#to love another

[matsookawa]

Title: To Love Another

Word Count: 2,157

Summary: Dracule Mihawk finds himself infatuated with a diligent woman from a nearby island. He does what it takes to obtain his ultimate goal of a home with good food, good wine, and love.

Note: This was a request.

What began as an impromptu trip for supplies on a nearby island turned into Mihawk finding himself in a woman’s wine shop, one she takes great pride in having the best selections on the entire island. She introduced herself as [Y/N] and he truly didn’t pay her much mind until he was reading the label of a bottle and she criticized his choice. “If you’re just visiting the island, you’re going to leave with the good stuff. Not something you can get literally anywhere. So, are you wanting a rarer zinfandel or would you be open to shiraz?”

After the hour discussion about how red wines are better than whites, [Y/N] was pleased with how much knowledge the man shared with her on selections. She told him if he ever comes back, she will show him the vineyard she’s maintained for years in the field behind her home.

It did not take Mihawk any time before he was back on that island three days later. He quickly learned [Y/N] was a woman of routine. She never strayed from her tasks; they had to be done thoroughly and at certain times. Mihawk believes her diligence to routine and straight-thinking to be the reason he found himself visiting her twice a week over the next several months.

Which brings us to now.

The man’s hands barely shake as he carefully rewires the trellis of the grapevine before him. A hundred or so more trees holding different kinds of grapes surround him, each one having been checked the same way he’s doing now. Anyone else would consider the work to be tedious, but it was everything to Mihawk. Despite the sunset making it a bit difficult to see, the edges of his cloak soaked in water from the irrigation, and sweat rolling down his chest and back, he finds this a wonderful way to spend his time. Especially with the woman working on the tree beside him, a couple of feet away. He looks at her now, focusing on the way her brows knit together as she pulls the wire taught with a sudden burst of strength before twisting it with a pair of pliers.

He keeps his hands raised to the vine to look busy, but can’t keep his eyes off of her. This is it for him. She is it for him. Finally, he’s found a woman who’s independent, self-assured without being arrogant, and enjoys all the same things he does. He’ll be damned if he doesn’t marry her someday.

“So we’ve deleafed, fertilized, and we just finished re-propping.” She turns to him and smiles while wiping her hands of soil. “What do you say when we finish, we go get a bottle of my finest and get shit-faced in my living room?”

Mihawk, having grown more comfortable expressing himself when the two are alone, gives her a smile of her own. “Do you mind sparing a meal alongside that wine? I do enjoy traveling all the way here only to watch you get a head injury from toppling over, but I would appreciate some sustenance this time.”

She rolls her eyes with a laugh. “Dracule Mihawk, world’s greatest swordsman by day, world’s most hilarious comedian by night. Such a multi-faceted individual, you are.”

The praise makes his heart swell in his chest and they walk together toward her home. They approach the first step and Mihawk places his hand on her lower back, silently urging her forward. [Y/N] smiles at him and his hand lingers until she’s far enough away from him. His palms were as if fire had seared the skin, the heat of her lingering long after she’d gone. He relishes in the feeling while he follows her inside.

As per their routine, she stops a few feet ahead of him in the foyer and turns around. He bends just enough for her to gently grab the brims of his hat and lift it off. He pivots just as her hands begin pulling at the shoulders of his cloak. She hangs both on a coat rack by the door and they say nothing as they walk to the kitchen. It warms his cheeks to consider she doesn’t do this with anyone else. Oh, how lucky Mihawk is to be the subject of it. 

The house is quaint, just big enough for [Y/N] and her plethora of knick-knacks. It’s always warm, cozy, and Mihawk loves how everything in it smells of her. “I really do need to repay you sometime, by the way.” He stops peering around and meets her in the kitchen. “For what reason?”

[Y/N] turns on the stove and grabs a pan hanging over her island counter. She begins throwing things together. “Ever since you started lending a hand with the vineyard and the vegetable garden, the harvest has become way more bountiful. Not to mention, the grapes are growing better and my personal brand of wine is selling ten times more than usual. I was able to finally replace the linoleum flooring with hardwood.”

