Bad Faith Part Two
Part One | Masterlist
Pairing: Harvey Specter x Reader
Rating: Explicit - 18+. Minors, kindly get off my lawn.
Notes: Not beta-read because when is it ever. Read this over six times but there are probably twenty typos that I'll spot the second I hit post, so. Anyway! Welcome to part two of two!! Thank you for reading đ
Length: 14.2k
Warnings: Angst; fluff! Huzzah!; Readerâs married surname is Hayward; reader is depressed for swaths of the chapter; unhealthy coping mechanisms; lovers to enemies to allies to lovers; explicit sexual content - vaginal sex, oral sex, hate sex, safe sex
Summary: Your life was four walls, a cruddy bed, rickety furniture. You spent too much time awake when you shouldâve been sleeping; too much time reminiscing when you should have been moving on; too much time dwelling on the time that you spent with men in your life that probably wouldnât spare you another thought.Â
âRoss. Mike Ross.âÂ
âCut the Bond schtick.âÂ
âIâm a contender.âÂ
âNot a chance. Besides, weâve been over this; youâre Q at best.âÂ
âCould do a lot worse than Desmond Llewelyn or Ben WhishawâHang on, you think youâre Bond?âÂ
Harvey stopped, gesturing over his body sweepingly before scoffing, âPlease.â
âPlease is right,â Mike muttered, tucking his hands into his pockets. âYou always go to this thing?âÂ
â...Iâve been once or twice.â In truth, Harvey hadnât been to the New York City Estate and Properties gala in years. He hadnât had occasion or reason; the last time he had, heâd made sure that she wouldnât be there before heâd agreed. Tonight his purpose was manifoldâdrink good champagne, eat good food, and warn Hayward off of pursuing his lawsuits against his clientâs property.Â
His client. It wasnât as simple as all that, but these days, heâd managed to separate her from the work. It was clinicalâand clinical was exactly what he needed.Â
âDid you see the menu for dinner? I didnât see a menu.âÂ
âGet your fill of canapes. Iâm talking to Hayward and then weâre going.âÂ
âWhat?â Mike pouted. âBut I thought we were staying for the ceremony.âÂ
âYou thought wrong. Keep your eyes peeled. Sooner we get this conversation over, the sooner we can get away from this den of cobras.âÂ
âNever have a mongoose when you need one.â Mike nodded over Harveyâs shoulder. âFound Mrs. Hayward.âÂ
âThought she didnât like you calling her that.âÂ
âShe doesnât, but around here, it might be better to use that rather than use her maiden name and have someone ask me who the hell Iâm talking aboutâŚYou gonna talk to her?âÂ
âWhat for?âÂ
âSo she at least knows what suit to look for when she wants to avoid you.âÂ
Harveyâs chastising glare was met with a wide, smug grin.Â
âCome on,â Mike groaned. âYou havenât spoken to her in weeks.âÂ
âAnd have you considered that that may be why things have been going so smoothly?âÂ
âFineâIâll give you another reason you should say hi to her.âÂ
âYou better make it a good one this time.âÂ
âJessica is catching on to the fact that you havenât touched this case with a ten foot pole.âÂ
Harvey winced slightly as he swallowed the last of his champagne.Â
âFine,â He grudgingly conceded, setting the empty champagne flute on a passing waiterâs tray. âPoint me.âÂ
âSheâs at your two oâclock.âÂ
Harvey turned accordingly, pushed out an annoyed sightâand then felt what breath he had left catch in his throat.Â
âStunningâ was the first word that came to mind, but in his heart, Harvey knew that it didnât do her justice. For his lingering, abiding annoyance with her, and with themâwith the whole goddamn situationâthere were moments when Harvey remembered why heâd fallen in love with her in the first place.Â
She didnât want to be there. Harvey didnât need to ask to know thatâit was common sense. But that didnât stop her from showing her face, from being impeccably dressed, and maintaining what had to be a meticulously constructed poker face.Â
â...You do know what staring isnât talking, right?âÂ
Mikeâs amusement cut into Harveyâs reverie, and he cleared his throat to refocus himself.Â
âKeep an eye out for Hayward,â Harvey ordered before he forced himself forward, slowly weaving through the crowd.Â
What the hell was he even going to say to her? Hi wasnât going to cut it; Come here often? Was almost as stupid. How about something about her dressâWhether or not it was new? That had to be safe, neutral groundâÂ
Harvey had been so focused on what he planned to say that he hadnât clocked her turning to face him. He chalked it up to panic radarâher hype-sesitivity given the current situation. He stared. She watched. And thenâ
âCome here often?âÂ
Damnit. Stupid, sure, but at least it wasnât hi.Â
--Â
â...Annually, at least.â
Was it your imagination, or was HarveyâŚNervous? At the very least, he seemed as confused as you were at the fact that he was talking to you.Â
âIâm a little surprised that you made a showing,â He admitted.Â
âI could say the same for you. Does Jessica have you prospecting clients to get back in the good graces of the real estate department at the firm?âÂ
Harveyâs eyes narrowed with playful intrigue,and for a moment, you saw a flash of the man that you used to knowâthe man who gave you that same look when you slipped your panties off and tucked them into his jacket pocket to find later.Â
âWhat did Mike tell you?âÂ
You shrugged nonchalantly, glancing around.Â
âNothing imporâ...Tant.â You trailed off, falling still and quiet as your eyes landed on Steven.Â
Well, he was hard to miss.Â
Standing at 6â3, with a manufactured tan, swimmerâs build, full head of gracefully graying hair, and veneers that made his smile look like a neatly arranged row of chiclets gum, Steven Hayward was the very picture of the kind of health that only wealth could buy. With the stress of the last few weeks, you knew that you werenât looking your absolute best. Youâd had so many sleepless nights; youâd swapped out your favorite catered meals in favor of cheaper alternatives, or dollar slices of pizza, or ramen from the bodega down the block from your apartment, pulled gently from beneath the cat that seemed to always be napping on the exact flavor that you wanted.Â
You were certain that Steven lost no sleep over the decision to divorce you, or to pull the rug out from beneath you. You expected him to be in tip-top shapeâbut you saw hints of his rage as he grew closer.Â
âOhâHell,â You mumbled, tipping your head toward Harvey. âYou might wanna clear out.âÂ
âYou kidding? Iâve got a front row seat to the prize fight of the century.âÂ
âTarget acquired.â
You frowned at the sound of Mikeâs voice, but you didnât turn to look at him as you muttered, âTarget?âÂ
âDarling.â The term of affection oozed past Stevenâs bleached-white teeth. He stopped just a couple of steps from youânot near enough to touch, but close enough to see the anger sparkling in his dishwater gray eyes. A pulse of vindication swept through your chest at the tense smile, and the tight pull of his jaw.Â
âSteven,â You greeted cordially.
âIâm surprised to see you this evening.âÂ
âIf I had a nickel.âÂ
âOh, but you do. Putting all of those properties up for sale, I expect you plan on having more than a few nickels.âÂ
âWhat can I say? A girlâs gotta get by.âÂ
âAnything I can do to help?âÂ
âHave you considered unfreezing our joint account?âÂ
He chuckled humorlessly. âAnything but that.âÂ
âThen wire me half.â
âYou haven't earned half.âÂ
It was meant to cut you down and lay you out, but you refused to bow to this man publicly when the other attendees must always hold you in such low regard as it was.Â
âI agree,â You offered, and before Steven could preen in his false superiority, you clarified: âI deserve more.âÂ
Steven bristled, shoulders bunching tight.Â
âPerhaps I should just take this eveningâs expenses out of that half.âÂ
You furrowed your brow pointedly, shaking your head.Â
âMmmâŚIâm not sure I understand what you mean.âÂ
âReally.âÂ
âMmâŚNâ...Noâ?âÂ
âPerhaps youâve been so busy hocking your clothes like a dog snuffling for scrapsââ Your face flared with embarrassment as Steven pressed on: âBut there was meant to be a reception at my penthouse this evening.âÂ
My penthouse. If it had only been the two of you in that room, you may have slapped him. How had he been able to detach, to force you from his mind and his heart so quickly? Had he ever loved you? Had any man?Â
The heat of Harveyâs body suddenly seemed to flare just behind you.Â
âAh!â You nodded sagely, âItâs all coming back to me.âÂ
âWhat could have happened there, I wonder?âÂ
âYou must not have taken care.âÂ
âOf what?âÂ
Of me. âOf anything.âÂ
Steven took you in for another long, cruel moment before he jutted his chin over your shoulder.Â
âFriends of yours?âÂ
Ah yes. Your personal legal peanut gallery. You glanced back to confirm their positioning before raising your hand to gesture:Â
âThis is Mike Ross.â The name seemed to knock something loose in Stevenâs mind as he shook Mikeâs hand.Â
âAh, Mr. Ross. I saw your name on some documentation this morning.âÂ
âYouâre about to see it a lot more, Mr. Hayward.âÂ
âAnd this is Harvey Specter.âÂ
Your stomach lurched as Steveâs eyes widened slightly, lips curling into a smile.Â
âThis is Harvey Specter?â He didnât bother to hide his amusement as he proffered his hand. âI didnât realize I sent you the worst possible port in this storm.âÂ
âYou didnât,â Harvey insisted, grasping Stevenâs hand firmly. âYou sent her to the best.âÂ
âTry not to drop her this time. My arms arenât open anymore.âÂ
Your hands tightened where they were clasped around one another. You forced yourself to keep your gaze set stalwartly on Steven, rather than watch the contentious (and no doubt, painful) handshake that the two of them were sharing.Â
âWell,â You chirped. âThis was a lovely little catch-up.âÂ
âYes,â Harvey chimed in, finally extricating his hand from Stevenâs and tucking it into his pocket. âWe must do it again sometime. Preferably at a deposition.âÂ
âMaybe in court,â Mike added. You had to fight down a smile at the sudden swell of support, and a wave of warmth that swept through you. Stevenâs eyes narrowed just a touch more before he nodded.Â
âI do hope youâll stay for my speech.âÂ
âWhoâd you have write it for you this time?â You asked.Â
âI took a crack at writing it myself.âÂ
If that was true, it was sure to be a mess and a half. You always had been the one to draft his speeches or remarksâor you paired down any drafts sent over by the agencyâs PR department.Â
âI look forward to it.âÂ
Steven gave you one last look before he turned away, slapping on his businessman smile as he went, and raising a hand to signal someone like a politician trying to garner votes.Â
â...Why didnât you mention the forgery charges?â Mike asked.Â
âItâs too soon to tip our hand...What table are you sitting at?â
âThirteen,â You sighed.Â
âLucky number,â Mike muttered.Â
âGo change our place cards,â Harvey ordered. âPut us on either side of her.âÂ
You whirled around to face him, stunned at the tight irritation pinching his features.Â
âSo we are staying for dinner?â Mike grinned. Harvey blinked flatly at him before reiterating: âGo.âÂ
You watched Mike duck through the crowd, heading for the dining room.
âWere you not going to stay for dinner?âÂ
âIâve gotta eat some time. Come on,â Harvey nudged your arm with his, âBuy me a drink.âÂ
âItâs an open bar.âÂ
âGood. Then it wonât break the bank.âÂ
The press of Harveyâs warm hand to your lower back was far more steadying than it should have been, and it managed to dampen the enraged fire in your belly.Â
âHowâs that good faith deposit doing, anyway?âÂ
âI threw 98% of it into an HYSA.âÂ
âSmart move.âÂ
âI shouldâve made moves like it sooner.âÂ
âBetter late than never.âÂ
âI guess.âÂ
â...You donât have to stay for dinner.âÂ
âWeâre going to.âÂ
âOn either side of me as well, Iâm flattered. I wasnât planning on having guard dogs this evening.âÂ
âAs long as you donât try to keep us on short leashes.âÂ
âDepends on whether you plan on doing more barking or biting this evening.âÂ
âIâve barked enough for now.âÂ
âBiting?âÂ
âIf you play your cards right, sure.âÂ
You didnât bother to hide your open shock at the blatant implication, but when you looked at Harvey, you found him giving you a surprisingly warm smile.Â
âLooks like speaking with Steven has put a little pep in your step, Mr. Specter.âÂ
âI wouldnât say that.âÂ
âWhat did?â
Harvey leaned heavily against the bar, focus set elsewhere as he tried to catch the bartenderâs eye.Â
âYou and I both know that this is going to be a long road. I like a good fight.âÂ
âYou donât say.âÂ
âItâs important to me that youâre ready for it, too.âÂ
You nodded a little. âIt may also be prudent for us to keep that fight directed at Steven, and not toward one another.âÂ
Harvey took the two proffered champagne flutes, passing you one and holding it up to cheers:Â
âIâll drink to that.âÂ
--Â
It wasnât perfect right away. You and Harvey still butt heads from time to time. On the purchases that the judges ruled that you were able to move forward with, you disagreed over termsâpurchase price, contingencies, negotiations. But the knots unpicked sooner and sooner, and you reached resolutions faster. Mike hardly had to intervene anymore. Harvey gave Jessica status updates openly, and you abidingly ignored the smug, self-satisfied smiles that she gave you as you left her office.Â
With the service and tenancy contracts, the two apartment building sales that arenât mired in paperwork still chugged along slowly. You knew that it was protocol, but it was excruciating. You felt ill every time you got an email from Mike or Harvey, expecting correspondence that spelled disaster. Every little bit of good news only brought marginal relief.Â
You spent most of your days in your apartment, packaging clothing or jewelry that youâd sold online. You got your packages sent off by five in the evening, and the rest of your night was your ownâthough it often ended similarly. Your logical mind often gave over to your emotions in the evening, and you allowed yourself to slip into quiet, depressed oblivion. The methods variedâslurping down two packets worth of dollar-pack ramen, and chasing that with a few bottles of beer as one of your favorite shows played in the background; curling up in your bed and staring at the ceiling at 8 PM, and laying wide awake with your mind racing until the sun came up; hunting through property listings online and plotting a comeback that felt like it would never come.
You never had visitors. Aaron was so entrenched at work that you only got the odd text from him. Your former friends seemed to have further aligned themselves with Steven after his triumphant speech at the galaâduring which he had gone out of his way to omit any mention of you from his historical record. You had avoided seeing much of Jessica outside of the office, certain that she would council you on a good divorce lawyer, or encourage you to begin dating, or level another lecture about the stupidity with which you had bungled your last marriage.
For as well as you knew she meant, you didnât have the time or patienceâand some little part of you, some stupid, naĂŻve part that knew well enough that the war was already lost, was convinced that Steven would change his mind.
It was unlikely, considering the magnitude of his cruelty over the last couple of months, and further exacerbated by your actions before the gala. Steven would not let you back into his arms, his home, or his heart. You didnât truly want to be let back into his arms, or his heart, but you missed his home. You had taken such care in the planning, the curation, the furnishing, the upkeep. You were proud of it. You had been happy, and comfortable, and so goddamn foolish.
Now you were tired, and lonely, and you spent so much of your day feeling stupid.Â
Sometimes, when the wind blew just a little too hard and rattled the flimsy windows, you let the sound of it cover your sobs against the paper-thin walls that connected you to your neighborâs apartment (youâd learned just how much sound bled through when you first became privy to your neighborâs light argument, which had then turned into a full-on shouting match. Theyâd sounded like they were in the same damn room with you, wall be damned).
It was one such sob session that you managed to hear someone knock on your door. You sniffled, shifting on your bed. You were certain that the sound was from next door, or that youâd misheard the rattle of the window. But when you heard the second, insistent round of knocks, the source couldnât be mistaken. You sniffled, setting your beer aside onto the bedside table crowded with empties and pushing yourself off of the bed. You swiped haphazardly at the tears on your face as you walked over to it, calling out, âAlright, for fuckssake!â When a third round of knocks rapped against the door.
You threw it open, finally, wincing at the invasive flash of the flickering fluorescent hall light. You werenât sure what was worse: the flickering, harsh strobe, or Harveyâs stunned confusion.
It may have been a tie.
ââŚWhat is it?â You mumbled.
âHave you been crying?â
âLittle bit.â
âAre you drunk?â
âGetting there.â
ââŚGet dressed.â
âWhat?â
âGet dressed,â Harvey insisted, nodding over your shoulder. âWeâre going out.â
âHarvey, Iâm really not in the mood,â You sniffled.
âWe wonât go far.â
âThen why are we going at all?â
Harvey opened his mouth to answer, but was cut off by a sudden crash! and the swell of yelling voices from next door. His eyes darted toward it before he nodded.
âIâm not listening to that all night.â
âWho the hell says youâre going to be here more than five minutes?â
Your heart stuttered as Harveyâs hands planted firmly on your hips, steering you back into your studio before he nudged the door shut with his foot.
âGet dressed. And hurry up.â
You werenât sure what it wasâhis touch, his firm insistence, or your own distaste for your screaming neighborsâbut you turned around and began dutifully rifling through one of your remaining trash bags of clothing.
âWhere are we going?â
âThereâs a diner around the corner.â
âA diner? How down heel of you, Mr. Specter.â
âI can appreciate the simple things.â
You snorted, straightening with a pair of jeans and a sweater. âSince when.â You glanced guardedly toward him before you nodded him toward the door. âTurn around.â
--Â Â
âYou can afford better than that place, you know.âÂ
You didnât answer him. Instead, you shoved a handful of cheese fries in your mouth and leaned back to chew with laborious slowness. You expected Harvey to fill the silence, but he didnât. He just watched, and waited, and stared at you until you swallowed. You nudged the plate toward him, offering: âWant one?âÂ
 You avoided his openly chastising gaze, tired of the fact that it was the only look you get from most of the lawyers in your life these days.Â
âYou have that good faith deposit.âÂ
âI told you where it went.âÂ
âThe brownstone payment is on the edge of clearing escrow. Look for somewhere else to live.âÂ
âNot yet.âÂ
âWhy not?âÂ
âItâs not a good idea.âÂ
âSteven isnât going to weasel into every potential deal and hold it up.âÂ
âForgive me for my skepticism, but I donât exactly have many friends in this city anymore.âÂ
â...Are you planning on going somewhere else?âÂ
Youâd be lying if you said it hadnât crossed your mind. There were cities here you could rebuild your life and your practices, places where you were sure Steven wouldnât bother to try and strike down your attempts to rebuild your life.Â
âMaybe,â You admitted. âI liked Cambridge.âÂ
Harveyâs lips twitched with a gentle, regretful smile. It was his turn to reach out and swipe a few fries and chow down.Â
âRealty up there is pricey,â You added. âCould make a polite killing on student housing.âÂ
âHow does one make a polite killing?âÂ
âDecent rent and coin-operated laundry. Maybe some paid parking, a few overpriced but conveniently placed vending machines.âÂ
âRedbull?âÂ
âI was just thinking about snacks, but you know what, Redbull isnât a bad idea.â You reached out, picking up a fry and drawing it through the splodge of ketchup remaining at the edge of the plate. âWhy did you come over?âÂ
âI wanted to let you know that the inspections are finished.âÂ
âOn which?âÂ
âThe properties that you didnât know about.âÂ
âAnything stand out?âÂ
âA foundational issue on one of the apartment buildings, but it doesnât cost enough that it shouldâve stopped work.âÂ
âWhat about the others?âÂ
âNothing that popped as catastrophic.âÂ
âYou have the print-outs?âÂ
âIn my car.âÂ
âWhy are they in there?âÂ
âI was going to offer to take you for a drink, but you seemed to beat me to it.âÂ
You scoffed, shifting in your seat. âDonât get all high and mighty on me, Specter.âÂ
âYou do that often?âÂ
âWhat, drink?âÂ
âYes.âÂ
âAre you accusing me of having a problem?âÂ
âIâm asking if you do that often.âÂ
âOnce in a while.âÂ
âNew for you?âÂ
âRelatively.âÂ
Harvey eyed you critically for a few moments before he nodded. âCall me the next time you want to have a drink.âÂ
âSo you can talk me out of it?âÂ
âSo you at least donât do it alone.â
âIâm usually not in a talking mood when it happens.âÂ
âWe donât have to talk.âÂ
âOh, please. As if you donât love the sound of your own voice.âÂ
âCall me anyway.âÂ
You were quiet for a moment before you nodded. âYou know, the thought of you dropping by may just be an effective suppressant.âÂ
Harveyâs smile widened a little. âDo you want to put the other houses on the market?âÂ
âI want to walk through the apartment buildings myself before I go through them.âÂ
âWhat about the ones in the Hamptons and the Cape?âÂ
âIâll drive up.âÂ
âAnd Gstaad?âÂ
âA little trickier.âÂ
âCould bill it.âÂ
âI doubt it.âÂ
âYou could, under discovery.âÂ
âThis would not be covered under discovery.âÂ
âHow would you know that?âÂ
âIâm sorry, remind me who used to quiz you for the bar?âÂ
Harvey scoffed softly, averting his gaze to the diner counter. âWell, this may surprise you, but a few laws have changed since then.âÂ
âAnd this may surprise you, but not only am I aware of that, Iâve also been pretty deeply entwined with lawyers since then. So Iâm pretty comfortable making that assertion.âÂ
âAnd this? You think Iâm not billing for this?âÂ
âOh, I hope you are. I hope you bill for every second that it took you to walk up the steps to my apartment. I want Jessica to pay for my cheese fries. You know why?âÂ
âBecause it would kill her?â
âIt would drive her nuts.âÂ
âI canât wait to give her the itemized total.âÂ
âI await the enraged phone call.âÂ
--Â
âYou donât have to walk me back up, you know."
âSure I do. Gotta work off those fries. Besides, Iâm billing for this until I officially drop you off.âÂ
You rolled your eyes, nudging Harveyâs shoulder with yours. Your depressed, tear-ridden, sobbing buzz had worn off over the course of dinner, and you didnât think that the mood would creep back in once you were alone again.Â
âIâll walk through the apartment buildings tomorrow and see if I can get up to the Cape at some point in the next couple of weeks. The pictures and notes from the inspection look promising. If I dip into the good faith deposit, maybe I could get the Cape Cod house fixed up and sold before the summer.âÂ
âOr you could keep it as a rental property.âÂ
âMm.â
âYou always liked the Cape in the winterâŚFor some reason.âÂ
âI kinda like when itâs all grey and gloomyâŚand quiet.âÂ
âBe a good base for your Cambridge operation.âÂ
âOh, please,â You chuckled. âItâs not even close. The red line doesnât exactly go all the way to Hyannis.âÂ
The two of you slowed as you neared your landing, listening closely.Â
â...Think the coast is clear?â Harvey murmured.Â
âFor now, at least.â You fished into your pocket for your keys. âThanks for dinner.âÂ
âSure. Remember what I said.âÂ
âI will.âÂ
âCall me if you need anything.âÂ
Anything. That was new. You nodded, gaze set on your keys as he turned to go back downstairs.Â
â...Harvey?âÂ
âYeah?â He stopped just a few steps away, and you had to scrounge up your courage to turn and look at him again.Â
âI donât, umâŚâ You swallowed thickly. âIâm gonna wanna talk about it.â You watched Harveyâs face shift with grim understanding.Â
âI donât want to litigate that.âÂ
âIsnât that your job?âÂ
âNot like this.âÂ
âNot tonight,â You reiterated, âButâŚSometime. Please.âÂ
Harveyâs jaw went tight, but he gave you a short, firm nod before he turned away. You watched him round the corner, and listened until his footsteps faded and the front door opened downstairs.Â
--Â Â
The apartment buildings werenât anything special. Stripped of most of their insulation, and with several of the windows already removed, the wind that pushed through them made the buildings sound like they were breathing. It was eerie, and chilly. You tightened your coat around yourself as you went from floor to floor, eyeing damaged pipes, areas where someone seems to have come in and rooted around for copper wiring, and the billowing plastic that marks off some doors that have been removed.Â
The paperwork on this building listed the purchase date as nearly a year ago.Â
A year ago, you and Steven had been discussing expanding your current operations. Maybe he hadnât gotten sick of you yet. Maybe heâd bought you the buildings as a present and stopped work when things turned sourâŚWhenever that had been.Â
There had been signs, sure, but Steven always had been temperamental.Â
You pushed the thought away as you drew in a deep breath, turning toward the stairs. It wouldnât do to overthink this just now. If needed, you could panic looking at the Hamptons, or Cape CodâŚOr Gstaad, if you ever found a way to get to Gstaad.Â
You reached into your pocket as your phone buzzed, drawing it out to find an incoming call. You groaned, stomping your foot petulantly before you raised it to your ear.Â
âJessica, Iâm a little busyââÂ
âI need you to come into the office.âÂ
Your fingers tightened around your phone as your palm began to sweat.Â
âWhat happened?âÂ
âIâd rather discuss this in person.â
âJessica.âÂ
âCome to the office.âÂ
She hung up without another word. You swallowed thickly, lowering your phone and watching her call blink and then disappear. If she wasnât willing to discuss it over the phone, whatever it was had to be very, very bad.Â
--Â
âCheese fries?âÂ
âJessica,â You groaned, âCome on, there is no way that thatâs why you called me here.âÂ
âNo, it isnât. But Iâd like to remind you that you should remain fighting fit and cheese fries are not the way to do it.âÂ
âMy life has fallen apart and dipped into a moderately humiliating place. I think Iâm allowed to have a few cheese fries. Why did you tell me to come in.âÂ
âI have someone that I would like you to meet.âÂ
âIâm not going to start dating anyone now.âÂ
âWell, we can attack that another time. This is for your defense.âÂ
âHarveyâs on that.âÂ
âYour divorce.âÂ
âYou know that I canât afford a defense right now.âÂ
âI donât mind getting a start while you get the pieces in place.âÂ
The manâs voice caught you off-guard, and you turned to find a man leaning in the doorway. Your brow furrowed a touch as you took him inâthe long lean of his body, the neatly fitted charcoal suit and sky-blue tie, the curl of his dark hair, the twinkle of his warm chestnut eyes, and his small, intrigued smile.Â
âWell thatâs very kind of you, whoever the hell you are, but I donât exactly have anything on the board right now.âÂ
âThe fact that you even have a board is encouraging.âÂ
â...This metaphor is beginning to exhaust me.âÂ
âThis,â Jessica stepped past you to gesture the man deeper into the room, âIs David Alford.âÂ
âAlford?â You repeated. âLike the plea?âÂ
âNo relation. What would you know about an Alford plea?âÂ
âI know of it.âÂ
âHowâs that?âÂ
âWell, I used to date a lawyer.âÂ
âLucky guy.âÂ
âI donât think heâd agree with you, as evidenced by the fact that he is no longer my boyfriend.âÂ
âItâs nice to meet you.âÂ
You shook his hand lightly, still wary from the ambush.Â
âLook, Mr. AlfordââÂ
âDavid, please.âÂ
ââI donât know what Jessicaâs told you about my situationââÂ
âShe didnât have to tell me much. Forgive my bluntness, but your name has come up in our circles over the last couple of weeks.âÂ
âWell, forgive my bluntness, but itâs not my circle anymore.âÂ
âIt could be again.âÂ
âAre you going to get me a circle back in the divorce?âÂ
âIâm gonna get you whatever the hell you want in your divorce.âÂ
You let out a soft, disbelieving laugh, unable to help yourself.Â
âO-kay,â You lowered your hand.Â
âWhy donât I see what we can do about getting some coffee,â Jessica offered. âYou two talk.âÂ
Your brows furrowed as she waved the two of you more deeply inside. Jessica, at least pretending to get coffee? Damn, she really did want the two of you to talk. You gave David a polite smile as you lowered yourself to sit.
âIâm sorry she dragged you in here.âÂ
âWasnât much of a drag. My office is a block away.âÂ
âWell, then Iâm glad you havenât come far for nothing.âÂ
âNothing?â His brows jumped as he sat beside you. âI donât understand.âÂ
âIâm not currently looking for a divorce lawyer.âÂ
âYou need one.âÂ
âThat is beyond the point, MrââÂ
âDavid.âÂ
â...Mister David,â You bit out pointedly, and fought back a wave of annoyance at his amused smile. âIâm not sure how much Jessica has told you, but there are a lot of things up in the air right now. Iâve socked away some money for my defense, but not enough.âÂ
âHow would you know whatâs enough?âÂ
â...Letâs pretend that I donât know anything about the law, or the legal quagmire that Iâve gotten myself into. Letâs pretend that all I know about my soon to be ex-husbandâs business is that he has a lot more money than I do. The two of us went into our marriage with about 600 bucks and a dream held together with tape and spit. I have watched, and I have helped my husband build up his business for the last eleven years. I have signed contracts, I have signed purchase orders, I have signed mortgages, I have signed deeds. Even if I wasnât paying attention to what I was signing, I would know that Steven has amassed a lot of cash, a massive legal team, as well as a significant number of holdingsâin both our names. He has a lot of power in this equation, and I do not. Whatever comes down the pike, it is going to be a protracted legal battle. If I was optimistic, I would figure that this would take about a year, but Iâm not, and I know that it could take a few.â Â
Davidâs dark eyes darted fascinatedly across your face before he offered: âBut you do know a lot about Mr. Haywardâs business.âÂ
âYes, I do.âÂ
âBecause it was your business, too.âÂ
You averted your gaze from him as that washed over you. His acknowledgement made your heart knock hollowly against your ribs, and it took all of your strength not to slouch dejectedly in your chair.Â
â...Yes,â You agreed. âIt was.â
âI understand that youâre discouraged. I would be, too, a lot of women are in your position.âÂ
âExactly what position is that, Mister David.âÂ
His smile flattened with nerves, and he let out a huffed, joyless laugh.Â
âI mean, having been servedââÂ
âA piping-hot plate of out on my ass?âÂ
âIf thatâs what youâd like to call itââ
âI call it that because thatâs what it is, not because I like it that way.â
âI understand. Look,â David shifted in his seat, twisting to face you a little more. âI think that regardless of when you get your pieces in place, you have a real case here. I think I can get you half.âÂ
If you had a touch less decorum, you would have jumped out of your seat and screamedâboth from the excitement, and the certainty that David Alford was out of his mind. Instead, you blinked twice, and once you managed to unstick your tongue from the roof of your mouth, asked:
âHalf?âÂ
âYes maâam.âÂ
âThere is no way.âÂ
âYouâd be surprised.âÂ
âI donât think I would, because Iâm almost certain thatâs impossible.âÂ
âWell, it certainly would be before.âÂ
âWhat exactly has changed?âÂ
âYou didnât know me. You do now.âÂ
You smiled in spite of yourself at the brash, almost fearless way that he said it. As skeptical as you were, you knew that this was exactly what you needed: someone as bold, confident, and fearless asâ
âWhat a cozy little conference this is.âÂ
You turned back at the sound of Harveyâs voice, smiling a little. âLooking to join the fun?âÂ
âIf I can hazard a guess at Jessicaâs matchmaking, Alford is the one joining the fun.âÂ
âSpecter,â David greeted, pushing himself out of his seat. âHavenât seen you at the squash courts recently.âÂ
âIâve been trolling the back nine,â Harvey offered, shaking Davidâs hand. âNice to see you, Pleas and thank you.âÂ
Your brow furrowed at the term. âWhat?âÂ
âItâs what some of the guys at the club call me. You know, my nameââÂ
âAlford pleas and thank you.â You scrubbed your hand across your brow. âGod, thatâs dumb.âÂ
âWe canât all be queens of quip.âÂ
âYou poor things,â You shot back scathingly. Harvey shot you a wink before turning back to David.Â
âSo, David, whaddaya say?â Harvey plied. âYou filling the gap?âÂ
âYeah, Iâd love to fill âer in.âÂ
You didnât miss his innuendo, nor the speculative, open, sweeping gaze that David leveled at you. Your brows inched toward your hairline, stunned at his brazenness. Surely you hadnât seen it rightâ
âCoffee?âÂ
Your focus was broken at the sound of Jessicaâs voice, and the sight of a coffee tray being wheeled in behind her. You let yourself be busied by it. You focused on your coffee, made it the way you liked, and let Jessica and David and Harvey talk about what you could reasonably expect out of the divorce battle.Â
Reasonably, as if this entire situation hadnât been insanely unreasonable.Â
But you let yourself sit, and listen, and save your speculation for the train ride home.Â
You mustâve read his look wrong, or misunderstood. He didnât mean it like that.Â
And even if he did, finding that look intriguing was incredibly appropriate. But it didnât matter! Because he didnât mean it like that.Â
âŚAnd even if he did, it was probably just something that he tried to bring you on board. But it didnât matter, because he did not mean it like that.Â
âŚ
Though if he did, it really wouldnât matter, because it would be grounds for him to be disbarred. Nothing was going to happenâŚEven if you did find him attractive, and found his blunt approach and self-assured nature very, very hot.Â
But you were not going to fuck him.
--Â Â
âDonât fuck him.âÂ
You had expected the warning to come from Jessica, but to hear it from Harvey of all goddamn people made you gape at him in shock. He just gave you a knowing look before he turned back toward the beer that he was opening.Â
Your urge to have a drink that evening hadnât been strong, but it had been there, and it had made you think of Harveyâs offer from the day before. You hadnât expected such a quick response to your simple text of âBeer?â, but he had turned up a mere half hour later, a fresh six pack in hand. He had shrugged off his jacket, tossed it on to your bed, and walked over to your kitchenetteâwhere he proceeded to say the most heinous thing.
âExcuse me?â You finally managed.Â
âYou heard me.âÂ
âI donât think I did, actually, not properly, because it sounded like you just gave me an order that you had no business giving.âÂ
âI have plenty of business.âÂ
âNoââÂ
âDonâtââÂ
âNo no no, you do not, not here, and not like that.âÂ
âIâm just saying,â Harvey turned from the counter, planting his hand on the cruddy formica, âThat I knowââÂ
âDo not say that you know me.âÂ
His expression darkened, and you watched as he drew in a deep breath. âI know him.âÂ
â...He has to be good, or Jessica wouldnât have pulled him on to my case.âÂ
âHeâs a good lawyer, but heâs a scuzzy asshole.âÂ
âI know the type.âÂ
âYou think Iâm a scuzzy asshole?âÂ
Your gut dropped at the hint of anger seeping into his tone.Â
âI meant Steven.âÂ
Harvey turned away, hand curling into a fist and knocking lightly on the counter.Â
âJustâŚBe careful with him.âÂ
âYou are the last person that has any right to lecture me on the care that I ought to take with the men in my life.â
âIâm not lecturing youââÂ
âNo, youâre warning me off, like a little kid thatâs playing too close to an electric fence.âÂ
âIt wouldnât be the first time.âÂ
âFuck you.âÂ
âFine by me, as long as you donât fuck David.â
âAlright, you know what,â You pushed off of your bed, striding over to your door. âGet out.âÂ
âWeâre not done talking about this.âÂ
âYes, we are. Get out.âÂ
âWeâre not done untilââÂ
âWeâre done when I say weâre done!â You began to yank your door open. Harvey was across your small space in a moment, palm flat against the door as he shoved it shut behind you.Â
âAnd what the hell gives you the right to decide that?âÂ
âBecause itâs my turn!â You barked. âI get to decide when weâre done now.âÂ
âIt stopped being your turn when you stormed out of my office.âÂ
âThen make the damn decision yourself and get the fuck out of my apartment!âÂ
âIf you want to ruin that manâs career and your chances of getting anything that you want out of your divorce, you go right ahead.âÂ
âI am not going to fuck him, and Iâm not going to get him disbarred, you ass.âÂ
âGood.âÂ
âAnd I deeply resent the implication that Iâm so sex-starved and desperate that Iâm willing to fuck anyone who gives me any goddamn attention.âÂ
âI did notââÂ
âYes, you did, you did the second you opened your mouth. By rights, if thatâs your view of me, I shouldâve tried to not only fuck Mike, but you, of all people.âÂ
âI never implied that you were sex starved, but if you were, you could do a lot worse than MikeââÂ
âOh, reallyââÂ
âAnd a helluva lot worse than me.âÂ
âOh, please! There is no way that I could do worse than you. There are dictators that Iâd sooner fall into bed with.âÂ
âIf all youâre cutting out is the bed, I can work with the rest.âÂ
You couldâve slapped him. He was close enough, and you could just imagine itâthe way the flush of red would look spreading across his cheek.Â
âWhat makes you think Iâd ever allow you anywhere near me again, Specter?âÂ
âIâm pretty damn close now.â He shifted closer, stopping as the tips of his shoes brushed your socked feet.
âAgainst your better judgment.âÂ
âYou want to put me in my place, sweetheart, you go right ahead.âÂ
âDon't call me that.âÂ
âWhy not.âÂ
âDonât you dare call me that.âÂ
âGive me a good reason not to.âÂ
âYou havenât earned it back.âÂ
âAny idea of how I might do that?âÂ
You bit him. You grasped his tie, tugged him in, and sank your teeth into his lower lip. You expected an argument, but Harvey just groaned, grasping you by the hips and shoving you back against the door. You released his lip, groaning as he swept his tongue into your mouth. Your hand unwound from his tie, breath leaving you in harsh puffs as Harveyâs smearing kisses trailed down your jaw to your neck. You arched up into his touch as his hands slipped under your t-shirt, palming and squeezing whatever skin he could reach. You reached down, hands fumbling with nerves and heat as you worked off his belt.Â
Every time your mind began to race, Harvey managed to quiet it, with his teasing tongue, and nipping teeth, and grasping fingers. For all of his big talk about getting David disbarred, Harvey suddenly seemed to not give a damn about his own careerâ
You whined as Harvey yanked down the cup of your bra, knuckles toying with your pebbling nipple. You palmed his hardening cock through the soft fabric of his trousers, thrilling in his moan, and the press of his hips up against your touch. His fingers snaked beneath the band of your sweatpants, sweeping against your clit before swiping slower.Â
âYouâre already so goddamn wet,â He growled, easing a finger into you. You pressed into his touch, gritting your teeth as he goaded: âYou like pissing me off this much?âÂ
âCondom?â
âLeft pocket.âÂ
You reached into his pocket, brushing against his cock as you drew out the foil packet. Why wasnât it tucked somewhere discreet, like his wallet? You pushed the thought away as you ripped the foil packet open with your teeth. Harvey let go of you just long enough to shove his pants down around his thighs, then push your sweatpants.Â
âTurn around.âÂ
You passed him the condom before doing as you were told, leaning heavily against the door. You expected a stretch, but slick heat pressed between your spread thighs. Your mouth dropped open in a moan, eyes squeezing shut as Harvey lapped and laved your slick, heated skin. You reached back, fingers scrabbling to grasp the neat coif of his hair.Â
âHarvey, damnit,â You gasped. âJust fuck me already.âÂ
He groaned in dissent, giving your lips one more sucking kiss before straightening fully. You felt one palm smooth over to your thigh, and saw the other rest against the door as he eased into you. Your lips parted with a gentle whine at the pleasurable throb of his cock stretching you. You planted your hand on the door beside his, steadying yourself as you adjusted.
He didnât give you long. Harvey drew back before his hips snapped sharply. You pressed your cheek to the door, skin growing clammy between the flimsy particleboard and the hot panting of your breath. The harsh slam of his hips forced your body uncomfortably against the door. You let your eyes slide closed as Harveyâs hands covered yours, drawing them just above your head as he intertwined your fingers. The door rattled in the frame with each thrust. You whimpered as Harvey pressed his face into your neck, felt his hot breath and the rumble of his groans against your skin.Â
Your thighs ached, and your heart pounded, and your cunt throbbed, and goddamn it felt so fucking good.Â
The swell of your orgasm rose and crested sharply, and you didnât bother to hide the shuddering of your moan, your grip tightening on Harvey's hands. He followed close behind, hips pounding and juddering before he slowed. The two of you stood still for a few long moments, listening to one anotherâs panting and coming down. Harvey carefully extricated your hands from yours, drawing away and leaving you half-bare and chilly against the door.
â...I need a beer,â Harvey muttered, voice hoarse.
âYou left one on the counter.âÂ
âYou want one?âÂ
âYeah.âÂ
You reach down, tugging up your sweatpants as you gently peel yourself back from the door.Â
âItâs probably going to be lukewarm,â Harvey warned.
âI donât care.â You drew in a shaky breath as you walked back toward your bed. Youâd already sworn that you wouldnât let him into it. You lowered yourself to sit beside it, looking at the door as the swirl of confused thoughts shifted back to the fore. You watched Harvey tie off the condom and drop it into your trash bin. You tracked his movementâfrom cleaning up, to doing up his pants, to washing his hands. You didnât bother to hide your open speculation as he opened another beer, then took the two up. You drew your legs together, biting your lip as your slick cunt pulsed.
Harvey lowered himself to sit beside you, holding a beer out and lightly knocking his against yours before you each took a drink. You winced a little at the taste. You shouldâve listened to himâthe taste of lukewarm beer was not appetizing. You saw Harvey reach up out of the corner of your eye as he loosened his tie.Â
â...What was that about getting someone disbarred?âÂ
âShuddup.â There was no heat to how he said it, and that was probably why it made you snort a laugh.Â
âHarvey?âÂ
âWhat.âÂ
âDid you come over planning to fuck me?âÂ
âWhat?âÂ
âWhy was there a condom in your pocket?âÂ
âI had a date.âÂ
Your brow furrowed as you took that in.Â
â...When?â
âTonight.âÂ
âWhy arenât you there?âÂ
âBecause Iâm here.âÂ
Harvey Specter broke a date. Harvey Specter broke a date for you. You leaned back against the bed again, biting the inside of your cheek to quell a wide grin.Â
âDonât read into it,â He added.Â
âIâm not reading into anythingâŚApart from the fact that you seemed pretty sure you were going to get laid.âÂ
âI was.âÂ
âArrange for that, did you?âÂ
âNo need to arrange anything. Iâm just good like that.âÂ
âWell. Canât argue with that. For the recordââÂ
âWhat.âÂ
âYou really have no say over who I do and donât fuck.âÂ
âI know.âÂ
âGood.âÂ
â...You going to the Hamptons next weekend?âÂ
âYeah.â
âHow are you getting up there?âÂ
âI was going to take the train.â
âI could give you a ride.âÂ
âYou already have.â You cast Harvey a knowing smile, grin widening as he shot you a sidelong, unimpressed glance. Your smile turned to giggles as Harvey seemed to smile in spite of himself.Â
âYou really think we could stand to be in the car with one another for more than twenty minutes?â You prodded.Â
âIf not, we could always pull over and work out our differences.âÂ
âPfft. No other weekend plans?âÂ
âNope.âÂ
âDidnât promise a rain check?âÂ
âDidnât specify when it might happen.âÂ
âMm. And why would you want to come with me?âÂ
âSteven could be watching those properties, waiting for you to turn up. You could benefit from having back up.âÂ
âYou make it sound terribly sinister. Have you figured out how to bill Gstaad yet?âÂ
âIâm working on it.â
âKeep me updated.âÂ
âSure.âÂ
âI donât mean for, you knowâI donât want a vacation.â
âYouâve earned one.âÂ
âWhatever, I just donât like to put something on the market without doing a walk-through myself.âÂ
âI understand.âÂ
You leaned back against the bed a little more heavily, gaze wandering toward the door, where a little bit of your makeup was smeared from the press of your cheek.Â
â...Harvey?â
âMm?âÂ
âCan we talk about it?âÂ
âThe sex or the other thing?âÂ
âThe other thing.âÂ
âIâve already had one fight with you today. I donât think I have the capacity for two...Do you?â
You shook your head.Â
âSome other time,â He promised.Â
âSure.âÂ
--Â
You had seen the paperwork and the inspectorâs notes, but to see the house in the Hamptons was a whole other story. The long gravel driveway was lined with a horse fence on the left, and a plain wood fence on the right. You didnât bother to hide your open, stunned stares as you passed the stables. It was hardly the first time youâd seen a home like it, but it was unfathomable that Steven seemed to have not only put the house in your name, but completely forgotten about it.Â
Harvey pulled the car into the neatly manicured lot.Â
âDo you want to start in the stables, the house, the pool, the tennis courtâŚ?â He shut the car off, waiting for your reply. You shook your head.Â
âI only care about the house,â You admitted.Â
âSo we wonât be walking the expansive lawns? I brought my sneakers.âÂ
âDo I even want to know how expensive those sneakers are?âÂ
âTheyâre worth more than your apartment.âÂ
âIâm willing to believe that.â You climbed out of the car, eyeing the inspectorâs report as you rounded toward the front steps. You turned from the paperwork to take in the houseâs appearance more clearly. It wasâŚUgly. The large, L-shaped, gray-brick building had the modernistic development of the fast-casual apartment buildings in the city, with some of the gauche touches of your penthouse, like the expansive floor-to-ceiling covering nearly the entirety of the bottom of the floor. You could see a balcony on the left side of the house, and another around the other end of the L.Â
â...This is different.âÂ
âItâs criminal,â You muttered.Â
âAre you saying that because he forged your signature, or because itâs ugly as sin?âÂ
âBoth. Come on.âÂ
You walked up to the front door, punching in the code that the realtor had given you to get the door open.Â
The foyer was as flat and uninspired as the outside of the houseâwhite marble floors, grey walls, and sterling silver furnishings. You grimaced as you looked around.Â
âAre we doing a complete walk through of this millennial grey gulag?â
âIf youâre going to hate it, you can wait in the car,â You offered, glancing toward Harvey. âApparently there are fifteen bedrooms and nine bathrooms, and I donât know how much of your cute commentary I can deal with today.âÂ
âSeemed to handle it fine in the car.â Harvey turned left before you could say or do anything else, and you followed him, looking down at the propertyâs map.Â
âThis place oughta have one of those fricking mall maps with a star labeled âYou Are Hereâ,â You grumbled.Â
âNow whoâs making cute comments.âÂ
âÂ
âMy feet hurt,â You groaned, plopping onto a boxy, stiff-cushioned couch.Â
âYouâd think after the last couple of months of living in that walk-up, youâd be in better shape.â
âYouâd think.â
âItâs all those cheese fries.â
âOhâshut up.âÂ
âSo, what do you think?â
âI think we throw it on the market for 18 million and I forget that it ever existed.â
âWhy list it in your name, though?â
You shrugged, looking around. âMaybe it was in both our names when he bought it and the outcome was such a disaster he decided to leave my name on it. I think he designed it.â
âReally?â Harveyâs brows rose as he looked around.Â
âOh, god yeah. Steven can be smart, but heâs never really had any design sense. I wound up taking charge on some of our early flip projects because he just didnât have the eye for it. He always tried, but I kinda wound up following behind and fixing his messes. If I had to guess, he bought this place to show me that he really could do it, and he justâŚCanât.â
âDo you think Cape Cod and Gstaad will be the same?âÂ
âDoubtful. The report for Cape Cod said that the house was originally built in 1950âŚwhat. Four?â
âSomething like that.âÂ
âIt looks like he gutted it like he did the apartment buildings and realized how much of a project it would be. Gave up on it.âÂ
âAnd Gstaad?âÂ
âWork out how to expense the trip and we can talk.â
Harvey chuckled, wandering closer. âShould we christen it?â
âChristen what?â
âThis house.â
âHow?â
Harveyâs brows waggled salaciously, and you laughed, pushing yourself off of the couch. âOh no, Specter. No wayââ
âWhy not?â
âYou wanna christen every room? You donât have the stamina for thatâAnd I donât have the patience.âÂ
âWhat about just in here?â He curled his arm around your waist, drawing you closer. âOn that stupid couch, over the pianoâŚHow about up against the windows?â His voice dropped to a murmur. âThereâs no one around for miles.âÂ
You rolled your eyes despite your amusement.Â
âIf you said that with the Kubrick stare, Iâd think you were going all Jack Torrence on me.â
âHeeeeeeeereâs Harvey.â
âUgh! God, letâs just go,â You pushed out of Harveyâs arms, heading for the door. âItâs kinda creepy being here, you know. Like Stevenâs watching.âÂ
âThe house canât be haunted, heâs not dead.âÂ
âHe is to me.â
â
âWhen are you planning on going to Cape Cod?âÂ
âMmâŚProbably next week.â
âDriving up?â
âTaking the train.â
âAgain with the train.âÂ
âI donât have a car and Iâm not going to rent one.â
âAre you staying overnight?â
âNo.â
âYouâre going to go up and back on the train in one day? That is a long day.â
âI can handle it.âÂ
âYouâd be more comfortable in a car.âÂ
âYeah, obviouslyâEyes on the road, Specter.â You reached out, poking his cheek as he glanced over at you. He batted your hand away lazily before turning back to the road.Â
âWhy do you always insist on doing things in the most difficult way possible?â
âBecause in most cases, the most difficult choice is also the most cost-effective. Efficiencies can be cruel, Harvey.â
âCruel is an understatement.âÂ
âI can handle a day on the train.â
âIf you say so.âÂ
âI do say so, thank you.âÂ
âStubborn.âÂ
â...Do you wanna come up when we get back to my place?â
âWhat for?âÂ
You tipped your head to the side, waiting for Harvey to glance over before you teasingly waggled your brows.
âOh, so now you want to?âÂ
âI wanted to then! But I couldnât do it if I felt Steven looming over me. Câmon, Specter,â You reached out, gently teasing your nails along the back of his neck, and grinning as he shifted slightly in his seat. âSee if you can get me any more out of breath than walking up six flights of stairs.âÂ
--Â Â
âHey, there you are! Jessica needs toâWhatâs that face for?â Mikeâs concern fell away at the sight of Harveyâs self-satisfied smile as he stepped off of the elevator. Harvey gave a dismissive shrug. What the hell was he going to tell Mike? That heâd spent the weekend somewhere other than his place? That he had fallen asleep with her, and remembered how serene it used to be to wake up with her? That theyâd hardly left her cruddy apartmentâhell, theyâd hardly left her bed?Â
âNothing. What were you saying?âÂ
âJessica needs to see you.âÂ
âRight now?âÂ
No sooner had the words left his mouth did Jessica step out from around the corner, drawing him up short.Â
âYes,â She insisted firmly. âRight now.âÂ
Harvey had the strange sense of a child being marched to the principal as she led her way to her office. She shut the door behind the two of them, striding past him to her desk.Â
âCan this wait?â Harvey hedged. âIâve got coffee going cold on my desk.âÂ
âWell then, Iâll make this quick. Did you have a nice time this weekend?"
That should've been his warning. It was a solid leading question, and one that, on any other Monday, he would not have hesitated to answer. His eyes narrowed slightly, before he decidedâYes, she must have known that he drove to the Hamptons. Someone would have told Jessica: Mike was still in the habit of offering updates when he thought they would be helpful.
"Yes," He finally answered.
"Was it a productive trip?"
A second warning. Jessica was a strategist, and Harvey knew that any lawyer worth a damn didn't ask a question that they didn't already know the answer to. Still, he chose a carefully middle-of-the-road answer:
"She was happy to go through the home herself, set a listing price. Hopefully we can get it on the market and on its way as soon as possible.â
Jessica took that in thoughtfully, lips set in a placid smile.
"Were there any outstanding features?"
A third and final warning, but Harvey couldn't help but lean into it:
"Are we talking about the tennis court, the pool, the stables, or the thousand lawns?"
Jessica let out a tepid, flatly amused, "Hm," Before beckoning him closer. "Well if those all caught your eye, it would explain why you missed the cameras."
Harvey froze in his step, blood running cold. There was no wayâCameras? His gaze dropped to the laptop that she turned to face him. The black and white footage was grainy, but clear enough. Harvey watched as he wrapped his arm around her, drawing her into his chest. He could still feel the heat of her body, and the plush slide of her sweater beneath his fingers. He could see the gentle, adoring way that she gazed up at him before she nudged him away, leading the charge out of the house.Â
âItâs kinda creepy being here, you know. Like Stevenâs watching.â He didnât know how, but she had felt it.Â
"Where did that come from."
"I'll give you three guesses."
"Let me explainâ"
"Explain what!" Jessica slammed the laptop closed, rounding the desk with self-righteous strides. "Explain what idiotic idea led to you putting on a show?"
"We didn't know that there were cameras."
"How long has this been going on?"
"We only went to see that one house."
Jessica's expression darkened as she shook her head.
"Don't play dumb with me, Harvey," She warned lowly. "How long have you been sleeping with her."
It hit him low in the gut. For a moment, he was too stunned to speak.
"She told you?"
"No, she didn't tell me. She didn't have to. It'll be plain as day to anyone who sees that footage."
"Thatâs not true, we were justâ"
"Just what?"
"I was teasing her! It didn't mean anything."
"If I call and ask her, she'll say the same thing?"
He was certain of it. "Yes."
"Would she swear to it under oath? At a deposition? In court?"
His surety faltered, and his mouth worked wordlessly before he pursed his lips tightly. Jessica shook her head again.
"I am not the only one with access to this. Luckily for youâfor both of youâshe still has a friend or two on the inside. Aaron Delaney sent this to me before he deleted the original. He works closely with Steven, and has access to a few property accounts. He got an alert on his phone that someone had used the keypad to open the door."
"Has Steven seen it?"
"He isn't sure, but I'm not willing to take that chance. Louis will be taking over the Hayward case, and Mike will be assisting him."
"No, Jessica, that's not happening."
"It is, because I'm telling you that it is. You should be relieved. You never wanted it in the first place."
"Things are different now."
"You're damn right they are! What the hell were you thinking? Both of you?"
"Let me see this case through."
"If you see this through and Hayward does have access to this footage, you could be disbarred. You're going to hand the files over to Louis by the end of the day. He is expecting them. Mike will bring him up to speed and assist him until this mess is cleared up."
Harvey lowered his gaze to the floor as Jessica stepped around him, opening the door and waiting beside it. He curled his hands into fists in his pockets as he strode resignedly from the office.
"And so help you," Jessica warned as he passed, "If I hear that you are holding Louis up in any way."
Harvey only made it a few feet from the office before he pulled his phone out of his pocket, hurriedly dialing her number. It rang once...Twice...Three times...And went to voicemail.
"Damnit," He hissed, lowering the phone to redial. "C'mon, c'mon..." It rang once, "Pick up." Twice...
"Hey you."
"Where are you?"
"What do you mean?" She laughed, "I'm on my way to see Jessica for our check-in."
Fuck.
"How close are you?"
"I just got off of the elevator. Why?"
Harvey whirled around, eyes desperately searching for her through the gaggle of associates, paralegals, and lawyers going about their business.
"She knows."
"What?"
He could hear her frown. Harvey took three steps toward the elevator bay before he saw her come into viewâand lock eyes with Jessica. He saw her body go tense, before her shoulders sagged with dejection.
"Oh."
"Yeah."
"Hell," She sighed before hanging up.
--
"I'm not going to even begin to approach what you may have been thinkingâ"
"Jessicaâ"
"âPutting not only your future, Harveyâs future, and the future of this firm in jeopardy."
"I wasn't thinking."
"Clearly."
"We didn't even do anything at the house!"
"That doesn't make the slightest bit of difference."
You slid down in your seat as Jessica paced in front of you, her pace and turn reminiscent of a caged tiger.
"I did you a favor and this is how you repay me?" She finally stilled, nailing you with a cold gaze. You folded further under the crush of her look, so similar to the disbelief that she had leveled you with at her apartment not too long ago.
"I'm sorry."
"You should be." Jessica strode around her desk. "Your case has been reassigned to Louis Litt. Mike will stay on, provided you haven't fucked him, too."
Christ. "I made a mistake, alright? I told you I was sorry, and I meant it," You insisted. "Don't bring Mike into this when he hasn't done anything wrong."
Jessica bristled as she lowered herself into her seat.
"I don't want you associating with Harvey until this is over."
"OhâCome on."
"If this footage were to come out, Harvey's conduct and ethics will be called into question. He'll be dragged into your divorce proceedings. Is that what you want?"
Your stomach churned uneasily as you considered it. You knew she was right. You shook your head a little, trying desperately to swallow past the lump that was forming in your dry throat.
"Louis and Mike will be in touch."
"Okay." You turned, heading for her office door, and stopping just before you opened it.
"...Is now a bad time to remind you that bringing Harvey onto my case was your idea?"
The chilling glare that she leveled with answered for her: Yes. It was a very bad time to remind her.
--
âYou slept withââÂ
âShut the door and keep your voice down,â Harvey warned stonily. Before either of them could move toward his office door, Donna hurried into view, reaching for the handle.Â
âYou donât wanna hear this?â Mikeâs brows rose. âYou of all people?âÂ
Donna waved him away, offering, âIntercom,â Before she shut the door. Harvey sighed heavily, lowering himself into his chair.Â
âWhat happened?â Mike stepped closer to the desk. âIâm justâYou two hate each other.âÂ
âThank you for the reminder. I forgot about that.âÂ
âHarvey, câmon,â Mike shook his head as he tried (and failed) to keep from smiling. âWhat happened?âÂ
âI went over to hang out.âÂ
âAt her apartment?âÂ
âYeah.âÂ
âOkay, and? Instead of hanging out youâŚLet it all hang out?âÂ
âGet out of my office.â
âIf that was at her apartment, what happened in the Hamptons?âÂ
âNothing happened in the Hamptons. The footage justâŚWe got close, thatâs all.âÂ
âThatâs not enough to disbar you.âÂ
âBecause youâre the expert on being disbarred? Itâs enough to call my ethics into questionâŚAnd Jessicaâs right, no one needs that headache right now.â Â
âSo Iâm stuck with Louis because you got close? Whereâs the Specter spirit? No way are you going to watch this one from the sidelines.âÂ
On any other case, no, he wouldnât. Harvey would insist on backseat driving. But on this oneâŚHe grimaced, dropping his gaze to his desk.Â
âI want regular updates,â He insisted. âThatâs all.âÂ
Mike nodded slowly, conceding: âOkay. But Iâll be ready when you change your mind.âÂ
--Â
"I'll come over."
He sounded so positive about itâlike nothing had happened, or changed. You eyed the remaining trash bags, trying to scrounge up the conviction of an excuse.Â
"I don't think that's a good idea right now."
"Why not?"
You know why. You shifted your phone from one hand to the other, tucking it between your shoulder and your ear as you reached out, gripping a bag to make it crinkle loudly.
"I've still got some sorting to do."
"I'll help you."
"Not tonight, Harvey."
"...She's not in charge of us, you know."
You tipped your head back against your wall, closing your eyes. "She's actually very much in charge of you."
"At work."
"I know, but I just..." You winced. "I think she's right. We should lay low for a while. If Steven did see that video before Aaron sent it to Jessica, we're both going to have a whole new mess that we're stepping into."
"I'm ready for it."
"...I don't know if I am."
His silence on the other end made you want to crawl out of your skin. "I can only fight one battle at a time, HarveyâAnd right now, I'm barely managing the big ones."
"Fine."
You knew that fine coming from him. It wasn't fine. It was I'm shutting down. It was I'm finished with this conversation. It was I'm finished with you.
"Harveyâ"
You lowered the phone from your ear as the line cut off, watching the inevitable flashing and darkening of his contact. You bit the inside of your cheek, fighting back a fresh wave of tears. How, after all this time, was Harvey Specter still able to make you cry?
--Â
You became solitary again. Life narrowed. You saw Aaron a time or two, but he was so busy either working or gathering intel that you were hardly able to keep up with him. For as much of a lifeline as she had been, Jessica was still pissed, and you hardly spoke more than you needed to. Mike was a dear, checking in to see how you were doing, but most correspondence led inevitably to discussing closings, proceedings, contracts (and you couldnât blame him for it; he was only doing his job).Â
Louis wasâŚA lot. He was very eager, that was clear, and had been working hard to push the sales of the apartment buildings and the home in the Hamptons through. David and his firm were digging into discovery, and were making headway.Â
But you had so little life outside of your divorce. Most of your pieces were sold off, so you hardly had any day-to-day tasks to keep you busyâand everything in New York was so goddamn expensive. It felt like you spent $50 just stepping out your front door. There were days when you simply didnât. It was cheaper to stay in, and quieter (so long as your neighbors didnât have a screaming match that day).
Your life was four walls, a cruddy bed, rickety furniture. You spent too much time awake when you shouldâve been sleeping; too much time reminiscing when you should have been moving on; too much time dwelling on the time that you spent with men in your life that probably wouldnât spare you another thought.Â
--Â Â
Walking back into the firm was uncomfortable. Youâd avoided it for as long as you could, but Mike insisted that there were a few documents that absolutely had to be seen and signed in the office. Youâd made it an entire three weeks without so much as getting anywhere near the building. You found yourself avoiding even glancing in the direction of Jessicaâs office. It was alright, thoughâDonna was a smiling, comforting presence the second you stepped off of the elevator.Â
âFind the place alright?â She teased.Â
âI did, thank you. Iâve only been here a dozen times in the last couple of months.âÂ
âItâs been a few weeks. We thought youâd forgotten where we were.âÂ
You smiled tightly. You were certain that she knew everything that had gone onâshe was the eyes and ears of the place.Â
âYou know, itâs the funniest thing,â You drawled sarcastically, âI kept coming to the right building and getting off on the wrong floor.âÂ
âHappens to the best of us. Câmon.âÂ
You frowned as she led you away from the usual conference rooms, and even further away from Louisâ office. You couldnât imagine where the heck she was taking youâand your confusion deepened as she opened the door to a room lined with files. She nodded you inside, a knowing smile on her lips as she warned:Â
âTwo minutes.âÂ
Two minutes? Until what?
âThanks, Donna.â Harveyâs voice made you freeze, and you could do nothing but watch Donna close the door behind herself. You looked down at the floor, your hands wringing as you heard Harvey come closer. You felt him stop close behind you, close enough to feel the heat of him.
â...Are you going to look at me?â He hedged softly.Â
âNo need. I know what you look like.âÂ
He sighed softly, stepping around to stand in front of you. You watched as his shoes and pant legs came into view.Â
â...And youâre just going to look at my shoes now?âÂ
âTheyâre nice shoes. Look expensive.âÂ
âThey are.âÂ
âFigures.âÂ
âIâm sorry.âÂ
You looked at him fully, finally, stunned. You were surprised at how drawn he looked. Sure, his suit was impeccable, and his hair was frustratingly perfect, but you could see tiredness around his eyes.Â
âYouâre going through hell right now,â Harvey went on, âYou donât need me to pile on to that. I shouldnât have snapped at you.âÂ
You nodded slowly as you took it all in. âWell. We should never have, umâŚâ You cleared your throat, averting your gaze again. âIt was stupid.âÂ
âYou regret it?âÂ
âItâs not worth risking your career over.âÂ
âThatâs not what I asked.â Harvey closed the space between the two of you, and you had to force yourself not to lean into him the way you wantedâthe way youâd missed for weeks.Â
âHarvey,â You warned softly. âI canât keep playing tug of war with you like this. Iâm already at the end of my damn rope.âÂ
âI know.âÂ
You closed your eyes at the feeling of his palms sliding warmly over your arms, trailing down until he could gently intertwine your fingers.Â
âIâll be on my best behavior,â He promised, âUntil weâre on the other side of this, and your business with the firm is closed out.âÂ
âAnd then what?âÂ
âAnd then Iâll give you hell.â
You spluttered a laugh, unable to help it. Harvey chuckled softly, his nose nudging yours gently.Â
âI should go,â You warned softly. âLouis will come looking for me.âÂ
âDonna will keep him at bay.âÂ
âShe said two minutes. Itâs been at least threeââ You hardly had time to finish your protestation before Harvey kissed you. You swayed into him, lips slipping tenderly against his as he used his grasp to draw you flush against him. You wiggled your hands from his, curling your arms around his shoulders to keep close. You startled at the two knocks on the door, and smiled as Harvey groaned in irritation.Â
âI should let you go,â He mumbled. You nodded, murmured,
âProbably.âÂ
But neither of you rushed to move.Â
--Â
âI'm sorry to see you go. I've enjoyed our time together."
You sort of believed it, given the pinched, almost pained look that Louis leveled you across the desk. And, for all of your work with him over the last three months, you'd gained a sort of affinity for the man...Even if he was a little intense in a way that sometimes confused you. You smiled, taking up the final few documents that you would need for your record.
"I appreciate that, and thank you for all of your hard work, Mr. Litt. It's been..." You weighed your words carefully, "Interesting."
"For me, too. Reach out if you need anything elseâdoc review, mover recommendations, tickets to the ballet. Anything."
"Tickets to the ballet? I'm impressed." You held your hand out, smiling as he stood and pumped it enthusiastically. "Thank you again."
You were hardly four steps out of Louis' office when you found yourself flanked in the hallway.
"We should celebrate," Harvey insisted.
"And how would we do that?"
"Dinner at La Belle Vache."
Your brows rose as you glanced toward Mike.
"âThe beautiful cowâ?"
"Harvey's idea."
"With a restaurant name like that, it would have to be."
"Hey, that is not fair! I could be posh."
"It wouldn't suit you, Mr. Ross."
"Is that a yes or a no to dinner?" Harvey plied.
"When?"
"You busy tonight?"
"If I told you I had plans, would you believe me?"
"Not for a second."
"Well, I do."
"Cancel 'em."
"It's with my divorce lawyer."
"And here feels like a good stopping point for me." Mike wheeled around, striding back in the direction that he came.
"What the hell does David want with you after hours?"Â
"Deposition starts next week. We're drilling testimony."
"As long as that's all he's drilling."
"Watch it, Specter." You reached out, jabbing the down button on the elevator before turning back to Harvey. He pouted contemplatively before offering: "What about this weekend?"
"I think I could swing this weekend. Is dinner on the firm?"
"It's on me."
"Do you think..." You trailed off, glancing toward Jessica's office, "That the powers that be will approve?"
"Honestly?" Harvey lowered his voice,"I don't give a damn. It's been months. Your business here is wrapped. If Jessica wants to give me a good reason why I can't see you, she's welcome to tryâbut it won't work."
You bit the inside of your cheek to quell a smile as you reached out, gently straightening Harvey's tie.
"Very forceful, Mr. Specter."
"You like it?"
"It's kinda hot." You turned back and stepped onto the elevator as it chimed.
"This weekend," You finally agreed. "Invite MikeâHe's earned several dinners."
"He sure has."
The doors began to close, but Harvey darted in, catching them before they could shut all the way. He darted in, pressing a swift, warm kiss to your lips before he drew away again. You grinned as he stepped back, allowing the doors to close.
--
"As long as that's all he's drilling."
The memory of Harvey's teasing warning was on your mind throughout your time with David, and you found yourself fighting back smiles all evening.
"Do you have any plans for the weekend?"
David watched you from beneath his lashes as he asked, and where that look had intrigued you once, you knew better. You gave a short, firm nod, and insisted: "I have a date."
Your battle with Steven was far from over. You still had forgery cases pending, and your divorce case had hardly begun. But things felt a little lighter these days.
