of wine in one hand, some rum in the other, and a small bag of popcorn sticking out of his shirt as he talks to Will and Belle. He looks ridiculous, and she really should have thought more about having him carry three things.

“Not different,” she answers, trying to figure out what to say. She’s technically been married to Killian for over a month now, and she still hasn’t quite been able to articulate the feeling in her gut. “I don’t really know. I mean, we’ve been pretty much committed to each other from the beginning, and we’ve been living together for a year and a half. I feel like everything is the same, but it’s like…I don’t know. It’s like it feels more permanent that I get to have this family that I found.”

And that, she thinks, is exactly what she’s been trying to say this entire time.

Family.

She’s had David, Mary Margaret, and Ruth for a decade and a half now. She’s had Ruby and Graham for a little less time than that. Then came everyone from the team and all of their partners, including Liam and Elsa and their kids.

And Killian.

He’s her family. She’s known that for a long time now, but there’s something nice about it being official.

Mr. and Mrs. Killian and Emma Jones.

Some kind of official unit who pays joint taxes and argues over what’s for dinner and who has pictures of the two of them on the bookshelf and on the walls.

Never in a million years could she have imagined her life going this way, but it did.

And it really all started because David took her to a Yankees game when she was a teenager. It’s funny how life works like that.

“You deserve all of it and more, kid,” David whispers as he leans down to kiss her forehead. “Tell Killian I’ll steal him for a dance later.”

“Oh, I promise you he’ll somehow find you first.”

David lets go of her hands, and Emma maneuvers away from the dance floor to go get Killian. He’s still talking to Will and Belle, and when she walks up to him, he hands her the glass of wine, and she takes a sip while trying to figure out what the hell they’re talking about.

“He fucking misread my signal.”

Never mind. She knows exactly what they’re talking about.

“Scarlet,” Emma sighs, “just for tonight, let it go. You and Robin can keep having your lovers spat tomorrow when I am not in the country to hear about it.”

“I have an international plan. I can still call you.”

“He is not going to call you,” Belle promises. “I will make sure of it.”

“I know he still will, but maybe I won’t answer.”

“And after all the nice things I said about you today.”

“What nice things did you say about me today?”

“I said you looked beautiful and that you are definitely Killian’s better half.”

Emma smiles into her glass and glances over at Killian. He is simply shaking his head.

“That was last night,” Emma tells Will, “but I appreciate the sentiment.”

“Emma,” Lucy interrupts, tugging on Emma’s elbow. She’s miraculously still got no stains on her dress, but her flower crown is a little worse for the wear. “Anna says that we can throw the confetti soon.”

“Yeah? Did she tell you what time, kid?”

“In thirty minutes.”

“Well, I will be sure to be ready for you to throw the confetti at me in thirty minutes, okay? Make sure to get a little on your uncle.”

“That’s what Daddy said too.”

“Hey,” Killian grumbles, “tell your father he can – ”

“Do not finish that sentence,” Emma laughs, turning back to Killian. “Do you think we can get Ariel to pilfer us a few more bags of this popcorn and send them home with us before we leave?”

“I’ve already had it arranged.”

“Ah, you’re knocking it out of the ballpark already, babe.”

“I see the awful sports-related puns never stop.”

“Never.”

Emma’s not really sure where the time goes. One minute she’s talking to Killian, and then the next she’s being pulled away by Ruby and Mary Margaret for some pictures. Then there’s another bite of cake and half a glass of water, and she somehow talks to everyone she knows in half an hour before they’re all throwing little pieces of confetti up in the air as she and Killian walk down a hallway on their way to the car that’s going to take them back to the hotel they’re staying in tonight.

Even the ride to the hotel seems to go in the blink of an eye, like they’re carefully putting a seatbelt over her dress one minute and then trying to figure out how to get her out of the car without the material dragging against the concrete the next.

Time does seem to slow, though, when they get inside the room and Emma can feel Killian’s lips against her neck. They’re warm, much like he is, and a shiver runs down her spine until it settles deep in her belly so that she can have some of Killian’s warmth as well.

It seems to be never-ending.

“On the side, you said?” Killian whispers against her skin.

“What?”

“Your zipper? Where is your zipper?”

“Oh,” Emma laughs, craning her head back against the door, “yeah, it’s on the side. Don’t yank on it. We don’t want a pearl disaster in here.”

“Aye, aye, Captain.”

Emma’s chest heaves with want and with laughter, and it makes it difficult for Killian to get her zipper down. There was some kind of complicated part, and she ends up helping him, cursing under her breath when it gets stuck before they both get it down.

Team works makes the dream work and all that.

She really has to stop with the sports puns tonight, but her brain seems to always have them now.

Consequences of her job and her husband’s job, she guesses.

After her dress is finally off and carefully draped over a chair, they easily get Killian’s tux off, Emma’s fingers fumbling with the few buttons that are remaining before she tugs his pants down so that everything is resting on the floor. The bed is soft when she lands against it, but she really doesn’t have that much time to think about it when Killian’s head is suddenly between her thighs and she’s reduced to having no thoughts at all.

Damn, he’s good at that.

He’s also good when he sinks into her, warm and steady, and his hands interlace with her above their heads. It’s a gentle rhythm, loving and slow, and she savors the push and the pull, the give and the take, the want and the need.

The way that they fit together in some kind of far too cheesy, puzzle-like kind of way.

And tonight, there’s no added meaning to the way Killian thrusts into her. It’s the same as it almost always is, as it was when they first got together, when they fell in love, when they got married for real. It’s got her gulping for air as Killian kisses her and her hands squeezing his to hold onto the feeling of him for as long as she possibly can.

They’ve got forever, though, so maybe she doesn’t have to hold on too tightly.

Then again, why wouldn’t she when this is everything she never allowed herself to wish for?

-/-

As always, if you have a prompt for this universe (or another kind), send it to my inbox!

@mrtinski @bluewildcatfanatic @killianswannn @dorisquinn @onepunintendid @authorarsinoe @stunningswan @eala-captian @galaxyzxstark @xellewoods @mariakov81 @ultraluckycatnd @royalswan @shey-starsfury @superchocovian @sals86 @iam2307 @karenfrommisthaven @scientificapricot @ultimiflos @jamif @idristardis @nikkiemms @resident-of-storybrooke @tiganasummertree @onceuponaprincessworld @jennjenn615 @mayquita @captainsjedi @teamhook @notoriouscs @kmomof4 @ekr032-blog-blog @cs-forlife @andiirivera @jonirobinson64 @qualitycoffeethings @carpedzem @tornadoamy @captainkillianswanjones

#catch me if you can #cs fic #cs ff #cs fanfic #captain swan fic #captain swan ff #captain swan fanfic #captain swan

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rancoeur-the-unfortunate · 4 years

Text

Pills (Chapter 25)

Skoodge looked down at the Doctor's hand, was this the route he wanted to take? On one hand, the Doctor had all the power he could easily tell the Tallests that he was off his medication and there would be nothing Skoodge could do about it. On the other, joining him meant siding with the Irken who caused this nightmare. The rebellion, Irk, Zim all things Skoodge believed he would be betraying if he shook the Doctor's hand right now.

Zim... the same Zim who was currently out of his mind right now and probably doesn't even remember their time together.

Skoodge looked back up to the Doctor's face.

"Before I decide anything, I want to know. What do you plan to do with Zim?"

"Well, the original plan was to change Zim's drug formula and make it so that instead of being an insane megalomaniac, he would become my head general, Zim can be made into a very powerful weapon if controlled by the right hands." The Doctor explained.

He paused and gazed into Skoodge's hurt filled eyes.

"But since that would most likely make me lose the support I need in this matter, obviously I need to change said plan." The Doctor sighed and pulled his hand away for a second to pull up his goggles onto his forehead, revealing his now blue again eyes. As Skoodge looked into those eyes he couldn't help but feel uneasy by the tired yet sincere look in them.

"My quarrel was never with the Irken race, Skoodge. It was the Control Brains who I wanted to destroy. They made me, I wouldn't be alive right now if it wasn't for them and I can never forgive them for that. Considering all I've done, I've been nothing but a stain on Irken society. All I ask is your help in their destruction and I swear no living Irken will ever have to see my face again. I'm sure you and Zim will gladly fix Irk and make it better than it ever was before." The Doctor reached his hand out once more to Skoodge.

Skoodge once again looked back down at that hand. As he weighed his options he noticed the Doctor's arm began shaking, he could see the lump beginning to swell within his forearm. He gripped his shaking limb and fell to his knees in pain. He hissed and a look of panic filled his eyes. Slowly, Skoodge could see it as the pain-filled those orbs so did something else. The Doctor's eyes were slowly turning into a shade of lime green.

The Doctor's groan in pain snapped Skoodge out of his stupor and he dashed to the table to grab some syringes. He knelt beside the Doctor and forced the bigger Irken to lean on him as he got to work on siphoning out the green liquid.

The Doctor winced at each injection and tried looking away but eventually found himself gripping Skoodge's arm for comfort. After five injections the swelling had finally gone down. The Doctor gently squeezed Skoodge's arm.

"That'll do Skoodge."

The short Irken nodded and helped the Doctor to his feet as said Irken pocketed the syringes.

"So... do we have a deal?" The Doctor spoke between pants.

Skoodge sighed but nodded.

"Yeah. we have a deal."

"You know Dib, I won't lie when we started this, I was a little more than skeptical about this trip," Zim spoke as the two were making their way back into their neighborhood. They were still holding hands amazingly enough.

"Heh, same here. I was almost certain you'd try to kill me in my sleep." Dib smirked as they started down Zim's street. The plan was to drop Zim off at his house and Dib would walk back to his place after. He'd probably have to set up more cameras in this area (more than he already had) just to be sure the Swollen Eyeball wasn't still poking around.

"Foolish human, Zim would never kill you in your sleep. Zim would kill you while you were awake, that way I could watch the life bleed from your eyes!" Zim smiled with a look of pride.

Dib sighed and shook his head but a small smile remained on his tired face. Same old, same old.

"Well if I wanted to kill you, I'd make it on an operating table. Cutting you open and exploring your insides." The two went silent for a bit with Dib holding his head up and Zim giving the human a worried glance before the two broke out into laughter.

That laughter and mirth remained until they met the front door of Zim's house, where they both turned to face each other.

"So uh, we're here."

"Um yes, yes we are." Zim averted his gaze for a moment before turning to look at Dib once more. From the flower crown that sat on his head to dirty worn shoes. With a quick breath, Zim snapped his finger and pointed downwards. Dib tilted his head in confusion before taking the kneeling position in front of Zim once more. Before he could ask what this was for Zim grabbed both sides of the boy's head, pushed their foreheads together, and gently yet quickly ran his antennae through Dib's hair and along his sythe. He soon pulled back and ran inside his house before slamming the door behind him. Leaving a blushing and confused Dib in his wake.

It took the human a few minutes to gather enough of his thoughts to stand up and smile slightly to himself and turn around and head home. He had next to no idea what had just happened but it felt amazing for some reason and he just could stop smiling.

As soon as Zim slammed the door he slid down it almost in awe of his actions. But before he could think about it he was immediately tackled by his robot subordinate.

"MASTER IS HOME! MASTER IS HOME!" GIR screamed with sheer delight as he held Zim's waist in an almost death grip. "I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU IN 34 GAZZILION YEARS!" The robot then started crying and rubbing it's 'face' into Zim's tunic.

Zim groaned and wriggled a bit trying to get out of the tiny robot's grasp.

"Yes yes GIR, I'm home now let go of me." The Irken sighed in annoyance.

"Not until you hug me back!" GIR squealed from his spot in Zim's lap.

Normally Zim would tell the robot no and would just use his pak legs to escape. But Zim felt generous so he gave the robot a light-hearted pat on the head. Gir smiled and ran off screaming as he went down the trash can "MASTER HOME! MASTER HOME! MAster ho-" his voice disappearing as he went further in the lab.

Zim couldn't help but smile as the little robot ran off to let everyone else know of his arrival. He sat down on the couch, exhausted both physically and emotionally.