Admittedly, he hardly listens to any word she says. All he could think about were the list of ways he’d like her to repay him. He cannot find the courage, however, to speak them aloud. Would it scare her off to know how much he longed for her? This whole time, has she only considered him a good friend? What if she doesn’t even take him for that? What if she thinks of him as simply a man who tends to her gardens every week? If that were true, though, why would she have ever let him disrupt her daily routine? Why would someone who has turned down multiple plans with close friends because she always waters the plants at 3pm suddenly clear her entire Tuesday and Thursday afternoons to accommodate Mihawk coming over? He likes to believe she feels a small piece of what he does for her.

“I never took you for a daydreamer, yet you do have a knack for surprising me.”

He’s lifted from his thoughts and takes the potato she has stretched out, joining at her side. “There has been much to think about as of late. Forgive me if I seem a bit out of it.” [Y/N] rests a hand on his upper back, lightly rubbing a comforting circle. She nods her head then begins to peel a carrot. “We can talk while we eat, if you’d like.” He nods back and the next fifteen minutes are spent in a comfortable silence.

Both are now seated at the small dining table, occasionally asking the other about their day and swapping stories. Mihawk feels light for the first time in a while. The domesticity of everything fills him with peace, something he hasn’t truly felt in ages. He’s in an actual home, the smell of good food filling his senses, and the most beautiful woman sitting across from him, smiling at him as she raves about her shop sales last week. He wonders, why can’t it be like this all the time?

This must be what prompts him to blurt, “Why did you allow me to start visiting your home?”

[Y/N] stops her story and raises her brows. “A comedian, a daydreamer, and an interrupter all in one day. Incred-” “Why would someone who is so rigid in her routine, one that she has kept for what she says is nearly two decades, suddenly allow a complete stranger to upheave her entire daily schedule?”

His brows are furrowed, but only out of curiosity. [Y/N] stares at him like a child who’s been caught. She pushes some steamed carrots around in her plate and looks down at them. “I don’t know,” she mumbles. “Maybe I just like this routine better?” His heart thrusts against his ribcage. He needs to be strategic about this, otherwise she’ll never say what he wants to hear. “You hate new routines.” he states. [Y/N]’s fork stops on her plate. She thinks for a moment before looking up at him. “You’re right. I do. However, I find myself enjoying the days when you’re here more than the ones when you’re not.”

Dracule Mihawk could explode with joy. Alas, the world will never get to see him so out of character. Instead a corner of his lips lifts into somewhat of a smirk. “I see.”

“It gets lonely, Dracule.” His smirk falls. “I love my routines, but it’s just been me for as long as I can remember. My friends stopped inviting me to places altogether because I can’t bring myself to break away from my tasks. Then all of a sudden, the most gorgeous stranger who knows just as much as me about wine and gardening and all of these things I love comes along and he actually likes talking to me and respects that there are certain things I have to do and I just…” Mihawk is still, barely breathing as if doing so might blow away the words he hopes she’ll say. “I guess I just didn’t want to lose what I had going with you.”

She sighs through her nose and puts her fork down on her still half-full plate. She clearly feels defeated. “I’m sorry if I’ve made you uncomfortable, Dracule. I didn’t want to say anything before out of fear of you not returning to visit, but I really do like spending time with you and getting to know you. While I understand if you don’t, I really hope you feel the same way about me.” The last part is said in nearly a whisper.

He’s silent for a while and he can tell how uncomfortable [Y/N] becomes by the way her hands begin to fidget with whatever is near.

“I do, you know.”

She raises her brows. “You do? Are you sure?”

He can’t help but chuckle. “What kind of person would sail out two times a week just to do manual labor in someone’s backyard if they weren’t the least bit interested in them?” A grin takes over [Y/N]’s face and a smile plants itself on the swordsman’s as well. “Maybe you’re just an extremely thoughtful person, Dracule.”

He releases a disbelieving scoff. “You’ll learn in time, [Y/N], I’m not that kind of man.”

She laughs and begins finishing her meal, the air much lighter in her home. He takes the opportunity to peer out the kitchen window. “It’s getting dark.”

She finishes her last potato and nods. “That it is.”

They both look at each other, neither one wanting to say goodbye. Not with the newfound information they’ve revealed to each other minutes prior. Dracule decides it must be he who bites the bullet and backs his chair up.

