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#please please DO visit scotland
docholligay · 9 months
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Trying not to murder my darling sister who, I remind myself, I love very much, as I attempt to help her plan a trip to the UK.
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ayeforscotland · 4 months
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Hi folks,
Sorry I have to write this because I was really hoping I wouldn't. Some of you might have read me venting about boiler issues over the past 6-7 months.
Basically, our boiler was condemned by our insurance company who said they would no longer repair it, and they could offer us an *incredible* £750 towards a new boiler if we used a specific supplier. This supplier wanted to charge us £5,500 for the job, and we, naturally, didn't have £4,750 lying around to spend. So we tried British Gas who came and gave us a quote...again for over £5000 because we'd need to pay for scaffolding, and this time without the £750 towards it from the insurance. Since then our boiler has started actively leaking and my mornings start with emptying the bucket that sits underneath. As a hail Mary I tried another local supplier this week who visited us yesterday. He's quoted us for a replacement boiler at £2500 which is arguably much more manageable. Through saving up and some extremely generous donations when I first ranted about the boiler, we've managed to save £1000. We were hoping that Home Energy Scotland would be able to provide a loan to cover the remaining £1500, but they have changed their policy to exclude gas boilers, and they ruled we weren't eligible for the Warmer Home Scotland fund as we don't receive benefits. I know it's the worst time of year to ask because it's an expensive time, but if any of you happen to need anything read to you by a Scottish guy or want your Scottish character's dialogue checked, please consider commissioning me on Ko-Fi.
You can, of course, also do one-off donations or even monthly support on Ko-Fi but I like being able to offer something in return.
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happilyhertale · 1 year
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Destiny is all - Osferth x female!reader, Part 1
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Summary: You are Finan's sister. You live in a village in Scotland, near the border with Northumbria. You lead a quiet life until your brother decides to visit you with his boys and your life changes completely.
Pairing: Osferth x fem!reader
Author’s note: Hey you (:
Now I am finally sharing my little Osferth story with you. The events are a little different from the story in the series. (No, Osferth will not die either). I hope you will enjoy it! English is my second language, please forgive me if I made any mistakes (:
Word count: 2.2 k
Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7
Other stories of mine
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The sun, which has been high in the sky all day, is slowly tilting towards the earth. Four men ride silently side by side. Every now and then an exhausted grunt can be heard. As soon as the grunt is silenced, it is usually answered with another grunt. They have been riding like this for days now. Uhtred, Finan, Sihtric and Osferth are on their way from the northernmost point in Scotland back to Wessex.
The men are exhausted by the long distance they have already covered on horseback. The not very restful nights they have already spent in various forests do not diminish their exhaustion.
"Lord. We could spend the night in a village today," Finan says after another grunt.
Uhtred turns slightly in Finan's direction, "If we ride through the night, we should be in Northumbria by tomorrow"
"But Lord… We should stop and rest. I'm tired of the sight of my horse's head... his ears in particular," Osferth chimes in.
Sihtric turns to Uhtred as well, "I wouldn't say no either"
Osferth continues to nod in agreement.
Uhtred sighs, "Very well… The next village is headed for"
"We would have a place to sleep there for sure too," Finan says to Uhtred with a grin. Uhtred sees Finan's grin and becomes curious.
"Do you have a sweetheart up here?" asks Uhtred with raised eyebrows.
"Not exactly. My family lives there and we could sleep and eat there"
"What? I thought you were from Ireland," Osferth looks at him questioningly.
Finan nods, "We're originally from Ireland. But my parents moved over with me and my sister"
Uhtred just shakes his head with a smile.
The men rode on again in silence. Every now and then a grunt can be heard. But it was a done deal, they were on their way to Finan's family.
You stand in front of your little house. The evening sun shines on your face and you enjoy it. You close your eyes for a moment. Your little house is located on the edge of a village, near the forest. You enjoy the peace and quiet that the location offers you, and that you can let your gaze wander into the forest at any time as soon as the hustle and bustle of the village becomes too much for you. Slowly you open your eyes again and take a deep breath. You still want to water the flower bed before you retire for the evening. As you put the bucket down, you hear noises in the forest behind you. You turn around, but in the twilight you can't really see if anyone is there. Out of habit, you reach for the dagger tucked under the skirt of your dress.
"Who is there?" you ask in a firm voice.
But instead of an answer, you only hear the rustling of the bushes at the edge of the forest.
Suddenly a Dane steps out of the forest and you instinctively hold up your dagger. You are ready to defend yourself. Your breath catches in your throat, but the Dane just grins at you. "Finan! I didn't know that your parents can also produce something beautiful", the Dane says.
Finan? How does he know your brother...?
"Aye! Lord! Shut up!", Finan suddenly stands next to the Dane. Your lungs fill with air again as you see your brother smiling at you from a short distance away.
You don't hesitate for long. "Finan!" you shout and run towards him. You throw your arms around his neck. He wraps his arms tightly around you.
"Heey... my little one," he says softly and presses you closer to him.
You sob a little. He loosens the embrace and takes your face in his hands, "Ey... y/n.... If I had known ya missed me so much, I would have stopped by sooner," he smiles at you. You wipe tears from your face and have to laugh for a moment.
"What are ya doing here?" you finally ask your brother.
"We're just passing through and I thought we were due for a visit"
Only now do you become aware and remember the Dane. But when you look behind Finan, you see two other men standing there. But your gaze immediately falls on the blond monk. However, he immediately averts his gaze from you when he realises that he has been caught staring. Now you notice another Dane. Somehow you seem to like this mixture of the troupe. Finan turns around as well, "Sorry y/n. This is Uhtred, Sihtric and our baby Monk, Osferth"
You notice the monk giving Finan a warning look. The Danes, on the other hand, give you a friendly nod. Finan turns back to you, "Where are mother and father? Are they in the house? We are starving!" Finan is all euphoric.
You gently touch his forearm, "Finan...", you speak softly. He looks at you, but you only shake your head slightly.
"What...?" he whispers, sadness crossing his face.
"The fever took them last winter... First mother, then father..." you whisper.
He shakes his head slightly now too and you wrap your arms around him. After a short silence, you hear Finan murmur into your hair, "You're here all alone?"
You nod, "That must be enough for you now"
He just nods slowly and you can still see the sadness in his face.
You smile up at him, "Come, let's go into the house... I've put on some soup"
Together you go into the house. The men sit down at the table and you serve them the soup. There is not much talking at first, as they simply enjoy the warm meal. When they have finished, you prepare ale for everyone. Light conversation now fills the room. Osferth tries to comfort Finan, to say something nice about your parents. But Finan doesn't want to hear about it at the moment. After a while you take the dagger, which is again under your skirt and presses uncomfortably against your thigh, and put it on the table.
"Feisty... You always carry a dagger with you?", the Dane, Uhtred asks you. You look at him a little amused, "Men sometimes don't understand what 'no' means. So it can't hurt to have something with you to back up your opinion"
Uhtred grins and raises his cup "I'm afraid that's true"
You grin at him and join him in a toast.
When there is a knock at the door, you get up and go over. You open the door and your good mood is immediately dampened.
"Edward... what do ya want here?" you ask, a little annoyed. Alarmed by your tone, Finan looks at the door. From the door, there is no view of the table and so Edward does not notice that he is now being overheard by four guys.
"Y/n... I thought... maybe you'd like some company tonight...?"
He is visibly drunk and grinning at you.
"No, Edward. I told you the other day that it wasn't going to happen again"
Finan's expression darkens.
"Oh come on... Don't you miss it...?" he winks at you.
"What would she miss?"
You startle a little as Finan suddenly stands behind you. Edward looks startled too and just stammers around. Words like "nothing" and "just making sure everything is okay" leave his mouth.
"Good. And do not worry, everything is fine here," Finan lets Edward know as he closes the door.
You look at him indignantly, "Finan! I can handle it myself!"
He just walks back to the table and takes a big gulp of ale. You stand in the room a little speechless. You look at Finan and shoot daggers at him. But Finan continues to stand with his back to you and does not look at you.
Sihtric and Uhtred just grin and look at each other. But you notice Osferth looking at you again. He is probably shocked that a woman would seek the company of a man even though she is not married. You sigh softly and go back to the table. You sit down and shake your head slightly.
Finan looks at you again, "What...? You're my sister. I'll always look out for ya. And... the last time I was here, ya liked Edward, didn't ya?"
"I did," you emphasise, "Until I found him between another woman's thighs"
Osferth chokes on his ale and you look at him somewhat amused. He has to grin now, too, and he wipes the ale running down his chin with his hand. You have to chuckle a little, but somehow you like the sight.
But Finan turns your attention back to himself, "He did what? That bastard... Let me go to him..." Finan is about to get up, but you pull him down by his arm.
"No... There's no need for that. That's done and in the past. Really," you smile at him, but Finan doesn't really look convinced.
He just grumbles something to himself and drinks from his ale. You stroke his arm gently.
The later the hour gets, the louder the conversations become. You laugh a lot and talk to each other across the table. You enjoy having your brother and his friends with you. At some point, Uhtred has persuaded you to show him how you can defend yourself against men with your hands if you don't have your dagger with you. But it always ends up with Uhtred putting his arm around your neck from behind or you just giggle and somehow try to bring Uhtred down.
