#pero tovar x oc

[redahlia-writes]

write poll tag game

tagged by @psychedelic-ink, thank you sweets !! i literally have no titles for almost all of these + there are tons of stories i have just a general idea for. we work with what we have !

rules: make a 24-hour poll with the names of your wips, let it run, then write one sentence for every vote the winner got.

tagging whoever wants to do it (tag me back i'm nosy)

[rainontherooftops]

Petrichor - Part 2 of ?

Summary: Pero Tovar is not very impressed by the arrival of the new counselor at his nursing home. He has to take care of his elderly patients and has no time to make sure that the new hire doesn't fuck up. But soon he will have to learn that his new colleague is not intimidated by his grumpyness.

Fandom: The Great Wall - Pedro Pascal as MODERN! Pero Tovar Genre: Romance, Colleagues to Friends to Lovers, Drama, Alternative Universe, 18+ Content Pairing: Modern! Pero Tovar x f!OC Triggers (Chapter): Mentions of Sickness, Workplace Drama, Dementia Rating Chapter: T

IMPORTANT INFO: THIS IS A REPOST FROM MY FORMER TUMBLR BLOG

**

Teatime on Amelia’s second day was more eventful than she had expected. The nurses took care of the residents, so she had time to get her office ready for her first official day. The room was still very blank and not very inviting.

She had an empty desk, a green sofa on the wall and two chairs – and now an electric kettle, some tea and a bag with a change of clothes for emergencies after yesterday’s mishap.

Movement from her open door made her look up and blink in shock.

Mr. Belville, one of the residents of Wing A, was standing under her doorframe – bollocks naked and very confused. Pero had warned her that he was prone to wandering the halls and didn’t like wearing clothes.

“Hello Mr. Belville”, she said, trying not to ogle him and be friendly. He seemed to be in a very confused state.

He ignored her and sat down onto one of her chairs – thankfully on a cushion - before looking around and finally setting his eyes on her.

“You’re the new lady”, he stated, his fingers drumming on his naked knees.

“I am, yes.”

He looked down at himself, confused.

“I am naked.”

“That you are”, she chuckled, turning around and fixing a cup of tea for the octogenarian. “Why don’t you have some tea and I’ll call, Pero, so he’ll come and pick you up?”

He accepted the paper cup, cradling it in his hands. He pouted. “Meh. He will be mad at me. He doesn’t like it when I run around naked.”

Amelia chuckled and said: “Well, that’s because he’s a prude.”

She was rewarded with a smile while pressing the call button for Pero. After yesterday’s bed pan ordeal, he had insisted she call him whenever something was wrong. But with a sour face.

“What?”, she heard him answer, the noise of the other residents in the common room loud in the background.

“Hello Pero. Do you have two minutes?”

“I’m busy”, he growled. “What do you want?”

“I was just wondering if you have misplaced Mr. Belville.”

Amelia sat down on the couch next to Mr. Belville with her own cup of tea, smiling at the old man, having handed him a towel to cover his nether regions while she waited on Pero’s answer. He was probably scanning the common room and then the residents chamber to see where he was.

A heavy sigh could be heard at the end of the line a minute later.

“Where is he?”, Pero inquired, telling another nurse that he would be right back.

“In my office, very much naked. We are enjoying a nice cup of tea. Aren’t we, Mr. Belville?”

“Tell him to not bother me. I’ll stay here.”

“You heard the man”, Amelia giggled and hung up.

Together they were listening to the rain that had not let up since yesterday, the droplets drumming onto her windows.

“You’re welcome here anytime, Mr. Belville”, Amelia then said, thinking that it was alright to start her counseling early. The sooner the residents knew that they could talk to her, the better.

He smiled, the wrinkles in his face lifting and telling the story of a life well lived.

“I might take you up on that. Maybe I will bring my wife with me next time.”

She knew that she would have to write that down later, as his wife had died five years prior.

His dementia was under control most of the time due to good medication, but as he got older the disease got worse.

For now, she just smiled and sipped at her tea. “I’d love to meet her. I’m sure she’s lovely.”

The pure gaze of love in his eyes made her heart skip for a moment. This was the kind of love she wanted to experience herself one day.

“She’s my beautiful little dewdrop”, he sighed, lost in memories of her. “She has the most beautiful, silky, blonde hair. Much like yours, but without the funny color in it. But she’s been thin all her life. Told her to put on more weight. Eats like a man starved, I tell you, but it never takes. She’s a beansprout. But she’s my beansprout.”

Pero knocked on her door then, making them both look up. He was carrying the old man’s robe, which he had shed somewhere on the way probably.

Mr. Belville groaned.

“Go away, you grumpy Spaniard”, he complained.

“No can do, Wilbur. You have a date with a pottery class in thirty minutes.”

That seemed to lift his spirits, but he still acted reluctantly.

“Fine. Thank you for the tea, sweetheart.”

“Anytime, Mr. Belville”, she answered, watching as Pero helped the man into his robe and tightened it properly. The nurse seemed as if he wanted to say something to her, but in the end, he just lent the man his arm to hold on and walked off, leaving Amelia to further making her office a welcome space to work and talk.

**

Amelia was lost in decorating and organizing her office, not having noticed that the shifts were about to change. As her first “official” day was not for another two weeks, she could come and go as she pleased still, but she wanted to get to know her place of work beforehand.

And that meant getting started on her own four walls.

The wall behind her desk was an empty bookshelf from left to right, but she was adamant that it would not be empty for long.

Boxes upon boxes on medical literature and books she had read for her degree sat on the floor. The problem was that the shelf was way taller than she was.

‘I’ll need a stepping stool’, she thought and added it to her list, before slipping off her shoes, stepping onto one of her chairs and trying to reach the uppermost shelf, to no avail.

“Are you trying to break your neck?”

That did make her fall, but fortunately two strong arms wrapped themselves around her and her back connected with a sturdy, muscular chest while she was clenching her books.

Pero set her down gently, her naked feet touching the cold wooden floor. Only then did she allow herself to breathe again.

“Pero, you scared me to death!”, she complained, turning around. She was not prepared to see him in civilian clothing. She had to admit that the dark jeans, leather boots and the dark blue flannel with white and caramel stripes looked good on him. Very good indeed.

“So, I’m scarier than an eighty-five-year-old naked man who walks into your office? Noted”, he said, lifting his brows in amusement.

“Mr. Belville had the decency to talk to me when I was not trying to hold my balance, thank you very much.”

“Speaking of old Wilbur”, Pero said, picking up a pink rose from her office desk. “He insisted I give you this. His daughter came by earlier to visit and he wanted you to have one of the flowers she brought. Why I am being demoted to delivery boy, I don’t know.”

A wicked thought entered Amelia’s mind as she accepted the rose. “Aw, I’ll have to thank him. Will you deliver this to him?”, she asked, getting onto her toes and placing a kiss on his cheek.

“Wha- Oi!”

Pero’s blush and absolute dread at the thought of kissing the old man was adorable as well as hysterical and made Amelia laugh uncontrollably.

“Y-You should see your face!”, she giggled, while putting water into one of the paper cups she brought. A vase would be another item for her list.

He was mumbling something in Spanish, while she had a look at the clock and cursed herself. “Damn, I totally lost track of time. I missed my bus.”

“You take the bus? Here? We’re so far out, the thing only comes every two hours”, Pero said.

Amelia nodded, letting herself fall into her chair, trying to ignore her growling stomach. I should have set an alarm.

She watched Pero massaging the space between his eyes and nose, before growling: “I’ll take you home. By the time you’ll get out of here it will be pitch black.”

“It’s alright, I can- “

“Nonsense, I’m taking you. You’re not prepared for the craziness of this care home at night yet.”

Amelia really didn’t want to wait another two hours for the next bus, so she grabbed her bag, locked her office door and followed Pero to his car. It was only drizzling by then, so they didn’t have to hurry.

She was surprised to find Pero driving a quite big and modern car with on-board computers, heated seats and a lot of space. It almost looked like a family car. Noticing that she didn’t really know a single thing about her new colleague, she wanted to ask him some questions, but he was faster.

“You already have a nickname”, he stated, starting the engine.

“Do I?”

A wicked smirk covered his face.

“The residents call you Sprinkles.”

She’d had a lot of nicknames in her life, but that one was new.

“Sprinkles? Because of my hair I presume?”

Pero drove onto the street, down the hill into the direction of the town.

“Jepp, because it looks like someone washed your hair with rainbow sprinkles, and because you’re sweet. Their words, not mine.”

She chuckled.

“Right. Because the ‘grumpy Spaniard’ would never call someone sweet.”

Amelia could feel that he wanted to respond with a snarky remark, but he had to concentrate on traffic.

Or… or was it that he did call people sweet, just not when they were... female?

Her gaydar had always been crappy, she had to admit. And statistically, ‘nurse’ was still a career pursued by more women than men. But Amelia didn’t like statistics. And what did she care for anyway what he liked? Or what was in his pants? It wasn’t her business anyway. Although she liked the image of those muscles tangling with soft female flesh more than battling with …

“Oi! Earth to Sprinkles! I asked you where I have to take you!”

Blushing, she looked around, checking where they were.

“Sorry”, she mumbled. “I must be more tired than I realized. I live near River Park.”

The rest of the drive was spent in silence. Pero waited until Amelia was inside her building, and she wondered if she’d not had enough sugar today. Normally it took her way longer to form attachments.

But thinking of the grumpy nurse was a hard thing not to do. And she had more important things to do than wondering if he would wrap his strong arms around her again.

**

[javier-djarin]

Son of the Medjai: Chapter 10

The Mummy AU

Ship: Pero Tovar x Aria MacKenzie (OC)

Rating: M

Word Count:    3,556 Words

Warnings: Language, Violence

Masterlist

Summary: Kazemde and Beckett have taken Aria. Now, Pero is prepared to do anything to get her back, and he’s bringing hell with him.

A/N:  @rebelscumlena​​ and I have been super busy, but we haven’t forgotten you! Here is chapter 10! We’ve only a few more chapters left before this fic is over. Please let me know if you want to be on my taglist and what you think of the fic! If there is a strikethrough in your name, Tumblr wouldn’t let me tag you. Any Translations will always be found at the bottom of every chapter. If you know the OP of the gif, please let me know, so I can give them their due credit.

Everything was a blur. Once Kazemde left with Aria, Pero’s vision was filled with nothing but rage and the drive to survive. He fired his weapon until he was out of ammunition, and then used everything within arm’s reach to take down more of the mob. His ribs were throbbing with each movement as he followed Shakir to the only escape in the entire museum. He grabbed one of the spears that were on display in the hallway, swinging and stabbing at their attackers. Only a few managed to fill the hallway behind him, but Shakir and William held them off. Murphy had grabbed his own ancient weapon and aided Pero. Blood seeped down his arm, but he fought through the pain. The crowd pushed in on them, but stayed far enough out of their reach to avoid their attacks. “They’re trying to corner us,” Pero spat.

“Once we reach the archives,” Mostafa shouted over the chanting mob, “we can barricade the door to buy us time to escape.” The old man fumbled with the keys, but eventually unlocked the door. Shakir pushed Will in first, followed by Murphy. “Go! I’ll hold them off.”

“I’m not leaving you out here to die!”

“I’m doing my duty to protect our pharoah. Now, go!”

Pero growled and flipped the spear in his hand before launching it into the crowd. Mostafa locked the door before tossing the keys into the room with them, Shakir pushing it closed behind them. The sounds of the attack were muffled behind the thick wooden door. “Fuck!” Pero snapped, kicking over a table.

Shakir ignored his outburst and swiftly led them to the back of the archives where a trap door under an elegant rug waited for them. Pero stood, facing the door and taking quick, sharp breaths. Murphy dropped his hand from his arm and rested a bloody hand on Pero’s shoulder, pulling him towards their only chance at escape. Aria’s screams still rang in Pero’s ears as Kazemde dragged her out of the building. “Tovar,” Murphy snarled, drawing Pero back to the present, “we need to move. You can’t get her back by glaring at the door.”

Pero shoved him off and stormed to Shakir. He ignored the hand Shakir gave him to help him into the hole and moved first. He landed in a long tunnel that led out of the building, but hopefully not too far. He was not about to abandon his arsenal here to fall into the possession of Kazemde’s minions. “We need to get to my compound,” Will said, landing with a thud next to Pero.

Pero grabbed a torch off the wall and snatched the lighter from Shakir once he joined them.

“Izzy needs to look at those ribs before --”

“I’m fine,” he coldly stated, “the less time we spend at the compound, the sooner I can get to Aria.” He practically ran through the tunnel until he reached the end. He felt a burn in the back of his throat, remembering the look in her eyes as she watched him disappear into that mob. He’d made her a promise, and he intended to keep it, even if that meant he’d burn Egypt to the ground to get her back. “I’m coming, Aria,” he whispered, tightening his grip on his torch.

***

It took almost an hour to get back to the car before driving to the compound, and before William would even let Pero near the armory, he was forced to let Izzy examine his ribs. He hissed and swore while Izzy rebandaged them, trying to set the one that was fractured. “Who the hell did you piss off this time?” the man asked.

Pero glared at him. “The usual. Beckett and a mummy returned from the dead.”

Izzy shook his head, while tying the bandage in place. “Right,” he replied, as if this were a daily occurrence. “I’m only helping you, because who else is going to get that nice girl back? You were much more pleasant with her around.”

Pero tensed. “I’m going to gut Beckett the moment I see him,” he seethed.

“Good,” Izzy huffed, “never cared much for Beckett. The bastard owes me a fuck ton of money anyway.”

He glared at Izzy before hopping off the medical table, snatching his shirt from the chair. He stalked to the other side of the compound to find Murphy, Shakir, and William stockpiling weapons and ammunition in the armory. Pero stormed to his locker, pulling out fresh clothes before changing, as he ignored the conversation taking place behind him. He stared into the mirror, hanging there. Last time he was here, he could see her behind him, trying not to glance over her shoulder to watch him change. White hot embarrassment had crept up the back of her neck, flushing her cheeks when she’d finally turned to face him. He was almost certain that was the moment he knew how he’d felt about her, and dammit, he wished he’d said something to her before Kazemde took her. He slammed his locker shut, angry that the one thing he’d promised her he couldn’t give her.

You could never fail me, she had said to him. His chest tightened. He needed to focus right now, and get to Aten before they did. Kazemde and Beckett would not see tomorrow’s sunrise if it was the last thing he did. The rest of the men were watching him, waiting for his orders.

“Your plane,” he said, staring at Will, “can she fly?”

Will smirked. “Coincidentally, Izzy just fixed her last week. She’s ready for flight.”

Pero smirked. “Perfect. I want you to fly us in as close as you can. Kazemde will know I’m coming, so we need to be swift. Murphy,” he said, turning to him and noting the blood still dripping down his arm, “You and Shakir will grab the gold book from Nefertari’s tomb. Will and I are going to rig the main entrances with explosives to slow the bastard down.”

“What if the book needs the key?” Murphy asked.

“Leave that to me.” He took a ragged breath.

After Izzy finished stitching Murphy’s wound and Pero packed an entire arsenal that could supply a small army, they waited impatiently for William to rush through flight checks. Murphy leaned against the side of the hangar door with Shakir, as they watched Pero snarl and snap at his former employer. He’d seen the Spaniard angry, but this was new. He’d never seen him unhinged, like he’d already lost her. Murphy didn’t like it any more than Pero that his sister was in the arms of the deadliest person in the world, but he trusted that Aria had a plan; he trusted they would get to her in time.

Shakir shifted next to him, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “Legend has it that Kazemde was the one who killed Nefertari,” he said, “and if that’s so, then Pero has seen Aria’s death…in more than one way.”

Murphy’s eyes widened in horror. “You mean --”

“Pero knows he will lose her if he doesn’t get to Aten before Kazemde.” Shakir straightened, giving Murphy a stern stare. “Ausar cannot lose Nefertari again. They were promised a lifetime together if they stopped Kazemde.”

Murphy turned to watch Pero as he aggressively tossed his bags into the plane. “While we were in Aten, I glossed over Aria’s notes about Ausar and Nefertari, but I never saw the mural they discovered. She wrote ‘to defeat ultimate evil would be to pay the ultimate price.’” He sighed. “We need to hurry.”

Shakir nodded. “Yes, but Pero’s plan will not work. If he faces Kazemde alone, he will die.” He paused, watching Pero. “Just like he did all those years ago.”

“I guess that would be the ultimate price,” Murphy muttered. He knew that Pero would never let Aria pay that price, and that was something Murphy found himself ever grateful for: that if they walked away from all this, Aria would have finally found someone that valued her far more than she valued herself.

Pero climbed into the co-pilot seat of William’s new tri-motor plane. He’d never flown one with this many engines before, but he’d do anything at this point to get to Aria. William finished loading the plane, tossing some parachutes in behind Shakir and Murphy. “If I can’t land, use these,” he said.