You had a direction, you had cash flow...But you didn't quite have the plan that you once did. You had told Harvey months ago that you were considering moving to Cambridge. It hadnât completely ceased to be true, but it wasnât your only consideration anymore.Â
There were moments when you could see the glimmer of a life to carve out for yourself: a smaller real estate firm with a few employeesâmaybe Aaron, if you could lure him away from Steven; a more comfortable apartment than where you were now, but you could live with where you were for a few more months as you got things in order; and, at the very least, a friendship with Harvey. You didnât know if what the two of you were doing would be sustainable, and you werenât sure whether either of you really wanted to knowâbut after all this time, you thought that maybe the two of you deserved another chance.Â
--Â Â
âImpressed?âÂ
It was a fair question, but you were doing your best to school your expression. You didnât want Harvey to know outright how much you did like his apartment. It was nothing less than you expectedâlarge (though not quite in the palatial way that your old penthouse was), tastefully decorated, with a gorgeous view. You knew why Harvey had brought you up, of course, but now he was just showing off.Â
Dinner had been its own round of grandstanding. You and Mike had watched, bemused, as Harvey had gone out of his way to pronounce all of the dishes in a French accent to the clearly not French (but feigning awe) waiter (who you were sure had to deal with this multiple times a day). Harvey had also taught you and Mike a thing or two about wineâor he had tried to, until Mike seemed no longer able to help himself and corrected Harvey on multiple facts about the RhĂ´ne valley in the south of France.Â
It had been a far more pleasant evening that you had expected to have, and far more jovial than youâd had in a long time. Mike and Harvey were close; you and Harvey had a history; you and Mike had become friends over the course of your time working with him. When Mike had insisted that you all had to do this again sometime, you believed that he meant it. And when Harvey had invited you both up for a nightcap, Mike had politely declined with a smile and a shake of his head, offering:
âI think I should let you two have some time to doâŚWhatever it is that you need to do.âÂ
You hadnât been entirely sure what heâd meant, or what Harvey had told him. You were almost certain that he wouldâve been told why Harvey had been taken off of your case in the first place. And sure, now and again, over dinner, you and Harvey had caught one anotherâs eye, maybe shared a smile. Maybe heâd rested his hand on your knee a time or two, given it a squeezeâbecause he could. Because the two of you were close and on even footing for the first time in a while.Â
âItâsâŚâ You trailed off, shrugging. âCertainly an apartment.âÂ
âOh, please,â Harvey scoffed, taking two wine glasses down from the cabinet. âYouâre impressed.âÂ
âItâs nicer than I thought it would be.âÂ
âYouâre dazzled.âÂ
âI like the kitchen.âÂ
âYouâre helplessly turned on.âÂ
ââHelplesslyâ is pushing it.âÂ
âSo you admit that youâre turned on?âÂ
You rolled your eyes, no longer bothering to fight your smile off.Â
âMaybe,â You offered, settling onto the couch and kicking off your shoes. Harvey joined you moments later, passing you a glass of wine and gently clinking his against yours before you each took sips. His gaze remained heavy on yours, and he leaned in for a gentle kiss as soon as you lowered your glass. You hummed, raising a hand and cupping his jaw. You leaned back just a touch, smiling as he crowded closer, dipping his head to brush kisses along your neck as his warm palm gently smoothed up your thigh.Â
â...Harvey?âÂ
âSure, I can show you the bedroom.âÂ
You laughed softly, shaking your head a little. âCan we talk about it?âÂ
He groaned, forehead dropping heavily against your shoulder. âWhy do you always insist on ruining a perfectly good time?âÂ
âLike when?â
âLike when we were in the Hamptons.âÂ
âYou thank your lucky fucking stars that I put a stop to that.âÂ
âYeah,â He grumbled, leaning back. You watched him swirl his wine in his glass.Â
âPlease,â You pleaded softly.Â
â...I didnât write the note.âÂ
Fuck.Â
âOkay.âÂ
âI wrote a note, butâŚNot that one.âÂ
âWho wrote that one?âÂ
âScottie.âÂ
â...Okay.âÂ
âI couldnât find the one Iâd written, she insisted that I couldnât leave you with nothing.âÂ
âWell, she was right.âÂ
âYeah.âÂ
You that that sink in for a moment before you pressed: âWhy did you leave?â
âI had doubts.âÂ
âAbout me?âÂ
âAbout us. You know how my parents were, you knowâŚâ He trailed off, shaking his head. âYou know what I saw.âÂ
âAnd you thought I would do that to you?âÂ
âI was afraid of it.âÂ
âIf you were afraid of it, then you thought I was capable of it.âÂ
ââAnd when you got married to Steven so quicklyââÂ
âOhâ!â The heavy, stunned, indignant laugh was pained as it left you. You pushed off of the couch, standing and walking out of Harveyâs reach. You heard him sigh heavily behind you, chased by the clink of him setting his wine glass down as he muttered, âThis is why I didnât want to talk about this.âÂ
âDo you know why I got married so quickly?â You whirled around to face him.Â
âBecause you loved Steven?âÂ
âI never said that. I thought I loved him a bit, sure, but I was afraid that this,â You waved a finger between the two of you, âWould happen again. I thought he would leave. I was afraid that I would spend my entire life being left. So when Steven showed me the slightest bit of attention, I latched on. We eloped. He wanted a big wedding, but I just,â You waved your hand around, âI couldnât do that a second time. Any of it. I didnât get a new dress, neither of our families were there, because I knew that they would all watch me, and him, and theyâd be thinking it: Is it going to happen again?âÂ
âYouâre saying your entire life with Steven was my fault?âÂ
âIâm saying that I made a choice, and that what happened with you was a factorâNot a fault, a factor. And why!â You let out another harsh hysterical laugh as tears welled in your eyes, âWhy didnât you just talk to me? What did I do then to make you think that you couldnât talk to me?â
âI wasnât ready!âÂ
âAnd we could have talked about that! What made you think that I wouldnât have been alright with moving the wedding back, or going to counseling with you, or whatever you would have needed to get us there?â
âYou wanted to get married.â
âI wanted you, Harvey! I would have waited, Iââ You turned away, sniffling heavily as tears slipped from your eyes. âFuck. Ugh.â You raised your glass, draining it before striding over the counter, desperate to put some more distance between the two of you. You set the glass down and yanked a paper towel off of the roll, swiping at your under eyes to clear away any running mascara. You blew your nose as well before balling up the tissue and lobbing it toward the trash can. You heard Harveyâs approaching footsteps, and you pulled in a deep, stuttering breath as he rested his hands on your shoulders.Â
â...Thereâs no way for me to take back or change what I did.âÂ
âWould you if you could?âÂ
âYes.â
â...Okay.âÂ
âDo you believe me?âÂ
âI donât know.âÂ
He sighed, pressing a kiss to the back of your head as his hands soothingly rubbed over your arms. You sniffled again, swiping away a stray tear before resting your hands on the counter.Â
âYou changed the way that I love, Harvey,â You shook your head. âFor better or worse, whether you meant to or not, you changed it.â You glanced back toward him. âI canât get those bits of myself back. You took them from me.âÂ
âI know. I took them from both of us.âÂ
You nodded, slowly letting yourself lean back against him. His arms curled around your middle, and you heard a soft, almost relieved groan leave him. You let your eyes close as he pressed a kiss to your temple. The two of you stood there in silence for a few moments, allowing yourselves to settle.Â
â...Stay tonight?â He murmured after a few moments. You nodded, smiling as his hold tightened on you again, as if wary that you would change your mind.Â
--Â
He had a few more smile lines. His hair still mussed the same; he still made little mumbling noises as he slowly rose from sleep to consciousness. He was still a furnace to sleep beside, and he still held you through the night. It was almost a relief that none of that had changed.Â
Waking up in his arms made you feel like it had when you were younger: safe, and loved, and wanted. You hadn't appreciated it when you'd had it just a few months ago, but you were desperate to catch on to every little bit of him now.
You were never going to be able to turn back the hands of timeâto go back and warn him, or yourself, or someone that your first wedding day would be a disaster, that it would set you off on a path that you could never have anticipated for yourself. Discussing what had happened hadn't truly healed any of your old wounds.
But as the sun began to creep over the Manhattan skyline and seep into Harveyâs bedroom, you felt closer to peace than you had in a long, long time.Â
Harvey snuffled, nuzzling your shoulder as his fingers curled in your borrowed nightshirt.Â
âYou awake?â He mumbled, the same low, gravely murmur that you had once loved, and missed.Â
âMmmhm.âÂ
âWant coffee?âÂ
âYes.âÂ
He yawned widely, pressing his face into your shoulder and warming your skin through the fabric. âBagels?âÂ
âSure.âÂ
ââKay.âÂ
Neither of you made a move to get either. Instead, you combed your fingers through his hair, closed your eyes, and listened to the steady rise and fall of his breathing as you both fell back asleep.Â
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I loved this way to much I need a whole series on them now please đđ
More Than Enough
Pairing: Harvey Specter x Reader
Rating: T
Notes: Not beta-read because when is it ever. Technically part of my Men I Always Meant to Write For non-series series.
Length: 9.9K
Warnings: Angst. Angst angst angst angst, mentions of reader having anxiety, friends to enemies to lovers, has a happy ending
Summary: Mr. Ross (Mike, heâd insisted, but you knew that you had to keep the formalities up for your own sakes) introduced Beth first, giving you a chance to justâlook. Youâd never bothered to catch up with Harvey once heâd gotten a job in New York. You knew that he was there, of course. The few friends that you had kept in touch with from Harvard had told you. Youâd heard his name every couple of months regarding some case that he had tried, some deal that heâd closed. But you couldnât imagine what youâd say to him if you turned up, and you werenât sure that you wanted to know what heâd say to youâif heâd have anything to say to you.
There were a lot of things that you remembered about Harvey. You remembered his dimples, and the freckles peppering his shoulders; you remembered the way his eyes lit up when he hit on something good; you remembered the casual, almost bored way that he answered questions in class. Most of all, you remembered how he looked at you.
Harvey used to look at you with warmth, and teasing. He used to watch you hunker over your books and notes, stare you down when he was determined to come out on top in an argument. He used to peer up at you as he tried not to fall asleep on your shoulder, sharing the train ride back to spend the odd weekend in New York.
You remembered the way his gaze used to send nervous butterflies swirling through you. The way his smile made your face go hot, and your heart pound in your chest.
You remembered so many things about how Harvey made you feel, things that you held on to for such a long timeâand they were in direct conflict with the way Harvey looked at you when you walked into the conference room that morning.
Something funny had happened in your gut when youâd heard his voice, the way he was warning his associate that he would, âHandle this one, and weâll be outta here in five minutes.â
As you rounded into the room, you could see that his associate wasnât convinced; you couldnât blame him. Youâd put up a hell of an argument with Mr. Ross a couple of days before, which had no doubt prompted him to return with backup. Now, you felt the first stirrings of panic, faced with a past you'd tried to forget, but you were too close to the conference room to turn tail, and with Beth already two steps deeper inside, it was too late to bail out. Youâd promised her that youâd stick to her side through this ordeal. She couldnât afford a real lawyer, and the few that youâd spoken to about pro bono work just didnât have the bandwidth to help her case. The rest of your coworkers had been overwhelmingly supportive, your boss includedâyou couldnât think of any other employer that would let a lawyer come and speak with Beth at her workplace without raising a stink about it.
Mr. Ross (Mike, heâd insisted, but you knew that you had to keep the formalities up for your own sakes) introduced Beth first, giving you a chance to justâlook. Youâd never bothered to catch up with Harvey once heâd gotten a job in New York. You knew that he was there, of course. The few friends that you had kept in touch with from Harvard had told you. Youâd heard his name every couple of months regarding some case that he had tried, some deal that heâd closed. But you couldnât imagine what youâd say to him if you turned up, and you werenât sure that you wanted to know what heâd say to youâif heâd have anything to say to you.
Harvey looked good. Self-assured, confident, wearing a bright, charming smile as he shook Bethâs hand. You could hear Mike introducing you, and had just a moment to brace as recognition his recognition swelled.
It took over his expression entirely as he met your eye.
Harveyâs gaze flickered, brow furrowing a touch. The dimples disappeared as his lips dropped from a smile to a stunned purse. You shook his hand where it had frozen, a quick, firm pump before you let go.
âPlease,â You gestured to the small conference table before you set your things down. The space wasnât at all grand, it wasâŚHomey. Surely not the sort of spaces these two were used to, if the suits were anything to go by.
âI appreciate your persistence, Mr. Ross,â Beth started, tucking a stand of greying hair behind her ear as she tried to steady her nerves, âBut my position hasnât changed since the last time we spoke.â
You glanced from your elderly coworker toward Mr. Ross. Just out of the corner of your eye, you could see Harvey watching you closely. The feeling was at once familiar and foreign; it made your stomach turn.
âMs. Owens, I recognize that our client has put you in a difficult positionââ Mr. Ross started. You had to clench your jaw to keep from rolling your eyes as he went on, âBut the valuation that weâve offered for you to change the name of your LLC and sell the site is incredibly generous.â
You did smile, then. Hell, you couldnât help it.
âYou disagree?â
Your stomach lurched at Harveyâs question, and you looked toward him. Ohâyou knew that expression. His eyes were narrowed; his lips were curled into a smirk that dared you to argue with him.
âIsnât that obvious? If we didnât disagree, none of us would be in this room right now,â You pointed out.
âWeâve spoken to our client,â Mike cut in, drawing your attention again, âAnd heâs authorized us to bump the offer up to $100,000.â
You let that hang in the air for a few moments, brows raising when Mike gave a small, encouraging nod.
âThatâs it?â You retorted dryly. âYou expect me to believe that a pharmaceutical company with a market value of over three hundred billion dollars is willing to drop a whole 100K? How overwhelmingly generous.â
âDo I need to point out that your cash-grab is standing in the way of medical progress?â Harvey argued.
âOh, please,â You scoffed. âIt's a dick pill, Harvey.â You tried to ignore the stunned, slap-shocked look when you used his name, pushing onââAnd if youâd read the comparative studies that the company did, youâd know that it works with roughly a third of the effectiveness of the market leaders. This isnât exactly going to blow the toupee off of Viagra, no matter what your client says.â
âWe could bury you under fees and paperwork.â
âWhoa, Harvey,â Mike muttered beside him, casting him a wary look. You could feel Beth shifting nervously beside you as well. You forced yourself to be calm, and to smile a little, even as your stomach flipped. Youâve done your homework; youâve prepped. You can do this.
âYes,â You nodded, âYou could. But youâd be doing so at the expense of a woman who has owned and operated a company out of her studio apartment under this name since 1995. What Beth has here isnât just a little stumbling block for your clientâitâs an institution, with hundreds of annual customers and testimonials speaking to the way her products have improved their lives. This may be a blip for your client, but itâs a significant part of Bethâs life. And considering the recent, sharp drop in the companyâs stock price and the uptick in legal suits, I wouldnât be surprised if you all need a win right now. If you railroad us, we will go public with your clientâs intimidation tactics.â
âIntimidationâ?â Harvey snapped.
âOh, have they not mentioned the non-stop late-night phone calls, the people following Beth to and from home? The private investigators? The threatening letters?â
You watch Harveyâs expression mar with surprise. You canât help but chuckle then.
âCâmon. You should know better.â You look down at the folder in front of you. âThe fact of the matter is, my client has had to endure a mountain of shit for what is only a marginally effective aid for erectile dysfunctionâone thatâs projected to make your client nearly $18 million in its first quarter on the market. If you need to close anyone, itâs on your side, not ours. You either bump the offer up a mill, or we go to the press with what we have.â You drew two copies of an article out of your folder, sliding it across the table to them. âJust a little taste.â
âExcuse me?â You heard. The four of you turned your attention to the office secretary, who was lingering in the doorway. Right on time, just as you asked. âIâm sorry to interrupt, but you have a call. I can have them holdââ
âNo, thatâs alright,â You shook your head before turning back to the men on the other side of the table, subtly waving for Beth to stand. âWeâre done here. Thank you for your time, Mr. Ross. Harvey, always a pleasure.â
You led the way out, holding the door open for Beth. Vindication shot through you as you just caught Mr. Ross asking, âWhat the hell was that?â
--Â Â
She was all over the page. Harvey had given the article a couple of passes while he was in the car on the way back to the office, but reading it through again, he felt that even if she hadnât handed it to him herself, he somehow wouldâve known that it was hers.Â
The argument that Mike was having with Craig Philbrook seemed almost muted to him as he read it for a third time. It was a concise presentation of the facts, but it hit the exact emotional points that it needed to. It was beautifully balanced. Harvey could almost imagine her curled over her laptop, drawing up a draft, editing it with expert precision. Heâd seen her work like that before. Sure, it had been a long time ago, but the sight of her hunkered down in Langdell Hall had never really left himânot even when heâd done his best to push it away.Â
âHarvey!âÂ
He glanced up, brows raising. Craigâs face was the shade of a cherry tomato, and seemed just about ready to pop. His chest was heaving from what mustâve been a spirited bout of argument with Mike. Glancing at his associate, Harvey found Mike wide-eyed and pink-cheeked, at an equal fever pitch. He considered for a moment more before he tossed the article onto the table.Â
âWe donât have any choices here, Craig,â He admitted.Â
âA million dollars? Thatâs insane!âÂ
âActually, considering what the company expects to pull in almost a eighty mill in the first year, one million is pretty reasonable.âÂ
âWhose side are you on?âÂ
âIâm on yours, Craig. Look, if you wanna action your plan, weâll sic the dogs on âem. But the press is never gonna side with a company thatâs putting a little old lady through her extreme financial and emotional distress just for a landing page. If we settle outside of court, slap an NDA on top, none of this ever comes out. Keep it clean.â Harvey pushes himself out of his seat, standing and buttoning his suit jacket before taking the article up again. âTalk to who you need to talk to, but do it fast. Every incident that they noted is another ticking time bomb that we may have to worry about diffusing.â He rounded his seat, heading for the door before he paused and turned back. âOh, and Craig? Quit having her called and followed. Youâre just giving them more rope to hang you with.âÂ
He turned away, tucking his hands into his pockets as he strode down the hall, Mike in tow.Â
âYou think heâll cave?â Mike asked.Â
âHe will. He has to.âÂ
âOkayâQuestion.âÂ
âIs it related to the case?âÂ
âYes. What the hell was that?âÂ
âThat was me doing my job. The job you were supposed to handle, and you're welcome, by the way.âÂ
âI donât mean back there, I mean this morning.âÂ
âI donât know what youâre talking about.âÂ
âBullshit.âÂ
Harvey cast an irritated glance back toward Mike as he walked into his office. It was no surprise that Mike followed; once he got something in his head, he couldnât let it go. Neither of them could.Â
âShe said seeing you was always a pleasure,â Mike added as Harvey settled behind his desk.Â
âMaybe she was just trying to get under my skin.âÂ
âSeems like it worked, and Iâve never seen anyone but Tanner do that. How do you know one another?âÂ
Harvey considered. He didnât know her, not really. Not anymore.Â
âWe went to Harvard together,â He finally admitted.Â
âSheâs a lawyer?âÂ
âNo.â Maybe? He wasnât sure. He hadnât checked the bar for her name in a long time.Â
âSo sheâŚDid what with her degree?âÂ
âAs far as I know, she never got it. She dropped out, middle of our second year.âÂ
âWhy?âÂ
âNo idea.âÂ
âCome on, you can tell me.âÂ
âDonât you have a brief to write or a motion to file.âÂ
Mike was quiet for a moment, gaze sweeping Harveyâs face before his mouth fell open in slight surprise.Â
â...Oh, my god, you really have no idea,â He managed.
âWhy are you still standing here?âÂ
âDoes Donna know?âÂ
âWhy would she?âÂ
âBecause she knows everything.âÂ
âWell, I doubt she would know this.âÂ
âYouâre deflecting. She definitely knows.âÂ
âGo ahead and ask her.âÂ
Mikeâs mouth works wordlessly again before he turns his head just a little.Â
â...She doesnât know.âÂ
âShe does not.âÂ
âUnless she does, and youâre trying to double psychy-psych me into not getting an answer.âÂ
âThen go ahead and ask.âÂ
â...She doesnât know.âÂ
âAre you asking?âÂ
âIf she does knowââÂ
âYou could be doing this on the other side of the door.âÂ
âOkay.âÂ
Harvey relaxed a bit as Mike leaned back in his seat, then smiled as he heard Mike call out, âDonna?âÂ
He shook his head, taking up a baseball from behind his desk and turning his chair to gaze out of the window, turning the ball over and over in his hands. Mike wasnât entirely wrong. If there was anyone in the city who may somehow know what happened, he was almost certain it was Donna. Harvey sure as hell didnât know what had happened.Â
Harvey could still remember the shock of itâturning up to goad her into going to get dinner with him, only to find that her half of the room was completely cleared out. Her roommate had told Harvey that she didnât know where sheâd gone, didnât have a number to reach her. Harvey had chased answers down within his means. Heâd gone after phone numbers that heâd used and found them disconnected; heâd stopped by her apartment building and asked the doorman for information, even tried to bribe him, but the man hadnât let a single word slip. Harvey had waited outside for hours in the hopes of seeing her, but had come up with nothing.
No call, no note, not a word of warning or explanation. Harvey hadnât been worth saying goodbye to then, and he apparently hadnât been worth saying goodbye to today.Â
His gaze dropped to the baseball in his hands, his thumb sweeping across the stitching as his chest fluttered with bitterness. Mike hadnât come back in, so he was almost certain that Donna didnât have the answers. Harvey eyed the article on his desk, frown deepening.Â
Maybe Harvey would have to get the answers for himself.Â
--Â
âUmâDid you happen to see Geraldâs email?âÂ
âNope,â You hardly looked away from your laptop screen as Beth sidled up to your desk. âWhatâs up?âÂ
âHe wants another SWOT analysis.âÂ
You closed your eyes in irritation, drawing in a deep breath.Â
âOf course he does. Thanks for flagging.â You opened your email, glancing over when you realized Beth was still standing there. âEverything okay?âÂ
â...Just, I havenât heard anything yet, fromâŚâ She cleared her throat uncomfortably. âI just wonder if we were too aggressive.âÂ
You nodded a little, offering her a reassuring smile.Â
âIf anything, theyâll counter, maybe for half a mill.âÂ
âButâŚWhat that other man had said about burying us in fees, and paperââ
You turned your chair, taking Bethâs wizened hands in yours.Â
âHeâs not going to do that,â You swore. âTheyâd screw themselves over if they did, and they know it. Theyâre probably just ironing out paperwork. Itâs gonna be okay.âÂ
Bethâs eyes darted between yours before she finally nodded. You gave her hands a gentle squeeze before you let go, turning back to your laptop as she walked away. You bit your lip, peering at your laptop screen. Your eyes scanned it, but you werenât really taking anything in. You were just as panicked as Beth was that you hadnât heard anything from the firm. It either meant something very good, or very bad. But you didnât dare let Beth know how nervous you were. If it hadnât gone your wayâif the company decided to take Beth downâyou would never forgive yourself.
You drew in a deep, shaky breath, curling your fingers into your palms and trying to shake off the oncoming shivers trickling down your spine. Youâd always hated this feelingâthe fear of loss, the swell of hopelessness. You hadnât felt either so acutely in a long time. Youâd been happy for it; you hadnât missed them. Arguing with Harvey had brought you back to the contentious moments in law school, the panic of not knowing who the professor would call on next, the fear of tripping over your words in front of a dozen of your peersâ
You closed your eyes for a moment, drawing in another deep breath and forcing your mind calm. You werenât in law school anymore. You were a manager at a marketing firm. You did good work. You liked your job. The life that you led was more than enough. The people that you answered to were satisfied with your resultsâand whatever happened to Beth could be overcome. You were certain.Â
You opened the email from Gerald, reading it through before you CCâd Anne from finance, Jason from legal, and your boss before you typed out your response:Â
Hi Gerald,Â
Per our contract, weâve completed the four SWOT analyses that weâve been contracted for this year. Happy to take this conversation offline to discuss renegotiation.
--Â
âIâm going out.âÂ
Donna sprang up at the warning, striding to catch up with Harvey.Â
âGoing out where?âÂ
âI need some air.âÂ
âThere isnât enough air in your office?âÂ
âI like outside air. The exhaust, the cigarette smoke, the waft of salt from the hot dog vendor.âÂ
Donna arched a brow, folding her arms across her chest as Harvey hit the down button for the elevator.Â
âThis wouldnât have anything to do with the woman that Mike asked me about last week, would it?â She asked.Â
âI have no idea what youâre talking about.âÂ
âOh no?âÂ
âNope.âÂ
âToo bad. Her LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bumble profile were very interesting.âÂ
Harvey arched a brow, glancing toward Donna before he stepped onto the elevator.Â
âSince when are you on Bumble?âÂ
âI have a few profiles for research purposes.âÂ
Harvey shook his head, smiling and casting his gaze toward the elevator floor as the doors closed.Â
--Â Â
When someone came to a stop at your desk, you assume that itâs Beth, or your bossâsomeone that you worked with. When they didnât speak, you glanced up, and realized immediately that it was a mistake. Harvey was standing there, his hands in his pockets as he waited to have your attention. You dropped your gaze back to the screen, clearing your throat.
âIâm assuming if youâre here in person again, itâs bad news,â You commented. Harveyâs lips pouted as he seemed to consider.Â
âDepends on what you consider bad news.âÂ
âI consider Beth getting screwed out of her fair share as bad news.âÂ
âWell, then I have good news and bad news.âÂ
âOkay.âÂ
âThe good news is, my client is ready to settle out of court for the requested amount, provided an NDA is signed.âÂ
âIâd need to see that before she signed it.âÂ
âOf course.âÂ
Your brow furrowed.Â
âThen whatâs the bad news?â
âThereâs one more contingency to the deal being signed.âÂ
âAnd whatâs that?âÂ
âGet a drink with me.âÂ
Your gaze narrowed, and you couldnât help but lean back in your seat, arms folding across your chest.Â
âAre you kidding me?âÂ
âNot at all.âÂ
âIf I refuse?âÂ
âBeth will still get her settlement. But,â Harvey tipped his head from side to side, âItâll probably take way longer.âÂ
âHow much longer?âÂ
âPffâŚAnywhere from a few months to a year. To be perfectly honest, my client doesnât want to pay out. I mean, he will, because he knows that our advice is the right way to go, but I can gum up the works.âÂ
You pushed out a stunned scoff.Â
âYouâd seriously do that for a drink with me?âÂ
âWe each have something the other wants.â
âWhat the hell could I possibly have that you want?âÂ
âAnswers.â Harvey's critical gaze skimmed your rapidly heating face. âSo? Are you busy tonight?âÂ
--Â
You felt out of place. The bar was nice, and everyone seems dressed for itâŚExcept you. Well, your workplace was fairly casual. It was rare that you met with clients in person. You dressed up in those instances, of course, but your day-to-day work wear is jeans and a nice shirt. You were trying not to shift uncomfortably, or fidget to adjust your cardigan, or the shirt underneath. You glanced up toward the waiter, offering a small smile as he set your drink down.Â
You picked up your glass, drawing in a long, slow sip. Youâd spent the last five hours distracted at work, torn between trying to figure out what the hell you were going to say to Harvey, what sort of questions he could have. You already knew that this was more likely to be an interrogation than a friendly chat.Â
He was drawing it out, too. He was taking a slow sip of his own, watching you like his gaze could drill through your skull.Â
Maybe it could. He was certainly trying hard enough.Â
âSo?â You pressed, unable to help the silence. His lips twitched. Ugh, heâd wanted you to cave first, and you had played right into his hand. Bastard.Â
âDid you ever finish your law degree?â He asked.Â
Embarrassment prickled your skin. The conversation was going to be a roller coaster if that was where he was starting.Â
âNo.âÂ
âNever went back to Harvard?âÂ
âNo.âÂ
âWhy not?âÂ
âI had no reason to.âÂ
âNot even to visit? Maybe pick up something you forgot?âÂ
âI didnât forget anything when I left.âÂ
âWhy did you leave?âÂ
âIrrelevant.âÂ
âI find it very relevant.âÂ
âI disagree.âÂ
âIâm sorry to hear that.âÂ
âAre you?âÂ
âNot particularly.âÂ
âMove on.âÂ
âSpeaking of moving on, you seemed to do that very quickly.âÂ
âI donât know what you mean.âÂ
âYou disappeared. No one could get in contact with you.âÂ
âI didnât want contact with anyone.âÂ
âSo you just dropped off of the face of the earth, for what? Fun?âÂ
You shifted in your seat a little, fingers pressing into your palms where they were hidden in your lap.Â
âTrust me, nothing that happened to me then was fun.âÂ
âWhy should I trust you?âÂ
Your stomach lurched; your hands tightened in your lap.Â
âTake my word for it, then,â You corrected.Â
âYour word isnât worth anything to me.âÂ
You averted your gaze, jaw tightening as you leaned back in your seat. Maybe you could just slam the drink back and go. You could hear Harvey leaning forward in his seat.Â
âTell me,â He pressed, âWhat happened.âÂ
âWhy does it matter to you?âÂ
âThis has been a giant question mark for me for a long time. You know I hate loose ends.âÂ
You drew in a deep breath, leg beginning to bounce beneath the table as your nervous energy swelled.Â
âI couldnât do it anymore,â You finally admitted.Â
âWhat?âÂ
âI couldnât doâŚHarvard Law. That environment, I couldnât do it. Look, I loved it at the start, I loved the feeling of getting in, but once I was in, it was too much.âÂ
You couldnât meet his eye; his look was as heavy as ever.Â
âWhy didnât you talk to me?â He asked after a moment. You scoffed a laugh, raising your brows as you finally brought yourself to look at him.
âAre you serious?âŚHarvey, you were allergic to feelings.â It was a little vindicating to see Harvey shift in his seat as you went on, âIf Iâd told you that I was struggling, you wouldâve told me to buck up, that it wasnât that hard, that I just needed to put my head down. You donât respond weakness, you canât fucking stand it.â
âYou did just need to put your head down.â
Your mouth worked wordlessly for a moment, lips curling into a hysterical smile as you breathed, âOh, my godââ Because there it was. There was the answer youâd expected years ago.
âYou were top ten!â Harvey argued. âYou were this close to knocking me off out of the top five.â
âI was losing my shit!â You lowered your voice, leaning in. âI couldnât sleep. I was having panic attacks every time I left my room. I couldnât handle it, alright? Iâm not like you.â
âNo, youâre not. I wouldnât have given up.â
It was like a slap. You bit the inside of your cheek before you leaned back, nodding. You could feel your throat going thick as your eyes welled with tears.
âOkay,â You reached into your pocket, drawing your wallet out for a twenty as you stood. âWell thank you for this lovely trip down memory lane.â
âSit down.â
âFuck you.â  Â
You didnât even care that your language drew the attention of the other patrons. You just strode out of there as quickly as you possibly could, hands fumbling for your phone to get a car. Maybe it shouldnât have been so surprising that you heard his footsteps behind you moments later. It pushed you to walk faster, to keep him from seeing your watering eyes.
âMaybe it shouldnât be surprising that youâre turning tail and running,â He sounds almost bored, âYouâre so good at it.âÂ
âLeave me alone, Harvey.âÂ
âYou know, I had the wildest theories back then. Kidnapped by a foreign government, taken by aliens, activated sleeper agent. Itâs a bummer to find out that you were just a coward.âÂ
âStop it,â You warned, shoving the door open and striding through it. You heard his palm hitting the wood behind you to keep the door from hitting him in the face, and you were desperate to escape it in the city noise. Harvey pushed on as if you havenât said a thing:
âI used to think we were one and the same, but I would never have done what you did. I never wouldâve just disappeared. Why didnât you trust meââ His fingers curled around your wrist, tugging you to turn to him. His diatribe seemed to falter as he took in the tears slipping over your heated cheeks. You twisted your wrist out of his grip, tucking your arms around your middle and keeping your gaze anywhere but Harvey.Â
â...You couldâve talked to me,â Harvey finally said.Â
âYou wouldâve told me then exactly what you said just now, and that was the last fucking thing I needed back then. Frankly, itâs the last fucking thing I need right now.âÂ
âLook at me.âÂ
âNo, youâYou got your answers, alright? Get Beth her settlement.â
âYou want me to get her settlement for you?âÂ
âI want you to get it for her. Because she deserves it. So, get her the money, the money sheâs earned, and justâŚJust leave me alone.âÂ
You turned away from him again, getting just a little relief from the fact that you donât hear him following you.Â
You spent the night worrying that your answers wonât be enough, that Harvey would go out of his way to bury Beth in paper, screw her over to the point where you had to go back to knocking on the doors of firms willing to take her case on a pro bono basis.Â
But when you turned up to work and Beth practically clobbered you with an excited hug, you knew that he hadnât gone out of his way to fuck you over. You let out a sigh, patting Beth on the back and letting out a relieved laugh as repeated her thanks.Â
--Â Â
âBe nice.âÂ
That had been your bossâs only warning as youâd headed into a conversation with Gerald. And you had every intention of being nice. But you also wanted to be realistic. You glanced from the finance rep to the landline in the middle of the conference table as Gerald groused, âThere's no need to be unreasonable.âÂ
âI donât think us upholding our end of the contract is unreasonable," You argued. "Weâve done the SWOT analyses that you asked for in the past, and weâll be happy to do them again. But we need to adjust the contract.âÂ
âYou canât just do a one-off and bill me extra?âÂ
âWe could, but if we open that door, youâre just going to keep coming in, Gerald.â
âThis is ridiculous,â He snapped. âI can cut this contract.âÂ
âYeah, you can,â You nodded. âYou are absolutely at liberty to do that.â You heard the sound of a door opening to the conference room, but you felt your focus locked-in to the phone. âBut if you cut this contract, thatâs going to cost you a lot of time and a lot of money. We have a guaranteed pay clause regardless of termination, so if you cut us loose, youâre still going to have to pay us for the full year. While youâre still shelling out cash to us, youâll have to pay to bring on another firm. Youâd be better off negotiating the additional SWOT analyses instead of paying two firms off at once.âÂ
You were quiet for a moment, brows raising as you and your associate waited in silence. You closed you eyes, holding your breath. Please, please pleaseâ
âHow many SWOT analyses would I get with the increased cost?â He finally asked.Â
âThatâs up for negotiation,â Anne hurried to reply. âAs it is, youâre averaging one per month. If we push it to a dozen, we could work with you to discount them at 25%.âÂ
Another pause. Another moment of you holding your breath, of please, please please please pleaseâ
âSend the revised contract.âÂ
âItâs already in your inbox," You admitted. "Thanks, Gerald.âÂ
âYeah.âÂ
You reached out, stabbing the button to hang the phone up before he could change his mind. You sighed, slowly leaning back in your seat and peering up at the ceiling. Christ, you felt dizzy.Â
âYou canât keep bullying our clients,â Anne grumbled.
âOur clients canât keep bullying us. If we keep going the way weâre going, weâll be the firm that does triple the work for half the pay. Weâre too good for that.â Â
âSheâs right.âÂ
His voice made you whirl around in your seat, heart sinking into your stomach. Harvey stood just inside the room, his hands tucked into his pockets. Heat prickled along your neck. How long had he been there? Shit, youâd thought your boss had been the one to come inâÂ
You glanced toward Anne with a guilty smile.Â
âCan we get a minute here?âÂ
âSure,â She nodded, pushing herself out of her seat. Harvey grasped the door handle, holding it open and shooting her a wide smile as she walked past. You stood as well, folding your arms across your chest before hurriedly lowering them to tuck into your pockets. You wanted to mirror him, look as nonchalant as he did, not all twisted up and shielded and defensive. Oh, you were cool as a cucumber. Definitely no reason to worry here, no way.Â
Harvey closed the door, stepping a little deeper inside.Â
âWhat can I do for you today, Mr. Specter?âÂ
âThought Iâd come see how Bethâs planning on using her retirement check, how youâre going to use your fee.âÂ
You frowned. âWhat fee?âÂ
âYou didnât charge her a fee? Standard in New York is 40%.âÂ
âI wouldn't take Bethâs hard-earned money.âÂ
âYou earned it, too, considering how hard you defended your client.âÂ
âBeth was not a client. This was a favor for a friend.âÂ
âThatâs funny, because you called her that during our conversation.âÂ
âNo, I didnât.â Â
âYes, you did. You said that your client had had to endure a, what was itâŚâMountain of shitâ?âÂ
âWell, that is true,â You muttered. âIt was a mountain of shit.â
âCouldâve been two mountains of shit.âÂ
âBut it wasnât, so. I thank you for that.âÂ
âItâs only fair. You did what I asked, you answered most of my questions.âÂ
âMost?â You scoffed, folding your arms over your chest. âWhat the hell else could you want to know?âÂ
âYou wanna do this here?âÂ
âI donât wanna do this at all.âÂ
âWhy didnât you come to me?âÂ
âHarvey.âÂ
âI didnât have a clueââÂ
âI am not doing this here.â You spoke more firmly than you felt. âThis is my place of work.âÂ
âWell when I tried to do this elsewhere, you walked out on me.âÂ
âAnd yet you followed.âÂ
âBecause I had a chance to this time. I didnât get the chance back then."
You shook your head, averting your gaze.Â
âLook,â Harvey stepped closer. âIâm just asking for a chance.âÂ
âLast night wasnât enough for you?âÂ
âNo, it wasnât.âÂ
âWell, it was for me. Hell of a flashback, just like old times. Same old Harvey, not knowing when to back off. Strong, direct, painful line of questioningâall gas, no breaks.âÂ
Harvey was quiet for a moment, eyes skating over your face.Â
âIt wonât be an interrogation again.âÂ
âHow can I know that?âÂ
âI was angry last night.âÂ
âAnd youâre not now?âÂ
â...Not in the same way.âÂ
âOh, well. Thatâs a relief.âÂ
âI just want to understand. Help me understand.âÂ
âUnderstand what?âÂ
âHow one of the smartest people Iâve ever known changed her mind all that time ago, and then flexed the hell out of her legal muscles to get me to close in ten goddamn minutes.âÂ
âPeople change, Harvey.âÂ
âYou havenât.âÂ
The two of you watched one another for a long, contentious, quiet moment before he said, âYou need to come to my office.âÂ
âWhat for?âÂ
âTo read over the NDA before Beth signs it.âÂ
Fuck, the NDA. Youâd forgotten about that.Â
âFine," You nodded. "When.âÂ
âHowâs tomorrow work for you?âÂ
âTomorrow's a Saturday. Youâre gonna do this on a weekend?âÂ
âGives us time to turn around any edits you need before you give it to Beth on Monday.âÂ
You bit the inside of your cheek. Goddamnit.Â
âFine,â You agreed. âHowâs seven?âÂ
âSure. We can grab dinnerââÂ
âIn the morning.âÂ
Harveyâs brow jumped, his chin tipping down a touch.
âAre you serious?â He asked.Â
âCompletely. You wanna get this NDA into your associateâs hands as quickly as possibly, right?âÂ
âYou expect me to be in my office at seven in the morning so you can read something.âÂ
âYou couldâve saved us both a trip and just brought it with you.âÂ
âItâs still being worked on.â
âWell, you can have someone messenger it over tonight and Iâll drop it off tomorrow morning. Or is it long enough that youâre going to, umâŚGosh, what was that neat little threat, again? Bury me in paper?âÂ
You saw something flash across Harveyâs face. You didnât know if it was remorse, or whatâbut itâs gone as soon as it appears.Â
âFine,â He bit out. âSeven. In the morning.âÂ
âSounds good.âÂ
âDonât be late.âÂ
âOh, I wonât. Iâm very punctual.âÂ
âI remember.âÂ
Your stomach flipped. Of course he did. He turned away, opening the doorâŚAnd holding it open.Â
âWhat are you doing?â You asked, raising your brows.Â
âAre you coming?âÂ
âAre we camping out outside of your office overnight? You strike me as a glamping guy.âÂ
âI thought you were leaving the room.âÂ
âIâm not.âÂ
âYour meeting is over.âÂ
âI have a quiet room and a SWOT analysis to work on.âÂ
âYouâre telling me you havenât done it already?âÂ
Your face went hot at the accusation, lips pressing to hold in your irritation at the way Harvey smiled. You were relieved when he finally turned away. It gave you a chance to sink down in your chair and parse through what the hell just happened.Â
--Â Â
âOh, wow. Youâre early.âÂ
You raised your brows at the tone of surprise, eyeing the entrance to the building, and then turning your attention back to the young man that had just sprung up in your way.Â
âYes, I am. Good morning, Mr. Ross.âÂ
âPlease, call me Mike. Not on the other side of the table anymore.âÂ
âWell, until that NDA gets signed, yes, you are, so. Excuse me.âÂ
You made to step around him, but he stepped into your way again.Â
âI just wanted to say,â He added, âThat I really admire how hard you worked for Beth, and I completely agreed with your assessment of the companyâs value.âÂ
â...Thank you, I appreciate that. Now, if you could justââÂ
You side-stepped him againâand again, Mike got in your way, pressing:Â
âI honestly didnât think theyâd cave for a million, but you really showed themââÂ
âMike?âÂ
âYeah.âÂ
âDid Harvey ask you to make me late?âÂ
Mikeâs mouth worked wordlessly for a moment, panic marring his features. You smiled sweetly.Â
âYou know, Iâm not sure what Harvey has told you about our past, but he probably didnât mention that we were in an intramural dodgeball league. I can throw some mean elbows when Iâm trying to get what I want, and you look like you bruise easily. So if youâd like to keep your ability to bend comfortably, please step aside and let me in.âÂ
Mike pursed his lips before he nodded once, stepping aside.Â
âThank you,â You cooed, sliding past him.Â
âI really do admire what you did for Beth!â He called out after you. You snorted, shaking your head as you headed to the lobby to get a visitorâs pass. Youâd be lying if you said you werenât more than a little antsy, glancing at your phone as you waited for the elevator, then waited in the elevator. When you stepped off, you found a stunning red-head standing there. Her eyes brightened at the sight of you, and she took a step back as you stepped off of the elevator.Â
âMr. Specterâs office is this way,â She waved for you to follow. You raised your brows, falling into step.Â
âWas that a lucky guess, or did you know who to look for?â You asked.
âI knew. I donât operate on luck.âÂ
âRight. Did Harvey or Mike show you a picture of me?âÂ
âNope. I found pictures myself.âÂ
âFor what purpose?âÂ
âCuriosity.âÂ
âSated?âÂ
âVery.âÂ
âExcellent. Do I get to know who you are, or do I have to go sleuthing on the firmâs site after this?âÂ
âIâm Donna.âÂ
âAnd what do you do here?âÂ
âI just told you,â She stopped, waving you toward an office, âIâm Donna.âÂ
You raised your brows before you turned, walking into the office. How the hell did he look pristine this early in the morning? Did the bastard sleep in a suit? His brow furrowed at the sight of you, shaking his sleeve back and eyeing his watch.Â
â6:59? What the hell did Mike do down there?âÂ
âHe made a valiant attempt, but I got past him.âÂ
âHow?âÂ
âHow did I get past him?âÂ
âYes.âÂ
âBullshitted him. Told him that we used to play dodgeball together, that I know how to throw a mean elbow. He crumbled like a bran muffin.âÂ
âDamn.âÂ
âYou really should teach him how to lie. Second I called him on it, he blue-screened.âÂ
âTrust me, Mike knows how to lie.âÂ
âWhatever,â You shook your head. âCan I have the NDA so I can go?âÂ
âGo? Oh, no. This doesnât leave the office.âÂ
â...Excuse me?âÂ
âThis document doesnât leave the building until itâs ready to go to Beth.âÂ
âYouâre kidding.âÂ
âDo I look like Iâm kidding?âÂ
Your mouth worked wordlessly for a moment before you snapped it shut.Â
â....Fine.âÂ
Harvey took up the document, holding it out. You fought the urge to snatch it from him, instead taking hold of it before you sat down in one of the seats in front of his desk.Â
âNeed a pen?â He asked.Â
âNope,â You shrugged off your bag, rooting around in it before drawing out a red papermate felt tip pen.Â
âYou hungry?âÂ
Yes, you were. Youâd been planning on getting breakfast and a massive coffee before going over the damn thing on your own, in your apartment, but no. Harvey had done what Harvey always does: turned the situation in his favor.Â
âNo,â You answered, uncapping the pen.Â
âLet me know if you change your mind.âÂ
You didnât answer to that, you just tipped your head into your hand as you settled in:
THE PARTIES: This Non-Disclosure Agreement (referred to herein as the âAgreementâ) created on__________, is by and betweenâŚ
You were quiet for a moment, tipping your head to the side as you skimmed your finger over the pages.Â
âHarvey?âÂ
âSure, we can do bagels.âÂ
Damnit, a bagel sounded so good right now.
âWhy is this NDAâŚâ You tipped your head to the side, flipping through the file, âThirty pages?âÂ
âBecause it needs to be.âÂ
âBallpark, this shouldâve been six, tops.âÂ
âYouâre dealing with a big company. They want to make sure their bases are covered.âÂ
You shot Harvey a disbelieving look from under your lashes before you looked back down at the file.Â
âBesides,â Harvey added, âItâs not the length, itâsââÂ
ââItâs the content, yeah yeah,â You muttered. You heard him huff a soft laugh, but you forced the flutter of butterflies in your belly aside in favor of focusing. Hell, you needed to get through this, and fast. If you werenât careful, your stomach was going to start grumbling.Â
--Â Â
âHere we go.âÂ
You glanced up, doing a double-take at the sight of the coffee tray in Donnaâs hand. You looked back down at your work, finishing a note that youâve been jotting before you turn the page. You went still when Donna held a cup out to you.
âSugar-free iced dirty chai with a double shot,â She offered. You raised your brows, taking hold of the cup.Â
âYouâre good,â You nodded.
âIâm Donna.âÂ
âI remember.â You couldnât help but smile at her before you took a greedy sip of the iced chai. Oh man, that hit the spot. Youâd been there a while, and you were starting to get a headache. You hadnât tried to parse through legalese like this in a long time, especially not on an empty stomach.Â
âSo? Are we doing bagels?â Harvey pressed. You glanced at where he was leaning back against an end table lined with basketballs. He arched his brows. âCome on, itâs been an hour and youâre only halfway through. Youâre going to run out of steam if youâre not careful.âÂ
â...Youâre paying for them.â
âOf course.âÂ
âThen yes, please. Bagels.âÂ
âTheyâll be here in five,â Donna warned, striding past you and back to her desk.Â
âSheâs very good,â You commented, nodding after her as you turned back to your work, making another note.Â
âYou really are gonna run out of ink.âÂ
You fought the urge to mimic him, just going on about your business.Â
âIâve got plenty of pens,â Harvey added.Â
âLaw firm this big, Iâd hope youâd have a few pens.âÂ
âMore than a few. Hundreds.âÂ
âMm.âÂ
âThousands, even.âÂ
âIf youâre not sure if itâs hundreds or thousands, then maybe you should go count them and get back to me.âÂ
âYou just want me out of the room.âÂ
âI want you to stop watching me.âÂ
âWhy?âÂ
âItâs creeping me out.âÂ
âDid it always?â
âObjection: relevance.âÂ
âIf you allow me a little latitude, I can establish relevance.âÂ
âNo thanks.âÂ
âWhy are you going over this thing with such a fine-tooth comb?âÂ
âI wanna make sure you donât screw Beth over somewhere.âÂ
âYou donât trust me?âÂ
âI donât trust your client. You work for your client.âÂ
âI do whatâs best for my client.âÂ
âAnd Iâm doing whatâs best for my friend.âÂ
âYour due-diligence.âÂ
âIâm just reading, Harvey.âÂ
âYou and I both know itâs more than that.âÂ
You ignored the comment, turning to the next page of the NDA.Â
âFoodâs here,â Harvey spoke up after a few minutes of quiet.
âThanks.âÂ
You could hear the rustle of bags as Donna unpacked things before leaving again.Â
â...You gonna put that down?â Harvey asked.Â
âWhen Iâm finished with it, sure.âÂ
âWhat about the bagels?âÂ
âIâll take it to go when Iâm done here.âÂ
âCome on, I can hear your stomach growling from here.âÂ
âMy stomach isnât growling.â
âNot at the moment, but it has been.âÂ
âIâll live through eleven more pages.âÂ
âThe bagel will get cold.âÂ
âIâll heat it back up.âÂ
âYouâre going to reheat a toasted bagel?âÂ
âYes, using the same apparatus that toasted it in the first place.âÂ
âA twice-toasted bagel is gonna be hard as a rock.â
âOh well.âÂ
âAnd if you donât eat now, I will use all of the scallion cream cheese.âÂ
âKnock yourself out.â
âI mean all of it. Thereâs a ton here, and I probably couldnât fit all of it on a bagel, so Iâd have to go in with a spoon. You want me to do that?âÂ
âDo whatever the hell you want, Harvey. You usually do.âÂ
Blessedly, that shut him up for a few moments.Â
âSo did you,â He countered after a moment. You didn't need a law degree to catch that insinuation.
âI didnât leave Harvard because I wanted to. I left because I had to.âÂ
âYou chose to.âÂ
âI made a decision that favored my mental and physical health over my career prospects. There's nothing wrong with that.âÂ
âYou ever regret it?âÂ
You considered for a moment, gaze drifting from the papers.Â
â...Sometimes,â You admitted finally, glancing toward Harvey. âWhen this whole thing with Beth cropped up, yeah. It was a bummer not to have the full force of the degree behind me. ButâŚIf I had become a lawyer, I probably wouldnât have met Beth, or had enough time to help her, soâŚâ You shrugged, looking back down at the NDA. âItâs not as easy as just regretting it or not regretting it.âÂ
âYou regret leaving everyone behind?âÂ
â...Yeah. I couldâve been better about the way I did it, but at the time, cutting everyone off felt like the right thing to do.âÂ
âEven me.âÂ
âHarvey,â You sighed heavily, âIâm not saying that what I did was right for everyone involved. If I had reached out to you, to Scottie, to any of our friends, maybe I wouldâve gotten a different answer, but the way that you reacted to me the other day? When you told me that I was a coward?â You lifted your head to meet his eye. âThat was exactly what I was expecting. And you know what, it hurt like hell last night, but there is no way I couldâve handled hearing that from you back then.âÂ
Harveyâs jaw worked for a moment.Â
âI shouldnât have said that,â He admitted softly. âIâm sorry.âÂ
You hesitated before you nodded a little, turning back to the NDA.Â
âIf itâs what you feltââÂ
âIt wasnât,â Harvey shook his head. âI was mad, and I let it get the better of me.â
âAnd youâre not mad now?âÂ
âNot at you for that.âÂ
âBut you are mad at me.âÂ
âFor making me get up to be in the office at seven in the morning? Yeah, Iâm outraged.â
You fought back a smile, shrugging.
âDidnât mean to fuck with your beauty sleep, princess.âÂ
You turn the page, twiddling the pen between your fingers.Â
âYouâll make it up to me.âÂ
âWill I?â You arched a brow. âHow exactly do you think Iâm going to do that?âÂ
âYouâll pay for dinner tonight.âÂ
âOh, weâre getting dinner?âÂ
âIâm fully aware of the vast difference in our salaries, so Iâll pick somewhere with only one Michelin star.âÂ
âWhat a generous smug asshole. Time really has changed you.âÂ
âIt hasnât changed either of us.âÂ
âI donât know. I think youâre more of a dick than I remember you being.âÂ
âIâm blushing.âÂ
âSure, Specter.â
âPut the NDA down and have a bagel.âÂ
âBossy.âÂ
âItâs my office, I get to be bossy.âÂ
âFine. Iâll take the NDA to a conference room and give us both some space.âÂ
âKeep your seat, have a bagel, and let me see what you have so far.âÂ
You didnât look up until you saw a plate lowered into your field of vision. You arched your brows before you raised the NDA, holding it out to Harvey as you took hold of the plate. You shifted in your seat, sitting up just a bit. Crap, you hadnât realized how far down youâd slid in your seat over the course of the last hour. You set the bagel aside for a moment, capping your pen and tucking it behind your ear. You twist the top off of the bagel, lapping at the thick layer of cream cheese before taking a bite. You canât even help the soft, relieved groan that you let out at the taste.Â
Damn, you were hungry.Â
You glanced across the desk, met by Harveyâs smug smile.Â
âShuddup,â You mumble around the mouthful.Â
âDidnât say anything.âÂ
âDidnât have to.âÂ
You took another bite as Harvey began to flip through the notes that youâd made in the NDA.Â
âYouâre having fun with this,â He comments.Â
âIâm protecting my friend.â
âAnd youâre having fun doing it.âÂ
âSure, Harvey.âÂ
âYou are.âÂ
âSo youâve upgraded from not analyzing your own feelings to telling everyone else theirs?âÂ
âNot everyone. Just the people that I know.âÂ
âBold claim.âÂ
âI told youâyou havenât changed. This NDA proves that.âÂ
âHow so?âÂ
âBecause so far, you have marked every single thing that I threw in there to trip you up.âÂ
You nearly dropped the plate, and the bagel. You completely froze in the middle of your chewing. Harveyâs smug smile widened as he closed the NDA and reached out, taking up another, far thinner file from his desk, holding it out.Â
âHereâs the clean one.âÂ
You reached out, setting the plate down on the desk. You flipped it open, embarrassment beginning to well up as you saw entire passages from the previous NDAâthe very ones that youâd spent your time markingâomitted. You nodded for a moment before you muttered, âOkay.â You dropped it into your purse, slung your purse over your shoulder, and stood, taking the remainder of the dirty chai and the bagel with you.Â
âHang on,â Harvey groaned.Â
âNice meeting you, Donna,â You commented, ignoring Harvey as you passed her desk.Â
âYou too!â She chirped over Harveyâs following, and his call of, âWould you wait a minute!âÂ
âWhy, so you can keep making a fool of me?â You bit out.
âI didnât do it to make a fool of you, I did it to make a point.âÂ
âAnd what point would that be?âÂ
âThat youâre a damn smart personââÂ
âI knew that alreadyââÂ
âAnd that you wouldâve made an amazing lawyer! You could still make an amazing lawyer!âÂ
âThat doesnât mean that I want to be one!â You whirled around to face Harvey, face hot and close to his as he comes to a sudden stop to keep from ramming into you. âJust because my goals changed doesnât make them any less important than yours. I am glad youâre a lawyer. Iâm glad you have your corner office, your fancy fucking suits, your title, your position. But Iâm glad that I have my life, the way I want it, without all of this. I get that what I did hurt you back then, and I am sorry. But I wasnât fighting to knock you out of the top five when I was at school. I was fighting for my life. I know that I am smart. I know that I couldâve been an amazing lawyer, but I am happy just being myself as I am, right now. If thatâs not enough for you, I donât give a shit, because itâs my life, not yours.âÂ
You left Harvey standing alone in the hall, his gobsmacked, stunned expression remaining as you turned away from him and strode to the elevator. He didnât bother to chase you down this time, which was a relief. You managed to hold it together as the elevator doors slid open, studiously ignoring Mike as he stepped off and greeted you:Â
âHey! Done already?âÂ
You reached out, jabbing the lobby and door close buttons as quickly as you could.Â
--Â Â
Mikeâs brow furrowed as she disappeared from sight. He turned away from the elevator, peering around the corner to see who might be nearby. There wasnât anyone there for a few moments, and thenâŚHarvey, standing there looking stunned and lost.Â
âDid she already finish her mark-up?â Mike asked. The question seemed to snap Harvey out of his reverie. He cleared his throat, straightening and turning away.Â
âShe got halfway. I gave her the clean version.âÂ
âWhat? I thought you were only going to give it to her if she caught 95% of the errors."
âShe was on track to catch every single one. Spoiling the surprise didnât seem like such a bad idea.âÂ
âIs that because this whole endeavor has been a bad idea?â Donna piped up as the two neared her desk.
âI donât wanna hear it,â Harvey warned as he strode past her.Â
âI wanna hear it, but I donât have time, I have uh,â Mike pointed down the hall, âA 10-Q filing to comb throughââÂ
âGo,â Harvey nodded him away before he turned, heading back into his office. He reached out, taking up her half-marked NDA. His gaze skated over her notes, and it was as if he was transported back to Langdell, to the notes that she would scrawl in his margins, questioning his citations and methodology.Â
â...Sheâs happy as she is.âÂ
âDonna."
âShe said it herself!âÂ
âSheâs not working at her full potential.âÂ
âSounded like she preferred it that way. Youâve seen her at work. Is she bad at her job?â
âNo.âÂ
âGood at it?âÂ
âWhatâs your point.âÂ
âMy point is,â Dinna leaned in the door frame, âThat success looks different to different people. For you, it apparently looks like rubbing someone's skills in their own face. And I think if you keep harping on what mightâve been, sheâll just resent you for itâand if you lose her again, youâll resent yourself for that, too.âÂ
Donna raised her brows pointedly before she pushed off of the door frame. Harvey looked after her for a moment before he lowered himself into his seat, tossing the NDA onto his desk. What to do next?Â
Bringing her there hadnât brought him much luck, but so far, going to her had been far more effective.Â
--Â Â
âIâm going to file a restraining order.âÂ
âMay as well do it on a full stomach.âÂ
âI donât have the NDA here, I sent it back with my edits.âÂ
âI know.âÂ
You glanced between Harveyâs calm expression and the bag of takeout that he was holding up. You sighed heavily. You thought youâd been able to shake Harvey, at least for the day. As soon as youâd gotten home, youâd double-checked the NDA, and hadnât been able to find a thing wrong with it. Youâd sent it back with a messenger, unwilling to step foot in that damn office again that day. Youâd been certain that that would be in, but there Harvey is.Â
âI promised you dinner,â He adds.Â
âI thought you said that Iâd be the one paying for it.âÂ
âI take cash and Venmo.â
âOkayââ You drew your hand back to shut the door, but Harvey pressed his palm against the wood before you could.Â
âWait a second.â
âHarvey, I canât do handle a repeat of this morning.âÂ
âIâm not asking you to. This morning, I wanted to understand what happened, I got that.âÂ
âThen what are you doing here?âÂ
Harvey seemed to have to brace himself.Â
âThe woman that I knew at HarvardâŚThe woman that I thought I knewââÂ
âThin ice, Specter.â
ââI had a different perspective of you then. I know we canât blank slate this, but Iâd like to get to know you properly, and I want you to get to know me. As adults. I wanna know what Iâve missed.âÂ
You considered for a long moment, your gaze dropping to the bag of takeout. Letting him in wasnât the greatest idea. If it went south again, you couldnât just storm outâit was your apartment. But there were things about Harvey that youâd missed, too; things that you hadnât been able to learn about through your mutual friends, and things that you couldnât just get from googling the guyâs name. Â
âWhatâd you get?â You asked finally.
âChinese.âÂ
âDumplings?âÂ
âVegetarian, fried.âÂ
You sighed, stepping back and nodding over your shoulder with a concession of, âAlright.âÂ
--Â
There were a lot of things that you had remembered about Harvey. But sitting on the floor of your living room, leaning back against your couch as you ate dinner and drank beer was bringing back so much more. Harvard had held so many bad memories that it had nearly crowded out the good ones, the warm ones. But now, as Harvey busted your balls, teased you, ribbed you as he nudged your knee with his, or your arm with his, or your shoulder with his, was bringing back memories of vicious butterflies.Â
Oh, youâd had the worst of crushes on this man. It had only been made worse by late nights spent in his dorm, all-nighters pulled at the library, nights spent dancing with him at parties. Youâd been certain that there had never been anything there, and you hadnât pushed it. Harvey had been your friend, a good friend. But now, with the way Harveyâs smiles softened and his gazes lingered, you found yourself wondering if there had ever been anything more, anything that the both of you had buried.Â
â...I was sorry to hear about your brother.âÂ
Your admission came out of a quiet moment, and it sobered the both of you. Harvey nodded a little, lowering his head and looking at the beer in his hands.Â
âI wouldâve reached out,â You added, âBut I didnât think you wanted to hear from me at that point.âÂ
âI didnât.âÂ
You nodded at his confirmation, and it was your turn to look at the beer in your hands.Â
âYou knew more about my life than I thought you would,â Harvey added, leaning back against the couch and shifting to face you a little.
âWell, some of our mutual friends kept me informed on the happenings of the great Harvey Specter.âÂ
âWhy didnât they tell me about you?âÂ
âI asked them not to.âÂ
âWhy?â
âFigured you hated me.âÂ
You bit your lip as Harvey reached out, taking the beer out of your hands and setting it on the coffee table. Your stomach flipped as his hand raised, tucking two fingers beneath your chin to turn your head toward him. You hesitantly met his gaze, stunned by the warmth you found there.Â
âI never hated you,â He murmured. âI was upset, sure. I was angry, and confused. But I didnât hate you.â
âMaybe you shouldâve.âÂ
âCouldnât if I tried.âÂ
âDid you try?âÂ
âYes.â Herveyâs thumb smoothed along your jaw. âBut every time I got angry, I worried, too. I had no idea where you were. I didnât know if you were alright, if you were at another school or dead in a ditch somewhere.âÂ
âIâm sorryââÂ
âI know,â Harvey nodded, hand smoothing around to your nape. âBut Iâve gotta say, if you ever disappear on me like that againââÂ
âYouâre done?âÂ
âIâm gonna send a hundred fucking Pinkertons after you.âÂ
You scoffed a laugh, brows raising. âThat a threat, Mr. Specter?â
âItâs a promise.âHe shifted closer. âIâm not losing you again.âÂ
âYou did fine without me.âÂ
âI wouldâve done better with you.âÂ
âYou didnât need me! You had Scottie, you had Jessica, you have your career and your suits and yourââÂ
Before you could say another word, Harvey pressed his lips to yours. Your eyes went a touch wide at the sudden unexpected contact. It was a moment before you let yourself lean into him. You raised your hand hesitantly, resting it on his chest as he drew you closer. Your knees knocked against his as you cuddled against him, humming softly as Harvey sucked your lower lip between his. You leaned back a touch, smiling as he rested his forehead against yours.Â
âI want you around,â Harvey murmured. âCanât that be enough?âÂ
You nodded, sweeping your thumb gently under his collar.Â
âItâs enough. More than enough.âÂ
Taglist: @missredherring ; @fantasticcopeaglepasta ;Â @paintballkid711 ; @massivecolorspygiant ; @blueeyesatnight; @recklessworry ; @amneris21 ; @ew-erin ; @youngkenobilove ; @carbonated-beverageâââ ; @lorecraft ; @moonlightburned ; @milf-trinity ; @nolanell ; @millllenniawrites ; @chattychell ; @dihra-vesaâ ; @videogamesandpoorlifechoicesâ ; @missswriter ; @thembosapphicclown ; @brandyllyn ; @wildmoonflower ; @buckybarneshairpullingkink ; @mad-girl-without-a-box ; @winchestershiresauce ;Â @20th-centu-fairy-girl
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wicked ⢠20
âł Summary: In a desperate hope to stop war from breaking you are a serviced to wed the most vile man alive, the one who has committed atrocities and war crimes beyond comprehension, he who is responsible for the fall of many nations, the wicked prince whoâs heart is made of stone. You are to marry a man who challenges every belief and moral you stand for, all while being faced in a foreign land with nobody but yourself too trustâŚBut are you both truly that different? Or is hate not too far from love?
âł Pairing:Â Jungkook/reader
âł Genre:Â arranged marriage AU, enemies to lovers, itâs kind of a period AU??? Historical but also technically not? prince!AU, eventual smut
Word Count: 11k
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tags: mastubation (m), strip tease, slight dub con??, handjob, overstimulation, humping, multiple orgasms, unprotected sex, slight breeding kink (oops), oral (m) & (f), 69ing (OOPS), slight pain kink,
note: this is way later then it was supposed to be...anywayysssss enjoy !!! :)
âHow does it feel to be somewhere so familiar, Princess?â Wheein asked as she dressed you for the afternoon.Â
You hummed as you let her continue to style your hair, âFamiliar, butâŚdifferent now. I was a young girl when I used to roam these halls, but Iâm a grown woman now. I'm excited to see my parents, I hope theyâll be attending dinner tonight.âÂ
âItâs only a matter of time now,â Wheein hummed out as she tenderly braided and pinned your hair the way she wanted it, âI donât mean to pry mâlady butâŚâ She let out a soft giggle, âI canât help but ask if you and the Prince are nowâŚ? Embracing your marriage?â
You couldnât help but tense, you had tried really hard to be quiet at night but there were definitely a few moments you had been unsuccessful, âWas I loud?â you whispered in horror.
This made Wheein laugh in surprise, âSo youâre embracing one another very well?â
You felt your face become hot at the realization that clearly you hadnât been, but now you had ratted yourself out, âJust pretend I didnât say that.âÂ
Wheein let out a soft giggle, âIâm happy for you bothâŚAfter everything you both have been through, you deserve happiness together, you both have had to overcome a lot of things. Take pride in your relationship.âÂ
You gave a small smile in the mirror, âI appreciate your words Wheein. But enough of that, how are you fairing? Youâve never traveled outside of Penumbra before, right?â
Wheein nodded, âThis is my first time, Iâm nervous truthfully, something about it feels soâŚHeretical, but excitingâŚ? I hope to be able to explore a little bit in the week we stay here.âÂ
This made you happy to hear, âKimhae is very beautiful, Iâm sure there will be plenty of opportunities to go into the capitol to explore.âÂ
Wheein grabbed the crown, onyx, the same you had worn to your formal dinner, it would be a constant here in Kimhae as a show of status along with your wedding ring that dawned your gloved hands.Â
âFinished. You look beautiful.â Wheein smiled in satisfaction, âIs there anything else you would like before we escort you to dinner?âÂ
You shook your head, âNothing, besides your company. I missed you terribly when you were away. And while I enjoy Jungkookâs presence, he is by no means good with feather and fuss the way you are.âÂ
This made Wheein chuckle, her nose scrunching in delight, âNothing brings me more pride than being next to you both. Iâll let the others know youâre ready.âÂ
Jungkook had left the room a little while ago upon Yoongi requesting him outside the room to talk about something.Â
Standing up you brushed the skirt of your dress of the few wrinkles that had formed from sitting.Â
This was one of your favorite winter gowns, sheer gold fabric lining from your neckline to your chest, covered in precious gems and the fabric ran to your forearms but it was concealed by bigger dramatic puffy sleeves the same dark midnight blue color of your skirt.Â
Stepping out of the room Jungkook and Yoongi had ceased their conversation at the sight of you, âIâm not interrupting am I?âÂ
âOf course not your Highness,â Yoongi bowed to you, âYouâre just on time in fact.â
Jungkook sighed as he peered out the large windows to the darkened skies, âWeâre late.âÂ
âAll the best couples are.â You smiled as he offered his elbow out as you grabbed ahold of it, allowing him to lead you down the halls, navigating to the main hall where everyone would be celebrating, after all it was the Eve before Yule.Â
âHis Highness, Jeon Jungkook Crowned Prince of Penumbra and her Highness, Jeon Y/n Crowned Princess of Penumbra.â The caller announced as the doors opened.Â
It seemed the jolly sight inside had frozen despite the music still playing, you couldnât help but feel nervous with so many eyes on you, but squeezing the bicep of your husband made you realize you were not alone.Â
His crown stood tall on his head, dawned in his finest black and gold silk robes for the occasion, he looked like the epitome of confidence and power, and as his wife, you wanted to be his mirror, a strength to him, not a weakness.
You straightened yourself a little, lifting your chin as you let him help you down each step, eyes following you everywhere as people began to whisper, but after having been on the cold gaze of the Penumbrian court, you had found you clearly had hardened yourself to the stares.
Not letting them bother you the way they may once have.Â
And in the crowd, there were two familiar faces that you had missed so dearly, that did not look at you as if you were a killer, âMother! Father!â You called out, excitement pushing away the previous feelings of uncertainty, having let go of Jungkook to greet your mother.
Her arms were wide open, eyes beaming with pride as you buried into her, the sweet smell of nectar dripping off her body, the warm comforting smell of home, âMy sweet daughter,â She ushered out, pulling away as she grabbed your face, âMy look how youâve grown, she truly looks like a grown woman, no longer our little princess.â
âI couldnât have hoped for a more lovely daughter to be our future queen of Penumbra,â Your father grinned softly as you mirrored him, immediately wrapping him in a hug next, âWeâve missed you greatly so our little sun.âÂ
You smiled at them adoringly only to feel the towering height behind you, standing at an awkward distance, turning around you gestured your love over, âCome Jungkook, donât be a stranger.â You let out a soft endearing laugh, this only made him awkwardly shuffle a little closer.