Eventually you sit down at the table again. You are still a little out of breath when Osferth, who is now sitting next to you, addresses you directly, "Lady... isn't it dangerous for a woman to live here alone?"
Uhtred interjects, "Well... if the possible attacker just stands still and doesn't fight back, then y/n has a chance to defend herself," Uhtred grins at you.
But you do not answer Uhtred, instead you kick him under the table.
Uhtred laughs as you turn back to Osferth, smiling.
You look at him curiously now, "Would it be safer for a woman somewhere else?"
He scratches the back of his neck, "Well... if you were at least in company... and there was no Edward lurking outside your door"
You have to chuckle a little and notice a smile forming around his lips too as it dawns on you. "Ooh yes! I'll come with ya"
Now Finan chokes on his ale and Uhtred grins again. As he calms down, he looks at you, "No way. You're safer here than being out with us"
"Finan!" you utter indignantly, but he just shakes his head.
When Sihtric speaks up, "Honestly, she's probably safer with the four of us. There's no one here to look after her"
Uhtred nods slowly in conviction.
"And if we go into battle?", Finan looks slightly overwhelmed.
"Then of course I won't be there. Then I'll cook you dinner in the meantime... Or keep the bed warm," you answer with a grin. As a sister, you know what drives Finan up the wall.
He gives you a warning look and continues to shake his head, "That's not funny... and that's out of the question"
He stands up and goes outside to pee.
Now you shake your head and stand up.
"Guys... It's late... I'm going to sleep now. This will not end well here otherwise"
Sihtric and Uhtred nod at you. Osferth smiles slightly at you, "Good night lady y/n" and you return his smile.
When Finan returns, he sees that you have gone to bed. He sighs and sits back down at the table with the boys. Uhtred's gaze is on Finan, "You know it would be the right decision. She's here all alone, and I'm sure Edward's not the only one knocking on her door"
Finan gives him a warning look.
"I'm just saying. Your parents aren't here anymore, she has no one here to look after her. And with us, she'd have four men by her side looking after her", Uhtred continues
Silence now reigns at the table as the boys continue to drink their ale. Until Finan just nods and gets up from the table again. "Okay... But if even one of ya tries to hit on my sister..." he adds warningly before disappearing into an adjacent room.
The next morning you come out of your chamber. Three men lie on furs on the floor. Light snoring fills the room. You leave the house and go into the garden behind it. Everything is still quiet, a few birds are chirping. You watch as the sun slowly rises and makes the shadows of the forest look less threatening.
Suddenly Finan is standing next to you. You are startled and flinch briefly.
"Holy Lord! Finan!", you lightly punch his arm. He says nothing, but smiles slightly. He also looks in the direction of the sunrise.
"Ya can come with us. Although I know it's dangerous for ya to accompany us... But I also have to admit that it's probably more dangerous for ya to stay here alone..."
You smile at him.
Slowly he looks in your direction, "Ya have to listen to me though"
You grin at him, "I never have Finan"
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Tag list
@aemonds-wifey @hoshi-miharu-blog @arryn-nyx @aemond-targaryenx @praline357 @chainsawsangel
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minhosimthings · 5 months
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Skz under the Mistletoe
Pairings: bf!Skz × implied fem!reader
Warnings: FLUFF FLUFF NOTHING BUT FLUFF, mention of food, a bit suggestive in Minho and Changbin's
A/N: I needed something to help refresh this dumb brain of mine cause I CANNOT work on any of my smut wips rn so here ya go! Also I know it's not Christmas yet and this is really Christmassy but y'all I live in Scotland. ITS ALWAYS CHRISTMAS MUHAHAHA
Bang Chan/ Christopher
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this mf would start giggling so hard
I'm like a hundred percent positive he would deliberately hang mistletoe above you
Imagine you're baking cookies and you're too busy to give him a kiss
And he just pouts and stalks off ☹️ somewhere to do God knows what
And then you find him sitting on the couch with mistletoe on his hair
"baby quick! Kiss me I'm under mistletoe! Don't you know it's bad luck if you don't kiss someone under mistletoe?"
You'd give in of course, not wanting to sadden your adorable boyfriend,🥺 who looked even more adorable with heaps of mistletoe stuck to his curls
Please save me I am obsessed with this man
Lee Minho/ Lee Know
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This man
This man istg
HE WILL STRAIGHT UP REFUSE TO KISS YOU
"I wouldn't kiss your dumb face normally why would I do it now?"
Meanie 😐
But he'd immediately melt on seeing your pouty face and sad expression
So like the great boyfriend he is, he'd tie strings of mistletoe to Soonie's collar and send her to you.
"alright we need to kiss your mom on her stupidly cute face so go to her and don't mess this up."
Soonie would walk up to you followed by Minho and he would just meekly be like "Mistletoe?"
CUTIES NXJSJS
Would a 100% pick you up and throw you on the bed, saying that mistletoe doesn't only consist of kisses 😏
Changbin/ Seo Changbin
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ISTG I WILL COMBUST RIGHT HERE
Bang Chan part 2
He'd be so giggly and blushing so profusely when you both would notice you're under mistletoe
Like if it was at a party or something, and everyone was shouting "Kiss!" At the both of you, how could he refuse?
Would definitely do that thing where he squeezes your waist
It would be such a soft kiss istg
Would probably take you up to the bedroom after the kiss though
Hyunjin/Hwang Hyunjin
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GIRL THE WAY HE'S BLUSHING SO HARD YOU'D THINK HE SMEARED PAINT ON HIMSELF
You'd decorate his art studio with mistletoe
Specifically putting it above the place where you'd pose for him when he's painting you
This man would probably be confused at first like he's so immersed in painting,
And then you're like "Hyunjin look mistletoe!"
Bitch will be like "You want me to paint the mistletoe in the picture too?"
Truly the leader of PaboRacha
But afterwards he'd give you the most precious kiss ever
Just so soft, warms wrapped around your waist
"Wanna make some hot chocolate darling?"
I need to stop Hyune is wrecking me too hard
Han/Han Jisung
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Ngl he would be the one badgering you
"ooh baby where did this mistletoe come from?"
*holds the mistletoe above your head*
Would pout when you'd say you'll give him kisses later, because you need to get ready for work
Literal sparkly eyes begging you for a kiss
You'd give in eventually, how could you refuse the power of the Han Jisung puppy eyes?
"baby did you kiss me because of the mistletoe or because of my charms?"
SO FUCKING ADORABLE
Felix/Lee Yongbok
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Alright I'm imagining this is Australia because obviously you guys went to visit his family for the holidays
His sister's would a 100% prank him with mistletoe
NAUR cause they'd hang mistletoe over your bed, and when you and felix spot it, they'd pull out their phones to record you guys kissing
DEFINETLY did not do that to my gf once nope
"oh sunshine look mistletoe! Should we have a kiss then?"
MY SWEET POOKIE BROWNIE SUGAR PUMPKIN PIE I love him saur much
Seungmin/Kim Seungmin
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Bruh this guy
I swear to god this guy
KIM MF "it's a childish thing to do" SEUNGMIN
NAUR he WILL make fun of you for wanting to do it
Like you're just goofing off, decorating the house for Christmas
And you decide to jokingly put mistletoe on his hair
He'll just roll his eyes and go back to his book, completely ignoring the grass on his hair
And you'd be like bitch kiss me we're under mistletoe
"Seriously pup, you still believe in that childish crap?"
And he's done it, he's upset you great job Seungmin (I don't know why I'm so salty towards him rn)
And then he'd just sigh, looking at your pouty face
Then he'll proceed to grab your face in his hands and kiss you in the most devastating way ever
"next time when you want a kiss, just ask for it darling."
Wodjdjeb you will not survive
I.N/Yang Jeongin
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AHH INNIE KDISSHD
Lemme calm down first
THIS GUY WOULD BE SO AMAZING
Look if there's anyone in Skz who believes in miracles and the holy spirit and whatnot
IT'S HIM
Flashback to when he wanted to be a priest
Giggles and blushes part 3
Girl he legit kiss you for so long if you do that
Iike sir you need to breathe too stop with the smooches
He'll legit kiss you in the middle of a store if there's mistletoe there
Like just in the middle of the hygiene aisle, where there's mistletoe decorating the shelves
Just BAM his lips are on uours
"We can't resist the power of the mistletoe honey."
I swear to God this man will be the death of me
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Note
Could I request the 2012 tmnt mikey with a 'secret' s/o reader who is an assassin? She is really serious and scary, but she is so soft for Mikey and she is really skilled with a lot of weapons and even without weapons!
After a while of them dating Mikey tells splinter and his brothers and his brothers don't really believe him, but splinter wants to meet her anyway so Mikey convinces her to meet his family! And she is really respectful but also kinda snarky.
(This is completely optional, but maybe she is originally from Scotland)
-🍈
Ooohh Yes. Yes. Yes. just, yes.
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MIKEY WITH AN ASSASSIN GIRLFRIEND
You two would probably meet after he got seperated from his brothers while on patrol.