Agent Callus knelt back down behind one of Zim's neighbors' bushes. He made sure to snap as many photos as possible of Zim and Dib's interaction. Eseaspically with strange antenna thing. Was Dib bonded with this alien? This was the last thing he expected from the guy. Then again those moments Agent Callus had managed to capture did seem pretty intimate.

The brunette then focused his attention back to Dib, normally he'd stay at Zim's house but something told him he'd get more information at Dib's house. So he followed the other while remaining at a distance. For someone who is well known as paranoid and on edge, Dib seemed pretty distracted at the moment.

Once at Dib's house Callus hid behind another bush across the street and pulled his tablet from his bag. He spent a good amount of his savings on the bugs he placed throughout the bottom floor of the Membrane house. Courtesy of Professor Membrane letting him in to talk when he asked where he was. While the professor was in the kitchen preparing tea the teen had managed to place a bug under the coffee table and when they sat at the kitchen table to chat, he placed a bug under the said table too.

Callus turned on his tablet, plugged in his headphones, and listened in. Hoping he could get something to help further prove Zim to be an alien.

Once Dib was inside his home the first thing he did was drop his heavy backpack with a sigh of relief before glancing about the room. Dad, of course, was nowhere to be seen and Gaz was sitting on the couch playing her Game Slave 2. The boy smiled a bit and went to the fridge to grab a juice box and sat on the side of the couch opposite his sister.

"Dad at work?" He asked while grabbing the remote to turn on the TV.

"Yeah." Came the short response.

The two were quiet for a moment as the theme for Mysterious Mysteries started to play. Yes, despite the age Dib still watched the show. Call it a nostalgia thing.

Surprisingly, it was Gaz to break the silence.

"How was your trip?" She asked, her eyes never leaving her game.

"Oh um, it was... interesting to say the least."

"You spent the week with your worst enemy Dib, of course, it would be interesting. Anything else?"

"Well, I fell into a river and almost died via a waterfall."

His sister chuckled.

"What about you? How'd you spend your week without your annoying brother to bother you? Bet you didn't look up from that screen once." Dib teased.

"Actually I spent the majority of it at your boyfriend's house," Gaz smirked as Dib's face went red with blush.

"Zim isn't my boyfriend Gaz!"

"I never said it was Zim's house." Gaz's evil smirk never faded.

Dib shook his head and waved her off. "Whatever, what were you doing at Zim's house anyways."

"Well as I said before. Zim's moose thing made come over and said you guys were in trouble and it needed my help. At first, I was gonna say know but the Moose offered to buy me one of the alien game machines and I swear to god Dib if you dismantle it just to look at the 'alien parts' I'll kill you." She tilted the game his way to show him that it wasn't, in fact, her Game Slave but something else entirely. The colors were different as well as the symbols on the buttons, the graphics on the screen were upgraded too.

"Wait so what did Minimoose need you to do?"

"Help build upgrades for the house as well as keep intruders out. I got Keef in a cage in one of the sub-labs."

Dib smirked for a second at the thought of Keef having to deal with his sister. But that smirk quickly went away.

"Wait, upgrades?"

Gaz cocked a brow at his late of regard for Keef but brushed it off.

"Yeah, the moose wanted the house's defenses to be stronger. Zim's Tallest are still after him you know."

Dib sighed as he slouched against the couch.

"I know, not to mention the Swollen Eyeball might try to kidnap Zim as well."

"You know, you never told me why you were doing all of this."

"Huh?" Dib turned to look back at his sister, who in turn actually PAUSED her game to look him in the eye.

"Why are you doing this? Why are you going through all this trouble to protect Zim? Hell, a week ago you would have been pretty set on letting the Swollen Eye thing take Zim in a heartbeat, but now? It's like your whole deal has changed. What happened over there?"

Dib looked away at his feet for a moment, unsure how to answer his sister's question.

"...If I'm being honest Gaz, I honestly don't know. It's like these past few months I did nothing but try to get everyone to focus on Zim enough to notice the alien beneath that crappy human disguise. But when people started to finally pay attention long enough all I could feel was anger and... GAH I don't know. Ever since we were in elementary Skool, Zim was MY alien and just the thought of others trying to catch him, I don't know it just pissed me off. So I tried to get everyone to leave Zim be and for the most part, I was right. I checked the Skool's forum and pretty much everyone has forgotten about Zim's 'drug addiction' but the Swollen Eyeball I know won't let up that quickly. I'll have to find a way to convince them Zim is normal."

"Why don't you go back to trying to convince them he's an alien that seemed to do the trick."

"Haha very funny," Dib replied sarcastically.

Gaz smiled for a bit before unpausing her game and turning her attention back to it while Dib went back to watching Mysterious Mysteries and to fell back into a comfortable silence.

Callus smirked a made sure to record all that was said on his tablet.

Withholding information about an alien from the Swollen Eyeball.

Befriending said alien.

Mentioning the Swollen Eyeball to a nonmember of the group!

Dib could get kicked out of the Swollen Eyeball for good if Callus released this recording. Even though that wasn't Callus' end intention it would definitely be a bonus. Callus smirked and begun to pack up belongings and made his trek home.

(Hello everyone, I'd like to take the time to thank all of you for reading this story and having the patience to wait for each chapter to come out. As some of you know I live in Florida and live under constant quarantine and where I live I can't go to certain places without a mask on, as well as, leave my home after curfew. It sucks and I hate it. But that's the way it is now and we have to adapt to the new changes. At least until this whole Corona thing goes away. I hope all of you stay safe and healthy. Remember to stay inside unless you absolutely have to and wash your hands to help stop the spread of Covid-19.)

#invader zim #Pills #zim x dib #Zim #Dib #skoodge #gir #gaz #kissing(sorta)#cute #but emotional

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lihikainanea · 5 years

Note

I just want a part 2 to the tummy story. When he comes to her some months later, thicc, strong, healthy with a sunkissed belly and defined v-line. But still eating to much.

Anonymous said: how would tiger react to bill putting on more weight than he expected? not a lot, of course, but to where hes softer than he was before castle rock. would she love it, and would bill be insecure about it?

I cannot BELIEVE ya’ll are just out here every day in your lives, slamming the hell out of my tummy kink button. HOW DARE YOU. This was the original tummy rubbing drabble, and honestly, I just can’t get enough. My heart skips too many beats every time I look at photos from what was the MASTERPIECE of SDCC 2018, with his tiny little double chin and his patterned shirts and his small chubs on the cheeks and that one photo where he’s rubbing/scratching his own tummy in That Way that guys do that basically makes all my lady parts cry.

BUH BYE, WORLD.

***

He pushed his chair away from the table and groaned, lifting his shirt to unbutton his pants before running his hand over his protruding gut.

“Kid, you’ve gotta stop”— he paused, a burp interrupting his sentence—“You’ve gotta stop with all this food.”

“No,” you teased, and you stood from your spot at the table, making your way to him. You climbed gingerly into his lap, looping an arm around his shoulders and brushing the curl back from his forehead as he held onto you, his other hand still rubbing his stomach. You leaned, kissing his nose.

“You come in here after a shoot, a literal bag of bones, sharp angles sticking out of you everywhere, your eyeballs looking ready to fall out of your head, and you expect me not to take drastic measures?” You accused. He rolled his eyes, rubbed at your back affectionately. Hiking his shirt up, you bit your lip in glee when he pointed to his gut, round and soft and bigger than you had ever seen it.

“That was weeks ago, tiger. I think you fixed that pretty quickly,” he grumbled, poking at his own soft spots, “I’m squishy everywhere. I hate this.”

You had to stop yourself from leaning down, nipping a mouthful of his soft stomach, gliding your hands over it and squeezing it gently. And he was right, when he walked into your apartment looking skeletal, you were distraught and afraid to even hug him because he looked so frail. You hated it. His usual hot body temperature was near freezing, he was shivering all the time, and all of his features protruded from his face. His hugs were sharp and not warm the way you were used to, his arms seemed even longer and hanging from thin shoulders, his skin had taken on a pallor you didn’t like. You were pissed.

But a few weeks with you, and he was looking much better. The colour had come back to his cheeks, the hollows filled out, and he was even starting to have a little bump under his chin, a bit of extra fat coming down from his sharp jawline. His shoulders had rounded back out, his biceps filling the sleeves of his t-shirt and the fabric no longer bunched loosely around his back—instead, pulling taught across it whenever he moved. His chest had broadened again, puffing back out, but the part you loved and missed the most—was his stomach. He had always been fit, but there would still be a small, soft patch low beneath his navel that he never got rid of. It was the part he loved having rubbed, the part where he was a little bit ticklish, and the part you loved to nip, grab at. It was gone with how thin he had gotten, but it was back now in abundance. His entire stomach, actually, was carrying more weight than you had seen on him, all soft bits and round edges. You loved it, he hated it, and as much as he loved having his tummy rubbed, every time you went for it he’d hold your hands away, tug his shirt down further. You knew he was a little self-conscious with the weight gain.

You enclosed your hand around his, where it was still rubbing idly at his gut. Intertwining your fingers, you laid a kiss on his lips and smiled down at him, scratching his head.

“I hope you saved room for dessert—” and he groaned, pained—“I made blueberry pie.”

Big, glassy eyes peered up at you, laser focused. His tongue darted out, wetting his bottom lip.

“Is it…is it your grandmother’s recipe?” He asked. You nodded, kissing him again and moving to get off his lap.

“Of course it is. The best one,” you ruffled his hair as he leaned his head back on the chair, groaning in agony.

You took mild pity on him, cutting him a smaller piece and dolloping ice cream on it, sitting back on his lap as he eyed it wearily and locked both of his arms around you.

“We can share it,” you said, and you laughed as he opened his mouth wide for a bite. Humouring him, you scooped some onto a spoon and popped in in his mouth as his eyes closed. He groaned, happily.

“Fucking phenomenal,” he said as he licked his lips, keeping his eyes closed but opening his mouth for another bite. You couldn’t resist, instead covering his mouth with yours for a solid kiss as he let out a surprised squeak. He smirked when you pulled away, his eyes still closed.

“That tastes even better than the blueberry pie,” he mumbled. It earned him another kiss, and you couldn’t help your gaze from falling to his waist, to where his pants were still unbuttoned, his shirt pulled tightly over the small bulge of his distended gut. You reached for it, a gentle hand just barely placed on it before he swooped in and laced his fingers with yours, placing your intertwined hands on your thigh instead.

Determined—because it really was beautiful, and for as much as Bill loved having his tummy rubbed, you had developed quite an affinity for rubbing it as well—you tried again as he was getting ready for bed. He was sleepy, his eyes starting to close by themselves as he went through his night time routine. Changing into lounge pants and a long sleeved shirt—his body temperature still hadn’t quite come back to normal—you bit your lip at how snug the shirt was on him. It hugged his chest, but it hugged his stomach even more—a bump protruding and clearly visible right above the line of his pants.

You spoke, before he caught you ogling in the doorway.

“Bill,” you said, and he jumped a little at your voice. Looking at you, he moved the toothbrush slowly in his mouth.

“Mmph?” Was his response.

You licked your lips and stared at his abdomen. He eyed you wearily.

“I want to rub the belly.”

The toothbrush stopped moving. He quirked a brow at you.

“What?” And his words were warbled by toothpaste. He spat it out in the sink, rinsing his mouth as you advanced on him.

“Show me.”

“You’re insane.”

You took another predatory step towards him, but he didn’t move.

“Show. Me. The belly.”

His eyes widened and you kept your movements slow, but he made no effort to stop you. Standing behind him, you looped your arms around his waist, leaning your head on his back, and placing both palms gently on his stomach. You squeezed softly and you both groaned.

“Tiger, no,” he whimpered, but he didn’t try to stay your movements.

“Tiger yes,” you said. Lifting his shirt, you glided your hands underneath and placed them flat on his lower belly, kneading softly. He drew in a deep breath through his nose.

“Stop,” he whined, “I’m not….I’m not ready.”

You moaned, pressing your lips to his back and squeezing low on his belly. He practically purred.

“Pats, too,” he requested, and you hid your smirk in his back. Letting one hand go, you patted softly all over his stomach while the other one kept kneading lightly. He sighed, completely content.