“You mean jump out of the plane?” Murphy asked, astonished.

Will shook his head and rolled his eyes as he joined Pero at the front. “She flies just like what you’re used to. Just a little faster.”

Pero huffed, waiting for Will to begin pre-flight and taxi out to his runway. He glared out the window as he watched the flat landscape blur together. He scanned the desert, willing himself to see her, or maybe even have another vision to catch a glimpse of her face. I’m coming, Aria. Despite the quick trip to the ruins, he knew this would be the longest flight of his life.

***

Aria stood, hands bound next to the British bastard that caused all of this. Kazemde perched at the end of the cobbled street with his eyes closed in silent prayer as he faced the desert. She scowled at both of them, sending daggers Beckett’s way. “You’re prettier when you smile,” he muttered, glancing at her out of the corner of his eyes.

She gritted her teeth. “Last time I checked,” she spat, “I didn’t give a shit.”

Beckett turned to her and grabbed her arms to force her to look at him. “I’m not the enemy here,” he growled. Aria tensed and tried to pull from his grasp, but it only made him hold on to her tighter. “You’ll do well to remember that. Right now, I am your only ally.”

“Ally?” She scoffed. “You left my brother and Pero for dead in that museum.”

His grin turned sadistic. “Tovar had it coming.” Beckett moved closer to her. “I don’t know what you see in the son of a bitch, but if there is a God in Heaven, his skull is bashed in and he is bleeding out on the marbled floor of your precious museum.”

Aria felt the chill of fear run down her spine.

“With any luck, Kazemde will make your death swift,” he continued, “and Tovar, if he survived, will suffer.”

A wall of sand erupted in front of them, and Kazemde beckoned them to join him. With an iron grip on her arm, Beckett pulled her with him. “I don’t know how he does it, but this will get us to Aten in a matter of minutes.”

She froze, resisting his pull. Minutes. Pero would not make it to her in time, and for the first time she doubted that he would follow through on his promise. It had taken them a couple of hours to get out this far away from Cairo for Kazemde to do whatever it was he needed to do, but she was certain it wasn’t enough time for Pero and Murphy to get ahead of them. Kazemde’s cold, boney hands grasped her wrists, pulling her into his side as they stepped into the wall of sand -- their portal to Aten.

***

It had only been a few hours since the museum, but Pero felt like it was a lifetime ago. He tried to close his eyes, imagining the look of bliss on her face when they’d finally had a moment to themselves in her room. He tried to smile at the memory of her beet red cheeks when Murphy barged in. But it was no use. The thoughts only caused more tightness in his chest. He feared that he would never see those looks again. “You know,” Will’s voice called over their headsets, “when this is over, you’re going to owe me more than what we agreed.”

“And I intend to pay it,” Pero snapped, glaring at him.

Will laughed as he checked the gauges. “We’ll talk when this is over.”

“Uh, Tovar?” Murphy’s panicked voice startled Pero. “I don’t think that’s a regular sand storm headed our way.”

Pero turned and looked out the small window on Will’s side. There was indeed a sandstorm headed straight for them, but it dissipated as it crested over the cliffs to the East of them. Three small figures fell from the clouds a few feet, and he knew. He was half tempted to grab a chute and jump from the plane now, but a firm hand on his shoulder held him in place.

“Remember the plan,” Shakir calmly reminded him.

***

Aria kicked Beckett off her as she stood, fixing her top and shaking the sand from her hair. The desert was calm and silent, and as she peered in front of her she saw the ruins of Aten stretched out in front of them. “We’re back,” she whispered to herself, the horror seeping into her veins.

“Just remember that I am your only ally here,” Beckett whispered in her ear.

An icy chill crept down her spine, and she turned to glare at him. The gusto that was fueling her earlier had disappeared. Now that they’d reached Aten, the gravity of her situation sank in. “Please,” she breathed a plea, “don’t do this. You’re just as expendable to him as I am. The second he gets what he wants-”

Beckett smirked. “I have contingencies in place.”

A small buzz permeated the air around them. It wasn’t until she saw the anger flooding Beckett’s face did she turn to face the noise. Warmth spread through her chest at the sight of the plane off in the distance, heading directly for the ancient city. “Pero,” she sighed. Aria knew he’d fight the devil himself to keep his word.

A breeze whipped between them, and she could have sworn she heard his voice carried to her saying, “I’m coming, Amor.”

She closed her eyes briefly, letting the wind curl around her like a warm embrace.  The sand shifted next to her, and she opened her eyes to see Kazemde stepping close to the edge of the dune they stood on. He lifted his hands, erecting a wall of sand in front of them. Her screams were soon drowned out by the violent sandstorm he conjured and sent hurtling towards the plane that held everything she held dear.

***

Pero left his seat, prepping a chute. “Can you land before that new storm reaches us?”

Murphy and Shakir joined him, with the arsenal being strapped to Murphy as they prepared to jump. Suddenly, a force slammed into the side of the plane, throwing them to the floor. Pero rose to his knees, glancing towards the cockpit. They were in the middle of the storm, sand clogging the engines. He growled and moved back to the co-pilot seat to help William. “If we don’t clear this soon, the engines will fail,” William said with a grunt as he pulled up on the yoke, trying to ride the wind. Suddenly, the plane lost altitude. “You guys need to jump.”

“In the middle of this storm? Are you mad?” Murphy asked, crawling his way closer to Pero and William.

“It’s either that or die in a plane crash!”

The plane lost altitude again, and Pero felt his stomach drop that time. He and William both pulled up on the yokes. A gust of wind slammed into the side again, forcing Murphy to hit his head on the window next to him. He reached up and felt the blood streaming down his face before the throbbing pain started. Shakir slid next to him, grabbing the first aid kit from under Pero’s seat. They hit more turbulence, and Pero’s grip slipped on the yoke. Shakir found gauze in the bottom of the kit, crudely wrapping it around Murphy’s head. “If we’re going to jump,” he shouted over the wind howling around them, “then I think now would be the best time. We have to be close to the city by now.”

Gritting his teeth, Pero fought to keep control of his yoke, while Will struggled to do the same. “I can’t just abandon Will.”

“I can land this thing by myself,” William added.

The engine sputtered and stalled. The propeller stopped.

“Go!” William shouted. “I’ll ride the wind. It’ll be a crash landing, but I’ll be fine!”

The plane’s nose dipped.

Pero and Will shared a brief glance. There would be no jumping. It was too late, and now, Pero needed to help him land or kill them all. “Buckle up! Things are about to get bumpy!” Will barked at Shakir and Murphy, who had tossed their arsenal bag behind him. “We need to keep that nose pointed up, otherwise when we land…”

Will didn’t need to finish his thought. They all knew what would happen when they would land. Bits of rock and sand chipped away at the glass, almost as if Kazemde was using it to find a weakness in the plane to cause their cabin to depressurize. The plane began to shake, the yoke almost impossible to pull up. “Fuck,” Pero muttered, as he pulled with all his might.

They slowly began to level, when suddenly the wind stopped and the sand around them fell. The tension against the wings lifted too fast, forcing Pero and Will to overcorrect their positioning. They both scrambled to regain control, when a sand dune appeared in front of them. “Hang on!” Will exclaimed. He and Pero pulled on the yokes again, but it was too late.

The impact forced them to slam forward, the yoke meeting Pero’s chest and the harnesses preventing anyone from flying into the objects in front of them. The nose of the plane crumpled on impact, and sand began pouring in, burying Will and Pero. The force of the crash knocked the air out of Pero’s lungs as he scrambled to unbuckle. He dug for the clasp in between painful breaths as they felt the plane shift and sink. Panic began to rise in him as he realized they’d crashed into quicksand, and the faster the sand shifted the faster they sank. With each breath, he felt the weight of the world crush his chest. No air was getting in, and his vision was starting to blur. This was it for him. He was going to die, leaving Aria to her own devices. Finally, that image of her he’d tried conjuring earlier flooded his memory: she was curled against his chest, sated and happy. He had many regrets in his life, failing her being the worst. But taking that brief moment for themselves, was not one of them. He was determined to let that be the last thing on his mind as he fought tooth and nail to get out of this metal cage he was sure to die in.

***

The storm faded. That’s when Aria saw their plane, smoke trailing behind them, head for what was no doubt a crash landing on the other side of the ruined city. When the sand erupted and smoke billowed into the sky, she knew their fate, and something inside of her painfully ripped -- shredded itself -- into a thousand pieces. Murphy, her brother and best friend, gone, along with Pero. Pero, the only man she was certain she could ever feel this strongly for. Even in the few weeks she’d spent time getting to know him, she knew that whatever they had budding between them was it for her; there would never be another. So, as she watched the black smoke billow into the now clear sky, she knew her chances of escape had vanished. Soon, she would join them in the afterlife. They would never have that chance to rent a hut on the beach, spending however long they needed together, healing from everything Kazemde put them through.

Aria closed her eyes as a few tears trickled down her cheeks. She imagined relaxing in a plush bed with tangled sheets, the windows and doors opened to welcome in the warm, ocean breeze. Pero holds her close as he lightly runs his fingers through her disheveled hair. She looks up into his deep, brown eyes, noting how at ease he is. She’s never seen him at peace. Gently, he cups her face, placing a soft, passionate kiss on her lips that soon turns ravenous as he wraps his arms around her, bringing her body flush with his.

“Here’s to hoping he’s bleeding out, realizing he failed you,” Beckett breathed into her ear, snapping her out of her dream.

Aria opened her eyes, turning to stare at him. Her grief was so strong, she couldn’t even give him her signature glare. “What did he ever do to you that caused you to hate him so?” she asked, her voice cracking.

Beckett smirked. “What does it matter? He’s dead.” He moved around her, forcing her into the crook of his arm and pushing her forward. “And I’m sure he’s rotting in Hell right now.”

She glanced back at the smoke, the tall stack polluting the surrounding air. Aria felt the pain of her loss in her very soul. She didn’t mourn her brother and Pero. Instead, she mourned the life they would never live -- the life they never even had a chance to start.

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[artemiseamoon]

What the heart wants

Pero Tovar x F Reader*

🤶🏾🎁Secret Santa fic ✨ for @blueeyesatnight !!! ✨ Happy holidays! (event hosted by @pedrostories )

Read below * or on A03

Words: 7,621

Summary: As Spring rolls around, you find yourself content with your life. Business is successful, you have all the independence you want and good friends to share life with. A man wasn't something you needed or were seeking at the time as occasional lovers fulfilled your primal urges. But it was clear, life had other plans as a handsome but dirty mercenary blew through your doors.

Warnings: some canon period misogyny (not much), Pero 😂, language, brothel mention & mild sexual content.

*Reader notes: there are some details!!! So it’s not a completely blank slate; reader is female, in her upper 30s, sturdy/curvy built (visualize as you please) & often wears pants not dresses. No skin tone/race mentioned but she does understand & speak some Spanish. *Feel free to read as an OC if you prefer*

AN: If you already know me, you know I no longer crosspost to this site, nor write reader inserts. Since this is a special occasion, it’s both a RC & crossposted (here & on my A03) 😁 happy reading! This was so fun to write.

You

Holding the cuff to the afternoon light, you examined your work closely, feeling satisfied with the end result. Growing up the daughter of a blacksmith, you learned several things, and though you could make a sword, you quickly found you preferred making jewelry; it filled you with joy, especially when you saw the end result and the look on people's faces.

You had kitchenware under your belt too, it was the kind of thing that always bought in coin, as it was a needed everyday item. Currently, you are perfecting your skills in armor making. You started to learn back in your early 20s, now in your late 30’s you could create decent work, but you wanted to be better. Never one to back down from a challenge, you made it your newest goal.

You just set the new cuff aside when the small bell chimed, filling the halls with the familiar sound. Stepping away from the desk, you peeked out of the doorway and down the hall, where you had a straight shot of the front door.

You quirked a brow as a man you’ve never seen before stalked in, the wind sweeping inside with him, along with a bad mood like a dark cloud overhead. Upon first glance, he almost seemed inconvenienced, yet you saw him walk in alone, no one forced him.

He was handsome with dark features, but dirty, and needed a good shave. The stranger wore the kind of scowl that would keep people ten feet away from him. His attire and the double swords strapped to his back gave his profession away, a mercenary. They often traveled through these parts en route to somewhere else and stayed a night or two; it made good coin for the local businesses when they did.

You thought about revealing yourself but chose to watch him a little longer. You observed him as he moved deeper into the shop, his eyes moving about the place as he took it in.

He scratched his beard, grumbling something you couldn’t hear, as he touched and poked at things along the way. He was a fascinating creature to watch, and one of the best-looking men you’ve seen in a long time, even under all the dirt and grime, and the sharp chip on his shoulder. That’s when you noticed the scar, one that made you curious about the how, and made him even hotter at the same time.

Even his walk was attractive, he seemed more like a wild animal than a man, like a feral wolf just wandered into your shop and right into your hands.

Pero (minutes ago)

Dragging his feet, Pero made his way through the town, eyeing signs on doors and windows, looking for work. He was tired, bone tired, his back hurt like all hell, his ass was numb from being on his horse so long, and he was annoyed. He was starving, he ran out of rations early this morning and was running on a piece of stale bread at the moment. He’d try one more place, then get some damn food, followed by a room, a bath, and a whore.

He was about halfway down the block when he noticed the blacksmith sign. In his half hour here, it seemed West Meadow had no work for him requiring his swords, but a man could always be useful in a shop like that.

Pero entered, his stomach grumbling and fighting with him. He expected to see a forge as soon as he walked in but was met with a plain room with a simple desk, two chairs, and a long table. Ahead was a hallway that likely led to some other rooms. The smells of iron, steel, wax, and fire met his nose, there was definitely a forge, maybe in the back.

Where the hell was everyone?

Patience wasn’t a friend of his. He called out and was only met with his own echo.

Cursing under this breath, he decided to ditch this plan for now, and just get some food. A door opened in the distance. He turned, expecting to see a man appear, but a man it wasn't.

Pero tilted his head to the side as his eyes raked over you. You were beautiful, with a face that was downright distracting, but that wasn’t all, when you smiled, you nearly knocked his bad mood right out of him. Your smile was so full and bright that he finally understood what that stupid saying, bright as the sun, meant.

You were well-built, sturdy, and curvy in the right places. That was clear even with the heavy apron you wore. Pero raised his eyes back to your own. Even the smudges on your face and a mask over your hair didn’t take away from your beauty.

Pero regained his composure, then asked gruffly, “who's in charge?”

Your smile dropped, “well, hello to you too.”

“Where’s your husband or father?”

“Are you serious?” you rested a hand on your hip.

His eyes dropped to your hand, you were wearing gloves, so he didn't know if you wore a ring or not, “Brother?”

An irritated laugh fell out of you as you shook your head.

“Unless…” he started, “you’re alone here?”

“I am the owner, you ass.” you held up your hands, then tore off a glove, “no husband either!”

He looked at you with disbelief in his eyes, “a woman alone, here? "his accent coming out even more now.

“Yes,” you growled back at him, growing more agitated.

Your initial sunny demeanor was gone, now you were like a cat with your claws out.

“Lo siento, “he held out a hand as he apologized like he was trying to calm a bull, “I’m just looking for work.”

He had a lot of questions.

A woman was usually married, which you weren’t, taken, or would be under her father's supervision, which you weren’t either. Or a whore, which you didn’t seem to be. You also claimed to run this business on your own, which was unusual. And you didn’t have a man guarding the door either, you were strange in fact, very strange.

“Not hiring,” you replied in Spanish, which made him raise a brow at you. “You can go now.”

You & Pero

What an ass.

You thought, sure he was hot, and you were very intrigued, but you didn’t need the attitude or the barbaric mindset. There were enough assholes in town who had opinions about you, and the kind of life you should live. You didn’t need some dirty mercenary putting his two cents in the matter.

You only made it a few steps away from him before stopping, you could feel him lingering, his eyes on you. You doubled back. You assessed him with your eyes and pulled the mask fully off your head.

Maybe he could be useful, you thought. “What are you good at?”

He smirked, taking a half step your way, “You really the boss?”

“Yes.” you hissed.

“Swords, blades, knives.” he paused, his eyes still on yours, even as he pointed at his suit, “repairs.”

“Hmmm,” you crossed your arms while continuing to study him. “I do all that. No need for you.”

He chuckled. Yeah, he liked you, he liked you a lot. Before he could stop himself, he asked,

“Is this really your place? No man is hiding back there?”

You rolled your eyes and pointed to the door, “see the name on the fucking sign, that’s my last name. My father is too old to work, I have no brothers, this place is mine. Got a problem with that?”

He smirked, liking the sass, this kitty scratches. “No problem.”