You'd probably start out as just friends for a little while,
Emphasis on little.
When you start dating he'll start sneaking out of the Lair to visit you at what you call your "safehouse".
With anyone else but your sweet sweet Michel,
You are a hardcore bitch.
Sarcasm and Snark,
You will take zero shit.
Ya know, that sterotypical angry Scot.
One time Mikey joined you on one of your information missions, and it went a bit like this...
"I have ways of making ya talk. Painful ones- Mikey, love, please don't touch anything, we don't know what it is, you could get hurt. Ahem- Like I was sayin'-"
His brothers obviously catch on after a bit,
I mean who wouldn't notice how much... quieter the Lair seemed?
Their first glimce of you is when you save Mikey out of nowhere during an encounter with the kraang,
You were in and out, saving you're boyfriend then leaving before they could do more than catch your eye.
They don't know who you are or why you saved their brother but they're definitly grateful.
Obviously Mikey knew it was you, so he called you to thank you when he got home.
His brothers were definitly snooping and overheard him call you "Babe"
Leo whipped his head around like, "ExCUsE mE?"
They didn't say anything, just kinda kept an eye on Mikey for a while.
Whenever Mikey visits you, it's like you just can't help but be all soft and sweet.
How could be anything else to your wonderful sunshine?
Eventually, Mikey will want you to meet his family,
And it's something he's super excited about, how could you say no?
So one day, he shows up at the Lair with you annoucing loudly to the entire household that you were his girlfriend.
Raph literally busted out laughing, asking you how much you were getting paid.
You just scowled, and in your thick accent said, "I ain't getting paid shit. My payment is the absolute fuckin joy of a person and living embodiment of sunshine you call your brother."
Raph still chuckling replied, "Alright, chill out Leperchaun. I get the point."
"Leperchauns are Irish you fuckin imp. I'm Scottish."
Before Raph could snark back, Leo interrupted to formally introduce himself.
You shook his hand with a smirk, while Mikey happily watched you interact with his family.
After you meet his brothers, he drags you towards the dojo to meet Splinter.
He excitedly introduces you as his girlfriend, and Splinter sends Mikey away to have a private conversation with you.
"So," he starts, smiling lowly, "You are the famous (Name) that Michelangelo tells me so much about?"
You blushed in an embarrassed way, "Mikey talks about me?"
Splinter nodded, "All the time. He thinks you are a very beautiful and funny girl. In his own words, the most beautiful girl he's ever seen."
"Oh..."
Splinter chatted with you for a while, giving you full permission to visit whenever you please, even inviting you join the boys in training.
Mikey is so happy you get along well with his family, now he can spend time freely with the girl he loves and his beloved family!
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ladyinred2248 · 25 days
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The Scottish Princess, Finan x Reader
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Summary: Finan meets King Constantin's daughter in Winchester, who is emotionally manipulated by King Alfred and is seeking a reprieve. Multiple parts, WIP.
TW: Emotional manipulation, Panic attacks, Sexual Themes. Mature. Minors DNI.
Your father had secured the borders of Scotland from all directions and felt steadfast in his treaty with King Alfred, a new treaty of peace that you had organized almost singularly during a visit to Wessex. What he did not know is exactly how you had managed to achieve this peace treaty between your nations. 
You were coming of age now, a young woman of 20 years and for the past few years since the treaty had been enacted, you would journey to Wessex every Spring through Autumn and bestow news of the north and surrounding kingdoms to King Alfred as part of the union between nations. Well, at least that is what it seemed to outsiders and to Lady Aelswith. Alfred took a great liking to you, and the two of you had been having an affair for two years now. Although sexually you were pleased to share Alfred’s bed, emotionally you felt unfulfilled, and the guilt of the affair was tearing you apart. You knew Alfred did not think of you as indispensable, as he would never betray his beloved Aelswith - whether for personal reasons or political - so you were determined to end the affair this Spring when you arrived back in Wessex. Any feelings that had grown for the King inside your heart were unrealistic, and you often reminded yourself of this during the winters back home in Scotland when you missed his presence and his touch. When you were in Wessex, you spent months together whilst knowing that he had an obligation to fulfill his husbandly duties as well as those of Kingship, giving him space to do so. However, you were always at his beck and call to return to him every other night as he demanded. It was youth’s foolishness at its peak, and you were consistently manipulated by his handsome charms. It made you feel like a simple whore rather than a woman of nobility. When Alfred sent word that he wanted you to travel to Wessex again this Spring, you had decided to obey, if only to escape the monotony of palace life, yearning for a glimpse of the outside world away from your duties and decorating your father, the King’s, presence. But you were determined to end the affair this year, once and for all, in hopes you could find a noble man and start living again.
You arrived in Winchester on a Spring morning, arriving through the gates with your guard and almost immediately being gestured to the palace by Alfred’s men. 
“Your Highness. The King awaits you urgently.” His guardsman stated, taking you away wistfully into the palace.
As you were guided through the palace corridors, three men passed you by. There was one leading while two others walked slightly behind him, the leader seemingly a Dane judging by his looks with long hair pulled into braids, and kohl blackened eyes that were as blue as the ocean. The second was young, perhaps younger than you, a true Dane it seemed as you took in his armor and stature. The third man was different, a bearded Saxon man with tall, broad shoulders and a breathtaking physique.
The Leader nodded to you with a smirk as he passed, and you managed a small smile. As you passed them by, you turned your head back in order to gain another glimpse of the Saxon, who met your gaze as he did the exact same thing.
You entered the King’s hall, a guard gesturing for you to enter the bedchamber. You pushed the door open slowly, peeking in and around, and it instantly made you feel dread in the pit of your stomach. The feeling of being deceitful that you knew all too well.
“Lord King,” you addressed Alfred as soon as he made his presence known from the back corner.
“Hello, Princess.” he managed to speak out before moving for you quickly, lustfully grabbing your body and bestowing a searing kiss to your lips, his tongue tracing yours as you wrapped your arms around him. You fell into his embrace with ease for several moments until he motioned you closer to his bed. You pulled away from him to speak.
“Lord King, I - we must speak,” you managed to get out as his lips came to your neck and his hands ravaged across your body.
“Later,” he whispered as he tugged at the straps of your dress.
“Lord King!” You addressed him sternly, pushing him away from you. Alfred paused and adjusted himself and his clothing, then looked into your eyes.
“My apologies, Your Highness. My hunger for you is… unwaning, it seems. We have been apart for a long time. Come, sit.” He said calmly as he gestured you over to the table in his chamber. You smirked at him, grabbing his hand in yours to squeeze it for a moment which led him to give you a soft, half smile. He always had a very serious demeanor.
“Tell me how your Kingdom fared this past Winter. Tell me what is on your mind.”  He said quietly as he looked at you from across the table.
“It fared well, Lord King, despite a raid or two to the East.” You replied softly. You continued to update him on current events, and then grew silent as your mind switched to the inevitable.
“Lord King, we cannot… I cannot keep traveling to Winchester to live a lie.” You spoke.
Alfred looked down and contemplated for a moment. 
“Life is rarely fair,” He said softly, his half smile returning as he took your hand in his. “Are you telling me that you no longer want me?”
You hesitated to answer his question. It’s not that you didn’t want him. The physical chemistry between the two of you was there. It was the dynamic, the politics, the deception of it all.
He waited a moment for you to reply, and when you didn’t, he stood from the table and walked over to you. The King gestured you up from the table, taking your hand and leading you to the bed. He kissed you hungrily, his hands running up and down your body as you returned his gestures. Before your mind could catch up, you were naked in the presence of the King, in his bed with his body on top of yours. He gave your body what it had been aching for all winter, bringing you to the edge beneath him several times, but the emotional connection was lacking. You wondered if you loved him. How could you not? This was the third Spring that you had answered his call. It was impossible to not get attached. But love? That had to be deeper, you thought. You knew it had to. This could not be love; It could only bring misery to all. You succumbed to desire, the desire to feel wanted or cherished, even if it wasn’t ideal.
You left Alfred’s chamber in a haze, the guards showing you to your quarters. As you got settled and tried to calm the nerves festering within you, you decided that you would go for a walk, perhaps to the Alehouse in Winchester to blow off some steam. After all, being Scottish royalty in Winchester gave you discretion as you were not well known. You adorned your cloak and left the palace, being careful not to be seen by Alfred’s guards.
You approached the bustling Alehouse as dusk settled, taking care to be aware of your surroundings but also moving with confidence. Another reason that you agreed to come to Winchester every year was so that you could feel a sense of freedom, normalcy even that was not alloted to you by your overbearing father. You stepped inside the Alehouse, coming to the counter to request a drink.
Uhtred, Finan, and Sihtric had been at a table nearby, laughing and chatting as they drank. As you stood at the counter you took the hood of your cloak down and as Finan glanced over, he recognized you from the palace instantly. His typical boisterous confidence waned as he watched you from across the room, tempted to walk up to you and speak but he hesitated.