Uncertain of where to look or how to greet, âYour Highnesses,â He gave a small formal bow.Â
Your mother let a quirk of a pout tug on her lips, âNo son-in-law of mine will greet me so formally, come.â
You and your father glanced at one another before sharing a laugh at Jungkookâs pupils widening a little before briefly glancing at you before he hesitated, arms acting stiff in the brief hug before immediately dropping back to his side.Â
âSurely youâve hugged this poor boy my dear,â Your mother sighed, watching with a certain pity on her face before turning to you, âHe treats me as if I am something to be frightened of.âÂ
Jungkookâs lips parted but you spoke before him, âWeâve embraced plenty, Jungkook is an introvert by nature,â You couldnât help the affectionate smile tug on your lips as you placed yourself back at his side, arms wrapping back around his, âHe doesnât fair well with social events.â
âI can hold my own.â Jungkook muttered with a puff of his chest.Â
âDonât let their teasing get to you,â Your father chuckled, âIâve never been one for social events either, Esme has always been the butterfly of us both.âÂ
âOh donât flatter me.â Your mother rolled her eyes playfully, âCome, let us sit, you must try the wine.â You let your mother lead the way as you all sat down at the large table, your eyes searching the massive party only for them to suddenly lock onto Seokjinâs, halfway across the room.
He appeared sulky, empty wine glass in hand and in a circle of aristocrats talking and he clearly was not paying attention, his gaze set solely on you. You blinked, immediately looking away as you smiled at the cup bearer, pouring you a large glass of wine.Â
Taking a long sip you hummed in delight, âEunoian?âÂ
âImported,â Your mother smiled with love, âKimhae has always been too tart for my taste.âÂ
âTart and a twinge of sour,â Jungkookâs nose wrinkled, âThey never let their wine ferment long enough.âÂ
This immediately had your motherâs attention, a fellow wine lover, you couldnât help but grin at the sight as she immediately began to complain with him and as she got him talking, Jungkook slowly but surely relaxed as he began his second glass of wine.Â
âCome, walk with me Y/n,â Your father smiled, shaking his head at the sight of the other two engrossed in gossip of Kimhae, who wouldâve thought Jungkook would get on so well with your mother?Â
The wine was certainly helping all the same.Â
âI would love nothing more,â You smiled as you stood up, taking your fatherâs arm as you both began to walk, âHow has Eunoia been? Iâve missed it terriblyâŚâÂ
Your father gave you a soft smile, while you had always been undoubtedly close to your mother but⌠due to her dryad blood, she had always been harder on you as a child, making sure you stuck to your rigorous schedule.
There were many days when she was the source of your tears, but your father? He was nothing but soft for you, always sneaking you sweet treats at night and on the days you would weep, he would read you stories until you fell asleep.Â
His love was always so soft, barely detectable but you could always feel it through the trepidations of your childhood.Â
âWe are doing well, with the protection Penumbra has given us, weâve dealt with much less bandit raids, our crops no longer plucked over. Your presence has been an irreplaceable void though.â Your father hummed out, âThe throne room hasnât looked quite right since you left, Arielle never had the straightest cut.â
You couldnât help but smile as you rolled your eyes, âDonât say that too loud- lest she hear it all the way from Eunoia and kill all the foliage off in spiteâŚIs sheâŚâ You sighed, you supposed you shouldnât indulge the gossiping part of your brain, it was only a childhood rivalry, you were a grown woman now, those things should stay in the past.Â
Your father however seemed to know exactly what you were saying, âThere is talk,â He mused, âShe does not have dryad blood though.â
âPerhaps that is for the best,â You murmured softly, your father peering at you in curiosity as you spoke softly, âPerhap it is time for Eunoia to leave our lesser human nature in the past?â
Your father hummed, âWhat has you thinking such thoughts, my little sun?âÂ
â...My stay in Penumbra has not been an easy one, I wonât deny it,â You murmured quietly, âIâve suffered many trials and tribulations, the dryad inside me has proven to be very hard to containâŚâ
This made your father laugh, surprisingly, âSo was your motherâs, her nature still can be from time to time.âÂ
âI just donât understand, even after all these years. We strive for peace and yet all I want is war,â You frowned, troubled once more, âI want nothing more than to wrong those who have wronged me. And I hate it, revenge has a bitter taste.âÂ
âItâs an inherent nature,â Your father replied, tapping your arm comfortingly, âItâs inside all of us, you are inclined moreso from the polarized nature of a dryad. The beautiful thing about it is that we cannot have life without death. Your mother was never the best at explaining it,â
He sighed wistfully, as if accepting this about his wife, âBut it always seemed to me that as a dryad, your duty is to balance it, not strive for one or the other. The giver and taker of life, it may run through your blood but you are not a god Y/n, it is not your calling to be one or the other. But Iâve always seen great things in you. Iâve always felt youâve been called to mediate the conflict of the giver and taker, give life where it is needed, death when it is warranted. These things are scary when weâve been taught only one is right, but it is not impossible.â
Dead eyes flashed in your mind, your grip on your fatherâs arm tightening a little as you took a long breath, âThen why is it I always seem to only bring death?âÂ
Your father frowned, a sad look in his eyes, âYou were but a child Y/n, too young to be put in the tents, but your mother was insistent. Death is the only thing guaranteed in life, we must all face it eventually, some sooner than others. This is the way it is meant to be, you did the best with what you were taught.â
You stared at the ground before you murmured, âAndâŚwhat ifâŚI broke my vowâŚ? What if I had taken a life on purpose?âÂ
Your father paused, slowly his eyes lingered on your figure, your expression was full of sorrow and lament, he tenderly brushed your shoulders, âMy words would remain the same, you were never meant to uphold one value or the other. I trust you would never do something rash, if it were not called for.â
You both began to walk once more and for a long moment you thought of his words before you were plagued by a forgotten thought, âIâve heardâŚ.stirrings, rumors.âÂ
âIn the beast itself?â Your father laughed, âDo tell.â
âRumors thatâŚâ You lowered your voice, âEunoia is building an armyâŚ?âÂ
Your father paused in somewhat surprise, âReally now?â He paused thoughtfully, âWell, I suppose it would seem that way.âÂ
âBut it isnât?â You raised your brows hoping that it certainly was not what it seemed.Â
âDid you know that the dryadâs were not just healers?â Your father gave you a knowing smile, âBut they were also warriors, it was said they were gifted with the sight of knowing, shooting arrows that could hit even targets from miles away. We have decided to take up the divine dryadâs way of Archery- a form of weaponry, in honor of Penumbra for the Rite of Peace.âÂ
You pausedâŚarcheryâŚ? Everything made so much more sense suddenly, and it dawned on you that while you knew much about Eunoia, you still had so much more to learn about your ancestors.Â
âIâŚI love that Eunoia has decided to pick this back up in honor of Penumbra,â You gave a small smile, somewhat relieved, âJungkook will be thrilled to hear this.âÂ
âAhâŚâ Your father hummed, âAnd I do assume your husband has been treating you well?â
Your nod became somewhat shy, âWe didnât speak the first month butâŚwell circumstances arose that no longer allowed us to hate one anotherâŚAnd somehow, weâŚbegan to understand one another? Misunderstandings truly are the root of hate arenât they?âÂ
âHate makes all of us blind to the reality of life, nothing is fair, nobody is ever truly free, we all have our burdens and trepidations to bear, not one better than the other. When we embrace intentional kinship, to set aside our differences, and truly learn from one another with compassion and understanding, we are at our strongestâŚâ
Your father hummed before he looked at you for a long moment, âThough it has not been long, you seem older nowâŚWiser, patientâŚYou both suit one another very well.â Your father praised.Â
âI wouldâve hated those words once upon a time butâŚâ You gave a satisfied hum, âYou are right, I couldnât think of another person Iâd want as my husband.âÂ
The evening went on, you and your father had many people come and socialize with you both, many royals and aristocrats alike wanting to know about Penumbra, about the Wicked Prince, about the tall tales that came from its lands.Â
You indulged none, and left everything vague, giving only knowing smiles and cryptic words, after all knowledge was a currency of its own for royals.Â
It was well past midnight by the time you and your father had arrived back at the banquet table to find your partners well past the point of sobriety, your mother and Jungkook sharing a loud boisterous laugh as he cackled, âI wish you had seen it, the sword went flying out of his hand and the look on his face was that of a child.â
âOh come now Jungkook he can barely hold a cup with two hands let alone a sword!â Your mother cackled out, near empty cup in hand.Â
âIt seems weâve made our timely arrival,â Your father let out a soft sigh as he shook his head, âCome now Esme, let us not insult our hostâs family too loud,â He pulled her chair out offering an arm to her, âWe ought get you to bed.âÂ
âI agree,â You replied, standing next to your husbandâs chair where he was slightly slumped, crown crooked on his head, âWe should retire, my love.â You leaned down, fixing his crown back straight.Â
His hand caught yours as he pressed an amorous kiss against the palm of your gloved hand and a silly little smirk on his face, âIf thatâs what my goddess wishes.âÂ
You felt your face becoming hot at his words, clearly the liquor making him much more boldly flirtatious then he would typically be in a public space.Â
Jungkook stood up only to wobble a little, you immediately grabbed his arm, not offering as much support as you wished, but you only needed to get him as far as Yoongi, who was coolly leaning back against the wall, arms crossed and eyes scanning the room.Â
You waved Yoongi over, his eyes immediately catching your figure as he pushed off the wall, âCan you please get Jungkook back to our room?â You asked.
âOf course, Wheein will escort you back then I presume?â Yoongi asked and you nodded, with that he took your husband back though not without complaint of you not being by his side.Â
You only smiled briefly only for your vision to be blocked by your mother, grabbing you with an adoring look on her face, very clearly drunk, âWhile I had my reservations about him, you both make a lovely couple Y/n,â You giggled softly at this as she continued, âAnd hopefully youâll make even lovelier grandchildren for me.âÂ
âGrand children!?â You nearly choked on your words.
GrandchildrenâŚ?Â
âNow, now Esme, leave her be, that is their business,â Your father tutted, âGoodnight Y/n, we shall see you in the morningâŚOr at the very least I will see you in the morning.âÂ
You waved goodbye but your mind was fried at her wordsâŚchildrenâŚYouâŚyou hadnât even thought of children, which was incredibly stupid given the amount of unholy sex you were currently having, with absolutely no regard of how many times your husband emptied himself inside you.Â
Your hand ghosted over your stomach as you wondered, what if you were pregnant? It was a brief thought with no actual evidence to back it up.Â
But the idea of blue eyed, dark haired children running around suddenly filled your heart with so much joy, you could hardly continue the girlish smile you had, childrenâŚSurely Jungkook wanted children, right?Â
You pressed your lips together in uncertainty, being the heir to the throne meant it was an expectation butâŚYou didnât want to bear his children if he wouldnât share the love he had with you to them.Â
It was late and you supposed these were conversations you would need to have at a later date with him, sooner than later given just how fast you both had been going.Â
You called Wheein over as you both exited the party.
The hallways were dark and you had just reached the end when a voice called out, âY/nâŚâÂ
Wheein frowned as you both paused, turning around as you noticed the lone figure at the other end of the hall, SeokjinâŚWheein briefly looked at you with a quirked brow.Â
âSeokjin, my apologies for not greeting you at the party, I was catching up with my parents.â You called out as he approached you.
âNevermind that,â He offered an easy, charming smile, âI know how much youâve missed them, butâŚIâd like to speak to you, aloneâŚâ
Wheein shifted immediately, not liking this one bit as she stared at the foreigner, briefly looking at you once more, and you could tell she didnât like this, âItâs late Seokjin, I was just getting ready to retire for bedâŚâ
âIndulge me, just for a moment.â Seokjin asked, holding a hand out to you.Â
You stared down at his palm, and for the first time you noticed the lack of calluses on his hands, his skin incredibly soft, â...Very well, where would you have us speak?â
âJust up ahead, in my office, your maid may go I will-â
âMy maid will stay just outside the office,â You cut him off, Wheein giving a curt nod at your words, âLead along, I do not have all night.âÂ
Seokjin frowned, eyes lingering warily on Wheein just as herâs did, almost as if sizing one another up before he walked ahead of you both and turned off onto a hall before he stopped, it was vague but you did remember being in his office a few times.Â
He stepped inside as Wheein whispered out, âWill you be okay mâlady?âÂ
âIâll scream if Iâm not.â You gave her a reassuring smile before you stepped inside, closing the door behind you.Â
It all came at once, the sudden feeling of invading your personal space, his body pressing into yours and his hands wrapping around you, âOh my love,â He whispered out, âYouâve become a marvelous actress, but you should be taking my lead to not make things more difficult for us.âÂ
Your body immediately tensed, these were not the arms you were used to being wrapped around you, and these were not the lips of your husband against your ear.
Seokjin pressed his forehead into yours just as swiftly as you were pushing him away, âI am no actress, what is the meaning of this Seokjin?âÂ
Seokjinâs lips slowly curled into a frown at the evident step you took away from him, a safe distance between you both clearly feeling like a rift for him, âIâm here for you.â He spoke quietly, âAlbeit he wasnât supposed to be here but we can make this work, some plans will simply have to be altered.âÂ
You blinked several times, âPlansâŚ?âÂ
Seokjin nodded, a smile slowly curling on his lips once more as he took your hands into his, âWe can talk more about it later, but just know that we will be reunited once more Y/n, itâs been sickeningâŚwatching the way he drags you around as if you are nothing more then some doll, his hands touching what is not his.âÂ
Your stare hardened as you slowly shook your head before letting out a long sigh, âIâm sorry Seokjin, it seems I was not clear last time we spoke.â Though you felt as if you distinctly remember being perfectly clear, âWe are no longer an item, we have not been since the day before my wedding.âÂ
Seokjin shook his head, as if he was in denial, âI have been biding my time for you my love, the days Iâve ached for you, touched myself to you. You canât seriously tell me you have not yet felt the same?âÂ
He was staring at you expectantly but you were at a loss for words, because while yes a part of you had mourned him the first few weeks of your stay, but after a month Jungkook had become a bigger part of your thoughts with each day, and Seokjin becoming so obscure that you no longer even thought of him unless it was prompted in conversation.Â
âIâm sorry Seokjin,â It was a genuine apology, âBut I cut ties for a reason, Iâve only come to Yule to see my parents and nothing more. I do want you to rest easyâŚI am very happy in Penumbra, and Jungkook does not treat me like a doll heâŚâ You stared at your gloved hands, âJungkook loves and respects me for who I am, what I am capable of. And his hands touch me as if I am his, because I am. There is no other man I want to belong to.â
Seokjin slowly shook his head and it made you wince a little. He was taking this harder than you had assumed he would, perhaps because you had assumed your relational ties had been officially cut.Â
You assumed there might have been a forlorn sort of pining from him, mourning what could have been, but to have this delusion that you both were still romantic lovers was an entirely different subject.Â
âYou donât mean it Y/n,â He took a step closer to you, hand grabbing your waist making you jolt, âI donât know what theyâve done to you, but youâve been brainwashed. Turned blind to their hedonistic ways. You are not the Dryad Princess I know.â
âIf they are heathens,â You shoved his hand away from you, âThen Iâm afraid I was never going to be good enough for you, for if they are heathens then I cannot imagine what I must be in comparison. I am far more than a Dryad Princess, you say you no longer know me, but it only shows me just how little you actually knew me. I value the time we had together Seokjin, but I love Jungkook. He is my husband and I am proud to be his wife and it will remain this way. Goodnight.âÂ
You promptly closed the door behind you as Wheein straightened up from her fretting state, you gave her a tense but attempted comforting smile, âCome let us go Wheein.â You ushered softly as she nodded.Â
After a long quiet trip through the halls she finally asked, âItâs not my business but I canât help but ask mâladyâŚwhat was that about?â
You shook your head, âSome things must die slower than others I suppose.â You stopped at your door just where Taehyun walked out from exasperatedly.Â
âHis Majesty is still awake, just a forewarning.â Was all Taehyun said and that was all you needed to know.
âYou both are dismissed, I doubt weâll need any help tonight. And do take the early morning to yourselves, Jungkook will definitely need to rest until mid morning.â You offered a weak smile as they both nodded, perhaps knowing but saving you the embarrassment.
After taking their leave you stepped into your room, lit only by firelight as you quietly shut the door, âSo my pretty wife finally shows her presence.â Jungkook was leaning against the bed frame, slumped once more, terribly drunk.Â
You offered a gentle smile, the tension that had been in your body slowly melting due to his warm presence you had become so familiar with, âSo I am here; I did not mean to make you wait so long.â You were in no rush to the bed as you slowly walked over to your vanity, pulling the gloves from your hands and taking the shoes off your feet.
Setting your crown on top of the empty pillow and taking off your jewelry as you felt his eyes burning into your back before you finally approached him.
âWhat held you up?â Jungkookâs eyes lazily dragged over your body, sitting on the side of the bed as his feet planted on the ground, hands reaching out for your waist, âYou were supposed to help bring me back.âÂ
Your smile became just a little shy as your hands settled on top of his, the warm comfort it brought such a stark contrast to what Seokjin had attempted to replicate, âI got caught up, but Iâm here now. Help me?âÂ
You turned around as Jungkook stood up, a little wobbly and maybe not the best with his fingers at the moment but he managed to get your dress undone as it fell to the ground, you still had your slip on underneath, it wasnât meant for sleeping but it was comfortable enough that it would do.Â
You plucked the dress from the ground before tossing it, the fabric catching on the chair at your vanity before you turned around to face him once more.
You couldnât help the soft laugh that escaped you at the dilation in his eyes, his tongue swiping over his lip feverishly, âWas it him?âÂ
Your brows lifted a little in somewhat surprise and that gave him everything he needed to know, his jaw clenching a little as his hands tightened down to your hips, âSaw the way he was looking at you, as if you belong to him.â
Your arms wrapped around his neck as you whispered, âBut I am yours. You shouldnât worry about him.â Tomorrow, you would tell him what had happened, but tonight, you wanted to rest with your husband and let him sleep off his liquor.Â
Jungkookâs nose buried into the crook of your neck before his lips began to press into your skin, and you were quickly beginning to realize this was a telltale sign, his hands roaming your sides before curling around the material of your slip.Â
âLay down,â You whispered, âYouâre drunk.âÂ
âIâm sober enough,â Jungkook replied with a moan into your skin, âIndulge me, light of my life, you say youâre mine, but I need you to show me. Need you wrapped around my cock.âÂ
His moans against your skin was tantalizingly difficult to say no when he laid back against the bed, pulling his pants down to reveal his fat cock bobbing to his abdominal as he wrapped his hand around it tight, eyes staring at you with a lazy heat as he slowly began to stroke his shaft.Â
You couldnât stop the pout on your lips as your arousal immediately pressed into your panties, âYouâre drunk JungkookâŚâÂ
âMmm, I can be drunk and have my cock rode.â He replied, his hips stuttering a little as they lifted into his fist, his cock squeezing through as he moaned, âDo you not see how desperate I am for you? Donât deny me now.â
Precum was beading against his slit as you slowly pushed your slip up, letting your panties drop as he moaned his hand pumping his cock all the way up to his bulbous head before squeezing it all the way back down, âFuuck, thatâs a good girl, show me those pretty tits.âÂ
Slowly you peeled the slip up your body, one inch at a time as Jungkookâs hand eagerly worked his cock, eyes lidded as he moaned, watching the fabric tease just below your bust, âDonât tease me now.âÂ
You pulled it up, your tits bouncing as he swore, fist pumping his cock furiously as you pushed it over your head before letting it hit the ground, âNeeâ you Y/n, mmm, need your warm cunt.â
You couldnât help but laugh at how whiney he was at the moment, getting up on the bed you straddling his thighs as he moaned his hand slowing down to lethargically stroke his cock, eyes trailing up and down your exposed body.
Leaning down a little you couldnât help but curiously wrap your hand around his base, his stroking paused as he released his own grip, âMmm, stroke it.âÂ
You couldnât help but feel a little shy, it was so thick and heavy in your hand, âHow do you like it?â You whispered out, trying not to let yourself be intimidated.Â
Jungkook reached back down, his hand wrapping over your own, grip suddenly being crushed much more than you wouldâve expected, âHard, like when it hurts.â His thighs tensed as he guided your hand up his shaft, roughly pumping back down to his base as he hissed out.Â
You mimicked his movements, letting your hand jerk up his cock as he guided it back down each time forcefully, you couldnât help but be mesmerized by the way his cock moved with each stroke, his fat head slowly beginning to turn red, as if angry to not have itâs release.
âMmm stick your tongue out,â He mumbled, âWant to watch your spit drip on it.â
âJungkook..â You ushered in embarrassment.
He smiled wickedly, âWould you rather suck it instead?â
âIf you had chosen to stay sober,â You teased right back, taking a long breath you appeased him though, sticking your tongue out as salvia slowly gathered at the tip of your tongue before a large glob slowly hit the fat head of his cock.Â
Jungkook jolted and stiffened beneath you, a deep moan escaping him at such a lewd sight as your hand wrapped around his tip, dragging the fluid down his cock making it more pliable, he could hardly stand it as your hand squeezed harder around him.Â
âFuck yeah, like that, nice and hard.â He moaned in pleasure, eyes lidded and watching your hand with each rough stroke, âMm little harder- shitâŚ!â He moaned even louder as his eyes closed briefly, your hand squeezing nice and hard around his base as you began forcefully pumping his cock just the way he enjoyed it.Â
His thighs kept tensing beneath you and you could feel your arousal drip on his thigh as you slowly shifted slotting your own thighs beneath his thick taunt one as your hips couldnât resist but to wiggle, your wet puff slit dragging open along the warm skin of his thigh.
âMm that's it, good girl,â He moaned deep, eyes locked between your little cunt making a mess all over his thigh and your hand, working his cock nice and rough, âRub your little clit on my thigh.âÂ
You let out a little whine at your clit sliding against his skin, pleasure frictioning against the open plane as your grip on his cock tightened, hand fisting all the way to the head of his cock as you roughly pumped his head, as if trying to squeeze the cum right out.Â
Jungkookâs moans were salacious and wonton, not holding back in the least as his hips suddenly thrust upward into your hand, his thigh rutting into your cunt as you let out a small breathy moan, enjoying the mess your cunt was making.Â
You spit once more on his cock making it slide with ease once more, âMm just like that, fuck Y/n, yeah, mm gonnaâ cum.âÂ
Jungkookâs hips were impatiently thrusting upward as your hand forcefully pumped his cock, his thigh continually rutting up against your clit just the right way as you let out whiny moans, âCum for me, please, thatâs it, cum.âÂ
Jungkook was pliable at your voice, whining and begging softly as your hand tightened around his cock once more, the sight of you bending slightly, your tits bouncing and your tongue sticking out, only this time his fat head aimed at your mouth.Â
It was such a lewd sight, Jungkook cursed loudly, your hand roughly stroking his cock as the pleasure became blinding, the sight too tempting as he grunted out a deep moan, cumming hard as he kept his eyes wide open for the spectacle, spurts of white cream shot from out from his slit, hitting your tongue, âFuck, oh my god, yeah, suck it, please, fuuck, suck it up.â
You appeased him, your lips tenderly around his head before sucking it harshly as he cried out another deep moan, eyes unable to pry away from the sight, one arm forcing his hips down to keep from rutting into your mouth as your other hand forcefully pumped his cock of every last drop of seed.Â
Your lips stayed wrapped around his fat head as you felt more substance dribble out from his weepy sensitive head.Â
Your hand pumping every last drop he had to offer as his thighs violently twitched with each stroke of your hair, his moans were loud and obscene as he growled, âKeep going fuck, can take it.â
That deep dominant voice had you pliant, obediently swirling your tongue around his slit, cum slowly leaking back down his cock as you stroked it.
You could tell he was overstimulated just by how violently his body was twitching but just as you kept going his cock slowly started to harden once more, pulling off his head as you swallowed the rest of the substance, a subtle sweetness in it otherwise tasteless.Â
Jungkook moaned, his hyper sensitive cock resting back against his abdomen, âWanna cum in that pretty little cunt now.âÂ
You couldnât help but feel somewhat shy, âAre you sure?âÂ
Jungkook moaned softly as his hands wrapped around your hips as you shifted yourself, âWhy wouldnât I be? Nothing satisfies me more than watching my cum drip from this little hole.â
You shuddered as you grabbed his cock, watching the way he sucked a harsh breath in, teasing his weeping cum covered head against your slit before slowly sinking down on it.
The stinging sensation was absent, only the feeling of his fat cock sliding inside you with ease as you both moaned, ââŚEven if I become with child..?â You whispered out.
Jungkookâs hands suddenly gripped your hips even tighter, eyes lifting with a wicked smirk on his face, âWhy do you think I've emptied inside you every time? Mm is that what you want? My seed nice and deep inside this cunt until your belly becomes swollen? Filled with my child?â
Your cunt harshly wrapped around his cock, you hadnât expected your body to react so harshly to his words but it was making your clit throb in excitement, the idea of becoming pregnant with Jungkookâs child.
Your hips were immediately bouncing, your cunt greedily sucking his cock deeper inside as your walls clenched around him, soft whines escaping you, âMm! PleaseâŚ!â
Jungkook moaned softly, âSo Iâve found your weakness,â he cracked a boyish smile, âYou want to be my little cumdump? Milking my cock of every drop of cum until you're pregnant with my baby?âÂ
Your thighs were trembling at the idea, the anticipation of his cum spurting deep inside you, the excitement made pleasure bloom through your body as his shaft began rubbing right where you wanted it, âPleaseâŚ! Iâd be good!â You whimper, âIâd take care of our babyâŚâ
Jungkook moaned hands encouraging your hips, roughly bouncing as his big cock forced his way past your little walls, âMm know you would, haveâ the prettiest belly. Prettiest titsâŚâ
Your whines and moans were like music to Jungkookâs ears as you frantically bounced on his cock in need, his hands soothing your hips as you moaned, âWanâ baby pleaseâŚ! KooââŚ!â
âMm thatâs it my love,â Jungkook moaned as your hips became flush with his, feeling your walls wrap around him as came once more, cum burying deep inside you as the loudest, whiniest moan escaped you, cumming all over his cock as you bounced once more, milking every drop from his cock once more as it buried inside you.
Every muscle in your body was tensed as your breath labored, fists curled against Jungkookâs chest before he grabbed them, tenderly uncurling them as he laced his own bigger ones in yours, âSo you want my children hmâŚ?âÂ
You slowly opened your eyes, tiredness running in your body as you let out a soft, somewhat shy giggle, âDo you want me to have your children?âÂ
âIs my cock inside?âÂ
âStopâŚ!â You whispered out, falling against his chest as he chuckled, arms wrapping around you, his cock softening as it slipped out of your body, the warm sensation of liquid dripping down your thighs as you curled up against him.Â
Jungkookâs eyes fluttered shut as he hummed, fingers tracing over your sides, âThereâs no one else Iâd rather have children with.âÂ
Jungkook had slept heavily through most of the early morning like you had assumed, he did wake up once, stirring a little at the feeling of your tit cupped in his hand, he only gave it a nice hard squeeze before falling back asleep.Â
The light had begun to shine through and you could tell the halls were busy with maids, your personal servants wouldnât be in for another hour and a half at least though, and somehow, you thoroughly enjoyed being able to lay with your husband like this.Â
Far past any reasonable hour to get out of bed.Â
âWill you survive my love?â You whispered out a small giggle as your hand reached out, brushing back those long dark bangs from his forehead.Â
He groaned, eyes still closed but you knew he was awake, âIt feels like I am an anvil and my headache is a smith master. You never told me your mother could hold her liquor better than you.âÂ
You smiled fondly as you laid on your stomach, propping yourself up on your forearms, âThey say dryad blood makes alcohol less potent.â
Jungkookâs eyes shot open, a comedic glare on his face, âI see youâve chosen to keep that information to yourself.âÂ
âI never thought it was relevant,â You laughed softly, trying not to be loud for the sake of his poor head, âItâs probably why I can drink more than you.â
âAnd yet you never seem to utilize this ability, you should take after your mother more,â Jungkook groaned as he pulled his arms over his head, eyes squeezed shut once more, âSo youâre ready to have my children hm?â
You tried not to choke on your own spit at such a drastic conversation change, âIâŚâÂ
Jungkookâs lips slowly pulled into a smile, eyes lidded once more as he stared at you, âWhat got this on your brain?âÂ
Your lips parted multiple times, trying your hardest to not let yourself become shy, but it was difficult under his gaze, â...My mother- very drunkenly told me she hoped for grandchildren soon last night after you departed with Yoongi.âÂ
âHm yes I do recall her mentioning this to me as well,â Jungkook laughed softly at the expression on your face, âTelling me we would make the prettiest children and that if I wasnât treating you well sheâd personally castrate me- I also see where you get your temper from.âÂ
You weakly smiled, you wanted to say your mother would never say that sober- but you knew good and well you got her temper in a much higher dose then even she had.Â
âShe was one of my teachers,â You replied, â...Is itâŚyou donât think weâre going too fast?âÂ
Jungkook rolled onto his side, âWhat do you mean?âÂ
âHaving children?â You raised your brows, âIâŚI donât know why I didnât think of it sooner, but with how weâve beenâŚIt may be a good possibility.âÂ
âWeâve been married for almost a year now,â Jungkook mused, âTrue half of it hasnât been on good terms but the courtâŚâ He sighed, âI hadnât wanted to tell you because I didnât want you to feel pressured butâŚThe Penumbra court has started questioning me on when they can expect an heir.âÂ
Your lips slowly curled into a frown, âIâm not surprisedâŚâ Because regardless of how either one of you felt about this, there was a duty to uphold, âIs that whyâŚ?â
âNo,â Jungkook immediately cut you off, head resting against the pillow as his hand reached out, tracing your jawline, âOur moments have been organic and I had no hidden agenda behind them, but I wonât deny that Iâve emptied inside you continually because I am intentionally trying to get you pregnant- for the sole reason of wanting to have a child together. Not because the court expects me too...âÂ
Your stomach felt like butterflies had formed, something like arousal stirring in your body at his choice of words, âYouâve been trying to get me pregnant without telling me?â It wasnât meant as a reprimand but more of a soft tease.Â
Jungkook let out something between a laugh and a scoff, a boyish look on his face, âFiguredâ the action spoke more for itself I guess. Nothing screams "I want to get you pregnantâ like burying my cum inside you.âÂ
âJungkookâŚ!â You whispered out.Â
Jungkook laughed harder before wincing, hands grabbing his head as he groaned, âThis horrible, ugh Eunoian wine always gives me the worst headaches. Seems you and the wine have something in common.âÂ
You clacked your tongue, âAnd here I thought I was going to be nice this morning and give what you had requested the night before.âÂ
Jungkooks eyes blinked back open, curiosity brimming as he squinted, âWhat does that mean?â
âYou only get to find out if you take back the headache comparison.âÂ
âIt may give me a headache but itâs just as sweet as your cunt- Ow!âÂ
You had immediately straddled him, taking your pillow with you as you hit him on the head with it as he grabbed it, tossing it aside before his hands snaked around your asscheeks, âThere it cancels out, now continue.âÂ
You could feel the pang of arousal in your cunt as you situated yourself, leaning forward a little as you smiled, âYouâve been rather mean to me this morning, are you sure youâre worthy of it?âÂ
âYou like it when Iâm mean,â Jungkook flirted back, fingers digging into your ass, multiple bruises had already stained your skin in the form of his fingers, and it looked right now would be stained on your skin later as well, âI could be even meaner- After all, you let Yoongi take me back and then that rat got his hands on you.âÂ
You raised your brows with an amused smile, âI assure you no rat had his hands on me for more than a moment.â
You could see it in his eyes, something dark stirring as his jaw clenched a little, a possessive tone in his voice, âA moment is still too long- what did he want?âÂ
Your hand traced down his chest as you replied, âIt seems I was not clear enough when I ended our relationship right before you and I wedded. Seokjin had this idea that we were still lovers.â
âAnd?â
His fingers dug even harder, nails starting to dig into your skin, not overly painful but just enough for your cunt to feel it, âAnd I told him I belong to you, and that there was nothing left.âÂ
Jungkook huffed, fingers relaxing a little, âCouldnât stand the way he looked at you last night, acting like he had any right to stare at you like that.âÂ
You laughed softly at his broody look, âWell trust me, Seokjin isnât getting to experience what you are.âÂ
Your lips pressed against his clavicle, Jungkookâs lips parted to make a remark but they paused as you lifted yourself a little, kisses fluttering down his chest as the bed cover was slowly pushed back, his naked body revealed and his cock hard and proud.Â
It was difficult to not be aroused when he knew you were naked in his bed, but the sight was even more to behold as your tongue softly pressed against his abdominal, his sucked in a harsh breath of air as the soft wet muscle slid towards his pubic bone.Â
You planted another kiss against his pubic bone before pressing your tongue back against his warm skin, sliding it down to meet the base of his cock, his hips physically thrusting in need as you let out a shy laugh.Â
Jungkook had done nothing but give you pleasure from the moment he declared his love, you wanted to show him the same, how much you wanted him, needed him, how he would never need to worry about another man.Â
You only wanted to be his, it was difficult to not let yourself become shy though- yes you had a little experience with this, but it was different, back then you did it as a means to keep things from going further.Â
You wanted to do this now, but your husband was not what you considered beginner friendly, it felt like a weapon was staring at you.
Jungkook couldnât resist the soft moan at the sight of you looking up at him, those pretty doe-like eyes all flustered just inches away from his cock, so confident one moment and shy the next.
Jungkook let out an amused scoff, his hand tenderly pressed against your head as he stroked it, âYouâve sucked cock before, go on.âÂ
It was a lighthearted tease that made your lips quiver into a pout, âJungkook...IâŚI want you to show me what you likeâŚâ You mumbled, unable to look at him whilst saying it.Â
Jungkook hummed as he reached out, grabbing your head more firmly as he forced you a little closer to his fat cock, âOpen your mouth,â It was soft command you couldnât deny as you let out a breathy moan as you parted you lips, âMm yeah, now stick out your tongue.âÂ
âJungkookâŚâ You squeezed your eyes shut in embarrassment but you felt a sharp tug on your hair in reprimand.Â
âYou want to please me, yeah? Then be a good girl and show me your tongue.â Jungkook growled lightly as your lips trembled before you did as you were told.Â
You stuck your tongue out a little as Jungkook grasped your hair once more rewarding, âGood girl,â He stroked your head, âNow open your mouth a little wider and let your spit drip on the head.âÂ
Your entire face felt like it was on fire, grabbing the base of his cock as you leaned over it, sticking your tongue out a little further as Jungkook spoke, âLook at me.â You meekly glanced up at him as a wad of spit dripped off your tongue, pooling down onto his fat bulbous head as he moaned softly, eyes lidded at the sight.Â
âFuck yeah, my pretty wife, now take the tip in your mouth, just the tip,â Jungkook ushered softly, watching in blind pleasure as you meekly leaned down, parting your lips a little further, you couldnât help but hesitate for a moment.Â
It wasnât that you were staring at his cock, it was more likeâŚit was staring at you. His tip was incredibly fat and bulbous, you knew this, but now being at eye level, mouth to cock level, it made you realize just how big he was.
âHaving second thoughts?â Jungkook teased, âYour little rat wasnât as well equipped?âÂ
Your eyes slowly looked up at him with a glare as he snickered, an affectionate look in his eyes, âJust the tip to start my goddess.â
Your lips parted around his tip before fully pushing it further into your mouth, your jaw immediately aching for a brief moment before you forced yourself to relax as you closed your eyes, sucking his tip gently as you waited for Jungkookâs next instruction.Â
Jungkook could feel the sweat breaking on the back of his neck as he moaned softly, âFuck,â Something about watching you struggle just to take his tip had his hormones completely fucked up, âDrag your tongue over the slit.â He gritted his teeth, watching you pull off his cock before you looked up at him, dragging your tongue over his head as his lips twitched, hot arousal beginning to fill him more and more, âNow suck it further.âÂ
Your lips pressed against his tip before you parted your lips once more, trying to relax your jaw as you took him back into your mouth, this time attempting to take him further. Keyword; attempt. It was admittedly a tight fit, not as impossible as you first assumed it would be, but not as roomy as it had once been with Seokjin.Â
You let out a muffled whine causing Jungkook to moan as he gripped your hair a little tighter before he pushed you a little further down onto his cock, a noise sounded from you but it suspiciously sounded like a moan and you hadnât pulled off him yet.Â
Jungkook testingly yanked your hair a little, another whine thrumming on his cock as he began to force your head to bob along his cock, he moaned softly at the sight of your mouth stuffed with his cock, naked and tits bouncing, drool beginning to dribble down his shaft and to his balls.Â
âGood girl sweetheart.â Jungkook moaned a soft praise as he began to push you down further onto his cock, now nearly half his cock stuffed into your mouth before you suddenly gagged, his fat head hitting the back of your throat. You hadnât pulled completely off his cock, just enough to regain yourself before you grabbed his thighs, taking his cock back where it was before.Â
Jungkook ran a hand through his hair as he puffed a breath, âWhat a good little girl, taking my cock this obediently. Mmm you donât have to take it down your throat if youâre not ready, Iâm sure you havenât- fuck!â He hissed through his teeth at the sudden feel of his fat head beginning to forcefully squeeze down that tight little throat of yours.Â
Your eyes were immediately blurring with tears and your jaw had a gripping ache in it and your throat was burning but you werenât about to quit now as you took his cock further down your throat.Â
Jungkook was moaning louder this time running a hand through his hair and trying to not give into the animalistic urge to fuck your throat raw, instead his hand won the battle instead, yanking your hair roughly, causing a choked gurgled whine to escape you, it had his cock throbbing even harder.Â
You whimpered at your slow pace suddenly upheaved for a much rougher sloppier one as Jungkook forced your throat to take his cock exactly the way he wanted it, you were gagging now, tears dripping down your face as you moaned on his cock.Â
Swears begin to leave his lips left and right before he came you were suddenly pulled off his cock, a breath of air escaping you as you gasped out, your throat painfully stinging as you looked up at him in teary eyed confusion.Â
âSit on my face.â It was ragged, grunted command
You coughed, rubbing your throat tenderly, âPardon?âÂ
âWant to suck on your clit while you finish me.â
You couldnât even ask how that would work before Jungkook suddenly grabbed you, roughly manhandled you as you whined out, clit throbbing as he turned you around, âJungkookâŚ!âÂ
âGoing to suckle this pretty clit while you suck my cock,â He pulled your thighs closer as you dropped, hands catching the bed as you whined, now within distance of his cock, head weeping precum as it faced you.Â
Jungkook easily moved your thighs to either side of his face as you let out a shaky breath, you didnât think such a lewd position could exist and yet Jungkook was surprising you with new things with each passing day.
You let out a sharp moan at his tongue suddenly pressing against your hole, tasting your arousal before sliding up your puffy slit, an even louder moan escaping you as his lips wrapped around your clit for a brief moment.
âUse your hand and your mouth,â Jungkook growled, the carnal need to cum all over your face and his patience was running thin, hand suddenly smacking your ass in prompt as you let out a loud noise.
âMm fuck yeah, squeeze it hard,â Jungkook moaned at your hand squeezing his thick base nice and hard, lips wrapping around his tip as he began to suckle your clit once more, a lewd mixture of moans filled the air.Â
Jungkookâs hands rubbed down your thighs as before he harshly smacked your right ass cheek, hips jolting as he heard a gurgled whine, your hand forcefully pumping his base with a tight squeeze as you messily bobbed your head down on his cock.Â
It was difficult to focus when his tongue was swirling around your sensitive little bud, every little flick sending shocks of pleasure in your body as you whined around his cock, every little sensation of pleasure making you take him further in your mouth as you began to rock your hips against his tongue.
Jungkook allowed his tongue to still, letting your hips guide his tongue to slide through your little slit back to your clit as you moaned, your hand stroking him roughly became shorter once more as your mouth took more of him
Your voice vibrated along his shaft as you sucked against him harder, hand stroking past his base as you tenderly massaged his balls, making a grunt escape him, lips wrapping around your clit once more as you whined, Jungkook refuses to let up.
His hand suddenly smacking your left ass cheek this time, the delicious sting of pain making you moan as spit slowly trailed down his shaft, your hand becoming lubricated as it squeezed harshly against his base, pumping him roughly as if trying to milk his cock for every drop of seed.
Jungkook smacked your ass harder, the stinging pain persisting as his tongue messily swirled your clit before the palm of his hand found your ass once more and his hips lifted, his cock sliding in your mouth with a gurgle, just the feeling made him moan and before he could stop he couldnât help himself.
Jungkookâs hips continued to thrust as he felt your mouth obediently still for him, letting him fuck your mouth, cock sliding along your warm tongue as his palm smacked your poor right asscheek, once, then twice, he could feel your gurgled moans on his cock as he continued to fuck it in your mouth before he hit a particularly sensitive spot on your ass making you squirm.
Jungkook tenderly stroked the spot as he moaned along your clit, hips lethargically thrusting as your grip on his base suddenly squeezed tighter making him grunt once more, he had surely found heaven. Even with a pounding headache still raging your sweet cunt took the edge off it.
He moaned softly feeling pleasure throbbing in waves as his cock slid along your tongue, your hand pumping his base before massaging his balls once more, he didnât even bother to warn you, too lost in his own pleasure buried in your cunt, lapping up your clit as his eyes closed, revealing in his orgasm as he came in your mouth.Â
You let out an obscene moan as you took him further, sucking his cock harsh as his own moan mixed in the air, hands stroking your ass as you sucked every drop of cum from his cock until he was too sensitive as you pulled off him.
Jungkook however was still very much enjoying your cunt, lips lazily wrapping around your clit making you squeal once finally resting against his pubic bone as your clit throbbed, his tongue abusing your little bud as he moaned, lapping and suckling it as pleasure rapidly built in your body, far more than you were used to at once.
Jungkookâs grip on your thighs tightened at the feeling of you jolting, the pleasure almost too intense as you struggled, his stubborn grip not letting you go as his tongue flattened your bud moaning as you whined out, âMmm! KooâŚ! AhâŚ!â Your body stiffened at the way his tongue slid quickly along your sensitive clit, flicking at its sensitive spot before an even higher pitched cry left you.
Your thighs almost spreading more as your hips sudden rutted into his tongue, Jungkook moaned hands grabbing your hips in encouragement as you rutted into him further, clit throbbing in so much pleasure before you came, and it felt so good, having his warm, soft tongue continue over your clit and keep going.
Everything was becoming sensitive, even painful, but you couldnât ask him to stop when it felt so good, Jungkookâs hands were all over your ass, petting it and squeezing the flesh in his hands as his tongue tenderly pressed into your clit, gathering the overstimulated bud in his mouth.
Your thighs were beginning to tremble as breathy whimpers escaped your lips, unable to keep yourself propped anymore as you laid against his body, letting him support you as he tongue swirled the bud that was quickly building pleasure once more, your moans were unfiltered, unholy and loud, âKooâŚ! Mmmâ KooâŚmmm like thatâŚâ
Jungkook suckled your clit a little harder before flattening his tongue over the bud once more, clit burning in pleasure as you whined sharply, his tongue kept lapping that little sweet spot before your back began to arch, propping yourself on your forearms, hips desperately rutting his face for relief.
Feeling his tongue messily push through your slit back to your clit each time was like madness as pleasure bloomed in waves, before it finally snapped, cumming all over his tongue as you whined.
Hips unable to stop rutting as his tongue stilled for you, letting you go as long as you wanted, giving you as much pleasure as you wanted, riding your orgasm out until you felt the next one already building.
âMmm! KooâŚyeahâŚohâŚ!â you whimpered softly, eyes shut as you felt his tongue pushing and flattening onto your clit with each rut of your hips.
Every little touch had you jolting a little, thighs burning but your body unable to stop at that delicious sting of hypersensitivity, your clit aching in pleasure with each slide of friction with his tongue.
Jungkook kept your hips still as his tongue swirled around your aching bud making you moan, mumbling incomprehensible words, pleasure aching in your body as he suckled the tender bud in his mouth once more.
Jungkook was particularly tender this time, slowly coaxing the orgasm from your body, tongue making no harsh motion or movement, only pressing softly into your sweet spot each time just a little harder.Â
Your body trembled as you let out a gurgled whine, pleasuring building as you felt his tongue swirl around your little hole, dragging arousal with his tongue as he lapped your clit, giving it a soft kiss before gathering the little bud into his mouth to suckle.
The gesture made your body fold, cumming from the sensation as you collapsed against him once more, eyes blurred from tears of pleasure at how good it felt, how good he made you feel.
Jungkook pressed one last kiss against your clit before he slowly peeled you off his face, his hands were gentle as he manhandled you, pulling you against his chest with a soft moan.
Kisses flustering along your collarbone as he murmured, âMmm, my wife, mine,â his fingers squeezed against your skin, âMy head is killing me.â
This caused a tired chuckle to escape your lips, curling against him as you tenderly pressed a kiss against his neck in reciprocation, âI know my love, maybe you should not drink as much tonightâŚ?â
âI make no promises,â Jungkook murmured against your skin softly, fingers tracing the sides of your body, âEspecially when you take pity on me like this.â he pressed another kiss against the side of your head, âEven moreso when you look so beautifulâŚ.â He slowly frowned, piercing eyes trailing your body as his hands feathered along your skin, âWhat did he want with you last nightâŚ?â
In turn you couldnât help but frown at the memory, shifting in your husbands arms as you laid on your stomach, hand reaching out to brush the hair from his eyes, âSeokjin took me to his office to talk privately, it appears heâŚâ You sighed, a worried look beginning to spread across your face.
âWhat?â Jungkookâs brows furrowed.
âWhile he assumed we were still a couple- thereâs something else that worries me moreâŚâ You thought back to the previous night as you continued, âHe mentioned having a planâŚ? Involving me coming here on my own and staying.âÂ
Jungkook frowned, laying on his back as he stared at the ceiling in thought, âThat could mean many things. Even if you had come here by yourself, staying would cause uneasy tension with Penumbra.â
âAnd what would that lead toâŚ?â You asked, trying to figure out just what Seokjin had planned.
Jungkook shrugged, âSeems Kimhae was willing to go to war for you.âÂ
âYou would go to war for me?âÂ
Jungkookâs lips quirked as he gazed at you, his eyes full of admiration as his fingers traced along your jawline, âIf you were kept here against your will, if it meant bringing you back home.âÂ
You couldnât help but share a shy smile with him, closing your eyes at the feeling of his hand tracing along your back, âStillâŚit worries me, much tension has been detected surrounding Penumbra.âÂ
âWhat would you propose we do about this thenâŚ?â Jungkook asked.Â
You chewed on your lip in thought, âWell, I already ruined any chance of Seokjin potentially giving me any information.âÂ
Had you played your cards a little smarter you couldâve charmed Seokjinâs little plan right out of him, granted you were sure Jungkook wouldâve rather fell on his own sword before witnessing such an event, so perhaps this was for the best anyways.
This made Jungkook snort, âMade a point did you?âÂ
âNothing less than a true Jeon would.â You replied, perhaps a little proud.
This made Jungkook smile, clearly enjoying the way you wore his surname, âNothing less than Iâd expect from my wife.âÂ
âThe only way we can know for sure if Kimhae has ill intentions is if we search Seokjinâs office.â You hummed out with a nod of certainty, âIf thereâs information anywhere on it, it would be there.âÂ
ââŚYouâre asking that we do something that would potentially land us in hot water with the royal court if we got caughtâŚ?â Jungkook hummed.
A mischievous smile tugged on your lips before you whispered out, âIâll have you know I was very good at sneaking out.âÂ
âWhy am I not surprised?â He looked amused, âAnd when do you propose we do this? Since his office is definitely not highly guarded.âÂ
âWeâll have to sneak away during the ball,â you answered easily, âMost of the guards and attention will be on the ballroom since so many royals and high aristocrats will be attending, should make the halls easy to navigate, and everyone will be making merry- even the staff, shouldnât be too difficult to get to his office unnoticed.âÂ
Jungkook raised his brows intrigued, âHmâŚso you really are a troublemaker.âÂ
âAre you surprised?âÂ
âNo.â Jungkook let a sly smile tug on his lips, âOur marriage wouldâve been terribly boring if you werenât.âÂ
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wicked ⢠19
âł Summary: In a desperate hope to stop war from breaking you are a serviced to wed the most vile man alive, the one who has committed atrocities and war crimes beyond comprehension, he who is responsible for the fall of many nations, the wicked prince whoâs heart is made of stone. You are to marry a man who challenges every belief and moral you stand for, all while being faced in a foreign land with nobody but yourself too trustâŚBut are you both truly that different? Or is hate not too far from love?
âł Pairing:Â Jungkook/reader
âł Genre:Â arranged marriage AU, enemies to lovers, itâs kind of a period AU??? Historical but also technically not? prince!AU, eventual smut
Word Count: 13k
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tags: vaginal fingering, tiddy sucking (jk is definitely a boobs man), semi public sex??, oral (f), so many petnames, dom!kook, brief masturbation (m), multiple orgasms, size kink, multiple positions, cowgirl, creampies, slight somnophilia? (they keep having sex when they're both extremely exhausted), spooning turned to doggy, some very filthy talk, corruption kink, semi degradation kink, the word seed is used once and I actually hate it, some sweet, sweet aftercare, pillow talk, grinding, cumplay, brief handjob (m), edging, cockwarming, they're so in love your honor
Note: people will be shocked at how fast this update has come out and honestly ?? so am I, but tbf half of it is smut so...iykyk ALSO if you haven't checked out the playlist for wicked, you totally should!!
After the first snowfall, winter had come rolling in with no sign of stopping and just as Jungkook had once said, Penumbra was now buried in snow.Â
There was something so captivating about the snow, its crisp frosty delicate nature, how despite the sun being covered in clouds, the snow reflected off the light and made everything so much brighter.Â
The land was so desolate and yet so full at the same time, it left a deep yearning in you for the warmth, but in an oddly fulfilling way, it let you rest deeper at night, taking in the great vastness of the land and its minimalism.Â
The morning had been busy just as each morning before had been so, Yule was only a week away and the court had many aristocrats staying at the castle making merry. It was such a celebratory time and yet you still felt like a ghost better left in the past.
Your days were not all horrible, but the constant numbness never fully went away, at one time you had wanted to go to Yule in Kimhae to reunite with your parents, but the idea of leaving somehow filled you with as much anxiety as staying.
âWell? Whatâs on your mind?â Jungkook finally spoke, not looking up from his work book, making sure the last of his bill signs, contracts carefully written out and correspondence dealt with so he wouldnât be behind on his work when you both made your return.
You had been admittedly antsy, tidying up your bedroom, packing what few trinkets you thought you might want during the nights of your journey, fiddling with your own work and where to put what.
You simply couldnât sit still.
You didnât reply for a long moment causing Jungkook to look up from his desk, blue eyes appearing from those dark thick locks of hair.
Sighing you shifted as you set your book against the bed, ââŚYouâll be mad at me.â
âWell you donât know until you tell me.â Jungkook didnât seem worried.
You glanced away once more as Jungkook stood up, rounding his desk to walk over to you, ââŚWhat if I was having second thoughtsâŚAbout going to Kimhae?â
Jungkook curved a brow, âThe morning we depart for our trip?â
âDonât say it like that!â You pouted with an usher.
âIs it really the trip? Or is it something else?â Jungkook replied, brushing off your pout.
Your pout however only furthered because you didnât have an answer, âI donât knowâŚI justâŚthis is the first time weâll be making a public appearance outside of Penumbra since our wedding.â
âAnd what about it?â Jungkook shifted, crossing his arms, still not understanding what your problem was and truth be told you wish you had a better answer for him.Â
âDoes that not make you anxious? It makes me incredibly anxious.â You frowned, wringing your hands together, you were anxious about everything truthfully, but the idea of making your first appearance in nearly a year, wellâŚYou didnât know what to expect.Â
But then again, Penumbra had prepared you for pretty much everything at this point, there weren't too many boxes left to check off on life events at this point.Â
âWhy would I be?â Jungkook cocked his head to the side, âIâve nothing to hide nor prove to anyoneâŚIf youâre anxious simply because, then itâs understandable,â Jungkook reached out to you, brushing his palm over your cheek before it crept down to your neck, âA lot has happened, I think itâs only natural. But I also know youâve been looking forward to seeing your parents for the majority of your stay here, it would be imprudent of me to let you cancel our trip at the last minute.âÂ
Your lips quivered a little, âEven if Iâm terrified? What if something happens?âÂ
Jungkookâs lips curled into a little smile, his fingers curling around your neck, not squeezing, but in a loving hold you had grown so acquainted too, âThen I will be there to stop it from happening,â Jungkookâs forehead pressed down against yours, âI know youâll regret not going more then if you do.âÂ
Your eyes fluttered shut before you leaned over to bury your face into the crook of his neck, Jungkookâs arms wrapping around you tight as you murmured, âI hope youâre right.â curling your arms around his waist as you let yourself become engulfed in his warmth and letting it swallow all of your consuming thoughts.Â
It stayed like this for a long minute before Jungkook slowly pulled away, looking down at you as he spoke, âI have something I wanted to give you.â
You pulled away from him more to get a better look at him, tilting your head in curiosity, âA giftâŚ?âÂ
Jungkook snorted, âSomething like that. I wasnât sure if it would be finished in time, but Jimin managed to get it to me last night.â He let go of you before walking over to the bed, leaning down as he pulled down out from underneath.Â
You tilted your head at the thick cloth cover as Jungkook stood up, holding it out to you. It was long and thin but held a considerable weight to it, not too heavy, but just enough to let you know it was of incredible quality.Â
He nodded at you as a gesture to pull whatever was inside out, opening the draw strings. The first thing you saw was the bright silver crest of a pommel, pulling it out further was a soft leather hand and pulling it all the way out revealed a shortsword around twenty three inches.Â
You couldnât help but let your lips part at just how beautiful it was though, the metal was reflective and the detailing along the fuller, the blade was double edged and as your eyes traveled back to the handle you noticed a sort ofâŚlanguage? Written down the grip.
âItâs the first of its kind,â Jungkook finally spoke, âNoxtria melted with Quicksilver for a lightweight balanced sword but sharp enough to cut through thick metal. Godslayer is itâs name.â
âGodslayer?â You looked up at him.Â
âThe idea behind this blade was that it would be lighter than air, but have the strength to kill a god. I couldnât think of a better person to hold the first blade of its kind than my own wife. Weâve been working on your swordsmanship for a long time now and I think itâs time you carry your own sword.â Jungkook nodded, a sort of pride in his eyes as he watched you weigh it, giving it a whirl in your hand.Â
The training you had done had definitely made you physically stronger, as while the blade had weight, it wasnât taxing to hold, âI want you to never feel defenseless by my side, weâre partners and equals and while I hope it never again comes to you needing to use this, I want you to have it if the occasion were to ever arise.âÂ
You were speechless as you stared at the blade, a reflection of yourself in its metal staring back at you, lowering it you whispered, âThank you, Jungkook.âÂ
A small smile pulled on his lips, âAnything for my little sun.â His fingers traced down your cheek, âThe case for it is still in the cover, here Iâll help you with putting on the harness.âÂ
Jungkook took the cloth covering off it to reveal the heavy black sheath and the harness that it attached too, Jungkook had carefully pulled it around your hip, adjusting it until it was snug against your skin, it felt weird having such a thing attached to your body now.Â
But there was something oddlyâŚsafe about it, as Jungkook said, this was a safety measure and it made you feel as such, you could only hope you would never have to take another soul butâŚ.Your fingers unconsciously lifted, rubbing over the spot on your chest, now scarred from where Di Jin had attempted to kill you.Â
Jungkook as if knowing what you were thinking tenderly grabbed your hand pulling it away, âItâs difficult to see it now butâŚâ He paused for a moment as if gathering his thoughts, âI thinkâŚif I could go back and change things I would, in a heartbeat. But I do think it happened for a reason.âÂ
Your lips trembled softly, âHow could killing someone happen for a reason?âÂ
âIt made a spectacle for one,â Jungkook replied, a certain soft note in his voice was his hand found its way back to your neck, âThose who doubted your ability to hold your own in the court will never question it again. Your words have always had bite, but now you have proof behind them.â
You shook your head, âI donât see eye to eye with you on this Jungkook.â
âI know you donât,â Jungkook replied, his thumb soothingly rubbing into your skin, âAnd I wouldnât expect anything less, but your respect in the court is much more now than it ever was before. Not only this butâŚâ
Jungkook paused for a long moment gathering his thoughts, âKnowing you have the capability to defend yourselfâŚthere will be times when we will have no choice but to be apart,â He sighed, âI will eventually have to lead projects that take me away from Penumbra, knowing you have the means to take care of yourself puts me at ease.âÂ
âI donât want you to be apart from me.â You mumbled, anxiety at the thought immediately quelling.
Jungkook let out an amused breath, âThatâs not something to worry about now, one thing at a time. If you have the rest of your things settled, we should head down, the sooner we get on the road the sooner weâll arrive, and the sooner youâll feel better.âÂ
â...I suppose.â You mumbled, but Jungkook was not feeding into your pouty expression, no matter how much it was his weakness, he grabbed your thick cloak which had laid abandoned on the bed, wrapping it over your shoulders as he buckled it up, grabbing his own to carry as he held out his arm for you.Â
Letting him guide you down you ignored the stares of a group of court ladies staring you down, perhaps in wariness, perhaps because the court had easily taken notice of how close you and Jungkook had become in the last few weeks.Â
The consummation of your marriage hadnât actually changed anything, but Jungkookâs confession of love had really done a number on you both, and every time those sweet words left his lips you had the intention of saying it back.Â
And yet every time it felt like the word got stuck in your throat unable to escape, perhaps it was because you were still scared, still in disbelief that Jungkook loved you, but all of his actions, his words, even the way he looked at you, it all screamed love.
Being met with snow on the ground, crunching beneath your feet you let out a breath that you could visibly see, a sensation you still werenât quite used to, it was freezing cold and the journey would be very long.Â
Jungkook had spared no expense to keep you wrapped in very thick layers in hopes that it would keep you warm, but it seemed no matter the amount, you were always cold.Â
âWheein is doing her last rounds of gathering items, she should be out shortly,â Taehyun called out, finishing fixing up your horseâs saddle, Jungkook walked up with you before helping you on and making sure you were situated before saddling his own horse.Â
âSnow isnât too deep yet, we should make a timely arrival,â Yoongi called out, trotting on his own horse up the path ahead before stopping next to Jungkook, âIf we make it with not much snowfall, it should only take four days.âÂ
Your lip curled a little at the estimate, you knew Kimhae was further away then Eunoia, but you had been used to only a dayâs travel when you were in Eunoia, they lived further West then Eunoia and a little further south.Â
The climate in the West however made it incredibly dry, the further you traveled the less snow there would be, hopefully at least.Â
Once Wheein had finished her last round of gathering any last minute packing she had come out with a few guards help and finished loading the pack horses and then mounted her own. It wasn't too big of an entourage of servants, but you had two of Yoongiâs men, himself and of course your two personal servants to attend you both.Â
You were nervous for many reasons, showing your face to the outside world, you werenât sure what reaction you would gain, knowing how the truth of Penumbra had been twisted beyond recognition, you could distinctly remember all the dread you had for two years of being engaged to Jungkook.Â
Words that he had abused women in many ways, that he starved all of his servants and that heâd beat them if they disobeyed, rumors swirling that he already had multiple wives and you would be another trophy in his collection, some rumors even going as far as to say he had his dead enemies taken to the castle so he could bath in their blood.Â
The list went on and on and every single one was just a rumor, nothing more than foolish lies spread to cause more fear, Jungkook was not a single thing he had ever been stated as, wicked least of all.Â
But you were now nervous because you had seen both sides, the truth and lies both, and you couldnât help but wonder what rumors had escaped Penumbra about you? Dread filled you once more, what twisted way could the world turn your murder of Di Jin even worse?Â
That you feasted on his corpse?Â
You could briefly taste the raw iron in your mouth that had you holding back a gag, Jungkookâs sharp gaze that had been looking ahead immediately on you, âWhatâs wrong?âÂ
You held your hand on your mouth trying desperately hard to not let the memory suck you back into the past, flashes of blood in your mind, cartilage mixed with skin, the raw smell of blood, âWater, can I have some water.â You forced the words out.Â
Jungkook wordlessly pulled the water satchel from the side of his saddle, handing it to you, âYouâre thinking.âÂ
You took a large swallow and slowly the faint taste faded back into the nothingness it came from, you shook your head handing it back to him, âIâm trying not too.âÂ
âYouâre not doing a good job of it,â Jungkook replied, making you give him a look, he laughed a little though you spot the concern in his eyes, âWould talking about it make you feel better?âÂ
You sighed as you shook your head, âI think iâd rather talk about something else,â Lingering on your thoughts would only serve to possibly bring memories even more vivid back, âYouâve been to Kimhae right Jungkook?âÂ
Jungkook guided his horse a little closer to yours so youâd be able to converse better, âItâs been a long time. We visited when they hosted the War Council. I wasâŚmaybe seventeen? This was just in the beginning of negotiating,â Jungkook hummed as he thought about it, âKimhae was dull in my opinion, they lacked conviction and were very obvious in the fact that they didnât respect Penumbra or the Jeon name.âÂ
You listened to him before you let out a laugh gaining his attention, âI remember this quite well, I was visiting Seokjin at the time. I remember spotting you and your father arriving out my window but you were too far for me to get a good look. I remember him complaining though. Telling me you had this haughty look about you, acting as if you were better than him.â
Jungkook scoffed, âI was better than him. I am still better than him. If you were present at the time thoughâŚWhy had I not seen you?â He looked a bit confused, as obviously women werenât allowed in the War Room but that didnât mean they were prohibited anywhere else, he had stayed a full fortnite at Kimhae that trip and not once had he seen you.Â
âI made myself unknown on purpose,â You replied, a small frown tugging on your lips, âIt was at Seokjinâs insistence of course, he didnât want you near me with the potential to âcorrupt meâ, as he said.âÂ
âCorrupt you?â Jungkook scoffed, almost offended, âIf we had met properly before our engagement, I feel we couldâve been cordial. Come to think of it I do remember talk of the Eunoian Princess, being in court,â Jungkookâs gaze became pensive as his brows pinched together, âI remember Seokjin gloating about how the fairest princess warmed his bed at night and that he loved nothing more then his name screamed in pleasure.â
You blinked multiple times before your gaze shot to Jungkook, âThis was in reference to me?âÂ
You had known Jungkook long enough now to tell he was absolutely wrought with anger at just the idea, his knuckles tight on the reigns of his horse as he stared ahead, âMhm. I once told you that we saw him differently, thatâs one of the many reasons why. He loved to peacock around gloating about sleeping with you.âÂ
âSleeping with me!?â Your mouth parted in somewhat disbelief, âWeâŚâ You couldnât help but let out a scoffed laugh, he had been pressuring you for some time, but you never realized just how desperate he was to go out of his way to lie to other men that you both had slept with one another in such a way.Â
And then the embarrassment began to flood in, was this why so many men in his court assumed you were loose, or that you were an easy woman?Â
âWell I can promise you he was nothing more than a liar,â You let out another laugh as you shook your head, âScreaming his name in pleasureâŚThe only name that was ushered was my own and even then that was on a lucky day.â
âYour name!?â Jungkook sucked in a harsh breath of air.Â
You paused, suddenly realizing what you had just said, and then looking around, there was a good distance between Yoongi up ahead with his fellow guards and Wheein and Taehyun were conversing further behind, Fenrir having walked alongside you awhile now.Â
âSo Seokjin has gotten to experience that sort of intimacy from you.â Jungkook pressed his tongue into his cheek as if this was the worst news he could ever receive.Â
âItâs notâŚâ You sighed, trying to find the right words, you had never really planned on mentioning what little intimacy you shared with Seokjin, as it wasnât relevant to your current relationship and truthfully, there wasnât much to talk about, âIâveâŚWhen we first started to explore an intimate relationship together, you remember me being frightened by it, yes?âÂ
Jungkook tilted his head, a little confused as to where this was going but nodded regardless.Â
âThe same could be said for back then- especially back then,â You explained as you lowered your voice a little, âI was nervous to lose my virginity, Seokjin already didnât like my traditional Eunoian attire, but even moreso it had him acting out, trying to pressure me into giving myself to him. But I could never commit to it. The idea of him leaving me after I gave it too him made me too anxiousâŚAnd..â
You sighed as you glanced down at the snowy earth, âI hated feeling like nothing more than a sexual fantasy for him. Looking back, it feels as if that was all I ever provided, some sort of exotic fantasy that he could escape to in Eunoia, never truly a person, a soul, just something to make him aroused and fulfilled. And so to keep him satiated but also withhold my own boundary, I offered to pleasure him,â You pressed your lips together, your nose wrinkling, âIt wasnât very often, nor was it very pleasant but wellâŚIt kept things from escalating beyond my control.â
Jungkookâs jaw only clenched, âHow different things wouldâve been if we had met that week. Perhaps you could have been saved from all that trouble.âÂ
âThings happened the way they did though,â You offered a weak smile, âItâs not something I ever think about anymore, after all, it feels so long ago despite being so recent. And Iâm very content now.âÂ
You reached out to grab his hand as your smile brightened, âIâm happy I saved myself for the right person. I couldnât imagine it with anyone else.âÂ
This seemed to soothe Jungkook in the right way, âWell when you say it like that it makes me think youâll want extra help to keep warm tonight.âÂ
âJungkook!â You smacked his shoulder, âWhat an indecent thing to suggest, in a tent? In the middle of a journey?âÂ
Jungkook chuckled as he gripped his reins in contentment, âNo better time than the present princess.âÂ
You only shook your head, the hours seemed to go quick as you and Jungkook had talked about this and that, and then a content silence took over as the sky darkened and Yoongi had begun to look for a suitable spot to make camp.
They had managed to find a spot off road closer to the woods where the cold wind was blocked and snow wasnât as deep, clearing off the snow before getting fresh cut wood to get a fire going, setting up tents didnât take very long.Â
Soon dinner was cooking over the fire, granted you had already eaten an abundant mix of packed cabbage and vegetables tossed together and despite being tired and hungry Jungkook was still easily fending you off as metal clashed together.Â
âYouâll need to try harder than that princess,â Jungkook whirled the sword in his hand as you huffed a breath, stretching your aching arms, âIf you were to fight an opponent far more skilled than you in battle what would your tactic be?âÂ
âRun?â You raised your brows, Jungkook seemed to enjoy asking hypothetical questions that you were certain would never happen.Â
âOkay but in this scenario you do, what would you do?â He pressed, giving you a moment to regather yourself.Â
âWell it depends, if theyâre aggressive, which I assume they would be, itâs not difficult to size my lack of experience up in comparison to someone like you, Iâd have no choice but to defend until they burn down their energy and then once they tire out Iâd make a chance to strike.â You sighed as you lifted your sword back up.Â
âYes that would be the logical way to go about it,â Jungkook hummed, âContextually speaking. But there are other ways, you can use your environment to assist you, you could also have another ally help or use your size to your advantage. Being smaller means being quicker. Again.âÂ
You both tapped swords before sparring once more, Jungkook easily more aggressive this time causing you to back step until you back stepped right into the deeper snow causing you to yelp, whining out at the freezing damp sensation seeping through your dress into your skin.Â
âThatâs not what I meant when I said use the environment.â Jungkook sighed as he rested the flat of the blade on his shoulder.Â
You managed to step out back onto the shallow end as you whined out, âI am perfectly aware of what you meant! Iâm trying! I just canât seem to get itâŚâ You let out a defeated sigh as a tremor jolted through your body at catching the cold nip of breeze.Â
Jungkook only shook his head somewhat amused, âHow about we rest for the evening and get you close to the fire once more.â His hand curling around your waist as you both walked back to camp, âYou shouldnât have such high expectations of yourself, Iâve been training since I was a child, youâve come a long way for only training the last six months.â
âSparring is also different then a real duel or battle,â Yoongi spoke, as he had been watching you both the last hour in amusement, âIf youâre already doing this good in a spar, youâll be able to hold your own perfectly fine in either.âÂ
âThis is also true,â Jungkook yawned as he sat down on the large mat, offering a hand to you to help you down, âThe adrenaline is different, when it comes to life or death, you fight with more than your all, more than you could ever muster for a spar, even a duel.âÂ
âI just hope it never comes to that.â You sighed with a shiver, scooting closer to the warmth of the fire.Â
âWhat matters is that youâll be ready mâlady.â Wheein offered a kind smile as she continued, âAnd I agree with his Highness, youâve improved significantly compared to when you first started, itâs something to take pride in, youâll only improve with time.âÂ
âThe chances are slim but it never hurts to be prepared,â Yoongi chimed in once more, âDinner is ready.â
The rest of the evening had passed with laughter and fellowship that you found yourself truly enjoying, and at some point you had tried to remember when the last time you had felt this at ease, thisâŚat home?Â
Even in Eunoia, tragedy had always surrounded you during your youth, uncertainty of the war and the future as a growing lady and plunged into icy fear as a young woman, you wanted to say you had other moments of relaxation.Â
But you couldnât think of a single time, except for this moment, you found yourself curling up against Jungkook, yawning as your eyes began to droop and your head resting on his shoulder.