You locked in a stare with him, almost getting distracted by his eyes, you could lose yourself in them. In the back of your mind, you thought about the long list of things you had to do, and an extra hand around here might be good, but you weren’t sure if you’d reveal that to him yet.

You pointed to the door, “I’ll think about it. Come back tomorrow.”

Pero was about to say something when the door opened, he turned to see a man enter, then quickly looked at you again, seeing your smile return. Damn, it was a sight to see.

The man moved right past Pero like he wasn’t there and went straight to you. As you greeted each other, you pulled a pouch out of your apron and revealed a metal wristband.

“I was just about to send word, it’s finished,” you display your work proudly.

Pero grinned, a woman metalsmith, how odd. You continued to intrigue him by the second.

“Lovely work as always,” the man said your name while admiring it.

Your eyes darted to Pero’s. “Tomorrow,” you repeated sharply.

Pero huffed, then saw himself out.

.

Early Evening, The Three Bucks Inn & Tavern

As Pero parked himself at a table off to the side, he took in his surroundings. The Tavern was busy with locals, and a few people who looked like visitors.

“Can I get ya anything?” the barmaid asked as she stopped by this table, she spoke over the crowd, making sure he could hear her.

“Food and ale,” Pero answered while slapping the silver coins on the table.

She pocketed the coins. “Anything else?”

Pero sat back, really looking at her this time. The woman was good-looking, a little thin for him, he preferred them thicker. Like that woman from the shop, you were sturdy, you could handle him. He shrugged the thought away. A whore would be better anyway, get in, get laid, go to bed.

“A room and a whore,”

He’d been on the road for months, he needed to fuck a woman as bad as he needed a good bath and a shave. Plus, a good night's sleep, on a bed for once. He was getting older; all the years had taken their toll on his body. He was still skilled and quick on his feet, but he required more rest now.

“I’ll get ya a bed.” she pointed toward the door, “Take a left past the carriage house. Walk till you reach the end of West Street. Madame Mae’s is the last house on the corner. No missing it. Red door. Just about as subtle as you are.”

Pero frowned as the woman left to fulfill the order.

He was looking forward to a hot meal, real food, not the shit he was surviving on for the last few months. He hoped the whores at Mae’s were decent, he’d fuck what he could get, but someone nice to look at would be even better.

Well, you would be better. He tried to put you out of his mind, but like a phantom, you wouldn’t leave, he kept thinking about your smile, your form, and the way you shot venom with your eyes when he pissed you off. If you know how to forge metal, you could likely use a sword too, and the thought made his cock twitch.

The whore would have to do it, but you would be better.

.

Later, Pero

Now that Pero had a bath, a shave, and a satisfactory fuck with a decent whore, a good night's rest was next. But it was still a little early and he was feeling restless.

Mierda

Maybe he should have gone with William. But what the fuck would he have done with himself? His blonde-haired friend had done the foolish thing of falling in love and doubled back to the place they left behind nearly a year ago. After they left the wall, they spent months on the road, taking jobs and for Pero at least, trying to get China out of his mind.

Pero’s solo journey wasn’t going so well, and if had to spend another 3-5 months on horseback, starving, cold, horny, and bearing the weather, he’d kill someone. A lot of someones.

Pero wanted to stop moving, just for a little while, make some money at the same time. A lot of money, preferably. He already spent most of this year and last on the move, and if this town had no work, he’d just drag himself to the next.

Soon his restlessness, and busy mind led him to leave the bed. Leaving the inn, he stepped out onto the street, the townspeople were enjoying the weather, and the night market was still going, though some vendors were starting to pack up.

Pero only walked a few minutes before he saw you again. You were chatting with a vendor, a woven basket in one hand, full of various items. You were dressed in a dark tunic tucked into dark pants and boots, with a blade holstered to your right thigh. He expected to see you in skirts outside of the shop, but again, you were no ordinary woman, not by any stretch.

Pero lingered in the background, watching, soon he heard your laugh for the first time. Fuck, it was wonderful, just as wonderful as your smile. You were both the sweetest thing he’d ever seen, and mean as a snake when pressed, you also looked like you could throw a punch, and he liked that.

As the vendor made you laugh again, Pero felt something else and wanted to kick himself for it. He spent a total of 5 minutes with you, what the fuck did he have to be jealous about? He chalked it up to his sleep-deprived state, and maybe needing to get laid again tomorrow - that should calm him down.

There you were, his shadow, and all it took was 5 minutes. He thought about you all day, in the bath while he jerked off, and even when he fucked that whore. Pero felt ridiculous. Maybe William wasn’t the foolish one, maybe it was him.

Before he could stop himself, his feet were moving as he made his way over to you.

You

You felt eyes on you the whole time but could finally pinpoint the source. There he was, coming your way. All dark and broody and sexy as hell and cleaned up.

“Oh, the brute. Are you stalking me?”

He grunted, “No.”

“Sure?” You smirked as you shifted the basket to your other hand. “Because stalking is not a good way to get hired. In fact, it’s creepy.”

“Don’t flatter yourself, cariño. If I want a woman, I pay a whore.”

You raised your brows at him, what you were feeling wasn’t offense, it was something you couldn’t put your hands on.

“Well, the next time you go, why don’t you ask for a job. Maybe they’re hiring.” Without giving him time to respond, you were off, taking long strides away from him.

No matter how hot he was, he was irritating as hell. Brute, yeah, that was a good fit and that's what he was. The last thing you needed was to get involved with a guy like him.

No. Do not go there, you remind yourself. Even if he was hot as sin.

.

The next day, You and Pero

You were just setting up for a ring you’re working on, then the bell chimed.

It was much too early for clients, and there was only one person you could think of who would be here right now. You weren't sure if you hoped it was him, or dreaded the possibility. Leaving the work desk, you stepped out into the front room and saw him standing there.

“Ugh.” You sighed then headed back into the other room.

In the back of your mind, you thought of bringing your dogs next time, so they could watch the front door.

Pero took it upon himself to follow you inside. You leaned against the desk with crossed arms.

“What?”

“You said come back tomorrow.”

You were listening, well, half listening. He looked even better than he did yesterday, in the light of day, you could fully appreciate all the grooming he did.

As you noticed last night, he got a haircut, but it was still long enough to grab, to run your finger through. Unable to stop yourself, your eyes slid down his face, over his excellent bone structure, the cleaned-up beard, and down to his neck, even that part of him was sexy. You could feast your eyes on him for hours.

“Happy to see me?” He smirked, stopping in front of you, enjoying the way you greedily took him in.

“Not really,”

Pero's stance was confident, eye contact unwavering. “You need my help. Hire me.”

“What? So, you could protect me from men and beasts? I have a feeling you are both.”

He chuckled, fully amused, “I could,” he shrugged, “I am.”

“Besides, I’ve been in my share of fights. I’m good with sharp things.”

Fuck, Pero thought, your words hitting him right in his core and going lower. You were special.

“The team we’d make then, why not have the best swordsman on your grounds?”

You uncrossed your arms, "and you’re full of yourself, what a winner. I don’t need your help.”

Pero scoffed. “You’re short a man. Injury.”

You narrowed your eyes at him, how did he know that?

Auden hurt his arm pretty bad last week, it was mainly you and him here, he was your main employee. You had two apprentices, but they weren’t where they needed to be yet, you were carrying the bulk of work on your shoulders. This handsome, grumpy stranger did his homework.

Still, he irritated you, so you said, “I don’t need you. You can go now.”

Pero hated that. He didn’t mean to be so rough when he reached out to grab your wrist, but he didn’t like being dismissed.

He didn’t even know what he was going to say, just grabbed you, making you spin around to face him. Your eyes burned with anger and something else more sensual behind that. Before he could speak, you slapped him, clear across the cheek. He was more impressed than mad.

As he rubbed his face and chuckled, you grabbed an unfinished blade from the table and pressed the sharp edge to his neck. His brown eyes widened as he stared at you.

“Get the fuck out.” You warned through gritted teeth.

Your lips, that’s where his eyes went, even with a blade to his throat.

Instead of a fight, a counter move, or a slew of curses, Pero's sultry gaze lingered on your lips, then met your eyes again. Despite yourself, you stole a glance of his mouth, and those kissable lips of his.

Sure, the mercenary was a pain in the ass. Whatever depths of hell dragged this man to your front door, you didn’t know. He was like a dog who kept coming back and you didn’t totally hate that. In fact, you -

The bell over the front door chimed as a customer came in. You both heard it, yet remained locked in a tense lust-filled stare. When you licked your lips, simply to moisten them, his eyes followed the movement. The bastard didn’t even flinch with the blade to his neck.

Why have a whore when he could have you? Pero thought, the idea followed by images that awakened him in other places.

“Hello?” The patron called out your name, you knew who it was by voice alone.

“One minute,” you shouted back, eyes still on Pero.

“Repairs, the two blades I told you about,” they said from beyond the door.

“I start now,” Pero stated with a smug grin.

“Are you fucking serious?”

He chuckled, finding your astonishment cute. Pero took one more indulgent, long look at you then stepped out into the main room.

Unable to move, the blade still in your hand, you stared at the door. Did he really just walk in here, hire himself, then look at you like you were a steak dinner? Yeah, he did.

“Pendejo.” You cursed, then pushed the door open. “I don’t even know his name…”

.

Two weeks later, You & Pero

Pero continued to annoy and intrigue you at the same time. He was a good worker, skilled, able to repair things and even knew how to make swords and blades. It was impressive.

He wasn’t a warm guy, which was obvious from first impressions, an acquired taste really. You kept him away from interacting with customers because of his harsh, curt demeanor, leaving him to mainly work in the workshop and behind the scenes, while you handled the front of the house, you, or your apprentices Nura and Robert.

You liked Nura the most, not that Robert was bad, he was a fast learner, and attentive worker. It was just extra special training another woman. You enjoyed seeing her defy the social norms and carve out her own path, same as you. You saw her like a little sister.

Everything ran smoothly at the shop, but the two of you still didn't know much about each other on a personal level. Pero didn’t talk about himself, or his life, nor did you.

Having him around gave you more free time, and you used some of that to dive into your other love, herbalism. One of your dreams was to open an apothecary, the town already had one, but you wanted your own, and you already knew how to make yours extra special.

This dream was on your mind when you cleared out a back room in the building and started to play around with tinctures and blends on your downtime. Pero made little comments along the way when he saw you in there, they gave you a few clues about him.

Being on the road, he knew a few things and recognized some of the herbs. He had a comfort there, but when you were creating potions as he called it, you noticed he’d get a little freaked out, and it didn’t take long to figure out he had a thing about magic and witches.

You weren’t a witch, but you knew how to make some things, and some days, just to fuck with him, you exaggerated.

- Flashback, to a few days ago -

You only stepped away for a moment but returned to see Pero observing the jars from a distance. He stopped at a corked bottle with an unusual purple hue, and some kind of clawed root at the bottom.

Pero picked it up cautiously, then put it down, “what kind of witchery is this?”

You leaned against the wall and crossed your arms in a relaxed way, “ingredients to turn you into a dragon.”

Pero whipped around to you with a suspicious look, “Are you joking?”

“Yes,” you laughed, “unless, you piss me off.”

“I always piss you off.”

"You better be careful then. And stop leaving your hair around, I’m collecting it.”

As you laughed and walked out of the room, he ran his palm over his hair, which only made you laugh more.

- Flashback over -

.

Three weeks later, Pero

The tavern was alive, packed wall to wall, and the revelry high; it was a special night as you threw Nura a birthday party.

Pero didn’t do parties, but it was better than sulking in his room alone, and he was pretty tired of the whores at Mae’s. He’s been here over a month now, fucked most of them all, and it did little to calm what he really needed and wanted, you.

Whenever he saw you laughing, having a good time, or flirting he was tempted to march over and claim you for himself, to kiss you in front of everyone and make it clear he would cut the head off any man who tried to win your affection.

Pero was sure you were attracted to him, he caught the stolen glances, still you never made a move or voiced your attraction. He knew you weren’t shy. Was it him? Were you doing this to torture him? What a wicked witch you were.

Even when he had two whores the other night, it only took the edge off. How you haunted him so. He felt defeated, maybe? But he wasn’t a quitter. He’d get you all for himself somehow. Pero wished William was here, the blonde would give him advice, advice he needed because Pero wasn’t good at shit like this.

Fighting, fucking, eating, and drinking, be had that down. But trying to win a woman’s heart, he had no fucking idea how to do that. He had to do this right. He didn’t want you just once, he wanted you for good.

Could it be, were you his...princesa? No. You weren't a princess. You we're tough. You looked after yourself and made your own way in life. No, reina, that's more fitting.

Where’s the Irishman when I need him? I could use your help amigo.

As a drunk man bumped into his table, Pero scowled at him, then lost himself in thought again, downing his ale at the same time. Things you like, yes, he’d start there. Women like gifts, right?

He noticed you enough at the markets to know some things, including your favorite dessert at the bakery. Good. A plan. He nodded to himself, then stood. He stole one more glance of you, across the way and having a good time, then made his way out of the tavern.

.

The next morning

Your head was spinning, too much ale. To make up for that, you pushed your work back to the afternoon and planned to take a nap upstairs once Pero got in. Last night came to mind, he was there, then he wasn’t. You were surprised he even came.

“Speak of the devil,” you said while rubbing your temples.

Pero nodded, looking a bit awkward, then put the bag he was holding for dear life on the desk. “Here.”

You poked the bag, “what is this?”

He scratched his temple, his brown eyes looking puppy-like, “uh, that sweet round thing, with cream and berries.”

You grinned, “from the bakery?”

“Sí.”

You bite back a full smile, then open the bag, “is poisoned?”

Pero sighed and then started to walk away.

“I’m joking!” you shouted back at him, “thank you Pero.”

He glanced back, and you swore you could see a little smile on his closed lips.

.

The week would be full of surprises. It started on Monday when he got your favorite dessert from Sweets n Breads Bakery. He was kind of awkward all day, didn’t say much to you, and seemed wrapped up in his own thoughts.

On Tuesday, there was another pastry waiting for you, and some of your to-do list was already completed. He explained he worked late and decided to get more done.

On Wednesday, you arrived to another pastry, and flowers with dirt and roots still attached, flowers you were sure he tore from someone's garden on the way over. Soil was all over the place, and you had to dust it off your papers.

He didn’t hand them to you directly, just busied himself in the forge while they sat on your desk. You waited until he was free to ask him about them. He was just finishing his lunch in the kitchen when you joined him.

“So, flowers.”

His eyes moved over you as he swallowed the last of his food, “women like flowers, yes? Even women who wear pants?"

Pero was panicking a little this morning, worried the pastry wasn't enough. On the way to work, he saw a guy give a girl flowers, and then get a kiss in return, so he figured, why not try. Even if he felt like a damn fool doing it.

You could see his mind going as you watched him. He was so cute, so innocent in this moment, you could kiss him right there. You also knew from the mix of flowers, they were from Mrs. Jennings' garden, and she was likely throwing a fit right now.

“Ever give a girl flowers before?” you asked as you sat next to him.

“No,” he answered, his eyes on you.

“Well, thank you,”

He shrugged, playing it cool, but you could see in his eyes he was hoping you liked his gesture.

“And the pastry, it was delicious, you’re buttering me up, Pero.”

“You like them. Yes?”

“I do.”

He smiled and relaxed back in his chair.

You leaned in closer, playing with his collar, “I won't say it's working but - “ you plant a kiss on his cheek. His eyes lit up as he smiled wider. “I have work to do.” You got up, taking one more look at him before leaving the room.

.

Thursday

Nura was organizing something when Pero came in, he walked in like he was in a hurry, and spoke in a low tone,

“I have a question.”

She looked up at him with a smile, knowing it was about you.

At first, she thought Pero was an ass, which he is, but she liked him now, he grew on her, and when it came to you, he was kind of adorable and an idiot at the same time.

“If it's about flowers, Mrs. Jennings is on a warpath, I recommend you stop taking them before she bites your hand off. She may be old, but she's mean as hell.”

He nodded, then came around the desk to join Nura.

“What else does she like? Boots? I could buy her boots?"

“She likes practical things. Maybe something she could use.”

“She likes swords.”

“She loves them, maybe a little too much.”

“What if I make her one?”

“Pastries and flowers are nice, so are boots, but if you make her a custom sword, that may do the trick. No promises, just sayin.”

Pero nodded, he grumbled a thank you, then headed back to the forge. Robert passed him in the hall and joined Nura.

“That's a man on a mission, nearly ran me over.”

“He’s smitten.” she handed him a note, "the supplies.”

“Somehow he seems a little less - grumpy these days.”

“Little by little, but I think even if he is in a good mood, he’d still be grumpy.”

Robert hummed, “I still don't get why she likes him so much.”

“I think I do; they’d be cute together.”

Not agreeing, but not going to argue either, Robert just nodded, then made his way out with the list.

.