“I suppose I must get go-”

“Oh, wouldn’t you know it! It’s laundry night!”

He can’t fathom why that would pertain to him at all, so he waits for her to finish.

“Thursdays have always been laundry nights and what kind of hostess would I be if I let you walk out of here with a saturated cloak? Your favorite one, no less.”

He chuckles. “That would indeed make you a terrible hostess and I refuse to be associated with anyone of that ilk.”

Not a second passes before [Y/N] is up and collecting their plates, rushing them to the sink before returning to him. She takes his hand, pulls him up, and leads him to the living room. He can’t help but notice her not letting go of him the entire time. “Wonderful. Of course I can’t wash everything until the sun’s out tomorrow, so I guess you’re just going to have to leave in the mid-morning?” Dracule agrees readily and she pulls him onto the couch, sitting much closer to him than usual.

“What if we still get shit-faced from the wine, but this time we also discuss where you’re taking me on a date come Tuesday?”

Mihawk is elated at everything that’s occurred on this day. He rubs his thumb across the back of her palms and she leans into him a bit more. After months spent yearning for this woman— this wonderful, witty, kind, radiant, captivating woman— her heart is finally within his grasp and she has finally discovered how long she’s held his. Nothing has ever been and will never be better than today.

“[Y/N], darling, I have known exactly where I’m going to take you since the first time we parted.”

She visibly lights up and throws her arms around his neck. Their bodies are pressed together and he prays her perfume makes a home on his shirt, just long enough to bridge the distance between now and next time. They hold each other in the silence of the home, neither willing to let go now that they know how the other feels.

Because the greatest feeling isn’t just loving, but knowing that person loves you back.

Note: I am truly a wine-enjoyer, however I cannot stand Zinfandels specifically. Unfortunately, I have the headcanon that it's Mihawk's preferred drink of choice.

[vivasity]

To Love Another - Kassidas

Chapter 1 | 2 | Ao3

Source: Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Pairing: Kassandra/Brasidas

Chapter Warnings/Tags: everyone lives/nobody dies, I'm using this to cope can you tell?, they make out in the sand, the smut stays in ch 2, it get's kinda emotional, there's a bit of hurt/comfort in there if you squint

Word Count: 1.9k

Chapter 1 - Reunions

The last thing Kassandra expected when leaving Kephalonia for the first time in years, was to get tangled in the fate of the Greek world itself. All she had wanted was to bring her family back together, saving the entire Greek empire in the process was an added side-benefit. 

With the Cult of Kosmos wiped out of existence, she had time to focus on her family. Over the months, Alexios had been less and less troubled by what the Cult did to him, unlearning the violent reactions that were ingrained into him. Kassandra had gently encouraged him to become a misthios alongside her, to put his skills to use more than anything else, and he took to it like Ikaros to the wind.

Pheobe had been immediately fawned over by her mother and father, prompting them to take the young girl in. Pheobe was, of course, delighted to have Kassandra as her sister, and while still a little scared of Alexios, she brought out a gentleness in him that Kassandra hadn't seen in a long time, if ever. 

Continuing her life as the most dangerous misthios in all of Greece, she maintained her title as captain of the Adrestia, occasionally leaving the ship to her brother as an escape when he needed it. The guilt he felt when he was surrounded by his family, so kind and forgiving, weighed on him in a way that Kassandra knew without him needing to say a word.

She was surprised when she found herself back in Sparta, spending months bouncing between different islands and on the open ocean. An unknown contact reaching out to her once she made port, a Spartan scout hurriedly pressing the letter into her surprised hands before running off just as quickly. It lead her to a familiar battleground in the dead of night, Phobos tied off nearby as she stepped through the trodden sand to meet whoever needed to see her so soon. This was one of the last battles she had against Alexios when he was still under the control of the Cult, and where she had killed Kleon for everything he had done. The salty breeze shifted through the light armour she wore, the shiver brought on by the cold or the memory she wasn't sure. 

Walking closer to the shoreline, she found comfort in being alone even if only for a moment and sat in the sand that had long since lost the sun's warmth. Removing the spear from her back, she gently set the tip into the soft sand, resting her hands on the hilt as she watched the small waves come and go. So lost in the moment she barely heard the footsteps behind her until a familiar voice spoke.