When your eyes opened once more, you were uncertain of how much time had passed other than the indication that everyone else had departed to their tents.Â
Jungkook had been leaning on one hand, the other wrapped around you as he had stared thoughtfully in the fire before realizing you had awoke, âAre you ready to depart for bed?âÂ
It was a quiet usher that made you nod with another yawn, letting him help you up as you walked over to your shared tent.
Due to the few people in your party, a circle of tents was formed, yours however just a little closer to the fire upon your request and how could you be blamed on a frigid night such as this? Even Fenrir was curled up right next to the fire, paying you both no mind as he continued to rest.Â
The tent wasnât extremely spacious, but it gave you enough room to get what you needed done without being on top of one another, âLetâs get you out of this.âÂ
âAnd into what?â You were more awake now than before, âDid Wheein leave me something?âÂ
Jungkook looked down at you, a sort of boyish look on his face making you pinch him, âDonât look at me like that,â He chuckled softly grabbing your hand away from his bicep, âWe have plenty of furs, and iâll let you sleep on the fireside, itâs making me hot being that close anyways.âÂ
âItâs too cold!â You whined out quietly.Â
âYou really want to sleep like that?â Jungkook was already stripping himself, âIâm burning up personally.âÂ
Your lips parted multiple times at the sight of his chiseled muscles, biceps flexing as he pulled down his pants revealing the taunt thick muscles of his thighs, even more notably his undergarments.
âCome,â Jungkook had a small smirk on his face as if knowing your eyes roamed his body despite how hard you were trying to be discreet, âLet me undress you.âÂ
You let out a discontented noise but it was difficult to say no when he looked like this and he was looking at you like that, shuffling over you sat on your knees in front of him, Jungkook leaned forward peeling off each layer with a sort of lethargy, as if in no big hurry.Â
Despite the chilled air you could still feel the lick of fire through the thick cloth tent, dropping the last layer down your shoulders you shuddered, a sort of shyness creeping over you as you felt your nipples immediately hardening at being exposed.
Jungkook helped you shuffled out of the last layer, in nothing more than your panties now, âItâs freezing,â You whispered, trying hard to not let yourself feel self conscious at being close to naked in the tinted firelight that your husband could easily see, âIf youâre content letâs go to bed.âÂ
âAh,â Jungkook immediately stopped you, eyes staying on your soft perked tits, âThe cold will help keep you healthy.â He had a stupid boyish look on his face again as he leaned in, warm breath fanning along your cheek before he leaned down unable to resist parting his lips to take your left tit into his mouth.Â
You let out a breath louder than you intended, but the you couldnât help it, the sharp contrast between the cold air and his warm wet tongue had your body flush with arousal, and clearly you werenât the only one as your eyes dropped down, a solid print formed showing your husband was also feeling the same.Â
âJungkook, it's too cold for thisâŚ!â You whined out quietly despite your legs immediately parting for him to sit between as he moaned against your breast, other hand squeezing your left tit as he pinched your hardened bud between his thumb and finger while suckling on the other.
You forced the moan back into your throat.
Jungkook finally released your bud from his lips, looking up at you with dark eyes full of arousal, âWell then weâll just have to warm you up then wonât we, my goddess?â His hand slithering down your waist as he parted his lips once more your left tit, sucking harshly making you jolt.Â
His fingers pushing beneath your panties as his fingers dragging against your puffy slit as you let out a breathy noise legs parting further for him as you leaned back on your hands, hips shifting to give him more access to your cunt.Â
Jungkook was delighted by the invitation you could tell by the way he harshly sucked your bud, middle finger suddenly pushing inside you, sliding in with a slight pinch of discomfort that didnât last long as he pushed all the way until his knuckle met with your body.Â
âWe canât be too loud now,â Jungkookâs lips curled into a smirk, âSo youâll need to be a good girl for me and be quiet.âÂ
You bit down on your lip as he pushed his index finger inside you the pinched discomfort returning the sensation of his fingers pushing in and out of your little hole had you relaxing into his touch with a soft moan, walls squeezing around his fingers with each thrust.Â
âMmm thatâs a good girl,â Jungkook grinned, pupils dilated in lust as he buried his fingers back inside your cunt, feeling your little walls clench around him once more before he brushed his thumb over your clit a higher pitch whine escaping you, âAh, ah, remember,â Jungkook looked amused, âYou need to be quiet if you want to cum all over my fingers princess.âÂ
âKook,â You whispered, eyes closed tight at the feeling of his thumb teasingly brushing over your clit, fingers buried deep inside you as your walls tightened around his digits, âPleaseâŚ!âÂ
The cold air was wrapping around your body, but the sharp contracts of his warm tongue and fingers burying inside you.
Jungkook laid you back against the fur before pulling your panties off, âYouâll get your pleasure, but you need to be a good girl and wait,â His voice was deep and soft taking off his own underwear to reveal his heavy, thick cock fully hardened, he parted your legs as you tensed cold air invading your cunt as he pushed his fingers back inside you, your clit extra sensitive from the cold with each little brush of his thumb, every little tease sent a sharp jolt of pleasure in your body.
Wet sticky arousal dripping from you little hole as you squeezed around his fingers, wiggling your hips a little with a whine, âKook, need more..â You whispered out, not liking this slow teasing game.Â
âPatience,â Jungkook replied, fingers pulling out of you only a little just to thrust them back in, he did this once more, even rougher, his pace was just right, hitting that sweet little spot inside your body that your walls clenching each time as your legs twitched.Â
Jungkookâs free hand rubbed through your puffy wet slit before he gripped the base of his cock, a hissed grunt escaping him as he slowly pumped his base, watching the lewd act immediately made a soft moan escape you, just the idea of his fat cock inside you had you clenching hard around him as he began arithmetically thrusting his fingers into that sweet little spot.
âFuuck you like watching me stroke my fat cock for you my love?â Jungkook let out a wicked look, his hand running all the way up his cock, thumb messily smearing his precum over his fat bulbous head before running it back down meanwhile his other hand began forcefully shoving inside your little hole greedily.
His thumb circling your clit as pleasure began shooting through your body, your eyes never leaving his cock that he squeezed tightly in his hand pumping it eagerly as his eyes flickered between your cunt sucking in his fingers needily and your face, entranced by his movements.
It made his shaft throb so bad in pleasure it hurt, he threw his head back with a low moan hips lifting as he thrusted his cock into his fist, feeling your little hole squeeze so tight around him it was difficult to move his fingers.
Jungkook locked eyes with you, that wicked look on his face, âWhat do you think that little ex lover of yours would say if he could see you right now?âÂ
âMmm! Right thereâŚ!â You whimpered out, struggling to keep your voice quiet as your legs turned limp at how rough he was thrusting his fingers into that sweet little spongy spot inside you, âKook, right thereâŚ!âÂ
Jungkook lifted his hips once more, fucking his fist at the way your legs lifted up, bringing them to your chest to obediently spread your cunt further for him, âWould he say Iâm corrupting you right now?âÂ
You had to bite down on your hand to fight back the whines and moans trying to escape you, âPleaseâŚ! Please.â You kept muttering it, body twisting and building so fast your mind was completely blank aside from the filth Jungkook was whispering to you.
âThat Iâm tainting his pretty little Eunoian princess, filling her cunt up until sheâs completely fucked out cumming all over my fingers?â Jungkook harshly squeezed the base of his cock, keeping his knuckles buried in your cunt as he rapidly hit into your g-spot.Â
Jungkook wanted to laugh at the strangled high pitched moan escaping you as you desperately tried to keep it quiet, feeling your warm little walls wrap tight around his fingers as you came, arms wrapping around your face to try and keep your cries of pleasure to yourself.
Jungkook eased you through your orgasm before pulling his fingers out of you, low breathes escaping you as your chest lifted and dropped before letting your arms drop from your face to the crude sight of Jungkookâs fingers in his mouth, eyes closed with soft moan as he licked your cum off them.
âThis is the best way I could have ever relaxed.â Jungkook pulled his fingers from his mouth with a content look as he laid down next to you, your eyes however still on his hardened cock.Â
âBut youâŚâ You frowned.Â
Jungkook raised his brows before his eyes dropped to his cock before shrugging, âI donât cum easily, a good and bad thing I guess. Câmere love.âÂ
âHow do you want me?â Jungkookâs eyes snapped back open as they met yours, as if trying to figure out if he heard you correct, âI want you to feel good too, how do you want me?âÂ
Jungkook moaned softly closing his eyes once more, unable to look at those cute, eager little eyes of yours, basically asking to be filled up by him.Â
âRide my cock.â Jungkook replied, admittedly getting difficult to keep his eyes open, but heâd rather kill himself then miss the opportunity to cum inside your pretty, puffy little cunt.Â
You knew what he meant, you had gathered as much the last time but you just⌠you awkwardly straddled him, his hands on your hips to help guide you, this wouldnât be as difficult as last time right?
Grabbing his cock in your hand you heard a gritted hiss through his teeth, rubbing his bulbous head through your wet folds before lining him against your entrance, unlike last time you sank onto it.
Biting your lip as you squeezed your eyes shut, rather than a pinch the discomfort was still moderate, but not nearly as much as the first time.Â
âMmm fuck,â Jungkook moaned softly, still unable to process that he was getting to feel your warm little walls wrapping around his thick head, âDoes it still hurt?âÂ
His hands soothingly rubbed up to your waist before back to your hips, âA little,â You whispered, settling your hands on his chest, âI still donât know what Iâm doing.âÂ
Jungkook opened his lidded eyes, trying his damn hardest to not fall asleep right now, âItâs not difficult, just a matter of practice. Sink a little lowerâŚâ Jungkook bit his lower lip a little at watching his cock sink further inside your warm cunt, âNow lift your hips like this.âÂ
You let his hands guide your movements as you let out a soft whine, the pain subsiding as his cock began to slide inside you with ease, stuffing you so full it was difficult to believe you had something this big inside you.Â
Just the feeling of his heavy cock burying inside your cunt made your walls wrap tighter around him, slowly bouncing on his cock as Jungkookâs hands settled on your hips, âFuck yeah love, just like that, riding my fuckinâ cock like you were made for it.âÂ
His words of pleasure made you bounce a little faster, taking him a little deeper each time before his hands tightened on your hips, suddenly grabbing you and pulling you all the way down, you let out a tiny whine at being so full of cock with no warning, walls rapidly clenching around him as you moaned.
Jungkookâs eyes were closed as he let out a breathy deep moan, âCould fall asleep like this every night, use my pretty little wife as my personal cock warmer, mmm keep squeezing around me like that.â He had a sleepy smirk on his face as his hands wrapped around your ass, urging you to start riding him once more.Â
You quickly found you loved being full of cock though, cunt split open by something so thick and heavy, excitement trilled through your body making your walls wrap tight around him as you began bouncing on his cock.
Letting out quiet moans at the feeling of his shaft hitting all the right places inside you, âMmm yeah, ohâŚfuckâŚâ You whined out softly, sitting up right as you bounced all the down his cock as you grinded against his pubic bone.
Jungkook forced his tired eyes open to the amazing sight of you, his pretty wife completely naked bouncing on his cock, tits bouncing and face fucked out, clearly pleasuring yourself now, âMake me cum,â He moaned out softly, âLet me fill that pretty little cunt up.âÂ
You kept trying to bite back your whines as your hips became more messy in bouncing, uneven and unsteady as pleasure quickly built inside you, sinking back on his cock as your walls tightened, moaning just a hair louder as you creamed all over his cock.Â
Jungkook was tired, sleep near taking him the same way you took his cum, letting it shoot deep inside you as you swiveled your hips, taking every lost drop heâd give as quiet breathes filled the tent, your own eyes closed with that same unmistakable tiredness.Â
Jungkook let out a tired smile, âWhat a good girl.â He pulled you onto his chest, shifting you both to be buried beneath the blankets and furs, being skin to skin made you realize just how cold you had been.Â
Jungkookâs skin was like fire, hot to the touch and your own personal little fire, curling up against him, your eyes immediately fell heavy, sleep had never felt so peaceful as being skin to skin with your husband.
The journey to Kimhae had been rather uneventful and what few encounters you had with wolves and even a bear, Fenrir had easily warded them off, your baby having grown so much in the last months now standing just a little taller than your horse.
Jungkook had been up ahead chatting with Yoongi for awhile now, something regarding plans on resuming the Eastern movement when you returned from Yule.
Wheein had been riding by you for awhile now in a comfortable silence aside from a few comments to Fenrir who had been running ahead in the snow and finding random branches to be thrown, the only problem being they were too heavy for you to toss.Â
âSomething on your mind Wheein?â You finally asked, having noticed a faraway look in her eyes for a good while now.Â
Her eyes met yours before she gave a small, weak smile, âNothing incredibly important I justâŚâ She faltered a little, âI know the past cannot be changed but, I canât help but feel like so many events could have been avoided if it werenât for me.âÂ
You straightened up, frowning immediately at her words, âWhat would make you say that?â
Wheein hesitated to speak, â...What happened, with my execution, youâŚâ It looked as if it was physically difficult to attempt to finish her sentence, âI know how important keeping your culture intact is for you. Youâve done nothing but try to become a Penumbrian Princess, and for you to be put in a position where you had to compromise your own personal oath and beliefâŚâ Wheein let out a shaky breath, visibly puffing in the cold air as her eyes looked watery, âI feel as though I havenât given you a proper apology Mâlady.âÂ
Your heart felt like it was twisted, âYou have nothing to apologize over Wheein. I am still mourning many things but IâŚI donât regret what I did. I said it once and I will say it again, I was willing to do anything to get you back. Di Jin was the assassin who attempted to kill me, which started this entire messâŚI donât know how much youâve heard about the EstateâŚâ
Wheeinâs lips stayed in a frown, cheeks flush and rosy from the cold wind as she adjusted her shawl, shaking her head, âOnly whispers of rumors to what happened, and my own assumptions when you intervened on my execution.âÂ
You let out a shaky sigh, trying your best to detach yourself from the memory as you recalled the events that lead up to that fateful night, âThey had lured Yoongi away and I foolishly sent him in good faith that nothing would happen butâŚDi Jin revealed himself that night revealing that he had come to finish what he started. He almost did,â Your hand trembled as you pressed it against your chest, âThen he got closer to me, trying to kiss my neck andâŚI donât know.â
And that was the funniest part, you still had vivid clips of what happened in your head, but it was all so fast, so gorey, your mind had blotted out a lot of it, âOne minute he was on top of me, and the next minute I was covered in blood.âÂ
There it was, that distinct iron on your tongue, it made you sick to your stomach, âAnd I didnât stop after he was dead,â Your lips trembled as you whispered, âThatâs the part that scares me the most. He was dead and I kept going, I...it was like I was possessed, unable to stop. I feltâŚâ It felt like bile was beginning to rise in your throat as you swallowed it back, âGood. Powerful, invincible in that moment, feeling his flesh in my mouth, the taste of his blood on my tongue-âÂ
Your hand suddenly grabbed your lips, trying to swallow back the bile which risen much faster, immediately grabbing the water satchel that hung off the saddle of your horse, taking a long drink from it to try and wash what you had just admitted away.Â
It had been plaguing the back of your mind every moment it was quiet, the fact that something inside you liked it, even enjoyed the depraved act, showing someone who had disrespected you and your heritage, making a mockery of it for so long, a little devil inside you secretly wishing you had finished what you had started, to devoured him the way your ancestors would.Â
Even now a little voice in the back of your head was thrilled by it, it never ceased to make you sick, Weak in the stomach with shame every time it crossed your mind, it felt so heretical to think let alone voice aloud, the extent of how much a secret part of you enjoyed it.Â
âI am so sorry Princess,â Wheein whispered, clearly hurting for you as she held back her tears, inhaling sharply, âI still canât believe whatâs happened. Iâm sure being away from Penumbra will be a good break for all of us.âÂ
âIf I had justâŚâ You had to stop yourself from saying what you wanted, you had the ability to heal Wheeinâs mother, maybe if you had listened to Baba EnĂ ir more carefully, had been more dedicated to your studies as a childâŚperhaps this whole thing could have been prevented if you had been the one to heal Wheeinâs mother, disputing any claims, âIâll never send you away so often like that without company, I never want to put you in such a compromising position Wheein and for that I am sorry.â
âWe all have our grievances about what happened.â Wheein smiled sadly, âBut what counts is that we are both alive and well, butâŚSomething else does plague me.âÂ
You tilted your head, patiently waiting for her to continue as she gathered her thoughts, the wind blowing her black locks of hair back as she squinted her eyes, âWe still never caught who sent the assassin. What if this happens once more?âÂ
You frowned, you had thought this as well, âSomething tells me, whoever did this will try a different tactic next. We must remain vigilant, perhaps moreso in Penumbra then even in Kimhae.â You nodded in thought, âI do agree though, this will be good for all of us.âÂ
This had become routine at night it seemed, waiting for everyone else to depart to bed before being guided back yourself, undressed by your husbandâs large, warm hands, and then taken whatever way he wanted, with his hands, his tongue, his cock, you werenât picky.Â
You however were starting to become used to the sensation of his cock spliting you open, his cum dripping down your thighs, an unfamiliar soreness between your legs that had a sweet ache that made you crave more.Â
You had never understood the idea of physical intimacy in the past, it always made your skin crawl at the idea, but then again, you never had a partner you felt you could trust like this.
More than anything, you loved being close to him like this, loved that you could be so intimate with the person you trusted more than anyone, his arms wrapped around you, laying slightly on top of your back, keeping you warm just as he promised every night.Â
It was odd, the comfort it brought feeling his warm cum dribbling from your little hole as you yawned, eyes closing as you dozed off in his arms.Â
It was still late into the night when you awoke to his lips pressing on your neck, moaning softly as his hips rutted into you, cock hardened once more much to your sleepy surprise, âMm, need you my love.â His voice was much deeper, telling you he was also half asleep, âDreamt of your pretty little cunt, letting me fill it up.â
âMmm Kook.â You mumbled out, eyes closing as you felt your leg being propped further up to give him better access to your little entrance, his arms tightened around your waist as he managed to line his cock up before pushing it in.Â
A soft sleepy moan escaped you, an entirely new position you were acquainted with but something about it made you feel so full, his cock pushing all the way inside you until his hips were flush with yours.Â
Each lazy thrust of his hips had soft noises escaping you, your eyes shutting in tired bliss at his cock pushing past your little walls, filling you to the brim each time, throbbing as the head of his cock kept hitting that spongy little spot.Â
Jungkook moaned as he buried his cock inside you once more, his movements having paused forcing your eyes back open, was he asleep? Your walls suddenly squeezed around his cock at being so split open by him.
This elicited a moan from his lips that sounded like pure sex, âYour cunt is heaven,â He mumbled in your skin, âCould keep my cock buried inside you forever.â
Not moving was stirring you further, making you more awake as you whined, âJungkook, moveâŚ!â You wiggled your hips a little earning a small thrust from him.
âThink Iâll asleep like this,â He moaned once more into your skin, âLike the way your cunt wraps around me like this when Iâm splitting your cunt open.âÂ
Jungkook moaned at feeling your cunt squeeze around him once more at his words, just like he had hoped, âJust go back to sleep my love,â He mumbled in your ear, hand pulling around to cup your tit in his hand as he massaged it making you whine in frustration as your hips began to pull and lift, sliding his cock in and out of your cunt just a little.Â
âMmm fuuck, sweetheart go to sleep.â Jungkookâs voice was a pitch higher than before, his free hand almost guiding your hips though as you fucked back against him, and your eyes were closed but sleep was not on your mind.Â
Your lips parted with a soft whine at the new sensation this position gave you with him behind, his cock slide inside you just the right way brushing that sweet little spot with each bounce of your hips, it had you rapidly clenching around his cock.Â
Muffling your moans into your blankets as you pushed all the way back against him wiggling your hips as pleasure throbbed throughout your cunt, feeling arousal dripping from your hole as his cock slid back inside you with ease as you let out a pathetic whine, walls wrapping harsh around him but it just wasnât quite enough to get yourself to orgasm.Â
Jungkook let out a sleepy chuckle, âWorking yourself up are you?âÂ
It wasnât fairâŚ! He woke you up and you were somehow the one falling apart on his cock desperate to cum, âKoo, please.â You whimpered out quietly, shifting yourself a little to be better able to lift your hips up to his, giving his cock better access to slid in and out of your little hole with ease.Â
âMmm shit, your acting like a bitch in heat,â He moaned softly, eyes dropping to your cunt that kept backing into his cock, âYou want to be fucked?â He whispered deviously in your ear.Â
And Jungkook knew you did, could feel the way your walls wrapped so tight around his throbbing cock, wanting so desperately to reach your climax.Â
âJungkookâŚâ You whispered urgently.Â
âSay it.â
You let out a frustrated noise, pausing your movement but Jungkook wasnât having it, his hand wrapping around your neck as he gave it a harsh squeeze, letting out a small gag as his voice deepened in your ear, âBeg for it little princess, beg for me. Beg for my cock.âÂ
Jungkook suddenly thrusted inside you, harshly making your body jolt as you whined out, shaking your head, this only made him thrust rougher causing you to squeeze around him in excitement, âMmm like this, feelsâŚ! Good.â You whimpered out quietly, your body twitching as pleasure blossomed in your cunt, you were so closeâŚ!
Jungkook buried back inside you, stopping once more causing a louder fussy whine to escape you, his hand squeezing around your neck once more, âIf you like this then youâll love whatâs next. But you need to tell me, câmon,â His hips lazily swiveled before giving short thrusts, edging your body as your hands curled into fists, âTell me you want my cock, that you want your pretty little cunt destroyed by me, that you want to be filled with my cum.â
You could feel saliva dripping from the corner of your mouth, his cock teasing your body with such short movements it had you whimpering, âKooâ, fuck me, pleaseâŚ! Need youâ, need your cock, anythingâŚ!âÂ
Jungkook moaned as your quiet frantic pleaâs as he suddenly pulled out of you, a sharp whine escaping you as he swatted your ass to be quiet, manhandling you onto you stomach as he kneeled between your legs you felt confused before your hips were lewdly lifted, presenting your cunt to him.Â
You didnât have any time to adjust or even think before his cock pushed back inside you, a moan much louder than you meant for it to escape your lips at an entirely new, better sensation, every movement of his cock had you cunt squeezing in pleasure.Â
âMmm yeah, you like being made to take it from behind?â Jungkook moaned, keeping your hips up as he thrusted inside your little entrance, watching it split open for his cock before greedily sucking it in, âMaybe this is how your little dryad kin had children? Fucking like animals?â He whispered out, hearing a gurgled whine from you only made his thrusts that much more forceful, the sound of his balls smacking into your skin music to his ears, âBeing made into nothing more than a bitch desperate for cock.âÂ
The side of your face was planted into the ground, eyes shut in pleasure at just how good it felt, his cock hitting every little sensitive spot inside you, his demeaning words that wouldâve sent flames of angry through your body once upon a time only filled you with excitement, enjoying how he manhandled you how rough he was starting to thrust, no regard for whether your cunt could take it or not.Â
Your mind was filled with all sorts of unholy things, not realizing how much you were beginning to moan, enjoying the way he had a hand pressed into your back forcing you down on the ground, his balls smacking your skin and his cock pushing past your tight walls.Â
âKooâ...! âm gonna..! Mmm!â Your moans were gurgled, desperate, cunt rapidly squeezing around his cock, a feeling he had quickly grown to love as you crumbled beneath him, at his mercy as he roughly thrusted, burying his cock deep inside you as he quickly leaned over you, chest flush with your back as his hips became faster.
Just as you let out the whinest, loudest cry his hand covered your mouth to muffle it, tears began to build in your eyes at how powerful the pleasure was building in your body, your legs uselessly twitching and your body convulsing.
But it was all useless as his cock kept sliding in and out of your small hole, âGo on sweetheart, mm know how bad you wanna cum. I see those pathetic little tears. Cum sweetheart, cream all over my fat cock, make it nice and messy for me.âÂ
Your body was being jolted with every thrust of his hips, your clit aching to be touched as your cunt was full of his thick shaft, his dirty words whispered in your ear making you throw a whiny pathetic fit as your walls squeezed even tighter around him, so desperate to be obedient.Â
âCâmon princess,â Jungkook moaned tantalizingly in your ear, his hips pounding into you with nice lengthy thrusts, wet lewd sounds coming from how soaked you were, âCan feel it, feel how bad that pretty little cunt wants to cum, squeezing around me so tight, fuuck, thatâs it, câmon.â Jungkook wasnât intentionally edging you but god did it feel good, you were moaning and crying into his hand, tears slowly beginning to trickle down your face at how good you felt.Â
Not a single thought in your head other than his cock stuffing you full, purposely dragging into the little spongy spot each time just edging you a little closer each time to your release.
âDoes your little pussy feel good?â He teased you, a wicked grin on his face as his hips pushed fully inside you, giving short thrusts to keep you as full of cock as possible, âYou like presenting this little hole to me? Letting me fuck my seed deep inside, my pretty wife who swore sheâd never let me cuff her in bed? How does it feel knowing Iâm going to fill your pretty little cunt up?â
Jungkook let out a low moan, feeling your muffled voice cry out against the skin of his palm as your cunt rapidly clenched around him cumming so hard it felt like your eyes were rolling to the back of your head.Â
And Jungkook wasnât stopping, his hips slammed into you, wet lewd sounds filling the tent and his balls smacking into your skin as he kept his hand on your mouth to keep your moans and cries of pleasure quiet, unable to subdue them yourself anymore, as the pleasure kept going, his hips jostling you around before you felt it.
âFuck!â Jungkook growled out, burying his cock inside you as he came, roughly pumping his cock inside you as he let out a shaky moan, letting your greedy cunt suck every drop from him as he moaned, perhaps louder then even he intended.Â
After a few more seconds he collapsed on top of you, making you whine, sniffling as you wiped your face as you felt his hand drag to your waist, stroking it tenderly as he pressed a kiss against your neck, âYouâre so perfect.â He whispered, pressing another kiss against your skin, âMade for me. Only me.â His hand squeezed your waist, before he laid flat on his back shifting you around to lay against him, your body curling up as you set your head against his chest.
Your thighs were aching and your hand trembled if you looked close enough as you dragged it over his chest.
And for the first time, with the fire illuminating the inside of the tent, you took the time to drag it over the rough skin of his chest and upon closer inspection noticed all sorts of marks, curiously you shifted once more.Â
âWas twice not enough for my little sun?â Jungkook chuckled as you straddled his waist, his hands wrapping around your hips, âWeâll need to start retiring earlier if you want me to have more stamina.âÂ
âIâm notâŚ!â You felt your body flush, trying to remind yourself that you were in fact naked right now, âIâm just looking.â
âMmm, so am I.â Jungkookâs eyes trailing down your exposed body to your cunt, watching the white substance dripping out onto his skin, âIf I werenât already exhausted Iâd already have you bent over again.âÂ
âJungkook!â You whispered out, starting to feel embarrassed now, âStopâŚplease.âÂ
He let out a tired, boyish smile and staring down at him you couldnât help but mirror it, he looked much younger like this, more like his age, eyes lidded from tiredness as his hands wrapped further, fingers digging into your ass, âIs it a crime to admire my wife? Youâre only sitting on top of me naked.âÂ
âIâve seen you shirtless many times now,â You decided to no longer entertain his dirty thoughts, slowly lowering yourself down his chest making his fingers squeeze tighter around your ass, âBut iâve never truly paid attention.â
âTo my godly physique?â
This made you both quietly laugh as you shook your head, unable to not be endeared by this new playful side of him you had never seen, âHow did you know?â You whispered back, a light tease in your voice as your hand traced over his sternum, âI meant the scarsâŚHow many battles did you fight in?âÂ
Jungkook palmed your ass in his hands, massaging the flesh as he yawned, eyes closing as he hummed potentially trying to recall, âToo many to count honestly, I was drafted before the Five Year War started as to be properly prepared.âÂ
Your fingers traced over each scar, some long and thin, others short and deeper, few discolored still having never properly healed, others faded and hardly visibly, âHowâd you get this one?â Your fingerâs stopped on his left right, a circular scar it was small, as if he had been pierced.
Jungkookâs eyes slowly lidded once more, following where your fingers pressed, âWhen we first rode to Rolon for war, an archer shot me right off my horse, my only saving grace from death was the wind otherwise it wouldâve pierced my heart, y'know itâs said the Rolon Archerâs were trained since children, they could shoot a coin from over a hundred yards away.â
âYou were injured before the battle had even begun?â You whispered out, perhaps a little amused at his story.Â
Jungkookâs hand trailed down the back of your thigh, pulling them apart just a little making your hips brush over his skin, the feeling of wet stickiness rubbing over his skin, âIt was my first endeavor by myself, my men were counting on me to lead them, you can imagine it was a pretty pathetic sight.â
âSo how did you manage to siege them if you could not get close?â You tilted your head, resting your elbows down his chest, your hips appeasing him as you softly grinded down on his pubic bone.Â
âWe had all camped outside their outer districts, preparing ourselves,â Jungkook let out a pleasured hum, eyes closed once more and fingers trailing back to your ass before settling at your steady, soft movement, âWe could not get close to their borders without them shooting us down by the tens if not hundreds. And so we would have to make ourselves unknown, invisible.â
A quiet moan escaped him at the feeling of your hips pulling just a little further down just above where his cock was beginning to stir despite his own lethargy.Â
âInvisible?â Tiredness was beginning to pull at your lids but you enjoyed this too much, the conversation, the feeling of your puffy, cum covered slit grinding against him, making him break focus, âSurely that wouldnât be possible?âÂ
âInvisible to the faraway eye that is,â Jungkookâs brows pinched, fingers gripping your ass a little tighter as your hips dragged just along the base of his hardening cock, weepy and sensitive from having already came inside you twice this night, âMmm, I didnât think youâd be such a little lust driven succubus once we consummated.â
It made you grind him just a little harder, the feeling of his cock bobbing before it smacked against your cunt, fully hardened and precum smearing against your asscheek.Â
âIâm trying to have a conversation,â You teased, hands traveling over the expanse of his chest before your fingers found his dark nipples, curiously you pinched them a little, âYouâre the one thatâs making it sexual.âÂ
A restrained moan escaped him as his eyes cracked open, you couldnât help your curiosity, fascinated at his different reactions to different things, after all, you were learning his body just as much as he was learning of yours.Â
âSex is dripping off of you,â Jungkook sighed, feeling your hips tease his cock once more, puffy slit rubbing down itâs base before back to his pubic bone, âI canât help the way my body reacts to it, climbing on top of me naked isnât a productive way to have a conversation.âÂ
You couldnât help but close your eyes briefly, relishing in the feeling of his heady, heavy cock dragging through your puffy slit, coating it in a mixture of your wetness and cum.Â
Feeling his shaft rubbing into your sensitive clit was you let out a soft moan, âYou didnât continue your story. How were you invisible.â Your hips dragged back to his pubic bone, pausing your movement to try and refocus your conversation.Â
Jungkook let out a displeased sound, fingers digging against your ass once more, âIf you want to hear my stories, keep entertaining me.âÂ
âCan you stay focused?â You gave him a mischievous smile, slowly pulling back up to your elbows, his eyes immediately on your tits.Â
âAs long as you donât make me cum,â Jungkook retorted right back, a cocky grin on his face, âWell?â You tried not to shy away from his expression as your hips slowly began rubbing on him once more, teasing the base of his cock as he let out a soft pleasured moan, eyes slowly closing once more to enjoy the feeling as he recalled, âI proposed to my men that we would camouflage ourselves with the terrain, we covered ourselves in mud and moss, whatever greenery we could and crawled on the earth to evade their eyes.âÂ
His fingers dragged down to the back of your thighs once more as your hips dragged a little lower down his shaft as your clit throbbed making a soft moan escape you, âThatâs how you managed to siege their capitol Montclair?â
His fingers pulled your thighs apart, opening your slit a little more as it rubbed along is shaft back to his base, âMmhm, like that,â He whispered out at feeling your hips pause at the base of his cock, wiggling a little to push it further between the lips of your cunt.Â
Silence had suddenly taken over as your eyes shut, enjoying being able to pleasure your husband as your hips slowly rode the base of his cock, letting it slip against your lips and rub along your clit.
This type of pleasure was slow, tantalizing, making his hips rut a little, gliding with ease against your soaked cunt, âWhat about this one.â Your fingers briefly brushed along his left breast, a long wicked line crossing it as you slowed your hips back down.Â
âTraining accident when I was younger,â Jungkook murmured out, sounding half asleep, âI had assumed Hoseok was going for a lower strike but he tricked me, he got too close and accidentally sliced me right across the chest, it was a larger wound when it had first happened.âÂ
Jungkook had a faint smile on his lips as his hands dragged to your waist, keeping a firm grip to encourage your hips, his eyes pulled open only a little, âHe wouldnât stop crying while profusely apologizing to me, saying heâd do anything to keep the wrath from my father at bay.âÂ
âDid he hear about it?â Your moan was mixed with your soft laugh, grinding down as your clit dragged against his skin.
Jungkookâs breath hitched, âNo, it only went as far as my aunt. She merely laughed it off, saying it was good practice for the real deal.â
You paused your movement, hands tracing down his particularly slim waist, just at the bottom of his ribcage, âAnd this?â
You lifted yourself up as Jungkook opened his eyes, âNo looking.â You whispered out.Â
This made him confused before he let out a quiet laugh, closing his eyes once more, âIâve seen it already princess, you canât hide anything from me at this point.â
âIâmâŚtestingâŚitâs lewd.â You tried not to be embarrassed as you sat down on his taunt, thick muscular thighs, legs still parted as you situated your cunt against his base once more, âHow did you get that scar?â You prompted him once more.Â
Jungkook seemed to be having an increasingly harder time focusing as he felt it, your cunt making contact with the sensitive underside of his cock, your hips lifting to drag against his shaft, âIt was when we attempted war with Kyoto, I was in the frontlines with the other underlings and an assassin of Kyoto had made his way into the trenches.â
Jungkookâs jaw was clenched as he felt your hand wrap around the head of his cock, giving short as he let out a breathy moan, hand running through his hair, âHe was a full grown man and we were nothing more than boys pretending to be men. His sword longer than us all,â He bit down on his lip at your hand squeezing his cock, your cunt sliding against his base, âHe cut two of the other underlings in half with just one swing, I was almost the third, I had barely managed to jump back in time but the tip of his blade still cut through me, blood was everywhere.â
âHow did you live?â You whispered out, sadness somewhere deep inside you filled your heart through the haze of lust.Â
âJimin had managed to jump on his back,â Jungkook let out another breath moan at feeling your hand drag down his cock, âStabbed him in the neck, he choked on his own blood as they all rushed to get first aid for me. I almost bled out that night but by some miracle they had managed to stop the bleeding and get me stitches.âÂ
Jungkook groaned as his hands curled into fists, pleasure becoming much stronger than it was supposed to, âEnough please.âÂ
The movements ceased, âDoes it not feel good?âÂ
âIt feels too good, I told you to not make me cum.â Jungkook sighed softly in relief as he felt you change positions back to your original, the weight of your body situated once more fully on top of him, âMmm warm my cock.â
âI donât understand how that works.â You whispered out, a bit embarrassed, you were a fast learner but you still didnât know all the ends and outs of how all of this worked.Â
This made Jungkook laugh softly, endeared at your words as he forced his tired eyes back open, âItâs simple honestly, sit on my cock, let it stay warm inside you. Iâll be able to focus and recall events more better that way.â
âReally?â You replied skeptically.
âMhm, what else do you want to know?â Jungkook let a crooked smirk tug on his lips as you grabbed the base of his cock, obediently doing as he told you, the fat head pushing inside you, a noise escaping you both.Â
Slowly you slid down his cock until your hips were flush with his, âMmm, what now?â It was hard to focus now having him stuffing you so full.Â
Jungkook let out a long content sigh, âNothing, this is it. Ask away.â
His hands lovingly stroked your hips as you suddenly struggled to speak, feeling his fat large cock throbbing inside you, walls clenching around him as your arousal dripped.
Jungkook let out an amused breath, âCat got your tongue?â
You shook your head, slowly leaning back down to rest yourself on his chest, but somehow laying made your body feel even more full, âThis one?â Your words were soft, trembled with a quiet whine, fingers brushing over his right bicep, a thin long line curving around it.Â
Jungkookâs hands stroked your waist before trailing over your back, âIt happened during our siege of Prokiev, the battle happened overnight and it was dark out, fire my only source for my fight with their royal guard captain, our adrenaline was running out and we were both ragged, he threw a sloppy blow aiming for my chest but I moved away and back, the edge of his blade managed to pierce right through my chainmail. It wasnât a serious injury.â
Jungkook let out a soft pleasured sigh at your little walls clenching around him, seemingly unable to relax with him buried this deep and unmoving in your cunt, âIt serves as a reminder though.â
âTo what?â You whispered out, setting your head down on his chest, biting down on your lip once more, trying so, so hard to focus on his words and not his cock, it felt like he was completely stretching you out, hitting all the way up into your stomach though surely that wasnât possible.Â
Even if it felt like it was.Â
âThat many want me dead, sharpening their blades that even a shallow cut could one day maim me or better yet kill me. Sometimes I wonder how I survived,â Jungkook murmured, eyes closing as he fought the sleep off, âEach of these scars is proof that Iâm still here, that somehow despite all of the odds, whether it was pure luck, or pure skill, I lived another day. Learned, grew from my mistakes.â
Your eyes had fallen shut, tiredness pulling you into a lull as you felt a blanket being pulled over you, engulfing you in warmth once more.Â
You let out a ghost of a whine at feeling the slightest rut of his hips, cock making sure it was buried as far inside you as possible, Jungkook pressed a kiss against your head, âSomething above let me live, let me marry you, the love of my life.âÂ
Your eyes had become heavier with each passing gentle press of his lips, you had soon fallen asleep to the sweet sensation of his lips feathering your skin, hands stroking your side, cock keeping you full and ushers of love on his lips.Â
While the journey had been safe and overall good travel, to say you were relieved to be in Kimhae was an understatement, the air was cold, but it didnât have that wet sharp feeling it did in Penumbra, and only a bit of frost covered the ground now.
Your thickest layers were shedded during travel as it got warmer much to your relief, more than anything you were ready to see your family, and even more so ready to sleep in a proper bed and rest.
You couldnât voice it aloud to anyone but your thighs were sore from not only riding your horse but also from other nefarious activities late into the night, you were absolutely ready to stand on your own two feet for the next week.Â
Upon entering the gates of Kimhae the sight was familiar enough to you, elegant towering buildings, busy towns people who all seemed to pause from their business at the sight of not just you but your husband, whispers broke out and if your life in Penumbra had helped you with one thing, it was being able to ignore the stares.
Riding next to your husband as you made your way through the capitol until you arrived at the large gates of the palace, the courtyard open and lush, what you hadnât expected was the sight of someone so familiar and yetâŚnow had become a total stranger to you.Â
Kim Seokjin, the man you had once thought was the love of your life, only to realize that this was a feeble, childish type of love, the type of love you think is love until you truly fall in love.Â
He stood tall and proud as his eyes locked onto your figure, standing in white double buttoned vest and long sleeve, royal blue cape cascading behind him dramatically.Â
He looked like something out of a fairytale and you couldnât deny Seokjin was just as handsome as you remembered, clean cut and warm skin.Â
Coming to a stop, your vision of him was somewhat blocked by your husband, and for the first time seeing them almost side by side made you realize just how different they were, Jungkook dawned in all black, hair array from travel and longer then when you had first met, well overdue for a trim.Â
His look, all too familiar, neutral but often coming across as dark and brooding to a person who wasnât well acquainted with him.
And you supposed you must have seemed different from your old self as well, you no longer wore flowery apparel light apparel, now often dawned in black and maroons, today no different though you had gone without the fuss and feathers to make travel easier, a plain black gown with an under layer of red peeping out, sleeves dramatically long but slits having formed to make movement easier, another white long sleeve layer beneath to keep you warm as well as curl up to your neck.
Jungkook had already dismounted his horse, holding his hands out to you as you stood up in your saddle, pulling your leg over before you felt the security of his hands wrap around your waist, lifting you down safely.Â
You offer him a tiny smile of thanks as you turn to face Seokjin, the hand staying curled around your waist however did not go unnoticed by you as you both walked to greet your ex-lover.Â
âSeokjin, I cannot thank you enough for your invitation,â You gave him a soft smile, perhaps a sort of soft spot for him still lingered in your chest, after all, while your love might not have been deep, it was something, and youâd take it for what it was, âItâs been a long time.âÂ
âYes, Iâm relieved to see you alive and well, itâs been too long.â Seokjinâs eyes were locked onto you and only you, and briefly you felt a sort of severed connection.Â
His eyes drilling into you with a sort of passion that you only blinked at with a friendly polite smile, him taking your hand into his own as he lifted it to his lips, âTruthfully I donât think enough time has passed.âÂ
Your hand was suddenly snatched away by a much larger one, Jungkookâs expression had quickly gone from neutral to one hundred percent leering and unfriendly, that typical icy Jeon glare as he spoke coldly, âKim Seokjin.â
Seokjinâs eyes burned into the sight, Jungkookâs hand holding onto your own in a sort of protective manner, as if he assumed the manâs kiss to your hand would maim you.
âJeon Jungkook.â Seokjinâs eyes twisted into a glare, but it simply didnât have the same bite as Jungkookâs, âI canât say I remember inviting the Jeonâs.â
âInteresting you say that,â Jungkook replied, a haughty cold look on his face, âGiven one found its way to my wife,â He glanced down at you, a squeeze of his hand on your waist and his hand releasing your own only for his fingers to trace your jawbone, âOnly the most beautiful Jeon.â
Jungkookâs thumb tugged at your lower lip and you couldnât help but shy away from his gaze, somewhat flustered at such an open display of affection, âWhat my husband means to say is weâve come here to represent Penumbra together, I hope this will be the first of many Yuleâs we can all come together and celebrate the Rite of Peace.âÂ
You could tell by Seokjinâs gritted smile that whatever he had anticipated this was not it, it softened however as his eyes landed on you, âFor you, Iâd do anything Y/n.â His gaze became more sharp as they locked back onto Jungkook, â...And I suppose that goes for you as well. I hope your stay in Kimhae treats you well.â
âAs do I.â Jungkook retorted, âNow if youâll excuse us, weâd like to rest after our journey.â
You briefly glanced up at Jungkook, brow furrowing in a little bit of annoyance, you understood that Jungkook absolutely did not like Seokjin in the least, but couldnât he be a little more discreet about it?Â
This being your first public appearance as a couple meant youâd have to be careful how you presented yourselves, if he wanted to quarrel with the man you did not care as long as he did it in private where prying eyes and ears couldnât witness it.
âOf course,â Seokjin almost sneered at him, making you shuffle a bit uncomfortable at seeing the men nearly bearing teeth at one another, âMy head maid will show you to your room.âÂ
Seokjin gave you one last look, and you couldnât quite describe it, it was one of yearning and longing, and yet it wasnât reciprocated as you allowed Jungkook to lead you both into the palace following behind the maid.Â
âWhat was all of that about?â You whispered reprimanding to Jungkook.Â
Jungkook only looked ahead, âHe touched you.âÂ
â...He was being polite.â You reasoned, you had never seen such displays from Jungkook before- well aside from the time Claudin had taken your hand.Â
Come to think of it, you supposed this was less rash then when he pressed a knife into Claudinâs neck for so much as grabbing your hand to kiss, truthfully you should be thankful it didnât escalate so quickly to that.Â
Stepping into your guest room you paused, realizing this was the room you used to stay in when you were a maiden...Seokjin probably still has the route memorizedâŚhad he thought youâd come to Kimhae alone?
You shook the ridiculous notion away as you took your cloak off, Jungkook shut the door to your shared room, âHe touched you.â He emphasized it.Â
You turned around, raising your eyebrows, not understanding what he was getting at, Jungkook huffed, âMen who touch women like that arenât being friendly.âÂ
âIt was my hand!â You pouted, âYouâve touched my hands plenty of times.â
âAnd look where it led.â Jungkook countered as he took his own outer apparel off, âThatâs just the way it goes. And perhaps because I also know youâve sucked his cock-â
âJungkook!â You cried out, embarrassment flooding through you, âDonât say it so loud!âÂ
This made Jungkook chuckle as he sat on the foot of the bed, âHmm, youâve never sucked my cock before come to think of it.â He laughed even louder at suddenly being hit with the cloak you launched at him.
âI am tired and taking a nap, you can either join me or sleep on the floor if you keep being crude.â You kicked your riding shoes off as you pulled the covers curling up in bed, his body immediately beside you, arms wrapping around your waist.Â
âI canât help it,â Jungkook replied, snickering into your shoulder, âYouâre easy to tease.âÂ
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Ugh the end đđ they better cuddle soon
consort vi | minho
pairing:Â lee minho x reader
word count:Â 17.1k
genre:Â historical au, arranged marriage au, enemies-to-lovers
warnings:Â period-typical sexism, a boatload of family issues, a rapidly increasing amount of sexual tension, like reader is starting to go the tiniest bit feral about it
series masterlist | one | two | three | four | five
summary:
Minho paused, the lingering traces of cheer disappearing before your eyes. The shift in his mood was almost tangible, and it felt as if you had made some sort of misstep in a dance, thrown yourself and your partner out of rhythm.
His gaze flickered upwards, so very briefly, to look at you, before moving downwards. Down to your notes, down to where the space between your bodies was at its narrowest, barely a few fingersâ width between your skirts and his thigh. He took a breath.
An uneasy sleep must have reclaimed you in the night, because you awakened to soft morning light streaming through the windows â and chambers entirely devoid of Minho.
You sat up, unsteady, the beginnings of a headache already forming. Your thoughts were scattered, muffled as if wrapped in cotton, barely intelligible under the dull throbbing.
An empty bedchamber. Did that disappoint you? The sheets beside you seemed undisturbed, indicating that he hadnât joined you at any point in the night, hadnât risen from the couch heâd been sleeping on last night when âÂ
Embarrassment â hot, ugly flashes of it â flared within you, so violent that you physically shuddered in an effort to suppress it. You wouldnât be so careless again, risking something so mortifying and so vulnerable as being caught in a position like that.
A tiny voice in your mind uttered thanks for Minhoâs order to keep servants out of his chambers without specific request. You didnât want to imagine having to untangle these awful thoughts in front of an audience waiting to dress you for the morning.Â
The more you dwelled on the situation, the more you could feel something in your chest twist. Shame, perhaps. You couldnât help but picture last night again and again, your awful thoughts painting over your memories, imagining Minhoâs eyes open instead of closed, imagining the curl of his lip as he watched you in disdain, maybe even in disgustâ
No.
You felt your expression harden, breath expelling from you in one sharp burst. You hadnât realised how much anger you could summon at merely an imagined Minho. Already, even at just the thought of him, you found yourself itching to rebuke him, to challenge the contempt you had imagined yourself.
There was a danger that you could spend the whole day in this bed, imagining all the ways in which you could argue with Minho.
So, instead, you forced yourself out of bed, determined to focus on the rest of your day and leave last night firmly in the past.
It was strange to realise just how quiet these chambers were. They were so far removed from the bustling of the palaceâs lower floors that even now, as scores of nobles and servants alike rose from their beds and began their days, you could almost mistake the palace for being empty.
The spring morning air was no longer a shock of cold, but pleasantly mild. Perhaps you should make use of the weather today, you thought. It would be good to get some fresh air.
And then, you came to a sudden halt â as a flash of orange caught your attention out of the corner of your eye.
You turned your head, startled, to find a tabby cat perched on the low table of Minhoâs chambers, staring you down.
This was not the pampered sort of housecat you had seen in the houses of your motherâs friends during your youth. While this cat seemed well-fed, there were tell-tale signs of the fights it must have gotten into. There was a pea-sized chunk missing from its left ear, and a faint scar on its little orange snout.
Perhaps this was a kitchen mouser? But how had it wandered so far into the palace, all the way into Minhoâs chambers? How had it gotten past those heavy wooden doors, not to mention the guards stationed nearby?
You dared to take a step towards it â to no response. The cat continued to stare. Its tail twitched from one side to the other, slowly, almost lazily.
It didnât move as you approached, instead continuing to eye you with an expression so distinctly unimpressed for such a tiny face.
Of course, the second you lifted your hand towards it, it jumped away from you in the blink of an eye. There was no panic to its retreat, just a vague sense of disdain as it withdrew from your reach.
For one brief second, you were bizarrely reminded of Minho.
To your own surprise, laughter bubbled up in your chest, slipping out between your lips. It lifted a weight off of your chest, leaving you feeling just a little lighter as you observed the way the cat shot you what could only be described as the feline equivalent of a scowl before it padded over to the bed and disappeared beneath it.
Deciding against following the cat and disturbing its hiding place, you chose to head for the door and request breakfast be served outside.
It seemed only right that the lingering worries of the previous nightâs events would disappear in the light of a warm spring day.
There was something so calming about the palace grounds in the morning. At your request, a table and chair had been set up at the base of a hill, just by the long winding steps back up to the palace itself, in perfect position for you to gaze out at the huge expanses of land in front of you.
Morning dew budded on the still blades of grass. Clouds slowly drifted across the sky above, the sun hiding behind them, only reappearing at just the moment the air grew too chilly. In the distance, a light layer of fog lingered amongst the trees of the royal forest, retreating further and further with each moment.
There was nothing but peace and quiet.
You breathed deeply, savouring the morning air, as you reached for the last slice of bread. Beside it, in a tiny porcelain dish, sat a little pat of creamy butter. You scraped the last of it up with your knife to carefully spread onto the bread.
Your plans for the day were the same as always. Studying, mostly. You were eager to crack open the most recent council records you could find, already making plans to note down the stances of each member, the factions that might have formed, anything that might be useful.
How soon would Minho talk to his father? How much time did you have to prepare? You should have pressed for more details.
You could ask him at dinner this evening, you realised. It was still such a strange idea, to think that you and Minho could talk to each other soâŚoften, now.
Because you shared a bedchamber, a voice in your mind â one that sounded suspiciously like your mother â reminded you. You should be doing so much more than just talking.
A mouthful of bread lodged itself in your throat mid-swallow, making you cough and splutter as you reached for your tea.
Not that you were particularly eager for that, of course. Last night had been a brief moment of insanity, a sudden break from rational thought, brought on by returning to the bed that held so many strong memories. It had infected your dreams, and even seeped into your sleep-addled actions in the dead of night, but now you had recovered.
Now, once again, you were just as uninterested as he was. Moving to his chambers was good enough to mend your image as a successful, stable pairing. It didnât matter what happened behind closed doors, because you had gotten what you wanted.
But before you could make an effort to divert your thoughts back towards the day ahead, the peace of the morning was broken.
You watched as a group of palace guards marched into sight, descending the palace steps â and you stilled when you saw the person they were accompanying.
Her Majesty, the Queen.
You sat up a little straighter, as your eyes met across the wide-open space of the palace lawns. She always seemed so perfectly put together, her long dark hair twisted and braided neatly into a bun, the soft and sweeping fabrics of her dress somehow spotless even when brushing against the ground.
In her fine features, there was so much of Felix. You almost wanted to look away.
Instead, you followed protocol to the letter, rising to your feet and bowing your head at her arrival. âYour Majesty.â
âI didnât expect to see you here,â she replied, and there was a genuine soft note of surprise to her voice that reinforced her words. âIf youâre finished with your meal, would you like to accompany me across the grounds?â
You blinked, lifting your head in shock. Youâd barely spoken to this woman in weeks. Youâd half-expected her to ignore you. Youâd half-given up on the affection the two of you had grown for each other during your childhood.
âY-yes,â you replied, and cleared your throat. âYes, Iâd love to.â
She gave you a smile â one so deeply familiar that it made your heart ache for just a second â and inclined her head, silently offering you the place by her side.
You moved quickly, almost without thinking, barely retaining the grace expected for a lady of your position, as you tried to join her before she could change her mind.
Before the two of you could start walking, however, she first turned to glance at the guards behind her. With a firm, clear voice of a queen, she told them. âI trust Iâm accompanied by guards possessing the respect of allowing two ladies some privacy while they talk. Am I not?â
The nearest guardâs eyes widened slightly in understanding, and he hurried to nod at her. âYes, Your Majesty. Of course.â
âDelightful to hear. The usual twelve paces behind will suffice,â she said, her voice so casual that the comment could almost be described as offhand, before she finally set off. You had to quicken your steps slightly to catch up with her.
And, sure enough, the guards waited until you were twelve paces ahead before they followed â at the perfect distance to remain out of earshot.
This was the woman you remembered from your childhood. Always polite, always charming, and just a little cleverer than she seemed.
You fell into step beside her, searching for something to say to start the conversation. âI heard a delegation from the Lakelands are on their way.â
âYes,â she said, nodding with a warm smile. âMost of the delegates only came to their position after I left, but I know a handful. Among them is a prince I last saw as a young boy. I look forward to seeing the man heâs now grown to be.â
âThat will be nice,â you remarked, looking for something else to say. Something clever, or funny, or charming. It used to be so much easier to talk to her. âDo you miss the Lakelands?â
âOccasionally. Especially in the winter. Iâve never developed a taste for the cold that sets in here,â she said, but there was no trace of sadness in her voice. Nothing wistful. âBut what about you? Are you keeping well?â
âYes,â you replied â but it felt like a half-truth at best. âAs well as can be.â
âIâm sure youâve had so many pleasantries asked about your marriage,â she said. âThatâs usually all people can think to talk about, with women like us.â
Her words struck something in you, hooking something strange and raw and tugging it out into the open.
âThatâs usually the topic of conversation, yes.â
Her lips twitched, the briefest flicker of a smile. âThen weâll speak about something else. Are you still keeping to your studies?â
 âYes!â you exclaimed, unable to keep your excitement from rushing out. âPractically every day. Mostly, Iâve been focusing on my histories and geography, but I like to brush up on my languages every so often.â
âYou did always love studying your histories,â the Queen nodded, and for the first time in your conversation, you picked up on the slightest hint of sadness in her tone.
It sparked a vaguely familiar feeling. An old desire to cheer her, the feeling so ingrained that it felt like slipping on an old favourite coat.
âMy new tutor has helped quite splendidly,â you said, with a smile just a touch forced. âI hadnât realised how much more I could learn with someone following me in my interests, instead of just telling me what I should be interested in.âÂ
The Queen smiled back at you, and hers seemed entirely genuine. âThere seems so much to catch up on. Iâve been meaning to talk to you sooner.â
Her words, as light and carefree as she had offered them, managed to hit something deep within you. Your expression faltered, as you felt the words dig into you, like claws gripping your flesh, piercing you.
You blurted out your only thought. âWhy didnât you?â
The question came out in a rush, an outpouring of emotion that you had tried so hard to keep dammed. You watched the way she paused, caught off-guard by your sudden harsh words.
You swallowed, trying frantically to recover some sense of manners. âI mean, IâŚitâs just Iâve beenâŚIâve been so alone sinceâŚâ
ââŚI know.â
Her gaze grew so soft, as she watched you sadly. There were moments, occasionally, when her eyes were so expressive, just as Felixâs were.
For a moment, you pictured what it must have been like for her, all those years ago. Newly married to a stranger, not just alone but alone in an entirely different kingdom. A kingdom that her father and her fatherâs father and his father before that had been at war with. A kingdom with a people who mistrusted her, who still mourned for her husbandâs first wife, the beloved wife, the wife she must constantly be compared to in public and in private.
You wondered how long it took her to learn to hide those expressive eyes. You wondered if it saddened her to look upon her son, and see those same bright eyes shining back.
âI missed you,â you confessed. âI miss how it used to be.â
âSo do I, sweetling,â she murmured. There were only two people in this world the Queen called âsweetlingâ. One was standing in front of her. The other was half a kingdom away, quiet and aching by the coast. âBut thatâs precisely why Iâve stayed away.â
âWhat?â You asked, sharp in your confusion. âWhat are you talking about?â
âThere are whispers at court,â she began, before pausing. You detected the faintest of eye-rolls as she continued. âThere always are. Right now, they are centred on you.â
âMe?â You repeated. âI havenât heard anything.â
âOh, the subjects never do,â she said, her tone sharpening just a touch. You knew sheâd had her fair share of experience with court rumours. âItâs no fun for them if the rumour gets dragged into daylight and exposed for the nonsense that it is. Better to whisper in secret, and give their empty brains something to spin from nothing.â
âWhat are they saying?â You asked. Youâd half-expected something like this to happen, but youâd always thought your first reaction would be worry, or fear â and yet, right now, the news filled you with nothing but anger.
âTheyâre harmless, for now. Idle gossip. But if any fuel is added to them, they could prove dangerousââ
âWhat are they saying?â You repeated, cutting her off. You needed to hear it. You already had an inkling, but you needed it in words.
She sighed. ââŚYou and Felix. Iâm afraid my son will always be a subject for scandal in your future.â
Felix.
You turned away, eyes searching for the horizon, for something to fix on in the distance.
You hated that this didnât surprise you. You hated that your paranoia, your constant insecurity about how you were perceived, about how your issues with Minho were perceived, that constant nagging feeling of your marriage being forced under a magnifying glass, was partially justified.
âAnything in particular?â You finally managed to ask when your voice returned to you.
âThe stories change every week. Nothing has truly taken hold, which is a good thing,â the queen reassured you. âBut until you and MinhoâŚwell, when your marriage seemed on shakier ground, I thought it was wise to keep my distance. I thought it would make things easier for you.â
Easier.
Right.
A lump was forming in your throat. You did your best to swallow it down.
âI thought you were angry at me,â you admitted. âFor marrying Minho, instead of your son.â
âYou did marry my son.â
There was such strong feeling in her voice that it forced your gaze back to her. The queenâs jaw was set, her mouth curved downwards slightly. Years and years of learned authority, of power however scant it might be, radiated through her as she stood firm.
âMinho is my son. In every way that counts.â
You stared, silent, as the faintest hint of guilt began to warm your cheeks.
The queen continued to walk, her gaze softening as she fell back into old memories. âHe was so tiny when I entered the palace. I helped him take his first steps. I helped him learn his letters, I selected his tutors and I watched him grow.â
She slowed her steps, as you reached the edge of the forest that surrounded the palace. The two of you would have to turn back soon, but you took a moment to observe the quiet of the trees, the way that sunlight filtered through the newly-grown leaves.
âI might not be called his mother, but he is my son,â she finished, quietly. âAnd Iâm very proud of him.â
She blinked rapidly a few times, clearing her throat, and turned to flash you the briefest of knowing smiles. âAs mule-headed as he can be sometimes.â
You couldnât help but laugh â albeit quietly, softly, as the emotion of the conversation still kept its grip on you.Â
There was a pull in you â that familiar one, the one that urged you to please others, the one that pushed you to say exactly the perfect thing â to praise Minho to the Queen. To call him a good man. You knew she would want to hear it, she would want to hear how happy you had turned out in spite of it all, that by pure serendipity, your marriage to Minho was just as splendid and happy as the marriage with Felix you had been awaiting your whole life.
But the words stuck in your throat. You practically choked on them. Not just because they were untrue.
Because for a second â for such a brief, unthinking second â you had wanted them to be true, just as badly as she did.
Something cold began to take hold of you. It started in your gut, unfurling his long icy fingers, grabbing and twisting and squeezing as it slowly dragged the rest of you into its grip.
Betrayal. In that moment, you felt â you knew â you had betrayed Felix.
Did it show on your face? The queen was watching you now, and you couldnât imagine the expression you must have had.
You swallowed, trying with all you had to shove that awful pain away.
You needed to say something. Anything.
âMinhoâŚheâs alwaysâŚhe never seems to care when people believe the worst in him,â you said, the words stumbling out of you, as if your mind was two steps behind your mouth. âItâs almost like he prefers it. I donât understand it.â
The queen took in your words. After one long pause, in which her eyes studied you so intensely that it felt they were about to burn through you, she turned to look up at the palace on the hill. Even from this distance, it seemed to loom over you, waiting so impatiently for you to return.
âThis placeâŚâ she trailed off. Her jaw tightened - and in that one instant, as her eyes flashed, you saw the teenage girl that had first stepped foot into this court, so far from home and facing such a nest of vipers. âIt pulls something out of the people here. A way to protect themselves. My husband already had his ingrained when I came here. I felt it take hold within myself. I watched it form in Minho, that desire to push people away. And youâŚâ she turned to you, briefly, and you blinked at the twist of amusement in her lips. âWhat opposites you and he are. How perfectly you mirror.â
You stared. Her words were vague, crypticâŚand yet, you couldnât help feel as if you had been insulted. You opened your mouth to protest, but the queen had already turned away back towards the palace.
âYou canât live in a place like this without growing a few thorns,â the queen sighed. âLike the roses in my gardens, I suppose. The ones without thorns are the first to be eaten.â
There was something layered in her words, something sad, something resigned.
You realised then that of all the members of the royal family she had just mentioned, there was one obvious name left unsaid.
âLet us return,â she said, finally. âBefore those guards grow too curious and drift too close.â
Not only did Minho keep his promise of returning for dinner again that evening, he arrived even earlier than you.
You almost stopped at the door, thrown by the sight of him at the table, as perfectly poised as he always was, flicking through a sheaf of papers by the side of his plate. He looked up at your arrival, eyes meeting yours, and something caught in your chest.
You hadnât realised how strange it would be to see him in person after last night, howâŚaffecting.
Clearing your throat, you gave him a tight smile and made your way to your seat across from him â unfortunately for you, as it gave you a clear unobstructed view of Minho at a time when you very much wished for anything but that.
You reached for the decanter in front of you, eager to pour yourself a drink to deal with this building lump in your throat. To your surprise, you found it to be filled with water, not wine.
âHow was your day?â you asked, finally speaking, hoping to sound calm and collected.
Minho eyed you carefully, as if youâd offered some sort of complex riddle, and not a feeble attempt at small-talk. ââŚSlow. Until the Lakelander delegation arrives, thereâs nothing urgent to take care of. Iâve been looking over budget proposals for the harvest season.â
The harvest season was months away. In fact, you were almost certain that the fields had only just been sown at all. That truly did seem like a slow day. âI see.â
You knew you should try to continue the conversation, to ask him more about his work. Instead, you let your eyes drop to the plate of food in front of you, words dying on your tongue as you tried and failed to push down the memories of last night.
It felt soâŚdeeply indecent, to sit across from Minho, and pretend you hadnât touched yourself just a few feet away from him. And it was only made more indecent by the fact that he didnât know.
It was all you could think about when you looked at him. You knew a secret, and he didnât.
For dinner, the kitchens had prepared some sort of fish beautifully. Perfectly cooked, tender and soft and practically melting in your mouth.
You barely tasted it. You just kept eating, preoccupied, eyes trained on your plate. You were certain that if you looked up at Minho for too long, you would give yourself away.
In fact, the longer you sat there, the more uncertain you became.
Were you acting unnaturally? Were you too quiet, too reluctant to make conversation?
But, then again, what exactly did acting ânaturallyâ in Minhoâs presence entail? You might have finally found yourselves on better terms, butâŚ
âSomething on your mind?â
Your eyes jerked up to meet his, caught off-guard.
How long had Minho been observing you? It looked like he hadnât even touched his food yet, one hand resting on top of his papers, his other arm propped up on the table, hand curled under his chin as he looked at you.
You made an effort to swallow down the food in your mouth, despite how dry your throat had become, and reached for your water with all the nonchalance you could muster. âNot particularly. I was justâŚâ
Think of something, think of anything.
âWondering about those budget proposals. The harvest season must be months away. Was there really nothing else more pressing?â
Minho was quiet for a second, just long enough to spark the tiniest flicker of nerves in the pit of your gut, before he let out a sigh. âMy father likes to drip-feed me responsibilities, one at a time. If there is anything else more urgent, I wonât know until my next meeting with him. And that wonât be for several days.â
There was an edge of frustration in his voice, something long-suffering, as if this were the topic of multiple arguments in the past, arguments that never seemed to resolve themselves in his favour.
He reached for his water, taking a sip, before his gaze returned to you. âThat will also be when I talk to him about you joining the council.â
For a brief moment, all thoughts about the previous night and your embarrassing secret disappeared from your mind entirely. You leaned forward, intrigued. âWhat do you think his response will be?â
Minho tilted his head slightly in thought â and it filled you with surprise at the fact that you recognised this subtle shift in Minhoâs body language, that at some point you had come to learn how to read him, even slightly â and replied. ââŚI wonât mince wordsââ
âDo you ever?â You retorted, almost without thinking.
Minhoâs lips twitched, fighting a smile, but continued without acknowledging your mildest of jabs. âIt will be a hard sell. My father is not a revolutionary. A large part of his popularity has come from his upholding of tradition. But heâs been dragging his feet on filling this council seat for months now, and for good reason. Itâs a political minefield, and you are the best compromise. I hope heâll see that.â
Minho was right. Your appointment to the council, however perfect a resolution to the infighting between your father and the blue-blooded nobility, would not be an easy sell at all. âI hope so too.â
The rest of your dinner passed in relative quiet, but the little calm you managed to gain in that time soon evaporated when you exited the dining room â and found yourself confronted yet again with the question of sleeping arrangements.
Minhoâs bed was now the site of two of your most scandalous transgressions. Both of which involved Minho, both of which rendered you almost completely unable to look him in the eye whenever you thought of them.
In contrast to your internal strife, however, Minho seemed perfectly at ease.
He transported his sheaf of papers from the dining table to the couch, seating himself comfortably and setting them down on the low table in front of him.
Actually, perhaps âstackâ of papers might be more accurate a description than âsheafâ. Just how much work went into preparing these budget proposals? Had he done so little in his office all day to bring so much work to do in his chambers? Or was this a far more demanding responsibility than you had assumed?
All evidence seemed to point to the latter, as Minho worked silently throughout the evening, brow furrowed just a hint in concentration. He didnât look up once, not when you rose to start preparing for bed, not when you returned in your nightclothes, not even when you wished him good night. He returned the words with a quiet murmur, clearly too enwrapped with whatever he was working on.
He was so engrossed, he didnât see the way you hesitated by the bed.