Days later

You weren’t supposed to come in today, so when you came through the door, rushing like a bat out of hell, it took Pero by surprise. Not just because he didn’t expect to see you until tomorrow, it was the dress that shocked him the most. In all his time here, dark colored tops, pants, and boots were how you dressed yourself.

“I’m not here, ignore me,” you shouted as you rushed past him, then Nura.

The younger woman caught a glimpse of Pero’s expression and laughed.

“She’s wearing a dress..."

“Once in a blue moon, for special occasions. Her childhood friend is getting married today.” Nura explained.

Pero’s brows raised higher as you appeared again, a pouch in hand.

“A dress-" he repeated, taking you in with his eyes.

You hiked up the dress, he got a flash of your legs as you carefully slid the pouch into your high boot.

As you smoothed the fabric down, Pero feasted on you. To see you like this, so feminine as the soft flowing fabric hugged your form and for the first time, he had a good look at your cleavage, the fabric cupping your breasts in a way the loose shirts never did; he was a man ready to pounce, to scale the counter and claim you then and there.

“Fuck-“ you cursed,

He laughed. Strong and independent, a mouth like a sailor. A lady, and a warrior in one. His perfect woman.

“Can’t believe I forgot this. I gotta go,” you started to breeze past them, then stopped as you locked eyes with Pero. You grinned, eyeing him with the same sultry gaze he sent your way. “Like it?” You asked while giving a teasing spin.

“Sí, you should wear more dresses.”

“Maybe one more this year, if you give me a good reason to,” you winked at him then dashed out of the door.

“That woman -“ Pero shook his head as he stared at the door.

“Oh you are far gone Pero,” Nura patted his arm, “just tell her already.”

“Tell her what ?”

“How you feel. I’m sure you’ve noticed; she has other suitors.”

“And I’ll fight them all.” He grew serious.

Dammit, the thought. He came here for work, rest and to get laid. He didn’t expect this, he didn’t plan to -

Nura’s light laugh pulled him out of his head. “Just tell her. She likes you too.”

“She flirts with me but makes no moves.”

“You really are adorable when confused.”

“Adorable? I’m not adorable.”

She chuckled, “Have you considered that she wants you to make the first move?”

“She’s no weak woman, she makes swords and wears pants.”

“That doesn’t mean she doesn't want to be perused, she takes charge daily, maybe she wants someone else, you, to take the lead this time.” She playfully tapped Pero’s head

He groaned and swatted her hand.

“Take the lead Pero, don’t overthink it,” Nura advised, then laid her hands on the counter. “We have a lot of work to do, ready?”

“Ready.”

As they headed back, he asked something he was curious about. He started by saying your name,

“Are you the same as her? No husband?”

“No, and there won’t be. I’m gay.” She answered.

Pero quirked a brow.

She added, “I like women. And I do have a girlfriend, the bartender at three bucks, with freckles.”

Ah, Pero thought, he’d seen her before.

“This is a strange place indeed,” he muttered, “I’ve never been to a place like this, with such women.”

“I like to think our town is special. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have people with opinions or those who accuse us of devil worship or witchcraft.”

“Are you, a witch?”

“I know some things, “she grinned, “can I watch you finish that armored plate before I start my work?”

Pero grinned, “Sí, vamos.”

The kid, well Nura wasn’t a kid, she was 25 now, but he called her that sometimes; she had given him some good advice about you and handled his moods with ease.

In Pero’s time here, Robert still wasn’t a fan of his, but they had no fights between them minus some minor disagreements. Your main guy, Audin, was still in recovery but came in from time to time to help with smaller things. His role reduced until he got better. Pero liked the guy, what little he saw of him.

In these weeks, Pero found himself most fond of Nura, she was like the little sister he never asked for. He could see why you liked her so much and why you took her under your wing.

.

A couple of weeks later

Pero studied his work with a sharp eye, searching for any imperfections.

Any other time he made a blade, it was robotic, just doing something he knew how to do, but this mattered more than any of those times. It had to be perfect because he was shit with words, he hoped he could hand you this and you would know all the things he wanted to say to you.

Months ago, if someone told him a woman like you existed, he would have laughed and called bullshit. But you were real, very real, and meant to be his. For you, he’d move into this town for good, put the long journeys to rest, and figure out all that shit he avoided all his life, like how to win a woman's heart and share his life with someone. He was sure he'd fuck up, a lot, piss you off, and get it wrong, but as long as he had you, he would keep trying to get it right.

Once the blade was packed up, he made his way to your house on the edge of town. He was nervous, more than he'd been in a long time, and he felt foolish. He wondered what Willaim would say if he saw him right now.

.

Pero stared at the door, part of him wanting to knock, and the other wanting to run, to turn around and get the hell out of here before he got himself even more wrapped up in this, in you.

It had to be witchery; how else would you have such a hold on him?

What are you waiting for, get moving, Pero heard in his friend's voice, phantom William pushing him forward. He could hear the dogs barking and coming his way in the distance.

Pero knocked on the door…

Once Pero was inside, you offered him a drink. He sat at your kitchen table as you poured ciders then went over to him.

“A home visit, what’s the special occasion?” you asked as you sat.

“Visiting the dogs." he smirked.

"Of course," you shook your head and took a drink.

Over the last few weeks, you’ve seen a new side of Pero emerge, and it made you like him more.

You’ve made the first move before and thought about doing that with him, but it would be so much more fun if he did it. You wanted him to charge in here and ravish you, and you were hoping today was the day, but the sense of nervousness you’re getting off of him makes you unsure.

“I have something for you,” he pulled a wrapped item from his pouch. He placed it on the table as his eyes met yours. “A gift.”

“Really?”

Pero watched, holding his breath as you unwrapped it, revealing the most perfect blade you’ve ever seen. Down to the handle, and the engravings. In the past, you made a few for yourself but always felt like you were missing something. Pero, this man sent to you from the universe, somehow got it right.

You held the blade, running your fingers over it, admiring it as your lips parted slightly in shock. At first, Pero was worried you didn’t like it, but as your eyes lit up, he relaxed and dropped his shoulders.

“Pero - “ you breathed, your eyes flicking to his, then back at the blade. “This is perfect.”

His small grin turned to a full smile and before you could say anything else, he dragged your chair closer to his with one hand. While cupping your cheek, Pero leaned in, bringing his lips to yours.

Smiling as he kissed you, you put the blade down and grabbed his arms. Pero drew you into his lap as the kiss deepened, intensifying with each pass of each other's lips.

His kiss was passionate, consuming, desperate and you could swear, your body was feeling all the things he wanted to say to you and was too afraid to say; the floodgates blasted open and as your hands roamed, finally exploring each other's bodies, you knew there was no going back after this.

"Mi reina, I'll fuck you on the floor if I have to. But it must happen now."

The hoarse desperation in his voice only made you hotter for him.

You tugged his hair while teasing another kiss, “I prefer a bed handsome. Follow me.”

“Gladly.”

You held out your hand, he took it. As you made your way to the bedroom, Pero latched on to you, kissing and biting at your neck, his hands moving over your breasts as his cock pressed against your ass.

.

Hours later

Laying on your stomach, Pero beneath you, you traced his scar with your fingertip. He looked as good as you imagined naked; he was delicious, and you allowed yourself to feast.

He had a map of scars from his legs up to his face, he was beautifully shaped, from his hands to his cock, to his broad shoulders and bone structure. If you could only have one man in your bed from here on out, you’d choose him.

Pero felt calmer than he had ever been, relaxed after the come down from your second round some time ago. The first was hot, rough, and fast, like wolves in heat under the full moon. The second time was less rushed and even more enjoyable.

You traveled the length of the scar, then met his gaze. "What’s this one from?”

“A time I was left for dead. The bastards tried to take my boots. I took their lives.”

You grinned, imagining him out in the field, and all his adventures.

A comfortable silence fell between you for a while, until Pero broke it.

“- quite the game we played cariño.”

“Wasn’t it,” you lay on his chest, planting a kiss on his chin, then on his lips, “but, who says it’s over?”

“Meaning?”

“I haven’t seen your sword skills yet, we must duel.”

He chuckled, shaking you both slightly as it rumbled through his chest, “Yeah?”

“Yeah, and…” you kiss him again, “there’s a whole list of fun games we could play.”

He quirked a curious brow.

“Well,” you nibbled his ear before telling him what was on your mind.

“Dios mio - “ he said with wide eyes.

“You know you like it,” you grinned, then kept going.

“I do,” he confirmed, caressing the back of your neck as the games you whispered got filthier and filthier.

God, you were speaking his language, and he wasn’t sure if you were real - well if he hadn’t just fucked you twice, which was more than worth the wait, he'd think this was magic, witches work, but you, and this, were all real.

You continued, spilling your dirty thoughts in his ear while now stroking his length with your hand.

Fuck, Pero thought, he’d keep you forever, even longer after that. You would never know another man because you were his.

Pero took hold of you, pulling you into an earth-shattering kiss before holding you against him.

“Good thing for you, I'm not going anywhere. You're mine now.”

You smiled against his chest, “I think I might not object to that.”

“Woman,” he groaned with a slight laugh,

“For you,” you looked up at him and weaved your fingers through his, “I'll make an exception.”

“Now that we’ve come to an understanding, I want food,” he sat up, pulling you with him, “then we fuck again.”

“I like the way you think.” You straddled his hips, teasing him a little before getting off. “Come on my ravenous beast, I made stew last night, and I must say, it's damn good.”

You slipped on the tunic and then made your way out of the room.

Pero slipped on his pants and followed, “as glad as I am to eat, I’m more excited about dessert.”

As you busied yourself gathering bowls, Pero watched from the doorway. As good as it felt to have you, as happy as it made him to see your reaction to the blade, he couldn't shake his sense of worry. When he said you were his, you replied with a maybe, well, not exactly, you said,

“I think I might not object to that.”

Might not

That didn’t sit right.

He was all in, dead serious about it. If you’d have him, there was no one after you. But if you were unsure -

Pero called your name, prompting you to glance over your shoulder at him with that heart-stopping smile of yours.

“Yes?”

His doubts felt stupid, with the way you’re looking at him now, the light in your eyes, that smile. Still, he needed to hear it, he needed to hear it from your lips.

Pero came over to you, you could tell his mood had shifted. With concern, you turned to him and took one of his hands in yours.

“What's wrong?”

“I mean it,” he said your name as he cupped your cheek with one hand, his eyes big, brown, and vulnerable as he stared into yours, “You’re mine.”

Your eyes softened on him even more, “lo sé.”

“Say it,” he demanded.

You slipped your other hand around his back, pulling him closer, “I’m yours, Pero.” you leaned in, brushing the tip of your nose to his, then nibbling his bottom lips. “and you are mines.”

The grunt that left him at your words was primal, like a wolf claiming his mate, and before you could say anything else his lips were on yours. That was all he needed, this was home now, you were his home, and he wasn’t going anywhere.

“What about dinner?” you giggled as he kissed the length of your neck and bunched the tunic over your hips.

“That can wait, I need you, now,” he growled, walking you backward to the table.

“Wow, I thought food was your first love,” you teased as you took his hardening length into your hands,

“It is, but now it has competition with you, mi amor.”

You smiled as he moved between your legs, “say it again.”

“Mi amor.” he threw the tunic across the room and quickly covered your breasts with his mouth,

You ran your fingers through his chocolate waves with one hand, guiding his cock inside of you with the other. You moaned together as he filled you,

“I love you too Pero,” you purred.

You closed your eyes, pleasure pulsing through your bodies as you moved your hips together. Thanking the stars and sky above for their gift to you; the very thing you didn't know you wanted in the form of a grumpy mercenary who stole your heart and set your soul on fire.

No tags

More Pedro characters | More Pero

This was a special occasion, so I cross posted. Usually I just put previews on tumblr, all my other work goes to A03. You will need an account to view my archive. Lots of my older stuff 2019 - 2022, for now, is still on my master list here too.

Follow: (fic updates) @artemiseamoon-updates

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[covetyou]

Thank you to everyone who sent me their favourite butt sex/anal play fics! If you'd still like to submit something, please check out the original post.

Now, no more dilly-dallying, onto the butt stuff. I've listed some key contents of each fic where possible, but not all warnings - please see individual fics for all warnings. All fics are with reader characters unless otherwise specified.

Din Djarin

birthday bunny by @604to647 modern AU - butt plugs this endless friction by @corazondebeskar-reads BDSM - double penetration (toy)

Frankie Morales

bunny by @gasolinerainbowpuddles double penetration (toy) weeknights drabble by @frannyzooey first time anal open waters/ashore by @gaiuswrites first time anal - double penetration (fingers)

Jack "Whiskey" Daniels

inter-agency cooperation by @ghostofaboy with Javier Peña double whiskey on the rocks by @ghostofaboy with m!OC - anal fingering

Javier Peña

keep me in your glow by @atticrissfinch first time anal tovar's desires by @absurdthirst threesome (with Pero Tovar) - double penetration - rimming - more 🍑 from absurdthirst on ao3

Joel Miller

MDKT 2023 day 8 - bondage by @theywhowriteandknowthings double penetration (fingers) another time, baby by @swiftispunk butt plugs - double penetration (fingers, toys) the saints can't help me now by @atticrissfinch butt plugs - anal fingering - dom!Joel craving by @velvetmud double penetration (fingers) knuckles deep by @ozarkthedog anal fingering make a move on me by @freelancearsonist first time anal mine by @the-scandalorian first time anal - rimming sparks fly by @ezrasbirdie rimming what's in the bag by @thetriumphantpanda first time anal - butt plugs - double penetration (fingers) a day in the filth by @toxicanonymity double penetration (toys)

Others

reaching for the sweetest, sweetest peaches by @psychedelic-ink Oberyn Martell x f!reader - modern AU - first time anal

Series

baby, I'm-a want you by @perotovar multiple Pedro characters - pornstar AU bloody kisses (part two) by @perotovar Tim Rockford x Shane 'Dio' Morrissey - first time anal in the dark (chapter 9) by @frannyzooey Ezra x f!reader - anal fingering something wretched about this (part 2) by @covetyou anal fingering - rimming playdate by @daddy-dins-girl Marcus Pike x f!reader x Dave York

blackmail (part 1 and 4) by @milla-frenchy

Joel Miller x f!reader x Javier Peña - rimming - double penetration

[nerdieforpedro]

Weekend update 05/05/2024

Hello! It’s been awhile since Nerdie has done one of these. 👀

Yes it has! Why have you only been lurking and popping up with random things?

Well, my smut fairy is playing hide and seek. Has been more hidden as of late. Inspiration has led to different fics than I planned on. And I’ve queued so many posts that my current queue is posting things up until June 5th. 😂

How does one even queue that many things? And what do you mean the smut fairy has been playing hide and seek? We read that Frankie series! And that Dieter update! Nerdie, stop trying to be coy, it doesn’t suit you dear.

I’m not sure how to respond to that. And yeah both of those had smut but it was….I did say the fairy was playing hide and seek. I did not say they were hidden the entire time. 🫣

Details, details. You also changed the title graphic color, why?

Stories are made by their details. Wise advice said by…some smart person somewhere. It reminds Nerdie of a bahama mama. It’s a drink that she enjoys like a pirate. Yohoho! 🏴‍☠️(I’m very sorry. 😣)

Anyway, thank you to the following lovely people who sent me beautiful person asks and who reached out when I was not doing so hot. I know better than to argue with any of you:

@rhoorl @yourcoolauntie @grogusmum @avastrasposts @megamindsecretlair

@westside-rot @laurfilijames @inept-the-magnificent @bitchwitch1981 @secretelephanttattoo

@angelofsmalldeath-codeine @connectioneverywhere @604to647 @mysterious-moonstruck-musings @morallyinept

@yorksgirl @sweetercalypso @schnarfer @soft-persephone @maggiemayhemnj

@magpiepills @paulmescal-s @lotusbxtch @wannab-urs

As for Nerdie’s fic recommendations, they are here! She’s keeping track of them and is going to put the whole list out at the end of the month because, promoting fics is fun and means she can type more randomness. 😆

1. Torment Part 1 Fear by @djarinmuse (Din Djarin x fem OC)

2. Tempered by the Fire by @ladamedusoif (Din Djarin x f reader)

3. Talk Dirty to Me by @morallyinept (Marcus Pike x fem reader)

4. Nightingale by @rosecentaur1916 (Miguel O’Hara x plus size fem reader)

5. Daffodil by @starstruckunknown-princess (Javi G. X reader)

6. Into the Deep End by @magpiepills (Joel Miller: the hole filler x AFAB reader)

7. your favorite kryptonite by @kedsandtubesocks (Comic Bookstore Owner!Dieter Bravo x F!Reader)

8. Kings & Queens by @joels-shitty-puns (Joel Miller x reader)

9. Insatiable by @lowlights (Pero Tovar x fem reader)

10. Top Me, I deserve it by @for-a-longlongtime (Santiago Garcia x Francisco Morales)

11. Fifteen Minutes by @whocaresstillthelouvre (Din Djarin x fem reader)

12. Raining in Baltimore by @schnarfer (Marcus Pike x f reader)

Nerdie did post a bit this week. She’s mainly been posting on AO3 since it takes less time and she can slap things up there with reckless abandon (and sufficient tags).