As you took a few large gulps of ale, you glanced across the room and caught the Irishman staring at you. He looked down quickly, but you held your gaze on him and recognized him immediately as well. You held your gaze until he felt your eyes on him, looking up again to meet your eyes with a smirk before getting pulled back into conversation with the men. You assumed that this had to be Lord Uhtred and his men, as you heard everyone address Uhtred as “Lord.” Alfred had told you of Uhtred, hearing valiant stories of him and the men who followed him, but you had yet to have the pleasure of introductions. The King preferred you to be discreet.
As you finished another mug of ale, you placed coins on the counter and stood to leave, walking back out into the crisp night air, knowing that the King would get suspicious of your whereabouts if you stayed away for too long. 
A presence in the dark startled you outside as you reached for your dagger, only to come in contact with Lord Uhtred’s mysterious Saxon man.
“I, uh, sorry.. I didn’t mean to scare ya.” Finan said with a soft chuckle and his hands raised.
You giggled as you sheathed your dagger. “That’s alright... I’m sorry, but I don’t entertain men from Alehouses.” 
Finan laughed. “I didn’t assume that you did. You are a noble, yes? This can’t be a safe place for ya.”
You observed Finan’s stance and assumed his kindness was genuine. He smiled softly at you with twinkling dark eyes and you returned the smile as you spoke.
“I am fine, thank you. I can take care of myself.” You replied, turning to walk away down the street.
Finan nervously hesitated, trying to think of what to say to make you stay with him for a moment. He thought you were enchanting and your confidence attracted him. He moved quickly to catch up with you.
“Hey! Uh, maybe I could escort you back?” He asked.
You noted his accent. It wasn’t Scottish, it was Irish.
“Well…I suppose.” You answered.
He walked next to you quietly for a moment. 
“Your accent.. you are far from home, lady.” Finan said as you met his eyes, giving him a smirk.
“So are you.” 
Finan was easy to talk with and comfortable to be around, something you had experienced so seldomly at the palace or back home with all the intolerable noble men. He coaxed deep laughs from your belly, making you realize how long it had been since you had laughed at all. He flirted with you subtly, pinching your side to tickle you as you giggled.
As the two of you got closer to the Palace after your long walk, the same familiar dread festered in the pit of your stomach. You took a hand to your belly, taking a deep breath as anxiety hit you again, stopping to lean against a tree. You couldn’t keep living this way. But as far as you knew - Alfred could have as much control as he wanted over you. Especially now that you had submitted yourself to him again.
Finan looked at you and witnessed the disdain and discomfort you held, his brows furrowing with concern as he leaned his arm above you against the same tree.
“Hey, are ya alright?” 
You hesitated before answering, taking a gulp as tears filled your eyes. 
“No… no I am not… I cannot go back, I cannot!!!” You responded as your hands started shaking, a panic attack festering inside you as your heart raced to no end.
“Hey, it’s alright,” Finan said lightheartedly as he took your arms gently, gesturing for you to sit down with him. “Just breathe, you’re okay… you’re okay,” he whispered as he took your hands, looking into your eyes. He was so familiar with what you were going through.
“I cannot… I cannot…” you continued to pant as you sat with Finan on the ground, tears falling from your eyes onto your warm cheeks. He interlaced his fingers with yours as he sat with you, looking at you intently. 
“Breathe with me, pretty girl… it's going to be okay. I’m here with ya.” He comforted, bringing you back down to earth slowly.
After your breathing had come closer to normal and you stopped shaking as much in Finan’s hands, he took the back of his hand to your cheek, a slight caress that continued to bring your awareness back. 
“What is it that you fear? Has someone mistreated ya?” He whispered.
You brought your eyes to Finan’s again, hesitating to answer for a moment as you looked into his deep brown eyes. 
“I…the King, he… I am ashamed…” is all you could muster out, tears filling your eyes again as Finan looked at you.
“I’ve heard he’s a real arse when it comes to women...” Finan responded with disdain.
“I just… I can’t do it anymore. He controls my life and I can’t live like this anymore,” You replied sternly as your anxiety turned to anger. You got up from your seated position, starting to walk in the opposite direction of the palace.
Finan stood and trudged after you. “Lady, uh, where are ya goin’?”
“Anywhere but here.” You mumbled, just loud enough for Finan to hear.
“Lady,” Finan started as he caught up to you and sighed. “… it’s not safe for ya to wander the streets at night. You can have my room at the Inn.”
Tears fell from your eyes again as you turned around and came closer to Finan, burying your face in his chest as your arms wrapped around his torso. He let you grasp him for a moment, hesitant at first, then brought his strong arms around you to hold you. You stayed with him like that for a moment, until Finan grew nervous, looking around for onlookers for fear of being seen with you. He pulled away and took your hand in his.
“Come, let’s go.” 
You nodded and followed him to the Inn, his large strong hand enveloping yours. It was quiet and only a few townspeople were out and about. He took you up the stairs to a modest room, and as you entered Finan fumbled with his things, nervously preoccupying himself with making space for you. He then lit the hearth, quietly keeping to himself as you took in the space.
The King had noticed your absence as the night hour grew late, and he was silently furious.
“Lord King, she is not within the Palace.” Alfred’s guard told him after they had searched high and low for you throughout the grounds.
Your anxiety had ceased now that you were within four walls, but you were aware of Finan keeping his distance from you as he sat at the table, pouring you both a glass of wine. He turned to look at you and handed you the glass.
“You can, uh.. have the bed.” He mumbled as you looked at him, searing into his gaze and making his heart race. You took the glass from him, taking a sip before setting it down, your eyes remaining on him. He was stunning, even with all of his armor you imagined his body would be tantalizing underneath it. You hadn’t been in the close presence of a true warrior such as this, and he was treating you so sweetly, a pure gentleman. He had settled your body and mind just by being near. In a strange way, it made your heart and your core ache for him.
You took Finan’s hand again, this time turning his palm up and bringing it to your mouth, bestowing a wet kiss to his calloused palm. He took a deep breath as he watched you, his eyes lingering on your lips as you traced his hand with them. He felt his cock grow hard and pulled his hand away from you, holding your eye contact.
“Do you not crave a woman’s touch?” You whispered to him as he held your gaze.
He smirked at you, his eyes deep with lust.
“And if it gets me killed? I have a feeling that you are an important woman.” 
You looked at him innocently, moving closer to him until your noses almost touched. You longed to kiss him and feel his tongue, the combination of ale and his handsome gaze on you making you feel steadfast in your feelings of wanton desire. You longed for him to touch your body and fulfill your needs as you witnessed the light red flush across his cheeks.
“You can take pleasure from me, Irishman. I permit it.” You whispered in his ear, giving Finan a deep shudder throughout his body. You bravely brought your hand down to graze at his hard cock in his trousers, causing Finan to let out a soft moan.
“Not… until you tell me who ya are.” He replied sternly as he jumped away, looking at you with the same desire but a change in his eyes.
You sighed, turning away from him as you stepped away slowly. He watched you as you crossed your arms and turned back to face him. You didn’t want to admit who you were to him. You would rather enjoy yourself and be ravaged by a man who didn’t seek to control your life.
“The daughter of King Constantin.” You replied hesitantly.
Finan’s eyes widened as his breath caught in his throat, causing him to cough before he spoke.
“No. No way. This is not happenin’. Absolutely not!” 
You released your arms and came closer to him again, putting your hands on his arms and seeking to align with Finan’s gaze again as his shocked expression didn’t fade.
“I only seek to be my own woman.” You muttered to him.
“No. Not only are you a royal, but Alfred desires you? No. I value my freedom, lady.” He said, pulling away from your grasp.
You sighed as you watched him walk back to the table, pouring a glass of ale and turning back to look at you as he gulped it down, then sat down with a sigh.
“You can stay here for tonight. That… is all.” He commanded.
You smirked at him. “Thank you, Finan.”
“No, don’t thank me. In fact… stay over there,” he gestured at the distance between you, chuckling lightly.
You grinned at him and took a few steps closer to him, grabbing your cup of wine from the table and taking a drink. Finan immediately stood from the table, begging distance from you.
“No! Nope,” he said with his hands up as he stepped away from you. His actions made you giggle again.
“Finan, I am not the devil!” You chuckled.
Finan laughed deeply, grabbing his ale and taking a gulp as you continued to slowly come close to him, backing him into a wall.
“Keep your distance from me, temptress!” He chuckled, signing the cross at his chest with his hand, dodging your attempt to come closer to him.
You grabbed his hand with yours and pulled him towards you as he continued to pull away.
“Agh,” he groaned.
You giggled and brought your face close to his, your noses touching as you both became serious. You grazed your lips softly over his, waiting for him to deepen your soft touch into a kiss as he bestowed his hands upon your hips, pulling you closer to him.
 Suddenly, a harsh knock came upon the door, Uhtred shouting from behind it.
“Finan, the King requests our assistance!” 
You pulled away from Finan, holding his eye contact as he shook his head.
“No, please… don’t answer.” You pleaded. Finan sighed as he looked at you, then walked away and gestured to open the door. Uhtred looked in and saw you standing there, keeping his gaze on you for a moment until he looked to Finan. Uhtred rolled his eyes.