Should you invite him over? He might have had work to do, but this would be yet another night that you went to bed without him. You were sharing a bedchamber now, surely the two of you shouldâŚ
At least once, you shouldâŚ
You tried to decide on the words of the invitation, of how to phrase it. A suggestion that he should bring his papers to bed, if he had so much work still to do? That was a reasonable question, wasnât it? If he refused, you could press him on it, demand to know why it was beginning to seem as if he were still avoiding youâŚ
âYes?â
You blinked, emerging from your thoughts, to find Minho had glanced over to you. You likely made a strange sight, hovering by the bed, still yet to get under its covers.
The words were on the tip of your tongue, carefully crafted, ready to ask.
And then, traitorously, you thought of last night again.
Minho had been on the other side of the room, able to sleep through it, but if heâd been next to youâŚÂ
You pictured it. You pictured jostling him awake in your sleep, the embarrassing sounds you might make. What you might do.
An awful, awful wave of embarrassment crashed through you because what if you tried to grab at him in your sleep?
You swallowed, turning away without even attempting to reply to Minho, and slipped under the bedcovers without another word.
In the morning, you woke to find that Minho had already risen long before you. The bedchamber was empty, and again the sheets by your side were untouched.
When the third night elapsed in just the same way, and the fourth, it became clear that this couldnât be mere coincidence. Minho didnât just happen to be so enthralled in his work that he fell asleep on the couch four nights in a row.
He was refusing to sleep beside you. You might have forced his hand in letting you share his chambers, but apparently he would not let that extend to his actual bed.
You were half-convinced he still held that early contempt for you, that he was still stubbornly maintaining that unconquerable distance between the two of you out of disdain.
And yet, he still sat with you at every dinner. He talked with you about his day, about your studies, telling stories about a particular odious noble that had done something to irk him, or listening to you talk passionately about a particular historical figure or event that had come up in your research. Heâd even teased you once, when you confessed that you didnât have the patience to read through the handful of art history books that Seungmin had added to your list.
The two of you were very slowly developing some odd sense ofâŚwell, perhaps friendship was still too strong a choice of word, but at least an understanding around each other that definitely hadnât been present in the first few weeks of your marriage.
Nowhere else had this become so apparent than on your fifth evening in Minhoâs bedchambers.
For a change of scenery, you had decided to spend the afternoon catching up on your research in these chambers, taking lunch there with your books, enjoying the little pocket of quiet in which Minhoâs bedchambers were nestled within the palace.
To your surprise, and delight, the cat was back.
Initially, it was just as sullen as you remembered. It eyed you from across the room, perched on the low table yet again, sat as tall and imposing as it could make itself.
That was, until you called for a plate of kippers to be brought to you.
Despite its surly appearance, the cat barely needed convincing before it wandered over to you and the plate of fish, taking each offered kipper from your hand without hesitation. After three fish, it allowed you the softest of pets between its ears. After six, it drew closer, jumping from the table to the seat next to you, a little more relaxed as it took yet another fish from your hand.
To your delight, once the plate was empty, the cat did not abandon you immediately. In fact, it curled up near you â not quite close enough to be within easy reach, but enough that you could lean over and give it slow and gentle strokes as you continued to read. It even began to purr, just a little, whenever you scratched just beneath the base of its ears.
The more attention you gave the cat, the more you realised just how cared for it seemed to be. How comfortable it was with being touched, how well-fed it was, how soft its fur was. Even in a palace, this was not at all typical for a kitchen mouser.
âSomeone spoils you, donât they?â You murmured, giving the cat more strokes. âI can see why, youâre lovely. So cute.â
The cat, while not acknowledging your words, leaned its head up into your hand a little, chasing after those little scratches.
You were close to abandoning your studies entirely for the day, ready to devote your full attention to this adorable little creature, when the bedchamber doors swung open.
The cat jolted a little, jumping from its place on the couch â but to your relief, did not run out of the room. Instead, it lingered by the low table, ready to disappear under it, and stared down the sudden arrival.
Minho, mouth still parted slightly in whatever greeting heâd been about to give you, was silent as his gaze flickered between you and the orange cat eyeing him from the floor.
âWe have a visitor,â you told Minho, solemnly, gesturing to the cat.
Minho nodded, briefly, still looking between you and the cat. âYes. Yes, she seems to like it in here.â
ââSheâ?â You repeated, raising an eyebrow.
Minhoâs expression immediately smoothed into the perfect neutral, refusing to give even the slightest bit of emotion away. ââŚI assume.â
âMm. Well, she seems to be a sweetheart.â
âDoes she?â Minho repeated, glancing at the cat again, who seemed to have now relaxed. She began to approach Minhoâs feet, sniffing familiarly at his boots.
âI may have had to bribe her with a plate of kippers,â you admitted, increasingly amused by the way the cat began to weave her way between Minhoâs legs, but managed not to let it show too obviously in your face. âShe seems very well-fed, for a kitchen mouser.â
Minho made a non-committal sound in response, not meeting your eyes. ââŚYes, well, I imagine people must toss her dinner scraps here and there.â
âI suppose so. But who would be so soft-hearted in this palace, to feed a kitchen cat from their own plate?â You wondered aloud.
Minhoâs face was a mask at this point, unmoving, perfectly calculated. He made his way to one of his armchairs, attempting to ignore the way the cat followed him happily, jumping up and perching herself on the arm of his chair.
You continued. âIn fact, I wonder what a mouser would be doing here, so far away from the kitchens. Thatâs quite a distance for a cat to wander unprompted.â
âI suppose so,â Minho stated, perfectly neutral, even as the cat moved from the arm of the chair to seat herself in his lap.
You continued to stare at him, wordless, eyebrow raised â and finally, he relented.
âI might have given her some scraps, once or twice,â he admitted, even as the cat nuzzled into his hand from where she rested nearby. âI suppose she canât help it if she isnât good at mousing, and goes hungry.â
âTrue,â you allowed, thoroughly unconvinced by his façade. âAnd do you know if this failed mouser has a name?â
ââŚI think Iâve heard someone call her Soonie,â Minho said, and finally let his hand drift over to Soonie and begin to give her gentle scratching behind her ears. She purred loudly enough that you could hear her from where you sat, utterly content to receive affection from someone she was clearly very familiar with. âSomewhere. At some point.â
âHow odd. Not many kitchen mousers have names.â
âMm,â Minho hummed, noncommittal, but when his eyes dropped down to glance at Soonie, he couldnât hide the slightest of smiles.
You took in the sight, this cold and prickly prince melting as he pet the scruffy little tabby cat. Minho was still in his usual daily prince attire, all high-necked and formal. His legs were clad in those familiar riding leathers that you never let yourself look at for too long, so you moved your attention instead to his jacket. Instead of a royal scarlet, this one was a dark blue, the fabric glinting in the candlelight from the clusters of beading embroidered within it. It suited him, you forced yourself to admit, far more than red did.
In fact, you tried to remember the last time Minho had worn the colour red, but nothing recent sprang to mind. PerhapsâŚ
âIâm meeting with my father tomorrow,â Minho told you, and immediately your attention was captured.
Tomorrow.
The word sparked something in your gut â not quite dread, or alarm, but something akin to that. Urgency.
You swallowed back your excitement, remaining as calm and neutral as you could. âAnd youâll talk to him about the council?â
âThatâs the plan,â Minho replied, enigmatic.
You paused, and a quiet fell over the room. It wasnât as if Minho was expecting you to reply â in fact, as Soonie settled completely in his lap, chin dropping to rest on his knee, he was looking down and away from you.
But something still justâŚtugged at you. Just a little bit.
Your eyes darted down to the book in your hands, and as nonchalantly as you could, you spoke. ââŚThank you.â
You saw Minho move out of the corner of your eye, head raising to look at you.
ââŚIâm just doing what Iâm supposed to,â Minho said, his voice detached and light. âOne of my duties is to recommend the most capable candidate I can find. Donât think of it as a favour.â
His words rendered you speechless, heart beginning to pound in your ears.
Most capable.
You were the daughter of a rich, powerful man. You had been given many compliments throughout your lifetime.
None of them had ever caused the same kind of lump to form in your throat as you felt now. None had caused this kind of strange heat to bloom behind your eyes, this way your heart swelled.
Most capable.
And just like that, you were spurred into action. If you had only one night left to prepare yourself and construct the perfect defence to prove why you deserved to be on the council, you would take full advantage of it.
You began combing through the papers you had with you, reading voraciously, consuming every piece of information available to you. You did this throughout dinner, chewing absently as you turned pages and scrawled notes. You were so devoted to your studies, you made your way through two full cups of tea before realising, upon looking up, that it was Minho who poured it for you each time.
Your eyes met, just as he held the teapot over your cup to pour a third time, and your gaze held long enough to note the flicker of amusement in his before he looked away.
When dinner was over, you retreated back to the couch with more reading to finish. Minho did the same, taking up the same spot he did every evening, that familiar pile of paperwork set in front of him. There was a strangely companionable silence as the two of you worked into the night.
You almost forgot he was there, despite the sounds of his writing and the crisp sounds of paper-shuffling, slipping into a quiet rhythm of reading and re-reading until words began to blur together.
As the candles burned low, and the hours grew later and later, you felt your concentration start to slip. Your eyes would close, just for a few moments, and the will to open them again slowly began to elude you. Exhaustion crept up on you, an old friend, and you found yourself repeating paragraphs, reading over the same sentence again and again and unable to take in its meaning.
Your eyes closed again, and you vaguely remembered telling yourself it would be just for a moment.
Sleep found you instead.
Blissful, calm. Warmth from the fire. Papers slipping from your hand, but never landing on the floor. You felt safe, wrapped in the quiet.
Something brushed your arm. Soft. Fur. Soonie?
Your eyes opened, bleary, only to find grey instead of orange. The wrongness of it jolted you, your hand darting out to grab at something pale and moving.
Skin.
A hand. Soft.
Except for a callus on the edge of a knuckle on the middle finger. You recognised it, for you had your own on the very same finger. It was where the pen sat whenever you wrote.
Your gaze wandered, still sleep-fogged, and there was no surprise when you saw the hand attached to a Minho.
Your grip on him relaxed, fingers slipping from his, and you barely mumbled a half-formed thought. âYour hand matches mine.â
Your eyes closed again, just as Minho stilled, and you drifted back to sleep.
You woke up, neck aching, still upright on the couch. Your books and papers lay scattered around you, from where youâd been too tired to put them away properly. Morning light streamed in from the windows, and despite the ashes in the fireplace indicating that it had long since burned out, you found yourself unusually warm.
Ah. You had fallen asleep in the previous dayâs clothes â and with very familiar furs draped over you.
There was a brief flash of a memory, of Minhoâs hand pulling the furs over you. You dimly recalled saying something, perhaps, but the details escaped you. You pushed the furs off of you, your movements unusually gentle as you handled the blanket, as if it commandeered an unthinking respect from you. Sentiment, maybe.
As always, Minho had risen before you and left your chambers, but today this observation filled you with equal parts excitement and nerves.
Were they discussing it right at this moment? Did their meetings take place in the mornings? Or in the afternoons? Would other items be brought up first?
It was maddening, to have so many questions and no way to pursue the answers.
With a nightâs worth of sweat sticking to your skin, you made up a bath for yourself, even heating the water entirely on your own. The only oils in Minhoâs bathroom were lavender, suited for relaxation in the evenings rather than energising in the mornings, but you made do.Â
The water was a touch cooler than how you usually liked it, but you didnât have the patience to heat more water. Instead, you stripped and climbed into the bath with as much grace as you could muster and set about cleaning yourself.
This wasnât the first time you had bathed entirely without servants â in fact, since you had moved into Minhoâs chambers, the only times a servant had been permitted to enter was to bring them dinner each evening.
You found yourself becomingâŚamenable to that arrangement. It gave Minhoâs chambers a sense of quiet, a private solace, that could not be found anywhere else in the palace.
Perhaps that was why it was so jarring, almost invading, when you heard knocking from afar, the sound of a door swinging open, and a womanâs voice ringing out hesitantly. âYour Highness?â
You startled, upsetting the water, letting some of it slosh over the side of the bath and onto the floor. âYes? Is something wrong?â
Footsteps approached â timid, rushed â and the voice drew closer. âYouâve been summoned, Your Highness. By the king.â
Your stomach dropped, your breath cut short.
âHeâŚsaid it was urgent, Your Highness, but I can let them know youâre still bathingââ
âNo,â you blurted out, quickly, sharply. You got out of the bath hastily, dripping water all over the floor. âHelp me change into something quickly, and Iâll go now.âÂ
There was only one reason you would be summoned by the king on this particular day, and from the sounds of it, it wasnât to congratulate you on your new position on the council.
You needed to stand your ground, to explain your reasoning in the face of his refusal. And if there was any chance of persuading him to grant you the position, to ignore the concerns of your genderâŚ
Well, telling the king that he needed to wait to discuss urgent business until the princess finished drying her hair was not the kind of image you wanted to present to him.
And so, you were laced into a dress with impressive dexterity by your maid, the luscious fabric increasingly dampened from your dripping hair. Was it an uncomfortable sensation? Absolutely, but it was difficult to dwell on it when all you could think of was why you were be summoned, what could have happened between the king and Minho to warrant such an urgent demand for your presence.
Discussions must not have gone as smoothly as Minho intended â but not so disastrously as to be dismissed out of hand.
As you slipped on a pair of shoes, your maid gave one last attempt to persuade you to wait. âYour Highness, are you sureâŚâ
 You turned, smiling politely at her. âYes. Iâm sure it will dry soon enough. Thank you for all your help.â
She returned your smile, somewhat nervously, eyes darting to the dishevelled aspects of your appearance, but seemed a little more assured. Marginally. Barely.
Before she could protest again, you marched straight for the door.
Of course, as was so often the case with grand gestures, there were certain factors you didnât think through entirely.
The palace halls were unforgivingly cold, especially as your hair continued to slowly drip water down your neck, soaking into the back of your gown. It made every step uncomfortable, as every little drop of water that landed on the nape of your neck was another reprimanding shock of chill.
You made sure to stand tall, proud.
If your head was bowed, if your shoulders were slouched and your steps more resembling a scurry than a stride, you would have made a pitiable sight. It would look as if you were caught off-guard, as if you were panicked, incapable, scared.
But with your chin held high, with your shoulders back and a confidence steeling you, this was intentional. This was a statement. An image fit for songs, for stories, a princess devoted to her role and to the orders of her king.
As you drew closer to the kingâs chambers, navigating through the ever-narrowing hallways, you felt your chest begin to tighten. You realised you might genuinely hate it here, this deep within the very depths of the palace, its cold little stone heart. A king might be well-defended here, the walls witness to nearly a thousand years of history, but you couldnât shake the feeling that you were descending into a tomb.
And then, you heard the voices.
The last time you had been summoned by the king, you remembered catching a snippet of conversation at the very doorstep of his chambers. That was how close you had to get before Minhoâs and the kingâs voices could be heard through the thick wooden door.
But now? You heard them in the corridor - because they were loud.
Not quite a screaming match between father and son, butâ
ââtalk of duty, but whatâs your solution, Father? Burying your head in the sand, that tried and tested trick?â
You almost stumbled, shock rendering you clumsy, because did Minho just say that to the king?
âCaution, boy, is not ignorance. How do you mistake the two? Youâre well-versed in the latter.â
The two guards in front of you exchanged a glance. You noted that they did not share your horror. In fact, you could almost mistake it asâŚresigned.
âWas it age that turned your belly yellow? Is that my fate too? Cowardice?â
âI will not be lectured by a son still wet-around-the-ears on age.â
Not just resigned.
Long-suffering.
Theyâd heard this all before. Frequently, by the looks of things.
And then, as if that knowledge had unlocked something, had lifted the veil over your eyes, you could hear it. The hint of familiarity, the ease with which the two hurled insults at each other.
This was not the first time Minho and his father had quarrelled. In fact, youâd wager this wasnât the first time this week.
The argument paused when the guards knocked at the door, announcing your arrival. As the doors swung open, you caught sight of Minho and his father â not a hair out of place, not even a flush of anger to their cheeks â glaring at each other with familial exasperation.
Minho looked away first, turning to look at you â and paused.
His Majesty followed his gaze, and you watched those regal eyes blink in surprise at your appearance.
You must have made a sight, your gown on its way to being ruined, your hair still slick and dishevelled, trying hard not to shiver in the cold of these chambers.
âYour Majesty,â you greeted, not even the slightest bit affected, and bowed low. You straightened up before offering Minhoâs greeting. âHusband.â
âMy dear,â the king spoke, just the slightest bit alarmed. âIf my summons caught you at an inopportune time, I assure you itâs perfectly reasonable to delay answering until youâre presentable. Donât concern yourself so thoroughly.â
You smiled brightly. The picture of obedience, of devotion. âI hated the thought of keeping you both waiting. I imagine I know what this conversation is about.â
The kingâs gaze flickered between you and Minho at this, a frown soon beginning to form. Still, there was a subtle note of surprise in his voice when he spoke again. âI see. The two of you are conspirators in thisâŚâ
âProposal?â you supplied, gently.
âAttack?â Minho offered, bitterly.
ââŚFolly,â the king said, finally, turning back to you.
You dipped your head, keeping your voice soft and sweet. âIâm sorry to hear that you see it that way. I believe it to be a fair compromise, to ease the tensions at court.â
âYes, Minho said the same thing,â the king sighed, dismissive. âBoth of you are blind to the same issue. Any conflicts that your position on the council might resolve are outnumbered by the discord it would certainly cause.â
Minho sighed, eyes darting up to the ceiling. You wondered how many times he had heard that argument this morning. âAnd yet, a good king prioritises the future of his kingdom above all else, is that not so?â
The king shot Minho a look. It didnât take much to realise that those were likely the kingâs own words that had come out of Minhoâs mouth, not his own.
âSonââ
âTalk to her,â Minho interrupted, gesturing to you in pure exasperation. âListen to her. Ask her anything. Sheâs more than qualified to be on the council.â
After a momentâs hesitation, in which it looked as if the king was debating whether to indulge his oldest son or nip this matter in the bud entirely, he turned to you.
ââŚVery well,â he said, giving in. You watched as he made his way to the splendid-looking chair behind a monstrosity of a writing desk, sinking into it. For a brief moment, you thought you caught something of a grimace in his expression.
Exhaustion? Perhaps. It must have been tiring work, running a kingdom. Let alone arguing with Minho too. You had first-hand knowledge of how that could drain your energy. Â
The kingâs eyes became fixed on you, almost pinning you to the floor, as he spoke. âSuppose you were on the council, and a message was received, warning of a great army about to invade. What would you advise?â
Your brow furrowed as you considered the question. You needed to remain calm, measured, and use every scrap of information you had studied.
âWhich border is the army advancing toward?â you asked, thoughtful.
The kingâs face remained unchanged. âThe one we share with the Lakelands.â
Interesting. No cardinal direction given â you assumed that must have been on purpose â but still plenty of information to form an answer. The Lakelands were in the north, and under treaty with your kingdom.
âI would advise you to send missives to Lords Kim and Geum in the north with instructions to muster their forces and man our security garrisons along the border. I would alsoââ
âWhich garrisons?â the king interrupted, gently but firmly.
âYalrock and Banna. Yalrock is the largest garrison on the northern border, Banna is strategically advantageous because of its position on the river plains. Youâd be forcing the army to march along the mountain passes instead.â
The kingâs expression remained cold, neutral â and you realised, in that moment, exactly where Minho might have learned the same habit. âContinue.â
âI would also advise you to send word to our allies in the hills and across the Sunrise Sea, informing them that the Lakelands have broken our treaty pact.â
âBroken the pact?â the king repeated. âI never said the Lakelanders were the ones invading.â
âThe treaty pact also forbids the harbouring of any forces with aggressive intent towards treaty members. In this scenario, the Lakelanders would be doing just this â unless they themselves were invaded by this army too, which I doubt if we received no summons for aid or word from our ambassador there,â you said. Was this too much detail? Were you rambling? You did your best to keep your words steady, unrushed. âTherefore, the treaty would be broken.â
From out of the corner of your eye, you caught Minho watching you, a hint of a smile on his face.
The king, while perhaps a touch surprised at your answer, pressed on anyway with another question, changing the subject entirely.
ââŚSuppose Lord Sunâs lands are failing to produce the amount of grain demanded of them. How would you advise me?â
âI would be confused,â you admitted, âbecause Lord Sunâs lands produce fish, not grain.â
âAnd why is that?â
âBecause his lands are in the east, along the coast. The land there isnât arable.â
âWhy?â
âThe weather is too hot in the summer, too dry. There isnât enough freshwater for crop-growing.â
The quickness of your answer was rewarded with the smallest â almost unthinking â of nods from the king. He paused once more, and spoke again. âSuppose I wanted toââ
âAnother question?â Minho interjected, sighing, as he wandered across the room and took a seat by the window. He rested his head against his hand, elbow planted into the plush armrest of his chair.Â
The king shot him a look, either for the interruption, or for the flippant tone Minho had used, or perhaps even for the way he was lounging in the presence of his king, but he made no move to reprimand him. Instead, he turned back to you. âSuppose I wanted to offer a gift to the Lakelander delegation when they arrive next month to renew the treaty. A personal one, not a grand spectacle of an offering. What would you suggest?â
You paused. This wasnât a question that could be answered with any of your recent studies of war or economics or geography. This was a question of hospitality, knowledge you needed as a queen, not as a councillor.
It took a moment, longer than it took with the first two questions, but soon there was an answer in your mind. âWhen the last Lakelander delegation came to this country to sign the treaty, one of the gifts they gave Your Majesty were wild rose seeds. Wild roses that were native to the Lakelands, difficult to grow in this climate, meant to symbolise a new peace and the care needed to maintain it. Her Majesty, the queen, still grows these roses in her private gardens, does she not?â
The answer to your question did not come from the king, but from Minho. âShe does.â
âThen, I would suggest a bouquet of these roses. It would be symbolic of the care this kingdom has taken to nurture this new relationship with the Lakelands, a sign that we do not take their gifts for granted.â
The king eyed you carefully for a moment, silent. ââŚYou werenât present at the first signing of the treaty, were you? Youâre too young for that.â
âYouâre right, I wasnât present, Your Majesty,â you replied. âBut the queen graciously allowed me to play in her gardens when I was a child, and taught me the origins of those roses.â
Not quite. The queen allowed you and Felix to play in those gardens. She told you the origins of the roses when Felix tried to pick some for you, and accidentally cut open his palm on the sharp thorns of their stems. You remembered him, tears in his eyes, sniffling as Her Majesty held the both of you close and warned him gently that these roses were wild, were Lakelanders just like her and a little like him, and because of that, they were fiercely protective.
You remembered sitting and watching the two of them exchange smiles, and silently wishing that you were a Lakelander too. You wanted to be protective. You wanted to be like the roses, like them.
âAny more questions, Father?â Minho asked, jolting you from your memories. âOr has she proven our point? Impressively?â
And again, just as they had last night, Minhoâs words stirred something within you. A kind of warmth, filling your chest.
The king regarded the both of you, silently, before sighing. âYour education isâŚindeed, as Minho says, impressive.â
Your heart soared, mind so entirely filled with elation that you almost missed his next words.
âBut Iâm afraid that still does not change the obvious. I did not secure decades of unprecedented peace under my reign by breaking with tradition. A woman sitting on the council is not tradition.â
You swallowed, heart sinking just as sharply as it had risen just moments ago.
ââŚThere is precedent,â you pointed out, softly. âI found records of Princess Jiyoon on the royal council, less than two centuries ago.â
âThat is true,â the king conceded, before tilting his head slightly. After a moment of consideration, he pushed himself out of his chair with the same half-grimace glimpsed earlier, and crossed the room towards a bookcase stuffed with leather-bound volumes. His hands hovered over them, fingertips brushing their spines, until he found the one he was searching for and pulled it from its stack with ease.
He made his way back to the two of you, opening the volume and thumbing through the pages as he walked, before offering the volume to you.
You took it, uncertainly, and looked down at what exactly he had handed to you.
Council records â but unlike the ones you had studied with Seungmin, you were shocked at just how much more detail this version contained. You supposed that made sense. The records in the library were likely censored, or edited for public consumption. These were private, a kingâs own personal records, passed down from ruler to heir most likely.
Jiyoonâs name was there, listed amongst the other councillors, but these records included a strange symbol next to her name.
You frowned, and the king spoke again.
âI imagine you found no records of any contributions she made, correct? No votes cast, no motions brought to attention?â
ââŚNo,â you admitted, reluctantly, looking up at him as dread began to curl in the pit of your stomach.
âThere is a reason for that. Jiyoon filled a particular role. If you scour through the legal treatise of the time â dry reading, all of it, but it is there â youâll find it. Jiyoon was not granted the role of an adviser, but of an observer. A silent one, there only to watch the council proceedings so that she could better educate her heirs in service of her husband. That is the precedent that Jiyoon set.â
Silent. Heirs. Husband.
Of course.
Of course. You should have known. That was what it always came down to. Centuries of royal women, millennia of royal women, and it was always the same.
Silent. Heirs. Husband.
You should have known. You should have known not to get your hopes up.
âWhat are you saying?â you heard Minho ask, dimly, as these thoughts repeated endlessly in your mind.
âThe observer is required to be silent. She cannot vote, she cannot dissent, she cannot speak even when called upon to do so in session. She observes.â
Minho made a sound of disdain, maybe even disgust. âThen, whatâs the point? Why have that great of a mind on your council if she canât even use it? What a waste.â
âPerhaps, but that is the precedent you argue for. If you seek a compromise, that would be it.â
âAÂ compromise? Whatââ
âI would accept it,â you interrupted, quietly. Your eyes were trained on the floor, voice barely above a murmur. Your brain still thundered with those three words, again and again. Silent. Heirs. Husband. âIf Your Majesty were so gracious as to offer this role, I would accept it.â
You didnât have to look at Minho to know the way his mouth was parted in surprise, astonished and outraged in equal measure. You could sense it in his tone when he spoke. âYou canât be serious.â
You raised your eyes to look at the king, purposefully avoiding Minhoâs stare.
âI hope His Majesty knows that I donât ask for this council seat out of personal ambition,â you said, softly, lying through your teeth to your king. âYou said Jiyoon took the role as a duty to her husband and her children. If anyone objected to my position on the council, I would ask you say the same of me.â
ââŚYou would take the council seat in service of Minho,â the king said, and even he sounded sceptical. You werenât sure what that said about your marriage, but it wasnât exactly promising.
âAnd our future children. We both take that duty very seriously.â
âDo you?â the king questioned, sharply, pointedly, but surprisingly it wasnât you he was addressing â it was Minho.
You might have tensed at such an insinuation, but Minho practically bristled.
âDonât,â Minho warned his father, straightening up in his seat. No, more than warned, he practically spat out the word. âI thought we agreed.â
Agreed? Agreed what?
You glanced between Minho and his father, sensing a tension that remained unspoken as the two eyed each other, jaws both set.
You were clearly missing something vital to this exchange, some secret piece of information â and, as always, the idea chafed at you.
And then, with a quiet and cold anger that you hadnât heard in weeks, Minho told his father. âYou owe me this.â
The kingâs expression twisted. It was guilt, you realised. âMinhoââ
âYou owe me something.â
Another pause.
And then, finally, the king broke this staring contest with his son to look at you. ââŚThe role requires complete silence. If I decided to grant you the seat on these conditions, and you flout them immediately, I will not look kindly on it. Do you understand?â
âI do,â you replied, solemnly.
ââŚVery well,â the king said, eventually. âIâll make the necessary arrangements.â
You did it.
It was a hollow victory, yes, but a victory nonetheless.
You couldnât quite muster happiness about it, or even gratitude, but there was a sense of achievement.
You nodded, quietly, and curtsied low before the king. âThank you, Your Majesty.â
When you lifted your head again, you found the king glancing between your face and Minhoâs before he spoke again.
âYou do have quite the mind,â the king said, gaze still shifting between the two of you. âYou might not be able to speak in the council room butâŚwell, you share bedchambers now. Whatever you might discuss in there is your own private business. Is it not?â
Within days, news of your appointment to the council spread across the palace like wildfire.
You expected this, to some extent. Precedent or not, observer or not, this was still an undeniably shocking development. You knew there would be whispers about it, gossip passed around, growing and contorting with each telling and retelling.
All of this, and still you did not expect the conversation you happened upon one evening as you took a shortcut through one of the palace courtyards on your way back from a tutoring session with Seungmin.
The sun had just descended below the horizon, casting the square into shadow wherever the dim glow of torchlight did not quite reach. You caught snatches of voices as you walked, whenever you passed doors to parlours, to sitting rooms, to the dozens upon dozens of meeting places for the elite that resided within the court. Some of these doors were cracked open to enjoy the fresh air brought by the open-air courtyard on their doorstep, unaware of any passers-by.
And then, one particular comment caught your attention.
âPerhaps the poor girl is simply bored,â a haughty voice said, with a hint of laughter. âThat council room might be a dreary place, but Iâd wager itâs a damn sight better than her bedchambers.â
You froze, half within shadow, half without.
There was only one person that comment could possibly be referring to.
Immediately, you slipped behind one of the stone pillars lining the courtyard, heart pounding.
Finally, after all this talk of rumours, of whisperings at court behind your back, you finally had the chance to listen for yourself.
âCareful, Park,â another voice cautioned, although sounding more amused than concerned.
âA prince too scared to share a bed with his wife for weeks after the wedding,â the first voice â Park â scoffed. âWhat, did he hope no one would notice?â
A third voice chimed in, low and gleeful. âYou want to hear something good? My wife heard a maid talking the other day. They change the sheets of that marriage bed every day. And theyâre always pristine.â
Your face heated, something approaching bile threatening to burn the back of your throat. There was something about hearing your privacy be soâŚviolated, and said so casually. Your bedsheets? They all talked about your bedsheets?
âYou know my theory,â the third voice spoke again.Â
âYour wifeâs theory,â Park corrected, sounding dismissive.
âIt makes sense. Sheâs saving herself for the other brother. Traded one for the other before, maybe sheâs waiting to trade back when he comes home.â
Felix.
Traded one for the other. Is that how they saw it? Is that how they all saw it?
âHeâs not coming back,â Park scoffed. âNot for a long time. Not unless His Highness fancies looking down and wondering why all his children have the Lakelander look to them.â
Your heart stopped. You felt the blood in your veins freeze, matching the iceÂ-cold anger settling into your bones.
âGods be good, close the door before you say horseshit like that. Moron.â
This was more than fury.
This was wrath.
You stepped out of the shadows, just at the right moment to lock eyes with Lord Park as he stood by the doors, his too-late hand stilled on the handle.
âGood evening, Lord Park,â you said, voice so syrupy-sweet and cloying, and watched the blood drain from his face as he stared back at you in horror. You craned your neck to peek over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of the two other men with him. âOh, I see Lords Song and Ryu have joined you. How nice.â
âY-Your Highness,â Park stammered, and there was genuine fear in his eyes.
He knew what you had heard. He knew the words that had come out of his mouth, and how close those words danced along the line of treason. It would take you only one conversation with Minho, or with the king, and his career would be done. His family. His fortunes. Possibly even his life.
You smiled brightly at him. âI look forward to seeing you next week at the council. Iâve heard youâre quite the contrarian. Youâve voted to reject the last, what is it, seven bills put forward by my husband?â
Park didnât answer. Perhaps it was more accurate to say Park couldnât answer. You wondered what could possibly be going through his head at that moment. You wondered if he had ever felt this afraid in his entire pampered little life.
You tilted your head slightly, eyeing him. âPerhaps from next week, you might find yourself second-guessing a decision like that. Donât you think so?â
Parkâs face, still pale, twisted into something approaching realisation. He seemed to grasp exactly what you were hinting at â the threat that remained unspoken.
ââŚY-yes, Your Highness,â Park agreed, nodding erratically.
âAnd your companions? Perhaps theyâll have similar changes of heart?â
From behind Park, his friends stammered their assent, just as rattled.
You beamed.
âPerfect. Have a nice night.â
You attended your first council meeting the very next week, finally taking that last empty council seat that had remained vacant for so long.
Sixty-two members attended the session in total.
You felt sixty-one pairs of eyes on you throughout.
You recognised quite a few of the faces in this meeting. Lord Young, as delightful as ever, sat just a few seats removed from the royal family â a position of great honour, especially for a man with neither blood nor marriage ties to the crown.
Lord Park had also made an appearance, and blanched the moment your eyes met his.
Good.
You paid the stares little notice, attention completely and utterly captivated by the debates that took place. Every idea proposed, every motion considered and accepted and denied, every opinion volleyed back and forth, you noted down.
You might have been silent, but you wrote feverishly. Pages and pages of scrawls, near indecipherable as you worked to keep pace with the spoken word of the other council members.
Minho was seated next to you. Of course he was â he served as a visible explanation for your presence there at all. To be useful to him, to educate his heirs and better his legacy. In the eyes of everyone else, your seat on the council was essentially just an extension of Minhoâs.
You werenât sure what to expect of him during these council meetings. You knew just how seriously he took his position as heir, and his duty to the kingdom â but you also remembered that carriage journey home from Lord Youngâs orchards, the disdain he had for politicking, his derision in his voice when he talked of strings attached.
It turned out that in council meetings, Minho kept up the same perfect princely mask he always did in public. Never once raising his voice, never slipping into anger or mockery. Exemplary behaviour from the first second of the meeting to the last.
Except for one moment, when an old lord from the Tan family had loudly proclaimed an argument so poorly constructed, with parts so moronic that you made sure to underline his exact wording for its stupidity, that you heard the quietest of noises from Minho. When you glanced up at him, he was watching the debate with apparent rapt attention. If you werenât sat so close to him, you would have missed the slightest way his jaw clenched, as if to fight a look of disdain as he watched Lord Tan blather on.
Minho proposed only one new bill â investment in a new mill, to be built in one of the kingdomâs slowly-dwindling rural villages, in the hopes of creating employment opportunities. You paused your notetaking to watch each council member cast their votes for or against the bill.
Most supported it. Some rejected it. Your eyes sought out Lord Park again, and you watched as he reluctantly raised his hand in favour of the bill, gaze nervously flickering towards you as he did so.
What an astonishing change of heart from the man. Who could have predicted?
Still, despite it all, the council meeting ended without incident. The issues tabled for the next meeting were fairly standard: a new maritime trade deal with a kingdom across the Sunrise Sea, preparations for next yearâs census, the ongoing reports from the Lakelander delegation slowly making its way to the palace. You made note of it all, jotting down your own thoughts on each matter when you were able to, and kept the notes closely guarded on your person.
You made sure to take them straight to your bedchambers as soon as the meeting finished, intending to lock them away in your desk until dinner that evening, when you could discuss them with Minho.
To your surprise, instead of making his way back to his office to spend the rest of the working day, Minho followed you back to your shared chambers. You tried and failed not to focus on his footsteps, how they matched your pace precisely, echoing along the empty corridors.
The slightest sense of frustration sparked within you. If you had to be watched by gossiping onlookers, why couldnât they at least see this? Minho ignoring his usual duties to accompany you back to your bedchambers? Let them whisper about that, sordid or not, that could at least be useful.
You pushed away the thought with one last scoff at your own poor luck, reaching your chambers without so much as a single pair of prying eyes to witness you.
âSo,â Minho said, as the doors swung shut behind the two of you. âHow did you find it?â
Frustrating. Exhausting. Borderline insulting.
âInformative,â you replied, collapsing into a seat. Your hands ached from how feverishly you had written throughout the meeting, and you began to clench and unclench your fists in the hopes of relieving the pain. âI made a few notes.â
âI noticed,â Minho commented, eyebrow raising as he appraised the pile of papers at your side. âThey lookâŚdetailed.â
âThey are,â you confirmed, picking the papers up and beginning to flick through them. âIf I canât speak my mind in that room, writing will just have to do.â
For now, you added internally. You refused to accept that this silent role would last forever.
âCan IâŚread them?â Minho asked, and his question came out hesitantly, almost cautiously.
You looked up, surprised. You werenât sure how much use these notes would be â you were both just at the very same meeting after all â but there was something about the request that was almostâŚendearing.
Minho. Endearing.
Hell had truly frozen over.
âOf course,â you replied, holding the notes up.
Minho paused for a moment before, slowly making his way towards you. When he sat next to you, he was close enough that his jacket sleeve brushed your bare arm.
You cleared your throat, focusing your attention on anything but how close he was. âThese pages are about the logging site proposals, this one was on the Lakelandersâ progress, thisâŚoh, this page is actually about Lord Tan.â
âLord Tan?â Minho repeated, one eyebrow raised.
âYes. HeâsâŚâ you trailed off, trying to think of a polite way to phrase it. ââŚHeâs a blithering idiot, honestly.â
Minho, to your surprise, laughed. Openly, loudly, with a note of genuine delight. A few weeks ago, you wouldnât have thought him capable of producing such a sound.
âDo you know how many hours of my life I have wasted listening to that old man ramble incoherently?â he asked. âThere were moments I was driven half to madness. But he was my fatherâs first real supporter when he became crown prince, so heâs adamant on keeping the man around.â
You watched as Minho turned the page over, half-smiling to himself.
âHeâs a sentimental old fool like that, sometimes,â Minho said, too lightly to really be considered critical â or treasonous.
âWho was your first supporter?â You asked, curiously.
Minho paused, the lingering traces of cheer disappearing before your eyes. The shift in his mood was almost tangible, and it felt as if you had made some sort of misstep in a dance, thrown yourself and your partner out of rhythm.
His gaze flickered upwards, so very briefly, to look at you, before moving downwards. Down to your notes, down to where the space between your bodies was at its narrowest, barely a few fingersâ width between your skirts and his thigh. He took a breath.
ââŚFelix,â Minho said, softly, discreetly shifting away as he held your notes out to return them. âHe was the only one to never doubt me. Not even for a second.â
Yes. Yes, that sounded like Felix.
You took back your notes, and tried not to notice how Minho avoided your touch as your notes exchanged hands.
A new silence fell between you.
Stifling.
Deafening.
You tried to take a deep breath, and stood up, making your way over to your desk to lock away your writings from prying eyes.
From behind you, Minhoâs voice brought you to a halt.
âWe havenât talked about Felix,â he noted. ââŚAnd we probably should. At some point.â
He said it so plainly, so devoid of nuance or emotion. As if it were a mere observation, a comment about the weather and nothing more. As if his words didnât strike something deep and vulnerable within you, like fingers clumsily probing a freshly-formed bruise.
You hated his apparent nonchalance. You despised it, and you envied it because you might never be able to do the same. To speak Felixâs name as if it meant nothing to you.
To speak his name as ifâŚ
To speakâŚ
YouâŚ
Realisation â cold, violent realisation â hit you at once.
You had not. Not once. In months.
It had been months. And you had not spoken Felixâs name.
Not since your wedding day.
Others had. Countless others had. They murmured it gently and sweetly like Her Majesty, or they crowed it before you mockingly like those noblemen, or they threw it at you, cold and cryptic and horrifically empty like Minho.
They dragged him out of your memories where you kept him locked away.
Away, where he was safest to you. Safest from you. Safest for you.
ââŚNo. We havenât,â you said, and the words were quiet. Pained. Final.
The two of you did not speak again that day.
Soon enough, your father found you.
Your mother, all those weeks ago when she summoned you for that painfully awkward afternoon tea, had at least shown you the decorum your new status demanded and sent you a formal request.
Your father, a proud man, a pragmatic man, had no patience for such etiquette.
You were in the library, sat with Seungmin and poring over budgetary records with tired and bleary eyes, when he came marching in. He was flanked by two panicked guards, too fearful of your fatherâs status to lay their hands on him, too mindful of their duty to let him wander freely.
They fixed you with beseeching looks. âYour Highness, we â no one told usâŚy-your fatherâŚâ
âDesires to speak with his daughter,â your father finished, in a tone youâd never heard from him before. âUrgently.â
Usually, your father was calm, collected, never one to show even a hint of vulnerability.
Now, here, he was impatient. Almost rattled.
You rose to your feet, so thrown off-kilter by the situation that you were a touch unsteady. After a moment, you nodded to your guards. âVery well. Please leave us.â
They did just that â and so did a third guard who had been sat just a few paces away from you and Seungmin.
Your fatherâs eyes darted to your tutor. âHim too.â
Seungmin, however, stayed seated. Slowly, he laced his fingers together and rested his hands on the table in front of him, returning your fatherâs glare with an unimpressed stare.
âIt takes a bold man to order around a princess,â Seungmin remarked. Gently, as always, but firmly.
Your fatherâs expression hardened. He opened his mouth to speak back, but you cut him off at the pass.
âHeâs right, Father,â you said. You couldnât quite shake the nerves from your voice. You supposed that was only natural, after a lifetime of loyally following his orders and keeping your mouth shut in the process. âWhatâs wrong? Has something happened to Mother?â
Your father stared at you for a moment, almostâŚbewildered. He recovered quickly enough. âYour mother is fine, which is more than I can say for the state of yourâŚofâŚâ he gritted his teeth, swallowing back whatever he desperately wished to say, and instead cut straight to the point. âYou took a seat on the council?â
His question, and the venom behind it, almost took you aback.
Still, you lifted your head, trying to stand firm. âYes, I did.â
âHow could you be soâŚfoolish?â your father demanded to know, anger giving way to frustration. âI could have protectedyou there.â
It took you mere moments to read between his words.
You didnât take a seat on the council.
You took his seat.
âCould you?â you said, swallowing. âOr would you have protected your own interests?â
Your fatherâs eyes blazed at the accusation. You knew the look. Your own temper was a family trait â and it certainly didnât come from your mother.
He thundered his response. âYou are my daughter! My interests are your interests!â
âAre they?â You shot back, your voice rising to match his.
âWe are family, we are bloodââ
âAnd what have I done, except increase our familyâs legacy?â you interrupted him. âI did that, I secured our first council seat.â
âAnd what seat is that?â he replied, incensed. âA mute councillor, never to vote, never to speak?â
Your face burned, as you tried to think of a rebuttal to his questions. Something began to twist in the pit of your stomach.
Your father sighed, fixing you with a stern look. âLet me be frank, girl, if youâre so eager to play politics. Your position is not secure.â
You swallowed. âI knowââ
âNo, you do not,â he snapped, briefly raising his voice, before dropping his voice to a more controlled volume. âYou inspired the love of the people, but what else? I know half a dozen lords are plotting your annulment, and another dozen with their own girls waiting in the wings. What will you do with that council seat, when a proposal comes to terminate your marriage? Watch silently when they vote to cast you aside?â
You stared at him, as that twisting sensation in your gut finally earned a name: dread. You tried to respond. âRoyal marriages are a kingâs prerogative, they canâtââ
âYes, they can,â your father said, simply. âAny silver-tongued politician could convince the king that your marriage is a matter of the state. Perhaps if you were married to the younger prince, youâd be safe, but youâre married to the heirââ
At those words, coming out of your fatherâs mouth of all peopleâs, your vision turned red. Your response, when it came, hung heavy in the air.
âAnd whose fault is that?â
Your fatherâs eyes widened, and he hissed. âMind your tongue.â
âI did,â you said, your voice cracking. Before you could top yourself, words began tumbling out of your mouth, every secret silent thought that had festered in the darkest, most vulnerable corners of your mind, spilling to the surface. âI was happy and content and loved, and I still bit my tongue and let you scheme to take it away. I married the right brother for you, are you still not satisfied?â
In an instant, your father stormed his way towards you, eyes blazing as he loomed over you. âBe careful, girl.â
For a moment, you thought he was threatening you. Your own father.
And then you watched his body crumple slightly, panic and concern finally bleeding through all that pomp and anger. âEspecially aboutâŚthat. Him.â
You watched him take a deep breath, rendered speechless. You had never â not once, in all your life â seen your father like this.
He seemed almostâŚscared.
âIf there are plots to annul your marriage, there are plots for something far darker. Annulment would be catastrophic, but bearable. But any whispers of adultery, of treason? To see you executedâŚâ
Gently, he lifted his hand to cup your cheek. And for a moment, you were four years old again, showing your father your very first letters, beaming as he called you his little princess, long before the rest of the kingdom was obliged to.
âYou are my child. My only child. Doubt my intentions, if you must, but do not doubt my love.â
You were stunned into silence. His words should have been touching, and you supposed on some level that they still were. But you felt almost numb as you absorbed them. Was it shock, hearing your father speak of his emotions so plainly? Perhaps.
There was a small part of you that whispered if this was all just too little, too late.
Your father dropped his hand and stepped away from you, silence filling the air between the two of you.
Then, he paused, and turned his attention to something behind you.
For a moment, you felt confusion, turning to follow his glare â before embarrassment consumed you.
Seungmin, of course, had been sitting there the whole time.
âAnd you,â your father interjected, his voice cold and bordering on menacing, pointing at your tutor. âIf you breathe a word of thisââÂ
Seungmin, despite showing the very clear signs of awkwardness one would expect from someone who had just witnessed such an intense and private family dispute, managed to keep calm as he replied with unfailing honesty.
âI am no fool. This position keeps my family fed, and will see my sisters marry well. I am only here at Her Highnessâs request, and if the princess goes, this job goes with her,â Seungmin said, fiercely. ââŚAnd if nothing else, I know about your reputation, sir. I would rather like my tongue to remain inside my head.â
Your eyes widened.
That was a bold insinuation on Seungminâs part. Tongue mutilation had been outlawed years ago, deemed too brutal a punishment when death was a surer way to guarantee silence.
You half-expected your father to deny this with bluster and offence. And yet, all he did was eye Seungmin silently, before nodding once and turning to the door.
As he approached it, your father spoke one final time to you.
âKeep your wits about you. Youâve made a dangerously bold move, and your enemies will use it against you,â he warned, before finally leaving, letting the heavy door slam shut behind him.
The echo of it reverberated across the library, as you stared after him with far more questions than answers.
It was Seungmin who first broke the silence, clearing his throat with just a touch of unease. ââŚWell, I imagine youâre no longer in quite the right mindset for last yearâs harvest calculations. Would you like to finish our sessions early today, Your Highness?â
You didnât speak. You barely looked at him, in fact, as you silently sank back into your chair.
Seungmin waited a moment or so longer, beginning to tap nervously on the smooth wooden surface of the table in front of him. ââŚYour Highness?â
âIâŚâ you trailed off, as you realised the incriminating words that had fallen from your own lips just moments ago, and your head jerked towards Seungmin in panic. âDonât⌠I donât know how much you report to Minho about our lessons. ButâŚplease donât tell him what I said about beingâŚyou know, aboutâŚâ
âBiting your tongue?â Seungmin supplied for you, but his tone was heavy, knowing. He knew that wasnât the offending part of your outburst.
âYes,â you replied in the same tone, and when your eyes met, you knew you had an understanding. âHeâs a smart man, Iâm sure itâs nothing he doesnât already know, butâŚit just seems cruel. I think. To hear it directly.â
Seungmin observed you for a moment, brow furrowing just a touch. He opened his mouth as if to say something, hesitated, before speaking anyway. âActually, you should know that I donât âreportâ anything to Minho. Sometimes, he asks questions about what we study, and I answer them. Nothing more.â
You blinked, and before you could stop yourself, your curiosity won out. âWhat kind of questions?â
Seungmin eyed you again, and for a split-second, you could have sworn something akin to amusement quirked the corner of his mouth. Whatever it was, it disappeared in an instant, as he replied. âHe asks about what interests you. Once, he asked about a book heâd seen you reading, and took a copy for his own use.â
âOh.â
Whatever you were expected, it wasnât that. A strange, unbidden feeling began to spread in your chest, warm for just a moment before common sense returned and drove it away.
âWell, I suppose that makes sense. Minho sometimes takes an interest in my education. Perhaps he wants to test me on it, make it a competition or something.â
âYes, Your Highness,â Seungmin said, perfectly politely. âOr something, indeed.â
Soon after that, the first move was made against you.
Details were leaked about the maritime trade deal discussed in the council meeting. Confidential details that were now freely gossiped about, within the palace and without. No one could say for sure who was the source of those leaks, but the evidence was damning.
Before you joined the council, there hadnât been a single leak in years. And now, after you attended your first meeting, sensitive information was being bandied about within days.
There was only one simple conclusion to be drawn about the identity of the leaker.
You.
Your father was right. Whoever your enemies were, theyâd been scheming, and they did use your position on the council against you.
Perhaps the library would have been a better place to take a breath, dwell on the knowledge a little longer, turn it over in your mind alone to work out the whos and whys and how to press forward.
But your feet drew you to your chambers, through the doors, and even once inside they refused to let you sit idle. You paced, backwards and forwards, going over the situation, the accusations about to be levelled at you, the defences you might need, the evidence you had and did not have to prove your innocence.
You paced and paced, and thought and thought, until your head spun and your feet threatened to leave its imprints in the stone beneath you, until it became clear to you exactly what you were doing.
You hadnât chosen these chambers for silent contemplation.
You were waiting here.
Because when you imagined defending yourself, you didnât picture a faceless mob before which to protest your innocence. You didnât picture the king, and his councillors, and the lords scheming behind your back.
You pictured Minho. His expression flickering between accusing, betrayed, angry, cold, pitying, wounded. It was him you wanted to convince before any others, as illogical as it was.
It was hurt, perhaps, maybe, at the idea that Minho thought you would betray his trust. You knew how heâd pushed hard for your position on the council. You would never throw it back in his face like this, and you needed to make sure he knew that.
You questioned just when Minhoâs good opinion of you had become soâŚimportant.
Eventually, the chamber doors opened, and your words came spilling out at the mere sight of Minho in the doorway.
âI didnât do it,â you declared. You wished you could be calmer. You feared that the panic in your voice would mislabel you guilty.
Minho, blinking in surprise for a moment at your sudden outburst, regarded you calmly. âOminous words to hear when entering a room.â
âIâm not the leak,â you clarified, with little patience for his cleverness. âAnd donât pretend you havenât heard about it. I know the information being spread, and I know fingers are pointing in my direction. With some reason, I suppose, but it was not me.â
âYou seem agitated,â Minho remarked, maddeningly, all but ignoring your words as his hands moved to begin undoing the fastenings of his jacket. It was some sort of rigid construction, high-necked and broad-shouldered, and perhaps once the imposing princely sight of him in it might have intimidated you. Now, there was a familiarity to the sight â and a bizarre comfort that came along with it, perhaps. âUsually Iâm the one to spark it. Itâs actually quite bemusing when something else is the source.âÂ
You stared at him for a second. Off-guard, waiting for any kind of actual response to what you were saying. When none came, irritation sparked in your chest. âMinhoââ
âYouâre innocent,â Minho said simply, halting you in your tracks. âI know. I told my father as much.â
It took you a moment to register exactly what he said, your head too full of practised arguments to leave much room for the recognition that Minho didnât need to hear them.
He believed you without them.
It felt as if you had been barrelling towards something at high speed, a runaway horse, only to come to a sudden jarring stop. Air left your lungs in one unconscious breath, like a weight that had crushed your chest had been lifted.
ââŚGood,â you said, haltingly, and then relief struck you with such a violence that your eyes began to sting with tears.
At the sight of them, Minhoâs expression shifted instantly from flippancy to something bordering on horror.
Frustrated, and more than a little mortified, you wiped them away impatiently. âDonât. Iâm fine.â
Minho opened his mouth, about to speakâ
âNo,â you interrupted, pointing at him, embarrassment warm in your cheeks. âThis is just a serious allegation to be faced with, and IâmâŚrelieved that I donât have to waste my time defending myself.â
You managed to regain your composure, with no more tears threatening to make an appearance and humiliate you further. Taking a deep breath, you refused to look at Minho, refused to know if he believed your words or if that damned expression still lingered on his face.
âPeople are talking,â you said, finally.
ââŚPeople always talk. Weâve discussed this before.â
âItâs different now. I thought it was just idle gossip before, butâŚâ you trailed off. âMy father came to me a few days ago. He believes some of the nobles are scheming to dissolve our marriage. Free you up to marry a daughter of their own, and have me removed.â
Or worse.
You hadnât fully comprehended what your father had hinted to you that day, not until now. You could see it all now. The image of your execution, a hundred smirking noblemen awaiting it, ready to thrust their own girls into your role. Perhaps to perish after you. Their scheming would not end with your death. They would simply turn on each other, try again and again, a dozen dead brides falsely accused and outmanoeuvred and doomed from the start.
And then, you snapped out of your dark thoughts when you realised that Minho had closed the distance between you, standing almost toe-to-toe.
His eyes sought your gaze, and held it.
âThey canât do that,â Minho said, firmly, gently. Certain. âWe are married, and nothing can change that now.â
âIt could. It would be easy, really,â you argued. âThereâs no real proof of our consummation. You could say it never happened, and our marriage could be annulled by dayâs end.â
âI would not,â Minho said, firmly. âBelieve what you will about me, but I would never break off our marriage with a lie like that. Those are a cravenâs actions, not mine. I swear it.â
Perhaps to your surprise, you found that you believed him. Minho could be called a great many things â indeed, you have called Minho a great many things â but âcravenâ was not one of them.
Minhoâs lips set into a grim, serious line. âIs that what concerns you? That I would set you aside?â
Would he?
Even after so many years around Minho, after weeks of being married, you still could not guess his true intentions.
ââŚI donât know,â you confessed.
Something small flashed in Minhoâs eyes. It looked like hurt.
âYou have done a lot for me these past few weeks. More than I ever expected. More than I could ever ask for, truthfully. I thinkâŚI hope that we are friends, or at least something approaching it,â you told him, because it was true, and the lastthing you wanted was to destroy this budding trust you had developed between the two of you. Still, he deserved total honesty. âBut I know you didnât want this marriage, Minho.â
Minho was silent for a moment. You knew he couldnât refute it, and he didnât try to.
Instead, to your surprise, his hands lifted to rest gently on your shoulders. You could feel their weight on you, and how warm it was. Solid. Grounding.
He held you there and when he finally spoke, his tone was serious â grave, almost.
ââŚThe night before Felix left for the coast, he came to me,â Minho admitted. âHe made me swear â on my life, on his, on my mother, on my crown, on everything I have ever valued â that I would protect you from harm.â
Your lips parted in shock.
Felix.
âI love my brother, more than anything. He was once my only friend, in all the world. The very best of me,â Minho said, words beginning to pour out of him, as if finally freeing thoughts he had kept buried deep inside for months, perhaps even years. âI didnât tell him how much he meant to me, not really. And nowâŚâ
Minho swallowed, eyes closing for a brief second, before meeting your stare again with a quiet intensity.
âHe will never forgive me for marrying you. Never. The least I can do is honour the last thing â the only thing â he has ever asked of me.â
You didnât know what to say.
A sudden realisation hit you. A small piece of an inscrutable puzzle, revealed.
âIs that what you meant, when you told your father he owed you something? For making you marry me?â
Minho swallowed, pausing for a second, and answered.
âYes, in short. My father and I have had our squabbles but this marriageâŚit was the first true fight we had. The first time heâs ever had to order me to do something as a king, not asked me as a father. We havenât seen many things eye-to-eye since. He doesnâtâŚunderstand,â he said, and then, almost to himself, âbut he doesnât need to. I know Iâm doing what is right.â
There was a terrible sadness in his eyes, a shocking vulnerability. It was almost alien to see such an expression on Minhoâs face, to glimpse beyond the walls he so skilfully kept up.
Unthinkingly, you surged forward and wrapped your arms around him.
He stilled in your hold, tense with surprise. You ignored it, squeezing him tightly, pressing your face into his chest. It was an awkward embrace, perhaps. The hard edges of the embroidery on his jacket dug into your cheek, stitching rough against your soft skin, and Minhoâs movements were stiff and unpractised as he returned the hug.
But it didnât need to be perfect. It only needed to prove the one thing you intended to show him.
Trust.
That night, when dinner was cleared, Minho retreated to his couch and paperwork. You left to change into your sleepclothes in private, as usual, and returned to slip quietly into bed.
There, however, you fidgeted and fumbled with exactly what to say before finally, bravely, breaking the silence. ââŚYou can sleep in the bed. Next to me. If you wereâŚunsure about it.â
Minhoâs stare in response was indecipherable. But he nodded once, and when he finished whatever report he had picked up from the pile of papers, he disappeared to the bathroom and reappeared dressed for bed.
White linens. Thin, soft. You remembered them from your wedding night.
It was enough to make your breath hitch â and, embarrassed, you rolled to your side to avoid looking at Minho, lest you stared too openly at him.
You heard him pull back the covers on his side, and felt the weight of him sink into the mattress. He seemed to keep his distance, as not a single part of you touched, and yet you were painfully aware of his presence there.
Silence fell over the two of you, interrupted only by quiet breaths in tandem.
Something squeezed gently in the pit of your stomach. You recognised it as something like anticipation, which was bizarre, as you knew nothing was going to happen.
Nothing would happen.
âŚAnd yet, you supposed it would be easy for Minho to shift closer towards you. You could imagine him reaching over, and setting his warm hand on the curve of your hip.
Would he turn you, so you were facing him? Perhaps, but you could also see him keeping your back to him. Letting you hide your face, a small mercy, because he would probably know how embarrassed you would be.
Your eyes drifted shut.
It would be easy for him to press his face into the back of your neck, his mouth into the crook where your neck and shoulder met.
And perhaps he would whisper, soothingly, as his hand travelled lower, seeking the hem of your nightgown, sliding it up your thighs andâŚ
No.
Your eyes snapped open as you scolded yourself, a mixture of excitement and shame heating your face. You banished every remotely inappropriate thought from your mind, turning to lie on your back and stare up at the ceiling.
You wondered, briefly, if Minho was looking up at the same thing too. You refused to glance over at him to check. The thought of seeing his face after allâŚthat that had been swirling in your thoughts? Absolutely not.
It took far longer than usual to fall asleep in the deafening silence, but eventually you managed to.
The next morning, you awoke and realised, for the very first time, you had woken up before Minho. He was sleeping peacefully, unaware that the two of you must have turned to face each other in the night, bodies still a careful distance apart.
With one exception â Minhoâs left arm lay outstretched, the knuckles of his hand just barely kissing the delicate skin of your wrist.
You stared at where your hands touched, skin-on-skin.
And you did not move your hand away.
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reblog if youâve read fanfictions that are more professional, better written than some actual novels. Iâm trying to see something
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sweet nothing ⢠7
âł Description: being a guest at the Jeon Estate after a mishap of being kidnapped and dragged into your brothers affairs isnât all that bad. Truth be told it brings you a lot closer to the mobster and owner of the estate Jeon Jungkook himself.
His two rules are simple, donât cause trouble and donât give him a hard time. Somehow you manage to constantly do both in the most endearing way despite being pregnant and waddling around most of the time.
Pairing: Jungkook/reader, ???/reader
âł Genre: slice of life AU, mafia!AU, pregnancy, thereâs likeâŚa little bit of a plot but not a lot, future smut? maybe? it's very domestic!
Word Count: 2k
Previous | NextâŚ
Note: IM ALIVEEE, barely, but my skin is clearing, my cortisol levels are lowering, nature is healing đ§ââď¸ đ I finally gave up and just decided that despite this story not being plot heavy, weâre still getting some plot anyways
âAre the meds not working?â You frowned, standing at the entryway of Jungkookâs bedroom, his laptop abandoned on the other side of the bed as if in defeat, he wasnât asleep, just vacantly staring at the ceiling while laying down.
You felt an amused sense of pity for him, you donât think youâve ever seen him look so utterly miserable before.
âThey are, just not fast enough.â He rasped out, not bothering to look at you as he sighed, closing his eyes, âI can't even focus on anything.â
You could feel your heart tug just the slightest for him, he really did look awful, âWell how about we watch a movie? It could take your mind off the pain.â
âI need to work.â He stressed the word as best he could despite his eyes still being shut.
âOkay well, as far as I can tell, you arenât working.â You replied walking up to the bedside as he opened his eyes into an unappreciative glare.
You offered a somewhat apologetic smile, âCâmon itâll make you feel better, youâll have something to focus on.â
Grabbing the remote off his nightstand you left him little choice in the matter, he said nothing, eyes following you as you rounded the bed, huffing a little as you managed to get sat down next to him.
âRemind me why I put up with your antics?â Jungkook asked dryly.
You shrugged as you turned on the TV, âYou tell me.â
Jungkook only stayed silent, even as you gave him a side glance, perhaps a little curious, after all, how could you not?
If he had an answer, he kept it to himself as you browsed through the streaming services before eventually settling on an action movie, the plot however was difficult to keep up with, Jungkook however funny enough seemed invested.
Half way through the movie you had given up, the sleepy lethargy you had been experiencing the last few days winning out as you began nodding off.
âAre you really sleeping through the climax?â Jungkookâs raspy voice made your eyes open.
âThis was for you not me,â You complained, managing to grab the throw blanket that had been hanging off the end of his bed, curling up against the fuzzy material.
For a brief moment, a memory pulled a smile to your face, âYâknowâŚ.when I was little, Wonho used to make me soup- it was from a can but it was the thought that mattered, heâd always get me a fizzy soda from the corner store and weâd watch cartoons together. I remember falling asleep against him and then Iâd wake up tucked in on the couch.â
Jungkookâs eyes stared at the TV but you could tell he was no longer focused on the movie, dare you say he seemed almost bothered by your words.
âWhat?â
He seemed to be debating something in his head, âYou used to never go into detailâŚabout your parents. Just that they werenât around.â
You gave him a weak smile, you knew what he was asking. It rarely got brought up, but you did recall mentioning the few times he had tried to pry before, always shewing the question away with a âMy parents were never aroundâ.
You shrugged, âWould it be too simple to say that was the truth?â
Jungkook shifted a little to face you, âWas it that simple?â
There was no challenge in his tone, only a quiet raspy question, he was always good at hiding his intentions, shrouding it behind an unphased expression, but the more you had gotten to know Jungkook, the better you had become in the art of seeing the subtle shift in his gaze.
And right now he was nothing but curious, he always had been, but even moreso now.
Your hands had managed to hold the lower half of your stomach, otherwise you wouldâve crossed them, eyes flickering away from him you gave a small shrug, âFor meâŚ.â
You paused for a moment to gather your thoughts before you relented with a quiet sigh, âThey were always off going to bars and clubs together, they were addicts. Wouldnât come home for days at a time, and when they did they were never sober.â Your lips twisted into a frown, voice no louder then a whisper, âThen one day only my dad came home. Definitely not sober but he was crying, like hysterically sobbing, and he just collapsed in front of me and kept apologizing.â
âGrabbed me real tight around the shoulders and kept babbling incoherently, his mouth was all discolored and his skin was real clammy looking.â You rubbed your head, the memory leaving an icky feeling in your chest.
Jungkook looked pensive after a long moment of silence, it was as if he knew there was more, âAnd?â
âApparently he overdosed on fentanyl on the living room floor,â You smiled bitterly, âIn front of meâŚI donât remember it though, can hardly recall the night anymore honestly. I was young, maybe eight or nine. Wonho was around thirteen at the time and he ended up intervening, he told me later that he found out my dad pimped out my mom to get enough money for the fentanyl, problem was that the dealer was apart of the Jang Hi mafia. I canât even remember the last time I saw her before she disappeared, donât know if sheâs even alive anymore.â
âYou never went to look?â Jungkook asked, a soft note could be detected in his voice.
You shook your head, âThere was nothing to look for,â you couldnât hide the sadness in your voice, your lips trembling a little, âShe was never there to begin withâŚmaybe that makes me a bad person, but I canât imagine having a child and justâŚâ
You couldnât even think about it, your hands rubbing over the swollen skin of your stomach to try and calm your nerves.
âOut of all the people Iâve met- and trust me, Iâve met a lot,â Jungkookâs hand lifted, fixing your blanket back over your shoulder, âIn comparison, youâre an angel.â
You stared at him for a long moment before you couldnât help the smile that tugged on your lips, a smile of his own appearing, âYouâre just saying that to make me feel better.â
âNo, I'm saying it because itâs the truth.â Jungkook replied, it was quiet for a moment, his gaze dropping, âYouâll make a great mother.â
âYou think?â
âI know,â He had a confident look about him that was difficult to not believe, âHow do you feel about the delivery coming up?â
âI still have another twelve weeks to go Jungkook,â You tried to push the anxious feeling from your chest, âBut I am nervous, I mean, Iâve never had a child before, donât really know what to expect, other then Iâve heard itâs excruciating, which I guess is a givenâŚâ
You squinted a little, the movie long forgotten playing in the background, âI was terrified when I first found out I was pregnant, and the morning sickness was awful. I could hardly hold anything down the first few days, I was so sensitive to smells, any kind of strong scent gave me a raging headacheâŚâ
Jungkookâs lips parted and you could almost see it, hear it, the question of who the father was. But his lips immediately shut once more, as if perhaps sensing you would be unlikely to answer.
âI thought about itâŚâ You admitted quietly, âGetting an abortion, butâŚâ You shook your head, âI donât know, I just couldnât bring myself to do it. Any other woman in my shoes surely would. And even now, I wonder if I made the right decision, if I had known Wonho was going to disappear like thisâŚâ You sighed, âI donât know, I guess some silly part of me, thought that maybe, this was meant to take me to a new path in life, one where Iâd work hard and Iâd be able to separate myself from this life. Was that too naive to think?â
âI think anyone who values their life would want that,â Jungkook concluded easily, âSomeone who isnât meant to be in this lifestyle, whoâs honest, and still has a shred of dignity left.â
It was quiet for a moment before he continued, âYou were always too good for the underground. Shame you got dragged into it.â
You shrugged, âI donât really think about it much anymore, I mean, it is what it is.â You chewed on your bottom lip, âMaybe it would be better if I didnât keep the baby. Iâm sure any couple unable would kill for the chance to adopt.â
You had never seen Jungkook straighten the way he did on this moment and you couldnât help but somewhat regret your words, not your thought on it, but the fact that you had voiced it aloud.
It wasnât the first time you had thought about it either, it was stupid of you to think having this baby would do anything other than pull you into the underground further.
âWhat makes you say that?â Jungkookâs gaze was like steel, it made you shy away a little, almost feeling the same way when you had first met.
You couldnât keep eye contact with him even if you wanted too, âA lot of reasons,â you confessed, nothing more then a whisper, âThe fact that Iâm a single mom for starters? Or the fact that my brother is in serious debt and Iâm being held here as a makeshift safe house? Letâs not even begin to talk about being able to properly provide for a child. I never had present parents and I donât have anyone to ask for help.â
You felt tears of frustration fill your eyes.
Jungkook parted his lips, but quickly shut them once more, you could tell he was battling a plethora of questions, which maybe he didnât deserve an answer too, but you could tell it was beginning to slowly eat at him.
Instead Jungkookâs lip twitched as if in irritation at whatever he was thinking about, eventually vocalizing his thought, âIs the dad really that much of a deadbeat?â
He didnât say it but you could see it on the tip of his tongue, âI never thought youâd go that lowâ
You didnât say anything for a long moment, carefully thinking about how to reply, it wasnât that you were purposely withholding information, it just simply brought back uncomfortable memories.
âFar from a deadbeat. Furthest thing possible,â you shuddered, âIt did cross my mind,â You mumbled, âFinding him. Them. ButâŚâ you trailed off before shaking your head, âWhat good would that do me? He might want the baby but he isnât gonna want me.â
You only glanced down at your stomach, hand rubbing around the swollen skin as you felt a flutter trill across, the baby once again kicking.
It briefly made you smile, your worries put at ease.
A hand suddenly reached out, grabbing your chin along with your attention.
You nearly jumped at Jungkook being nearly nose to nose with you, his lips parted and his eyes had so
many things they wanted to say, âYou can always ask me for help.â
You hated the way you felt all of the old feelings you had once upon a time suppressed into nothing more than a blur of self-gaslit delusions.
But it was never delusions, it was never just all in your head.