"My eyes must be deceiving me, there is no way that Kassandra of Sparta is having a moment of peace." On her feet in an instant, she whipped around and offered a wide smile and gentle laughter to Brasidas. He held out an arm to her in greeting and was surprised when she launched herself at him, strong arms wrapped around him in a hug.

"We take those moments when we can, Brasidas." She answered coyly, letting go to hold him at arm's length. "It's been months! How have you been? You have to tell me everything!" The younger woman exclaimed, and he gave a hearty laugh in response. Removing himself from her grip he set his sword into the sand before sitting next to where she had been before. She took the unspoken invitation and sat comfortably next to him. 

It was just before dawn when their conversation caught a lull like the waves before them, a still and comfortable silence. They watched each other, and Brasidas found himself gently tracing a scar etched into Kassandra's shoulder. "This one is new," he trailed off, hoping she could give him the story of how anyone could have possibly gotten close enough to hurt her. 

"Do you know the Daughters of Artemis?" She asked, and when he nodded she continued. "Their leader, Daphnae, had tasked me with gathering the pelts of legendary beasts from all across the Greek world and returning them to her. There was this particularly nasty wolf that managed to knock me on my ass a few times. It got a good bite in before I took it down." She smiled softly, almost reverent, and Brasidas couldn't help but encourage more out of her.

"And what happened? After you finished with the task?" He asked, and Kassandra grinned in a way that sent a shiver up his spine.

"In the interest of making a long story short, I became the leader of the Daughters of Artemis." She said so simply as if discussing a meal she had made. Brasidas paused, taken aback. Yet another title to add to her already impressive collection.

"Should you not be there? Leading them?"

"It was all for the sake of propriety, it's more that I'm their leader in title only, I appointed another to take my place in my absence. But, I am free to come and go from their territory as I please." 

"Ah." He said simply, kicking himself for the limited response. They lulled into another comfortable silence, Ikaros' calls sounding off in the distance as dawn broke over the waves. 

"The battle here, that almost ended very differently for you." Kassandra mumbled, her knees tucked to her chest. She looked incredibly vulnerable at that moment, and Brasidas knew she was confiding in him in a way few other saw. 

"It's because of you that I'm still alive. I owe you my life and so much more." He offered gently, and her shoulders shook in quiet laughter. "Although I hardly think you brought it up to be reminded of that." He pressed gently, and she sighed. When she looked up at him again her brow was furrowed tightly, a small line of worry in her otherwise unmarked face.

"And yet I could have lost you that day, all of Sparta could have lost you." She paused, taking a deep breath to calm the desperate notes in her voice. "I don't know what I would have done if my brother had been able to finish what he started, if I'd be able to forgive him." She offered quietly, and Brasidas felt his chest tighten with an emotion he refused to name. 

"Then don't think about it. I'm here, your brother is safe with your family, and nothing will change that," taking a chance, he gently placed his hand on her shoulder, hoping the gesture would bring her some comfort, "I promise you." He offered, voice full of determination as she lifted her gaze to his own. Her heart was pounding, her nerves wound so tight she feared they would snap. While Kassandra was no stranger to indulging in her desires, she didn’t know what to do when she was faced with wanting something more. The older man must have seen the hesitation in her face and he sighed quietly. “I was terrified whenever I saw you on the battlefield, especially when you went against your brother. It’s not every day you meet a Spartan like you, Kassandra. Walking in a world without you in it is the last thing I want.” 

Kassandra’s face grew hot, cheeks stained a dusky pink at his words. “You are very kind, Brasidas, but I’m sure there is more to your life than just me.” She teased gently, masking the longing in her voice. There was no denying her feelings for Brasidas, although she was certain that he did not feel the same. “You’ll have a wife soon enough, the gods only know how many women would want the Great and Honourable Brasidas of Sparta.” She teased, looking back out to the shore. The sun was just starting to peek out over the horizon, painting the sky in soft pinks and yellows. 

“That’s just it,” he began, “I’ve never wanted anyone. I was determined to live my life in service to Sparta, never settling down just continuing my life in the military.” His hand dropped down from her shoulder and Kassandra found herself missing his warmth. “At least, I thought that was the plan. Until I met you.”