“And what is this?!” Uhtred asked sternly, recognizing you from the palace.
“It’s… the reason the King asks for our assistance, I presume.” Finan smirked.
Sihtric had followed and joined Uhtred at the door, looking to you in surprise. He then looked at Finan and laughed, which brought a small smile to Uhtred’s lips.
@gemini-mama @bhxrdy @alexagirlie @whitedarkmoonflower @persephones-journey @king-alfred @itbmojojoejo
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greenthena · 5 months
Text
The Eldritch Ball or Aziraphale's Macabre Danse
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I'm a huge sucker for dark classical music (I'm using the term "classical" broadly, not referring to the specific period. Music-y folks, please forgive.) As such, Saint-Saëns's "Danse Macabre" is one of my all time favorite pieces. It's spooky. It's intentionally dissonant. It's even got a jump scare! Like, literally, the perfect piece of music.
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The story behind "Danse Macabre" goes like this: Each Halloween at midnight, Death enters the graveyard with a fiddle. As he plays, the skeletons rise from the ground and dance through the cemetery, resurrected by Death's power and possessed by his instrument.
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In S2 E3, the Bentley plays "Danse Macabre" as Aziraphale drives up to Edinburgh. "What do we do? We play classical music that stays classical music." (And the Bentley listens to him! Because the Bentley is an expression of Crowley's subconscious and wants to please him and make him happy...and I'm sure you can find lots of excellent metas to that end. Or maybe you have another theory about why the Bentley is so pliant toward the angel? I'd love to hear it. But that's not what I'm talking about right now. I'm just getting distracted.)
Why is this song so perfect for a bit of subtle foreshadowing and repeated metaphor? So glad you asked. I have reasons. And evidence. Please, peruse my wares.
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In the A Plot of this episode, Aziraphale travels to Scotland to visit a pub called The Resurrectionist. (Ya know, like Death? Like how Death resurrects people in the song? Okay, just wanted to really hit that nail into the coffin.) The pub is, of course, named for a certain Mr. (not Dr., he's a surgeon) Dalrymple, whom Crowley and Aziraphale meet in the accompanying flashback minisode entitled (you'll never guess) "The Resurrectionist." The minisode plot involves Crowley and his the angel encountering young Elspeth, a grave robber who, like Death, releases the bodies of the deceased from their earthly bonds of soil and stone. My interpretation is that Elspeth becomes Death incarnate, first in the process of using her instrument (her shovel) to resurrect the dead, and later when she inadvertently brings about the literal death of her partner, Wee Morag. Rather than allow Wee Morag's body to turn to dust in the ground, Elspeth "resurrects" her, selling her body to Dr. Dalrymple (sorry, Mr. Dalrymple, he's a surgeon, not a doctor), who will use Wee Morag's body for research, which will in turn save the lives of countless others by furthering the field of medicine. A form of resurrection, indeed. There's also the plot thread of Crowley and Aziraphale providing Elspeth with a nest egg to escape the cycle of poverty into which she has been born. This, too, is another form of re-birth. Or, say it with me, resurrection. Alright, you're getting it now.
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Okay, now I get to delve into the fun stuff. Let's talk about that cotillion ball, shall we? You know, that danse party where Aziraphale persuades all the shopkeepers on Whickber street to attend a Jane Austen-style ball?
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I personally refer to this whole fiasco experience as the Eldritch Ball. On the surface, it seems fairly innocent. The shopkeepers need a little bit of encouragement to attend the Whickber Street monthly meeting, but the angel manages to convince everyone to join with the help of some coercion-via-bribery. When they show up, they're transmuted into Austen-esque characters, from their clothes, to their speech patterns, even to some extent, their perception of reality. This is where it starts to get a little uncomfortable if you peel back the layers. Mrs. Sandwich can't talk about what she does for a living, which is a great comedy bit, but also demonstrates that her speech is being significantly censored and altered by an outside force. With the exception of Mr. Brown (hidden agendas here, Neil? I honestly don't know), all the shopkeepers find themselves in new, slightly-period-appropriate garments. What's really weird, though, is that no one notices the changes. When the dancing begins, to the music of Mr. Anderson's piano and an accompanying string quartet (strings...as in violins...as in fiddles. Remember Death's fiddle?), Nina appears to be the only one who realizes that something is off.
Maggie: This is something new.
Nina: This is something completely bonkers. Are we...? Why is everyone talking like they've escaped from Pride and Prejudice?
Maggie: Just getting into the spirit of things, I suppose.
Nina: The spirit of what things? This is meant to be the shopkeeper association monthly meeting.
Maggie: Hmm. Yes. Now that you put it like that...
Nina: Are we dancing?
Maggie: Yes.
Nina: Did you ever learn the steps to this dance?
Maggie: It's just what we do, isn't it?
Nina: No. No, it isn't. This is something mad. This is their [Crowley & Azirapahle's] fault. They're doing this.
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Something is definitely mad. One might even say it's macabre. Aziraphale has become Death the Resurrectionist. He has lured the shopkeepers of Whickber Street through a portal (as Death leads his flock from the world of the dead to the world of the living.) Aziraphale's instrument is his clipboard and pen, held almost as one might hold a fiddle and bow, as he invites the various shopkeepers to the monthly meeting. Once they all arrive, he miraculously gives them new clothes (as Death knits together the bones of the dead), and then proceeds to control their bodies and minds, as though they are merely marionettes. They dance and speak in the way Aziraphale imagines, fulfilling his fantasy of a perfect Jane Austen-style ball (quite literally, the Danse Macabre.)
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The shopkeepers have become the dead and Aziraphale controls them until the spell is broken--or rather until the window is broken.
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To be honest, I don't think Aziraphale is really aware of how much he is able to transfigure his environment, including the humans who happen to be close by. Or, at least, I don't believe he does any of this with ill intent. He's just a bit blind to anything outside his fixation of wooing Crowley, at the moment. As a result, he creates a situation that is profoundly problematic and unnatural. Just like the dead in the graveyard have no agency when Death plays his fiddle, the Whickber Street shopkeepers are possessed by Aziraphale's intricate romantic fantasy and must dance as long as the music plays.
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It is, in fact, only when the music stops, that the shopkeepers begin to realize that something is most certainly weird. The diagetic music (Mr. Anderson & Co.) abruptly cuts off when an approaching demon horde tosses a brick through the bookshop window. Now the spell, or in this case, miracle, begins to break down. While the shopkeepers still appear to be somewhat under the influence of Aziraphale's persuasive aura, a few of them glance down at their clothes in confusion and look around the bookshop, as though waking from a dream. And at this point, after a little finagling, Crowley escorts the humans out of the bookshop and out of Aziraphale's Danse Macabre.
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Once the demons attack the bookshop Aziraphale's influence on his surroundings really starts to deteriorate. Throughout the season, he's been able to structure and manipulate reality (sometimes with Crowley's help) to suit his needs: protecting Gabriel, altering the Bentley, organizing the Ball, etc. But once the bookshop, his safe space, has been breached, he loses control of the situation. From this point in the narrative, nothing goes according to Aziraphale's plan. Aziraphale wants to protect Jimbriel, but the former archangel insists on giving himself over to the demons. Crowley leaves and Aziraphale has to defend the bookshop on his own, when he'd expected Crowley to come right back and save him. While defending the bookshop, Aziraphale reaches his "last" resort not once, but twice: first allowing Nina and Maggie to use his books (!!!) as weapons and then blowing up his halo in a last ditch effort to fend off the invaders. This was not on the agenda for today!
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Things just continue to go downhill from there, Aziraphale losing all control of the situation. And by the time the Final Fifteen wraps up, the angel has lost his bookshop and possibly his most important relationship. By the end of the season, Aziraphale is no longer Death the Resurrectionist, the manipulator and puppeteer. Now the angel has become the puppet, dancing to Heaven's music.