“I want to lie down for this,” he murmured, and catching a glimpse of him in the mirror you saw his eyes closed, his head tilted slightly back. His hands were braced on the sink, supporting his weight. You smiled, giving his pudge a bit of an extra squeeze. You patted him softly.

“Come on, let’s get you comfy then.”

You grabbed his hand and led him to your room, getting him to stretch out on his side on the bed. Stealing a kiss, you settled midway down his back and looped your hands around his waist. You slung your legs over him however you could manage, his long body surpassing yours. Placing your hands on his belly, you started rubbing again, humming happily into his back as he sighed.

“I need to lose all this pudge,” he mumbled, and you nipped playfully at his back.

“Don’t you dare,” you said as you gave him a few pats, “I love the belly.”

#Leilani answers #BFF!Bill #BFF!Bill HC #BFF!Bill headcanon #ALL THE TUMMY RUBS #FOREVER #SHOW ME #THE BELLY

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ethien · 6 years

Note

A very very jealous Link? :3

Oh yeah, a request from you again

Funniest thing - Since a week I worked on a little ficlet with jeaulous Link and now I had a good opportunity to finish it.

Well, do I have to mention my intention of this ficlet was a bit…pervert ? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

I really wanted to try out writing smut.

Lol xD

Jealousy

Genre: Fluff/ smut

Words: 2.490

He didn’tknow when he was aware of this feeling. He needed some time to realize its truenature and his origin. And of course the reason for its appearance.

Every timehe had this feeling his anger grows rapidly and his good sense decrease. Inthis state he would do everything to accomplish his goal: To have your attention.

At thebeginning he thinks it was such a foolish behavior only to get a littleattention from someone. Well, at the beginning he hadn’t fall for you. So hedescribed his behavior in this timeline as reckless. Which is a part of histypical behavior.

When hisheart starts beating faster in the near of you he did everything for younoticing him.

Unfortunatelyyou were not aware of his feelings. And he was obviously with his actions whathe wants. Everyone could see it. Everyone started to smirk when they observehis efforts. Expect from you.

Aww…. The flowers are beautiful. Oh, there arefor me? T-Thank you, Link.

You saved me from the bokoblins. You’re sostrong and brave.

Y-You really think I look g-g-good in thisdress?

He would befine with the state. But there was a thing which troubled him. He was not theonly one who is interested in you.

On the oneside their attempts to get your attention were also obviously. On the otherside you also didn’t see them.

So youanswered similar to them which frustrated him. He wants to be the only one whogets your attention, your smile, and your answers. You should only look at himand only him.

He oftenslaps himself for having such selfish and possessive thoughts. Now heunderstands the meaning of Love can makeblind.

He onlywants to be by your side and well, being your boyfriend.

The onlything he didn’t do was asking for a date and confessing. However, every time hewanted to ask for a date someone interrupt. It was often one of his loverivals.

Sometimesthey bark at each other when you were not around. They didn’t start fights. Buthe had a feeling this will change in the future.

He thoughthe had a winning hand. He was well aware as a great fighter, a brave adventureand a selfless hero. He knows it sounds arrogant. But he knows that a lot ofladies were affected from this and were more interested in him. So he knows hewas an attractive male.

It didn’tchange the fact you didn’t see him in a romantic way. That’s what he thinks.

I am so glad we’re friends.

Every time we hang out, I have such a greattime with you.

Let us be best friends forever, Link.

He sighed.

There wasalso a high chance you could reject him or the worse scenario, you already havea boyfriend. When he couldn’t be your boyfriend, he wanted to be friends withyou.

It troubledhim. He was desperate to tell you. But also terrified for your answer.

He held thetriforce of courage. But can’t confess to someone.

What nice courage I have he thought sarcastically.

Today hewanted to change it. He prepared himself. He wore his best clothes, he had thefinest bouquet of silent princesses in his hand and he really thought aboutwhat he would say to you.

He wasready.

He made hisway to your house. The afternoon starts, so he knew you would be at home doingchores.

He didn’tknow he got interrupted before he could knock on the door.

“What doyou think you’re doing?”

He turnedaround and saw some of his rivals.

“What doesit look to you?” he provoked them. He could not hide his dirty smirk.

“Don’t say you want to..?”

“Oh yes, Iwant to. And I will success.”

“How do youthink she will accept you?”

He onlylaughed.

“You forgetwho I am. I am the best choice”

His smirkgot bigger. That was a fault. In the next moment he received the first fist inhis face.

He fallhard to the ground, the bouquet fall in the dirt and some of the rivalstrampled on it.

There wasthe feeling again: his anger growsrapidly and his good sense decrease.

He quicklyjumps back on his feet and slams his own fist in their faces. The fightstarted.

It was arough and unfair battle. He against three of them. He tried to fight one andblock the others. But all of them jumped on him and slam their fists in hisface or in his stomach.

At thebeginning he could block. However, when they started slam in his stomach he wason the ground and of course they started to kick him.

It was abad idea to provoked them. He should have ignored them. But his mind wentblank.

He fuckinghates it to be jealous.

“What areyou doing? Are you insane?”

He heardhow the attacks stops and the other ran away while you ran to him. He got up onhis own but his face twisted by the pain he feel.

It got himharder than expected.

You lookedhim straight in the eyes. He could he how worried and furious you were at thesame time.

“Come in,Link. You are hurt”

He wantedto be brave and decline your offer. But the blood from his nose and the pain inhis gut said something else. So he followed you.

Inside yourhouse, you forced him to sit on your bed. He examines your house while yousearched for the aid kit. It was a small house. A little kitchen, a fireplacewith a couch, a door which leads to the bathroom and her bed next to thewindow. Small, but cute.

You foundedthe kit and went back to him. You started to clean the brushes and wounds. Hetwisted his face by the burning feeling of the salve you add before you bandagehim.

He feelshis heart beats faster by your touch on his skin. He forgot for some secondsthat every effort for today was gone. His clothes were damaged, his hair was amess, he was full of brushes and wounds and the bouquet was destroyed.

He wasbeaten up. But in exchange he was in your direct near. He feels you, he smellsyou and he sees you. It was like a drug for him.

Youfinished his arms and looked in his face. You were angry. Not good.

“Why areyou such an idiot?”

He didn’texpect this question.

“What?”

“You knowwhat I mean!”

He doesn’t.

“This fightoutside. Are you insane to fight against three?”

“Wait, theystarted it, not me”

“Youprovoked them”

“Onlybecause they…wait what?”

Now he wascompletely confused. You had heard their…conversation?

“Did youspy on me?” he asked.

It was thefirst time he saw you blushing hardly.

Shyly youlooked away.

“You spokevery loud…So…I heard it…maybe”

Hisconfused face changed in a smirking face.

“So you spyon me…OUCH”

You press apiece of the salve on his cheek to shut him up. You were really embarrassed andhe had to admit: It was a cute side of you.

“Was thisreally necessary?” he asked again and looked to you. Your blush was still therewhile you aid his face.

“Yeah, youidiot.” You murmur. “You avoid my question”

“Whichquestion?”

“Why areyou such an idiot and fight for me? I am not a trophy”

You slammedsoftly at his chest.

Now it washis turn to blush.

“It’scomplicated. It’s a thing we men do to underline our…intentions”

“That’s thesilliest I ever hear” was your answer. It got him harder than expected.

“But itisn’t”

“It isbecause you don’t have to fight for me when you already won my heart”

Silencebetween you two.

He starredconfused into your face. He couldn’t believe what he just hears. He already hasyour heart? But why? And how?

“But..ahm..a…”he starts to blur out randomly. “I am… I just…I thought…”

His blushgot redder. He sat there and talked like a completely idiot. On the one side hewas very happy. On the other side he was so confused about your suddenconfession.

“Every timewe met…I was so happy by your side. When we talk, when you made me gifts…Itried to show you how much I love it to be by your side. But you never react. Ithought you would see it when I behave the same with the others. But nothing…untiltoday”

He couldslap himself again. He thought you wouldn’t see his efforts. But he didn’t seeher effort.

“I was sohappy when I saw you from afar with the bouquet. I had hope our relationshipwill go to the next level. However, you started to fight…”

He didn’tlet you finish the sentence. He slammed a bit violently his lips on your own tocut you off.

All thestress inside him melted away. Your lips were so soft and sweet. An electricfeeling went through his body by it touch.

Both of youparted from each other, you put your forehead on his. Your eyes were closed.

“We areboth some idiots, right?” you said and laugh a bit.

“Yes, weare” he admits. “But we’re now each other’s idiots…OUCH”

You hadslammed hardly on a wounded part of him. You pouted a bit.

“You’re thedork, I am the cute one”

He laughsabout it. Then he had an idea.

“Okay,let’s make a deal. I am the dork and you’re the cute one when you now kiss mewith all of your heart”

You starredin disbelief by his word. Then you smirked at him.

“Deal”

You satyourself on his legs and lay your arms around his neck. You looked in hissmirking face. Then you put on hand in his hair, one on his back. You get agood grip and drew him close to you.

Your lipstouched again.

His lipswere a bit rough, but also soft and sensual. They were quite addictive to you.You feel how he put his hands on your waist und drew your body closer to hisbody.

The burningsensation inside you grew more and more. Both of you were hungry for eachother’s touch and kisses. If no one of you would stop, this situation will leadto a very hot meeting in your bed. You didn’t mind it. You waited so long forLink to be active and now you had him under you. It also seems he didn’t eitherthe option of an intimidate date in your bed.

You partedand looked deep in his eyes. They were full of lust and desire.

“You’resure?” he asked, you only nod.

You couldfeel his growing bulge and smirked. You rolled your hip while sat in Links lap and a groan escaped his lips. You hit a good spot. Youdid it again, this time only for teasing him.

“You little meanie” he groan again,grabbed your hips and turned you over, so you lay comfortable on your own bed.

“Now it’s my turn” he said into yourear that you could feel his hot breath. You didn’t expect him pressing kissesby your ear trailing down to your collar. By the time he reached your chest,you pushed him a bit. But only to strip from your shirt. You saw how he stare a bit at your exposedchest and a light embarrassing feeling hit you.

“Y-You, too” you murmur and lookedshyly to him. He smiled calm while taking of his own shirt.

He discarded carelessly. You admirehis exposed chest. You saw the physiques of his muscles and traced them withyour fingers.

“Like what you see?” he asked, youblushed a bit. He was a meanie, too. He knew he was attractive.

“Yeah” you said.

“And I like too, what I see” he said,lay himself on you again and pressed his lips on yours. While kissing, hecupped your breasts warmly and massaged them a bit. You could not hide a moanby his touch, so you moaned in your passionate kiss. Sometimes he squeezedthem. As revenge you rolled your hips against his bulge. When he wanted to playunfair, you could also play this game. He also moaned in your kiss. You parted again.

He violently removed your pants andhis pants in some seconds. Now you were both naked. Link dipped down to press himself againstyou. You could feel his breath on your skin again and automatically you putyour hands on his muscled back. Both of you started rubbing your bodiestogether. Every touch sends shivers down your spin and you could feel yourgrowing wetness between your legs. The fact his length rubbing against yourclit made your mind crazy.

“Link, please” you moaned in his ear.“Fill me”

He did as told. He guides himself toyour opening. You feel a light pain, but the pain changes fast in a pleasuringfeeling. He swallowed a bit by your tightness. You both waited a moment, thenhe starts slowly thrusting. You peppered him with kisses while doing anddesperately wanted it faster and harder. Link pick up his speed and slids inand out as fast as he could. The sensation hit you and you screamed out hisname. As an answer you got a satisfied moan from him.You curled your legsaround his to stay connected while he thrusting in and out. It feels like yourbodies melted together to one.

Both of you wanted to have thismoment to be forever. But both of you feel their limits.

He gripped onto your hips and poundharder into you. You gripped the sheets of your bed by the hard contact and thesexual feeling which went over you. Your vision blurred a bit when you feelyour climax was there. Immediately all your nerves relaxed and the sexual wereaway. Link came at the same when you feel his hot seed between your thighs.

He removed himself from you and fella bit exhausted next to you in bed. You curled up to him and lay your head onhis chest. His heartbeat was still fast. You both ignored you were full ofsweat and cuddled for a bit.