Kassandra whipped her gaze back to him, to find him closer than he had been previously, their knees brushing against each other. 

“The day we met, that fight in the warehouse, I’ve never felt a connection like that with anyone in my life.” He continued, his eyes warm with affection. “You’ve become very important to me, Kassandra. I would be incredibly stupid to let you go now.” He said with a boyish grin, and Kassandra only gaped at him, her eyes wide with shock. It wasn’t a grand profession of love and adoration sung from the hills, but it was so overwhelmingly him that her heart ached all the same. He laughed nervously as the silence stretched on, breaking her gaze to run his hand anxiously along his braid. “Of course if you don’t feel the same, there is no pressure. The last thing I want is to make-“

Kassandra cut him off with a hand on his cheek, turning his gaze back to her. “Please, stop talking and kiss me.” She demanded gently, laughter filling her voice. He smiled in return, all boyish with glee. 

Their lips met once, a soft, almost exploratory gesture. Twice, and it was like they both remembered that the other isn’t fragile, filled with the passion and longing they had both pushed so far back it was remarkable that they had even made it this far. 

Brasidas lifted his hands, one curling along her neck under the braid Kassandra never seemed to be without, the other cradling her jawline so gently it made her heart ache. Their lips moved together like they were meant for it, an easy slide that didn’t feel uncomfortable, even as she shifted closer still. Her own hands began to wander, settling on the swell of his chest beneath the armour he still wore. 

He coaxed her lips open with a gentle nip against her lower lip, brushing his tongue against hers that eagerly awaited him. It was so gentle, so soothing in its own way and Kassandra was grateful to not have to rush something for once, to be able to take her time. Heat burned on her cheeks as warmth pooled in her belly, the little flames of desire building in a way that was unique to Brasidas, when they fought together, any time she laid eyes on the man she had the same reaction, she certainly wasn’t losing the opportunity now. 

She tried to muffle the yelp of surprise she gave when he lifted her off the ground just enough to settle her on his lap, her thighs bracketing his own, not even breaking the kiss. Now impossibly close, Kassandra draped her arms around his shoulders, letting herself melt against him. 

Slowly breaking the kiss, Brasidas buried his nose against the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply before pressing a gentle kiss against her skin, grinning at the shudder that ran through her. 

“I’ve wanted this for so long, wanted you.” He admitted quietly, his hands ghosting over her torso to settle on her hips again. “Since the moment we met, you stole my heart. I can't imagine being with anyone but you, if you'll have me." He murmured, lips ghosting against the side of her neck and she had to repress a shiver.

"Always, Brasidas." She answers breathlessly, pressing a kiss against his temple. They held onto each other, content in the moment of peace they found in each other.

[itingtmywly]

sexymen and trisha dont discriminate between the sinners and the saints ig

[redisnotonfire]

shout out to suzanne collins for, in the middle of Everything Else she was doing in sotr, dropping a paragraph that’s just “btw fuck ai”

[soulful-lines]

And when the star upon her lip was glued to mine All of the stars in all the skies had to align And then we both just disappear in every hope, in every fear Of what it means to love another

To Love Another (2017), Asaf Avidan

[fly-chicken]

A Pragmatic and surprisingly comforting perspective about the Trump 2nd Presidency from the ACLU

***Apologies if this is how you found out the 2024 election results***

Blacked out part is my name.

I’m not going to let this make me give up. It’s disheartening, and today I will wallow, probably tomorrow too

AND

I will continue to do my part in my community to spread the activism and promote change for the world I want to live in. I want to change the world AND help with the dishes.

And I won’t let an orange pit stain be what stops me from trying to be better.

A link to donate to the ACLU if able and inclined. I know I am

[clearcutcasualty]

“Do you think seahorses write fpreg” and the many other riveting things my friend texts me right before I go to work

[iwasbored777]

I HATE HOW HARD I LAUGHED

[inmemoriame]

This show is so good man

What purpose did that serve

[spookberry]

Its past their bedtime

[cronchy-baguette]

double posting this comic bc tbh it deserves its own post.... thinking about how elphie was definitely crying after she runs off to hide somewhere following popular... what do the two of them think about afterwards....