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camywamycam · 1 year
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what was left behind in the rubble P.1
1,092 words
soon to be harry x reader
summary: you moved in with your father Sirius Black from California two months ago and he completely ignores you when Harry arrives for your birthday your adoptive father visits you and hell breaks loose.
you never knew your mom, right after you were born she left. you were only two when your father supposedly left too or at least that was what you were told. you were adopted by a nice muggle man named Joel and moved to America, you grew up with him since you had no other family and the ministry refused to give you to Remus. Joel was and is your best friend. most people wouldn't say that about their parents but you always did. he taught you how to skate, how to surf, and how to play lacrosse. during the school year, you attended Ilvermorny and during the summer you attended muggle school. you had friends and family there and everything was great until a giant man appeared at your door and somehow convinced your dad to send you to a school in Scotland. you were going into your 4th year and it was still summer? why did you have to go now? and on top of all of that, you would have to go through being a new kid all over again so you were very so not excited. you walked down the stairs holding your heavy suitcase and sat it at the front door so you could beg your dad not to send you. "Dad, what would I even do in Scotland? what if I get kidnaped? I don't know anyone there please don't send me there I can barely understand British people ill never be able to get the hand on Scottish accents what about my band!" the giant man stared at you and your father, obviously confused by your California English   " you have to go it's only for a few months you will be back in no time" you dad said comfortingly "er I believe we've ought to be goin' now" the giant man said in a thick accent as you picked up you bags and looked at your dad for the last time as the man apperated the two of you in front of two buildings.
  you watched in shock as a third building appeared and the man just walked in casually with you trailing behind him. Once you got inside you noted the darkness of the house, it all seemed very gloomy. the giant man walked into a dining hall as you stood behind him still holding your suitcase. "go on, introduce yourself don't be shy" the giant said in a hushed voice loud enough to be heard by everyone. "um..hey" you said not sure of what to say as Hagrid stepped to the side making you able to be seen. the adults looked at you as if you had a fish head and the children just sat there confused, then one of the women at the table jumped up and hugged you tightly "Oh you poor dear!" the ginger woman shrieked as she suffocated you, were all Brits this friendly? you looked at Hagrid with a look that screamed help me and he gently pried Mrs. Weasly off of you. She clasped her hands together "You look just like your father" she said with glassy eyes. you looked around the table confused "Is there something going on that I'm not aware of or something?" you said exasperated. a dark-haired man cried into the shoulder of a brown-haired man whose face was littered with scars. Hagrid looked at you confused "You don't know?" "know what!?" Hagrid leaned close to your ear and whispered "That's yer dad" There was a beat of silence and the children looked as if they were just now hearing about this. "what. the. fuck.
that was three months ago. you met your dad and for the first few days things were rocky but nice, until some kid named harry potter showed up lightning scar and all. it hurt that your dad had literally forgotten about you five days after meeting you but you didn't care, you still had Joel. what pissed you off though is that you couldn't go home for your birthday and spend it with your friends. so now here you were, in a room that isn't yours scrolling through your phone and liking all your friend's birthday posts they tagged you in. You planned on calling them later on. you received a text from your dad (you call Joel's dad and Sirius by his name) telling you to come downstairs. maybe he sent me a gift? you thought as you walked downstairs in your pajamas. to your surprise there was Joel holding a strangely wrapped present. he looked kind of different, he hadn't shaved. "Dad!" all the people in the room who had seemingly been interrogating him looked at you with shock as you jumped off the stairs and attacked him with a hug "I missed you too sugar cube!" Joel said ruffling your hair. The two of you broke apart and you ignored the stares of the people around you and the glare Sirius was giving "how did you get here! when did you get here? how long are you staying?" you rambled on as Joel laughed at your excitement "I got here a good 4 minutes ago and I think I might stay a day or two" you smiled impossibly wider and hugged him again. " actually I would prefer you left today." Sirius said pissy as hell. you ignored him knowing it's better to ignore him when he's petty like this. you weren't surprised that the people in the room were shocked, Remus, Molly, and some others had been trying to connect with you for a while but you had been so closed off they assumed you liked to be left alone and left it at that, but now you were ecstatically jumping around this strange American man like you were insane. "hey you still haven't opened my present!" Joel said prying you off him, obviously not comfortable with the attention you were bringing towards him as if the people couldn't be more shocked when Joel said "Happy birthday kid!" the entire room went silent and everyone looked at Sirius as he looked like he was going to faint. you ripped open the package and almost fainted yourself when you spotted a new board with the grip tape already on. "holy shit thanks Dad!" and with that, Sirius fainted.
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pappydaddy · 1 year
Text
the tales of the infatuated (o.w.)
a/n: i am back and (hopefully) ready to write lovelies!
tv show/movie: harry potter
pairing: oliver wood x fem!shy!gyffindor!reader
requested
part one - there are parallels so read this one first please!
description: tales of oliver and y/n's relationship following the events of the woes of the highly overdramatic
warning: the reader is shy and beats herself up about it (slightly). please, as a shy person myself, never think being shy is bad or wrong in any way. being shy is 100% okay!
note: reader wears a lot of scarves and uses them to kind of hide when embarrassed.
taglist: @just-here-to-escape-reality | @rottenstyx | @boxofsilentwords | @badass-yn | @onyourgoddamnleft | @rootbeerfaygo | @i-always-come-back-xoxo | @spring-picnics | @lonely-simp | @slytherinambitiouss
a line through your user means i could not tag you for whatever reason! if you possibly changed your user, let me know and i will fix it on my taglist
masterlist | taglist | navigation
-not my gif -
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  The air was filled with a sort of muddy smell. The kind of smell only found enjoyable since it meant spring was attacking the bitter cold, thawing the ground and bringing life back to the rather lifeless hills of Scotland. Oliver never really noticed the beauty within the changing of the seasons, all he noticed was that one day the scenery looked one way and the next it was different. Now, as he sat there, a warm cup of tea between his large, rough hands, listening to Y/N’s soft and naturally quiet voice talk about the changes in the season, he finally realized it was more than just disappearing snow or dying leaves. 
  “And look there, you see the small buds on that tree right outside the shop,” Y/N gasped quietly, her arm shooting out to point to the tree that was once sagging under the weight of the snow. “Look how small, but in a few weeks time, those will be beautifully coloured, large leaves full of life.” She hummed, hand nestling back on her own teacup. 
  Oliver looked from the window, towards her, eyes flicking over her face as she stared out the window in sheer amazement. Suddenly, the stubborn and slightly obsessed Gryffindor Quidditch Captain that normally oozes self-confidence and never does anything at leisure, found himself slowing down and enjoying it. Enjoying the seconds ticking by when he wasn’t working on plays. Enjoying the hours he has spent just looking at nature (and Y/N) and listening to her. Her voice was a little shaky and quiet, but it was the most beautiful sound to him. Even better than the sound of the crowd cheering whenever the Gryffindor team won another game. 
  Even in the moments of silence as she just existed, sipping her tea as she basked in his company. For someone who was so used to hanging around rambunctious and loud Quidditch players, he never thought silence and stillness could be so welcoming. Sure, being friends with Percy, he found himself surrounded by silence as Percy read in his presence, but Oliver would always do his own thing. It was never silent because his head was always busy and loud. Now, with Y/N, his brain was quiet. It was kind of comforting. 
  “Reckon we should make a quick trip to Honeydukes before it gets busy?” Oliver asked gently, not to startle her as he pulled her from her thoughts. A smile stretched onto her face, soft eyes sparking at him in the late afternoon spring sun. There was a sweet spot to visit the popular candy store. He had never thought of it before, he always just went to Honeydukes. It wasn’t until their relationship hit the four month mark that he noticed. 
  They had been out strolling around Hogsmeade. It was relatively quiet along the cobblestone streets as they walked in comfortable silence, Y/N’s eyes seeming to admire the world around them in awe - as if this was her first time in Hogsmeade. Oliver found his eyes glued to the corners, watching her, his heart thumping in a way that both calmed him and scared him. The noise of the rambunctious groups pooling in and out of Honeydukes made her stutter in her steps, her body stiffening as her eyes shifted to the large crowd. 
  His own eyes shifting from her, he observed the ruckus without panic, but it was obvious she was. As they slowly sauntered closer to the mass of people, her body seemed to become more stiff, her pace slowing. “Hey, how about we just sit on this bench here? I kinda want to just sit without for a little bit.” Oliver suggested, gesturing to a bench that sat not far from them. 
  She looked at it, open-mouthed, before looking back at Oliver. “But it’s covered in snow,” She blinked up at him. Oliver shrugged, walking over to it. She followed easily, their joined hands keeping them attached. “Are you sure, Oliver? I don’t want to make you sit out in the cold.” She pointed out. She knew he was just doing it because she was nervous around crowds and the possibility of a forced conversation..  
  “It’s early March, it’s starting to warm up,” He brushed her off. There was a nip in the air, but it was just enough to tinge the end of one's nose red. Part of him found this an added bonus because despite the scarf she kept nuzzling her face in, Y/N’s cheeks and nose would have that slight discoloration he loved so much. Sometimes he had to search for it, but it was there and he found it adorable. With his free hand, he brushed partially melted snow off the bench. “You can sit on my lap if you’re comfortable, I don’t want your pants to get wet.” He settled himself onto the bench, their hands still connected as she stood there apprehensively. 
  “You know, I am okay with going into Honeydukes, as long as you’re with me I can handle the crowd-” She was cut off by his hand leaving hers, his arms quickly wrapping around her waist to pull her down onto his lap. She squeaked out in shock, eyes widened. “Oliver! Warning would have been nice, you scared me!” She gasped despite the fact she seemed to melt into him. 
  “Sorry, Love,” He smiled, resting his chin on her shoulder. “But I wasn’t going to let you drag me into Honeydukes and sacrifice your comfort just because you think I am cold,” He pressed his lips to her cheek as she unburied her face from her scarf. “We’ll wait until it starts to calm down.” 
  “Well,” She hummed, trying to uncover her watch from under her coat and mittens. Oliver helped, rolling her oversized, knitted mitten down slightly, revealing the watch she always wore. “It usually calms down at forty after the hour, it’s the quietest part aside from just before close-”
  “Which isn’t an option because you don’t want the workers to think you’re ignorant coming into a shop five minutes before closing,” He finished for her. She looked into his eyes, the smile that was covered by her scarf evident through the gleam in her eyes. “We’ll wait five minutes then go in. Then, we can go to the Three Broomsticks because at that time, usually the Twins will be pulling off some sort of stunt outside of Zokos.” 