No one said something, both of youtried to relax your breathing. You feel his arm around you and how he took youclose to his body.

You looked up to him and he lookedinto your eyes. He smiled confident at you.

“Maybe sometimes being jealous is agood thing, you know?”

You only chuckled.

“Yeah, you dork”

#tloz #loz #the legend of zelda #TheLegendofZelda #legend of zelda #legenodzelda #zelda #link #reader #link x reader #reader insert #smut #flu #hyrule #jealousy #writing #requests #lemon #( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

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the-marvel-imagines-blog · 5 years

Text

Madness | Chpt. 18

Chapter Title: “Mother”

Pairing: Loki x Original Female Character (Eva)

Word Count: 11,193

Warnings: angst (what’s new?), mentions of child abuse, cute and pure Tony Stark

Name Pronunciations: Hjalmar: “He-all-mar” | Aaldir: “All-deer” | Ephinea: “Eh-fin-ee-uh”

Summary: When Eva is faced with two difficult goodbye’s, she makes a choice that could be detrimental to her future.

A/N: Mere hours later, here’s another chapter. Who am I? I reached a very special follower milestone: 777, which has a very significant meaning in my life. I’ve stated previously that I’ve taken creative liberties with these characters, and I’m doing it once again. I have “borrowed” dialogue from Iron Man 3 to use in these chapters just to make them fit in with the sequence of events from the movie. The love that people are giving this fic on tumblr, fanfiction.net, and AO3 is absolutely insane, and it’s only going to pick up more in the coming chapters. Once again, thank you all so, so, so much, and I hope you enjoy this installment <3

Tagged: @teddyboobear @alledeglyfunny @xletmetaste-yoursmilex @itsknife2meetu @mynameisyara @j-j-ehlby-writes @jillilama-blog (anyone who wants to be tagged can message me and ask. It’s not a problem at all)

Spectacular thanks to: @j-j-ehlby-writes for being so interactive with this fic <3

Immediately after my conversation with Tony was over, Harley’s worried eyes left me with a strong anguish because I couldn’t tell him that there was nothing to fear. He could see right through me. All I could do was spend as much time with him as possible while time was still on our side. Before I could speak, he grasped my hand in his and pulled me toward the door of the shack. I followed along, walking by his side as every step he took was more and more solemn than the last, almost as if he wanted to stretch out every moment just to have more time together. I was trying to as well. We walked to the door of his house, and he looked up at me, hope in those blue eyes, “you’re inviting me into your home?” I asked, cocking my head to the side. There had been a reason why I didn’t trespass within the walls of that place, and it was because I needed to remain hidden from his mother.

He shook his head, “this isn’t my home,” he answered, causing me to furrow my eyebrows in confusion. I didn’t understand why he lived there if it didn’t belong to him. Tears flooded his vision as he gazed up at me, “you are,” he stated simply, as if he was discussing the weather. It was the nonchalant nature of it that made it even more touching than I had anticipated. It mimicked his words from when I woke up after my vision of my father and caused me the same joy and warmth as if did that night. He cracked open the door to reveal a clean yet broken abode. There were fist-sized holes in the wall, and the place smelled of Midgardian ale...beer. The house was small but seemed like a prison of sorts. There was no warmth or happiness that I felt when I stepped over the threshold, which hadn’t been the case with many homes. This one was filled with grief and sadness-fear.

The vibrations began once again, deep in my chest. It felt like a small rumble, and I could sense the connection this time. Like I had connected with Harley, it was only fitting that I had the same connection with Kaia. I didn’t plan for it, but it made sense as the vibrations became even stronger. Just as Harley closed the door behind me, the hinges causing the door to creak slightly, a small girl poked her head out of one of the rooms down the hall. Little blonde curls framed her face, and doe eyes that mimicked the color of the brightest sky seemed to glimmer with joy at the sight of her brother. A crooked smile made its home on her face before her eyes found mine. Upon seeing me, her eyes widened in clear disbelief. Her smile fell, and her lips parted slightly as she took in the sight of me. I cocked my head to the side, “hello, Kaia. I’ve heard a lot about you,” I spoke as gently as possible, not wanting to startle her.

Her eyes brightened once more, the brightest star not even holding a candle to their brilliance. The smile returned to her face, only it was bigger that time. Her mouth hung open slightly as if she wished to speak but couldn’t find the words, “Mommy!” she squealed, the name catching me off guard. She pranced out of the room and hurried over to me, throwing her little body into my own. Her arms wrapped tightly around the top of my legs as she buried her face into my waist in an unexpected embrace. I furrowed my eyebrows, trying to piece together the reasoning behind her name for me. Before I had the chance to decipher it, she continued speaking, pulling away just enough to look up at me, “you’re the lady I see in my dreams! I knew you would come save us!”

I glanced down at Harley as she buried her face back into my waist, looking for some sort of explanation, “she saw you on the TV during the New York incident, and she took to the nickname quicker than anyone else. She used to tell me that you’d come and save us, but I never believed her until you showed up that night,” he explained, lowering his eyes to his sister who continued to cling to me. Warmth spread through me and a smile made its home on my lips. I pulled her away delicately to allow me the space to kneel down to her level. As our eyes connected, like the beautiful meeting between the land and the sky, Harley spoke, “Kaia, this is Eva. She’s here to help a friend,” he explained.

Kaia leaned toward me and reached up, resting the palm of one of her tiny hands against my face with such tenderness that I thought I would melt. She tilted her head, a look of wonder clear in her eyes. It was the same look that she had when she looked at me for the first time, a look that never went away. Kaia’s eyes were filled with an understanding, almost like we’d known each other since the beginning of time. Our souls knew one another; we were born of the same star. She nodded her head, little golden curls bouncing around her shoulders, “I know who you are,” she murmured before wrapping her arms around my neck.

I rested my chin in the crook of her neck, trying to repress the wild emotions that were threatening to surface. This was something I was familiar with. This wasn’t a new feeling. I had felt it, and it had been lost to the universe. I was terrified of feeling it again, of losing it again. Still, no matter how afraid I was, I couldn’t deny my profound connection to those two children. I let out a shaky breath, and in doing so, the tension within me released. I let myself feel that complete, pure, unhindered love of a child. Suddenly, the love Harley had shown me began to sink in. Harley and Kaia both looked at me the same way the children of the orphanage looked at me in New York. They looked at me with hope, but this time, I wouldn’t fail. I couldn’t. I smiled through the tears, nodding my head in recognition of her words, “I think I know you, too, Kaia,” I whispered, knowing that if I tried to speak normally, my voice would crack, creating a fracture in the dam that held back my ever-growing emotions.

With her arms still locked around my neck, I stood up, pulling her fragile and light little body up with mine. Even if I had been human, she still would’ve been light as a feather. I maneuvered her so that she was attached to my side, my arm keeping her secure to me. She molded into my side like she was meant to be there, like we were two pieces of a puzzle that fit together perfectly. It was the same feeling I had when Loki held me, or when I held Harley. It was the same feeling I had whenever my father held me, or whenever I held her. I had experienced the same puzzle-piece phenomenon with each of the most important people in my life, but I’d also experienced it with Ezra. I shook the thought from my head as the house began to grow warmer, and there was a feeling of peace and joy-a feeling of home.

I glanced down at Harley to see that his eyes were locked onto me, watching my every move with his sister. It wasn’t in an untrusting kind of way, but he was just observing my gentle nature with Kaia, almost as if he’d not witnessed anyone treat her like a little princess. Harley’s eyes disconnected from mine as he covered his mouth to yawn, his body becoming weak with exhaustion. I reached down and ran my free hand through his hair, “I think it might be time for bed,” I murmured, tucking some of the more unruly strands of hair behind his ear.

He nodded his head, “I have to tuck Kaia in first, though,” he explained, letting me step into his world for a moment, “I’m gonna go get her bed ready really quick,” he added, heading toward the hallway that Kaia had run down only a few moments prior.

Before he could make it too far away from me, I reached out and grabbed his hand with the free one I had used to stroke his hair out of his face, hence stopping him in his tracks. He turned back around to face me, and I moved my hand to rest on his shoulder, “we’ve both been through a lot tonight, more than you should ever have to go through in your life. Go get yourself cleaned up, and then I’ll tuck you both in for the night,” I instructed, watching as he processed my words. behind those sad eyes. They flickered away from me, and I could see-clear as day-that he wasn’t used to being taken cared for. I reached up and cupped his cheek, turning his attention back to me, “Harley, let me take care of you two tonight,” I urged, wanting to reassure him that he could trust me. He seemed so different within the walls of the house than he was anywhere else. This place seemed to bring him pain, unwanted memories, and a guarded attitude.

After a long moment of searching my eyes to find any traces of dishonesty of malintent, he agreed to the terms, finding only my genuine care for them. He gave a slight nod and turned on his heel to retire to the washroom and get cleaned up. In his absence, I glanced around the rather vacant looking house. It seemed both too lived in and not lived in at all. There were no pictures of the children to be found, but there were a plethora of beer bottles that the house seemed smaller because of the clutter. Aside from the random holes in the walls, they were completely bare. Newspapers covered almost all the windows, but there was one that had a piece of plastic covering a hole in it.

The house was unlike any I’d ever been in on Midgard, and it was certainly not one I could envision small children residing in. I found my way over to a couch that was covered in holes and stains, and even though I didn’t want to sit down, I wanted to talk with Kaia, a feat I couldn’t accomplish with her attached to my hip. I maneuvered her body so that I held her against my chest, her body applying pressure against the wound on my abdomen. I fought through the pain, knowing that my only other option was to drop her, and I refused to do that. When I lowered myself onto the couch, she slid her body back to be situated right in front of my knees. Her blue eyes met mine once more, and that smile tugged at her lips, “was it scary in New York?” she asked, innocently.

I was taken aback by her question for a moment, surprised that she would be asking something like that. It wasn’t the topic of conversations I had with anyone, but I also hadn’t been to Midgard since I forfeited my happiness and my life. I nodded my head in response to her question, “it was really scary,” I answered.

Her eyes grew with surprise, “how did you do it if you were scared?” she asked, cocking her head to the side.

“Are you scared of anything?” I asked, wanting to explain it in a way that she would understand. She nodded her head, “what are you afraid of?” I continued, knowing that I could simplify my willingness to face my fears if I could make it somehow relatable to her. She was silent for a long moment. Her hands came to rest in her lap, and I watched as she wrung them together, her eyes disconnecting from mine and focusing on each movement her hands made. A sadness-a fear-creeped up within her, and I could feel it as if it were my own. She looked as if she were debating on whether or not to answer me. I shook my head, “it’s okay, little bird. If you don’t want to talk about-”

She cut me off, her little voice like a knife in my heart, “mommy...I’m afraid of mommy,” she answered, tears brimming her eyes.

I furrowed my eyebrows, trying to process the meaning of her words. I watched time and time again how close a child was to their mother, and to hear Kaia tell me that she wasn’t only not close to her mother but afraid of the woman who gave her life...it upset me. I knew that something serious must’ve been at play for her to have so much pain in her innocent blue eyes, eyes that had clearly seen far more of the world than what was fair. I raised my hand beneath her chin and tilted her head up so that she was looking at me. Each move I made was purposeful, careful, and gentle. Our eyes met once more, and I stumbled over my question to her, “what...what does she do?” I asked, knowing that I had to tread lightly. Tony had mentioned something about Harley’s mannerisms, how they reminded him of how he acted with his father as a child, and I could sense that he was unhappy. However, I didn’t want to believe that they were mistreated, that any parent could harbor such resentment for their own children.

Her bottom lip quivered, and my heart shattered in that very moment. Tears brimmed her doe eyes, causing the sorrow to grow within me. She drew a shaky breath, “mommy hurts us,” she answered, uttering the most upsetting words I could’ve imagined. As soon as she answered my question, it all began to make sense, but it was something that I wished I never had to make sense of in the first place.

Before I dared to process my anger and sorrow on the matter, I knew that I needed to focus all of my energy on her. I rested my open palm against her cheek, and she leaned into my touch, just as I had done with her, “oh, my sweet little bird, I didn’t mean to upset you,” I apologized as the first tear streamed down her cheek. She crawled up to my lap and nestled her body against mine once more, melting into my arms as she trembled with unchecked emotion. It was clear that it had been a while since she allowed herself to cry, and I would offer her my embrace. I’d shoulder the weight of the world for her from that day on.