âCan I?â Your voice wavered.
Jungkook stared at you for a long minute, his eyes dropping briefly to your lips before he eventually, almost reluctantly looked away, only letting out a small laugh.
Perhaps a tone of bitterness if you really listened close, possibly regret?
âWeâre gonna have to replay entire last quarter of the movie,â Jungkook complained with a rasp, sinking into the bed frame and suddenly you remembered how easy it was to pretend like there was never anything there.
You cleared your throat, before giving him a weak smile, âIâll get the remote.â
The past was the past anyways, youâd just have to figure things out one day at a time, just like you always have.
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dextrocardia | 06
Dextrocardia. Originally a medical term, but also a way to describe someone who's got their heart in the right place.
"She's been moved to another operation to help out. This pairing is necessary because you'll be undercover as spouses. I know you two can be professional about this."
"What?!" It's Jeongguk's upset voice that sounds, and for once, you share his displeased opinion.
Spouses.
pairing:Â cop!jk x f detective!reader
genre:Â undercover cops, fake marriage, e2l au, angst, fluff, smut
word count:Â 5k
warnings: cat related minor injuries, a lot of feminism talk, some of which a little heavy, jk being maybe confusing and reader confused
rating:Â NC-17 â Adults Only
masterlist
part 6/?Â
<previous | next>
Š dextrocardia is copyright jeonstudios. this fic can not be modified, re-posted, or translated without my permission.
Jeongguk looks over his shoulder as he helps you down, a hushed âoh shit,â leaving him when he spots the escaped feline stroking around the garden furniture. Itâs a mutual realization that even if there are no other traces, the cat being fucking gone will raise suspicion and get the Jungs looking where you donât want them to. You simply can not put the glass pane back until the cat is inside.
If the situation didnât nearly make you shit your pants, you wouldâve probably snorted at Jeongguk, who crouches and places one hand on the grass.
âHere, kitty, kitty. Pspspsps.â
âWhat are you doing?â you ask, face skeptic. The cat barely spares him half a glance.
âThatâs how you call a cat, Iâve seen it online.â
ââOnlâGod damn it, hold on.â
The male voices keep getting louder and clearer, and you think theyâre nearing the front door. Your adrenaline spikes further as you realize that they belong to Hoseok and Yoongi. Sprinting toward the fence, you set your sight on where the lawn isnât as meticulously mowed.
âYeah, she said that the cameras were off?â you hear Hoseok comment, âThe outage two weeks ago fucked everything in the freezer up, and Iâm not about to go through all of that again.â
âRough. You should call the supplier and ask whatâs going on. They have to reimburse you if you have to throw ruined food away.â
Returning with a longer blade of grass, you put it to the ground before dragging it from side to side in quick motions. Instantly, the catâs head follows the blade, and it leaps forward, trying to catch it with its ridiculously cute, white paws.
âCatch him,â you whisper-shout, hearing the jingling of keys in the background.
Jeongguk does what heâs told, grabbing the cat around its body. It hisses and tries to wrangle its way out of his hands but fails. Quicklyâand swearing quietlyâJeongguk manages to toss the cat through the missing window, and as you hand him the glass pane, he places it back quickly but carefully.
You donât know if he manages to reinstall it correctly, all you do know is that he puts it back and then dives to press himself against the wall underneath. Of course, you do the same.
They must be inside the house.
Slowly, Jeongguk moves sideways, and you follow until youâre no longer directly underneath the window. Since you donât know where inside the house they are, you canât leave yet or they might see you. Beside you, Jeongguk retrieves his phone from his pocket, tapping at the screen repeatedly.
You know what heâs doing, and as you wait, you hold your breath. Any second, Hoseok or Yoongi could open a window and look down and around to see you, or maybe they decide to enter the backyard? Youâd be in the shit then, thatâs for sure.
Around two minutes pass in silence before youâre hit by indirect light, meaning the power is back on. Itâs on for another few minutes and then, itâs off again. You look at Jeongguk, but the next second, you hear the front door open once more.
âShould we⌠visit? Iâm just worried. And being pregnant?â
You meet Jeonggukâs eyes, and theyâre about as wide as yours. Itâs you theyâre talking about, isnât it? Theyâre talking about visiting you. Thereâs no way youâd beat them there, and youâre also decked out in the most suspicious black outfits, something you canât exactly explain.
âItâs late, sheâs probably heading to bed, and if she really is feeling that bad, I donât think she really wants visitors at this hour. We can visit tomorrow?â
âHmm,â Hoseok pauses, dragging out your suffering as if on purpose. âAlright, Yoongs. Should we head back to Joonâs then?â
âOf course, itâs not that late for us.â
The men laugh, and you close your eyes as you let out the biggest breath you think youâve ever held. Their voices lose volume until theyâre entirely gone, and you and Jeongguk begin the journey back to your own house, going the same way you came.
The moment youâre both inside and the door is shut behind you, youâre tearing off the top layer of clothes, shucking away the cap, just in case Hoseok and Yoongi changed their minds. But nothing happens.Â
Youâre all doped up on adrenaline, but no one comes knocking on the door, and eventually, you start to realize that you⌠perhaps⌠succeeded?
Jeongguk doesnât seem to quite share your relief, instead wincing quietly.
âI like cats even less now,â he mutters, twisting his arm around and looking down at it.
Across the skin on his untattooed arm, three long scratches run.
Your eyes widen in surprise. âThe cat? He got you that bad, even through the shirt?â
âHe got his paw in under the sleeve.â
Barely noticeable, Jeongguk shrugs, steps closer to the couch, and reaches for the remote control.
âYou need to clean those out.â
âTheyâre just scratches. Not deep or anything,â he argues absentmindedly as he flips through the channels.
âYeah, but cat bites and scratches are notoriously dirty,â you try again.
âIâll take a shower soon anyway.â
Shutting your eyes for a second, you head toward the bathroom in search of the antiseptic wipes. When you return with them in hand, Jeongguk is still standing next to the couch, appearing as if heâs not sure the show displayed is something he wants to watch or if he should continue zapping.
âGive me your arm,â you instruct, standing in front of him.
He looks down at you curiously but does what you ask and lifts his arm. Youâre not sure if you should be surprised or not that he isnât teasing you for wanting to hold his hand or something like that. He just watches you with that curiosity.
You grab his arm, holding your left hand under his forearm to support the weight of it while your right hand dabs the wipe across the red, slightly bleeding lines in his skin. Shockingly, he doesnât complain. At least not until you open your mouth again.
âYou should probably wear long sleeves for a whileâŚâ
It dawns on him, and he groans, tilting his head back. âNooo, itâs so hot.â
âSucks,â you smile, feeling a tad bit more at ease.
âI can say I was playing with Fenrir if someone asks?â
âI mean, sure, but if theyâre suspecting anythingâsay because the window falls offâthe guy with cat scratches seems like a pretty good suspect.â
âI pushed the glass in pretty hard. I canât say for sure that itâs, you know, how itâs supposed to be, but it wonât fall off at least.â
You hum, focusing on your task of making sure the small wounds are entirely clean. And you have to admit that you do actually want to hold his hand. Youâve done it before, only hours priorly to be fair, and you realize that when it comes to him, youâre⌠on the way of giving up. Youâre there, a step away from the bear trap, yet youâre not turning around.Â
When you look up, Jeongguk is watching the tv from over your shoulder, smiling almost... dreamily. You turn, glancing at the screen yourself before chuckling.Â
âWhat?â he asks, when you twist his arm slightly to see if youâve missed any blood.
âYour type of woman?â
Heâs stopped the TV on a movie starring a tall, slender woman with just the right proportions. Gorgeous is what she is. You never hoped Jeongguk would find you attractive, youâre actually extremely aware that he doesnât, but it does hurt to see a concrete example of what he actually does like. Which is nothing like you.
âHuh?â
âYouâre smiling like sheâs the prettiest youâve ever seen?â
âSheâs not. I guess I just like this movie. My ex showed it to me, and IâŚâ
Odd, you think as he trails off. âAnd what? You miss fucking her? Your ex?â
Done with his arm, you crumple up the used wipes, catching a glance of Jeonggukâs confused face as you turn toward the kitchen to dispose of them.
âYouâre weird, you know that?â he comments, âI loved her a lot and we were together for a long time. The movie brings back memories, thatâs all.â
You laugh. Does he think youâre dumb?
âWhat? Why are you laughing?â
You throw the wipes in the trash before returning, seeing Jeongguk where you left him but now sitting lazily on the couchâs armrest.Â
âOh, come on,â you raise your eyebrows, stopping a few yards away from him. âYou? In love? We both know men arenât capable of love, and you?â
âWait, what? What do you mean, âmen arenât capable of love?â Of course, we are?â
He certainly looks surprised, but you guess itâs a truth some havenât discovered yet. Or just donât want women to know.
âNo, I mean, sure, you might think you can, and you do. You love your stuff and your money and success and other men, but you donât love. Not like women. Men arenât physically able to.â
He tilts his head slightly, as if genuinely trying to understand you, and itâs your turn to be surprised at how⌠not angry or offended he seems.
âThen⌠Why are most men in relationships at points in our lives?â
âBecause women love you, and having a smaller, weaker person at home, who provides not only sex but food, a clean home⌠someone that will carry your offspring and take care of them while you get to live the good life and work to earn money? Thatâs a great dealâof course, youâre not gonna pass that up.â
âI⌠what? I can promise you thatâs not...â
âBut it is how it is. Did you know that women carry out more than two and a half times as much unpaid work, such as household and care work, as men? You get to earn money, get a better pension, while the woman who loves you works harder for less. Do you do that to someone you love? Does it seem fair?â
To that, he only looks at you, but not like heâs disregarding what youâre saying, he actually seems to be listening, letting you speak. It's strange, definitely doesn't seem like the Jeon Jeongguk you know. Memories of him referring to you as a 'man hating lesbian' and other things resurface, fueling your determination to confront him about just why you need to hate men.
âAnd she wonât earn as much as you, even if she has a similar job, and even if she works full time, she has more work waiting for her at home. She wonât have time for herself, always slaving away because even if she realizes all of this or not, she loves you. Or maybe, sheâs too far in to leave. The unpaid work did, surprisingly enough, not pay anything, so she might not have enough money for a life on her own, damning her to be dependent on you.
âAnd all of these unpaid chores lead to a documented poorer mental health for women. Fun, huh? Depression, anxiety, a lower life satisfaction, all of that. And what do we get in return? As a âthank you?â Not only is it rare for men to show appreciation, and maybe you remember gifting your mother a floor mop on her birthday while your dad got tickets to a game on his?â
Jeonggukâs eyes fall to the floor, distant. You remember doing it yourself, when you were small, thinking you were helpful. Your dad said she needed a new one, and so you got to pick one out at the grocery store when you were five. Years later, you understood that he only remembered her birthday while you were already there, passing by the cleaning equipment.
âIf only a lack of appreciation was it, though. Because as thanks for everything we do, one in five women in the united states has or will be raped in their lifetime. One third of women worldwide have been subjected to physical or sexual violence by their intimate partner. Partner, as inâin this caseâusually a man. Men donât get off on consensual sex, it has to be forced, has to hurt her. Thirty-eight percent of all women murdered were killed by their intimate partner.
âMen absolutely suck. You kill each other because youâre violent, greedy, taking what it is that you want. And you kill the innocent, weaker than you, the people who love you. You rape them, beat them, and you murder them. All you care about is other men. You want a well-paying job and money so that you can impress them. You want a hot, young, submissive wife to service you and give you bragging rights. You want kids because you wonât have to take care of them anyway and they bear no health risks for you. Itâs only a plus if she tears and the male doctor offers to stitch her up tighter for you. Your kids, hopefully male, will grow up so that you can be a role model and worshiped, teaching them the ins and outs of a manâs world. And if your wife wants too much help, is too nagging, has âlet herself go,â you up and you leave. Maybe you get a new, younger girlfriend somewhere. Men suck, Jeongguk. You suck, and you donât love.âÂ
His big eyes look at you, almost like he understands. âI know that things are unfair, and that men are more violent than women, butââ
ââBut not all men, is that what youâre going to say?â
âWell,â he starts, looking unwilling to continue when you worded it like you did. âThere are good people out there too, good men wanting to make things right.â
âLike who? You? Forgive me for saying it, but I wouldnât count you as a good person. You may not have murdered anyone yet, or maybe you have, what do I know, but youâre⌠not good. The best men are the indifferent ones. The worst are the angry ones. But there are no good men.â
âIâve neverâeven if what youâre saying is true, you have to have met someoneâŚâ
âMy dad left my mom when I was a year old because he didnât like how pregnancy changed her body. Then he kept coming back a few times a year when he grew tired of the new girls and wanted a clean house and warm food. My cousin was dragged into a car by a strange man, barely escaping, and the CCTV on the corner caught two different men walking past, doing absolutely nothing.
âMy case, that Iâve been working my ass off even to get flying, is constantly pushed to the back and paused because, of course, a suspected trafficking ring isnât that important since the victims are women. Sana was drugged at the last Christmas party where you and I work. The chief at that same workplace is now retiring, and can you tell me why the candidates to fill that position are all men? Why is Jihyoâs application disregarded? Seunghwan is just as young, but Jihyo is more experienced, and honestly the most capable, well rounded of them all. But sheâs not a man. And you.â
Your gaze is disappointed where it lands on him. You wonât bring up all the things heâs done and said to you because in the grand scheme of things, those donât matter. You don't matter.
âYouâre part of the problem, Jeongguk. Youâre the one who goes out there, sees the battered, bloody, sometimes dead women, yet you talk some bro talk with the men, ignore the claw marks on his skin, his neck, and you place the helpless woman back with him and shut the door. You donât help her out of there, you donât gather enough evidence to start an investigation because you donât care. You donât want the paperwork, and you donât care. Youâre a part of it, you work in one of the most sexist work environments we have because you like the high of having authority and power, and not only are you a part of the reason so many women leave law enforcement, you're a part of the reason women die.â
Jeongguk meets your eyes, and youâre honestly surprised that the only interruption has been from your side. He let you speak, didnât disrespect you, insult you, silence you. He listened. You guess the bar really is that low.
âAny more questions?â you ask, raising your eyebrows in what you think is a slightly more lighthearted manner. Even if sarcastically so.
âNo. I understand what youâre saying. Although I donât agree, at least not fully, I can see where youâre coming from, and I respect that. We have a lot of problems in this world, mostly thanks to men; you're right about that. But you're wrong about other things, and I hope you have reason to change your mind someday.â
You donât respond as youâre not sure how. That was⌠oddly mature of him to say, and it for sure does not help the conundrum youâve found yourself in. You think.Â
âWe should probably check the bugs to make sure they all work,â he suggests, looking at you softly but⌠not like youâre weak. Youâre almost wondering if heâs beginning to see what you see. If maybe heâs changingâmaybe already started to change?
âYeah,â you agree.
The bugs all seem to record audio of a sufficient quality from what you can tell when the Jung house is relatively quiet. That means that youâll just have to wait and see if they catch anything of use while also upholding the image of a happy couple should you need to do anything further. At least for a few days, or until something happens.
Jeongguk is a bit softer around you that night, but youâre not even sure if it happened after your rant or if itâs happened gradually. Fenrir sleeps between you, and itâs dark when Jeongguk speaks.
âMy dad⌠He was what made me believe that thereâs good in the world.â
You turn your head to look at him where he lies on the other side of the bed. His dark hair looks soft and so does the skin of his neck, shoulders, and arms.
âI did look up to him, but not because of the things you said. I did it because he was kind, and strong, and helpful. He loved my mom more than anything, and heâd do absolutely anything and everything for her.â
You donât say anything but youâre certain he knows you heard him. With heavy eyelids, you have an even harder time differentiating between whatâs real and what isnât, but thereâs a tiny bit of idiotic, masochistic hope in your dumb heart. Youâre caught in the trap with nowhere to go, and things are about to happen.
Â
The morning after, Friday, youâre in the kitchen, making breakfast. Like so often, youâre deep in your thoughts. This time, youâre thinking about your mom, and how you should call her since itâs been way too long, and her birthday is coming up.
You hear Jeongguk before you see him, his voice greeting Fenrir happily.
âIt smells good,â he comments, smiling when you turn from the stove.
âItâs just eggs and bacon,â you smile back, but itâs more distant than you intended. Yesterday was weird, and the outcome even weirder. Additionally, in a way, you can feel your body lowering its guard, but your pulse still spikes whenever Jeonggukâs near.
âSo for today, Iâm thinking Iâll hang with the guys. Try to see if I can find some more out this way. Iâve told them I go back to work on Monday unless youâre not feeling better.â
That means thereâs a deadline.
âHave they given anything?â you ask Jeongguk, who is leaning against the kitchen island, wearing gray sweats and a dark green t-shirt.
He sighs, putting his veiny hands on the countertop behind him. âNo, they donât let anything slip. At all. From the poker night, I gathered thatâalthough theyâre pretty close with himâI donât think Namjoonâs in on it.â
âSo, Hoseok and Yoongi only?â
âYeah, they seem to sometimes share these⌠looks when no one, including Namjoon, is watching.â
âThey seem so⌠mysterious,â you mumble quietly. And scary.Â
âAgreed.â
âWhat do we know about them?â
âThat theyâre in their late twenties, early thirties, both married. Both freelancers. Hoseok some sort of architect.â
âAnd Yoongi a⌠composer, was it?â
Jeongguk nods. âAnd theyâre probably actually working as such even if their main earnings come from heists.â
âWith how much was lost last time, they donât need to do them often,â you add.
âExactly. I donât think anythingâs gonna be out of order, but Iâve asked the chief to double check their bank accounts here, as well as look into the Switzerland lead. They probably make some honest money here and pay taxes and all that while also having a huge ass amount over there. After the last robbery, they probably laundered the profit and swooshed that into Switzerland real quick.â
âWell, at least thatâs something,â you say, turning back to the breakfast cooking. âWe should keep an eye, or ear or whatever, on the bugs too even if they probably wonât give anything of value before Eunhaâs home later today.â
âYeah. So, have you found anything out recently?â
You stop to think. Have you? Well, you know that âHobiâ and Eunha donât engage in dom/sub dynamics in the bedroom, but youâre pretty sure Jeongguk also overheard that conversation. Otherwise⌠it stands still.
âNo, not much. Either theyâre not in on it or theyâre very careful with what they say. They do seem very nosey, though, wanted to look through every room of ours when they visited, but I kept my eyes on them every second.â
Jeongguk gives off a defeated sigh, audible over the frying food. âSo our best bet really is to just wait and see if the bugs catch anything.â
âOr if the chief finds anything out,â you add.
âYeah. I guess we should stay a few more days, then, just in case, but we can probably leave after. Say that youâre a high risk pregnancy and that weâre staying with a family member that lives closer to the hospital or something.â
âAnd never come back.â
âRight.â
The day passes and all throughout it, you expect Hoseok and Yoongi to pop by. You put on your best acting face, doing your best to look tired and in pain as you take Fenrir for shorter walks. But no one comes. Not even Namjoon stops to congratulate you on the baby as he jogs by you taking out the trash. He only waves in greeting.Â
It has to be because Jeongguk told them you didnât really want to reveal the pregnancy yet and wouldnât have if he hadnât needed to skip out early. They probably arenât sure if you know that they do. Very complicated, you think. Especially for a baby that doesnât even exist.
Jeongguk has left you alone for a bit, helping another manâTaehyungâliving in a house further down the street with his car. Heâs trying another angle which you guess is good.
But itâs as the sun sets that things start to happen.
First thingâs first. You walk inside the kitchen after sitting in the bedroom and listening through the audio collected from the Jung house. There hasnât been much of interest, and you almost feel like no one in this weird neighborhood is more suspicious than anyone else.
âNothing so far. Except that Eunhaâs home, and it seems as if theyâre having a home dateââ
Jeongguk is standing at the stove, which is a first, at least as far as youâre concerned.
âI thought we could watch a movie?â he suggests, noticing your perplexed face.
You keep staring at him, and you also stare at the silver pot on the stove and the way thereâs a popping sound coming from within it. Is he⌠popping popcorn? Not even in the microwave?Â
What?
Sure, the tension between you is not as thick anymore, but since when do you hang out voluntarily?
ââOn this,â he adds, grabbing his laptop from the counter and holding it up. âOutside. You know, like a happy couple?â
You blink, trying to regain your senses. âOh, okay. âŚNow?â
âYeah, in five or so. Do you have anything you want to watch?â
Without even stopping to consider, you shake your head. âNo, you pick.â
âAlright. Get the blankets and some pillows?â
âOkay.â
You do as he asked, finding a few blankets to drape the hammock in and throwing some pillows on it too. Jeongguk is still in the kitchen when youâre done, so you open your phone to send a quick email to the chief, requesting some details you've been thinking about, while also deciding it's a good time to visit the bathroom.
As usual, Fenrir follows you, sitting patiently on the tiled bathroom floor and watching you pee.
âWhat is going on?â you ask him quietly. âI know itâs an act, especially outside, butâŚâ
You trail off, sighing as you realize that Fenrirâs not gonna provide you with some Nobel prize deserving solution anyway. So you finish up, wash your hands, and head outside.
Taking you by surprise again, Jeongguk has pulled a little table that youâve never actually seen before in front of the hammock. On it, beside the laptop and bowl of popcorn, are three lit candles.
âWeâre romantics, yeah?â he speaks from behind you, startling you slightly.
You smile, although a bit nervously. âYeah, honeymooned in Paris and everything.â
Jeongguk grins at your joke.
âSo, whatâs the movie?â
âUh⌠love nine-one-one.â
For a second, he doesnât meet your eyes, and honestly youâd think it was cute if he wasnât pretending. Is he? Pretending? He leans down and presses âplayâ before plopping down on the hammock, getting comfortable. You do the same, deciding to sit close but not so that youâre touching. You guess youâre still scared heâll bully you for wanting to be closer than necessary.
âDo I smell, or?â Jeongguk jokes while youâre in the middle of pulling a blanket over your lap. You turn your head to look at him, and he smiles, lifting the arm thatâs closest to you.
You choose not to fight it, letting a small smile pull on your own lips. âYeah. Nasty,â you retort, but softly, and you do move closer. His whole aura is warm, much nicer than the chilly night air, and you almost sigh in satisfaction when he pulls his warm blanket over you too. Without thinking too much about it, you rest your head on his collarbone.
It doesnât matter that you find yourself liking the situation, all that matters is that the people walking by now and again are getting small glimpses of the two of you through the holes in the porch railing. Youâre safe, protected by your character.
The movie is already rolling, and for most of it, there isn't much talking. Sure, Jeongguk comments on it a few times, or he chuckles at something, and it gets you laughing too. Surprisingly, the atmosphere is⌠calm. Comfortable. You let yourself enjoy it, his warm chest under your cheek, his arm around you. Not only does he not smell bad, he smells good. Almost enough to have you wanting to bury your nose in his clothes. You like this, you really do, even if it scares you.
When the movie is about to hit its halfway mark, he excuses himself, saying he forgot to pee before it. He insists that you donât have to pause it for him, but you do anyway, looking out at the night sky while heâs gone. Even if heâs not attracted to you, he seems to not loathe you as much anymore, so maybe youâll survive this? Go back home and not hear the most vile comments directed toward your back? Maybe heâll influence the other guys too?
Jeongguk returns, and you notice how tired he looks, something you didnât see before. âMind if I lie down?â
You shake your head and scoot to the corner before you even consider what it means. The hammock isnât small but definitely not big enough for you to sit and Jeongguk to lie next to you, regardless of where you sit.
Having received permission, however, Jeongguk happily picks up another blanket and gets on his hands and knees beside you. Then, he lies down, putting his head on your lap.
Youâre stunned, peering down at his black head of hair and what you can see of his profile as he reaches his hand toward the laptop to resume the movie.Â
Because it would be weird if you did nothing, you let your fingers carefully play with his hair, and in turn, you hear him exhale and hum in what appears to be gratitude.
âMaybe we should continue being married after all of this is over,â he mumbles tiredly.
You nearly snort. âWhy? So I can service you?â
He freezes but doesnât turn over to look at you. âNo, not like that,â he explains calmly, âI didnât mean it like that.â
âItâs fine,â you say, returning your focus to the screen.Â
Jeonggukâs hair really is as silky soft as it looks, and you donât mind running your fingers through it. At all, actually. It has a calming effect on you too.
The silence lasts for a few moments before Jeongguk breaks it.
âBut marriage is about doing stuff for the other person. Servicing each other. Of course, itâs supposed to be fair, without anyone taking advantage of the other, but⌠you give and take for the person you love.â
He doesnât seem to expect an answer, and you guess that the continued caressing of his hair confirms to him that you heard him.Â
Minutes pass, and youâre not entirely sure if Jeonggukâs still awake; his breaths are deep and regular, but you canât see his face. Itâs been a while since youâve cared for anyone like this, not necessarily emotionally but⌠physically, and your fingers are still slowly and softly combing through his hair. Itâs quiet for another twenty minutes, minus the sound from the laptop and the occasional couple passing on the street.
But the movie falls out of focus for you, despite your eyes being glued to the screen. Itâs just him and you and the slight hope that maybe he isnât the same person he came here as. Maybe heâll understand?
He opened up to you earlier, talking about his dad whoâs obviously not in his life anymore. Telling him could definitely be bad, but at this point, you⌠donât think it will. And if it does end badly, who cares. Everything is a gamble, and you were doomed from the start anyway.
Your voice is quiet, only as loud as it needs to be.
âI loved him.â
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dextrocardia | 02
Dextrocardia. Originally a medical term, but also a way to describe someone who's got their heart in the right place.
"She's been moved to another operation to help out. This pairing is necessary because you'll be undercover as spouses. I know you two can be professional about this."
"What?!" It's Jeongguk's upset voice that sounds, and for once, you share his displeased opinion.
Spouses.
pairing:Â cop!jk x f detective!reader
genre:Â undercover cops, fake marriage, e2l au, angst, fluff, smut
word count:Â 7.5k
warnings for this part: overall sexism, jk is mean but not much more than that.
rating:Â NC-17 â Adults Only
masterlist
part 2/?Â
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Š dextrocardia is copyright jeonstudios. this fic can not be modified, re-posted, or translated without my permission.
When you wake up, the sun is already shining its rays through the living room windows, and you hear something that sounds eerily like a shower running. Immediately, you fly into a sitting position, patting down the covers retrieved from âyourâ side of the bed in search of your phone. Fenrir, curled up over your legs, lifts his head to look at you.
âFuck,â you whisper when you find the device. Itâs nine a.m. You really couldnât sleep last night, too on edge, and the last thing you remember, it was six-fifty.
Few things make you as uncomfortable as the thought of being asleep on the couch while Jeonggukâs awake and walking around in the house, and the sound of the shower stops while youâre still cringing at how you didnât manage to wake up before him. You guess youâre lucky that he needs you for the mission, otherwise, he wouldnât have passed up a chance of suffocating you with a pillow, surely. Additionally, you probably looked even more disgusting than usual.
Touching your mouth, youâre at least relieved that thereâs no drool, and although your hair feels slightly messy under your fingers, it certainly doesnât feel like a birdâs nest. You're busy patting it down further when something moves in your peripherals.
Of course, itâs Jeongguk entering the room. And of course, heâs shirtless, the only thing heâs wearing being a pair of gray sweatpants hanging incredibly low on his hips.
Letâs just say that if you werenât entirely awake, you for sure are now.
Itâs truly ridiculous, and you hate how the vision in front of youâJeongguk holding a towel in one hand and drying his black strands with it, occasionally lowering it to dab away a stray drop thatâs run down his chestâalmost makes you forget how much you hate him.
You knew very well how fit he is, but to see the evidence? The way the muscles bulge under his skin? It turns your skull into an echo chamber.Â
You especially despise how insanely attractive he is. Because sure, muscles are hot on their own, but itâs the way heâs so nicely proportioned, his wide, strong shoulders that evolve to impressive but not exaggerated biceps, and veiny, sturdy-looking arms.Â
As he rubs his hair with the towel, you can even see parts of some kind of back muscle peek out on his side, a little lower than the bottom of his shoulder blades. And why does his waist look like that? Tiny, defined, and the contours of those muscles making up his abs and v-line move with his every breath. And you havenât even mentioned the tattoos snaking up his arm and making him look all the more dangerous.
At least you find some sort of solace knowing that with a body fat percentage in the negatives like that, if the world were to end, Jeongguk probably wouldnât survive anything colder than a mild winter.
âSo you decided to finally wake up?â his voice snaps you out of it, and you meet his eyes, annoyance starting to trickle into yours. âDonât you think you should get up earlier? What if someone pays us a visit to see you still asleep at this hour? Not very housewife of you.â
âOh, shut up. As if youâve accomplished anything at this hour except being an ass,â you roll your eyes, turning your head and trying not to let him see how your cheeks are just a bit warmer than before. âAnd put some clothes on, will you?â
âWell, I did find out that the guys spend Thursday nights at the Kimsâ, playing poker, and managed to get myself invited,â Jeongguk boasts. âAnd no, I donât think I will. I realize youâve most likely never seen this much of a man before, but if I were you, Iâd take advantage of it. Who knows when someone will let you see anything like this again. Never, probably.â
He gestures toward his abs, and you have to admit that the single water drop running down the bulging muscles looks very delectable. Of course, you donât let him know that, hurt and anger still boiling in your veins.
âUnfortunately, I have, but it doesnât matter, I donât wanna see you. At all, actually. And when would you have had the time to find anything out?â
âOh, right. I forgot. And I found it out when I went on my morning run just now? And keep telling yourself that, honey. You may hate men, but you canât deny the fact that you'd get under me in a heartbeat if you had the chance.â
Itâs the way he takes a step closer, arrogance reeking from him, and you despise how, for a split second, your gaze lingers on his thighs, visibly thick even through the fabric, and the evident bulge, not even visibly hard, front and center. You loathe how you just know that Jeongguk is most likely big and pretty, and how he definitely knows it too.
Seethingâand with your heartbeat racingâyou reach underneath the duvet to pluck the razor blade from its container strapped to your thigh. âCome closer and I promise you, Iâll cut your corneas out, and my face will be the last thing you see.â
âYouâre fucking mental,â he shakes his head in disbelief, seemingly not very scared by your threat or the blade between your fingers. âWhat kinda name is âFenrirâ anyway?â
You follow his line of sight, eyes landing on the new topic of conversation lying beside you. Carefully, you place the razor blade back.
âNorse mythology? The evil wolf that killed Odin?â
You take his raised eyebrows as a ânoâ. âThe gods tried to bind him with magic chains, but Fenrir refused, only allowed it if his handler, the god Tyr, dared put his arm in Fenrirâs mouth.â
âSo? Did he?â
âYes, and Fenrir bit it off.â
You canât really decipher the look on Jeonggukâs face except that he looks disinterested. He hums a âhuh,â and turns to leave the room. Weird.
Deciding to follow his lead even though your body is screaming at you to go back to sleep, you stand up and fold the duvet over your arm. Fenrir jumps down from the couch and follows you as you head up the stairs to return the covers to the empty side of the bed.
With the bed made, you shut your eyes briefly. You need to get started with the day and the mission, but that means going back downstairs and most likely having to spend time with Jeongguk close by while youâd much rather just stay in the bedroom alone.
Sucking it up, you change into another dress provided for you, a light pink summer dress with a pattern of the tiniest flowers on it. Itâs pretty, but as you stand before the mirror, your eyes fill with worry. Itâs not as tight as the blue one, but youâre still scared Jeongguk will comment on your body. You sigh and will yourself to not think about it and move on. It doesnât matter.
When it comes to your hair, you wouldâve just combed your fingers through it if you were home, maybe tied it away from your face somehow, but you wouldnât have carefully combed through it like you do now. Neither would you have reached for a small bottle and pumped it twice into your hands, rubbing them together before applying the oil to the lengths of it.
You meet your own eyes in the bathroom mirror. Should you just apply some make-up? Itâs no surprise that you look exhausted, and you donât think you could hide itâalong with all your imperfectionsâwith make-up, but maybe just to smooth out your skin tone? Add some eyeliner and mascara to make your eyes look bigger? Contour your cheekbones a bit?
With a deep sigh, you retrieve your make-up bag, starting off by washing your face. Surely, they couldâve sent another female detective? If not Jihyo then Sana? Someone more appropriate and definitely more fitting than you. Because youâre⌠alright, but objectively and infuriatingly speaking, you donât belong with Jeongguk. How no one has already called you out on your bluff is beyond you.
Looking somewhat presentable, you decide to take Fenrir out on his first walk of the day. Itâs nice to have a backyard where he can relieve himself but he needs a lot more than just that.
The sun is already high in the sky when you close the front door behind you, leash in hand. Discreetly checking out your surroundings, you notice some of your neighbors doing various yard-work and gardening.Â
Although these are people youâre supposed to spy on and put on your lifeâs act in front of, you honestly feel more relaxed outside than you do inside the house with Jeongguk. Fenrir stretches his body out before lowering his nose to sniff the lawn.
For a moment, as you walk through the neighborhood thatâs actually pretty lovely, you almost forget about everything bothering you and the challenging mission youâre on.
The sound of someone calling your fake name snaps you out of your thoughts as you walk along the sidewalk. When you turn around, you see Hyeji waving excitedly, a leash of her own in her hand. Her dog is much smaller than Fenrir, and itâs white. A maltese perhaps?
Â
Itâs with a bit of smug pride that you return to the house one hour later, opening the door for yourself and Fenrir.Â
You expected Jeongguk to be there, of course, and not to be at his very happiest because of, well, the situation, but when he comes to meet you at the door, heâs angrier than you couldâve guessed.Â
âWhere were you?â he crosses his arm over his chestâat least wearing a navy t-shirt nowâhis jaw tight.
âWalking Fenrir?â you state, stepping back and definitely not understanding what his problem is. Youâve been gone for a little more than an hour, not the entire day.Â
The dog in question stands between the two of you, giving Jeongguk his stink eye. He doesnât like men all that much, especially not if they seem threatening or unstable in any way, and Jeongguk does give off that kind of vibe.
âAnd you didnât think to tell me?â
âWell, no? I didnât think I had to ask for permission?â you blink in disgust. âYou do know that this housewife, bread-winning husband thing is just an act, right? Besides, we just woke up, youâd think youâd understand that he needs to go outside.â
Jeongguk scoffs, âJust tell me when you leave and where.â
âBecause?â
âBecause,â he lowers his voice to a strained whisper, âweâre not exactly here on vacation, and I wanna know where you are.â
âBut you didnât tell me when you left for your run?â
âBecause you were sleeping, and besides, Iâm a man.â
âYouâre a real dick, Jeongguk, you know that, right?â
Jeongguk just rolls his eyes, still standing with his arms crossed over his chest.Â
âAnd I was gonna tell you about the lead I just found.â
This seemingly piques his interest, âWhat lead?â
For a split second, you consider not telling him as a punishment for being an ass, but honestly, you donât want to anger him more than necessary.Â
âHyejiâs got a dog. I just met her, and we walked them together, so Iâm thinking thatâs my way in.â
Jeongguk hums, his professionalism taking the lead. âYeah, that could work. Getting close to her will get you closer to Eunha too.â
âBy the way, just so our stories match, should someone ask, I told her that I got Fenrir after a burglary before I met you.â
âWhat? Who did you tell? Hyeji? Just her?â
Confusion colors your expression, âYeah, why?â
âBecause I told Namjoon, the guy living in twelve, that I got Fenrir.â
You shut your eyes in frustration. âNow why would you do that? And why wouldnât you tell me about it?â
âBecause itâs such a masculine dog, it wouldnât make sense if he was yours?â
âAnd why is that?â
âLook, stop being a feminazi for once. He doesnât fit your character. Sure youâre not this sweet, pretty girl in real life, but thatâs who youâre trying to be here, right? It makes more sense that heâs mine.â
You press your lips together. It shouldnât hurt what he thinks of you. âFine, just tell me if you do something like that again.â
âFine.â
âAnd we really need to hurry up and get this over with so we can leave before everything starts to crumble around us.â
You stay inside for most of the day, reluctantly showing Jeongguk the commands you use when walking Fenrir, and even letting him play soccer with him in the backyard. Itâs good for your image as a couple, you begrudgingly realize, and if youâre ever confronted about the contradicting backstory of Fenrir, youâll just say that Jeonggukâs male ego is too fragile to admit that Fenrirâs originally yours.Â
Stuck inside, you wonder what youâre going to do about the food for the remainder of your stay. Yesterday, you ate what Hyeji and Eunha brought you, even though you were hesitant in case it was poisoned. Since Jeongguk disregarded your warning and seemed fine, you followed his lead.
Although frustrating you beyond belief, you realize that you might as well bite the bullet and cook for the both of you. You donât really want to provide any type of service for Jeongguk, but at the end of the day, itâs your job. Not to be his maidâcoughâwife, but to be undercover and finish this mission.
You hear the sound of paws on the kitchen floor before you hear Jeonggukâs voice.
âYou know this is probably the best part so far, Mrs Jeon,â he taunts smugly.Â
Turning away from the pans on the stove, you roll your eyes. At least he seems to be in a better mood.Â
âFirst of all, Iâm not a Mrs, and certainly not your Mrs. Secondly, unfortunately I have to eat, and I know youâd use the opportunity to poison me, so I might as well do it.â
âMight as well do what? Poison me?â
âNo, idiot, cook. You donât have to eat it if you donât want to because youâre a grown man and surely able to feed yourself? But I donât have very much reason to poison you. Yes, I hate you with everything in me, but how would I explain your absence? What would I do with your body?â
âOh, there are probably plenty of things youâd do with my body.â
Your eyebrows shoot up. âJeongguk, I donât want to be anywhere near you, dead or alive.â
âHmm, letâs say that,â he shrugs.
He does end up eating the food you serve. In a different room from you, of course.
Â
Â
Your heart beats quickly, and your veins are filled with anxiety as you stare at your options of dresses. The fact that even though it was your turn to sleep in the bedroom, you didnât manage to get a good nightâs rest, doesnât help.
The barbeque is today, in a few hours actually. You havenât spoken to Jeongguk about what heâs wearing, and you really donât want to, treasuring the fact that you havenât seen much of him today so far.
Itâs probably best to go for cute and proper, casual yet⌠elegant? Something not too revealing or form fitting around the chest as well. You sigh, not having put this much effort into your looks in a while. Itâs not like you have anyone to impress at work, anyway.
In the end, you settle for a light yellow dress, reaching just below your knees and with a square neckline and short sleeves. Itâs cute, you think, as you hold it in your hands. It wonât look its very best on you, but it will have to do. You just hope Jeongguk will keep his mouth shut because you really donât need it today.
Ten minutes to six, you open the front door with a large oven dish containing food in your hands, Jeongguk right behind you with a case of beer in his hand. The few sentences youâve exchanged so far were all about the plan, and itâs placed you into some kind of bubble.Â
Until Jeonggukâs voice breaks you out of it.Â
âWait,â he says, hand still on the open door when you turn around.
Heâs wearing a dark blue button up shirt, the first two buttons undone, paired with black chino shorts, and itâs incredible how good he looks. The outfit brings out the darkness of his hair and eyes and shows off his impressive physique.Â
You never thought someoneâs knees and calves could be attractive, but thatâs obviously the case when it comes to Jeongguk because youâve found yourself glancing even at those more than once. His whole body is just so⌠manly. Strong and athletic. And it makes you hurl on the inside how youâre unable to stop your body from appreciating his.
Heâs quiet until you take a step closer, looking up at him questioningly. âWhat?â
âLet your hair down.â
Instinctively, your hand flies up to feel the loose ponytail you put your hair into an hour ago, but you donât feel any particular bumps or loose strands that would make it look weird.
âWhy?â
âJust do it.â
Glaring at him and his non-informative answer, you shake your head. âNo.â
But he doesnât give up. âCome here,â he instructs, and youâre well aware that people could be watching you, so reluctantly, you decide to listen.
âJust trust me for once,â he looks down at you when you come to stand in front of him. Your heart starts to race when he puts the beer down to lift his hands to your head, taking the hair tie out and letting your hair fall freely. You hate that you know how he smells, and you hate that you like it.
âI donât trust you,â you state because itâs true. The only reason youâre somewhat going along with him is because youâre outside where your neighbors could see, and they canât witness you arguing.
If your heart was beating quickly before, itâs nothing compared to what it does when Jeongguk chooses to run his hand through your hair to fix it to how he likes. Being so close to him makes you nervous of meeting his eyes, but when his focus lies elsewhere, you chance a glance at his face.Â
He looks concentrated and stern, but you notice a mole under his bottom lip that makes his entire face almost⌠cute. Itâs disgusting, really, how kissable his mouth appears.
âIt makes you look younger, more care-free,â he explains absentmindedly. âNow, you need to act well, so if you can do me a favor and hide your man-hatred for just one night.â
You hadnât felt how your eyes had softened just a tad, but you damn well feel the glare return stronger than before.
âExcuse me, Iâm a great actress,â you bite in a strained whisper. âA great detective.â
âLetâs just agree to disagree on that one,â he smiles down at you, but itâs sarcastic and full of distaste.
âFuck you,â you mutter, stepping away from him.
The walk to the Jungsâ is a short oneâit really is just on the other side of the streetâbut youâre clutching the oven dish tightly in your hands the whole time. You begrudgingly realize that Jeongguk is an even better actor than you thought. Â
As soon as you arrive at the Jungsâ backyard, all attention is on the two of you. The new couple. All in all, there are maybe ten to twelve people gathered, most watching curiously. Jeongguk is quick to hand the beer away and then take the oven dish from you to put it down on a table filled with food and ingredients.Â
After that, he doesnât leave your side for the ten minutes it takes for everyone to greet you, his arm resting comfortably around your waist. You try your best to ignore the nerves as youâre basically held against Jeonggukâs firm body, but youâre almost sure he can feel your heartbeat through your clothes.
Remembering what he said before, you throw caution to the wind and place your hand on his abdomen. Jeongguk doesnât react and only continues to speak with your new âfriends,â and you try to act as if having your hand on his firm stomachâmoving slightly under your touch with his every movement and breathâis a common occurrence.
âAwh, thatâs so romantic,â Wheein exclaims when you once again tell the story of how you and Jeongguk âmet.â She and her two friends watch you with heart eyes, but itâs definitely mostly because of your fake husband. If only they knew the evil that resides behind that ridiculous beauty.
âYeah, and we just knew, right, honey? Right away?â
âYeah,â you smile up at him, and youâre almost floored by his warm smile.Â
If youâve learned anything so far, itâs that youâve never seen him really smile before coming here, and itâs so convincing. You take notice of how dimples appear on his cheeks and how the corners of his eyes crinkle when he looks the very happiest. Itâs almost jarring.
Fortunately, you canât stay together the whole time, and Jeongguk decides to help out with the meat, seeing it as a chance to get closer to the guys. You, on the other hand, talk with some of the wives. And unsurprisingly, they just really wanna gush about your hunk of a husband.
You nod along to their fawning over Jeongguk until Hyeji calls for them from inside the house. She needs help with the food, and Wheein, cradling her practically newborn baby, holds him out for you.
âYou wanna hold him a little bit for me? Iâll be right inside if you need anything, but heâll most likely just sleep.â
Itâs been a while since you held a baby, the latest being your cousinâs daughter, and sheâs almost seven now, but you nod. Itâll be nice to not have to listen to Jeonggukâs new admirers for a while. Even nicer not to have to agree with them.
âUh, sure.â
Gratefully, she hands him over and disappears into the house.
Turns out that Wheein wasnât lying, and although Doyun isnât asleep, heâs very calm. You spend another ten minutes easily watching the little baby in your arms, mesmerized by how incredibly adorable he is. Heâs got a lot of hair for such a young baby, his entire head covered in black tresses.
âNew here?â
When you look up, youâre met with an unfamiliar face. Itâs a man, tall and with black hair. He mustâve just arrived.
âUh, yeah,â you answer, âmoved in just a few days ago.â
The man smiles, and youâre hit with how pretty he is, but thereâs a⌠feeling in your stomach.
âIâm Haneulâ
âNice to meet you,â you greet, thankful for the little human occupying your arms and rendering you unavailable for a handshake.
âThe pleasureâs all mine, nice to finally have some beautiful new women in town.â
âOh, uh, Iâm flattered, but unfortunately, Iâm married,â you smile politely and shift Doyun around to give Haneul a glimpse of your fake ring.
He only glances at it briefly before hitting you with a lazy smirk. ââUnfortunately,â huh?â
Fuck.Â
âI didnât mean it like that, I love my husband.â
âIs he here?â
âYeah,â you answer, turning your head to search for your tall, dark-haired husband. But you donât see him at the grill, and your stomach drops. âUh, he was there just a moment ago.â
âI see. Listen, I know a lot of husbands can be⌠lacking⌠in certain areas, and Iâm having a hard time tearing my eyes off you, so I thought I should at least offer, you know?â
You hate men so fucking much, the audacity to come onto you in this manner after you already told him you were happily married? Youâd also bet every penny you own that he wouldnât have made the offer if he saw Jeongguk, because your fake husbandâregardless if youâd ever admit it to anyone or even yourselfâcan be really imposing. Heâs tall, strong, and has great posture.Â
Honestly, theyâre probably not even that different, Jeongguk and Haneul. At least they both seem confident and very entitled.
Your pulse races, but not in a good way, and you instinctively take a step back. You can feel the plastic case lying in your bra, but unless it is a real life or death situation, you canât reach for it.
âWell, Iâll have to decline, and you should probably know that not a lot of husbands would appreciate your offer,â you warn politely, realizing that this is a man who wonât respect a womanâs opinion, but only her male ownerâs.
You continue walking backward, smiling nicely just because you know itâs in your best interest not to cause a scene. He follows you, still with his lips pulled into that smirk. âOh but they donât need to know.â
Luckily, Jeongguk has returned from wherever he went, talking with the other menâHoseok includedâwhen you reach him.
Heâs looking the other way, not having noticed you as you almost bump into him before hoisting Doyun up and holding him with one arm and carefully snaking your free one around Jeonggukâs.
âThis is my husband,â you tell Haneul. At the same time, Jeongguk turns his head questioningly, looking between you and the man.Â
Truthfully, it hurts you to have to come to him for any sort of help, but you guess you can at least play it off as your coverâKim Yejiâneeding him and not you.Â
Certainly understanding why youâre suddenly seeking his protection, when you peer up at Jeongguk, you see his stern face observing the other man.Â
Haneul only smiles apologetically and raises his hands, palms facing you.
You know that Jeonggukâs lack of pleasantries doesnât mean that heâs angry at the guyâheâs probably only annoyed at you for interrupting his minglingâbut Haneul accepts his defeat and leaves anyway. With him gone, you step away from Jeongguk, making sure itâs inconspicuous enough.Â
In true Jeongguk-manner, he raises his eyebrows minimally at you, but all you do is give a little dismissive wave.Â
For the few minutes it takes you to make sure Haneul isnât lingering, you stay in Jeonggukâs proximity. Although keeping his confused aura whenever he peers over at you, there arenât any opportunities for him to ask, and the other beer-drinking men keep him busy.
Soon enough, you find yourself at the border between the Jungsâ and the Choiâs yards, sitting down on the low stone wall dividing them. Doyun is wide awake but so well behaved and calm that he might as well have been knocked out, and you donât even try to keep your eyes off him.
Itâs not until someone sits down beside you that you look up. Surprisingly, you breathe out in relief when the brown eyes you meet belong to Jeongguk. Who wouldâve thought youâd ever be relieved to see him?
âItâs going well, but unfortunately, I havenât found out anything else of importance,â he updates you.
Realistically, youâve always known you wouldn't be able to solve the case in an afternoon, but realizing you might be stuck here for longer than you expected makes your heart sink.
Itâs quiet for a moment. Something about this cute little being on your lap lessens your anger, and youâre forced to realize that thereâs just no point in overworking your heart at the moment. You canât run, and thereâs nowhere for you to hide.
âIsnât he the cutest thing youâve ever seen?â you ask quietly, focusing on the little being thatâs still pure.
As if he didnât see the tiny baby before, Jeongguk peers over into your lap. âHmm, heâs pretty cute.â
Hit by another realization, you turn your head to first look at Jeongguk and then Doyun again.
âDo you have something to tell me?â
You can practically feel Jeonggukâs confusion. âWhat?â
âI mean, he a hundred percent looks like he could be yours,â you smile a small smile, and for the first time in what feels like forever, you think itâs mostly genuine. If someone told you two weeks ago that youâd try to make light conversation, joke even, with Jeongguk, you wouldâve laughed at the insanity.
But, of course, no good deed goes unpunished, and the peace is short-lived.
âSo you think Iâm cute?â
âThatâs definitely not what I said,â you scoff, not even sparing Jeongguk a glance.
âBut it is what you meant.â
You grow quiet, not feeling a fight but unable to lie at the moment. Jeongguk just needs to ruin everything not already terrible, doesnât he?
âSo you do?â
âJeongguk,â you sigh, holding the little boyâs hand, âIâm sure you donât need me to tell you youâre handsome.â
âNo, but itâs always nice to hear,â he says, and you can hear the grin in his voice. âBut honestly, youâre right, he does look a lot like me. Iâm pretty sure I looked exactly like that when I was a baby.â
For some reason, you find the irritation slowly melting away once more. Youâre just tired of always being angry with him, and since heâs not terribly mean at the moment, you guess you can allow yourself a little break. Itâs not like heâs going to insult you and your family and then bash your head in with a rock in front of all the neighbors.
âItâs the nose, right? And the eyesâyours are also really round.â
âYeah.â
You watch as Jeongguk offers his hand and as Doyun grips his finger. The vision of his large, tattooed hand being held by this tiny little one ignites just a little bit of warmth in your chest.
âThat guy⌠what was up with him?â
You tear your eyes from the cuteness in front of you to peer at the side of Jeonggukâs face. He seems curious.
âI donât know, heâŚâ
But you just donât have the energy to start anything. Telling Jeongguk about how men never respect you and how you hate the way they only stop when thereâs another man involved will only make him roll his eyes and call you a man-hating lesbian.Â
Besides, even if you think Haneul was interested in you in some way or another, you canât tell Jeongguk that either. Although youâre well aware that men frequently only show âinterestâ to prove their power over you as a woman, Jeongguk will only retort that youâre being negative. Heâd call you self-centered for thinking that Haneul wanted something because how would someone that pretty possibly be interested in you?
So you donât continue your sentence. Neither does Jeongguk.Â
A moment passes before he places his hands on his knees. âWell, Iâm gonna head back to the guys and keep trying.â
âYeah, me too. Theyâll probably be back soon,â you nod toward the house.Â
Jeongguk nods as well, âGood luck, then.â
âYou too.â
The food is delicious, even if you do wait to take the first bite until everyone else has, just in case. Youâre seated at the end of the table, Jeongguk on the short side with the corner between you.
Itâs more difficult than you would like to admit to find a balance in eye contact, or just any contact, really.Â
Ideally, youâd prefer to pretend he doesnât exist, but he does, and you canât seem too avoidant or there will be suspicions.Â
On the other hand, if you look too much at him, heâll for sure call you out on your obsessive behavior later, and you don't want to give him any more ammunition than he already has. He really doesnât need to know that you donât think youâve ever seen a man as handsome as him before.Â
Hyeji sits on your left side, turning to you often but otherwise talking animatedly to her husband Yoongi on her other side. Â
Jeongguk speaks a bit with his neighbor too, but itâs not someone of importanceâHyejiâs visiting cousin. You donât know her name but she doesnât hide how interested she is in your âhusband.â Which sort of makes you unreasonably irritated. Or maybe it isnât so unreasonable since it makes you feel disrespected. For what she knows, Jeongguk is yours.
Luckily for youâfor the missionâJeongguk only interacts with her in a clearly platonic way, no too joyous smiles or any touches at all. Just small talk.
If it were up to you, you wouldâve preferred going through the evening without as much as another word to your partner, leaving him to talk to whoever he wants, but thereâs one thing that makes the hair on your arms stand up. One man.
Hoseok.
He sits on the other side of the long, rectangular table, approximately five seats away. Heâs too far away for you or Jeongguk to really speak to, but that in itself doesnât bother you too much because you donât want to risk coming on too strong, anyway.Â
What does bother you is the curious, even inspective way he turns his head to look at you. Heâs a handsome man, with dark brown eyes and hair and sun-kissed skin, but he makes cold shivers run down your spine.
Without meeting his eyes, you try to appear confident and like your new friends are demanding all your attention, but whenever Hyeji turns away, youâre left to your husband.
In an attempt to at least look like you enjoy having him on this earth, you place your hand on top of his thatâs resting on the table. Not executed in the smoothest way possibleâa little bumpyâyou still think it looks somewhat genuine.
At the action, Jeongguk turns his head to face you, but youâre already turning yours away, this time asking Hyeji where she grew up and ready to tell your own made-up childhood story. To your surprise, you feel Jeongguk turn his hand over and intertwine your fingers, and for quite some time, your hands remain like that.
âHi! Good to get away from the others for a bit, right?â
You match Hyejiâs grin as you come to stand before her, Fenrir and her dog, Bubbles, sniffing each other.Â
âYeah, I just zone out when they start talking about sports,â you chuckle, referring to the few couples still at the Jungsâ, and particularly the men. âTheyâre so passionate about it, too?â
âOh, definitely! Does Jaehyun invite his friends to watch important games? Or just⌠all the games?â she laughs, wrapping her cardigan tighter around her in the chilly night air and taking the lead on the sidewalk.
You call for Fenrirâs attention and follow Hyeji. âYeah, not all the games, and theyâre not always at ours, but yeah, they canât seem to watch anything alone, can they?â
âNo, meanwhile I just watch my series with Bubbles, but heâs so much better company than Yoongi, honestly.â
âI can relate to that! How old is Bubbles, by the way?â
âHeâll be seven in December, so almost an old man,â she smiles fondly down at the dog who stops to pee on a neighborâs fence. âOops,â Hyeji smiles childishly. âWhat about Fenrir? How old is he?â
âHeâs five.â
âHeâs so big,â she marvels over the dog that dwarfs her maltese.
âYeah. Heâs made me feel a lot safer since⌠what happened.â
âI get that. Iâm sorry that happened to you, it mustâve been awful. But at least youâve got Fenrir and your husband too now to protect you.â
You almost laugh at the irony. If someone broke into your fake home, Jeongguk would probably serve you up on a silver platter for the burglars to take you. Heâd interrupt them, only to happily offer them a knife and remind them to really stab you through the heart before they leave.
âJaehyun is⌠strong and all, but I honestly think heâs a little too relaxed,â you complain, appearing worried. âSpeaking of security, weâre looking to install a home alarm, but weâre not sure which one to get. Do you have any recommendations? Since you also have a dog?â
âOh, of course! I canât remember the name of our model, but I remember that one of our criterias was that there are no motion sensors because even though Bubbles mostly sleeps while weâre gone, we really donât want him to trigger the alarm.â
âExactly. So weâre looking at an alarm with just door and window sensors?â
âYeah. Iâll look up the name of ours but Iâd honestly recommend getting another brand because we have so little time to enter the code from the moment we unlock the door that it gives me half a heart attack every time.â
You chuckle at the dramatic way she clutches at her heart. âOh, yeah, that would stress me out too.â
She tilts her head curiously. âHow is Fenrir inside when heâs alone? Is he destructive?â
âNo, heâs pretty good. He can bark a bit if he hears something outside and he can paw at the door sometimes, but he leaves furniture and such alone.â
âThatâs good. Heâs not on the windows, then?â
You pretend to think about it, already knowing that Fenrirâs very well behaved and absolutely never up to anything bad whenever heâs alone. âHm, not that I know of? Maybe if he sees something, Iâm sure he could bark and press his nose against it.â
âIâm just asking because I know you can choose an alarm that has window sensors but disable it for specific windows. Did you know that Eunhaâs got a cat? He sits at this one window day in and day out, looking at the birds, but if he sees a squirrel in the tree outside, he goes crazy and basically tries to claw his way through the window.â
âOh, really?â you exclaim curiously, grinning victoriously on the inside.
âYeah, and their alarm isnât connected to any kind of first responders or security company just because he sometimes decides to smash his head into any of the other windows too.â
Hyeji laughs and you chuckle along as well, although, you can definitely think of a few more reasons that the Jungs wouldnât want any sort of authorities visiting their house.
âIt just sends alerts and activates their inside cameras. Which is good if thereâs a risk that your pet triggered it.â
âOh, so you can check for yourself? That sounds smart. Iâll look into it with Jaehyun. Thank you.â
âNo problem.â
To say that you get back to the Jungsâ with a little extra determination in your step is an understatement.
Jeongguk is still sitting outside at the table with the guys, their passionate voices talking about various sports and athletes sound through the summer night air. The sun set quite some time ago, the tables now only lit by candles and strings of fairy lights hanging from the few trees.
Your discovery lies heavy on your tongue, and you want to tell Jeongguk as soon as possible. He doesnât notice you and Hyeji walking back to the table until youâre standing at his side. Theyâre all looking so relaxed, leaning back in the rattan armchairs.
âHey, uh, honey? I think Iâm gonna head back home. Itâs getting late, and Iâm getting tired.â
He looks up at you and then to Fenrir who sits behind you patiently.
âOh, already?â
You can tell by his eyes that he wants to stay to work on his own connections, but you feel like the best tactic is to take it slowly and not push too much. Additionally, youâve already found a huge lead.
The voices are still loud as Jeonggukâs new friends discuss a particular game from five years ago, a few of the remaining wives having gathered at the other end of the table and talking animatedly to each other about something. Hyeji joins them with Bubbles on her lap.
So you make sure no oneâs watching too closely, and you lean down.
âI need to talk to you,â you whisper in Jeonggukâs ear.
He pulls back to look at you questioningly, still reluctant to leave so you gesture with your hand for him to lean back in.
âI think I found our way in.â
But the moment after you say it, your gaze travels carefully over the other neighbors and lands on the eyes of Hoseok himself. Heâs watching you with something unclear in his gaze.
In a slight panic, you recall the chiefâs words, and with no time to second guess yourself, you slide your hand down Jeonggukâs chest, mindlessly toying with the first thing you feel, which happens to be the third button. Itâs the first one thatâs actually buttoned, and perhaps unfortunately, it accidentally opens under your touch.
âHeâs watching,â you explain quietly but rushed into Jeonggukâs ear, and to make sure your act is believable, you press your lips against his cheek and with your other hand coming up on the other side of his face from behind, you tangle your fingers carefully in his hair.
Truthfully, you donât think Jeongguk minds, otherwise you wouldâve definitely been more careful. Well, heâll probably spend an hour in the shower when you get back, scrubbing his body free from your touch, but he allows it, even encourages it since itâs vital to the mission.Â
Along with what the chief said about needing to look in love, Jeonggukâs own words from the first day ring in your head.
âTouch me like you love meâÂ
Or something like that. So you definitely have his permission.
What shouldnât surprise you but still does is when he raises his hand to cover yours on his chest, sliding it to the side, underneath the fabric of his half-open shirt.
You let out a shaky breath against the side of his face, hoping, most likely in vain, that he doesnât notice. His hand is warm over yours, and his chest under your palm is too. The heartbeat you feel is just your own, pulsing through your entire body and to your hand, not his, even though your hand is basically right above it. You honestly arenât sure he has a heart.
Although knowing youâd see more of him than you ideally wanted, you wouldnât have guessed that youâd essentially be feeling him up in public like this, but honestly, his body isnât the problem.Â
Somewhere in your mind, youâre already dreading having to sooner or later look him in the eye.
Surprising you even more, you feel his other arm wrap around your waist, somehow tugging you, gasping, onto his lap.
Ending up sitting sideways over his thighs, you decide to make the best out of the situation and look relaxed, leaning back against him. You donât check if Hoseokâs still watching, but youâd rather play it safe than make him suspect something.
âDid I tell you how pretty you look today? My little wife.â
You try your best to conceal your surprise, but you still feel your eyes widen a tad at Jeonggukâs quiet words. And of course, your cheeks start to heat up even more than before.Â
Yeah, you guess that Hoseok must still be watching.
Looking at Jeongguk, meeting his eyes, you almost lose your breath and the leash still grasped in your hand. You get why the chief sent him.Â
Jeongguk is probably the officer that hates you the most out of everyone, yet he has no problem gazing up at you like you're his entire world. Itâs not that much of a surprise that heâs a god damn talented actor because heâs just good at everything.
Youâre in no position to do anything but play along, and you donât really want to admit it to yourself, but after today and at that specific moment, it doesnât seem that terrible.Â
At first, youâre extremely aware of every little area where you and him are touching, even through your clothes. Youâre aware of your breathing and hisâboth slow and calm, but his feeling just a tad bit more naturally unaffected than yours.
But his embrace is soft yet sturdy, and he has the audacity to slowly and softly rub your back and sometimes your shoulder. Ten minutes pass just like that.
And youâre tired. So incredibly exhausted. Youâve barely slept at all, and strangely enough, you donât feel threatened at the moment despite being surrounded by dangerous people.
So you drift off. Right then and there, in the arms of the man that despises your very beingâyour head resting right by his neckâand in the backyard of one of the countryâs most accomplished robbers. One of them will for sure be the death of you, and you don't think it will be Hoseok.
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dextrocardia | 01
Dextrocardia. Originally a medical term, but also a way to describe someone who's got their heart in the right place.
"She's been moved to another operation to help out. This pairing is necessary because you'll be undercover as spouses. I know you two can be professional about this."
"What?!" It's Jeongguk's upset voice that sounds, and for once, you share his displeased opinion.
Spouses.
pairing:Â cop!jk x f detective!reader
genre:Â undercover cops, fake marriage, e2l au, angst, fluff, smut
word count:Â 5.3k
warnings (serious):a ton of sexist (police) men (jk included), there will be different kinds of assault in later parts, more specified warnings will come but probably don't read if you have traumas and feel bad reading about stuff like that
warnings (less serious): jk is hawt. tattooed, strong police man who dislikes wearing shirts, also he's mean :(
rating:Â NC-17 â Adults Only
masterlist
part 1/?Â
Š dextrocardia is copyright jeonstudios. this fic can not be modified, re-posted, or translated without my permission.
The station is filled with the familiar scent of coffee and the comforting sound of printers, small talk, and footsteps.
Some mornings, it reminds you more of a typical office than a police station, your own two feet contributing to the sounds as you walk along with the chief, careful to keep your distance from the tall man even when some of the hallways are a tad bit too narrow.
"And since a neighbor just moved out, we've decided that there's an invaluable chance here.â
You hum, feeling the male officers' snarky gazes and eye rolls as you reach the office space where they all sit, their desks organized into landscapes. To say that youâre not very liked in these parts of the station is an understatement.
âWhat about my current case? Theââ
"âItâs on hold for now. We're gonna have to move quickly, so you'll be shipped out in a few days. Move in next door to the Jungs and hopefully solve this thing once and for all. I've already picked out an officer to go with you."
Thereâs no time for you to ask questions before the chief opens the dark wooden door located at the back of the room and motions for you to enter his personal office first.
You do, but the sight of whatâs inside nearly causes you to stop and the chief to bump into you from behind. The sight of whoâs inside.
Jeon.
âAre you kidding,â you hear him mutter under his breath, and itâs obviously not because heâs so elated that his detective is you. No, itâs because he despises you.
Disgusted eyes burn holes in the side of your face as you follow the chief's command and sit down next to your colleague from another division.
The tension definitely doesn't go unnoticed, but Jeon Jeongguk isn't an exception; you know that all male officers feel more or less the same way about you. It's the reason that the tension goes unmentioned and why youâd hoped for your usual female detective partner to sit there.
"Where's Jihyo? I assumed we'd work together as usual," you question, ignoring your own annoyance and the immature man next to you, who you know is doing his best to let you know just how much you appall him purely by facial expression.Â
"She's been moved to another operation to help out. This pairing is necessary because you'll be undercover as spouses. I know you two can be professional about this."
"What?!" It's Jeongguk's upset voice that sounds, and for once, you share his displeased opinion.
Spouses. Not only has the chief dismissed a really important case that youâve been trying to get flying for a long time, but youâre supposed to play⌠spouses? Unfortunately, you know better than to anger the chief more than necessary, so you focus on suffocating the most urgent fire.
"I'm sure that's not needed," you argue calmly, attempting to sound like the more mature one in the room. "One of us could go alone, or I could go with Sana? People are much more accepting of same-sex couples nowadays."
"Of course, you man-hating lesbian."
"Oh, grow up, you fucking child,â you bite in Jeonâs direction before returning your hopeful (and desperate) eyes to the chief. âShe and I could be roommates? Cousins?"
"Stop it," the chief warns half a second before you can suggest acquaintances, and itâs easy to see that the slightly above middle-aged man feels like he's talking to two preschoolers.Â
"Look, I'm not going to argue about this. We don't send anyone out alone, you know that,â he berates lazily from behind his desk with a pen pointed in your direction.Rumor has it that heâs set to retire in a few months, and youâre sure heâs looking forward to it more than ever at that moment.
âHereâs whatâs gonna happen. You two are newly-weds, moving in basically across from the Jungs. It's a bit of a religious neighborhood, but like, weirdly so, so you'll be a housewife and Jeon a lawyer. It allows you to stay home during the days to get to know the neighbors, and Jeon can say he's taken a week or two off to help settle in."
Your jaw clenches as the details keep coming, and you know, without even looking, that even if heâs just as upset as you are, at least your "professions" are amusing to Jeongguk. Heâs probably even smirking.
âWhat about him then?â you question, nodding toward Jeongguk while keeping eye contact with the chief, âHeâs got his whole arm covered in tattoos, wonât that be a problem?â
âNo, a lot of the suspects have them too, so it doesnât matter.â
âOh, so itâs only a trip back in time for women, got it,â you seethe. It can't get any worse than this.
The chief ignores your comment, "Look, this is what we've deemed the most inconspicuous; a young, married, heterosexual couple. You'll blend right in, and being recently married, it'll give you an excuse to seem a little⌠distant."
You understand perfectly well what heâs implying, but you can't help but question it. "And what does that mean?"
The chief sighs and lowers his head a little, "It means that you two need to put on your happy faces and act like you're madly in love and like keeping your hands off each other is harder than the donuts Officer Kim brings on Tuesdays. That way, sneaking off together and whispering in each otherâs ears, as well as a missed neighborhood barbeque or two, might go unnoticed. Or at least seem⌠well, inconspicuous."
A scoff sounds from beside you. "I don't get why I have to be the one to go with her? Isn't there another detective to do all that pretend lovey-dovey shit with her?"
Apparently, that's the thing that really upsets Jeongguk, and even though you find him self-centered and immature, it still hurts a little to know that even fake being in love with you is unmentionable.
"No. Like I said, I won't argue. Time is of the essence here; I need a man and a woman that can pass as a couple and work together. You're a great officer, and she's a great detective."
"You sure about that? And what about my safety, then? I don't want to "accidentally" get shot because I'm a man and she feels inferior to me!"
Ah, there it is. The reason you're so insanely disliked. A mission ends with a gunshot wound to the thigh of your former detective partnerânow officer and Jeonâs best friendâand suddenly everythingâs your fault and everyoneâs turned against you. It wasnât your fault, and itâs not like you ever wanted or planned for it to end that way!
For the first time, you turn your head to really look at the man beside you, your glare powered by years of anger and frustration. His face is flushed, revealing just how irritated this whole ordeal is making him.
In another universe, one in which men don't have personalities, you'd for sure want him. There's no denying the attractiveness that oozes from him, but masculinity is both a blessing and a curse.