Part VIII of Only Parts of you Mr. Morales (Frankie Morales) *completed*

The Intended determines their Meaning (Javier Gutierrez)

Sure inside, but will you stay for more after we’re done? Chapter 5 of Weddings 101 with Dieter (Dieter Bravo)

Lastly there are a few ongoing challenges and fun things. Make sure to read individual challenge rules and fun things.

1. Help Wanted: Summer Reading with @strang3lov3 They’re asking for self-recs, recs of fics that have stuck with you, fics that you think others should read. Send them your Pedro boy goods. The best kind of summer reading.

2. Jett’s Flora and Fauna Challenge by @morallyinept It’s the incomparable Jett! Making her own challenge to being your fics, art, Moodboards or all any combinations. It just has to have a Pedro character and flowers. Any length (because we like all kinds here) and can be as many submissions as you want.

3. Jamie’s Ocean Challenge by @mermaidgirl30 Pedro characters, the ocean, fun, fics and moodboards mixed together for this one. Again any length (all are welcome and enjoyed), must have a Pedro character and the ocean in your fic or Moodboard.

4. @pedroscouts The Pedro Scouts have descended upon us to give us badges (gotta collect ‘em all), fun tasks and general tomfoolery to make Tumblr fun! Make sure to read through the rules if you’d like to join.

5. May Drabble Challenge courtesy of the @dieterbravobrainrotclub It features our favorite Kit Kat lover Dieter Bravo and aliens 👽 with a meet-cute. 👀 Not weird enough for you? Then write it extra strange.

So that’s about it. There was a lot of ground to cover but we got it done. Nerdie is going to go see a man about a goat 🐐 and also another guy about some teasing or edging? Maybe it counts as edging. Nerdie is 🫤 unsure. She’s only wrote like one of these before. 😆 She also has to look for boots, maybe she’s gonna go to her second concert 🎵

Stay safe and hydrated everyone!

Love Nerdie! ❤️ ❤️❤️

[foli-vora]

one step at a time: ch 4.

pero tovar x f!reader

masterlist | series masterlist

a/n: sorry for the delay - easter was a busy time with the fam. i still haven't found time to update my taglist so i'm super sorry about that - i know i've got a few new additions, but i'll try and organise it all over the weekend. hope you enjoy the new chapter x

word count: 3k

warnings: swearing, mentions of food and tovar’s appetite, my new favourite oc's, smidgens of fluff and working into some feelings but this burn be slow-ish, he finds your book porn lmao

! please note that this story is for 18+ only due to future explicit scenes !

“Stop moving.”

“I’m not moving—”

“You are moving.”

He grumbles quietly to himself and shifts under the towel you placed around his shoulders, an obvious tension radiating from them. Your tongue peaks out from between your lips as you comb through a lock of his wet hair and make a somewhat straight cut with your kitchen scissors, tilting your head in focus when you ruffle out and study the freshly trimmed tresses.

“I mean, it could be worse.”

“Very reassuring, loquita, thank you,” he mutters sarcastically, shaking his head and raking his fingers through the damp strands.

“Keep up with the attitude and I’ll cut it all off,” you warn sweetly, chuckling when he throws you a frown over his shoulder. “Well, there’s no bald patches so I think I did okay. Can I dry it?”

“If you like.”

You reach for the hairdryer and turn it on, jumping in shock when he suddenly launches up from the chair and whirls on you in surprise, his fingers grasping at the towel like a damn lifeline. He stares at the contraption in distrust, and you click it off slowly, fighting the grin desperately tugging at your cheeks and holding it up in surrender.

“It’s fine, Tovar,” you reassure, “it’s just a hairdryer—it blows out hot air. Just trust me, okay? It won’t hurt you.”

After a moment of studying your face and the hairdryer, he eventually sinks back into the chair and stiffens when you turn it back on, before relaxing somewhat when you gently start to dry his hair. You smile when he starts to lean into your touch, appreciating the firm drag of your nails against his scalp with a calm hum.

You probably spend a bit too long merely playing with his hair, content to just give him a bit of peace but also finding yourself enjoying the way he softens at your touch, the tension slowly seeping away until he’s practically jelly against the back of the chair.

His hair is long dried by the time you step back with a quiet clearing of your throat, clicking off the hairdryer and slowly sliding the towel from his shoulders.

“All done,” you murmur, wondering why your heart suddenly felt like it was going to launch itself out of your chest.

It’s not him, obviously. You barely know the man. Maybe it’s just nice to be close to someone again, especially with it being so long since your last relationship. You’d lost interest in finding a partner a while ago, over the mere ‘hump and dump' culture taking over the dating scene and instead just focusing on work.

Yeah, that’s all it is.

It’s not him.

“Thank you,” he rumbles quietly, ruffling his soft hair with a rough hand and standing from the chair.

He turns, intending to take the chair back to your small dining table but you’re already halfway there to do it yourself, and your hands clash. It doesn’t help calm the wild beat of your heart. His skin is warm, the back of his hand surprisingly soft despite how calloused his palms are—

You pull away immediately, weakening from the horrific feel of heat washing along your skin, “Oh, I’m sorry—”

“No, the fault is mine—”

He clears his throat, dark eyes finding a sudden interest in the flooring while you desperately try to step around his frame. He unknowingly steps in your way, causing your front to bump into his, and his hands quickly come up to curl around your arms to steady you in surprise. You inhale sharply at his sudden proximity, eyes wide as they dart up to meet and bounce between his. 

“God, sorry. I’ll um… yeah, sorry,” you breathe, desperately ignoring the heat of his palms radiating through the thin sleeves of your tee and how it stirs something to life in the pit of your stomach. It’s not him—you’re just horny. Fuck. “I didn’t mean—sorry—”

“Say sorry one more time, loquita,” he mutters in amusement, lips tugging up into a barely there smirk that does nothing to help your little internal freakout, “I don’t think I heard you the first hundred times.”

You snort, shoving his shoulder softly, “Sorry. I uh… I’ve got a bit of hair on me, so I’m gonna take a quick shower, and then we can think about lunch. No point asking if you’re hungry because I know you are.”

He hums as you step past him, pleased with the idea of food, despite only just finishing a party bag size of barbecue crisps only moments before you had wrangled him down for a haircut. And a box of pop tarts before those. And two bowls of cereal before that. 

You’d have to take out a damn loan if he keeps eating the way he does. Your modest savings had taken a noticeable hit due to the new appearance that your carefully crafted budget didn’t plan for. It’s not like you expect a bloody time travelling hitch hiker to be one of your expected expenses.

It’ll be fine—he wouldn’t be hanging around for too long, and you can always make up for your losses with extra projects down the track. You just needed to focus on getting him home. You’re still at a complete loss with it all, unsure of what exactly to type into Google. There’s not a wikiHow on how to return someone to the past… or an alternate timeline… or wherever the fuck he came from.

Most of your time in the shower is spent frowning at the tile wall, lost in your thoughts and the potential whys and what ifs. Answers would have to be somewhere, you just needed to be patient. Determined. 

He’s lounging on the couch when you eventually emerge from the shower, your favourite big fluffy bath towel tucked firmly around your body as you make a quick detour to the fridge to grab a drink. He doesn’t bother looking up at you as you pass, too busy engrossed in the book spread open in his hands.

You pause as you reach the kitchen, a frown starting to develop between your brows as you vaguely recall the cover. Wait, is he…? No, no, no—

Spinning around, you hastily make your way over to the couch and reach to snatch the book out of his hands in a slight panic. He dives out of the way by rolling from the couch, a roguish grin working its way along his lips as he looks gleefully up at you.

“What is this?”

“Tovar, put the book down—”

“Loquita, this… this is obscene. Is this what literature is now?”

He’s fucking delighted.

What a monster.

“That’s a big word for you, caveman, and I’m surprised you even know what a book is—” you snap, hoping a little insult will throw him off track for just a few seconds for you to make a move for the book.

Heat grows along your chest and rises to your cheeks as he starts to read aloud a rather descriptive paragraph, his smile growing and growing as you desperately step around the couch and try to rip it out of his hands. He evades your reach again, the rough rasp of his laughter filling the room.

“This is a hungry woman… three men at once? What a handful. You are not at all what I had first thought, loquita. What kind of filthy, depraved thoughts reside in that head of yours?”

Dick.

“Wouldn’t you like to know! And I will not be shamed for reading and enjoying erotica in my own damn apartment,” you argue with a vicious point of your finger before giving up on trying to retrieve the book and instead standing with your arms crossed tightly across your chest, “there’s nothing wrong with it. Besides, it’s a good book.” 

He grins deviously, “I’m sure it is.”

“Okay, I’m done with this conversation. I’m going to my room to be alone because you’re annoying me—”

“Don’t forget your book, loquita. A trusty companion to keep you company when alone, no?”

He’s teasing—you see the shine of it in his eyes. You swallow, ignoring the angry heat biting at the tip of your ears and the way your heart jumps at the sparkle of mischief creeping into his expression. You can play, too. 

Shrugging, you step up to him and snatch the book from his grasp, holding it defensively to your chest. “It is actually—I enjoy how hot and bothered it makes me. Drives me crazy sometimes.”

A tinge of pink fills his cheeks and you grin, taking it as a victory and leaving him, for once, with nothing to say. You wait until you’re in the comfort of your bedroom, the door shut firmly against your back, to take a deep breath in an attempt to gain some control back over your wild heart. 

—

It’s not food waiting for you when you answer the knock on your door. Arthur stands somewhat defensively on your welcome mat, eyes narrowed in guarded suspicion but giving way to relief when they find you well and unharmed.

“Oh,” you mutter, “it’s you.”

“I just wanted to see how you’re going,” he says stiffly, eyes flicking over your shoulder no doubt in search of Tovar.

“Well I’m alive,” you drawl sarcastically, crossing your arms over your chest. “If I was dead, you’ve left it a little too late to check. I’d be leaking fluids all over my floor by now.”

“Oh, you two,” comes an impatient voice from behind him, and soon Arthur’s getting shoved gently out of the way.

You soften at the appearance of Charlie, fixing his blue paisley ascot tucked beneath his chin and draped in his favourite Burberry coat. He rolls his eyes at the both of you, briefly pausing to press a soft kiss to your cheek before pushing past and letting himself into your apartment with a fresh wave of expensive cologne, dumping the paper bags of take out onto your cluttered coffee table.

“Enough snark. Artie has come to apologise, and you—being the kind, sweet soul you are—obviously forgive him. Now, where is he?” Charlie smiles, looking around for your new, temporary roommate in excitement.

“He’s washing up—he’ll be out in a sec. What have you told him?” You ask Arthur as he steps in after brushing his shoes off on the mat. 

Arthur shrugs, “Everything you told me. He’s very excited—you know how much he loves Outlander.”

“At least he believes me.”

He throws you a small look of annoyance tinged with regret, and sighs. “I’m sorry, it just—it's hard to believe, alright? But I am sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you, and I shouldn’t have let you leave like that. Especially alone.”

Nodding, you roll your jaw and study the blank, nameless bags Charlie starts to fuss with. 

“What’s in the bags?”

“Enchiladas.”

“Okay,” you grin after a moment, wrapping an arm around Arthur’s waist and squeezing softly, “you’re forgiven.”

Arthur returns the half hug with a quiet chuckle and presses a firm kiss to the crown of your head, “I thought they might help.”

You’re settling on the floor with a grateful smile directed at Charlie when the bathroom door suddenly is wrenched open, and you notice Arthur come to stand a little straighter in the corner of your vision. Charlie looks up in interest from organising the food, a grin slowly curling his lips.

“Well, look at you,” he coos, eyeing Tovar appreciatively as he falters in the doorway of the bathroom, unsure of the new company. Charlie steps forward and around the couch eagerly, brandishing a hand with a charming grin. “I’m Charles, you’ve already met Arthur.”

Tovar eyes the hand warily before stepping forward and giving it a firm shake. He stays quiet, cautious eyes flicking to Arthur where he leans back against the kitchen counter. You see the fight or flight in his eyes, feeling slightly sorry for bombarding him with a new face and another that wasn’t too kind to him previously.

He’ll be alright. You’re sure he’s been faced with worse in his life than your two adopted gay uncles. 

You glance up from the food and give him a look. “Tovar, don’t be rude—say hello.”

His frown deepens before he finally gives a quiet, begrudging, “Hello.”

“Trained him well, I see,” Arthur grumbles, quieting when you direct your soft glare to him.

“They’ve come to see how you’re settling in,” you say, bringing Tovar’s attention your way and you give him a small nod of encouragement. “They also bought you some food—are you still hungry?”

It’s a stupid question, but at least it brings him out from where he hovers in the doorway. You notice he sticks close to you, much closer than usual, sinking down beside you on the floor when half of the couch and the armchair is free. He stays quiet, yet incredibly vigilant, eyes constantly bouncing between the men and assessing the threat level as he eats.

“It’s okay, Tovar,” you murmur while Charlie is midway through one of his spiels, and his dark eyes flash to you immediately, “they’re family. You can relax—I won’t leave you alone with them.”

You say it playfully, teasingly, but a flash of appreciation rolls through his gaze before it disappears, and his attention falls back to his food. You watch him for a moment longer, unaware of the little smile that sticks tugging at your lips and the small look Charlie shares with Arthur.

Four pairs of eyes flash to the door when a knock sounds off on it, and you huff sharply, slapping your hands on the floor beside you as you push up to stand.

“About time! Guaranteed delivery under thirty minutes my ass.”

—

Tovar doesn’t warm up easily, you find, which comes as a little shock as he seems quite at ease with you. Sure, he answers any questions thrown at him, but they are always curt, simple answers, never giving away too much information or leading into stories of his memories or how he got here.

It doesn’t bother Charlie in the least, and he rambles enough to keep the conversation going long into the evening. It’s nice to have a small sense of normality after the few confusing and mentally draining days you’ve had. You could pretend, for a little while at least, that you didn’t run over a mysterious time travelling mercenary and that you have his armour and weapons taking up space on the floor in your closet.

You don’t think about wormholes or alternate timelines, or magic, or gods. You just be, and Tovar eventually starts to mimic your calm energy, sinking back into the cushions of the couch and kicking up his sock clad feet onto the coffee table as he watches the conversation from the sidelines.

He still stays as far from your uncles as he could, ensuring you take up the space between him and Arthur on the couch, but at least the look of wary, careful defence gives way to an ease and comfortability. He even stands with you to see Charlie and Arthur out, standing just behind your shoulder and nodding his goodbyes as they disappear down the hall.

“Look at you,” you grin, bumping his shoulder with yours as you return to your places on the couch after the door shuts firmly behind you, “such a ray of sunshine and a major conversationalist. God, I couldn’t get you to stop talking. Who are you?”

He huffs at your gentle teasing, following you quietly with a barely there smile creeping along his lips, “They’re nice.”

You soften, smiling widely up at him from where you lounge on the couch, “They are. They’re very important to me. Charlie can be a bit much, but you handled him wonderfully. I think he’s rather smitten with you.”

Tovar snorts, knocking your feet from where they take up his spot beside you and letting himself fall back into the cushions with a tired sigh. He taps his lap, and you frown questioningly at him before he rolls his eyes in slight impatience and hooks a hand around your ankles, dragging your feet back up and to rest over his lap.

“Arthur does not like me,” he grumbles, turning to focus on the TV and watching the moving pictures eagerly, “not that I care. I do not like him.”

You swallow, suddenly unable to get a single fucking word out from your dry throat, still caught up on the ease of what had just transpired. It’s not a romantic act—hell, you’d used your friends as footstools too many times to count in the past, but it felt odd with Tovar. It was new.

He must be beginning to feel comfortable with you, and the thought brings a wash of something electric to your system. You feel proud, pleased that you hadn’t scared him further in an already disarming situation, and instead had built an agreeable atmosphere for him with you, that he could feel safe and discover this scary new world in his own time.

There was that feeling again, behind the pride and the warmth of your slowly but surely developing friendship. The one you had felt earlier when gently carding your fingers through his hair. You refuse to label it as anything of substance. You’re simply lonely, suddenly in the full time company of an attractive man with a hidden personality you’re steadily uncovering bit by bit.

That’s all.

A small inkling of doubt sticks in the pit of your stomach, merely intensifying when you watch him from your peripheral. You feel the jump of your heart in your chest, the almost nervous twist of your stomach… maybe it wasn’t just loneliness bringing forward these little reactions, but it wouldn’t—couldn’t—change anything.