To think that someone could bring themselves to hurt their children, to bring pain and suffering upon their babies...it made my heart ache for humanity. I knew how beautiful humanity could be, but I wasn’t blind to the vile, disturbing, dregs of society. I swore an oath to protect all of humanity, but when people committed those unforgivable crimes, they forfeited their humanity and became my enemy. Holding Kaia in my arms made me understand why they took to me so quickly, why Harley put every ounce of faith and trust in me from the night we met. I was safe. They knew I was someone who wasn’t going to hurt them, and they latched onto me and wouldn’t let go.

I held Kaia for what seemed like only a second but what had truly been enough time for Harley to finish his shower and wander into the bedroom to find pajamas. I held her the way she deserved to be held, like she was a porcelain doll, like she was being protected and loved. She would grow up to be strong and resilient, but every child needed to feel safe, protected, loved, and cherished. It was something she had gone without for too long, and I tried to give it all to her in that one long embrace. Kaia sniffled and began speaking, “are you going to stay forever?” she asked, “in my dream, you said that you’d save Harley and me, and you said we’d be together forever,” she added, explaining the reasoning behind her question.

My heart thudded in my chest as I thought of my upcoming adventure with Tony, knowing that it could very well be the final time I saw either of them. My body was becoming weaker and weaker by the minute, so my hope was dwindling. However, I couldn’t bring myself to tell Kaia that the chances of me returning to them were slim. Instead, I answered her question with a question of my own, knowing that I needed her to understand what I was about to do, “do you know what I was doing in New York?” I asked, rubbing her back.

She nodded her head, her eyes connecting with mine, “you were fighting the bad guys.”

“That’s right!” I exclaimed, a smile spreading across my face. It was a step closer to what I needed her to understand, “those weren’t the only bad guys around, though. There are other bad guys, and I need to make sure they don’t hurt the good people-the innocent people. In order to do that, I have to go away for a little while, but when it’s over, I’m going to come back here and make sure you and Harley are safe, okay?”

She nodded her head once more, offering me a lopsided grin, which caused my heart to fill with warmth. She understood what I meant to an extent, but she couldn’t possibly understand the serious nature of what I was going away to do; if I were honest with myself, I didn’t want her to understand it. The heart and mind of a child should be filled with hope and wonder, and if I made it back to them, I would restore that in both her and Harley. She gazed up at me, “can you take us with you?” she asked, innocently. When I tuned in to hear her heart, I discovered that her question was born in fear that I wouldn’t return like I said. While she placed faith and trust in me after only a short time of knowing me, she was still cautious. They had been hurt before, and she wanted to minimize the risk.

Before I had to break Kaia’s heart by telling her that I couldn’t bring them with me, Harley retreated from the bedroom with his pajamas on, pulling Kaia’s attention away from our conversation. Harley was dressed in an oversized grey t-shirt and plaid pajama pants that had small holes in them. He didn’t look fazed by it, but I was. His hair was still wet, matted down against his head. Small droplets cascaded from the strands of hair and fell onto his shoulders in a rhythm; two on his left shoulder, one on his right, one on his left shoulder, two on his right. It was a continuous pattern that I had to focus on so that I didn’t burst into tears at their mistreatment. The same lopsided grin he’d given to me time and time again tugged at his lips, and he brushed his hair to the side, successfully breaking the pattern and my concentration on it. I turned my attention to Kaia, patting her gently on the back, “how about you go get some pajamas on and grab a hair brush and some ties?” I suggested, casting a smile down at her.

She nodded her head, a small yawn slipping from her lips. She climbed off of my lap and made her way into the bedroom Harley had just retreated from. I rose from the couch and closed the space between us, maintaining steady eye contact, “if you want, I can help you dry and brush your hair,” I remarked, and he gave a slight nod before retreating to the washroom once more, returning after only a moment with a towel and brush in his hand. He handed them over to me, and I proceeded to dry his hair with the towel, allowing it to soak up as much moisture as possible. Once it was as dry as it was going to get with no more droplets of water creating a steady rhythm, I combed through his damp locks.

The silence between us was only broken when a knock sounded at the door, causing Harley to jump in anxiousness. I rested a hand on his shoulder, calming his nerves, “it’s just Tony,” I explained, feeling those familiar vibrations whenever he was close. It was a release of some sort when he was close, when any of my people were close. I glanced over at the door, “come in,” I beckoned right before the door propped open just enough for Tony to enter the house that I was trying to make a home before I left. He glanced down at my hands to take in what I was doing, which gave life to a beautiful, heart-warming smile in the midst of the chaos. I pulled the brush through Harley’s hair for the last time before patting him on the shoulder to gain his attention. When he turned around, I ran a hand through his-now tame-hair, “head into the room and get into bed. I’ll be in there in a minute,” I urged, my voice soft to keep the atmosphere calm.

He nodded his head, flashing me a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes before he retreated into the bedroom that Kaia had disappeared to. A wall of emotion hit me as it began to sink in that the coming moments could be the very last ones I’d have with them. It was like the pain I felt on the day of my greatest failure. Loving her was my greatest weakness...leaving her was my greatest failure. The words were familiar, too familiar, ones that had once been uttered about me. My hand flew up to my mouth as I stared down the hallway to the room where I’d be forced to say goodbye to the two children who needed me, two children who deserved the world, two little souls that formed together with mine. The tips of my fingers were pressed against my lips to hold back the sobs that were determined to escape.

Tears clouded my vision, but I held them back until they overflowed and cascaded down my cheeks. I thanked every supreme being for granting me the strength to hold back my sorrow until Harley and Kaia were out of the room. As soon as the first tremble occurred, threatening to tear me apart, Tony’s strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me into his warm, comforting embrace. He knew what this was doing to me, what leaving people did to me. He saw it happen once before, so he knew what was coming. He held me the same way he did that day, the day of my greatest failure, “tell me what you need from me, Eva. Don’t try to shoulder this all on your own,” he whispered into my hair as he held me.

I threw my arms around him, desperately needing someone to hold onto, someone to act as my rock when my life was crashing down around me. Tony had been there the first time, and he was present this time, ready to support me again, “I need more time,” I murmured, my voice cracking against the tears as he held me. I just needed to know, without the shadow of a doubt, that Harley and Kaia would be safe, and I couldn’t know that for certain until I came back to them...if I came back to them. Every scenario ran through my mind, and there were only a handful of fulfilling ones amongst the thousands of negative ones.

Tony’s hand stroked through my hair, and he pulled away from the embrace. Before I could reach up to wipe my tears away, Tony’s fingertips guided them from my cheeks just as I had done to him as a child. He offered me a supportive, hopeful smile, “you have nothing to worry about, Eva, okay? You’re going to make it back from this. I’ve seen what Asgardians are capable of, and I’ve seen what you are capable of,” he remarked, grasping my shoulder, “if you think-even for a moment-that you could be bested, I’d tell you that you clearly haven’t been paying attention. I saw what you did with the water, and Harley told me about what you did to protect him. I didn’t know-”

I cut him off, “I didn’t know, either” I whispered, remembering the events of the previous night, the power I felt. Still, I couldn’t rely on it because I didn’t even know how to summon that power, how to control it to work for me. I didn’t even know if I could do it again, or if it was a freak accident, “all I know is that they need someone, and I want to be that someone for them. You remember what I told her when I brought her to you, don’t you?”

He nodded his head, remembering the day he saw my life fall apart. It was like New York didn’t tear me apart enough. He nodded his head, “you said that...loving her was your greatest weakness, and leaving her was your greatest failure,” he recalled, his voice remaining calm as not to rouse those familiar feelings within me. He knew how scarcely I spoke of her, and he saw how falsely disinterested I was in hearing anything about her when I arrived, so he moved through his words carefully.

I nodded my head, a chill running through me at the sound of those words once more, “I can’t fail anyone else, Tony,” I explained, “not the way I failed her.”

“You never failed her, and you won’t fail me or these kids,” he reassured me, reaching up to cup my cheek, his palm resting against my face. His hand was warm, loving...familiar, “I trust you with my life, Eva. I trust you more than I’ve ever trusted another person, and I trust you even when I feel I can’t trust anyone. You know what to do, but I just don’t think you want to admit it. I know you well enough by now to know that you’ll do what’s best, that you’re going to protect these children no matter what the cost,” he explained, closing every bit of space that sat between the two of us. His eyes locked with mine, “you know what to do, but you need to trust yourself. Trust yourself the way I trust you.”

Deep down, I knew what I wanted to do, what would be best for them, but I couldn’t trust myself to make that decision anymore. I couldn’t trust myself with the lives of others after I saw what happened the last time. I didn’t want to make the decisions anymore. Perhaps, the best thing for them would be a life without me, just like it was best for her. If I had spoken those words to Tony, he would’ve shut them down before they even made it out of my mouth, but I couldn’t help but think that my presence would only leave them damaged, broken, disappointed.

Understanding that I had only a handful of options, I pulled away from Tony, wanting to spend every second I had with Harley and Kaia before I had to leave. I walked down the hallway, stepping quietly into the bedroom to see Harley sitting on Kaia’s bedside, tears clear in his blue eyes. When I entered the room, their eyes flickered over to me, and I offered them a gentle smile. As I entered their room, Harley stood from Kaia’s bed and got into his own that was parallel to hers, and I took the spot he had once been sitting in. I reached up, brushing her hair back with my hand to get the wild strands out of her face, and I began to remember the countless times Frigga had done so with me when I was a child. She would often sit at my bedside and stroke my hair back until I fell asleep, and I was planning on doing the same for Kaia, “when are you coming back?” she asked with sorrow in her eyes.

I could practically hear the subtle cracks forming in her heart, the heart I so desperately wanted to protect, “soon,” I answered simply, not wanting to dump my fears onto her. I couldn’t tell her that I wasn’t sure if I would return at all because it wasn’t her responsibility to shoulder that fear. She was still so innocent even after all she had been through, and I would foster that innocence until I was dragged to Death herself and forced to forfeit my life.

Kaia shook her head, almost as if she was refusing to hear my response, almost as if she didn’t want me to be away from her for even a second, “I don’t want to be scared anymore,” she trembled.

The palm of my hand cupped her cheek, and I knew what my job was in that very moment. If I had to leave her with the possibility of never returning, I needed to teach her one of the most valuable lessons I’d ever learned, the lesson that made me overcome even some of the most difficult challenges of my life. I adjusted myself on the bed. My right leg was tucked underneath me while my left one hung off the side of the bed. I grasped one of her little hands in my own and held it with a firm, optimistic grasp. My eyes locked with hers, “do you know what fear gives life to?” I asked, and she shook her head, “bravery,” I answered my own question to her.

Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion, and I remembered a time when my father spoke the same words to me, a time when I spoke those words to someone else…

Her.

As I recalled my father's words, I repeated them to Kaia, “the wisest man I’ve ever known, my father, told me that fear works in tandem with bravery. You cannot be brave if you are not first afraid. The bravest people you know became brave because they faced their fears and came out above them,” I explained before digging into my personal experience from her question when we were alone, “earlier, you asked me if I was afraid in New York, and I told you that I was. I was horrified, but I knew that if I didn’t act, people could be hurt. I decided that the safety of others was far more important than my fear of who I was fighting and what they were capable of. You can be brave, too, Kaia.”

“Like you?” she asked, cocking her head to the side and searching my eyes.

I shook my head, “even braver,” I replied, stroking the back of her hand with my thumb. I had faith in her, more faith than I ever had in myself. Upon hearing my response, she let out a barely audible gasp, one of excitement and a lingering sense of responsibility. It was something she thought to be unbelievable and unattainable. I chuckled, “but for the time being, I need you to be brave without me, okay?”