He's gorgeous, raven hair parted to expose his just as dark eyebrows and his forehead. Heâs got cheekbones and a jaw from another world, and it looks like he's wearing the black pants of his uniform but has foregone the shirt in favor of a dark blue sweatshirt with the police academy's print on it. Sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his veiny forearmsâone of which tattooedâ and hands are on display, and it's hot.
He's hot. Intimidating and hot.Â
But he's also so⌠mean. So spoiled and entitled and just such a man. Itâs been less than a year, maybe eight months or so, since he transferred from another district, and during those months, you've never spoken more than a few sentences to each other.
Still, youâve known of him since before he even put his foot in the building, his reputation preceding him. Unfortunately, he's one of the best officers to grace this part of the country in a long time; his accomplishments piling up like golden trophies.
It's harder to measure for a field officer, still, the dude has an unbelievable rate of cleared and successful cases, surprisingly few complaints made against him, and the fitness competitions held every year among the officers are just another opportunity for him to improve his previous impressive record. He could probably bench five times your bodyweight and kick in whichever steel-reinforced door he wants. Everything turns to gold underneath his skilled fingertips, and it makes it all exponentially worse.
Perhaps he deserves some of the praise, but you still stand by the fact that Jeongguk is spoiled and entitled and just such a man. Almost all the males inside this building are. Pumped full of the worst kind of drug, produced by their own bodyâtestosteroneâand you're so fucking tired of it.Â
Before you can defend yourself, bite back that he needs to shut the fuck up, you're interrupted.
"She's still not allowed to carry,â the chief clarifies calmly. âYou've done mostly field, and she's done investigating. You'll work together, combine your strengths and eliminate your weaknesses. Okay?"
"Fine," you huff, "but I'm bringing my dog."
When you leave the roomâJeongguk exiting behind you only to be greeted by another male officerâyou hear it.
âYouâll put her in her place, right, Jeon? Put an end to all of this and show her itâs a manâs world sheâs living in?â
âOf course,â he replies just as confidently, âIâll show her.â
And you know you might as well start writing your will.
Â
Three days later, youâre sulking in the passenger seat of a sleek black car, being driven by none other than Jeon Jeongguk himself. Itâs not his personal car, and it for sure doesnât belong to you; yours is still at the repair shop where itâs been for faulty brakes three times in the last six months.Â
You wanted to drive, but apparently, your fake new neighbors are so sexist that you canât be seen stepping out of a car after driving your âhusbandâ around. Because everyone knows driving is a manâs job, right?
Jeongguk has a big suitcase in the backseat. You have two, one containing clothes and whatever you need for your stay and another that holds food and other dog stuff. In the actual trunk, inside a crateâbecause you value his safety over everythingâyour Doberman sits.
You donât know much about the house except that itâs big and mostly empty. The basic furniture has apparently already been moved there yesterday, but the rest of âyourâ furniture and possessions are scheduled to arrive within the next few days.
Ideally, youâll manage to solve the case before the moving trucks pull up, sparing you the work of hauling heavy objects inside when you know itâs just for show and that someoneâs gonna want them back eventually. If that happens anyway, youâre already contemplating leaving it to Jeongguk since he wants to be the man so badly. Heâs obviously not happy about being partnered with you, but it at least brings him joy to see you have it worse. Except for having to be around you, heâs living the dream, getting to be a lawyer and have a housewife to be serviced by.
Among the chief's instructions is a dress code, and so today, Jeongguk is wearing black slacks and a white, crispy button-up shirt while youâre wearing a dark blue off-the-shoulder sundress. Unsurprisingly, you need to look put-together at all times which makes you hate your new fake neighbors even before meeting them. Well, a few of them are suspected to be some of the most successful bank robbers in the countryâs history, but besides that.
The thought makes you huff quietly, and even with your gaze out the windshield, you see from the corner of your eye how Jeongguk glances at you. Probably giving you more of a glare, if youâre being honest.
There hasnât been much going on conversation-wise either. The arguing of who was to drive happened an hour ago, and after that, youâve laid a few comments on his choice of roads, and heâs answered them with just as much attitude as youâve muttered them. You see this adventure ending in one or two waysâyou and Jeongguk becoming friends isnât one of them.
At five p.m., you pull up in front of your new house, and at first glance, itâs lovely. The entire neighborhood is. Big, pristine houses painted in white with green, mowed lawns and backyards, and white Picket fences. Your house is no different.
When the engineâs silenced and the key in Jeonggukâs right palm, you start feeling nervous. But you canât let him know, so you focus on the task at hand.Â
Your hands are a little sweaty, and to lessen the tremors, your fingers play with the diamond on your ring finger. Itâs fake, but theyâre done so well these days that even a professional would have a hard time differentiating. Thereâs a ring decorating Jeonggukâs finger too, a gold wedding band that you have to admit really suits his brand.Â
Another thing he has with him is a gun, something youâre not allowed. But jokeâs on anyone who thinks youâd willingly go unarmed. You have razor blades with you, sometimes a blade lies in your bra, protected in a plastic case. Other times, itâs strapped to your thigh. Like now.
As soon as you open the car door and step out with a fake smile on your face, you head to the trunk to get Fenrir. Itâs unnerving how you can see your closest neighbors peeking out through their windows already, and you know instantly what kind of neighborhood this is. The brown Doberman jumps out, wagging his undocked tail and stretching after the drive.
âSince people are watching,â you hear Jeongguk from behind you. When you turn around, you almost lose your breath.
As heâs grabbing your bags to carry them inside, heâs wearing a smile that looks so incredibly genuine youâre almost left speechless. But of course, you can tell by his gritted words that heâd gladly let you carry them yourself if there werenât witnesses. Actually, if no one was around to see, heâd probably just deck you with one of them.
âFuck you, I can bring them myself,â you mutter through a sweet smile of your own, head tilted slightly.
âJust go inside before anyone can come here and start interrogating us, we still have things to go through.â
âFine,â you snap, and together with Fenrir, you walk toward the entrance, unlocking it.
Jeongguk isnât far behind, dumping your bags by the door that he closes behind him before turning to you.
Youâve gone through a few things regarding your disguise, but a lot of details still need to be agreed on.
Jeongguk is Kim Jaehyun and youâre Kim Yeji, high school sweethearts that married just a few months ago. The honeymoon was set in Paris at Jeonggukâs request, making you roll your eyes at the laziness. Jaehyun is just such a romantic.
But only a few minutes after the door is closed, a gentle but firm knock is placed on it. You exchange somewhat panicked looks with Jeongguk before inhaling and exhaling deeply and reaching for the door.
On the other side, dressed in colorful blouses and flowy skirts and with a plastic container each, two women stand.
âHi,â you start, trying to channel your shy but polite inner housewife.
âHello! Welcome to the neighborhood!â one exclaims happily, nudging the other subtly with her elbow.
âYes, hello! Such a surprise to see new neighbors already! Iâm Jung Eunha and this is Min Hyeji, we live just across the street. Or at least I do, Hyeji is your next door neighbor!â she nods toward the other woman.
âOh, uh, nice to meet you,â you greet, hoping that the discomfort behind your smile isnât visible. âIâm Kim Yeji, and this is my husband Jaehyun.â
Improvising, you turn around hastily and go to⌠well, touch him somehow, but heâs closer than you expected and so your hand bumps into his shoulder, and you just⌠keep it there somewhat awkwardly before slowly dropping it.
âNice to meet you,â Jeongguk starts, his focus laying beyond you. âYeah, weâve been looking for a new home for a while, and when we saw this, we just fell in love immediately. Such potential and with a really nice neighborhood.â
âYes,â Hyeji smiles proudly, âPerfect for when you get little ones!â
You feel yourself hurling on the inside, disgusted by the thought of having kids with someone as vile as Jeongguk, but he manages to keep his cool even though you assume heâs taken by surprise as well. How can they already know that you donât have children? Unless they really supervised your entire arrival?
âYeah, weâre not really there yet, but I agree; itâll be perfect for our future kids, right, honey?â
He looks down at you. They all look at you.
Honey.
âOh, yeah, absolutely!â you smile, trying to blink away the image of your archnemesis gazing at you so fondly. You wouldâve never guessed it, but when theyâre not overflowing with murderous disgust, Jeon Jeongguk has the prettiest brown eyes. Soft, brown eyes.
âWell, itâs so nice to meet you, but we gotta run. Here are some cookies,â Eunha excuses, taking a step closer to push her container in your hands. Hyeji follows, stacking hers on top. âWeâll see you around soon!â
And then, theyâre gone, and the doorâs closed.
You remain silent for a moment, just to make sure no oneâs lingering and hearing stuff theyâre not supposed to.
âDude, what was that?â Jeongguk asks, and when you meet his eyes this time, the softness is gone, traded back for that familiar hatred.
âWhat?â you question with an irritated whisper, still paranoid the women might stand with their ears pressed against the door.
âI thought you were supposed to be a good actress?! Yet you touched me like I was your new colleague? âH-hi, Iâm K-kim Y-yeji and th-this is m-my husband J-Jaehyun.ââ
âShut the fuck up,â you grit, walking away to place the containers on the kitchen counter.
âMaybe you donât understand, I wouldnât expect you to, but we need them to believe us. Either you touch me like you love me or you donât touch me at all.â
After a few more digs at each other, you split up. Jeongguk disappears somewhere further into the house while you unpack Fenrirâs bowls, the gifted containers left on the counter. The big dog follows you closely to the kitchen sink, propping his snout in between you and the counter and hoping youâll fill his bowl with something tasty.
âNo food now,â you explain, setting the water-filled bowl down in an appropriate spot in the kitchen. âThere you go, you must be thirsty.â
Although surely disappointed, Fenrir sniffs at the bowl before lapping at the water. You take a step back, watching him with a crease of worry between your eyebrows.
This whole arrangement has you incredibly nervous. Youâre used to spying on people and such, but itâs usually just... observing. Many times, youâre seated inside a car with binoculars, or youâre tailing someone through the mall. Rarely, you even have to talk to the suspects, and now? Youâre living next door to them, trying to get to know them.
You donât even know whatâs worse; living in the house next to your enemy, or living with your enemy. For all you know, Jeongguk might suffocate you in your sleep with a pillow over your face before the armed robbers even get the chance at taking you out.
âYouâre the only man I can trust,â you coo, scratching Fenrir behind his ear when he approaches, a few leftover water drops making it onto your dress.
But with a sigh, you accept the fact that youâre stranded in the house for the coming days, and so you might as well follow your partnerâs lead and look around.
Itâs a nice house, you conclude. Not the very biggest, but still spacious enough. On the ground floor, thereâs the kitchen, a dining area, and living room, all equipped with the basic necessities.
The dining area has a large dining table and eight chairs surrounding it, and the living room harbors a huge, gray couch and a very nice wooden coffee table. A wooly blanket hangs over one of the armrests, and a huge tv is mounted on the wall opposite the couch.Â
What you donât necessarily like is the fact that itâs... open. There arenât really any separating walls except for around the kitchen, which means that if you need to hide from someone, you canât. Well, maybe you can lock yourself in the bathroom, and hopefully, the bedrooms also have doors with locks.
The stairs creak a little under your feet, and you definitely take notice of it as you climb them to check out whatâs upstairs.
To your surprise, the first thing you see is Jeonggukâs back. Confusion sets in as you watch him. Heâs looking inside one of the two bedrooms, frozen with his hand on the handle.
You approach carefully, not sure you want to one; be so close to him, and two; know whatâs gotten him so... confused? Confounded? Surprised?
Maintaining as much distance as possible, you peek inside. But itâs just a room? You canât see the entirety of it since youâre not about to squeeze yourself through the doorway with Jeongguk still in it, but it looks⌠normal? Nice, actually.
Thereâs a queen-sized bed placed against the cream colored wall, drowned in beige linen bedding with an oak nightstand on each side. On the opposite side, to your left, there are doors leading to a built-in closet, an oak dresser, and a gray, empty plant pot, standing in the corner.
âYou... like this one, orâŚ?â you turn your head to glance toward the other door, leading to the other, unexplored, bedroom.Â
You donât want to let him choose before youâve seen both because you know heâd rather die than give you the better one without a fight, and youâre not about to sleep in a bed covered in rat shit or something.
But before you can even walk toward that other door, Jeongguk opens his mouth.
âYeah, well I have to, since this is the only room with a bed.â
At his surprisingly casual words, your heart drops. No. That canât be true. Your steps are quick, and when you glide the door open, you curse to yourself. The room is empty, completely barren.
With your hand still on the handle, you turn your head toward Jeongguk, horrified. âIâm not sleeping with you.â
âAnd you think Iâd wanna fuck that?â he snaps, eyeing your body with disgust.Â
You hate him, you really fucking hate him, and you wish his words didnât mean anything to you, but they do. The dress youâre wearing makes you uncomfortable, it makes you feel vulnerable under his gaze, and you wish you were allowed to wear your own comfortable clothes and not the ones given to you.
Itâs beautiful, it really is, but you loathe that it leaves your shoulders, arms, and lower legs exposed. You hate that youâre supposed to be pretty for your âhusbandâ and even other men, and you hate that they always have to look, that they have to judge. Your value as a woman lies in the way you look, you learned that at a young age just like everyone else, and you hate it. You just donât wanna be perceived.
Despite already being well aware that the number of men willing to date you would be close to zeroâif youâd even want to date, that isâyou feel like heâs stabbed you right through the heart.
It especially hurts because heâs so goddamn beautiful, so of course, you respond with the usual anger. âI didnât mean it like that, you fucking idiot, but yeah, the feelingâs mutual.â
Briefly, you see how Jeongguk rolls his eyes before he lets go of the door and steps back. âSo what do we do? Iâm not sleeping next to you; I heard you carry a knife wherever you go.â
Well, itâs not technically a knife, but he might as well continue believing that. âYeah, well there are men everywhere I go? And donât tell me youâre stupid enough to believe Iâd come here unarmed?â you question. How many brain cells does he have? One? âAnd thereâs a couch, so I suggest one of us just takes that.â
You glare at each other. He knows, just as well as you do, that no one is going to volunteer. âFine. Weâll take turns.â
Sleeping on a couch isnât necessarily the worst thing that could happen, you just donât want to sleep out in the living room and feel so exposed and vulnerable. But youâre also tired, fighting with Jeongguk has taken so much of your energy already, and by the looks of itâof himâheâs not gonna give in very easily.
You sigh and roll your eyes, âFine, you can take the first night.â
He smirks victoriously, immediately going downstairs to retrieve his suitcase to unpack his clothes. Since a neighbor could visit literally any second, you need to be able to keep the act up inside the house as well, and so, as soon as Jeongguk is finished unpacking his clothes, you bring yours. And you hate seeing them hang next to his in the closet, just like you hate him.
Just a few hours after your arrival, there are more knocks on your front door. Youâre upstairs when you hear it, descending the stairs to see Jeongguk at the door, talking to one of the women from earlier with a small bouquet in his hand. Eunha.
âWeâd love it ifâoh, hello again!â she greets when you come to stand next to him. âI was just telling your husband about the barbeque weâre throwing on Saturday! Youâre more than welcome to join us if you want. Get to know your neighbors and all that,â she smiles excitedly.
âWell, we canât pass up an opportunity like that,â Jeongguk chuckles, âRight, honey?â
Youâll never get used to it. The way he looks down at you so fondly, with warm brown eyes and a sweet smile. It both melts your heart and sends an ice cold shiver down your spine.
âYeah, no, of course,â you smile, looking forward as you try to ignore Jeongguk wrapping his arm around your waist.
Meanwhile Eunha just watches the two of you with heart eyes, smiling when you meet her gaze. âWeâll bring meat of some kind, some... chicken? Maybe?â
âGreat idea, and some beer,â Jeongguk adds, finally tearing his eyes from the side of your face. You breathe out. Heâs just so intimidating, no less when heâs as close as he is, his disguised scrutinizing gaze on your face and his warm hand on your waist.
âGreat, see you then!â she nods, taking a few steps back.
âSee you, and thanks again for the flowers,â Jeongguk grins before closing the door and thrusting the bouquet in your hands.
âExcuse me?â
âBe of use and trim the stems and put them in water.â
âThere are few people ruder than you, Jeon Jeongguk,â you hiss quietly. âVery few people I hate more.â
âItâs not as if youâre very liked, so go ahead,â he scoffs.
Asshole, you think, but still move toward the kitchen with the flowers in hand. Theyâre actually very pretty, and you turn the bouquet around to admire them. Youâre not very familiar with the different sorts of flowers, and the only kind you can identify are daisies. Theyâre blended together with other kinds in a variety of colors and sizes. There are light yellow ones, pink ones, and a few tall, blue ones. You especially like those blue ones.
Trim the stems and put them in water, Jeongguk said. You open a drawer in search of some scissors and find a pair that looks like they could get the job done.
Then you start cutting. Itâs harder than you thought; the stems are much thicker and the scissors arenât sharp enough.
What you donât notice is Jeongguk, standing behind you and peering down over your shoulder.
âOh my God, step aside,â he exclaims in annoyance, making you jump. Before you know it, heâs grabbed a knife from a drawer and pushed you to the side. âHave you never gotten flowers or what?â
You back away, scissors lowered uselessly. âShut the fuck up, you idiot.â
âSo, you havenât?â he taunts, âI donât know why Iâm surprised, flowers are for pretty girls after all.â
Lips pressed together in frustration and humiliation, you watch his back as he finishes the job, clearly happy with his remarks.
You hate it so much, how thereâs nothing for you to retort with. Jeon Jeongguk is gorgeous, heâs smart, and heâs talented. He learns a new skill in the blink of an eye, and can get anyone to like him. And the worst part is that heâs very aware of it. He knows heâs unmatched, and thereâs nothing you can say that would hurt him.
âI hope you get kicked so hard in the balls that they rupture.â
Jeongguk winces slightly at your words, not long before he rummages through another cupboard and produces a glass vase to store the flowers in. âRough,â he comments, and you roll your eyes.
âBy the way, you know that dress looks horrible on you? You donât have the tits for it.â
You swallow, feeling your heart break further and your confidence thatâs already ninety percent anger, crumble. You feel even uglier around him than usual, humiliated to have to be perceived.
More than anything, you wish that you could just rip your clothes out of that closet, stuff them into your suitcase, take Fenrir, and go the fuck home, but you canât. You know youâre one misstep away from being fired, and you wouldnât exactly get the best of recommendation letters with as much shit as youâve accidentally stirred up. Not that it was your fault. Still, no one in your field is going to hire you, so itâs better to stay, even if that means Jeon Jeongguk will be the death of you.
âWe need to plan,â you mutter, subconsciously folding your arms over your chest to hide yourself. âThe barbeque is in two days.â
Jeongguk carries the vase to the dining table and sets it down in the middle before turning to you. You make sure to maintain enough distance and focus your eyes on his face and not the way heâs leaning back against the tableâhis weight supported by his armsâor the way his shirt strains over his chest. Ridiculous how he can be so pretty but so vile.
At least youâre relieved that he seemingly turns his professional mode on as he bites his lip, thinking.
âWell, we know the ultimate goal is toââ
ââGet inside the Jungsâ house.â
âYes,â Jeongguk agrees. âWe need to figure out a way to get inside the house so we can bug it. Thatâs gonna be the best chance, and hopefully, weâll get some kind of confession. Maybe theyâll even lead us to the money.â
It takes you ten minutes to plan for the next two days. Itâs a bit rough, mostly open to let you see what happens and adjust accordingly, but itâs a good start.
In forty-eight hours, give or take, youâll show up at the Jungsâ house for the barbeque. You have a feeling Jung Eunha isnât that involved in her husbandâs criminal adventures, but she could be sitting on valuable information. If not about the heists or money, then at least on how to get inside their house.Â
So, your focus lies on her and the other wives, while Jeongguk will try to get close to the men, and thus, Jung Hoseok, himself.
You pack away the blue dress.
author's note: so that's the first part, please tell me what you thought, i decided not to do tag lists for this series <3<3
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zlibrary gone... FUCK TIKTOK FUCK BOOKTOK I hope that app burns in hell
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wicked ⢠16
âł Summary: In a desperate hope to stop war from breaking you are a serviced to wed the most vile man alive, the one who has committed atrocities and war crimes beyond comprehension, he who is responsible for the fall of many nations, the wicked prince whoâs heart is made of stone. You are to marry a man who challenges every belief and moral you stand for, all while being faced in a foreign land with nobody but yourself too trustâŚBut are you both truly that different? Or is hate not too far from love?
âł Pairing:Â Jungkook/reader
âł Genre:Â arranged marriage AU, enemies to lovers, itâs kind of a period AU??? Historical but also technically not? prince!AU, eventual smut
Word Count: 10.8k
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Note: the queen has returned everybody! good luck
Wood echoed off of wood, clapping together in a viscous motion as Jungkookâs brows pinched together, frantic to stave off the aggressive blows. He was already exhausted though, training before sunrise until sunset, only to sneak out like this.Â
It could get him in a lot of trouble- both of them for that matter.
He fumbled against a blow he deflected, stepping back only for his foot to hit a dip in the ground.Â
The next blow came but his reflexives werenât sharp enough to block it, resulting in the wooden sword slamming hard into his shoulder as he yelped out.
The breath felt as though it had been knocked out of him as he gasped for air, his back planted into the ground as his name was called- or perhaps the closest he usually heard to it.
âYour Highness!â Big brown eyes peered over him in concern, âIâm so sorry! I didnât mean to hurt you.âÂ
Jungkook sputtered, long black hair accidentally getting in his mouth as he waved her away, âYou didnât hurt me Wheein, and stop calling me that!â He hurriedly sat upright before slumping a little.
Though Jungkook said it, it didnât take away from the fact that it did hurt, Wheein hit hard, perhaps harder than she intended too. But Jungkook wouldnât shy away from it, he needed to be pushed hard if he wanted to one day be a good swordsman.Â
Wheein quickly backed away from him, kneeling down as she peered at him, still in mild concern, âBut youâre the Crowned Prince.âÂ
This made Jungkook cross his arms with a huff, he knew he was the Crowned Prince, but for once he just wanted someone to treat him as a friend. He hated his title, he didnât ask to be the next King of Penumbra, and he certainly didnât ask to be drafted into this stupid war.
Just the thought had fear plunging into his veins like poison, he only had two weeks of training left before his official draft would begin.Â
When his father told him, Jungkook knew better than to cry, though he wanted to. He kept it in, but still his father was repulsed at the sight of the boy groveling, begging his father to not send him.
âThis isnât fair, father!â He remembered crying out, his eyes filled with hurt and glassy, on the verge of tears he told himself he wouldnât cry.Â
And then his fatherâs response was even more vivid than his own.âLife isnât fair nor is it kind Jungkook, and you best be learning that as soon as you can.â
Just the memory made him clench his fists, and just as his father suggested, he decided to put all of his anger and frustration into training. But no matter how hard he trained, how hard he tried, how much he exhausted himself.Â
It still hurt.His uncle, Jeong Dae didnât seem to understand either, he had gone to him in some effort to lick his wounds and receive a bit of comfort, but his uncle only replied by telling him he should be honored to serve his country.
That this was his chance to prove himself to his people, to the Rosewoodâs, to the world that he would be worthy of being King.Â
The only problem was that Jungkook didnât want to be King. He didnât want to rule, he didnât want to go to war and he certainly didnât want to die. And no matter how much everyone tried to pet him, he could see past their empty eyes, they were sending him to his grave, he was certain of it.Â
âAre you okay?â Wheein frowned, mirroring his own as she set down her sword, âYouâre cryingâŚâ
Jungkookâs bottom lip quivered, both in anger and pent up sadness as he roughly shoved his tears away. How they had managed to slip out was beyond him, but he wouldnât let it happen again. For his father, his family, and his country, he would do what was expected of him.Â
His feelings didnât matter, evidently enough.Â
âIt doesnât hurt that bad.â He shook his head, ignoring her words, âYou should get back to Skol before Di Jin catches you out here.â
Wheeinâs frown deepened as she folded her hands together, taking one long look at him before she took a breath, âAlright, you should rest as well, I know the War Matron has been pushing all of the underlingâs after dark now that thereâs only a two weeks left until graduation.âÂ
Jungkook set his hands on his lap, âIf theyâd let you serve the war would be over in a day.âÂ
Wheein offered a small smile, âMaybe, but Iâm not a boy and Iâm not royalty either. Rest well Prince.âÂ
And with that Wheein grabbed her cloak that had been discarded, pulling it over her head to conceal her figure before she disappeared into the dark. Jungkook might have been concerned had it been anyone else, but he saw her take her wooden sword.Â
He winced as he rubbed his shoulder, she could easily bludgeon someone to death if they made her angry enough, sheâd be fine.Â
Jungkook had sulked for only a little longer before getting up, rubbing his shoulder as he grabbed his wooden sword before sneaking his way back to the boys barracks.Â
âYou are an idiot, truly.âÂ
Jungkook hadnât said anything for a long while, his gaze looking out over their great kingdom, the very same one his great grandfather built stone by stone, all for it to turn into this? And even despite the shitshow of a display earlier the only person missing from the parlor was his father.Â
Perhaps unwilling to bother with such trifles at the late hour despite it being the Crowned Princess who had been missing. Jungkook had felt his whole stomach lurch when he had woken up, you missing from his embrace and he attempted to be rational at first, assuming you had gone on a late walk and taken Yoongi with you.Â
But upon seeing Yoongi still on watch outside the doors had him immediately reeling, flashes of anxiousness and worry wrought in his entire being which came in lashes of anger to everyone around him. It didnât matter what Jeong Dae and Areum told him in an attempt to calm him down, he wouldnât be until you were found and safe.Â
And the relief he felt when you came in, when he was finally able to hold you once more and see with his own two eyes that you were safe, it was in that moment that he knew there was no going back with how he felt.Â
You had somehow entangled yourself in his entire being, somehow wiggling your way into the forefront of his mind every time you were apart and making him constantly have the desire to keep you wrapped against him.Â
And yet he didnât understand. Your words still coldly rang in his ears. Things could not be over between you both, they had hardly even begun, so surely, out of a fit of rage, much like you had in the past, said something damning in the moment.
Still, it troubled him deeply, Jungkook shook his head, âI donât understand what I said wrong,â He frowned, deeply troubled by what had transpired, âIt was the truth nobody else would tell herâŚâ
He was honest when he said he took no pleasure in telling you the truth, but everything he said was the truth you so desperately wanted.
Your anger was justified, but why couldnât you see from his sideâŚ? He was stretched beyond thin and Jeong Dae had only goaded him further into investigating you, he was the one who had planted a seed of doubt.Â
But deep in the crevices of Jungkookâs mind laid bare his true feelings, ones he wanted viciously to deny, but still they lingered in the dark, perhaps the seed had already been there, Jeong Dae only watered it.
âYou donâtâŚ!?â Areum raised her brows, groaning as she ran a hand through her hair, âGood god you donât understand why she was upset with you!? Jeon Jungkook! You donât tell the women you love that you were justified in what you did!âÂ
âThen what would you have me do?â Jungkook snarled, his gaze finally snapping to hers.Â
He already had one woman scold him tonight, he didnât need another one to further it.
Areum puffed a breath, crossing her arms, âYou could first start by swallowing your pride and admitting yourâre wrong, and then you could move along to groveling for her forgiveness. But something tells me she wonât care until you genuinely mean it.âÂ
Jungkookâs lip twitched as he angrily shook his head, âSheâll be fine after sheâs done throwing her tantrum. Sheâs prone to saying cruel things when sheâs angry, she didnât earn that title for nothing.âÂ
His words may be cruel, but they were a truth no one could dispute, Jungkook was the first to witness your wrath the very moment the door to your wedding chambers had closed. Though in time he grew to know you as you were truly seen by those closest to you.Â
Tender to the core, there was such a profound air of softness about you that was constantly coiled tight like a venomous snake, hissing and ready to strike at anybody who dared get close to it.Â
And yet again, Jungkook was struck by your venom this night. When you loved, you were like the gentlest, warmth of days, the embodiment of the sun in his eyes, incandescent and enchanting, but when you raged?Â
You were nothing short of a thunderstorm, not the rain but the lightning that followed, striking yet again in a chaotic manner that no one, let alone he could predict. Your voice was like a war drum that would not be silenced.
Areum only raised her brows at this, âRightâŚwell, let me know how that goes for you little nephew. Betrayal is easily the deepest wound one can inflict, lest we all know that here. Goodnight.âÂ
She spoke with finality before she exited the room, leaving Jungkook alone with his uncle.Â
Silence lingered in the room, the fireplace roaring with flames and wickedly dancing as Jungkook glowered in the coals.
He only wanted your safety tonight, perhaps if he had stayed asleep, this all could have been prevented.
âAre you satisfied?â Jungkook finally asked, âShe hadnât even sent a single letter out until she began writing to her mother to inquire about Yule.â It left an empty feeling in his chest as he crossed his arms, âSheâd never be a spy, it isnât who she is.â
You were many things, a dichotomy to the court. You were soft but sharp, merciful but unforgiving, hot and cold. But of all the things you were, Jungkook knew the one thing you were not, was indefinitely, a spy.
He was consumed by paranoia when he sent for your letters to be searched, in hindsight he wondered if he had calmed his mind down, he wouldâve made a different decision.
Jeong Dae walked over to him, putting a hand on his shoulder, âYou did what you must to yet again secure your seat to the throne, we would never be certain until you had it done. True as Areumâs words may be, the girl will come to one day understand your reasoning.âÂ
Jungkook said nothing in return, his eyes still cast out over the dark kingdom, âI hope youâre right.âÂ
âGet some rest Jungkook,â Jeong Dae replied, âYouâll need it in the days to come.âÂ
Jungkook was then left alone with his thoughts before he reluctantly returned to his chambers where it laid empty just as he had woken up earlier, the bed felt entirely too big and as he laid awake in bed, staring up at the canopy a feeling began to creep into his chest that felt entirely too much like regret.Â
âPrincessâŚIâm not typically someone who pries butâŚis there a reason weâve been here all morning?â Yoongi had finally spoken up after taking you to the stables at the first light of day where you had been keeping Fenrir company.Â
At first you had went on a walk with him before playing with him and now you had been resting in the stables for the last hour, tenderly stroking through his fur as he rested his chin on his paws, perhaps sensing your downcast mood as he licked at your hands occasionally in comfort.Â
The pup had definitely grown, he was bigger now, to some guards uncomfortably so, his head was perched at the top of your stomach when he stood tall now.
âNo reason in particularâŚâ You mumbled, not wanting to talk about it at the moment. You had so many things and feelings to sort through, and admittedly you were not used to working through it completely by yourself.Â
Not only were you having to deal with Wheein being unrightfully accused of being the assassin but now with the betrayal of Jungkook having investigated you as a spy behind your back along with the news of Eunoia.
It made your head dully ache in all truthfulness, it would have been one thing if Di Jin pounced on you with a dated piece of information, something you wouldnât have put past Jungkook to do just after your wedding.Â
But two weeks ago?
Two weeks?
You felt incredibly naive and stupid to believe, geniunely that you both were closer then this. You didnât know how to feel, about anything anymore, and more than anything you were wrought with homesickness.Â
You didnât want the gray chilled days anymore, you wanted to go home.Â
Yoongi sighed in exasperation as he nodded, âVery well, then letâs discuss why you thought it was a good decision to go outside the castle after hours, by yourself, telling no one of your status and meeting up with the sworn enemy of the crown!â
Your lip jutted a little, not appreciating the scolding, but it was a foolish decision you made and the least you deserved was this for that. One thing however caused your head to shoot up right, âHow did youâŚ?âÂ
It was one thing for you to admit to going to the Undeside, but how could Yoongi know that you met up with Claudin? He fled the moment he got you outside the courtyard.Â
âIâm Areumâs right hand and before that an assassin, I have more eyes then just my own after hours.â Yoongiâs glare furrowed, âAnd to let that rat take you to the Underside, did you want a death sentence Princess?â
You glumly leaned back against the wooden wall, your hand mindlessly stroking Fenrirâs side as he sprawled out at the attention, his feet digging into your side but you paid it no mind. Had you not gone to the Underside you wouldâve assumed he meant all of the looming assassination threats.
But after having gone, it was only now that you realized being assassinated was a lot lower on the list of ways you could potentially die in Penumbra then you had originally thought. It was undeniable that your eyes were opened to the truth. Just about everyone in this damn kingdom wanted your head on a pike. It was a bitter pill to swallow.Â
âWell itâs certainly come to my attention that a death sentence for me is far more imminent then the court ever let on. If visiting the Underside was anything to go by.â You mumbled the comment that occupied your mind.Â
Yoongi ignored your question, âSend me outside if it upsets you Princess but Iâm going to ask anyway, why did you go with him?â
You shook your head, lip twitching with anger just as he anticipated, âI had no other choice,â You finally spoke, eyes raw with rage, âNot a single person in this castle dared to tell me anything, itâs as if, I was living in a bubble this whole time, blind to whatâs been going on in the outside world. I took no pleasure in going with Claudin, but he was the only one willing to show me the truth.âÂ
Yoongi frowned deeply as he crossed his arms, âAnd how is that cold truth treating you Princess? Being ignorant is a blessing few come by these days.â
Your eyes stung with tears of rage but you refused to let them fall, âThat is a luxury I was never allowed to have as a child. I tended to the disembodied civilians of children, men and women alike, all left from the wars your country waged. I stoked the fires with their bodies and choked on the ash of their bones. Ignorance was never an option.â
Yoongi huffed shaking his head, as though he didnât particularly enjoy hearing about the mess they caused without thinking twice, âHow long will you weaponize the past against Penumbra?âÂ
You shook your head, âItâs not a matter of weaponizing, it goes beyond Penumbra, beyond myself, it goes back to the Age of Celestia, the moment the Dryads left this earth, the moment we were stripped from our grace. Thatâs when our eyes were opened to the world around us, it is our curse to bear. To be savage, tooth and fang and yet wholly crave the peace of the earth.â
âCall it whatever you may, but I would always rather the unpleasant truth than the sweetness of lies.â
Yoongi said no more, leaning against the side of the wall as he shook his head.Â
It was silent for a long moment before you spoke up, not wanting to bid ill with him, after all he was your personal knight, or you supposed assassin was a better interpretation. He had every right to be upset with you, but you didnât want any more bad blood to fester.Â
âLast night,â You frowned, âWhen Di Jin came in, it was he who announced I went to the Underside.âÂ
Yoonig snorted, âA pot-stirrer that one, Iâm not surprised.âÂ
âNeither am I,â You admitted, the little time youâve spent with Di Jin would point to such, âBut it was what Jungkook said to him in return. Something that insinuated Di Jin played a hand in the UndersideâŚ?âÂ
âMy wife would never step foot in that pit you caused.â
Jungkookâs words rang in your ears as you glanced at Yoongi, perhaps with him being Areumâs right hand, he would have more insight into this. Yoongi however only sighed as he ran a hand through his hair before he finally took a seat upon a bale of hay that was against the wall beside him.
âWhile I am still indefinitely angry at you,â Yoongi glared a little before it softened, âI also want to impart some knowledge on you, seeing how serious you take this whole truthful business. While what you saw in the Underside is very real, it is only a fragment of Penumbra as a whole. It is the depths of criminal activity and the most low or dangerous of people roam.âÂ
âDi Jin was the captain of the Guard during the five year war, but during this time, we had serviced many into the war to help, many volunteered as well, food had to be rationed and many mourned for their men and boys that would not return. But many men also resisted to help in the war, they flooded the streets with crime of all sorts as a way to rebel against the draft,â
Yoongi frowned as he recalled those days, âWhile the King was busy buried in the war room, Di Jin took it upon himself to create a prison of sorts in the lowest district in the city, him and his guard raided the whole Capitol at night and threw them all in there as some means of justice and restoring order.âÂ
You tilted your heads in curiosity at his words.Â
âAnd I understand the idea he had in mind,â Yoongi admitted before scoffing, âBut imagine it Princess, throwing all of the lowly thieves and murders together in one place? Itâd be hell on earth, well instead of murdering one another like Di Jin assumed they would, they ended up couping the whole place. Tearing it down in troves and claiming it as their own little Kingdom, it is now shrouded from the Capitol in fear of who still roams there. It is without a doubt the most dangerous part of Penumbra.âÂ
âSo what happened to Di Jin when they all took hold of the district?â You asked, almost eager as you sat upright from your previously slumped position.Â
âWell he got decommissioned,â Yoongi grinned, as if it amused him, âConducting something on that scale without the Kingâs permission was a one way ticket to it, not only that but thoroughly botching it too? Because Di Jin served in the war alongside the King, he allowed him to walk free. Otherwise heâd surely be rotting in the dungeon right now.âÂ
You grabbed your chin in thought, âThere must be a reason Di Jin is trying to say Wheein is the assassin, I just canât make sense of itâŚâÂ
âI wouldnât think much of it truthfully Princess,â Yoongi said with a soft lament, âI feel as though, in some cases, it purely has to do with being at the wrong place, in the wrong time.â
Somehow this horrified you even more than if it was some clever plot, âWheein does not deserve to die- let alone at the fate of being at the wrong place and the wrong time!âÂ
âBut think Princess,â Yoongi urged you, âIf Di Jin caught the âassassinâ he would be back in favor with the court and more importantly, the King.â
âWhy would he want the Kingâs favor now though?â You wondered aloud, frowning at the idea, surely Dae Seong wasnât blind to the idea that letting Di Jin into his court was a poor idea, let alone letting the man be an advisor to him.
âWellâŚYou said Di Jin was the one who announced you went to the Underside, did he say anything elseâŚ?âÂ
You thought on it for a long moment, âNo he didnât butâŚâ you trailed off at remembering what Yoongi previously said, how he had more than his own eyes at night, âItâs more, what he didnât say.âÂ
You felt a sense of dread fill in your stomach as Yoongi urged you on, âAnd what would that be?âÂ
âYou said you knew I went with Claudin,â You replied, âBut Di JinâŚHe didnât mention Claudin at all, just that I had been seen thereâŚYoongi.âÂ
You turned to him, something akin to the realization in your face, âAfter Di Jin was decommissioned from the Captain of the GuardâŚhe became a bounty hunter. The Wolf of the West.â
Yoongi's expression twisted from confusion to shock and then to pure anger as he crossed his arms, âPerfect, now we have two rats to deal with. Best we set one trap for both PrincessâŚâÂ
You nodded, âYes...you are certainly right about that.âÂ
The idea of facing your husband once again at the table of Namjoonâs study was less than desired, but if your judgment was right, then you would simply have to put your hurt aside, for the safety of not only Wheein but for yourself and potentially the whole of the kingdom.Â
âAre you ready Princess?â Yoongi asked, grabbing the handle of the door. Taking one deep breath to calm yourself you nodded before he opened the door for you stepped inside.Â
The others were in hushed voices before pausing at the sight of you, all giving you a bow except for you at the end of the table.Â
Jungkook.Â
His eyes were unreadable as yours at the moment, but the coldness between you both was difficult to not notice. It was hard to imagine once upon a time, this was a normal interaction to you both, now you felt oceans apart.Â
âPrincess,â Namjoon spoke first, his eyes filled with both concern and curiosity, âWe all received word about you urgently needing to speak with us, has something new developed.â
âIt has not completely revealed itself but Yoongi and I were speaking this morning and happened upon an odd butâŚdamning clue thatâs been staring us in the face this whole timeâŚâ You frowned as you walked to the table, âPlease sit.âÂ
Everyone did so as Yoongi pushed your chair, sitting at the opposite end of the table you chose to ignore his intense stare as you began to recall the events of the evening, leaving out most details of the Underside as you were simply too embarrassed to actually speak of what you had discovered.Â
After explaining your thoughts and concerns to them Jungkook was immediately the first to speak, âIâm going to slaughter that man,â There was a deep rage in his eyes, âTo have the audacity to parade around in my castle, pretend to be someone he isnât at my court. Try to murder my wife.â It was hissed out, his fingers twitching as if wanting to pick up a blade and slit the man's throat this very moment.Â
âJungkook,â Namjoon ushered in a soft chastising voice, as if scolding a younger brother that was being too hasty with his decisions, âAs the Princess said, we donât know if this is the full truth. However it is the best lead we have and most likely right. But we need to play our cards right, Dae Seong favors him, it would be best to not go in accusing him of anything without any evidence.â
âSo where does that leave us then?â Hoseok frowned looking in thought, âWeâve double downed on our efforts but whatever Di Jin is hiding, itâs locked tight.âÂ
âIt would make sense though,â Jimin frowned, leaning back in his seat, his cheek resting on his palm, âWhenever Iâve spoken to him all heâs said is cryptic things like, âif you side with me youâre boon will be greatâ or âjust wait watch as the chaos unfoldsâ.â
âChaos unfold?â Namjoon asked with piqued curiosity.Â
Jimin lifted his hands in exasperation, âDonât ask me, I never knew what the hell my old man was on about. What I do know is that he has always put himself first. So even if he is aligned with the Rosewoods, itâs only temporary.âÂ
âSo what?â Yoongi asked, âYou think if the Rosewoodâs take the crown Di Jin would simply murder them and take it for himself.âÂ
âThat's what I would do,â Jimin shrugged, âTakeâs a bastard to know a bastard.âÂ
âIf his information is locked tight then we need to dig harder.â Jungkook replied, he looked brooding and still very much angry, âI want eyes on him at all time.â He looked to Yoongi who nodded, âAnd Claudin as well, as much as they can without compromising their position.âÂ
Everyone nodded at this before the meeting was dismissed, everyone departing until it was three who remained.Â
âYoongi, leave us.â Jungkook still sat at the opposite end of you, not even sparing the assassin a glance.Â
Yoongi however did not leave as he glanced at you, as if asking for your permission if you were okay with this.Â
Did you want to talk to him? Not particularly, but he was your husband and this court was only so big, you would eventually have to talk to him about it, the idea of forgiving him made you seethe in rage though.Â
You were tired of compromising, tired of learning, tired of having to be understanding.Â
âYou may wait outside.â You finally glanced at Yoongi with a nod, he then bowed before he exited, closing the door behind him. It was silent for a long minute as you glanced around the study, it was well decorated, maps lining the walls and bookshelves filled to the brim.
It was a quaint thing, not at all organized like the great library, but absolutely Namjoon, books of all shapes and sizes crammed together, some standing up right, others laid on their side to fit inside.Â
You stood up to wander around a little in curiosity, ignoring the blatant stares of your husband before you finally settled at the window out looking over the woodland of the meadow.Â
âIt doesnât have to be like Y/nâŚâ Jungkook sighed, staring at your back, a sense of yearning in his chest, as if you were so close and yet so far from his reach once again.Â
âNo it didnât.â You agreed coldly, folding your arms. He acted as if youâre the one being unreasonable here when he was the one who betrayed you.Â
âAll you have to do-â
âYes I know!â You snarled, turning around as fury whiplashed into your veins once more, âAll I have to do! Tell me Jungkook had I not been the one to apologize first to you, would you have ever given me a chance? Had I not been the one to swallow my pride, take the lashings from you even so. All I have ever done is give. I am done giving.â Your lips trembled despite the glares you both mirrored, âI have nothing left to give. I meant every word I said to you last night. I may be many things but I am not a fool.âÂ
âWhat I did was necessary to secure the crown,â Jungkook hissed back, angry and upset with your words, as if flat out refusing to believe they were nothing but the truth you spoke, âThe world is engulfed in politics, all of that of Eunoia is only rumors, rumors you were better off not festering among the thousand other things weâre dealing with. But most of all, I am not your enemy Y/n.âÂ
You shook your head angrily, âThat may be how you feel but that isnât how I see it Jungkook, I had every right to know about Eunoia, even if nothing more then rumors. You may not be my enemy but you are certainly not my lover.âÂ
Jungkookâs lip visibly twitched, as if what you had said struck a nerve before he leaned in, eyes cold as before his lips curled in an icy smile, âThatâs not what you said when you were moaning like a bitch in heat stuffed full with my fingers.âÂ
You ignored how hot the tips of your ears burned as your hands curled into fists, you had thought Claudin would be the only person who ever provoked you enough to consider violence and yet here you stand, silenting seething in rage as you glared up at your haughty so-called husband.Â
You were above slapping him, but it certainly seemed tempting. So instead you say the next best thing.Â
A cruel smile on your own dancing on your lips, âPerhaps because I was imagining it being my actual lover instead of you.âÂ
You were suddenly jostled around, pressing against the window with his chest against your back, a hand slithering possessively around your throat, âFunny because you were moaning my name the whole time.â
It would be a lie to say you werenât shamelessly turned on right now, the sexual tension in the room was bursting from the seams, especially so with the visitation of your last intimacy together.Â
But unfortunately for Jungkook, your pride would always outwin your sex drive.
âYouâre doing no favors for yourself right now.â You glared over your shoulder at him.Â
You were unable to, however, as his mouth was already pressing a sloppy open mouthed kiss against your skin, his voice deep and breathy against the shell of your ear, âThen let me do a favor for you.âÂ
When you donât reply he turned you back to face him, his lips pressing from your neck down your chest as his hands dragged from your waist to your hips, kneeling down in front of him.Â
In the moment you couldnât help but scoff a little, suddenly grabbing a fist full of his hair, yanking hard on it to make his eyes meet yours, what surprised you however was the moan that escaped his lips.
His expression may have remained neutral but you had gotten to know him too well, the slight part of his lips, his pupils blown out from lust.Â
The gesture only made you more angry, âThe fact that you think head is going to fix this is a joke better left unsaid. You had your chance and now it is gone. I have things to do, do not bother me again.âÂ
You shoved his head away from you before you stepped away from him, walking out the door without looking back.Â
âAre you ready to go Princess?âÂ
âMore than ready.âÂ
âWould you like to visit Wheein meanwhile?âÂ
Your gaze shot up, âI can do that?â It felt like a stupid question, you were the Crowned Princess, it felt as if you shouldnât even need to ask but given this was Penumbra, you didnât know how things work.Â
Of course you had heard of dungeons before but you had never been in one, nor did one even exist in Eunoia, the closest equivalent were called Repentance Rooms, and they were nothing like a dungeon, they were clean and well lit with barred windows captives could look out of.Â
Comfortable even, they were for the liminal time between a captive being captured and trialed and if their punishment was severe they would be sent to the housing district next.Â
You wouldnât even know where to begin looking for a dungeon.Â
Yoongi frowned at your words, âWell, you certainly can but last thing you want is for Di Jin to catch you snooping about.âÂ
âCan you make sure Iâm not seen?â You stood up, folding your hands together as you stared at Yoongi pensively.Â
His lips curled into a small smile as he kneeled down in front of you, grabbing your hand, âOf course, my lady. But just know there will be guards that are siding with Di Jin, if they see you theyâll alert him immediately.âÂ
Your face was covered with a hood and Yoongi had skillfully guided you along the narrow halls as you entered the lower levels of the castle where everything was dark and dimly lit, the smell of must becoming overpowering as guards patrolled each hall.Â
Just the dim lights and dank smell made you increasingly worried, you had heard about dungeons before what it meant for captives in other kingdoms, but never thought youâd live to see one yourself.Â
A naive thought once upon a time. But here you were, visiting your dearest maid who was being wrongfully accused of something you knew in your heart sheâd never do.Â
Yoongi had you hide in one last nook before he guided you to the very last dungeon, âOkay,â He spoke softly, âYouâll have only a few minutes with her, be brief.âÂ
You nodded as you crouched down, making your way to the gate, the sight broke your heart, you could hear a soft sob but Wheein was laid down on the ground, nothing but a pile of straw hay serving as a bed in a windowless cell.Â
âOh Wheein,â Your eyes immediately welled with tears, âIâm so sorry.âÂ
She jolted, scrambling to get up before she gapped at the sight of you, tearings streaming down her face before she crawled to the bars, âPrincess.â She wept softly, before reaching throught the bars to you.Â
Your arms curled around her as best as possible as she whimpered quietly, âI donât want to die! Please! Theyâll burn me! Thatâs what Di Jin will do, please!âÂ
âPrincess,â Yoongi ushered out, âOne more minute.â
âShh!â You ushered, trying to keep your voice down as you pulled away from her, grabbing her soft cheeks in your hands, âWe arenât going to let that happen! Okay?â You nodded, âWeâll find a way to prove your innocence I swear by it Wheein.âÂ
Wheein only continued to cry, shaking her head, âHeâs going to kill me Princess, Iâve dreamt of it for so long, I just know it.âÂ
You grabbed her hands into yours squeezing them tight as your heart ached seeing her in so many tears, âNot as long as Iâm alive he wonât,â New determination rushed into your body, anger that hell had not rage against burning in your veins, âI swear on Galadria that I will serve justice where it is due.âÂ
âPrincess! We need to go.â Yoongi whispered out, ushering you quickly.Â
Wheein closed her eyes as tears trickled down her face but said no more, quickly you ushered her into one last hug before you whispered, âIâll return soon! We better news than I have now.âÂ
âPlease Princess, be safe.â
Those were her last whispered words before Yoongi quickly guided you back to a crook to hide as the guards made their rotation. Unfortunately for Wheein, you had no intentions of being safe, you were going to prove her innocence at whatever cost was needed.Â
When you had first been told by the King, Dae Seong that you would be expected to dine with the family once a week, it had filled you with nothing but dread. Being among three men at the time was daunting.
Two which didnât take you seriously at all, and of course the third, your husband who would either pretend you didnât exist, or give you an icy stare and then proceed to pretend you didnât exist.
But after the incident in the market place, Jungkook and you had somehow grown closer, fonder of one another, came to an understanding of one another and where you both had come from.Â
Two weeks agoâŚ
Your heart squeezed as you stared in the mirror, several maids floated in and out of your room and while you always tried to be kind, today you felt exhausted, only giving simple answers to whatever they asked.
What did you do two weeks ago that finally made him decide to have you spied on? You had gotten into an argument that week- at the time you thought it stupid but only now did you reflect back and realize Jungkook was venomously jealous of any inkling of an idea of Seokjin ever being your lover.Â
Not only this but an odd inferiority complex he has that he would rather die than ever admit too. ButâŚwhy? It made your eyes sting with tears that you refused to shed. You had said hurtful things during that argument but surely it wasnât enough to make him do that? Youâve had worse arguments with him before that moment.
You just didnât understand.Â
âFinished Your Highness.â
The maid placed the crown on your head as you stared at yourself in the mirror, taking it in, it was heavier then it looked, but then again it was made of Noxtria metal, elaborately weaving with sharp, angles stones of onyx and metal winging out of it's sides and one large center piece in the middle.
The maids all courtesy to you, you offered a weak smile and thanks before they were dismissed.Â
You took a deep shaky breath, wiping your eyes before any real tears had fallen. You just had to get through tonight, somehow, despite all of the time that had passed, it felt as if you were in some liminal space between how you first felt going to a family dinner and what it had slowly turned in too.Â
Family dinner was expected tonight, however an additional note had been added on, Di Jin and close friends of the family would be attending tonight. Knowing your friends, and though you were upset with Jungkook- that they would be there brought you comfort.Â
But having to deal with Di Jin all evening was not something you wanted to deal with.Â
However, you were not about to cower away from him, your eyes had gone from mournful to near vengeful as you glared in the mirror, your hair elaborately done for the night by your request and a specific dress for the occasion.Â
It had been hanging for a long while and you had truthfully shied away from it, feeling it was a bit too Penumbrian even for you.Â
But not tonight.
It was a raven black gown, cold metal weaved into leaves intricately, an armored sweetheart neckline that wrapped all the way up to your throat, your upperarm dawned with cufflets that flowed with even more black fabric and a solid band of metal cinching your waist.Â
Black had become a color of mourning in Eunoia, it was something you wore daily during the Five Year war while working in the tents as a healer. But something dawned on you as you looked through your gowns earlier in the evening.Â
Before that, during the Age of Celestia, it was said that black was the color of power. Queen Celestia wore it for her ascension after devouring her husband, becoming the sole ruler of Eunoia.Â
You didnât like to think you took after the gruesome woman. But something that wasnât often talked about was Celestia and Galadria were sisters. You shared just as much blood from one as the other.Â
And right now, you wanted to wield power, not grief.Â
Standing upright you were escorted down the hall, heads turned in your direction from various aristocrats to maids and servants alike as you kept your head held high and an unwelcoming expression on your face.Â
The double doors were shut as per usual and though you had walked through them many times, tonight you felt just as anxious as you had the very first time as they opened. Every set of eyes at the table had turned to you, seeing as you had clearly interrupted the conversation that went on.Â
Many at the table had quickly stood up, bowing to you, some more begrudging than others as your eyes locked onto Di Jinâs, his lip twitching a little as he bowed, your expression stayed as unwelcoming as before.Â
You may not have been a Jeon by blood but you would certainly pretend you had their trademark cold glare tonight.
Taehyun who had been standing behind Jungkookâs chair had stepped back to pulled the empty chair out beside his, your cold look softened only a little for him, offering a brief tiny smile of thanks as he pushed you in.Â
Jungkook had previously looked bored, crown of his own on his head, though from how he slumped in his chair it was just a hair crooked, dark hair dusting in front of his eyes as they met yours.Â
And for the briefest moment you felt just a bit stronger having him by your side before anger quelled in you once more at the memory, two weeks, for some reason two weeks ago he chose to no longer trust you.Â
Your expression remained as you looked away from him as the voice of Di Jin spoke, âItâs good to see the Princess can finally grace us with her presence.âÂ
âYes, just in time for the meal, seeing as the conversation wasnât much to look forward to.â A mocking smile curled on your lips, never before did you usually take pleasure in having power over someone, but you were experiencing many firsts in Penumbra.Â
No matter how much Di Jin disliked you, he knew better than to openly disrespect you, no matter how hard he tried to undermine you in his discreet way.Â
âWhat matters is the Princess is here now,â Jeong Daeâs gaze narrowed on Di Jin before nodding, âlet us all dine now. Tell me, the progress on the market is coming along, yes?âÂ
You stared into your glass of wine as you swirled in, âYes, theyâre starting to lay the foundation down. Though I must confess, my servant being thrown in the dungeon has caused quite a bit of a mess in my schedule.âÂ
An uncomfortable energy had taken over the table as you shrugged, taking a long drink from your cup, you were not going to sit here and pretend along with everyone else that Di Jin had not done what he had.
âItâs a necessary precaution, once this assassin business has been taken care of youâll have your servant back,â Dae Seong answered gruffly, not appreciating your lack of tack, âBut should more incriminating evidence come out, a servant is expandable and just as easily replaceable.â
Your gaze slowly pulled to his as the silence at the table ensued once more, when had human life become so expandable as he said?Â
You understood less and less as to why they felt this way, why they chose to believe this.
After a long moment your lips twisted into a grin that looked more like a grimace, âI thought you might say that your Majesty.â You however said nothing else as you took another drink from your cup.
The table was quiet for a long moment and nobody spoke, despite the silence it was almost comforting to you, to know that your words held some sort of weight to them even if it felt in the moment they were nothing more than an illusion to how you truly felt.Â
âNot to interrupt this moment, but perhaps we should discuss the east, it's come to our attention that Kyoto has movement in the east, if they continue our progress will be delayedâ Jimin spoke up, a frown on his face with evident worry, âWe've been tracking them down, and it seems they're making a sort of pattern, if I didn't know any better I'd say they were mapping out the best way to invade us.â
âThat would be hasty on their part,â Jeong Dae spoke up, âWe just passed The Rite of Peace this year, they wouldnât be foolish to invade us just after the prince and princess wed.â
âFools aren't so different from the brave,â Jungkook spoke up, swirling his goblet of wine in his hand looking rather bored, though his gaze occasionally went to you, as if hoping you would be looking at him, â Would it be that outlandish to assume, that they do not care about the Rite of Peace?âÂ
âThis is true,â Di Jin, surprisingly spoke up with agreement, âAfter all, why would the world let a nation as glorious as us live for one simple girl.â
There was a certain amount of venom in his tone that did not surpass you, though you didn't let it disturb you as it once may have. you suppose somewhere along the line, that you had gotten used to an unsurpassable amount of hatred that for some reason people in Penumbra felt entitled to take out on you.
it was a ugly truth, but it was the truth nonetheless, and Di Jin had a point, no matter how unpleasant it was, why would the world let a nation that had killed countless people, destroyed homes, decimated nations live on, if there is one thing you had learned in Eunoia, it was that you were indeed replaceable.
Dare you say you felt almost as if you were a sacrificial lamb, sent to slaughter, and whether you died by an assassin or by an invasion, did it ever truly matter in the end? You weren't sure.Â
Jungkook did not speak, but he didn't need words to convey his feelings, his glare was enough to display his displeasure in Di Jinâs words.
Hoseok cut in, âPerhaps, but if they were to invade, there's no telling what kind of uproar it would cause with other nations. Especially if they kill the princess in the process, even if it is only one person, nobody can deny the influence Eunoian Princess has.âÂ
âRegardless, it would be wise to have a plan.â Namjoon said diplomacy and his voice as he attempted to steer the conversation into a less hostile direction, âThe people are restless, and with word having gotten out about Eunoia training soldiers along with Kimhae, and now Kyoto, they'll need guidance especially as winter approaches.âÂ
You sharply inhaled, trying to not let anger seep through your veins again, though tempting, just the idea of Eunoia training soldiers was outlandish, ever since the Age of Celestia soldiers have been out of the question, if the rumors were true why would they start now?
Nothing made sense, you tried to ignore the stares, but it was evident that people in the room did not trust you, after all even your own husband felt he could not trust you at one time.Â
Two weeks ago, no matter how hard you tried your mind kept going back to two weeks ago, what had you done two weeks ago to warrant his distrust, what could you have changed to have changed his mind.
Just the thought made your heart ache and for a brief moment your anger had subsided.
âIt would only be right to assume that Eunoia and Kimhae have their own plans to invade us. it would be within our best interest to strike first if that is the case.â Di Jin lifted his goblet before taking a long drink.
I'm just like that your anger had returned.
But before you could speak, your husband had beat you to it, anger evident in his voice as he spoke, âWhen we wrote the Rite of Peace, we promised Eunoia protection should someone ever threaten Invasion on them, they are honorable, if they desire to have their own protection let them have it, but do not sit at my table and claim loyalty to my family, and then proceed to disrespect my wife and her country in front of me.âÂ
Di Jin laughed, âYou've got a lot to learn boy, love rarely saves anyone and the few bastards it does, life has a certain way of shortening their lives.â
âAnd men who disrespect women, tend to live even shorter lives.â Jungkook said, his voice having grown a little darker and expressionless, his fingers now drumming against the table as if aching to reach across it and wrap his knuckles around Di Jinâs neck.
âRegardless of Kimhae and Kyoto, I can only speak for my own nation, and I can swear this we are pacifists by nature, we do not desire for nor want bloodshed, but do not mistake our heritage, we do bite back should we be provoked, after all, history proves that.â You spoke, your voice calm, âShould we be treated fairly, you will only expect kindness in return, for that is who my people are, while I understand your caution, we created the Rite of Peace for its very name, to bring peace to the world and put these past grudges to rest. And I intend to keep it that way to the best of my ability.âÂ
âIt seems you've all mistaken this dinner, we are here to gather and make merry not discuss politics,â Dae Seong looked much like his son, bored by the conversation, âWe will not strike first, nor will we feed into their antics, after all this was the very reason I recalled the march to the East, there is no reason to wage war when our enemies have been defeated.â
You glanced around, noting the expressions on some of your friends' faces, it was evident just about nobody agreed with Dae Seong in one way or another, But nobody dared express how they felt, after all he was the king.Â
The dinner had went on for the rest of the evening without much of a hiccup, granted it gave you a headache and you had found yourself sunk back into your chair the whole time, more than anything you wanted to get out of your seat and away from your husband, who had been staring at you with puppy eyes most of the evening.
Occasionally you'd watch his fingers twitch as if aching to reach out to you, to pull your chair closer, to brush your hair from your face, or to fix a piece of your dress that I've been wrinkled, but he knew better rather he kept his hand in his lap or against his cup, his sixth glass might you add.
In some ways you understood that this was perhaps unfair on your part, the more you thought about it the more you realized that you could have confided him and you had chosen not to, this was in some ways your fault as well but it did not take away the hurt you felt, that you felt you were closer than this.
But it seemed you both were wrong in many ways and you weren't certain of how to fix this, if you even wanted to fix this anymore, what you did know was that you were at a breaking point, you were uncertain of how much more you could take before you would break.
And every time you thought it couldn't get worse it without a doubt somehow got worse, but surely you would hit a plateau, your husband had lied to you, your servant was on trial for your attempted assassination, and you found out your home country was enlisting soldiers into a military, to say your life had fallen apart was an understatement.
Or at least that was how you felt.
You had been sat in bed, a book in hand though you hadn't read it all evening, and once again no matter how hard you tried to focus a book was just a book, and words were just words, you could read but the sentence just kept going over your head each time you read it, no matter how hard you tried, you just couldn't focus.
A knock at your door however had drew you from your thoughts causing you to stand up reluctantly before trudging over and opening the door
The person who stood before you was unshocking to you, after all it seemed since the unsavory reveal of his deeds your husband could hardly stay away from you, no matter how many times you would ask him to give you space, in fact he seem to be doing the opposite these days.
âI know you donât wish to see me-â
You abruptly tried to shut the door but his arm caught against the door.Â
âY/n just listen to me,â Jungkookâs voice was weak, hair brushing over his eyes but the desperation in them was pathetic, âLet me talk, please.âÂ
âYouâre drunk Jungkook,â Your teeth gritted but you didnât try to force the door anymore, your hand still curled tight against the knob as you glared at him.
He reeked of liquor and it was evident as his white shirt had a large inky red spill down the front that had been dried out, this was his sleep shirt which meant he hadnât stopped drinking even after everyone had retired.Â
Jungkook had one hand still flat against the door keeping it ajar and the other on the frame as he peered down at you, âI just wanted to see you, to tell you in my own words, I was complacent about your feelings, about my own. I have no excuses left, I have no words to defend myself, only my desire to be with you.â
You shook your head, trying to not let your heart twist further in pain, you wanted to look past this, to let it go, but how could you? Spying through letters was the first step, how could you know this wasnât some elaborate plan all along to use you?
âItâs not that easy Jungkook,â You tried to contain the grief in your voice, guilt eating you up the more you thought of your own actions, âI shouldâve trusted you more, confided in you about what I heard from Claudin, but I didnât. I think itâs best if whatever this, does not continue.â
It was Jungkookâs turn to shake his head, his knuckles curling against the door, âWeâve both made mistakes. Forgive yourself Y/n and forgive me. Let me prove myself to you, let me earn your love.â
You roughly brushed the tears from your cheeks, âWe were never meant to be together Jungkook, you know that just as well a I do-âÂ
You were cut off abruptly by his hand suddenly snaking through the small gap of the door, wrapping around your waist and his lips immediately pressing into yours in a devouring hold, a surprised whimper escaped you at his iron hold increasingly becoming tighter on your waist.Â
Your head was telling you one thing, but your heart was so desperately wanting another.
His other hand immediately snaked around your throat in a firm grip, not tight but not loose as you tried your best to not give into the temptation to melt into his hold but it was becoming more difficult when his tongue had pushed between your lips in determination.Â
You broke, unable to resist the soft moan that escaped you as you felt your back push against the wall, arms wrapping around his neck before curling into his soft locks, giving them a soft yank as he moaned into your mouth,
You could taste the sweet wine still lingering on his lips, the unmistakable feeling curling into your stomach as you let yourself surrender to him for the briefest moment, and for the brief moment, everything felt better.
Two weeks agoâŚ
The realization quickly followed after you and anger kindled in your veins once more, your hands had quickly slid to his shoulders to push back against him, âJeon Jungkook!â You broke the kiss by turning your head with a hiss.Â
Jungkook didnât relent though his forehead pressing against yours as he heaved a breath, âWhat have you done to me? Some ancient dryad magick?â He gave a mirthless smile, âYou are all I can ever think about from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to bed, seeing you cry makes me want to kill whatever is causing them, Iâm drowning in you my sweet doe. Iâm intoxicated and desperate so indulge me,â
âTell me what I need to do to earn your forgiveness.â Jungkook ushered out, wet kissing being placed on your neck as the internal battle waged war in your head, one part of you wanting to immediately crumble but the other was indignant, this relationship surely would not end well.
At one time when you were younger, you would have laughed, after all you were married. But your eyes had been opened, things were never that simple, not when one was a Princess, marriage was contract, love was a luxury.
He broke away from you only a little, almost nose to nose with you and hair hanging over his eyes like a cloud, âI thought I knew love, I thought I knew many things before I met you,â His hands trembled as if the emotions were too powerful, âBut it turns out I know nothing. Without you, I know nothing.â
âJungkookâŚâ You ushered out quietly, shaking your head as you tried to swallow down the hurt that began to bubble once more.Â
âI feel like Iâm being consumed by you,â Jungkook confessed, his hand squeezing your neck ever so slightly, his thumb rubbing softly along your windpipe, âIt feels like youâre very being is sucking the soul from my body. And now that Iâve had you,â His voice broke only a little, his eyes like steel as he whispered a growl, âI would die without you.âÂ
âJungkook!â You whispered out frantically at the sight of him letting you go only to kneel down on both knees.Â
âLet me repeat my question; what do I have to do to earn your forgiveness?â Jungkookâs eyes burned with a bright intensity that nearly frightened you, his hand stroking up your thigh, âIs it Wheein? Iâll get her back for you. Iâll burn this entire fucking kingdom and rebuild it if I have too.âÂ
Was he hearing himself right now!?
You were panicked at his words and his actions, he had pushed his way into your room but the door was wide open, anybody could walk down this corridor and overhear him! âYou can start by getting off the ground and going to bed!â You hissed out panickedly, flailing your hands to gesture him to stand, âAnd give me some time to think about it! Jungkook IâŚso much has happened I just need time! Thereâs no reason for you to say something so damning!âÂ
âI mean every word Iâm saying.â Jungkookâs voice was serious, his eyes burning into you as he gazed up at you.Â
It was silent for a long moment and Jungkookâs gaze did not lighten, hesitantly you lowered a hand down to his head, running your nails through his hair, it caused his lids to lower until they closed, his forehead resting against your thigh, hands still delicately trembling against your thighs.
âIf you want my love so desperately, then give me time and space,â You whispered out, âYouâre right, weâve both made mistakes, and they can be forgiven, but forgiveness takes time that cannot be rushed.âÂ
âI canât lose you.â Jungkook mumbled out, his weight slowly sinking into you.Â
âYou wonât.â Your words however went unheard as he slumped down, before collapsing to the ground, passed out.Â
You stared down at him for a long moment before you sighed, âIâm sorry but youâre not spending the night here.â You stepped over him as you walked to the door, glancing around, the guard at your door must have been dismissed by him.Â
You were in luck however as a pair of guards were at the end of the hall, walking quietly as they spoke, you flagged them down, requesting they find Taehyun and then have your guard returned to your door.Â
Shortly Taehyun had arrived, the poor boy looking half asleep himself as he took in his Princeâs slumped figure on the ground, âHe didnât cause too many problems did he, Princess?âÂ
You shook your head, âNo more than he usually does, I apologize for interrupting your night Taehyun, thank you for taking him back to his room.â
Taehyun offered a tired smile, âOf course your Highness, have a restful night.â He hauled Jungkook up with a groan, and briefly you wondered if Taehyun could even carry him, but he did manage to get him out the door and you supposed that was good enough.
Taking a shaky breath you sat back down in your bed, deciding you would be reading deep into the night, as you surely wouldn't be getting any rest regardless.
It was late morning and you had been eating out on the second floor terrace, the day was slightly warmer but still gray and cloudy, it made you depressed and you briefly wondered just how Penumbrianâs coped with it.Â
But then again, they knew no different, for them, this was normal.Â
You envied that.