Tovar was not a man of your world. He had a life elsewhere—friends, family… he needed to return to it. You’d taken on the responsibility of finding a way home for him, and you’d be damned if you failed him, growing feelings or not. 

He sighs, bringing you out from your train of thought.

“I’m hungry.”

“Fucking hell, Tovar.”

-

taglist 1: @maievdenoir, @javier-pena, @lv7867, @dihra-vesa, @katronautt, @radiowallet, @januarystears, @missminkylove, @beskarprincessjenny, @mswarriorbabe80, @danidrabbles, @amneris21, @eri16, @absurdthirst, @hnt-escape, @acourtofsnakes, @ezrasbirdie, @mstgsmy66, @lovesbiggerthanpride, @coaaster, @sherala007, @greeneyedblondie44, @wyn-n-tonic, @you-got-me-starry-eyed, @shirks-all-responsibilities, @withasideofmeg, @harriedandharassed, @andruxx, @buckybarneshairpullingkink, @spideysimpossiblegirl, @prostitute-robot-from-the-future, @tanzthompson, @mad-girl-without-a-box, @hope-for-the-best-98, @fangirl-316, @christina-loves, @jediknight122, @hallway5, @xoxabs88xox, @nicolethered, @churchill356, @massivecolorspygiant, @just-here-for-the-moment, @gracie7209, @pinkie289, @lavenderluna10, @goodgriefitsawildworld

[sp00kymulderr]

🎀the WIP (work in progress) list is a place to organise and keep track of my too many wips

🎀any posts or snippets about the wip will be linked

🎀if any spark interest feel free to ask about more details/yell at me to get working on them

🎀once a wip becomes a fic it will be added to my masterlist

DIETER BRAVO

🩷red wine stains

🩷self care day - additional snippet

🩷heartrate 160

🩷Icarus - (with reader and m!oc) - additional snippet

🩷Guilty Pleasure - pinterest board

🩷pink pony club - pinterest board

🩷cherry - (with f!oc x reader) - snippet - additional snippet - another snippet - pinterest board

🩷Art History Professor!Dieter

🩷Lost, found pt 2

🩷Dear Dieter

🩷Ghost!Dieter

🩷You wear it well

EZRA

💚Love, Blood and Rhetoric (actor!Ezra)

💚first time with ezra

💚will you dream of me

💚I can't deny you any longer

💚Innocent

💚Professor!Ezra

💚cat dad!Ezra

JOEL MILLER

❤️our house of flames part 4 - cinder (ongoing series)- snippet - pinterest board

❤️This Place is Haunted - snippet - pinterest board

❤️push day/pull day

❤️you play the part, i'll be the art - additional snippet - pinterest board

❤️Like nothing matters pt 2

❤️inhale, exhale pt 2

❤️Picture You / Pinterest board

❤️gym crush / Pinterest board

❤️ FLESH - additional snippet

MARCUS PIKE

🧡take the long way home part 3 (ongoing series) - pinterest board

🧡ways to love - (non-binary!reader) - additional snippet

🧡The Northern Line - snippet - pinterest board

JAVIER PEÑA

💙when you look at me

💙Any colour you like

💙a line around your thoughts - pinterest board

PERO TOVAR

🤍Harvest

MARCUS MORENO

💜Five years

OBERYN MARTELL

💛Moments silence

[redahlia-writes]

i don't know why lately i've been drawn to the figure of the woman in the woods while writing but here's a little excerpt of a future (because i'm technically still writing the sequel to the rockrose and the thistle but uni is kicking my ass already) of a pero tovar x reader that i jotted down in like 3 minutes while getting ready this morning (so there's definitely typos and shit)

[grogusmum]

For the ask game, if you haven’t done these ones already - #1 (really good OC) and #16 (writer who received your most unhinged comments). 😊

Hello bb!

Thanks for playing 💚

#1 really good OC

I'm gonna boost 2 here

Tess from Stranger at My Gate (pero tovar x ofc) by @leslie-lyman Tess is delightful, and frankly, her family is great too. I love her and the modern magic she has. The story starts at Samhain and finishes at Winter Solstice, so it's a perfect time for a read... or a reread

And the sweet, soft, sensitive Daisy in Surrender (Joel Miller x ofc) by @ezrasbirdie watching her find he voice and realize her worth and strength is wonderful. Birdie does an unsurprisingly fantastic job with Joel, of course, but her Ellie is *chef's kiss*

#16 UNHINGED?? I have no idea what you're talking about... 👀

Welp the two lovelies above have endured my bablimg incoherently and the first is @oonajaeadira she is my sister in soft and I kicked in the figurative door of her DMs to tell her how much I loved Losing My Religion (Din Djarin x jedi!reader) we didn't even know each other AT ALL... I probably should be more embarrassed than I am. I cry over all ALL of her fics frankly.

@insomniamamma @writeforfandoms @radiowallet @wardenparker @prolix-yuy @yespolkadotkitty @lavenderursa @chaoticgeminate gosh so many more please forgive me anyone I have left out... y'all are so talented!!

Hype Other Writers

[rainontherooftops]

Petrichor - Part 1 of ?

Summary: Pero Tovar is not very impressed by the arrival of the new counselor at his nursing home. He has to take care of his elderly patients and has no time to make sure that the new hire doesn't fuck up. But soon he will have to learn that his new colleague is not intimidated by his grumpyness.

Fandom: The Great Wall - Pedro Pascal as MODERN! Pero Tovar Genre: Romance, Colleagues to Friends to Lovers, Drama, Alternative Universe, 18+ Content Pairing: Modern! Pero Tovar x f!OC Triggers (Chapter): Mentions of Sickness, Workplace Drama Rating Chapter: T

IMPORTANT INFO: THIS IS A REPOST FROM MY FORMER TUMBLR BLOG

**

Petrichor - Part 1

Pero was grumpier than usual, watching the woman that William was talking to by the coffee machine right before the staff meeting started.

He was always weary of new arrivals, having been underwhelmed by too many people who just couldn’t cope with the work at the care facility for the elderly. She seemed utterly unprepared for a job here. She was not wearing scrubs, for one thing, so she couldn’t be one of the nurses.

Was William hitting on her before the meeting started? Because the woman wasn’t even cute. At all.

He wouldn’t be distracted by the flowery skirt, the thick thighs that were probably rubbing against each other when she walked around, or the cheeks that would surely turn red like ripe apples when he’d pinch them.

And she was so tiny. Were he to step up to her, she would probably be faced with his chest. She would have to look up at him with those doe like eyes. And her hands were tiny as well! And her hair was blonde, but with cotton candy pastel color strands in almost every color… How did colored hair look that natural on her?

Seriously, what did William see in that woman?

“Good morning, everyone!”

Crossing his arms across his chest, Pero focused his attention to Mrs. Hawthorne, the care home director.

“Just a quick update from the night shift. Everything is fine with our residents, nothing out of the ordinary. We’ll begin with breakfast first thing. Nurses in Wing B, please double check the medication list, there have been some changes over the last few days due to the new treatments.”

Business as usual it seemed.

“… and before I let you all get to work, I’m sure you all wondering who the young woman in the back is that is dressed like a rainbow.”

Everyone stopped staring in secret and turned their heads to the woman who was still standing next to Will, a coffee mug clutched in her hand.

“Would you like to introduce yourself, Amelia?”, Mrs. Hawthorne said, coercing her to come to the front.

She handed her coffee mug to William, who gave her an encouraging smile.

“G-Good morning everyone. My name is Amelia Banks. I’m the new counselor for the residents here, but I’m also here to listen to any problems or concerns you might have.”

Mrs. Hawthorne took over again, effectively interrupting her.

“Amelia will officially start her work in two weeks, but she’ll be helping out with everyday chores to get to know our residents and all of you, so be nice to her.”

Welcoming murmurs and curious stares were shared. The woman looked fresh and untainted by the working-class world; it was impossible to guess her age. And she had an awfully innocent and chipper aura about herself.

They’ll all eat her alive, Pero thought, sure that this thought was true for both the residents and her new colleagues.

“… and that’s why you’ll be working with Pero for the next week, Amelia. That’s the mean looking bloke over there.”

Wait, what?

“What?”

William, the bastard, chuckled.

“You’re always whining about how you don’t have enough help, Pero, so Amelia will help you on your rounds.”

He wanted to protest. He wanted to protest so badly.

But Hawthorne dismissed everyone, and it was impossible to object. William had the audacity to clap him on the back walking out, wishing him good luck. He would have his hands full today in Wing B with the new medication routine, so they probably wouldn’t see each other all day. “Be nice to her”, he said, knowing fully well that his friend was grumpy.

For his sake he would try. But he didn’t make any promises.

By the time Amelia managed to wiggle her way through the mob of busy people who were exiting the meeting room, he was annoyed. He had to get going.

“Hello, I’m Amelia. I’ll be in your care for this week”, she introduced herself, smiling. His eyebrows furrowed and he grunted, something that sounded like ‘sure’.

“Follow me”, he ordered, not even checking if she was on his heels. The faster she learned that he was busy, the better.

“I don’t have time to babysit you”, he said, turning down the hall.

Hurrying through the main foyer, the two of them took the entrance to Wing A, where the long-term residents were living.

“The twenty people in this wing are under my care. Normally William is with us, but we’re short staffed so he’s taking care of B until we have a new nurse.”

He could feel that she was trying to keep up with him. At least she wasn’t wearing heels.

He opened the first door to the right, the nurses station, which also served as his break room and the storage for the wing. He grabbed one of the trolleys and opened the cabinets before turning to her.

She was watching him attentively, ready to soak in information like a sponge.

“Ground rules”, he almost barked.

“You get my patients upset, you’re out. You don’t follow my instructions, you’re out. You complain about anything you see, hear or smell, you’re out. You do the job and we won’t have a problem. Clear?”

“Yes?”, she said, a little high pitched, but ready.

He sighed, turning to the cabinets.

“First job of the day, room checks. Right now our residents are having breakfast. Night shift says everything is fine, which means that they left us with the mess, and we have to clean up. We’re handing out medication, we’re changing sheets, towels and we prepare our residents for the day.”

As patient as possible, he showed her how he liked to stack his trolleys with fresh sheets and towels, medical supplies and everything else he might need.

“If I don’t have something on the trolley I need, you’ll find it in here. I’ll manage medication, you don’t touch those, understand.”

“Understood”, she said.

“Let’s go. Keep up. I’m putting you on trash duty.”

He didn’t even explain what trash duty was, he just shoved a huge trash bag into her hand and was out the door, shoving the trolley in front of him.

It was 7:30 A.M. and there was noise coming from every room on the floor. They got into the elevator and he explained that they would deal with the residents on the first floor first and work their way back down.

The right side of the hall was the outside wall of the building, covered in glass to give the residents the chance to look outside onto the grounds whenever they wanted. But today there was not much to see yet but the rain that was drumming against the windows.

“First stop. Behave yourself,” he ordered, before entering the room.

***

Amelia had been following her new co-worker for all of 10 minutes and she was already exhausted and full of information.

She had hoped that her first impression of him was wrong, but his grumpy exterior was the perfect mirror to his personality. He was curt, obviously annoyed that they had shoved the “new one” into his path and he was looking at her like she was totally out of place.

She was clutching the trash bag and entered behind him into the room of the first resident. The rooms were functional and not very big, but comfortable. They were all furnished the same as far as the medical beds and basic furniture was concerned – but she would soon learn that friends and family had brought different trinkets to make the residents rooms individual heavens.

“Morning, Pete. How you doin’ today?”

Amelia’s eyes widened in surprise. A second ago, Pero Tovar had been a grumpy, rude man – now he was chatting happily with a resident, a freakin’ smile on his face. He was sporting dimples on his face. Fucking adorable dimples, for heaven’s sake.

“Is it my birthday? Who’s the pretty young lady you brought me?”

Peter Kline was a man in his eighties. He was sitting at a little table, having his breakfast. He was wearing a pair of cotton pants and a sweater, his full, white beard covering half of his face.

“Sorry, Pete, she’s with me. New counselor”, he said, looking at a clipboard.

“Good morning”, she said, smiling at him and earning a warm smile in return.

“Good morning, sweetheart. If this one gives you any trouble, you make sure to tell me, alright?”

Pero rolled his eyes and then had a serious look at his patient.

“How was your night Pete? You look good today.”

“No episodes tonight, thank fuck”, the old man replied. “No horrible dreams, no need to change my sheets today.”

“The new medication working okay then?”

“Knocks me out flat for eight hours straight. No side effects so far.”

Pero seemed satisfied and handed the man his blood pressure medication.

“See you later, Pete.”

For the next two hours it went one similar to this.

Amelia helped Pero change spoiled bedsheets, put dirty towels in the hamper in the hallway, helped dressing residents for the day who were not able to dress themselves and picked up trash from the rooms that had not made it to the trash cans.

She met the residents one by one, secretly keeping notes in her head about the people who would probably need weekly counseling sessions.

Everything went well – so well even that Amelia went ahead to open the door for Pero at the last residents door – and promptly got hit by an aluminum bed pan on the forehead.

“Oh shit. Walter?! What did I tell you about throwing your bed pan across the room?!”

Amelia sat on the floor, dizzy. She had fallen onto her butt and pressed her hand to her forehead, where a bump was forming.

“Who’s the wench? I don’t know her!”

“Urgh… I’ll deal with you in a minute Walter. Behave!”

Pero closed the door again and Amelia saw him getting on his knees, gently getting her head out of the way.

“Sorry, should have warned you about him. You okay?”

The look on his face was almost concerned.

“I’m fine, I think. Just a bit dizzy.”

Pero helped her to her feet and led her to the break room again, sitting her down on his bunk.

“Ice pack”, he said, handing her the blue plastic bag so she could cool her head.

“How many fingers am I holding up?”

“Three,” she answered, sighing contently as the blue cooling packed touched her bump.

Pero opened a small fridge in the corner, opened a bottle of water and made her drink in small sips.

Only then did she notice the smell and looked down on herself. Her white t-shirt was not white anymore.

“Oh… That bed pan was not empty,” she said, sighing. Working with elderly patients, she had expected to be met with all kinds of fluids – just not on her first day.

“You don’t have a shirt I can borrow, by any chance?”, she asked, standing up – and promptly reaching out to him to not fall onto the floor.

“Whoa, easy there. You sure you’re okay?”

She took a few deep breaths to steady herself, then nodded.

“Just a small dizzy spell. I’ll be fine.”

She tried to ignore the blush that was creeping up her neck, as she realized that they were very close indeed.

He guided her back to the bunk, opened a cupboard and handed her a dark blue shirt.

“There’s a sink over there. Do you need my help changing, or…?”

She shook her head, almost regretting it immediately.

“I’ll be fine. I’ll be out in a minute?”

He nodded, leaving her alone in the room to change.

It wasn’t even noon yet and she already had to change her shirt because it had pee on it, she was sporting a head bump and the grumpy nurse had more sides to him than a rubix cube.

This job was going to be interesting – and incredibly exhausting for her body and her heart.

But, as she changed and washed up, she wondered if it would be worth it if she got to see the honest smile on the Spaniards face once in a while.

**

AN: This is a repost from a previous Tumblr account.

[javier-djarin]

Son of the Medjai: Chapter 9

Osiris’s Curse: Book 1

The Mummy AU

Ship: Pero Tovar x Aria MacKenzie (OC)

Rating: M

Word Count:   4,273 Words

Warnings: Language, Violence

Masterlist

Summary: Pero and Aria are faced with some tough decisions that will derail their plans.

A/N: After a short hiatus, I am back!! Shout out to @rebelscumlena​ for being the best damn beta and taking the time out of your busy schedule to make this the best it can be! I honestly don’t want to think of what this story would be like if we hadn’t started working together. Please let me know if you want to be on my taglist and what you think of the fic! If there is a strikethrough in your name, Tumblr wouldn’t let me tag you. Any Translations will always be found at the bottom of every chapter. If you know the OP of the gif, please let me know, so I can give them their due credit.

Aria tried to focus on the tomes and journals she was pouring over, but Pero and Murphy’s absence was distracting her. Here, while Kazemde’s powers were limited, she was safe and protected. They were extremely vulnerable. Every so often, she’d ask Shakir if they’d returned; he’d go look, and tell her the same answer. The longer they were gone, the more anxious and unfocused she grew. 

Mostafa brought images of Rameses’ tablet to her, placing them next to an ancient tome she’d already scoured. She grabbed them immediately, holding a magnifying glass to the first image. “The tablet has been moved to the main level,” he said, flipping through one of the journals in front of them, “If you want a closer look.”

She set the glass down and looked at him. “Did you know who we were?” she asked, eyes wide.