Kaia nodded her head once more, her little hand squeezing my forefinger, and I finally realized that I was wrapped around hers. The love and devotion I felt for them was nothing short of maternal, and though they were not the children I envisioned having, they were precious to me regardless of their origin. Perhaps it was similar to the way Aaldir felt about Hjalmar and I. I never truly understood how he could love me the way he claimed, since I was not his blood, but I started to realize how love could manifest itself in different ways when Tony was born. I fully understood that love upon meeting Harley and Kaia, though. I believed some of the maternal love I had for Tony came from my devotion and dedication to his father, but when I realized my love for Harley and Kaia-two children I had no connection to prior to our meeting-I understood my love for Tony in a much more explicit way. Kaia’s eyelids fluttered, "can you sing to me?" she asked, mirroring the question Loki always asked of me before falling asleep.

"Of course," I answered, wanting her last memory of me to be beautiful, almost ethereal, so that it I met my end against the Mandarin, she would remember me like a dream. Perhaps, my loss wouldn't impact her much if I left her that way. The song I chose was clear in my mind. Whilst Loki and I travelled the world throughout the years, we found so much joy in the European countries. One particular visit, we were exploring the British Isles and came across a pub. Loki and I made fast friends with the patrons of the bar, and when our night was coming to a close, they drunkenly sang us a beautiful song of farewell. I often sang it to Loki before leaving for battle, one I sang to Tony when he was just a boy before I returned to Asgard. It was a song I sang to her, a song I thought I’d never sing again until that very moment.

As I stroked her hair back, I began singing, “of all the money that e’er I had, I spent it in good company. And all the harm that I’ve ever done, alas it was too none but me. And all I’ve done for want of wit, to memory now I can’t recall, so fill to me the parting glass. Goodnight and joy be to you all,” I sang, seeing that her eyelids were growing heavier and heavier, “close your eyes, little bird,” I instructed, watching as those little eyes fluttered closed. I continued to stroke her hair, listening to her breathing slow, and I continued the song through my tears, “of all the comrades that e’er I had, they’re sorry for my going. And all the sweethearts that e’er I had, they’d wish me one more day to stay. But since it fell unto my lot, that I should rise, and you should not, I gently rise and softly call, goodnight and joy be to you all...goodnight and joy be with you all,” I finished, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead, sensing that she was finally asleep. I wiped away the stray tears from my cheeks and suppressed the memories the song brought to the surface once more.

I turned my attention over to Harley to see that he was still awake, and his cheeks were wet with the evidence of his sorrow. I rose from Kaia’s bed and situated myself on the edge of Harley’s bed. I reached down and brushed the tears from his cheeks. Before I could tell him that everything would be okay, that everything would work itself out, he proposed a question that tore my heart apart, “will you forget about me?” he asked, fear clear in his eyes and voice.

My jaw hung slack for a moment as confusion overcame me. I wasn’t sure what I had done to even give him the slightest suspicion that I would forget about him. I shook my head, “oh, of course not! Why would you think that?” I asked, stroking his cheek with the tips of my fingers.

He choked back tears, searching my eyes to find any ounce of dishonesty or deception within my response. The uncertain look in his eyes was familiar, and I knew the feeling myself. I used to think that Aaldir would leave me someday, that if my birth parents could bring themselves to abandon me, why wouldn’t he do the same? What would stop him? If my own parents couldn’t love me, who could? It was a toxic state of mind to live in, but I lived it, and I knew that Harley was living in it in that moment. His bottom lip quivered, “my dad...my mom...” he stammered, his voice betraying him as it gave way to the heavy flow of tears that began to stream down his face.

The pain in my abdomen was no match for the pain in my heart at that very moment. I leaned down, grasping his cheeks to keep him steady and grounded. I pressed my forehead against his, using the small ounces of power I had left to calm his nerves, to bring him to a place of peace. While his tears didn’t cease, they slowed, and his breathing began to steady. I sat back up and stroked his hair back like I had done with Kaia. His teary, bloodshot eyes connected with mine, “I’m not them! You are a spectacular, phenomenal, wonderful little human, Harley. You have a kind and gentle soul, a soul that lives in harmony with my own, a soul that offers more beauty than I can comprehend. Even if I were to die right here and right now, I still couldn’t forget you because you hold such a profound place in my heart, little one,” I confessed, offering him a smile to help lighten the mood.

I continued to stroke his hair back, feeling his ever-calming nerves. He was growing more and more tired with each passing second, but I could sense that he was fighting it with all he had. He knew that I wasn’t going to leave with him still awake, and he didn’t want me to leave at all. I cleared my throat, “when I was a child, my father told me that each one of us is created with the essence of starlight; it’s the fabric of our life essence, our soul. Each time a star died, it would send a burst of energy across the universe, spanning across every galaxy, every solar system, every planet. From that stardust was born the life essence of a number of people, thus those souls were tied together by a thread with the power of a dying star, a thread that could never be broken through time or distance. Throughout history, they would be destined to find their way to each other, the thread pulling them closer and closer together. Then, when they finally met, the thread would secure itself around each of them, binding their souls together for the rest of time. I’ve met others who were born with the same life essence that resides within me,” I explained, telling him the story my father had once told me.

His eyebrows furrowed, “who are they?”

I glanced over at the doorway to see that Tony stood there in complete silence, listening intently to my words. I felt his presence there as I sang the song to Kaia, but I hadn’t acknowledged him until that moment, “Tony’s one of them,” I confessed, locking eyes with the man who held such a significant portion of my heart. I turned my attention back to Harley, “Tony’s parents, Howard and Maria, were among them as well. The heroes of New York: Bruce, Natasha, Thor, Clint, and Steve are others. They helped me see the beauty in humanity once more, how people of such different walks of life could unite together against a common enemy,” I explained, having so many fond memories from a time when my life was falling apart. It was a strange phenomenon, but I did have beautiful memories of New York, of reconnecting with Steve, bonding with Bruce over technology, bonding with Natasha and being able to take a look into her mind when she finally trusted me enough to allow me such a privilege, getting to know Clint to the point that he exposed his biggest secret to me, and fighting alongside Thor for the man we both loved in different ways.

“My love, Loki, is another one. We had plans to get married and run away together. We dreamed of either being accepted by his father and living a peaceful life in Asgard, or we would run away to Midgard and start a whole new life together amongst the Midgardians we loved so dearly. There was a man I danced with only once before he went off to war, Bucky, and I protected him from the sidelines throughout the war until the day he died,” I noted, my eyes flickering down to my lap as I remembered the way he smiled at me, the peace he emanated even in his final moments. It still touched me all these years later. His presence was still alive within me even after his death. I shook off the thoughts of him, knowing that I had to push forward for Harley’s sake, “then, there’s the man who raised me, the man I consider to be my father, Aaldir, and the man who I knew as my brother, Hjalmar. My closest friend, Ephinea is of that group as well.”

“There are also ones I have met throughout history, people you may know of already, or they may be people I tell you about when I return. I’ve been coming to Midgard for a very, very long time, and almost all of those times were in the company of Loki. For nearly a thousand years, we travelled the world together time and time again, and we’ve met countless people along the way,” I confessed, and his eyes widened when he realized just how long I’d been alive. It brightened my mood slightly, causing a bit of the weight to be removed from my shoulders, “there were three royals, Mary, Anne, and Diana, who changed the course of history, who changed me. There were authors: William, Jane, and Charlotte, who embodied the beauty of the arts. There was an artist, Leonardo, a man who taught me about the importance of love. There were peacekeepers, people who sought to bring about change for the better, people who changed the world for the better,” I added, watching as his eyes filled with wonder as I named off the people who meant so much to me, who held a strong place in my heart even after they had died.

“There’s a girl...” I continued, my voice trailing off as fleeting thoughts arose once more. There wasn’t a single day that passed when I didn’t think of her, and there never would be for the rest of my life. I could never forget those haunting eyes, the way they filled with tears during our final moments together, the way those tears twinkled as they fell from her eyes, like stars falling from the night sky, the way she screamed for me to stay, the way she yelled after me as I left, and the way I made her forget me. I remembered every horrific moment just as clearly as I remembered every beautiful one.

“Eva,” Tony’s voice sounded from the doorway, pulling me from my thoughts of her. When my eyes met his, it was clear that he knew what was happening within me. He wanted me to get my feet wet, to remember her, but he didn’t want me to drown. He gave a curt nod of his head, urging me to proceed.

I turned my gaze back to Harley, “then, there were two others that I found recently, two small people I care deeply about. One of them I met only an hour ago,” I murmured, casting my eyes over at the sleeping princess in the bed parallel to Harley’s. I studied her little features once more before my eyes flickered back to the little boy who looked at me like I was the whole world, “and the other invited me into his home, offered me a place to stay, and treated me like the center of the whole universe. He shed tears whenever he thought I could possibly bring myself to leave him. He hurt when he thought I could possibly be unsatisfied with what he had to offer. He refused to leave me when I was in danger, when the lives of others were at stake. He sits in front of me right now, worried about my fate,” I whispered, my voice light and calm as I continued to hold his hand, reaching up to wipe the tears that spilled down his cheeks.

My bottom lip quivered ever so gently as I thought of our time together potentially coming to an end, “he called me one of his heroes, but what he doesn’t know is that he’s one of mine. This is a boy with a heart of pure gold, a boy whose soul was forged from the same star as mine. He’s a boy whose presence makes the colors a little brighter and the sun a little warmer, a boy I would move mountains for, a boy I would give my life for in a heartbeat, a boy who has taken his place amongst a few others as the center of my universe. You,” I stressed, leaning down to rest my forehead against his once more. I conveyed every ounce of love and admiration I had for him in that single act, remembering the times my father and Frigga had done so to me. Frigga always told me that I would have an easier time conveying those things to others, that I was so connected to the essence of life that I would be able to tap into it. I hoped I was able to do it in that moment, to make him see just how true my words were.

When I pulled away from him, he took the time to speak, his voice trembling in an attempt to hold back his emotions, “Kaia used to be the only family I had here,” he confessed, forcing a sad smile.

“What about your mother?” I asked, cocking my head to the side in confusion. I didn’t understand how he could say that Kaia was his only family when he had a parent who was still in his life.

“I didn’t meet her until a few days ago when she showed up in the shack outside, needing a place to stay,” he answered, his response leaving me in sheer disbelief. I didn’t know what to say or how to piece together what he was saying. I never expected him to admit what I already knew deep down in my heart. I knew that he saw me as a mother figure, but I never imagined that he saw me as his mother, as the woman who would provide for, nurture, and protect him. Before I could explain that he already had a mother, that there was already a woman in his life who had given him that life, he continued to speak, knowing what I was about to say, “I don’t trust her the way I trust you, I don’t need her the way I need you, and I don’t love her the way I love you. You’re more than just the mother to the world, you’re the only mother I’ve ever had. This is the first time anyone has ever taken care of me and not the other way around.”

“Never think that your feelings are one-sided, Harley, because I love you just as a mother would love her son. You’ve changed my heart for the better and helped me see and understand so much more than I did before I met you,” I stated, leaning down to press a firm kiss against his forehead. I lingered there as a tear cascaded down my cheek, not wanting him to see me cry. Upon pulling away, I locked eyes with him and grasped his hands in my own, my eyes as solemn as my voice, “I’m going to do everything in my power to return to you and Kaia, and when I do, no one is ever going to hurt either of you again. I give you my word,” I promised, knowing that if anyone were to attempt to harm them again, they would be met with a wrath they could never be prepared for.

His voice trembled, “if...if you don’t make it-”

I cut him off, not wanting him to trail off into the dark recesses of his mind, the dark corners where sad, lonely, hurtful thoughts resided in, “if I don’t make it, you’re going to be just fine. You’re going to carry on and live to fight another day,” I insisted, knowing that he was stronger than he gave himself credit for. He would mourn for me, but he would learn to live with that grief just as we all did. My voice lowered to a whisper once more, “it’s scary to think about, but I’m a warrior. This-fighting and sacrificing for the greater good-is what I do. You’re a warrior, too, little one, and you’re strong enough to make it through whatever comes next. I believe in you, and nothing will ever change that,” I promised, cupping his cheek, my palm resting lightly against his face.

“I love you,” he whispered, leaning into my touch.