____
  Y/N never thought of the Quidditch Pitch as a sanctuary for her to escape to. It was usually always loud in some way - or she thought it was. Boy, was she wrong. Before she met Oliver, she much preferred to avoid attention and noise. it was out of her comfort zone to be in fast paced social environments - such as Quidditch games. Oftentimes, she was usually found lounging in quiet areas of Hogwarts, but obviously, since dating Oliver, she frequented the Pitch more often. Either while he was practicing (team or alone) or while he was playing. More recently, she could be spotted under Oliver’s arm while he sat in the crowd watching the other team’s games. 
  Now, even when they didn’t make appearances at other games, their usual spot was always open. It was now known as Oliver and Y/N’s spots. Oliver had scouted them out once. Situated right at the top of the bleachers, Oliver had found a sweet spot where Y/N wouldn’t feel overwhelmed by over-eager people screaming. Sitting right next to the stairs, she could quickly escape if needed. When they were practicing, she sat in the front, her book carefully balanced on the edge of the railing. 
  Right now, she sat in her normal spot, the fall breeze whispering around her. Her large eyes were locked on Oliver as his brown eyes quickly moved around the pitch, watching everything with his incredible perceptive eyes. He always amazed her with his attention to detail - most likely from being such a good keeper. He noticed everything. He could sometimes spot the snitch before any of the Seekers. 
  “Hey, Y/N,” She blinked as she was startled by someone talking to her. Eyes searching the crowd in front of her, she spotted Seamus, his face painted in Gryffindor colours, a lion’s mane around his face. “Did Oliver tell you anything about his strategy in this game? Those nasty snakes are neck and neck with us! What is going through his head?” Seamus’ Irish accent got thicker and thicker as he got riled up. 
  She squeaked, face heating up as she felt a few people looking at her - also questioning the same thing. One thing about dating the captain, people had lots of questions and were upset when they were losing or had the possibility of falling behind in the game. “I-I’m not-” She swallowed thickly, pulling the scarf she wore up around her face, trying to hide within it. “Um, I don’t really, uh-” She licked her lips, a little bit of fuzz from the scarf falling catching on her lips and tongue. “No, he didn’t.” She answered, making everybody look away from her. 
  Sinking into her seat, her back against the wall, she let out a breath. Her eyes fluttered closed as she cursed herself. ‘I couldn’t even answer a simple question! Stupid. Godric!’ She beat herself up before she let her eyes open at the sound of a shrill whistle. Instantly, her eyes met Oliver’s brown eyes. They were consumed by concern and a little bit of anger, but she knew it was directed to the people who made her uncomfortable. 
  “Gryffindor wins with Harry Potter catching the snitch! Starting off the season strong!” Lee’s voice boomed through the sound system, causing the stands to erupt in cheers (aside from the Slytherins who sneered at everyone as per usual). She could feel Oliver’s eyes on her as she stood, pulling the scarf down to show him her beaming smile. Sending him a thumbs up, she turned and made her way down the stairs. 
  She knew he would be waiting impatiently on the pitch right next to the tunnel he knew she would emerge from. “You won!” She exclaimed. Even in celebration, her voice was soft and quiet, but her face glowed in a way that far outweighed any form of vocalization. Without a second thought, she launched herself into his arms, legs and arms wrapping around him as his wrapped around her waist. Flush against each other, their faces buried within each other’s necks, they simply stayed like that. Oliver rocked them slightly, hands gripping each other’s clothes. They held each other in the most innocently desperate way, celebrating by feeling each other’s energies. 
  “Are you okay? They shouldn’t have been questioning you like that,” Oliver whispered into her hair, his breath tickling her neck slightly. She squealed, barely pulling away at the feeling. She could feel a slight smile stretching onto Oliver’s face at the reaction, but he turned serious a second later. “Reckon I need to make it clear that they can’t do that again.” 
  “It’s fine, Oliver-” She pulled away from him, hands coming up to cup his face. They couldn’t hear the wolf-whistles from the Weasley Twins (well, Y/N didn’t but Oliver did and instantly knew they were going to be in for a rough next practice). She took a look at his serious face, knowing she wasn’t going to convince him not to teach them a lesson. “Fine, but intimidating stares and empty threats only.” She told him sincerely. 
  “Fine by me.” He agreed, leaning in to press his lips to hers. She blushed furiously, all too aware of people looking at them, but she leaned into the kiss anyway - too desperate for a kiss to care (care enough to stop kissing him, but she knew she would be thinking about people watching once his lips left hers). 
____
  “It is blistering cold out Oliver, my fingers are about to fall off, where are we going?” Y/N questioned, her voice muffled by her scarf. He looked down at her, seeing her eyes securely behind the blindfold, both her hands gripping his arm the best they could with her oversized mittens. 
  “You will see in a minute.” He simply told her, making her huff. 
  “I don’t like surprises, Oliver.” She pouted, wiggling her face free from her scarf in order to show him the pout on her red tinged lips. She had a barely noticeable shade of lipstick on, wearing it specifically since it is her one-year anniversary with Oliver today. They were dressed nicely. Both had a pair of jeans and a warm sweater under their layers of winter wear. 
  “I know, Love, but you will like this one, I promise,” He reassured her, pressing a kiss to her hat-covered temple sweetly. She hummed, resting her head against Oliver’s bicep as he led her towards their destination, following in blindly. Looking down at her more as they slowly walked, he couldn’t help but let warmth bloom in his chest. Something about her snuggling into him as he led her to someplace, allowing him to lead her blindly. The amount of trust this showed she had in him warmed him against the bitter cold they walked in. “Okay, Love, we’re here.” 
  He could barely contain his smile as he gently pried her hands off him, walking behind her to untie the blindfold. “You took me to Greenhouse?” She questioned, eyes scanning the Greenhouse that stood in front of them.
  “Not any Greenhouse,” He exclaimed, carefully shuffling past her as they stood on a patch of ice. He pulled the small bit of cloth that covered the number on the door. Revealing the number one. “Greenhouse One! The Greenhouse I confessed my feelings to you in a year ago to this date. Even down to the hour!” He beamed as he opened the door for her. A blast of heat greeted them as he guided her into the room, a hand on her lower back to make sure she didn’t slip on the ice. 
  Her mouth fell open, looking around in amazement. The plants and tables that usually cluttered the center of the Greenhouse were pushed to the side, leaving space for a blanket and pillows to be laid out on the floor. Floating candles provided a flickering and a glowing amber light - the only light that illuminated the area aside from the winter sun that broke through the dirty windows on the Greenhouse in mini spotlights, dust swirling and dancing in them. 
  Turning around, Oliver closed the door, sealing the heat in the Greenhouse - the heating spell working brilliantly. When he turned around, he found his breath leaving him at the sight before him. She slowly walked further into the Greenhouse, eyes dancing around in amazement as she peeled her winter clothes off, starting with her hat and scarf. The golden rays hit her, illuminating her as if she were a work of art - just like they did a year ago at this time. As she pulled her mittens off, she reached out, touching the plant with the softest, most caring touch. Humming, she let the leaf of the plant go before dropping everything including her coat to the ground. 
  “This is beautiful, Oliver. I love it,” She whispered, looking back at him, eyes meeting his eyes in a zing like jolt, bringing him from his daze. He wanted to say the cliche line of ‘breathtakingly beautiful’ as he looked at her, but he was too taken by her standing there. All he could really do was stride towards her. ““Um, Oliver,” She whispered in a shaky voice as he didn’t say anything back to her, but his eyes were set with intent. “A-are you going to say something-” 
  She was cut off by his lips falling upon hers, his hands resting on her waist. They stumbled slightly from the force of his lips, but his hands gripped onto her waist, steadying them as her hands reached up to cup his cheeks, her lips moving with his in a sweet kiss. All their kisses were sweet. Innocent but rough (that thanks to Oliver’s need to show her how much he loved her). They stood there, lips locked in among the variety of beautifully growing plants, the smell of fresh soil and the fragrant tropical plants in the back corner of the Greenhouse - absorbed each other’s energies like the leaves of a plant absorbing sunlight; warm and energising. 
  “I love you.” He spoke against her lips before connecting their lips together. He was shocked when her hands were pushing his face away from hers, unable to pull herself away from the kiss due to him holding her flush against him, her back arching slightly.
  “I love you too, Oliver. So much.” She confessed to him, her wide eyes staring into his eyes, sparks exploding in her stomach as their eyes whispered heartwarming love between each other. And just like that, they both knew that the tales they would be telling until their last breaths would be tales of the infatuated, but Percy probably already knew that when he told Oliver everything that day.