He sighed and glanced at her over the top of the book. His dark eyes narrowed on her as he answered, “I had an inkling. You resembled the mural in Aten, but I never thought anything of it until I saw the two of you together.”

“When we were at Aten, we saw the mural…” She trailed off, remembering the tomb they’d found. She remembered the vision she’d had when Nefertari and Ausar stopped Kazemde from sacrificing that man. The pure hatred in his eyes as he gazed on his brother. It was the same look the creature had given them when he first saw them the night he woke. A shiver went down her spine the longer she thought about it, and suddenly she craved Pero’s arms around her.

“Ausar and Nefertari, after their deaths, were revered as close to gods as Egyptian royalty could get. Legend had it, though, that as Ausar took his last breaths, that he made a deal with the gods: for Kazemde to suffer a painful death and afterlife, they would return from the afterlife to vanquish him when the gods determined. According to the sacred texts passed down through the Medjai, they granted him this wish, making sure that his line lived on. His oldest grandson gave up his rights to the throne, destroying all records of his family’s rule to protect the bodies until their return. He founded the Sons of the Medjai, and we’ve waited ever since. He was gifted with the sight of how the two of you would return. Thus, that mural was created.”

Shakir joined them, leaning against the doorframe as he listened to a history he’d grown up believing in since he was a young boy. Aria glanced at him, hoping he had news on the book or Pero and Murphy. He shook his head and sat in the chair next to her. “If the Book of Set was found under Osiris, maybe the other book was placed in the statue of Set,” he suggested looking at one of the pictures of the table. 

Aria frowned and shook her head. “Based on the hieroglyphs here,” she suggested, “the statue houses the tools for the Hom-Dai ritual.”

She scanned the pictures again, carefully reading line after line and placing the images in order to find a clue. Frustrated, she slammed the glass down on the table again and rose. She glared at Mostafa. “Main level, in the lobby,” he said, as if he could read her mind.

Aria briskly walked down the flight of stairs to examine the tablet in person. Mostafa had it moved to an examination table where the room was brightest. She moved one of the lamps closer as she began scanning the object when the front doors burst open. Murphy and Pero stumbled in; Pero bleeding from a cut on his forehead and several bruises forming on his face, neck, and arms. She instantly stopped what she was doing and rushed to him, furious and relieved. “What on earth happened?” she gasped, inspecting his injuries.

Pero winced under her touch. “Beckett,” he coughed. His arm wrapped around his waist, to which she noticed. She glared at him before unbuttoning his shirt, revealing only more bruising, especially around his ribs. “I think he broke a rib or two.”

“I would say,” Murphy added, reminding her that he was there, “that’s what happens when you’re thrown out of a second story window, mate.”

Aria’s angry gaze widened at him. “I’m going to claw his bloody eyes out!” she exclaimed, gently running her fingers over the injuries, trying to test the area for indications of breaks. 

Pero stopped her, wincing again and kissing her knuckles. “I’m fine,” he said with a strained voice, “we have bigger problems. Kazemde has the book.”

“We’re no closer to finding the gold book,” she replied, panicking.

He moved closer to her, wrapping an arm around his waist to keep pressure on his ribs while resting a hand on her face. “If anyone can find it,” he sighed, “it’s you.” He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “Shakir’s going to help me wrap my ribs while you and Murph look for the book.” Pero saw the fear in her eyes. To her, he was indestructible. Seeing him this badly injured and vulnerable frightened her. “I’m fine, Aria.”

The look on her face said she didn’t believe him as she nodded her head. Murphy took her hand and led her back to the tablet to help her find the Book of Osiris. She watched as Shakir took Pero down the hall to tend to his ribs and the cut on his forehead. Aria waited until he was gone before turning to her brother and slugging him in the shoulder. “You said you’d bring him back in one piece!” she spat.

Murphy rubbed the area she struck. “He’s fine. The man’s tough as nails.”

A fire burned behind her eyes as she glared at him. “What happened?”

He sighed and leaned against the examination table, glancing in the direction Pero disappeared. He’d promised not to say anything about what provoked him, wanting to protect her from the harmful things Beckett said that caused Pero to fly off the handle. Murphy opted for half-truths. “We found Beckett in the Egyptologist’s room. He and Tovar had a long awaited discussion that ended with the two of them going out the window.”

Aria took a deep breath, thanking God that they both returned to her alive at least. She closed her eyes to calm herself for a moment before turning to the tablet. “I’m okay too,” Murphy said, smirking at her.

She glared at him. “Pero knows I’d kill him if anything happened to you,” she muttered.

***

Shakir grabbed a large first-aid kit from the top shelf of the small infirmary they managed to find. He found plenty of elastic, cotton bandages that would help him wrap and brace Pero’s ribs. Pero tossed his shirt onto the table and held his arms up for Shakir to wrap. “I don’t feel any abnormal bumps,” he said, examining the bruises, “perhaps they’re only bruises.”

Pero grimaced at him. “Regardless, it hurts like a bitch.”

Shakir began wrapping the bandages around his torso. He worked quickly and quietly, finally tying it off to secure everything. Pero slid his shirt over it, leaving the buttons open and relishing in the relief the pressure from the bandages brought the pounding pulse in his ribcage. He tried to take a deep breath, but he was forced to do several short ones. Shakir handed him a glass bourbon that Pero tossed back in one shot. “She was worried about you,” he admitted, “she had me checking the doors every five minutes.”

Pero huffed and nodded, leaning against the wall to relax for a moment. He didn’t want to think of what would have happened if she’d come with them. He wanted to keep her as far away from harm as he could, but in order to do that, they’d have to travel further down this path first. He cracked open his eyes and peered at Shakir, who was watching him intently. “When we go to Aten,” he said, feeling the bourbon start to help, “I need you to promise me something.”

Shakir leaned against the wall across from him, crossing his arms over his chest. “Of course. Anything.”

Pero took another staggering breath. “Protect her. No matter what happens to me, get her out of there before Kazemde can hurt her.”

“This I promise or may the gods claim my soul,” he replied, placing his fist over his heart.

“Beckett says he’s after her-” he hissed and moved to find a comfortable position.

Shakir nodded and rubbed his face with his hand. “If he’s after her,” he added, “then that means he intends to bring back Nefertari’s sister, Siti.”

Pero frowned and stood as straight as he could. “What does that mean?”

Sighing, Shakir’s gaze met Pero’s. “She’s going to be his sacrifice.”

Pero felt his blood turn to ice in his veins when the word sacrifice filled the space between them. He started shaking his head at the thought, but deep down he knew Beckett wasn’t lying. Aria had told him Kazemde had killed them in the past, and Kazemde promised him that he’d do the same now. Adrenaline started coursing through his body, numbing the pounding pain in his ribs, as he stormed out of the room back to Aria. He believed that as long as he was with her, nothing would happen; she was safe if she was in his sight.

Aria spun around at the sound of his footsteps and was instantly pulled into his arms for a deep, passionate kiss that left her breathless when they parted. She gave him a dazed look as she examined the bandages Shakir used. Her fingers danced over the flesh near the wrap, where a deep purple bruise peeked out. “When this is over…” she breathed, her gaze finding him again.

“We’re renting a hut on a beach as far from here as possible and spending the next month forgetting this fucking desert,” he growled.

Aria grinned as her cheeks burned a deep red. Murphy cleared his throat, drawing Pero’s eyes away from her. He was reminded of the discussion they had earlier, but she needed to believe they’d have their happy ending. She didn’t need to know that Pero was going to lay his life down for her to come out of this alive, that he had no intention of surviving the next trip to Aten. He wished he could go back to the few hours ago when they were wrapped in each other’s arms, the world far away from them. Pero’s gaze landed on the tablet behind her. “Have you found anything?” he asked.

She blinked a few times before turning back to her work. “I think so,” she said, hope returning to her eyes. “This line here mentions Isis. She’s not mentioned anywhere else except here.”

Murphy leaned in to read what she was referring to. “What would she have to do with the sons of Set and Osiris?”

She motioned for them to follow her to a shelf near the Seti I exhibit where old journals and records were kept. She scanned the third shelf before pulling a worn, leather bound book down. She blew dust off the cover before revealing the title: Egyptian Book of the Gods. “In here, there’s dozens of accounts from several Egyptologists that recorded murals telling stories of the gods. One of the more frequent stories seen is the story of Osiris and Isis. When Isis and Osiris married, Set became insanely jealous and killed his brother, scattering his body all over the world.”

“Kazemde was the son of Set,” Pero muttered in realization.

Aria smiled at him and nodded. “Isis loved Osiris so much that she did everything in her power to bring him back. Many believe that the rituals she created to do this were recorded in the gold book; including the one that Isis used to banish Set from the land.”

“Then where is the book?” Murphy asked.

“In my tomb.”

There was an eerie silence that filled the room. Pero shuddered at the idea of opening a sarcophagus where Nefertari was laid to rest. He remembered his vision of her dead body laying in a pool of her own blood. He wouldn’t let that happen; he couldn’t. “How can you be so sure that it’s in Nefertari’s tomb?” he asked.

“On the tablet, it mentioned the daughter of Isis,” she continued, “it would only make sense that the son of Osiris married the daughter of Isis.” She placed the tome back on the shelf, gazing at Pero. She saw the mild panic in his eyes. Aria knew what was running through his mind. “I’m going to Aten. So, don’t try to find reasons to leave me behind.”

“You’re safer when you’re with me, anyway,” he said with a nervous smirk. The discussion shifted as Shakir, Mostafa, Aria, and Murphy debated her theory when he heard soft chanting in the distance. Pero checked the guns in his holsters as he moved to glance out of the ground floor window nearby. A crowd was gathering outside of the museum as they chanted, “Deliver us, Kazemde,” in Arabic. The sun was completely swallowed in darkness as the crowd grew, many holding torches and weapons as they waited for some command. They were covered in sores from head to toe, blindly marching closer to the museum. Pero growled at the sight, as his entire arsenal was in the car parked just outside. “We have bigger problems right now,” he called back to them, moving away from the window as he drew the curtain.

Their discussion stopped when they heard the chanting. “He’s bewitched them,” Murphy muttered.

Pero peeked out of the curtain instantly filled with a burning rage when he saw Beckett walking next to the robbed, completely regenerated Kazemde. “Hijo de puta,” he grumbled, “why can’t he fucking die?”

The crowd moved around the building to the entrance. Shakir’s hand rested on the pommel of the sword on his hip. He and Pero shared a glance, the Spaniard giving the Medjai a silent command. With a swift nod, Shakir moved out of the room to determine possible exits and weaknesses. Mostafa followed after him, only to step into his office and grab his own weapons. Aria moved closer to Pero as Murphy watched down the hall for word from Shakir. “Your bag is in the car, isn’t it?” he asked, his heart pounding in his ears.

Pero nodded and pulled his revolvers from their holsters and tossed Murphy the keys. “When Shakir gives you the clear, pull the car around back,” he ordered.

“I’m unarmed,” he seethed.

The chanting was soon loud and overwhelming, and the mob began beating on the windows with their hands. Pero took a deep breath, moving Aria away from it. Shakir and Mostafa rejoined them. “If we go through the archives, there’s a hidden underground tunnel to lead us out of the city,” Mostafa stated.

Pero held Aria’s hand, pulling her along as they followed Mostafa out of the room towards the archives. The sounds of glass shattering filled the lobby behind them. Mostafa remained calm as he thumbed through the keys to find the right one. “Tovar!” Beckett’s voice echoed down the corridor. “Sneaking out the back, are you?” They heard him chuckle as someone was being dragged in. There was a struggle and a familiar voice telling Beckett to “fuck off.”

Aria watched Pero bristle. He recognized the voice, and she realized she’d heard the smooth baritone somewhere before too. “If you leave without saying goodbye, William will pay for it,” Beckett called after him again. 

He moved past Aria, glancing down the hall to catch a glimpse at the lobby. Beckett stood behind a kneeling William, with a content looking Kazemde who was dressed in flowing black robes, holding the black book. The crowd filled in the rest of the empty space behind them. Pero swore, checking his revolvers again for reassurance. “Shakir,” he muttered, “remember your promise.”

Aria looked between them, horrified. “Whatever it is,” she snapped, “no. You’re not doing this.”

“Ah-ah!” Beckett said with another sadistic chuckle, “we don’t want any surprises. Everyone out here. Now.”

“Aria stays,” Pero barked, his blood boiling with fury.

Glass shattered behind them in the storage room at the end of the hall. The mob had surrounded them. Murphy and Pero placed Aria between them with Shakir and Mostafa standing between the trio and the group in the storage room. “You’re in no position to negotiate, Tovar!” Beckett replied, his cool voice sending shivers down Aria’s spine.

Murphy held on to his own revolver, trying to steady his racing heart. “What do we do, Pero?” he asked in a loud whisper. 

The building shook.

“Kazemde is prepared to bring this place down around us all if you don’t bring him the girl.”

Aria dropped Pero’s hand and looked at the men protecting her. She saw the look in Pero’s eyes; he was willing to die protecting her from the monsters waiting for them in the lobby, and so was Murphy. Dead, they couldn’t help her defeat Kazemde, but if she was able to buy them some time, they could get to Aten and find the book. Murphy could read hieroglyphs and hieratic - although his skill was rough and he tended to rely on her for validation. Will could fly them out there faster, and with Shakir and Mostafa helping them navigate the ruins, they’d have plenty of time and assistance to get what they needed to stop the creature. Pero’s eyebrows knit together as he watched her glance between everyone. Almost as if he read her mind, he started shaking his head. “No. Whatever you’re thinking, no,” he said.

“Tik-tok, Tovar!” 

“Pero,” she softly replied, “it’s the only logical choice. I can buy us time. Slow him down. I need you to trust me.”

Murphy finally caught on and whirled around on her. “Woah, Aria, absolutely not!”

The building trembled again, cracks slowly forming in the foundation. Aria stepped around him, slowly moving out into the museum lobby. The rest of them followed with Pero close beside her. They stood with the tablet between them. Will had a bruise forming on his cheek and a knot on his forehead. His hands were positioned behind his head as he glared at Beckett from the corner of his eye. Kazemde sneered at them, his lip curling back over his teeth. He spoke in a low, gravelly voice that dripped with disdain the longer he looked at them. “It’s good to see you again, brother,” Beckett translated, “it looks like your deal with the gods was futile.”

Pero gritted his teeth together as he tightened his grip on his weapons. “Beckett, when we get out of here, I’m going to enjoy killing you,” he spat.

Beckett and Kazemde’s grins widened. Kazemde stretched out his hand and beckoned for Aria to join him, commanding her to do so in his low voice. “Come with me, Princess. It’s time we raise your sister and lay your soul to rest, forever.”

Aria glared at him. “For all eternity, idiot,” she corrected, “and I’m not going without a few promises.”

Beckett shifted all of his weight to his left foot, as he appeared as unamused by her negotiating as possible. “He will spare your friends.” He forced William to stand. The man swiftly turned and decked Beckett in his cheek, dropping him to the ground. Kazemde made no move to stop Will as he rushed to the opposite side of the room, standing next to Pero. Beckett rubbed his face and stood up, glaring at his former employer. “You’ll pay for that, Garin.”

Pero shifted, drawing Beckett’s attention to him. “She’s not leaving with you,” he said in a low growl. 

Beckett smirked. “Was she really that good you’re willing to die for her?” He asked with a condescending laugh. 

Aria’s face burned, not of embarrassment but with a rage that rivaled Pero’s. She moved in front of him with a glare.  Pero tried to stop her, but she dodged his grasp and moved several steps closer, intently. She was going to buy them more time whether they wanted it or not. “It seems I chose the real man,” she said with enough bite in her voice that it warranted a surprised look from Beckett. 

Kazemde rolled his eyes in annoyance and stepped forward, closer to her. His gaze met Pero’s as he gripped her hand, pulling her into him. A triumphant smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. Kazemde wrapped a possessive arm around her as they backed away. Pero trusted Aria, more than he’d ever trusted anyone. If anyone could slow down Kazemde long enough to give them a fighting chance, it was her, but he wasn’t willing to bet her life - wasn’t willing to let her go. The vision of her dead on Kazemde’s altar flashed through his memory and he tensed, stepping forward, his gun aimed at the monster in front of him. “I don’t think so,” he snapped, reaching to grab her.

Kazemde was fast - faster than Pero could have anticipated. His free hand shot forward and closed around Pero’s throat. He began to squeeze, not hard, but enough to stop him advancing and make a point. His eyes darted to Aria’s. She brought her hand up to Kazemde’s arm and convinced him to let Pero go. “I’m going with you like you want. Please,” she begged.

Irritated, he roughly shoved Pero back a few steps. “Aria,” Pero pleaded.

“Don’t,” she whispered, failing to hide the fear in her voice, “he still has to take me to Aten to perform the ritual.”

Pero shook his head. “I can’t lose you.”