I smiled through the tears that welled up at the sheer joy and love I felt from him in that moment. It was similar to the first time Loki told me those three words, or when Tony first said them as a child, or when she said them. It reminded me of all the love I’d ever had, and it also reminded me of all the love I had lost throughout the years. Still, while it was bittersweet to think about, I was happy to have that love once more, even if it was fleeting, “I love you,” I replied, never wanting him to forget that simple truth. Even in his moments of doubt, should I not return, I wanted him to still feel my presence through the love I had for him.

“Can I cut in?” Tony asked, his words mimicking those of his father so many years prior. His voice cut through the silence that had fallen between Harley and I. When I glanced over at Tony, his eyes held all that I needed to see. He started to care for Harley the same way I did. Tony had a paternal side to him, a side he couldn’t hide from me no matter how hard he tried. He would’ve been good at it, too-being a father. This was his time to say goodbye to Harley, and I’d give him the time he needed, just as he did to me. I gave a curt nod of my head before standing up from the side of the bed. I walked past Tony and watched as he settled onto the bed where I had once been. It was obvious that he wasn’t well-versed in maneuvering these situations with a child, but he seemed comfortable. He had some practice.

Wanting to give them both their privacy, I retreated to the shack once more to collect my things. I stripped away my Midgardian wardrobe and tied my hair back before strapping on my armor once more. The white and gold armor-with little hints of blue-clung to my body, and it felt like home. My armor reminded me that it was my duty to fight no matter what the cost. This time, I would fight for Tony, and I would fight to create a safer world for the ones I loved to live in. Holding out my right hand, Soulkeeper came to me, cutting through the air before the hilt attached itself perfectly to the palm of my hand. It came whenever I called, much like Mjolnir did for Thor. I sheathed Soulkeeper before picking up my shield that rested against the wall at the foot of the bed. I attached the shield to my back, feeling that familiar tightening in my chest that I usually felt before battle. It was a mixture of fear, anticipation, and sorrow. This time, those were heightened.

I felt an undeniable urge to return to Asgard, to find a way to get to Loki and tell him the truth, that I still loved him. It didn’t feel right to go into battle without seeing him beforehand, and this time would be especially risky with my current condition. I would fight alongside Tony, but I needed closure before I could do that. The only way I would get that closure would be to return to Asgard briefly. I needed to see him as more than just an illusion, as more than just a figment of his imagination. I needed to be close to him, to see him as I told him the words I needed to be heard one last time. I needed the familiar comfort that came with his presence, even when his presence had, at times, been the most chaotic part of my life.

Upon realizing what I needed to do, I headed back into the house to explain it to Tony, to pull him aside and tell him that I needed to leave just for a short while but would return in time to face the Mandarin with him. When I reached the bedroom once more, Tony’s soft, emotion-filled voice kept me from interrupting his conversation with Harley. I couldn’t even make my presence known. His voice stopped me in my tracks before I made it to the bedroom door, so I leaned against the wall, taking in that comforting, familiar voice, “I had a dad who I didn’t think cared for me at all growing up. He was...he was hard on me, and I didn’t always like him. Sometimes, all you need is one person to believe in you, one person to love and care for you. You and I have the same person in our corner, and that’s Eva,” he confessed, laying his true emotions out for Harley to see. His words struck a chord with me as he continued, “trust me when I tell you that no matter where you go in your life, she’s going to be looking out for you for the rest of it, like an angel on your shoulder. You’ll have me, too. I’ll be checking in from time to time, and even though you may not always be able to see it, I’ve got your back, kid.”

“Why?” Harley asked, genuinely curious as to why Tony Stark, a man who shouldered the weight of the world, would care about him. It wasn’t obvious to him that he and Tony were so very similar. From an outside perspective, it was clear. When Tony was Harley’s age, he was going through similar trials. He was supremely intelligent, like Harley. He was mistreated, like Harley. He was lonely, like Harley. They were so similar, and Tony could see that.

“Everyone needs someone, no matter how strong they are,” Tony answered, using the same words I’d once told him as a child when he asked me the same question. He finally understood it. He finally understood how endless my love and devotion to him was. As an adult, he could finally understand my love for him when he was a child. He wouldn’t question it anymore because he understood how quickly he had me wrapped around his finger, much like Harley did to him. Tony’s voice lowered, “she’s good at it, isn’t she?” he asked, out of the blue. There was silence. Upon realizing that he gave Harley no context, he elaborated on his initial question, “being a mom, I mean. She’s got a gift.”

Tony’s words caused my lips to part as disbelief washed over me. It was a moment that shook me to my core, a question I neither expected nor prepared myself for. A small sniffle from Harley was what pulled me back to the present. It was the one thing that kept me from falling down into my whirlpool of emotions upon Tony’s question, “she’s the only one I’ve ever had,” Harley confessed once more.

“I can tell,” Tony replied, his voice soft as to not strike another emotion with Harley. His aim wasn’t to make him cry, and I knew that. Tony hated seeing people cry, which was one of the more beautiful things about him. While he was clunky and awkward when trying to comfort most people, especially those he wasn’t as close to, he still did his best to stop them from crying. He was one of the most empathetic people I knew-one of the bravest. He continued, “the worst part is that you can’t help but love her, but the best part is that you have someone who will love you unconditionally for the rest of your life. She’s one of the reasons why I’m still alive today, why I’ve made it this far, and she’s one of the reasons why you’re gonna make it through all of this.”

“Every single hurdle you ever go through in your life, you’ll overcome them all because you’ll remember that there’s someone out there who believes in you even when you can’t believe in yourself. She’s gonna be around to protect you, kid, and she’s gonna teach you how to protect yourself...just like she did with me when I was a boy. You’re lucky enough to be one of her people, just like I am, just like your sister is. When Eva chooses to get close to someone, she’s there for good. She’ll be there through the thick and thin, the highs and lows, life...and death,” he said, recalling the countless times I visited his parents grave to maintain it or leave small offerings to them. It was my way of continuing to show my loyalty to two people who I loved so dearly, “you know what I like to do when I feel far from her?”

Harley sniffled once more, and I could sense that he was calming down, “what?”

“I look up at the sky and imagine that she put all the stars in the sky just to watch over me. I imagine that she put the moon in place to shine on some of my darkest nights. I feel close to her when I do that,” he answered, and I was brought back to when he was just a little boy.

I was brought back to the countless times I had to leave him to return to Asgard and tend to my duties. He would often shed tears at my departure and ask me why I couldn’t stay with him. He would tell me over and over again that he always missed me when I left him, and I’d always tell him that I put the stars in the sky to look out for him. I told him that I used the stars to watch over him through the night. That way, whenever he looked up at the stars, he would feel close to me. I couldn’t easily explain to him that I had an all-seeing companion who stood at the end of a rainbow bridge and kept an eye on him to warn me if any trouble came his way. I couldn’t explain that to a child, so I used a story about the stars to satiate his loneliness.

Then, it finally dawned on me that I needed to do for Harley and Kaia what I failed to do for Tony so long ago. While Howard and Maria were two of my greatest friends in the world, what Howard put Tony through was upsetting, disappointing, and appalling. If I was stronger, I would’ve protected Tony in a more proactive way. Instead of confronting Howard about it every chance I had but still leaving Tony in the lion’s den, I would’ve taken him with me when I left. Even if it was only for a while, it would’ve been the protection he deserved. Still, Tony became a beautiful, intelligent, caring, compassionate, wonderful human being, rising out of the ashes like a phoenix. Perhaps it was for the best that I only interfered and didn’t take him away, but...Harley and Kaia couldn’t be left.

I entered the room, and Tony’s eyes caught mine. He stood up from the bed, thinking I was ready to leave, but when he saw the look in my eyes, he knew what I was doing. I was making the right choice. I lowered myself onto Kaia’s bed once more I shook her shoulder gently until her eyes fluttered open, “come on, Kaia, open your eyes. Wake up, little bird,” I urged her as she blinked away the sleepiness in her eyes. She had only been asleep for a short time, but she hadn’t reached the state of being immovable. I turned my attention back to Harley, “grab a bag and pack anything you want to take with you,” I instructed as Kaia sat up in the bed, rubbing her eyes.

Harley furrowed his eyebrows, getting out of the bed, “where are we going?”

I motioned for him to close the space between us, and he did. I grasped his hands in my own, my eyes locking with his as I tried to convey the urgency I felt. I needed to return to Asgard in the first place, and that would be the safest place for them to go, “I promised to protect you, and I don’t know when I’ll be back to make good on that promise. I can’t risk leaving you here and-in turn-leaving you in danger. I want to take you back to my world, both of you. It’s a place where no one would dare hurt you ever again. You could live in peace. It’s a beautiful place filled with people who I trust to protect you and care for you should I not manage to return. If I leave with Tony right now, I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I want to be sure of something. I want to be sure that you two are safe.”

As Harley stood in disbelief, I continued, knowing that he wasn’t expecting such a hefty proposal, “I will not force you to come with me, so if you decide to stay here, I promise to do everything I can to make it back as quickly as possible to protect you,” I explained, not wanting either of them to think that I was going to steal them away if they didn’t want to accompany me back to Asgard. They had every right to decide their own fate, though. They needed to have control of their own lives, and their mother robbed them of that,“if you do decide to come with me, though, I promise to make sure you have a roof over your heads, a loving home, and more joy than you could ever ask for. You’d never have to be afraid again, and if anyone were to raise a hand to either one of you for the rest of time, I’d be sure they lived the rest of their days without their hands. Now, I know I’m still new to you, that we still have a lot left to learn about each other, but-”

Harley cut me off, “we’re from the same star,” he murmured, agreeing to my proposition. It was a lot to be asking of them, to uproot their lives and follow me to a world they never knew existed. It was a risk, but they were willing to take it, almost as if even as children, they had nothing left to lose.

My eyes filled with tears of joy because my heart was too full, and there was no other way for the emotions to escape. I turned my attention over to Kaia. She crawled out from under her blanket, and rested a little hand against my cheek, “I know who you are,” she repeated the same words she told me earlier in the night, agreeing to the terms just as her brother did.

“And I know you,” I responded, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead. I wrapped my arm around her and stood up, her body attached to my side and resting on my hip. She wrapped her arms around my neck and held herself close to me.

My gaze turned to Tony, and he gave a proud nod, “this was the right choice, the choice I knew you’d make,” he stated, his eyes filling with hope. I brushed past him with Harley following directly behind me, and I motioned for him to follow, “how long will you be gone?” he asked from behind me.

“Not very long,” I answered, reaching the front door in the living room. I pushed it open and stepped outside, the cool air caressing the patches of skin that my armor left bare. Kaia clung even tighter to me as I turned around to lock eyes with Tony once I was far enough away from the house. I didn’t want the Bifrost to blow a hole through the house, even though it would’ve been only a fraction of what she deserved for what she put her children through. My eyes lowered as a feeling of shame overcame me. I didn’t want to admit that I needed closure with Loki, but I did. I needed to see him one more time, “I need to go to him, Tony, just for a short time. If this could be my final night alive, I have a lot that I’ve saved in my heart that he needs to hear. I’m prepared to give my life for you if need be, and I don’t want there to be any reason for hesitations. I will come back to you, though. Do you trust me?” I asked, needing to know that I wasn’t going to be leaving him without hope.

“Always,” he answered with a nod.

“I’ll have Heimdall send me to you when you’re stopped along the way, and if anything goes awry, I’ll be here in a heartbeat,” I promised before stepping away from him and into the open. I wrapped my arm around Harley, pulling him tight against my body, not wanting him to feel afraid. He wrapped his arms around my waist, aggravating the wound but filling me with warmth at the same time. I gazed up into the night sky, keeping both children in my strong embrace. Before I could even mutter his name, I saw the beam of light coming for us, and I prepared myself to return home.

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pinkipie100 · 7 years

Text

Gone Is the Light of Your Palm

...

I’m not sure I should even post this.

I’ll not lie. This is an EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE READ.

It was so draining, physically, emotionally, just to write it. It’s... honestly? It’s the single most depressing thing I’ve ever written to date. I always love to write angst, but... I didn’t even fully enjoy writing this.

It started out as an image in my head, an interesting concept, innocent enough angst, just like every other fic. But then... it got dark. It got EXTREMELY DARK. And I’m not usually disturbed by my own writing, but this...

I think it’s because I wrote a little too close to my own heart. I may have self-projected too much, made too many parallels to my real life, and written it based off of fresh wounds...