âYou mind if I join, Princess?âÂ
You twisted in your seat at the sight behind you, âAreum, of course, please have a seat.â You gestured to the empty table.Â
You had been sitting out here alone, Yoongi on the inside as you wanted a moment to yourself but deep down you felt alone and you deeply missed Wheeinâs company, each passing day made you more anxious, and the gap in your heart widen even more.Â
Many questions filled your head, how would you set one trap to catch both Di Jin and Claudin in? You were not in a favorable position either way, Di Jin had a personal connection to the king and Dae Seong would need a damn good reason to believe you.
And you would have to be extra careful navigating Claudin as the Rosewood ties with the Jeonâs was already strained, one weak accusation and it could cause a civil war.Â
âYou seem so sullied these days Princess,â Areum commented as she sat next to you, promptly grabbing a plate and stacking it with rice cakes.
âI miss when I first arrived here,â You admitted, âThings werenât complicated the way they are now.âÂ
âPerhaps,â Areum agreed, âBut my, my, look how far youâve come. I heard from your husband this morning. He looked dreadful.â
Your lips curled into a brief grimace at the memory, he looked rough last night, you couldnât possibly imagine what he looked like when he woke up, no doubt hungover and upset.Â
âWhat of it?â You felt slightly nervous, had someone overheard Jungkookâs over dramatic declaration last night?
âHe asked me to take you to the Jeon Estate,â Areum smiled at your surprised and confused expression, âThe estate was created for the royal family during the early days of Penumbra when the castle had yet to be built. Itâs no longer used regularly, but occasionally we still hold family celebrations there for privacy. Itâs deep in the woodland forest, past the Seerâs refuge.âÂ
â...May I ask why?â You frowned, uncertain of how to feel about this, there was so much at stake, how could Jungkook just expect you to leaveâŚ?
Areum smiled, âSomething about wanting to allow you to have space and piece of mind. I understand your feelings Princess, I canât imagine the weight you must be feeling right now, and I certainly wouldnât blame you if you want to stay here at the castle.âÂ
Areum tapped her chin, âHowever I will say this much, the Estate has something primal to it, some may even call it magick. If you are seeking answers, there is no better place to meditate than there.âÂ
âIâll think about it.â You nodded as you gazed out over the meadow in thought.Â
Perhaps time away from the castle and Jungkook would serve you well.
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sweet nothing ⢠1
( in which you prove to be far more trouble he thought you'd be )
âł Description: being a guest at the Jeon Estate after a mishap of being kidnapped and dragged into your brothers affairs isnât all that bad. Truth be told it brings you a lot closer to the mobster and owner of the estate Jeon Jungkook himself.
His two rules are simple, donât cause trouble and donât give him a hard time. Somehow you manage to constantly do both in the most endearing way despite being pregnant and waddling around most of the time.
âł Pairing: Jungkook/reader, ???/reader
âł Genre: slice of life AU, mafia!AU, pregnancy, thereâs likeâŚa little bit of a plot but not a lot, future smut? maybe? it's very domestic!
Word Count: 4.6k
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Note: the crowd is booing so loud at the sight of pregnancy but I donât care!!! slice of life makes my head go brrr. lol in all seriousness I hope you all enjoy this lil story! Itâs just a mini series that is super domestic and light hearted! it popped into my head and I had to write it down so enjoy! also this hasn't been proofread, we die like men
The room was suffocatingly silent.Â
Jungkook had ignored it promptly though, leaned back in his leather chair, hair dusting over his eyes slanting his view, but his sight couldnât be more accurate then it already was.Â
This was not what he had asked his men to do.Â
âIâŚâ Your voice scratched, trying to find something to say, not only had you been kidnapped a mere hour ago, but now you had been brought into your captor's home and taken to him directly.
Your throat tightened as your heart beat frantically, you couldnât be scared right now, you needed to take action before it was too late, âI understand why Iâm here but please,â You looked up at him earnestly, âIâŚIâm due in early December. You can sell me off, keep me here, do what you want with me but please, Mr Jeon, give my baby a chance."
Your eyes blurred at just the thought, your hands hugging over your swollen stomach. You had been so shaken up the whole time that it hadnât even occurred to you how fast this had all happened.Â
It was late and you had been worried your brother found himself in trouble again, one minute you were getting ready to phone him, the next the door was smashed open to men in suits, guns in the air and tearing the whole apartment up.Â
You were taken asâŚwhat you could only assume was collateral, you knew who Mr Jeon- you had informally met before.
Your brother had been paying him ransome for protection againstâŚwellâŚYou supposed there was no reason to bother recounting everything. You were here now, in front of Jeon Jungkook, who looked less than pleased at the moment.Â
What made you worried however was his continued silence, he was never a man of many words, or at least that's the impression you had always gotten when your brother and him would meet.Â
Jungkook shifted in his chair, his lip visibly twitched before he muttered, âGet her out of here.âÂ
You felt your stomach lurch as you were yanked out of your chair with a yelp, âIn one piece.â Jungkook added with an annoyed glint in his eye.Â
The grip on your arms was relaxed immediately before you were jostled out of the room leaving it in silence once more.Â
âIt was the best we could do Sir,â Yeonjun spoke, crossing his arms behind his back, âWe searched the whole apartment but Wonho was gone. We took her for collateral until heâs found.âÂ
Jungkook looked more visibly angry, âYou brought me a pregnant defenseless woman.â He stood up in his chair, âWhat the fuck am I supposed to do with that?âÂ
Yeonjun lifted his hands, âSend a message out to Wonho, tell him we have his sister and weâll see if he actually has a soul and gets the money to save her.âÂ
âAnd if he doesnât?â Jungkook challenged, his eyes brewing hellfire as he inhaled sharply, Yeonjun had wisely chosen to not engage in his questions anymore, âIâm not going to kill her for fucks sake, even I have my limits.âÂ
Jungkook tucked his tongue into his cheek as he leaned against the desk.Â
âWell we can't just release her now,â Yeonjun replied, âSo what do you want me to do with her?âÂ
Jungkook crossed his arms, his jaw clenched in anger as he shook his head in thought. Whoâs bright idea was it to take her ransome? Truly? Because he knew Yeonjun wasnât that stupid.Â
âPut her in a nice room, draw her a bath, offer a foot massage. Sheâs fucking pregnant, do I have to keep reminding you?â Jungkook hissed out as he waved his hand about.
âNoted.â Yeonjun sighed, âAnything else you wanna add to that list?âÂ
âYeah, if I hear about one bruise, one little fucking scrape on her, Iâll have everyone lined up and shot in the living room.â Jungkook replied, before turning around to sit back down, âNow go. I donât wanna see anyone unless they have something about that rat that isnât a waste of my time.âÂ
Yeonjun nodded and said no more, leaving while his head was somehow still intact. Jungkook collapsed in his seat as he ran a hand through his hair in frustration. Wonho had fucked up more then just not paying his debts, he had leaked sensitive information to the Kimâs and it had him on extremely thin ice right now.Â
He didnât need a bystander involved in this situation. Jungkook crossed his arms in thought as he leaned back in his chair, you were a familiar enough face for Jungkook to recognize, you had only met a handful of times and was never involved in more dangerous dealings your brother dealt with.Â
Quiet, you were considerably quiet, though Jungkook can recount a few small harmless conversations you had both made while waiting on your brother or in other circumstances that would call for something as such. But it had been awhile since he had seen you.Â
Obviously long enough for you to get knocked up and in the middle of a pregnancy. Jungkook exhaled as he closed his eyes, trying to ignore the stress induced headache he had.Â
Yeonjun was right, now that they had you it would be better to just keep you here and out of the line of fire, if they let you go now there was no telling what you would do, would you warn your brother? Would he sell you out?Â
Would the Kimâs have kidnapped you as well?Â
Jungkook had made the decision that yes, it would just be easier to keep you here at his estate, more as a guest than actual collateral because he honestly didnât believe the idea that your brother would actually care about anyone but himself, he had proven that countless times.Â
Jungkook may have not known you personally, but given your display of groveling, it was evident you felt the same.
ThisâŚwas not what you had expected.
Your lips parted in shock as the door shut behind you, the rooms were easily bigger than your little apartments living room, a glass chandelier hanging from the ceiling and plenty of spare space, large windows were next to the bed with tall hanging curtains and a writing desk was on the wall next to it.Â
Then there was the bathroom, a claw foot bathtub and fluffy towels all folded up with various shampoos and soaps on display. You had to rub your eyes twice to figure out if you had been hallucinating.
Everything wasâŚniceâŚ
You werenât sure what you had expected but this wasnât it. The water was hot against your skin as you showered, a little paranoid albeit, waiting for the door to bust down once again and for them to drag you into a less nice room.Â
But the men never came as you laid in bed, shifting constantly to try and fall asleep.
One of the downsides of being pregnant was not being able to sleep on your stomach the way you had been, your side felt uncomfortable and your back kept cramping anytime you laid for too long on your back.Â
Your hand gently brushed over the bump with a sigh, you didnât understand why Jungkook would do this. You had spoken to him a handful of times, and while you wouldnât describe him as a charismatic person, he was polite. But you had heard the stories about him, rumors of something much darker than who you had talked to that lurked beneath.Â
Jungkook was a CEO of a small export company, big enough that he had well established connections in the upper socialite world but small enough that he evaded being in the spotlight of hollywood and its nosy media reporters.Â
He refused photoshoots or magazine interviews at whatever cost and only attended parties unless it was absolutely necessary. Or so he had somewhat jokingly recalled one evening when you both were sitting at a club bar, somewhat awkwardly waiting for your brother who had gotten busy with a prostitute after Jungkook had come later then he said.Â
Whether this was all true or not was beyond you.Â
You supposed at the end of the day you should be thankful heâs chosen to keep you alive, for now. But dread filled your stomach, after all, you were only alive on borrowed time.Â
It was a beautiful day outside, it was early morning but the sun was shining bright with billowy thick clouds and it was still cool outside, but within a few hours the heat would once again be scorching hot just as it was yesterday.Â
You had taken an extensive amount of time to take in the gardens as well, marigolds, tulips, buttercups and so many more were all around, well taken care of by the looks of it. It was gorgeous.Â
This, of course, was all in an effort to avoid the gaze of the person who sat in front of you on the small table on the terrace.Â
âYou should eat,â Jungkook finally spoke, his hair was tied out of his face, giving you for the first time ever, a good look at his face. It was well sculpted with a chiseled jawline that oddly suited his rounded button-like nose.Â
His thick brows were pinched as if he were angry as he ate, but you at some point realized the food must've just been that good, âYouâre eating for two after all.â He added, âNothingâs poisoned, if you couldnât tell by now.âÂ
He gestured to his own plate, which had a serving of just about everything on the table on it, this made a weak smile tug on your lips, feeling oddly reminiscent of the few conversations you had shared before.
But this was very different.Â
You were definitely hungry though, you had been craving syrup and fried chicken since four in the morning and while there was no chicken on the table, there was definitely syrup that could cure one of your cravings.
Hesitantly you put a few crepes onto your plate, adding some sausage as well before drizzling syrup over them.
âHow was it?âÂ
You glanced up at him, not intentionally ignoring him, but to say you were still terrified of him was a bit of an understatement, â...What do you mean?â You finally asked, your voice no more than a whisper.
Jungkook wiped his mouth with an intricately decorated napkin, âYour room, it was rushed last night. They didnât have time to put everything in there, youâll be getting a wardrobe today but I didnât know your size for maternity wear- or if thatâs something you even wanted. Youâll have to discuss it with Jimin regardless.âÂ
You stared at him blankly for a long moment as he met your eyes, âWhat?âÂ
âMr Jeon-â
âJungkook.â His brows pinched, though this was not because of what he was eating.Â
You stuttered, â...Jungkook,â You corrected yourself, still somewhat uneasy, âUmâŚI donât understand, anything thatâs going on.â
Jungkook sighed, as if he were expecting this as he leaned back in his seat, the buttons on his black shirt clinging for dear life as his chest puffed a little to stretch, âI doubt you know anything about your brotherâs where abouts,â He replied, âAnd truthfully Iâm sure you know he could give less then two shits about you or your baby.â
He paused for a moment at the smallest sight, your lips briefly quivering and then your eyes darting to your plate. You were upset, but trying to hide it. It made him internally wince, perhaps his wording wasnât the best.Â
He cleared his throat as he continued, âSo until this is all resolved youâll be staying here, itâs the easiest thing to do with you at this point now that youâre involved. With your consent or against it. Thatâs up to you. But if you want to keep your baby safe then youâll be smart and not try to escape.âÂ
You glanced up at him for a long moment before your hands curled, âYouâre the one that kidnapped me. And itâs somehow my fault that Iâm involved in my brother's affairs that I never wanted to be a part of to begin with?âÂ
Jungkook only curved a brow, quickly reminding you that youâre not in a position to be chastising him.Â
However his lack of anger surprised you, in fact he sounded the opposite, âI did not kidnap you, my men did, without my knowledge of the whole situation. They made a split second decision in bringing you here, and indirectly involving you in the matter. It was a mistake on my behalf and I apologize for it.âÂ
You stared at him now in disbelief at his sincerity as he continued, âIâm trying to make up for it as best I can now by having you stay here. If you leave now itâs likely the Kimâs will take you hostage and see what information they can get out of you, or hell I wouldnât put it past your brother to just sell you to them.âÂ
âMyâŚmy brother wouldnât-â
âWe both know the truth,â Jungkook cut you off with a frown, âThereâs no point in trying to comfort yourself with a lie. Thereâs no telling what could happen if we let you walk out that door on your own. So like I said, if youâre smart and you want to keep your baby safe, youâll stay here. How miserable you want to make this experience is up to you, but I have no plans of making you a hostage or holding you prisoner.âÂ
You slow began to eat, though having to hold back the urge to devour your whole plate, one bite had unleashed the monstrous appetite that had been lurking inside for the last six hours.Â
âAnd I donât suppose youâre doing this out of the kindness of your heart,â You replied, âYou have to want something in return.âÂ
Jungkook took a large bite out of his bratwurst, âYouâre right,â he nodded before taking a drink of champagne, âI want you to stay out of trouble and not make this any more difficult than it needs to be. Two requests, you think you can manage that?âÂ
You both stared at one another for a long moment before you glanced at your plate, âI don't suppose thereâs much choice is there?âÂ
Jungkook shrugged, âDepends on your perspective, you could easily raise hell if you wanted, but Iâd prefer you not. Whereâs your husband? The last thing I need is someone nosing about trying to look for you. It would be better to just inform him and get things settled right away.âÂ
Jungkook paused though at the sight of you stiffening a little, your jaw clenching as you grabbed your flute of water.Â
âI donât have a husband,â You finally spoke after taking a long drink, âOr boyfriend. I work at the Bakery on main street though, theyâll want to know why Iâm unable to come in to work.âÂ
Jungkook looked curious, but he didnât ask questions, âVery well, consider it taken care of.âÂ
He didnât want to pry but he was undeniably curious about your circumstances, caught up in all of this, pregnant without a husband or partner. Jungkook had never considered you the type of woman to sleep around, having always been rather shy around him but then again, perhaps it was because you had always known who he truly was.Â
Still though, it was rather curious indeed, and there was nothing more Jungkook enjoyed in his past time than a good mystery.
Rather than let the silence linger Jungkook asked, âHow far along are you? This could be resolved in a few days, or it can take months. Iâd rather make arrangements now for the later rather than be caught unprepared.âÂ
âThirty weeks,â You replied, your hand pressing against your stomach as you looked down at your baby bump, a brief smile tugging on your face before it fell at the sight of Jungkookâs face, a bit confused before you weakly smiled once more, âLittle less than six months. Like I said yesterday, my due date is December 3rd.â
You had been anxious before about delivery your baby, after all, you had never done it before. But you're definitely anxious now at the idea of having to do it while being held as a guest in the Jeon Estate.Â
Labor was already a painful experience, you don't want to have to go through it alone in an environment like this.
Jungkook only nodded though, âIâll have my personal doctor come by and fill in the role of your practitioner for check ins with the baby. A midwife will also be on staff for check-ins as well. If you need anything else just let me know. Iâll find time during the day to see you at least once.â
Jungkook checked his watch as he sat upright, âBut I have to go now, business to do. Yeonjun will show you around and then Jimin will be around to talk to you in further detail about your wardrobe.â
Jungkook grabbed his satin black jacket off the back of his chair as he stood up before leaving you alone.
With a sigh of relief you sunk into your chair, having not released the breath you held in until you let it out before feasting on your breakfast while thinking about his words. While this was not an ideal situation, you couldnât deny Jungkookâs kindness.
You had been settling in for the last week and a half with an odd amount of contentment, your days were filled with a lot less physical labor then before, though you did miss going out and seeing your coworkers and interacting with regular customers.Â
There was a certain sense of peace the estate gave you though, you still took your daily walks in the garden accompanied by Yeonjun who had been personally assigned to oversee you and he was a rather funny person.Â
His humor was dry and it was even funnier watching him interact with Jungkook.Â
He served as good company as did a few other people you had met, Jimin being one of them, he oversaw the finances of the estate and basically kept the place running while Jungkook was off doing business, only ever bothering him when something of substantial financial sum was needed for something.
And true to his word you saw and spoke to Jungkook at least once a day as he said, either in the morning for breakfast or in the afternoon for dinner. But the talk was usually the same, either about this or that, small talk.
You supposed it wasnât that bad, considering the situation you were in you should consider yourself lucky that Jungkook is who he is. Regardless, you didnât feel comfortable asking him about your brother.
First off what had he done for you to be put in this position and more importantly, where had your brother disappeared to? You had no doubt many of Jungkookâs days were spent searching for him, which made you wonder, just what had your brother done?
You dismissed it from your mind, you had been trying to detach yourself from whatever consequences would eventually find your brother, after all Jungkook had a point- no matter how much it stung to hear.
You loved Wonho, you just wished for once he would put you first, that he would put anyone first, you couldnât even remember when he spiraled down this destructive path of dealing in narcotics that got him all tangled up in gangs and inevitably, the mafia.Â
Just that somewhere along the way your brother had turned into a total jerk that was willing to sabotage anyone to save his own skin.Â
Just the reminder of the argument you had about this very topic had run through your head when talking to Jungkook, it was the reason you had chosen to stay here giving him no problems.Â
While you still didnât feel comfortable because again, you werenât exactly staying out of complete free will, you did feel safe here. For once, you felt safe. Your hand rubbed over your stomach as you aimlessly walked through the halls.Â
Yeonjun had an online meeting he was attending in his office which meant you were free to roam the inside of the estate of your own meanwhile, he had given you the grand tour when your first morning and yet it seemed like you were still finding new rooms.Â
Curiously you walked through the ballroom, or the equivalent to one, it was a grand room big enough to host an expensive party for sure. Poking your head into different doors you never knew what to expect.Â
Closing the last door you walked a little further before you let out a breath, grabbing your stomach at the small kick you just felt.Â
âYouâre a little sucker arenât you?â You winced out, the little kicks themselves werenât painful, it was mainly your sudden back pain that had you leaning against the wall for support.Â
What you hadnât expected though was for the wall to press inward before back out, revealing a hidden door.Â
You quickly straightened up right, back pain forgotten as your lips parted. Of course mobster Jeon Jungkook would have a hidden door in the fancy ballroom of his estate, you shouldnât have expected less.Â
You opened it up as you peered inside before delight filled your face, it was filled to the brim with books and the entire wall was made up of glass giving an expanse view into the garden, and there was a wide window sill with soft cushions making up a seat.Â
Sliding as best you could inside the door shut behind you as you stepped further in, it looked magical in here easily, lights were strung up though they looked dusty, as if they hadnât been used in years.Â
How had you never noticed this during the walks in the garden before? Sitting down you curiously nosed through books, mostly children's books oddly enough. You smiled however as your hands constantly rubbed over your tummy, a soothing habit you had developed as the bump grew.
While you still werenât fond of the idea of giving birth here, if you had too, you were relieved to know there were supplies here that wouldnât be horrible to utilize for your baby. You could just imagine holding them swaddled against your chest, laying against the soft pillows reading here on a rainy day.Â
Standing up you groaned as you grabbed your back, Yeonjun would be wondering where you were at soon, after all he said his meeting wouldnât be long. But you would certainly keep this place in the back of your mind as somewhere to go during quiet moments in the day.Â
Walking back up to the wall you pressed on it before your happy expression slowly shifted.Â
There wasnât a door handle.
You pressed on the wall once more, a little more forceful hoping it would latch open again but unfortunately it didnât budge. Your heart rate immediately spiked as you tried to calm yourself down.
This is fine.Â
You sat back down on the cushioned window sill trying to think rationally. Yeonjun would be sure to look for you and if he couldnât find you which means heâd call Jungkook which would meanâŚ
Somehow the idea of that happening brought you less comfort than before. Jungkook would assume you had made a run for it and would probably not even bother to look for you.Â
In fact, heâd probably be relieved that you were gone and heâd no longer have to deal with you.Â
âWhat the fuck do you mean you lost her!?â Jungkook hissed out venomously and not a single man dared speak up as he glared daggers at Yeonjun who held his breath for a moment, âSheâs six months pregnant how the fuck do you just lose someone whoâs six months pregnant!?âÂ
Jungkook was damn near ready to rip out his hair, he was already dealing with multiple loose ends on his part and now you were magically gone?Â
���Whereâs the CCTV at?â Jungkook growled as he ripped his jacket off, tossing it at his chair, he was burning up and his hand was itching to grab the gun that was shoved in his back pocket.Â
âItâs been fried,â Jimin winced a little at Jungkookâs livid expression, âI went to check the moment I heard she was gone but it looks like someone sabotaged it just an hour ago.â
Jungkookâs lips twitched, âSo what youâre saying is not only did all of you lose her, but she got fucking kidnapped in the process?â His hands curled into fists as he paced back and forth trying to not lose his cool any further as he viciously smiled, âThis place is a goddamn fortress with over forty men guarding it and somehow, my CCTV footage got fried and guest got kidnapped within an hour and nobody noticed? Nobody!?âÂ
âThereâs been no signs of breaking and entering though.â Yoongi, his business partner who had been sitting there watching the whole thing finally spoke up, âIf somebody got in, we wouldâve got the word. Itâs like you said, you have over forty men on staff here.âÂ
Jungkook seemed to cool down a bit at his words but his tone was still sharp, âAnd the CCTV? What else couldâve fried it?âÂ
âThe fact that you havenât replaced it in the last five years?â Yoongi shrugged before snorting, âMaybe a bird chewed through the wiring, maybe it shorted. Hell if I know, what I do know is that itâs not normal for you to get this worked up over something.âÂ
Jungkookâs nostrils flared, âBecause somebodyâs life is on the line here. What about Y/n!? If she had left on her own there would be at least something indicating she left.âÂ
âThen maybe she didnât leave.â Yoongi shrugged, causing Jungkook to pause his pacing as he stared at Yoongi accusingly, âWhat? Itâs the truth, the estate is big Jungkook, sheâs only been here a week, she probably just got lost. Thereâs no reason to make a big deal out of this when thereâs no indication that points to it being a big deal.â
Jungkook looked annoyed but said nothing to him, only muttering for them all to spread out and search the estate.Â
It had been three hours of searching, every nook and cranny, under every bed in every closet and Jungkook had just about lost all hope as he gazed out the tall windows in the ballroom when he noticed something odd.Â
The door to his childhood library was stuck in an odd position, it was old and he hadnât been in here in ages, the door used to get jammed if it wasnât closed properly.Â
Luckily all it took was a little force to get open, he gave it a good shove before it clicked back into place and propped open as he peered inside. Mouth gaping at the sight of you jumping up in surprise, looking half asleep with a book in hand.Â
Your smile was just as guilty as the rest of you as you said, âHiâŚI was beginning to wonder if youâd ever find me.âÂ
âOut. Now.â Jungkook looked mad, but he was secretly relieved that you were safe. Heâd rather you be stuck in the library by accident than having tried to make a mad dash on your own out of the estate.
Just the sight of your sulky pout let him know one thing for sure; you were absolutely not going to be able to follow his two requests, for better or worse.Â
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Fool Me Once (part 3)
Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x reader (wc: 3.1k)
Summary: With the birth of your child looming, you and Aemond finally lay your cards on the table. A growing problem reaches a boiling point.
Warnings: more lying/manipulation (yâall know the drill by now), Aemond once again gaslighting, mentions of s*icide
A/N: itâs been such a fun time writing this. It is definitely different from most things Iâve written, so it have been a nice change. Iâve gotten so much support from it and I hope to keep making stuff you guys like. Also slight disclaimer that the way I write Alys is not really way I read her in the book. Much like Aemond in this. They both kind of suck lmao. I wanted this to be the last part but then I thought of more things so⌠we shall see how this goes đđ˝. I wanted this chapter to be a build up to events in ep 8-10 mainly 9 and 10 of the show.
Part one part two
You canât remember the last time Aemond and you have had dinner, just the two of you. So, when he insisted you that you two do, you had a feeling it was about the talk Queen Alicent said she wanted to have with him. A private dinner with your husband would have been a dream moons ago.
Alicent did not make you privy to what they discussed. It only made you more weary. You know she is hurt and upset. But you also know she is more hurt that the son she propped up so much turned out to be just as unreliable as the man she made him with.
That is the painful part about love; the only place to go is down.
Nevertheless, his suffering is what you want; it does not matter if the ire stems from a place on genuine care for you. The uncomfortable nature in which he moves the castle makes the pain you have suffered a little bearable. It sounds deranged, but if you are to be trapped, he should be as well. You want him to wake with the same lump in his throat you do.
The letters had stopped. A constantly stream of communication abruptly ended. Lord Strong gave you a funny smile when he told you.
Ser Quinton rarely leaves your side when Aemond is around. He gave you a reluctant glance when you tell him about the dinner. While Aegon, already deep in his cups midday, tells you to keep a grip on your fervor.
The corridor was empty except for the two of you.
âI know how him and mother are,â he point his fingers at you emphatically. âThey probably already concocted something to keep you quiet or make you look like the problem. Keep youâŚ. Idle.â
Despite the slurring of his words, and clear bitterness towards the relationship Alicent and Aemond have, he may not be wrong. Alicent had already taken it upon herself to write to your father, suggesting he visits soon. She is proactive to a fault; her behavior simultaneously holding the Seven Kingdom together and enabling her familyâs indecencies.
Everything can be hidden under the right tactics and false goodwill. You want to say she got that trait from her father, but you know it comes from years of being a woman in the Red Keep. From being the Queen.
The dinner begins uneventful. You wrinkle your nose at the meat pie in front of you. A dish you normally like making your stomach churn. It is hard not to feel sick or uncomfortable these days. Youâre huge; feet swollen and belly protruding to a remarkable degree. The sheer thought of how big the babe will be plagues your mind most days.
It is unbearable having to engage in meaningless small talk with Aemond. Like he is insulting your intelligence by tip toeing around everything.
âAre you going to tell me why you wanted this dinner,â you want nothing more to leave his chambers and go take a bath.
âI think we need to talk.â
You canât help but scoff at him. Aemond looks even more haunting in the dark lighting of room. Like the brutal knights the septas used to make you read about. He has a nasty look in his eye, like he wants a fight. You wonder if his Alys gets this look or if it just reserved for you. One special thing for his wife.
Despite all the formal swordsman training, Aemond plays dirty in personal affairs. Much like a feral cat backed into a corner. Youâve seen it to many times with Aegon. The only thing he responds to is equally cruel jabs.
âYes dear husband,â you sigh out of boredom, rolling your neck.
His next words take you by surprise.
âDaella told me she is not excited about her egg hatching,â he huffs out. You stop rolling your neck, and blink blankly at him. The two of your stare at each other before you bark out a laugh.
âThat is what this is about? You are pouting because a child is no longer enraptured by an egg.â
âIt is not only about the egg, and you know it,â a nasty tone to match the look he gives you. âYou fill her head with assumptions. You debase something that is her birthright. Something that is the birthright of her father, and her ancestors.â
You roll your eyes. âWell, if I disparaged the great Targaryen legacy or dragons in front of her it must have been a⌠mistake.â
You swear you see Aemondâs eye twitch a little at the word.
âHave you ever thought maybe it is not the dragons themselves, but the person she most associates them with?â
Daellaâs change in behavior was notable. She never wanted to go to the dragon pit with her father, the few times she does work up the nerve to go it is always with her aunt to see Dreamfyre. She is no longer enthused to learn High Valyrian despite how quickly she picks it up.
You did try to keep your child out things, but kids are perceptive. The way from a young age Alicent kids picked on her strife with their father, maybe she picked up on yours with Aemond.
Aemondâs anger radiates off him. Once the truth finally comes out, the words begin to spill from your lips.
âAnd do not pretend this is just about Daella. That is an insult to her, and a waste of my time,â you lean forward, and lower your voice. âThis about you losing your favor around here, and this about her.â
There is an uncomfortable hush comes over the room. The only sound is the crackling coming from the fireplace.
âShe was pregnant,â it comes out like whisper. The spite that was laced through his voice is gone. All is left is confusion.
Your vision blurred red. Thereâs a painful twinge in your stomach, and you wince.
âWhat do mean was.â
There was always the possibility this could happen. As naive as it sounds, it was not a thought till ironically Aegon of all people brought it up. If anyone would know about possibly fathering bastards it would be him. Then he promptly told you that the two of you could hop on Sunfyre and burn her to a crisp. The offer that you quickly refused in the moment has never sounded so tempting now.
âI-I do not know where she is,â Aemond admits curtly. âOne day she is telling me she is with child, and the next sheâsâŚgone.â
He looks so small; his eye has a faraway look in it. Itâs utterly pathetic. You never considered that a greater pain to him would be not only to be seen differently by his family, but also have to reason why he did it leave.
âSo what now Aemond? She left you, and you want to just erase everything you have done. Pretend you care or love me,â you say coldly.
âNo. I do not lo-â
He stops mid sentence, and an empty smile appears on your face. Neither of you have said it out loud but it is the plain truth.
âGo ahead and say it,â there is a deep pressure in your stomach that wonât go away. The pain only makes you even more upset. âLove requires respect. It requires give and take. You surely do not respect me, and all you ever do is take.â
Another twinge hits the underside of your belly. You shift in your seat uncomfortably, eyeing the door.
âYou are not completely innocent in this,â your eyes go wide at his remark. âDo not give me that look. I see the way Ser Quinton looks at you. And now Alys isâŚâ
He trails off. It is the first time you have heard him say her name out loud. Another surge of jealously runs through you. She is gone, and you are once again stuck with the carcass. Expected to uphold your end of the bargain while he frets over a child and mother that never should have been around to begin with.
You refuse to sit and let him turn the tables around on you. It is a struggle, but you manage to get up from the table, but only to have him rise and block your way.
âFor someone who has such clear distain for my house. You sure do not hide your fire well⌠just like a dragon.â His eye flutter down to the scar on your arm, then back to your eyes. You see the blame in his.
âIf I was that rash, or temperamental, your head would have been on a spike. Along with your whoreâs,â you narrow your eyes. âAnd I would have made Ser Quinton sully his white cloak, because he would for me. Hells, I would have had your brother while I was at it. Itâs not like he has not tried before.â
You are not sure you even want Ser Quinton in that way, let alone Aegon. Ser Quinton devotion is not something you know if you are willing to take that level. And Aegonâs cock has been in half the maidservants in the castle and most of the whores in Flea Bottom. Him wanting you is not special, itâs just Aegon being Aegon. But the deep look of rage in Aemondâs eye makes the statement all the more worth it.
You skirt past him quickly towards the door. His heavy footsteps behind you. Ser Quinton leaning against the wall opposite of the door does not surprise you.
âAre you alright,â he rushes over, concerned when you pause to in the hall and lean over in pain. His hand coming to rub your back.
âOh well is this not sweet,â Aemondâs bitter tone cuts through the empty hall. âI can handle it from here Ser Quinton.â
Blood rushes to your ears, and you can barely hear the hushed disagreement that begins between the two. Your painful groans becoming background fader to their pissing match.
A familiar snap happens in the lower part of your abdomen, and a pool of liquid flows out of you. Both cease arguing, and you and Aemond share a knowing look.
âThe babe is coming.â
Alaric Targaryen came into the world fast, and with a haughty disposition. As if he could tell the family dynamic he was coming into. His cries were piercing and sharp, matching the tears of relief you cried when he finally came out.
You had insisted to only have your lady in waiting and some septas in room, especially after the clear tension between Aemond and Quinton. Helaena and Alicent come in and out of the room sporadically, giving you words of encouragement and knowing glances at the pain you were in. Alicent had been shocked to see her son and Ser Quinton trying to get you back to chambers.
Lord Larys followed casually behind her. He gave that funny smile of his again. The smile he gives Queen Alicent when he thinks no one is watching⌠or maybe he hopes someone is watching.
Sheâs gone
Even while giving birth to your son, that woman plagued your thoughts. Aemond could be right; you two have more in common than you like. Bewitched by the same woman.
It took everything in you to look up when Aemond finally came into the room. Acknowledging his presence met remembering how he is half of Alaric. How so much of you belongs to Aemond. You live in his home, dress in his colors, your children will be in the history books as Targaryenâs. He will have ownership over your boy after calling him a mistake. No matter how much you try, you will be remembered as his wife.
If that fact did not make you sick enough. Alicentâs next words did the trick.
âOh, he looks like how Aemond did when he was a babe.â
You look down at him in your arms. While Daella was a combination of Aemond and you, her brother is every bit of his father. Small tuff of straight blonde hair, lips town turned in a scowl. You did not know a babe could look so refined especially after just being born. The only resembles to yourself you see in his in his big glassy eyes looking up at you.
Thereâs an energy that gets sucked out you when Alicent hands him to Aemond. She sees the weary look on your face.
Opposed to the elation you felt after having Daella. Dread creeps in; dread that comes from a place of sadness and protectiveness. All you have is your children. Even with the bonds and alliances you may have made, only they are extensions of you. Daella, your sweet girl, a reminder of what could of been. You have Alaric, the flesh and blood reflection of what you have been through.
âHave you two thought of a name,â Alicent asks. Before Aemond, who is still looking down can answer, you beat him to it.
âAlaric. Ser Quinton told the sweetest story about a knight he admired as a child. I thought it would be fitting.â
Alicentâs brows raise but she does nothing but nod. âHandsome name for a handsome boy.â
Aemomd does not say anything about the name. He just quietly hums a melody when Alaric starts to fuss. He turns his back to you as he bounces him in his arms.
All you have is your children
All you have is your children
When you think about a sword to the throat. You donât know which situation would be more satisfying. One to his or one to yours.
âI am sure you were⌠relieved to hear about your problem being gone.â
You do not see Lord Larys again till weeks after Alaric is born. The day of a feast Alicent insisted you have to celebrate his birth. Your father and mother writing you that they can not wait to see their second grandchild.
While Daella was a fussy, energetic baby, all Aleric does is sleep and eat. He stares at you with curious eyes. Always taking in the scene around him. He lays sweetly crib next to your bed. After his birth, you were all but forced to move back into the one you shared with Aemond.
âDo you know what happened to her,â itâs been on your mind for since Aemond uttered those words.
Larys tilts his head to the side with a wry look. âYou and I both know it is hard to place the whims of a difficult woman, especially a supposed magical one.â
You know he is not just talking about Alys.
She is out there, possibly with Targaryen blood in her and no one knows where is. It does not make any sense. Larys can read the skepticism all over your face.
âIt is quite suspicious, witch or not. A bastard woman with no means or worth to her name, gone in an instant. And right after the truth comes out within the family. Right after the Queen and the Prince talk.â
He gives you no help, only more questions. Makes you more suspicious of those you have to call family. In this moment you hate the way he speaks in riddles. He never states things plainly till he is ready to. As if he expects you to do something before he can reveal anymore.
âBut look on the bright side princess, your family will be back at court soon enough.â
Alaric begins to coo, as if he trying to tell you something.
âWell, thank you for your time, Lord Larys,â you give him a fake smile. âI should start getting ready.â
Your lady in waiting, Jayne, comes in once Larys finally leaves.
âI quite like this one princess,â she holds up a green and black dress. It is old dress of Alicentâs, one she gave you when you first married Aemond.
A flash of satiny purple in the back of you wardrobe catches your eye. A smile appears on your face. It may be a bit snug as you have two children since wearing it but it worth the try.
âI think I might want to try something a bit different Jayne.â
Your father used to tell you that the strongest flowers grow even when there is little sun. In conjunction, your mother told you that flowers are meant to be admired. Prettiest ones will often be picked and disregarded when a new bloom happens. Wilting was never an option for you in their mind.
You are their lower. Planted, watered, and urged to grow. Even in the deep darkness that is Kingâs Landing. The darkness they said was critical to helping your house.
The looks you get when you walk into the Godswood, head high in your deep violet dress only spurs you on when in other times it would make you want to hide. Daella and Alaric both in darling lavender outfits. You three stand out against the various muted greens, blues, and greys amongst you. Except for the few specs of purple that you see on the side wooded area.
âMy dear girl,â your fatherâs hug makes you want to cry. Seeing your parents put into perspective how young you feel⌠how young you are.
Already married, mother of two, and all you want is your parents to hug you and tell you everything will be ok. When your father pulls you to the side and asks you about the letter Queen Alicent sent him, you are surprised to hear what she put in it.
âShe said you are having a hard time,â he runs his hand over your arm. âThat it is affecting your marriage.â
It should not surprise you she failed to mention her sonâs cheating. But the onus being placed on you only proves what you already felt. They will protect their own, so you must protect yours.
Before you can muster up an answer, an anxious looking maidservant comes over with Jayne in tow.
âMy Lady, I am sorry to interrupt. I went back to grab Alaricâs sweater. I saw something you may want to see; it was left it your chambers.â
Your eyes go to a box Jayne is carrying.
You must hold back a scream when you open the box and see Alaricâs favorite blanket, the one always in his crib, soaked in blood.
You frantically look over to the opposite side of the garden, your mother happily holding Alaric, Daella by her side. You look over to catch Aemond and Alicent giving you a questioning looks from across the Godswood.
As your vision blurs, you notice box had a tripartite of pale blue, red, and green on it.
âJayne, please go fetch me Lord Larys and Ser Quinton.â
All you have is your children
Tag list: ok Iâm sooo sorry to anyone who does not get a tag. I swear I am not ignoring you. I am only allowed to do 50 which is so annoying bc I want to tag everyone that was kind enough to support and ask. Also sometimes tumblr wonât let me tag certain people idk. If yâall know a better way please let me know, so I can try it â¤ď¸â¤ď¸.
@simp-is-what-i-am @rey26 @noisyinfluencerstrawberry @crispmarshmallow @dc-marvel-girl96 @stargaryenx @b00kdiary @grey-water-colors @neenieweenie @iwanttohitmyself @helloitsshitzulover @lazypinkpig @shisuchiha @leoramage @viperixsworld @luvremlu @this-is-a-bad-idea @landlockedmermaid77 @inpraizeof @blacpiink @carriellie @s0urmarvel @blackravena @bregarc @hvx @let-love-bleeds-red @fangirls94 @v7nt7 @m1ndbrand @highexpectationsgurl @m1tzifa1ry @spaceslutty @elleclairez @kitkat-writes-stuff @paprikaquinn @widemiffyhappy @poisonedsultana @what-is-your-wish @lilliansstuff @rebelfleur22 @aloneatpeace @alastorhazbin @alexa4040 @cleverzonkwombatsludge @ensolleildelune @clora95 @yu3kkii @mischiefmanaged2 @its-sam-allgood @papery-maniac
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wicked ⢠15
âł Summary: In a desperate hope to stop war from breaking you are a serviced to wed the most vile man alive, the one who has committed atrocities and war crimes beyond comprehension, he who is responsible for the fall of many nations, the wicked prince whoâs heart is made of stone. You are to marry a man who challenges every belief and moral you stand for, all while being faced in a foreign land with nobody but yourself too trustâŚBut are you both truly that different? Or is hate not too far from love?
âł Pairing: Jungkook/reader
âł Genre: arranged marriage AU, enemies to lovers, itâs kind of a period AU??? Historical but also technically not? prince!AU, eventual smut
Word Count: 13k
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tags: jungkook really loves grabbing mcâs throat, dirty talk, breath play, dom!kook, possessiveness, clit play, multiple orgasms, overstimulation (m & f), vaginal fingering, squirting, wet humpingâŚ? is that a thing? slight size kink
Note:Iâm so excited to announce chapter 15! I hope you all love it as much as I do, inbox is open for asks and I would love to hear everyones opinions bc im sure yall are gonna be feeling some type of way by the end.
âHow dare you accuse my maid of such a thing!â You hissed out from your seat, glaring into Di Jin with a venomous glare, âShe is no such thing as an assassin and you should be utterly ashamed of yourself for even thinking of such!âÂ
Di Jin slammed his hands on the stable snarling at you, âThen tell me why sheâs been missing from several of her shifts the last month? The only person who would be able to get into your room late into the night with guards posted would be her? There was a second attempt, was there not?âÂ
You shook your head, trying to not let your jaw slackened at the blatant disrespect, âBecause I authorized it! Her mother has been deathly ill over the last month and Iâve given her time to be away from the castle to tend to her!âÂ
Di Jinâs nostrils flared as he leaned back in his seat, as he stared at you for a long moment as if a predator sizing its prey, âWhat a convenient cover, tell me Princess, have you ever seen this sickly mother?âÂ
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For yall who're mourning the loss of z-lib, I just found another site (well technically my friend's friend found it and then my friend sent it to us) called OceanofPDF (oceanofpdf.com), it isn't as good but it'll do (it has shannon messenger books which are hardly on any other sites, yes that's my beta test with sites)
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Unexpected (Part I)
Aemond Targaryen X Betrothed Baratheon reader
Aemond Targaryen is sent to Storm's End to secure a marriage pact to gain the Baratheon's alliance in the war. And yet, when he discovers Y/N Baratheon, the black sheep of her family, hidden away at his arrival, he knows that fate has predestined their meeting. He has to have her.
Warning: long chapters, swearing, eventual mature content (18 +)
Part I
Part II
âPrince Aemond Targaryenâ
My name was announced as I entered the dark and macabre hall of Stormâs End. My eye quickly flickered to the round and dark-featured male sitting upon his chaise, watching me as I moved towards him.
The room was silent besides the pattering of rain against the stone walls and the click of my heels against the floors.
âPrince Aemondâ Ser Borros Baratheon greeted, his head dipping in respect, though he did not stand from his chair.
I didnât particularly care for the impertinence, but my boredom at this tedious affair was pushing me to end this quickly and fly home.
âLord Baratheon, thank you for extending your welcome to me. You have a fine home.â The words were still and passive as I stood before the man. He observed me, eyes weary at the eye patch adorning my face and the various daggers and swords strapped across my body.
They were not for him, I reminded myself, trying to ease my posture to not be honed for violence and battle.
âIt is an honour to have you here Prince Aemondâ Borros replied, his deep voice echoing in the large space. âThe raven your mother previously sent was persuasive indeed, a rather beneficial alliance for my house should we choose to ally with your brother instead of Princess Rhaenyra.â
He chose his words carefully- brother, not King and Princess, not Queen.
âI donât see any downfalls to joining our cause, Serâ I raised my brow, scrutiny across my tight face. âKing Aegon has the allyship of majority houses and their men, and should you too ally with us not only will you be on the winning side of this war but your grandchildren will be both of Targaryen and Baratheon blood.â
The idea slithered across me in disgust, the prospect of marriage and children one that brought a scowl to my face.
Though I did not show it, I would do my duty to my family and marry.
But that did not mean I had to do so with a smile on my face.
Lord Baratheon considered, his large chest rising in a deep exhale as he nodded in agreement.
âRight you are Prince Aemond.â He said, and I nodded my head in thanks, victory filling me at the notch in our belt against my whore sister and her bastard children.
âBring in my girlsâ Borros called, his dark eyes shifting to the left doorway, a mixture of pride and uneasiness etched across his face. My lips thinned and I hide my gloom as four ladies strode in, each beautiful, tall and thin with dark hair and eyes and lovely gilded skin.
I wouldnât pretend that they were unpleasant, but as my eyes ran down the line, ignoring the hopeful and pleasing smiles etched onto each girl's face, I frowned.
âI was told that you had five daughters, Lord Baratheon.â The room shifted at my words, Borros tensing as each girl's smile faltered. âThere are only four here.â
âIndeed Princeâ He rustled out, rubbing at his beard with annoyance. âMy youngest daughter is⌠not suitable for this arrangement.â The words came out in a hesitant, strained tone.
âHer age?â I asked my brow-raising, curiosity filling me.
How unsuitable could she be that her father would deny her the chance to marry a Prince?
âTen and eight,â He said frowning âBut that is not the issue at hand. There are four of my very beautiful and endearing daughters before you, you may choose between them.â
My eyes narrowed at that command and Borros stiffened as I stepped closer, the light above cascading over my severe expression.
âWhat is wrong with her exactly?â I demanded, my voice slipping into that calm storm that had most men shaking, and though Borros contained himself, fear flashed in his eyes.
âShe is not particularly trained for the challenges of marriage, My Princeâ One of his daughters, the girl in the middle stated, her eyes bright and lip quirked as she beheld me. â We consider her a bit⌠simple and strange in our family.â
The other girls giggled, hands covering their mouths delicately as she spoke and my eyes tapered, silencing their teasing.
âI will choose my betrothed upon seeing all of your daughters, Lord Baratheon, as is my rightâ I mandate stoically, eyes falling back to the rage and ire that shines on the Lordâs face. He looks as if he will protest and even the young women beside him look outraged, but no one disagrees.
âMaryâ Lord Baratheon calls to the Lady-in-waiting standing by the door, his voice a sharp slice âCall for... â
âNo need for the trouble Lord, I will follow Mary to the young ladies' chambers and return with my answer. The walk will allow me some needed time to think, Iâm sure.â I tried not to show my distaste at the girls before me, but still, they seemed stiff with indignation.
I didnât wait for the Lordâs reply before strolling over to Mary, and her face flushed and auburn hair fell to shield her face as she bowed to me in greeting. I nodded, tilting my lips in what I hoped was not an intimidating greeting and she calmed marginally before turning on her heel to lead me through the doors.
To the unwanted daughter that lay beyond.
***
âGods, I am going to throttle Floris for touching my things. She never puts them back where they belongâ I mutter, growling in anger as I grabbed my discarded book off a completely random shelf, a place it had not been before.
The doors of my chambers click open, and with eyes firmly on the novel in my hands, I turn âMary, tell me, which of my miserable sisters did the Dragon choose as his preyâ I tease, chuckling.
âThe Dragon is yet to decide which prey suits him.â An amused and deep voice rasped.
I gasped, my book clattering to the floor as my eyes beheld the silver-haired, one-eyed Prince before me. âShit!â I whispered and then winced at the profanity as I ducked to grip the book back into my shaking hands.
The Prince watched me with a wide and surprised eye, his lips twitched slightly at the corner as he observed my rattled form and obscenity.
âMy Princeâ I bowed quickly, discarding my book and attempting to recall how the Septa would scream at me to bend my knees lower and straighten my back. âI express regret, I had not been expecting your presence in my chambers-â
His eye glosses over the room at my words, taking in the books littered carelessly across the floor and tables, the clothes scattered in a heap at the corner of the room and I close my eyes in humiliation as his eye finally falls to my white and fitted nightdress.
The one I had adamantly not wanted to change out of.
I fiddled with my fingers, nerves wrecking through my body as I beheld his scrutinising watch, his face tensed with contemplation as he looked at me. His face revealed nothing of what he thought though, that angled and strong face a wall of impassivity.
My gaze flickered over him, having never seen him before. I took in the tight and form-fitting leathers that clung to the toned body beneath obscured by his long coat, the assortment of weapons strapped to him before tracing over the thin line of his pursed lips, the smooth texture across his severe face.
And that eye patch.
He hardened as my gaze fell upon it, as if in expectance, as if in interest at my reaction. Though when I merely cocked my head, curiosity and gentleness filling my eyes at the soft scar and brown leather, he seemed to relax, huffing quietly.
âIt would seem that you were neglected from the introductions today, Lady ââ His brow raised in expectance and I stepped forward, arms folding over my body to hide from him.
âY/n, Lady Y/Nâ I replied quietly and he nodded softly in acknowledgement.
âI was told that you were not suitable for this arrangement Lady Y/N, despite being of age and your sisters implied that you were not appropriated with the requirements for marriage.â He drawled, observing my reaction as he spoke.
âLet me guessâ I muttered, biting back the bitterness in my tone âThey described me as simple and odd, a cordial way of calling me a freak and unparalleled to them as a Lady and woman.â I scoffed out a laugh at that tired dialogue, and the Prince's eyes seemed to light in response, his body now leaning against the chest of draws at his side.
âIndeedâ He hummed, curiosity and intrigue beaming in that sole eye.
***
The girl before me was not what I had been expecting.
I suspected that the fifth daughter had some kind of abnormality, a deformation that had marred her as unpleasant or made her act out.
And yet, as I stared at the blushing girl before me, it didnât quite make any sense.
She was lovely, not like her sisters but unique from them.
Her chocolate brown eyes were wide and doe-like, intently watching me as I considered. She had thick and flowing straight mousy hair that was untamed as it fell down her back and shoulders, laying across the nightgown she had clearly not cared to remove.
It told me that either she had not been expecting company, or she did not care to impress said company.
My lips quirked at that, amusement filling me at, indeed, the strangeness of her character.
My gaze trailed lower, grazing over the supple breasts prominent below the white gown and then over her soft and curved hips and the stomach that sat out against the cotton material.
Unlike her sisters, she was much shorter and curvaceous, her body shaped with flesh and softness that went from the roundness of her blushed cheeks, to her breasts and ass, and I imagined filled at her hips, stomach and thighs.
She flushed slightly at my wondering eye, her hands clasping and unclasping before her, her restless feet rocking back and forth, as if desperate for me to either speak or leave.
She didnât appear frightened of me though, besides the initial shock that had her jumping and swearing at my entrance, she hadnât so much as stuttered as we talked.
âWhat do you think Lady?â I asked suddenly, my arms folding over my chest. She quirked a brow at me, surprised that I was asking for her opinion.
I imagined that very few cared to hear her thoughts in this place.
âI-â She paused, swallowing as she looked down for a moment âI understand their sentiment, I have never been one for embroidery or etiquette classes, not particularly amenable. Especially not for a Prince. My sisters have excelled in that department and they are better suited to marry into the Targaryen family and bring honour to the Baratheon name.â
The words were quieter and tamed in comparison to the girl I first found when entering the room. I bit back my ire at that shining insecurity, that familiar ache of understanding running through me at the displacement she felt.
âTell me about yourselfâ I demanded and she balked at that. I chuckled, low and throaty and she bit her lip in weariness. âTell me more about what you like Lady- if not etiquette and embroidery then what?â
She contemplated for a moment, her hands rubbing against her thighs as she still gnawed on that plump lip. I begrudgingly dragged my attention away from her lips as she spoke.
âReading,â She said nodding, her eyes lighting as she looked at the endless books scattered across the room. âI enjoy reading. And being outside; in the garden, the neighbouring villages⌠I used to train with my father as a little girl, wooden swords and then eventually a bow and arrow.â
I quirked my brow at that knowledge âNot many young ladies find interest in weaponry and fighting.â I say, though my words hold no judgement and she smiles slightly in appreciation at that.
âNo, they donât. And, such in my case, even if they do the unspoken laws of society deem it inappropriateâ She rolled her eyes with ire and I hummed in response. â But still when I can, when no one is watching and I have the time, I will practice archery and occasionally mimic what my father does with a dagger or sword.â
Her words held purpose, that shine of passion and delight flashing across her eyes as if in memory.
I donât know why I did it, what came over me but before she could begin speaking again, I tore my dagger from its sheath and with imperceptible swiftness chucked it toward her.
Most women and some men would have recoiled, and rushed out of the way in instinct.
And yet, she caught it.
Her fingers wrapped around the handle, slightly off-kilter, knuckles white as she panted, her eyes wide in disbelief.
I smirked slightly, nodding to myself as I stood up straighter. My arms linked behind my back as she gaped at me, her large eyes flickering from me to the shining dagger in her right hand.
âWhat if I hadnât caught it?â She demanded, a trace of anger lacing her words.
âBut you did,â I replied simply, and her eyes narrowed down at that nonchalance lacing my tone.
Gone was that shy girl.
Good.
My face fell back into neutrality as I began to stalk toward her. She stiffened at my approach, her hand still holding that dagger before her as she watched me with weariness. I stopped an inch in front of her, that dagger's edge pressing into the leather at my rib.
She exhaled sharply as her uncertain and anxiety-riddled eyes observed me and she audibly inhaled, her hand shaking as I grazed my thumb against her palm, the dagger falling into my awaiting hand.
Y/N remained silent as I sheathed the dagger back in my belt, her breath a hot and shaky caress over my chin, her eyes looking up at me with perplexion.
âLady Y/N,â I said calmly, my lips tilting at the corner in a lazy smile â Please pack a small overnight bag with some clothes and necessities.â
She froze, lip pulling into her teeth as she hissed.
âWhy?â She whispered back, hoarsely.
âBecause you will be returning to Kings Landing with me.â I said, a low and carnal rumble âas my betrothed.â
***
I gaped, my mouth falling open in utter shock.
As my betrothed.
My heart was hammering in my chest so loud that it was all I could hear, all I could comprehend as I stared dumbly at the Prince before me.
âWhat?â I spat, noticing his eye spark in humour at the lack of formality and propriety behind my baffled tone.
âPack whatever you wish, the rest can be brought over in the coming weeks.â He ignored my horror and trembling body as he stood back, his gaze shifting towards my door with veiled boredom. âI should go and inform your father and sisters of my choice.â
My sisters.
Oh, gods. My sisters.
I had just stolen their chance with the Prince, unwittingly yes, but they wonât see it like that.
âYou worry about their reaction?â He asks, his jaw clenched, and I canât form the words, so I merely nod in reply. He scowls, lips curling back from his teeth, âNot even the Gods could deny me what I want my Lady, your father and sisters stand little chance.â
My heart stuttered at the cruel and downright possessive tone and before I can even respond, the Prince is turning on his heel and coolly walked through my room and out the door.
Oh, dear Gods.
My hand was clutching my chest as I panted, desperately trying to gather myself when my eyes lifted to Mary, my lady-in-waiting, standing hesitantly by the door.
âThe Prince chose meâ I whisper, shock and horror present in my stiff body and wide eyes.
âI knowâ She nods, her face grave and she rushes towards me with a shaky sigh. âIt is ok, Lady. You must breathe⌠here, sitâ She pulls me over to a chair and my body collapses against it with a thud.
âOk?â I choke, my voice and alarm rising âI am not suited to marry anyone, never mind a Prince of the Targaryen family!â I spread my hands over the cold wood of the table, digging my nails into the roughness to draw myself out of the hysteria.
I gasp, chest heaving up and down, up and down as I begin to hyperventilate. Mary rushes to kneel beside me, her golden eyes bright with worry as she rubs soothingly at my back.
âY/Nâ she calls and snaps her fingers before my eyes to bring my attention back to her. âDo your list, tell me⌠tell me what are the pros and cons of this marriageâ She beseeches with a straight and calm face.
Pros and cons.
My mind focuses, pushing out the blur and begins to flick through them, beginning with cons per usual.
âHeâs said to be a very terrifying and ruthless man, Iâve heard some terrible tales about Prince Aemond.â I shudder, but she ushers me to continue âHis family is in the middle of a civil war, I could get caught up in that nonsense and knowing me Iâd probably get killed.â I whimper.
âAnd the pros?â She urges, nodding to me.
âHe didnât⌠he seemed normal, a little icy but not cruel or scary like I had thought he would be.â I say, nodding along tentatively as Mary does, a small smile gracing her lips âAnd⌠I suppose that Kings Landing would be rather beautiful, full of culture and experience. The opposite of Storms End.â I feel that clenching pressure in my chest begins to ease as more and more positives start to outweigh the negatives.
âOne more.â She stresses, smiling encouragingly as my breathing evens out.
âAnd my sisters are going to cry with fury when they realise that their freakish, unpleasant little sister has snagged the Prince that they were desperately fighting each other for. They didnât even consider me a contender, had bad-mouthed me, and yet it is I who will become a Princess.â I snorted, a giggle escaping me at the thought and its absurdity and as Mary chuckles along, I canât help the endless and overwhelming bellowing of laughter that rushed out of me.
I bellow, clutching my chest, tears leaking from my eyes and Mary reciprocates, her slightly more mature skin, creasing.
âWhat is the meaning of this?â A stern female voice demanded.
The laughter cuts off abruptly at the sight of my motherâs fury in the doorway, her blue eyes glaring harshly at the two of us. Mary stood apologies falling from her lips, but my mother didnât even glance her way.
âIt seems that Prince Aemond has chosen you as his betrothed, Y/N,â She said coming towards me, her eyes softening as she beheld my apprehension. âYou must fulfil your duty to our family, this alliance, this marriage will secure our place for centuries to come.â
âBut mother, I didnât intend-â
âIt matters not what you did or did not intend, Prince Aemond had chosen you as his Lady wife, quite adamantly, and you will leave with him today.â Her sharp eyes snapped to Mary. âBegin packing her things, only necessary garments, only her best and some fine jewellery too.â
Mary bowed and rushed off, moving swiftly around my room to pack and organise for me to leave.
Leave my family.
Leave my home.
âComeâ Mother called, her hand gripping mine and helping me up before pulling me along and sitting me before my vanity. She was wordless as she began brushing through my long hair, careful as she yanked out the knots in them.
She had not done this for me since I was a little girl.
My heart clenched and throat tightened as I beheld her frown, not at the wildness of my hair, but as she looked at me, knowing that I would soon be departing.
No one expected that this would be my last day at home.
I sat silently, my eyes taking in every feature, every touch, every smell of her as she pulled back the silken locks, pinning and half braiding the hair to fall in an extravagant fish-tail plait against my back. Her soft hands tugged at the front pieces loosening them, and the dark coffee strands framed my face.
I begrudgingly allowed her to rub a pink-rose petal extract against my cheeks and lips to bring some colour to them and even while flinching, I allowed her to adorn my eyes with the black kohl. I turned to her, my hands fidgeting relentlessly as she gazed at me.
âBeautifulâ She whispered softly and I nearly sobbed at that pained tone, at that word that rarely had ever left my motherâs lips when regarding me.
I focused on my breathing as I was stripped, rubbed, cleaned and then oiled with jasmine and lavender before a few more servants came to help dress me.
Unlike my usual loose and unrestricted garments, my mother chose a dark green and cream embroidered gown, the neck low and laced as it went straight across my shoulders and back, revealing the bare skin there and my collarbones. The pearls adorning the clasps at my breasts revealed slight peeks of the flesh underneath, as scandalous as my mother could allow.
The dress fit tight against my chest and waist, hugging the stomach that was not at all flat. My mother frowned as she ordered the dress tightened, and I gasped in pain, my hands flying to the wall to hold myself up as the servant pulled the laces at the back, more and more.
By the time she was done, breathing felt like inhaling glass, but indeed, my waist and stomach were snatched in and looked much smaller than it truly was. I levelled out my breath as I beheld the way the dress flared out at my wide and fleshy hips, unchanged in shape, before cascading down in soft open waves around my simple flats.
I looked pretty, delicate yet womanly, and more polished than Iâd ever been.
But I looked nothing like myself.
And The Prince seemed to notice that immediately.
I followed wordlessly behind my mother as we entered the Great Hall and as my eyes locked onto Prince Aemondâs, he frowned, his eyes falling over my hair, and face and then resting on the waist that was too small.
I blanched at his stare but quickly was saved from any further scrutiny as my Father came to stand before me.
âFatherâ I whispered tenderly and his eyes melted as he beheld me.
âMy little girl, all grown up.â He said quietly enough that only I could hear. I choked, tears now welling in my eyes, and I did not care who was around as I threw my arms around his neck and buried my head in his chest with a sob.
He sighed dejectedly, his large body engulfing mine in a hug that was too much yet not enough. I shook slightly as he rubbed my back and pacified me, and after a few moments, he pulled back, sadness in his now-red eyes.
I wiped at my face, not caring at how the cosmetic had smudged there as I regained my composure and evened my breathing. He nodded gravely at me and as he kissed my palm with a father's love, it took everything in me to not begin sobbing again.
I sniffed, my hands clasped against my stomach in pain as he moved from my path and I beheld my four sisters.
And suddenly, crying felt bizarre to do.
They glared at me, accusation and bewilderment in their brown eyes, even as they beheld how I looked. I could see that writhing jealousy a mile away. I sighed wretchedly and bowed my head slightly with a frown in goodbye.
They seemed to pause, their faces faltering as they glanced at one another. I turned to move away and before I knew it, I felt several arms wrap around me at once.
âOh, you absolute pest, how can you leave usâ Cassandra scolded against my neck, even as a gasp of a cry escaped her.
I laughed in surprise as my sisters hugged me fiercely, and was even more surprised by the small cries and wet tears that I felt against me from them all. âTake care of yourself Y/N, donât forget âOurs is the Furyâ,â Floris said, tears shining in her beautiful eyes as she pressed a gentle kiss to my cheeks.
I nodded back firmly, no longer crying, yet dumbfounded and unable to speak. They all stepped back from me, retreating to the side again as I closed my eyes and braced myself before turning to walk over to Prince Aemond.
He was frowning uneasily as he watched me, his arms behind his back and his body straight but his face did not hold any cruelty, any mocking as he beheld my tears.
My breath caught in my throat as his hand lifted, steady and sure and so very gently wiped away a tear that fell down my cheek. I bit my lip, my hands clenching as he watched me and my body grew hot under that neutral look.
âPrince Aemond, perhaps you should consider your journey, the sky seems to be darkening.â My father roughly cut in, a harsh and protective glare thrown at the Prince. He looked at my father, irritation lighting his face but he simply nodded, looking once at me in confirmation and then walking towards the front doors.
I followed behind with shaking hands and trembling feet but I tried to maintain my control as we stepped out into the courtyard.
Where a Dragon the size of a castle stood, baring its teeth and growling in all its glory and horror.
âVhagarâ I gasped in amazement and Prince Aemondâs eyes locked with mine, his lips parting.
âYou know of my dragon?â He questions in intrigue.
âOf course,â I say, my eyes returning back to the beast in complete awe âSheâs the largest in the world, Visenya rode her during Aegonâs conquest- well their conquest, I suppose. â
Silence followed and my eyes moved back to the Prince, but he was already watching me, an expression of respect playing on his strong face.
âWell, considering you already know so much about her, riding her shall be little difficulty then.â
âWhat?â I snapped but then cringed in apology at the horrified look my mother threw my way. He snorted quietly before walking forward towards Vhagar and I trailed, my stomach twisting into knots.
Never mind dying in the war, Iâd probably get eaten by the thing before I even left my home.
âDonât worry my Ladyâ He said, noting my paleness â Vhagar will not harm you, not when she sees you with me and you wonât fall, because I wonât let you.â His stare held conviction, utter conviction, and I merely nodded reluctantly in reply.
âI suppose that dying while riding a Dragon is quite a worthy deathâ I joked, and despite my family's indignation and sighs, Prince Aemond merely huffed out a laugh, shaking his head. He held out his right hand as he stopped beside the ladder descending down Vhagarâs back, patiently waiting for me to take it.
I exhaled harshly as I neared the obscenely large and terrifying creature, the low growls and snarls reverberating across the ground and into my body. I nodded to my sisters and then to my father and mother in a final farewell.
I look away quickly at the bitter sadness that seems to suffocate the air, my eyes already burning. Instead, I place my shaky hands in the strength and solidity of the Princeâs and Iâm glad for the reassurance in his sapphire blue eye.
He takes my hand and places it against Vhagarâs rough skin, and I shudder at the scale and indents of hundreds of yearsâ worth of life as the beast groans but doesnât falter. I nod once and Prince Aemond hoists me up, my hands coming to grip the ropes and lift my gown so that I wonât trip.
My chest aches in fear but as I glance down, Prince Aemond is already right beside me.
âYou wonât fall, I wonât let you.â His eye seems to say in a reminder as he watched me.
I inhale and exhale deeply and without too much thought, I begin my climb up the side of the beast. It takes some time and exertion, my weariness and gown obstructing me and a few times, I would slip a step and cry out, only for a hand to instantly be at my ankle or shin, guiding me back to the step.
I pant as I eventually reach the top of Vhagar, my fingers digging into the seat placed there and I use that hold to drag myself up and onto the very top. I rasp as I take in the view, so much higher, far more surreal atop the writhing beast than it was through the window of a tower.
âWell done, My Lady,â Prince Aemond rasps beside my ear and I blush as I notice how close his body is to mine as he kneels beside me. He didnât look nearly as winded, in fact, his body seemed to calm and breathing evened from the familiarity of his dragon.
He takes my hand and helps me onto the front of the seat, his hands fixing my skirt so that my legs could hold against the sides without issue. I shiver as his nimble fingers lift the material and he caresses my legs up to my knee, readjusting and strapping a tie around the sides.
 I donât speak, nor does he, as he ties another around my waist, the rope attaching to the seat.
âIn case you lose yourself in the air, the rope will ensure that you donât fly off of Vhagar,â He says, noticing my stare, but when I blanche, he adds â But I will already be there to ensure that none of that happens.â
âThank you,â I say softly as he finishes securing me in place and then with swift and easy movements, the Prince moves behind me and mounts the seat.
I hiss in harshly at the feeling of his chest pressed to my back, though he doesnât comment, instead his long and toned arms reach around my waist with efficiency, securing a tie all the way around the both of us before hooking it into place.
I tremble against the heat of his body, his chest and thighs like fire as it presses against my thin clothes and I bite my lip as the cool caress of air brushes my right cheek as he speaks lowly to me.
His hands fall to my waist as he says â My sight is limited as you know, I rely on my right to steer Vhagarâ He shifts my body to his left side where the eye patch is and rests my back against his chest there so his head is peaking over my right shoulder without any obstruction.
I nod absently, my body still tense and stiff at the foreign feeling of him and his hands that are grazing across my waist and hips, and perhaps unwittingly, but the sides of my breasts too.
âShould you feel you need the extra support, for fear or whatever else, you can grab onto these handles here, they will keep you firmly rooted in place.â He says seriously as if it were a crash course in Dragon safety.
âWhat about you?â I ask quietly and his eye glances over my shoulder to my weary face âIf something happens⌠have you ridden with someone else on your dragon before?â I question and he shakes his head slowly, but his hands grip my waist in reassurance.
âVhagar has never acted out without provocation and I do not expect that we will find any in the skies as we fly back home. I will be fine, as will you.â He reaffirms and I nod gently, my body relaxing against him slightly.
Once we were completely strapped in, I gazed down towards my family, much smaller as they stood at the doors of our home- no, their home now. I felt my chest constrict and tears burn my eyes as I lifted a tremoring hand and waved, their answering waves back a dagger to my heart.
Prince Aemond frowned at my teary sight but did not say anything as his hands snaked around my waist and he clasped onto the ropes there.
âVhagar! sÄŤmonagon se ivestragÄŤ ÄŤlva sĹvegonâ Prince Aemond bellowed out, and I crooned in wonder at that authoritative and accented tone, even more surprise filling me as that wild beast, listened and purred in response, stretching out its endlessly long wings.
âReady, My Lady?â Prince Aemond whispered with a grin beside my ear and I couldnât contain the thrill that wrecked through me as I gripped the handles before me.
âIâm ready, My Prince.â
He huffed, a hot breath beside my ear before he commanded âSĹvegon!â
And we were shooting up to the sky.
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