“Then you better find that book, because if he turns me into a mummy, you’re the first one I’m coming after,” she added, fear causing her voice to shake more.

“I-I-” 

“Tell me when you save me,” she interrupted as Kazemde turned her away from him. 

His temper got the better of him, and Pero fired a shot into Kazemde’s shoulder. The creature turned with a fierce growl as the bullet wound healed instantly. He glared at Beckett, who rapidly approached Pero and aimed a swing to his ribs. Pero doubled over, falling to the ground in pain. Beckett kicked him once, knocking the wind out of him, before turning to Murphy. He reached inside his jacket pocket, ripping the key from him. He smirked at him and joined Kazemde and Aria. “Kill them all,” he ordered to the mindless mob that surrounded them.

“No!” Aria screamed as she tried to escape Kazemde’s grasp. The crowd barreled past them as she struggled, still crying and screaming at her captors to spare them. 

Pero coughed and clasped his ribs. Shakir and William knelt down to pull him to his feet. The crowd closed in around them. Mostafa swung his sword in an arc, cutting down several of Kazemde’s followers in the process, only for them to be replaced by more. Aria glanced back as she was dragged out of the door to see them disappear in the crowd. Someone fired a shot and then another. She couldn’t see Murphy or Pero anymore. Tears raced down her cheeks. They’d lost. Kazemde had everything he needed, and they’d officially lost everything. She kicked and slapped and screamed at Kazemde to let her go. He acted like he didn’t notice her strikes. Instead, he held her closer, tighter, as they passed through his mob. 

Once they’d reached a safe distance from the museum, he shoved her into Beckett’s arms. She glared at him, punching him square in his perfect jaw. “You bastard!” she exclaimed. “You promised they’d be spared!”

Beckett sadistically grinned at her, as he held her close to him, his hands running down her back slowly. “Kazemde promised. I never made such commitments.”

She grew still as his hands moved closer to areas she wanted him nowhere near. “If you want to keep your hand,” she spat, “I suggest you let me go.”

He chuckled. “We’ll see about that.”

Two more shots fired in the now distant museum. Aria’s attention snapped in that direction. Pero was too tough to die. She could feel, deep in her soul, that he was fighting tooth and nail to get to her. She could have sworn she heard him call for her, swearing at the mob attacking them. She pictured him protecting Murphy, pulling him through the mess as they planned a way to save her. Aria would do everything possible to slow down Kazemde. She glared at Beckett, whose hand crept to the lowest part of her back. “When he catches us, I hope he rips your throat out for touching me,” she said in a low growl.

Beckett’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “You think Kazemde will let them walk out of there alive? He’d bring down the whole building before any of them could see sunlight again.” 

Ice cold fear flowed through her veins, but she refused to let him see. “Men like you always get what’s coming to them.”

He scoffed, pulling her along. “Like I haven’t heard that before.”

She turned to face the museum once more. The crowd had stormed it. There were no more sounds of gunshots, shouts of defiance. Her panic returned, forcing her to assume the worst. But she forced herself to hope; hope they made it out; hope they were on their way to Aten. 

Taglist

Permanent Taglist

@larakazzer @magneticbucky​ ​ @wickedfrsgrl​​ @wander-lustbabe​ @phoenixpascal​ ​ @frietiemeloen​​ @fioccodineveautunnale​ @mrscrain-x7​ @alldatalost @carringtonhill @enamoured-x​ @readsalot73​​@rosiefridayrogersunday​ @justpedropascal​ @phoenixhalliwell​ @weasleytwins-41​ @crystalized-drumming​ ​​ @terrorcakes​ @itsnottilly​ @athalien​ @kirsteng42​ @spideysimpossiblegirl​ @440mxs-wife​ @iamskyereads​ @thirddeadlysin​ @natashaispunk​ @sanasnacks​ @harriedandharassed​

Pero Tovar Taglist

@hb8301​ @hnt-escape​ @stevie754​ @girlofchaos​ @luxmundee​ @rainbeaubrightchild​ @mostclevermiss​

[artemiseamoon]

Completed fics (so far)

Summer 2022 onward

Follow @artemiseamoon-updates and subscribe on A03* Registered users

There are older finished fics too, pre summed 2022, Just look at my masterlist.

If this is our destiny | Mayans | Angel, f reader, Manny

The longest ride | SOA | bad boyfriend Jax Teller x ofc ft Jon Bernthal as an omc

The world we no longer know (via Sideblog) | TWD | Shane Walsh, Ofc, Rick Grimes +

Nostalgia antiques (bonus chapter added) | Prospect 2018 | Ezra x f reader

Chasing the moon | Mandalorian | Mando, grogu

Back to Start | TF | Family man Frankie x family x ofc

A little bit of hope | TF | ex Santi, omc (fc Ben Barnes) , f reader

Nocturna Sanguine | Original w/ Ivar (Vikings) Roman (Hemlock Grove) and Kat Graham as my oc

After this is over | Narcos Mx | Smash & Grab crew, Walt, Calderoni, Slate (oc)

A lighthouse in the dark | triple frontier | Amara x Will, the guys

Milk & Honey | vikings | werebear Bjorn x ofc

Flirting with Danger | narcos mx | Ramón x rc

The barmaid & the Spaniard | Pero Tovar x rx

Outshine the sun | TF| Frankie Morales x ofc ft Benny

Neptunium | Vampire John Wick x f reader

Under a Golden sun | Benny Miller x f reader | omc x f reader

Wisteria & Moonlight | Werwolf! Will Miller x Ofc (ft Benny & more)

Elysian | Soulmate AU , Ezra x ofc

Stay in the light | Pitch black au | Johns x ofc

A place to call home | Isabella Bautista x ofc (narcos mx)

When the lights go out | Lights out | Omar Assarian x f reader

Sin | Narcos Mx | Bi! Pacho x f reader, Miguel x f reader

The Edge of Dawn | Donald Pierce x Brandi Cross (Ofc) | Modern western / post apocalypse au

Queen of poisons | Werewolf Ezra x the huntress Nyx

Death Kiss | Vampire Hunter Mayans, ofcs, | JC vampires au

Deep in the woods, the goat-man lives | Creature! ubbe x ofc | Vikings

Decided by fate | Tyler Rake x ofc

Labyrinth | Klonnie (a03)

Artes year of whump (plus fluff and comfort) challenge

What the heart wants | Secret sabra fic | Pero Tovar

Autumn in New York | Nick Vaughan x ofc

[absurdthirst]

Valentine's Ventures

Valentine's Day stories with various characters. Ratings and Warnings included in individual stories

Pero Tovar:

The Valentine's Dom {Modern!Pero Tovar x F!Reader}

Marcus Pike:

A Valentine For One {Marcus Pike x F!Reader}

Dave York:

Late For Valentine's {Dave York x F!Reader}

Joel Miller:

The Last Valentine's {Joel Miller x F!Reader}

Frankie Morales:

The Cupid Shuffle {Catfish x F!Reader x Pope x F!OC}

Max Phillips:

Can't Fight Cupid {Human!Max Phillips x F!Reader}

[nerdieforpedro]

Weekend Update 05/12/2024

I’m back! Two weeks in a row!

Very good Nerdie. We appreciate this. We’ve been keeping tabs and you’ve been busy this week.

I did dabble in a few things this week.

A new discord server started by myself and my friend fhatbhabie for Latinx/Black/POC Pedro stans. It’s one of those things where I shouldn't have been as surprised by the overwhelming support for it as I was. It’s actually been pretty awesome and I’ve had very thoughtful DMs. The name of the server is Unhinged Clubhouse.

I wrote my first mostly smut fic in a while with Dave York. Trule wasn’t expecting him of all Pedro characters but, the smut fairy does what she wants, when she wants and I just gotta roll with it. It was another entry for Jett’s Flora & Fauna Challenge. 

Going through my inbox - mostly caught up but still a few outstanding replied to be made. Sorry about that.

Lastly, working on WIPs and deciding in addition to working more on Weddings 101 with Dieter, which other series I’ve been working on did I want to pop out there? Frankie and Ezra’s series are finished and I think I might wrap up the on Din series in the next part or two. The other Din series I have to workshop a bit. I have ideas of who I want to pop up next from Star Wars, I just need to work it in. 

Also Weddings Dieter: Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow and cheese? How do we feel about this? I also could use some help in deciding between the following for my next series: Marcus Pike vs. hot dogs + therapy, me finally writing nice things for Javi P, Dieter + brick house + you and a baby, and Pero Tovar + Dragon for revenge? 

Lastly, does anyone have some prompts for nipples? It sounds weird, but consider, this is me. Also with @mysterious-moonstruck-musings influence, I have a weird bullet point list and made a horrible drawing. I just need to write something so it will leave my mind. I hope. 

Side note: Nerdie now has reblogs queued up to July 21st. The queue shall know no rest! 😎

Nerdie, like are you sure there’s no recreational use of anything? Like really sure?

Nah, these ideas are all from a sober mind. And I shudder to think what I would be like if I did, so I don’t partake. Mainly because I’m a scaredy cat and also my alcohol tolerance is low. Plus I like mixed drinks. 🤭

Now it’s time for everyone’s favorite part:

Fic recommendations! I read a lot this week!

1. Worth A Thousand Words by @intoanotherworld23 (Joel Miller x f reader)

2. Chapter 1 - Howdy Neighbor! by @inept-the-magnificent (Frankie Morales x Plus sized OFC)

3. A Rugged Kindness by @pedropascalsx (Pero Tovar x F reader)

4. Just the Lilac by @djarinmuse (Dieter Bravo x F reader/OC)

5. Torment Part 2 - Terror by @djarinmuse (Din Djarin x Fem OFC)

6. Torment Part 3 - Horror by @djarinmuse (Din Djarin x Fem OFC)

7. Torment Part 4 - Wounded by @djarinmuse (Din Djarin x Fem OFC)

8. Torment Part 5 - Victims by @djarinmuse (Din Djarin x Fem OFC)

9. Torment Part 6 - Trauma by @djarinmuse (Din Djarin x Fem OFC)

10. Torment Part 7 - Healing by @djarinmuse (Din Djarin x Fem OFC)

11. Fall Into You by @megamindsecretlair (Kevin Atwater x black fem/plus size reader)

12. For lifetimes of missing each other - chapter 1: Meat Cute by @tinytinymenace (Demon Pero Tovar x OFC)

13. For lifetimes of missing each other - chapter 2: One Bed by @tinytinymenace (Demon Pero Tovar x OFC)

14. For lifetimes of missing each other - chapter 3: Happily Ever After by @tinytinymenace (Demon Pero Tovar x OFC)

15. So Much Goddamn Talkin’ by @stargirlfics (Joel Miller x Black fem reader)

16. To the Flame chapter fourteen by @pedroshotwifey (Dark Javier Peña x fem reader) DDDE

17. Scattered Promises chapter 1 by @soft-persephone (Din Djarin x AFAB OFC)

18. Waffles and Cigarettes by @ramblers-lets-get-ramblin (Javier Peña x fem reader)

This week I hope to have a new series up, maybe chapter six of Weddings 101 and my entry for the Dieter Bravo Brainrot Serve club challenge (it’s slightly over the word count - I’m going to see if it will still make sense on another edit). I dunno if all of those will happen, but at least one of them should. 

Stay safe and hydrated everyone!

Love Nerdie! 🥰 💜💜💜

[ladyxskywalker]

July 2022 (part two)

fandoms featured on this list; moon knight, pedro pascal characters, the batman, the amazing spider man, bridgerton, oscar isaac, charlie hunnam, the originals / tvd, & misc./multi fandom 💫

thank you to the amazing fic writers for sharing some wonderful stories with all of us ! & to the kind readers for their support. 💙

please assume that all works & the blogs they belong to are 18+ only

mature adult content will be marked with a double asterisk **

be sure to check all warnings & tags before reading, feel free to skip if something isn't for you

& of course, enjoy responsibly

all the love xo A ☕

✨️ apologies for this month’s list being a little shorter than usual ! I had some things going on, so some of these are comfort reads, & repeats that I’ve read again, new things I’ve read, or various series that I’ve started. hope you enjoy ! & happy reading ! 🤗

please send me things to read ! favorite fics or something you've written that you're proud of ! 💌

find more monthly fic recs over on my masterlist, Aug 2022 coming soon ! ✨

please let me know if you would like to be removed

✨ new authors & characters added for the first time !

✨ some authors are mentioned more than once throughout the list, check to see if your works are there !

MOON KNIGHT

✨ Jake Lockley

Six Stops by @lcvenderblues (gn!reader)

Love in Bloom, & Sunday Kind of Love by @egcdeath

✨ Marc Spector

Happy Birthday by @writingforcurrentobsessions

✨ Steven Grant

Spirals And Skin by @clints-lucky-arrow (artist!steven) (tattooed!f!reader) **

Tilt, Shift, & Balance by @the-little-ewok (steven x f!reader, marc x f!reader) **

Who Wouldn’t Want That? & Darling, I Fancy You by @yespolkadotkitty (f!reader)

PEDRO PASCAL

✨ Ezra (Prospect)

Clarity by @ezrasbirdie (dentist!ezra universe) (f!reader) **

Daze by @iamskyereads (slice of life) (domestic ezra universe) (prof!f!reader) (cw: children) **

In the Dark (series) by @frannyzooey (cw: age gap) (f!reader) **

Where the Foxglove Grows by @mandoblowmybackout (plus size, neurodivergent, f!reader)

✨ Jack (Agent Whiskey) Daniels

Tangled Up (series) by @writeforfandoms (dragon rancher au) (f!reader)

✨ Marcus Pike

Desperado by @writeforfandoms (f!reader)

Starting Over (series) by @wardenparker , & @absurdthirst (f!reader) (cw: pregnancy, divorce)

✨ Oberyn Martell

Yes, I do? by @toomanystoriessolittletime (modern au) (escort!oberyn) (f!reader)

✨ Pero Tovar

Full Moon Confessions by @artemiseamoon (f!reader)

Risk by @forever-rogue (f!reader) (cw: pregnancy mention) **

✨ The Thief (Casillero del Diablo)

The Painting by @forever-rogue (f!reader)

✨ Misc. Pedro Pascal Characters

Euclidean Geometry by @leslie-lyman (modern au) (poly!relationship) (f!reader) **

How Did You Love (series) by @writeforfandoms (f!reader)

MISC./MULTI FANDOM

✨ Alfred Pennyworth (The Batman)

Penny For Your Thoughts (series) by @eupheme (cw: age gap, daddy kink) (f!reader) **

✨ The Amazing Spider Man (Andrew Garfield)

Approach Shift (series) by @psithurista (f!reader) **

Beautiful Distraction by @flightlessangelwings (gn!reader) **

✨ Bridgerton (Benedict Bridgerton)

Truth Unseen by @make-me-imagine (gn!reader)

✨ Bud Cooper (Oscar Isaac, Suburbicon 2017)

A Softer Side by @leiakenobi (f!reader) **

✨ Clash of the Titans (Draco, Mads Mikkelsen)

Of Gods and Men (series) by @KrystalFlare on fanfiction.net (draco x goddess oc) **

✨ Cobra Kai (Johnny Lawrence)

Challenger by @SecretSecret on ao3 (f!reader) **

✨ Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac, Dune)

The Sun on Your Skin by @writefightandflightclub (gn!reader) (touch starved reader)

✨ Joel Miller (The Last of Us)

Safe With You by @flightlessangelwings (f!reader)

Under the Cherry Blossom Trees by @flightlessangelwings (fluff, angst) (gn!reader)

✨ John Watson (Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows)

The Doctor Is In by @cinewhore (black!f!reader) **

✨ The Originals / The Vampire Diaries

An Act That Brought You Joy (series) by @Merontheshore on ao3 (elena gilbert x klaus mikaelson, elena x elijah mikaelson, elena x kol mikaelson) **

The Artist (series) (a choose your own outcome story) by @brittishmenorbust on ao3 (f!reader)

Bienvenue (series) by @Merontheshore on ao3 (klaus mikaelson x ofc) (kol mikaelson x ofc) (elijah mikaelson & ofc) **

Endlessly Enough (series) by @brittishmenorbust on ao3 (damon salvatore x f!reader)

Labyrinth: A Bonnie Bennett x Klaus centric universe (series) by @artemiseamoon (bonnie bennett x klaus mikaleson) **

✨ Raymond Smith (Charlie Hunnam, The Gentlemen)

Right Hand Woman by @autumnleaves1991-blog (f!reader) **

✨ Rick Flag (DC, Joel Kinnaman)

Motivation by @loverhymeswith (f!reader)

✨ Roswell New Mexico (2019) (Alex Manes x Micheal Guerin)

here everyone knows (you’re the way to my heart) by @catchingpapermoons on ao3 (malex) **

** be sure to check out part one for star wars, the mandalorian, kenobi, rogue one, & triple frontier fic recs 📖