[vivasity]

To Love Another - Kassidas

Chapter 1 | 2 | Ao3

Source: Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Pairing: Kassandra/Brasidas

Chapter Warnings/Tags: piv sex, be better than this use protection don't risk sand getting in places it shouldn't be, unprotected sex, semi-public sex, they're still on a beach, anyway final warning here's the porn

Word Count: 2.5k

Chapter 2 - Playing in the Sand

Rating: Explicit (18+!!)

"Always, Brasidas." Kassandra murmured, pressing a kiss to his temple. She held him close, letting herself melt against him. He continued to press gentle kisses against her neck, and it reignited the fires low in her belly, pleasant tingles running up her spine. 

After a brief pause, the older man gently pressed his teeth into her shoulder at the base of her neck, and she canted her hips down in response, a huff of air rushing out from her lips now parted in surprise. Brasidas muffled a groan against her neck, feeling the heat of her through her smallclothes. He was almost painfully hard himself, the last thing he wanted was to scare her off by coming on too strong, but by now she had to notice. The idea of her enjoying this as much as he was sent a thrill down his spine, and his cock twitched against her. She gasped, breath hot and heavy next to his ear and he had to fight the impulse to immediately strip her of her armour. 

Kassandra leaned back just enough that she could capture his lips in a hungry kiss, impatient now that she knew what he wanted. To say that she wanted to have sex with him felt like an understatement, she wanted him completely and it nearly terrified her. She had more pressing concerns, however, like the delicious feeling of his cock against her core. Were it not for the thick linen she wore beneath her leather armour she would easily be ruining his chiton. His hands on her hips spurred her further, gently encouraging her to move her hips against his own.

Their tongues passed over one another, a sensuous slide that left Kassandra lightheaded, and she fumbled with the straps on his armour without breaking the kiss. When he smiled against her lips, lifting his hands to assist, she practically growled. Finally breaking the kiss the man stifled a laugh, his eyes sparkling with mirth. 

"Please, let me help. It'll be easier." Brasidas offered gently, and Kassandra couldn't hide the pout that followed. She removed the straps of her own armour, grateful it was two individual pieces instead of one. Sliding the armour away from her torso, she was left with only her strophic covering her chest. As Brasidas removed his breastplate and let it drop with a heavy thud into the sand behind them, left only with his tassets and chiton. Kassandra stood, her gaze still locked onto Brasidas as she removed her own tassets, the modified chiton falling away just as easily in a puddle of scarlet linen at her feet. He watched her with hunger in his eyes, watching as her lithe body was revealed to him. He hastened, undoing the ties that held his tassets together. The chiton beneath was easy enough, and he barked out a laugh when Kassandra lightly smacked away the hand that had begun to remove the pin. Dropping effortlessly to her knees to straddle him again, and as his chiton pooled around his hips he tensed slightly as her hands found their way to his chest. 

Years as a soldier did amazing things for his physical condition, and he was proud to have this goddess of a woman marvelling at his body as if he was not mesmerized by her own. He ran his hands along her thighs, feeling each muscle tense in response. Tracing his fingertips along the edge of her perizoma, he delighted in the goosebumps it raised on her skin, the shuddering breath she took in as she splayed her hands over his abdomen. She dragged her nails along her skin until her fingertips brushed over his length through the linen that felt far too heavy and he stuttered out a plea, the words dying on his lips when her hand wrapped firmly around him through the fabric.

"The great Brasidas of Sparta does not disappoint." Kassandra teased, tugging the fabric down slowly to reveal all of him, her eyes glued to every inch of him - painstakingly revealed as she dragged the fabric away, tossing it to the sand with the rest. Her lower lip caught itself between her teeth, eyeing him hungrily as his cock jumped at the attention. She raised her hands, removing her own smallclothes slowly, her gaze locked onto Brasidas as he watched her.

"By the Gods Kassandra," He murmured, awestruck, "you are perfect." He finished as the linen fell away from her chest and finally her hips, exposing all of her to him. Bathed in dawn's light, she looked carved from stone. Sharp muscles and strong lines give way to the soft fullness of her breasts, the planes of her stomach ending in the neat brown curls at the apex of her thighs. Brasidas was mesmerized, feeling his cock pulse with need in time with his heartbeat, heat pooling low in his stomach. Reaching towards her, he brought his mouth to her chest, taking her nipple into his mouth and lavishing it with his tongue.