Just to be perfectly clear, I’m referring to the suicidal topic of this fic. Now, I’ve never actually lost family or a friend to suicide, but in light of Chester Bennington’s recent suicide... yeah, that’s really the first time suicide’s ever directly taken something from my life. And... I think this fic is honestly just me venting about it, projecting on parallel characters from Voltron.

I’m extremely conflicted about posting this fic, and I fear I may receive some serious flame for it. I don’t really blame people. I already know there are many people who are distraught about the way Shiro was treated this season, believe me, my best friend @lenarart wept right next to me after watching 3.5, and I know how much he means to various fans.

Sometimes, writers can’t control their visions. This is the first time it’s gotten so out of hand for me, that writing it actually made me feel physically sick. I just... don’t know how I lost control so completely...

This isn’t my first fanfic. Maybe it’s the first one I’ve posted online, but I’ve written fanfic for Avatar, Korra, and my own original writing. Angst is my specialty. I would not consider this your average angst AT ALL. If this leaves a bad taste in your mouth afterwords, don’t hesitate to unfollow me. I’ve only got, like, ten of ‘em, anyway. Follower count doesn’t matter that much to me.

Just... be safe. Read at your own risk. This contains disturbing imagery, possible reminiscent of that of panic attacks, I’m not sure. And again, there is pretty clearly implied suicide.

This is not a fluffy Klance fic. This is not hurt/comfort Shallura. This is not background Hunay.

This is something so deeply real and personal for me, I’ve truly left myself horrified at my own work.

I don’t expect you to enjoy.

Words: 2046

Category: Gen, Pidge-centric.

Contains: Major Character Death, Suicide Mention, Possibly Panic-Inducing Imagery

Takes place about 5 years in the future.

insp.

Pidge stepped down from the pod, along with several other Olkari. She let them pass by her, unwilling to look up, almost unwilling to be here at all. She already wanted to go back to Olkarion, just hide in the city, surround herself with her silent garden plants. She’d rather be surrounded by silence than the loud, loud faces.

Begrudgingly, Pidge looked up. The first face she saw was Hunk’s. He was facing her head-on. His countenance was loud. So, so loud… louder than she’d ever seen it. The Guardian of the Forest sensed a pungent sting in her heart at the sight of solid, begging tears in the bigger paladin’s eyes. Hunk refused to let them go, though, the strong anchor that he was.

Pidge’s lips wobbled. The small paladin went forth to hug Hunk unabashedly. She could still barely wrap her arms around him, but she wasn’t about to let physical reality stop her from trying to crush around Hunk’s waist, encircle him totally, until she squeezed all his sorrow out, along with banishing her own. Hunk’s arms reciprocated accordingly, reaching down to Pidge’s back. Pidge felt something thick and wet plop on top of her head, and she dared not to mention it to her friend whom she was trying so desperately to crush.

When the two finally parted, Hunk’s hands remained on top of Pidge’s shoulders. Hunk then turned and let one arm rest across her shoulders as he led her up to the rest of the funeral party.

God, why is everyone’s faces so loud?

Coran’s expression mumbled. It mumbled of not understanding, of a thirst for answers. So say we all. He looked so tired. The older Altean’s eyes were half-lidded, and his mouth hung open in a zombielike fashion. When he blinked, he did it too slowly. The man was half-alive. Everything about him was just… reduced to half of what it used to be. Except for his spontaneous cheerfulness; that was just gone. Pidge wanted nothing more than to go to him, to hug the pain away like she’d attempted to do with Hunk. But she worried that if she did, she might just snap the old man in two. Coran’s physical body was the only part of him still whole; Pidge couldn’t take that away.

Hunk escorted Pidge up to her brother. Pidge could understand every word his face was saying. The grey words lining every crease on his face, and the agonizing sympathy his face screamed at his sister. Don’t say that. She wanted to throw back all that sympathy in his face. She was the one who should be screaming comfort at him from her eyebrows, tightly knitted together. She should be boring her slightly cold amber eyes into his to give him the life to carry on. Pidge could almost laugh when she realized her and Matt’s expressions toward each other were complete mirror images, each trying to lift the other back into survival from this valley.

Hunk and Matt, too, traded solemn, supportive expressions, then Hunk gave Pidge’s shoulder as strong a squeeze as he could [it held a weakness uncharacteristic of Hunk] before grimly sauntering over to someone else in the crowd of mourners.

Pidge and Matt wandered over to the front of the congregation, meeting Lance and Keith. Quickly, even more quickly, Pidge’s blood was draining from her veins, leaving them cold. The noise was so much… Seeing those two together was deafening. Lance gave Pidge a smile. The Green Paladin could throw up. She barely registered Matt wrapping an arm around her shoulders as Hunk just had, but it must have prevented her from passing out on the spot. Pidge took a deep breath and gave Lance a weak smile back. After a moment of this, they both glanced sideways at Keith. He was like a marble tombstone. His eyes were wide open, shaking, and his pupils were pinpricks. Pidge could detect nothing but static. Loud static. Piercing static. She felt like her ears were going to bleed. But seeing Keith brought about a new kind of pain in Pidge: the pain of helplessness. Because there was nothing she could do to put a stop to the static. Lance eventually looked back at Pidge, then came forth and gave her a light hug. Pidge hugged back; somehow, though Lance’s hugs were made of water, they never failed to help her breathe. She was pulled back from the edge of insanity.

When they pulled back, they noticed her stepping up onto the podium to speak. She had left the twins with Hunk, whom had come over to take them from her arms. Thank god they were too young for this noise.

Allura took center stage on the podium. Coran stood on the ground, facing the audience, ever the protective sentinel for her, even though everyone here felt death infecting their very beings.

Pidge took in a deep breath of life through her nose, then let it go.

Then Allura spoke.

“Hello, everyone.”

Pidge’s eardrums were broken. That couldn’t have been Allura. That was not the Allura who used to shatter her ears with hope every word she said. That wasn’t her Queen Allura.

This was the voice of a broken old woman. Her voice sounded like sandpaper rubbed on ashy gravel. She stood as tall as she could on the podium, and normally, a pregnant belly would not have hindered her one bit, but her shoulders carried new life on top of a fresh, sinking death. A death so terrible and oppressive that the whole universe could feel it. This was the voice of no queen. This was the silent sound of someone gargling a dead heart in their throat.

The silence from Allura spoke of heroic deeds. Selfless actions. Persevering and inspiring in the face of insurmountable odds. Defying, no, spitting in the face of the impossible. Spending a year in hell, and coming back to still see hope and good in the broken universe that everyone else thought of as not worth saving. Losing so many essential pieces and having them warped and replaced with something demonic, but still using that vile instrument for something pure. A guiding light to so many, a light that never gave up shining on anyone, no matter how much the void tried to stamp it all out. Just take that hand, that glorious light, and you were already halfway to heaven. The first king of New Altea, the Savior of the Universe, the last Champion…

“Takashi Shirogane, the Black Paladin.”

Pidge heard a flicker as Keith woke up. His eyes could focus now. The static diminished. The Red Paladin could finally see. And it was breaking him apart like glass cracking in the fire.

Meanwhile, Pidge was going numb.

“None of us wanted to be here for a very…”

~ ~

“…very long time. We certainly never expected to be here under these circumstances. But I…”

“…understand more than many that he was in so much pain. It…”

Allura kept taking huge gulps of air between words, very unlike her when giving a speech. And they were so loud.

“…pains me to realize… ~ …that I will have to raise our… ~ …children alone. And I’m far from the only person who… ~ ~ ~”

Coran looked at Allura worriedly.

“…lost him,” Allura finally managed. Keith blinked, tender tears slipping down his cheeks for the first time. “But just because this life became too much for him, it does not… ~ …mean that we must only think of him as a tragedy.”

Matt’s eyes were slowly drowning with tears, and every paladin’s face turned up directly at the Queen.

“Far from it!” Allura managed to inflect a tiny bit more optimistically. “Everyone’s life is a ride of ups and downs. We can overcome every valley, and fly upon every high! Coping with any trauma, any grief…” Pidge’s ears twitched. She was starting to hear the real Allura again. “…is not impossible. All our hearts are heavy here and now, but… we are not done fighting. We either count on our friends,” the paladins saw that pink glint in Allura’s eyes, “our families,” Coran almost looked like he was smiling, “strangers, even,” the Olkari, Shay and the Balmerans, Slav, and the other members of the crowd lifted slightly, “even the stardust can keep us company.” Allura’s voice wobbled a bit on that last word. “The future is ahead- the future Takashi gave us. We will make the most of it, and make him proud from wherever he is watching.”

Pidge witnessed the casket carriers lower Shiro down, his body made beautiful and broken one last time, exposing all his perfect flaws and damn beautiful tarnishes, yes, even the burn that he ended his life with, and she almost thinks she can hear a melody in this noise.

Lance, Keith, Matt, Pidge, Coran, Allura, Hunk. They stood in a straight line facing Shiro’s grave. Their shoulders were all perfectly squared off. Like seven sentries greeting visitors to the grave.

Breathe.

No one speaks.

Breathe.

Grey clouds and the empty, flat, wind-blown grassland expand around them to reemphasize how alone they are.

Just breathe, Katie.

The sound synthesizer starts playing behind her.

Go. Be great.

The melody from before picks up.

“Should have stayed… were the signs I ignored.

Can I help you not to hurt anymore?”

Lance let his lips go slack, closing his eyes. Keith sniffled, breathing strained.

“We saw brilliance when the world was asleep.”

Allura, now holding her twins, let her warriorlike facade down for now. Instead, she looked like an ocean.

“There are things that we can have, but can’t keep.”

Coran’s breathing had to be cold, meticulously calculated, mechanical. Controlled.

“If they say,”

Katie’s voice wavers at these lines, but she won’t let up.

“Who cares if one more light goes out

In a sky of a million stars?

It flickers, flickers.

Who cares when someone’s time runs out

If a moment is all we are?”

Her diaphragm stings like acidic ice. She’s unfazed.

“We’re quicker, quicker.

Who cares if one more light goes out?

Well, I do.”

Katie knew these next lines were going to hurt. She just had to stay alive. Just survive.

You can do this. For Shiro.

“The reminder...”

That already felt like a javelin through the stomach.

“…pulled the floor, from your feet.”

It was unclear whether Hunk’s arm had spread the trembling to Allura’s shoulders, or if it was the other way around.

Katie braced her voice for the next lines.

“In the kitchen… one more chair than you need.”

Keith sobbed. He cracked and shattered and splintered and combusted and quaked and convulsed and he wept. Right into the crook of Lance’s neck, as a crying Matt hung his head and clasped Keith’s closest shoulder.

“Oooh...”

Katie’s stance had been stock still throughout the entire song so far. Feet spread, unshakable, shoulders tensed and squared, hands tight but open at her sides. This was where that would all change.

“And you’re angry… and you should be…

It’s not fair…”

Hands became claws.

“Just ’cause you can’t see it…”

Voice cold iron.

“…doesn’t mean it…”

Melody a warsong.

“Isn’t there, if they say,

Who cares if one more light goes out,

In a sky of a million stars?

It flickers, flickers.

Who cares when someone’s time runs out,

If a moment is all we are?!

We’re quicker, quicker-

Who cares if one more light goes out,

Well, I do.”

Finally, the instrumental break. Katie needed to surface after drowning. She breathed, albeit shallowly. She could sense the mutual pain around her. Her fists clenched so tight, she could have broken someone’s neck. Katie realized she had doubled over, hinged at the hips, knees slightly bent, and she tore her vocal chords asunder when she preached,

“I DO!!!”

A sob of an inhale, and,

“If they say,”

The last lines sounded like shit as she wept them out.

“Who cares if one more light goes out,

In a sky of a million stars…

It flickers. Flickers…

Who cares when someone’s… time runs out.

If a moment is all we are?!

We’re quicker, quicker!

Who care if one more light goes out...”

“Well, I do…”

“…I do.” Gentle, like a proud breath on the wing.

#voltron #voltron fanfic #my broken perfect nonsense #shirangst #seriously #read at your own risk #pidge gunderson #pidge #takashi shirogane #shiro

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