Her reaction was immediate, her hands coming up to cradle the back of his head as her back arched slightly. The breathy moan of his name spurring him on further to tease the neglected nipple with his fingertips. She ground herself against him and he moaned at how wet she already was for him, coating him in her slick. Kassandra groaned, her hips moving instinctively.

"I've waited too long for this Brasidas," she began, voice thick with want, "we can take our time later, I want you now." She was practically begging, and Brasidas was briefly stunned into silence. He separated himself with a slick pop and let his hands slide to her hips, guiding her movement as he let out a low groan. 

"I don't want to hurt you, Kass," Brasidas murmured softly, and her heart swelled with affection, the nickname rolling off his tongue so easily. Grinning, she pressed her hands firmly into Brasidas' chest until he fell back into the sand. 

"I'd like to see you try." She teased, leaning down to him to press her lips to his neck in open-mouthed kisses. The soldier shuddered under her, his cock twitching against her core. She missed his own answering grin, his arms sneaking around her thighs.

"If that's the way it's going," He conceded, before quickly leveraging Kassandra onto her back, her thighs held in his hands as he crowded close to her, cock nudging her entrance already making a mess on the inside of her thighs. Her mouth open in shock, Brasidas took the opportunity to begin nudging the head of his cock into her, eyes falling shut at the way she enveloped him, opening them again to lock onto her face as she moaned wantonly. He pressed forward slowly, fighting every urge to slam his hips against hers and keep her at his mercy. He continued like that until he bottomed out, finally, watching the misthios closely for any discomfort. When he slipped his hands from her thighs - one on the ground beside her, and the other a gentle weight on her lower stomach, holding her in place - her powerful legs wrapped around his middle, pulling him closer still.

"Please Brasidas," Kassandra whined, her nails scratching lightly over his chest. "I need you, all of you." Her eyes half-lidded with desire, Brasidas couldn't possibly deny her. He pulled out slowly, just leaving the tip of his cock nestled in her, before slamming his hips back down. The action choked a moan out of both of them, Brasidas was certainly above average, deliciously thick and Kassandra let her head fall back into the sand. "Fuck... you feel so good." She sighed, her hand coming up to fondle her own breast, gently teasing her nipple while he steadily fucked into her.

"By the Gods, Kassandra. You're so tight, why did we wait so long for this?" He groaned as his hips picked up a punishing rhythm, shifting his hand to her hips to pull himself flush against her with every thrust. 

It was obscene, Kassandra giving punched-out little moans with every thrust, Brasidas practically growling as he pumped into her, the slick sounds of each thrust punctuated with every snap of his hips. It was messy and desperate and everything they both needed in the moment, and when the soldier pressed his fingertips to her clit, her back arched and she practically screamed his name in her orgasm. Her thighs tensing around his body, he fucked her through it, slowing just enough to keep her coasting without overstimulating her. 

"Brasidas, please, ah-" She cut herself off with a moan and a breathy string of curses, her thoughts lost to the wind as the waves lapped at the shore a few feet away. He leaned down to her, kissing her fiercely, his tongue running along her own in a way that made his cock throb within her. Her cunt pulsed in response and it took more of his willpower than he would have liked to stop himself from spilling into her then and there. Her walls fluttered around him, driving him crazy as he forced himself to keep the pace steady. 

"Brasidas," Kassandra pleaded, looking blissed out in a way Brasidas had only dreamed of. "Please, I need more. I want more of you." She begged softly, and his heart leapt in his chest. Never in his wildest dreams did he actually think his longing for the misthios was reciprocated, to have the most dangerous woman in the Greek world begging for him? It nearly made him swoon. Instead, he grinned and shifted further up the sand on his knees. He slipped his hands under her knees, pushing them up to her chest and effectively having her bent in half. 

"Let's see how much you can take then, hm?" The man teased, and Kassandra barely had time to answer with a grin of her own before he set a brutal, unrelenting pace. Each thrust backed by his Spartan strength, hitting so much deeper at this new angle. Kassandra let her head fall back into the sand with a dull thud, reaching down to tease her clit as she fondled her own breast, lost in the pleasure. Brasidas relished in the opportunity to watch her in rapture, chasing his own impending release as her walls bore down on him ever tighter. Lost in the passion, Kassandra mumbled broken pleas and words of worship that would make even Zeus blush, and Brasidas found himself pressing his forehead to hers, snapping his hips against hers with every thrust.

Kassandra was close, and it felt different from before, the wave that was threatening to wash over her was so much bigger and more powerful. She practically begged for Brasidas to give her everything, how much of it made sense she had no idea. Completely lost in the throes of pleasure building within her. "Brasidas, I'm so close, please." She keened, becoming desperate. With others she usually took the role of being in charge, making the rules, setting the pace. It was wonderful to have someone else do it for of, to be taken care of so completely. The thought alone made her cunt pulse with want, tension pooling in her belly. His thrusts became erratic, his expression twisted in concentration as he began to falter. 

"You have to come for me first, Kassandra." He gently commanded, voice soft and persuasive. That was all it took, her orgasm tearing through her like lightning. Her back arched, as much as it could with him still holding her legs to her chest, practically screaming his name and a litany of curses. 

Seeing Kassandra come apart under him finally brought him over the edge, using what was left of his thought process to pull out and spill his release onto her stomach. He panted heavily, releasing the grip on her thighs which she gratefully let fall to the sand. They were both slick with sweat, holding each other gently while they took a moment to catch their breath. When Kassandra opened her eyes again, they were practically alight with satisfaction. She looked positively fucked out, Brasidas faring no better, smug satisfaction painted across his face. 

Reaching behind the two of them, Brasidas grabbed his discarded himaton and used to gently wipe the mess from Kassandra and himself, the scratch of the linen on his oversensitive skin making him shiver. Looking back to the woman still laying on the sand, he smiled at the look in her eyes, pure adoration that he was sure was mirrored in his own gaze. 

"That was easily the best sex I've had in my life." Kassandra said bluntly, breaking the silence between them. Brasidas laughed in response, gathering their discarded clothing and shaking the sand off gently. When he turned back Kassandra was already standing, gently plucking her smallclothes from his arms and slipping them back on again. He began the process of putting his own clothing on, comfortable in the silence as he adjusted the closures on his armour. 

It was well into dawn when they were finished, both looking as though nothing had changed. Everything had changed though, and Brasidas didn't know what to do now. He wanted to stay with her, to keep her in Sparta or to follow her around the Greek world and beyond, but the words were stuck in his throat. He knew her, and he knew she never settled for long. 

"Come with me, on the Adrestia." Kassandra interrupted suddenly, breaking his train of thought. Brasidas paused, stunned for a moment before he spoke.

"Seriously?" He asked, kicking himself already.

"I mean it!" She retorted, crossing her arms defensively. "I've missed you," she continued, her tone gentle as though she were shy. "I've denied what I feel for you for so long, I'm not ready to settle down in Sparta yet, but if you'd like you can sail with me. See the world with me, I have more journeys to take and I want to take them with you." She reasoned, and if he wasn't already in love with her that easily would have sealed his fate. Maybe the Gods do like him, at least a little bit. He smiled, taking a step closer and capturing her lips in a tender kiss, pouring all the affection he could in the gentle press of his lips to her own.

"I'd love to, Kassandra." He murmured against her lips, and she smiled into the next kiss, and the next.

They stayed like that for a while, exchanging tender kisses on a battlefield that changed their lives, until they left hand in hand towards the dock where the Adrestia waited for them both.

"So where are we going first?" Brasidas asked as the sails of the Adrestia came into view.

"I'm not sure, an old friend, Alethia, reached out to me recently, I think I have to help her." Kassandra mused, she had put off the trip for three days already before she got Brasida's message. Perhaps they could see what the Isu needed now, together.

"Alethia? You've made friends other than me?" Brasidas teased, gently nudging Kassandra with his shoulder.

"Oh trust me, there is a lot to catch you up on Brasidas. I'll tell you on the way." She promised, and Brasidas grinned next to her as they wove their way through the dock.

They had all the time in the world.

[trashmancer]

Another faux pulp sci-fi novel cover, but for the TV series this time around.

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

Dog Meshi.

[chloesimaginationthings]

Why Fazbear entertainment do that to SOTM moon