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mywingsareonwheels · 6 months
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I'm wondering how many people outside Scotland (and especially outside the UK) are aware at the moment that we have a Scottish First Minister (Humza Yousaf) who...
is a Muslim
is really pro-LGBTQIA+ rights
has Palestinian in-laws, some of whom (his parents-in-law specifically) were trapped in Gaza until a couple of days ago and apparently are very traumatised by the bombing etc.; some of whom (including a brother-in-law who's a doctor and has refused to leave) are still there
as far as I'm aware Humza and his family received no sympathy or solidarity from any of the English party leaders over this which is a fucking disgrace (I'd be delighted to find out I'm wrong on this one, so if anyone has reliable sources that indicate I am please let me know!)
has also gone out of his way to express solidarity and empathy with Israeli victims of Hamas, including visiting a synagogue and being hugged by a relative of one of the October 7th victims
I mean, he's not by any means perfect (rather too centrist for my taste, at least by Scottish standards, and not doing as much on climate change as I'd like (though at least the SNP being in coalition with the Scottish Greens helps), but just... he's overall a good'un. Especially by politician standards.
(Also Elon Musk has finally noticed that Scotland has a left-of-centre, pro-LGBTQIA+ rights, pro-choice, Muslim First Minister and is apparently EXTREMELY FURIOUS, so expect the global far right to start getting really seriously unpleasant about all this and probably very Scotophobic as well as Islamophobic about it in three, two, one...)
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xxstraymoonchildxx · 4 months
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This Couple is Unusual
Prev. / Next
Chapter 2 This Couple, investigating
cw: bad humor, graphic description of a corpse in the second half
You didn’t know who looked more perplexed. Satan or the, admittedly handsome stranger with the pitch-back hair.  They still stared at each other, both bent down to touch the felines, it was almost comical. Slowly they stood up, both with a kitten in hand. Satan cleared his throat. The other person did the same. They eyed each other for a long moment, the felines meowing and tugging at their dress pants begging for attention. It reminded you of Mammon and Asmo.
“I did not expect to run into another person with a love for cats,” the stranger said while bowling politely with a practiced smile on his lips.
“Likewise. Well, there is much to appreciate about them obviously.”
You weren't sure but it looked like they were bonding telepathically. 
/Is this the beginning of a new romance?/
Whatever it was that was happening in this non-verbal dialogue, it was cut short quickly.
"Sebastian, what are you doing?!”
A small person a few feet away appeared out of nowhere, a scowl on his young face. He couldn't be much older than twelve or thirteen. It was obvious that he tried to appear more mature from his fashion choice - a top hat and high-heeled shoes and in his hand a walking cane like the other gentlemen walking around the area. 
He clicked his tongue, watching the cats with disdain. The blue shade and style of his hair reminded you of Belphegor’s and he had the youngest sibling-energy around him to match; now you couldn't unsee it (It would be funny if he had a twin). 
“Please excuse me, it was my pleasure, Sir. Farewell.”
“I apologize for the wait, young master.”
“Tch, let's hurry already.”
“That was weird. But they kinda remind me of some people I know,” you deadpanned, watching the duo with the interesting dynamic leave until they vanished between buildings. 
Satan checked into the hotel. Not that you weren’t capable of doing it yourself but you had to follow the customs in this era whether you liked it or not.
It did come with a bonus. Satan was in uncharacteristically high spirits from the moment you stepped into the hotel room together. Unbeknownst to you he was happy that he could spend this and the coming nights with you, in the same bed, without having to worry that one of his brothers would barge in, demanding time with you - and way too kind you, usually folding. 
You readied yourself for bed, longing to sink into the mattress from this exciting day but first you had to shower -  technically you’d have to do with a sponge bath but luckily you were a sorceress and had the right spells on hand to do the trick, courtesy of Asmodeus. Satan helped you with your dress, opening the back for you. The outer material pooled at your feet. “This dress sure has many layers,” you couldn't help but complain as you stepped over the striped dress, untying the padded bustle from around your hip, shaking off the thin petticoat and the corset cover. Satan watched you twiddling with the lacing of your corset while walking into the bathroom. He respectfully looked away, pulling out his nightwear, a dark blue pajama.
In the modest bathroom, you dropped the rest of your undergarments “Spirit of water and wind, I, the sorcerer y/n command thou to clean and dry my earthly vessel.” 
After everything was done, you changed into a simple tank top and a pair of satin shorts and handed the bathroom over to Satan, who joined you in bed fifteen minutes later. 
There the two of you lay, snuggled up together with you tucked under his arm and him with a book in hand for you to read.
Wasn't all this wonderfully domestic?
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The next day 
Bold letters hung above the entrance door, spelling the word “Undertaker” and a skull on top of the sign.
You decided to visit him after getting an approval letter from Scotland Yard. The wine did wonders! Anyway, the funeral parlor looked very interesting from the outside! On the right two anthracite coffins and three sotoba - you had to ask Satan what those even were - were leaning against the brick wall. On the left were two tombstones and a flag leaning against one of them. The cobwebs were a nice detail, too. /Guess you need to stand out from the competition/
A little bell jingled when you stepped inside. It was dark and it took a moment for your eyes to adjust. The candle chandelier didn't do much to illuminate the place. Satan didn't have this problem, his bluish-green eyes observing the unfamiliar room.
Coffins were standing around, even the counter was a massive exemplar. Large shelves with various bottles and jars containing questionable items crosses on the wall, skulls, and a human skeleton in the back. The place had cobwebs inside and out and needed a good dusting. 
Not that he was any better with his room back in the House of Lamentation but at least it was squeaky clean.
“Hehehe”
The coffin on your left suddenly squeaked open. A set of dark long nails tapped the wood, pushing the lid to the side. 
“What a nice surprise, customers in the making!” the man said in a squeaky voice, giggling like a madman. An interesting entrance for sure. As unique as the person itself. A crooked top hat sat on top of long silver hair, the bangs hid his eyes, leaving only the lower part visible which displayed a wide, crazed smile and a prominent scar running from his cheeks up and over his nose. 
With swift steps he glided over the floor, stopping himself just right in front of Satan, leaning in. “What brings you to me, care for a test lay in one of my first-rate coffins? We have a pair, brand new~ Care for a fitting?” Irritation oozed from the blond, so you decided to step in. “Excuse us, Mister...eh” His head snapped towards you, still grinning “Undertaker~”
“Yeah, I can see that?”
“Hehe, no, that's my name,” he slyly boobed your nose with his long index finger or rather his nail. Asmo would love to paint them. 
“Oh, like a pseudonym for an artist. Noted.”
Undertaker twirled around, the long black coat fluttered along with his movement and the mourning lockets around his waist clicked together. “Artist! Oh my, how flattering! It sure is, preparing my guests for their most important day.”
“So?” the funeral director drawled out, propping himself up against the counter and crossing his legs. (You noticed the slight shift in his demeanor, planting the thought inside your head that he looked kind of cool when he didn’t act like a weirdo). Satan cleared his throat “My name is Holmes and this is my wife. We are journalists from America and have permission to write about the Whitechapel murders in all their detail. We were informed you are in charge to autopsied the victims”
His wife. You blushed. 
You did talk about playing a married couple while undercover but hearing the term from his mouth and addressing you made your head all fuzzy while Satan felt pride swelling in his chest that rivaled Lucifer's. 
Undertaker hummed like he already knew about you. “It will cost you,” he grinned.
“How much?” Satan was ready to pick out his wallet but Undertaker beat him to it. In the blink of an eye, he dashed forward, halting close to Satan’s face. “I don’t desire the queen’s coins. What I want is…” 
A dramatic pause.
“...a Joke. Make me laugh~”
/This human is unreal-/ Satan’s left eye twitched. 
“Well, they do say ‘A kingdom for a joke’” you chirped in while Satan gave you a side eye. Undertaker giggled excitedly, plopping down on one of the coffins. You raised your hand as if in class. “Let me try!”
You took a moment to ponder over your options, searching for a joke that wasn’t too modern. 
“A man and his son are driving past a graveyard. Suddenly the son leans forward asking “Do they ever bury two people in the same grave?”
Surprised the father said “Of course not! Why ask such a question?” His son replied “Well, I read a gravestone that said “Here lies a lawyer and an honest man”
Silence. Satan sweatdropped. 
You were worried for a moment, thinking /Maybe I should have told the orphan/ graveyard joke/
“BWAHAHAHA”
To your surprise, the silver-haired director threw his body back, maniacal laughter blasting through the building. He held his belly, kicking his feet like a child. He laughed for two minutes straight, without taking a breather until he finally calmed down, sitting himself up properly and rubbing his eyes with the long sleeves of his coat. 
“Wonderful,” he quaked “Consider the payment done. My newest guest just arrived today and I was about to start the autopsy before you came in” 
Undertaker hopped down from his coffin and with the movement of his finger, he ordered you silently to follow him down the stairs.  
A disgusting smell of blood, disinfectants, and death hung in the cold air and instantly hit your nose. It smelled disgusting and you were glad you skipped breakfast this morning. Satan was less affected, the lucky demon! The reason for the stink was lying on two metal tables each, partly covered by an old linen cloth. Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes were the recent victims of Jack the Ripper as the silver-haired man informed the two of you. 
“I must warn you, this is not for the faint heart” Undertaker warned but nevertheless guided you towards Eddowes, carefully petting her hair peaking out from under the fabric “This one was not as lucky as her friend over there” 
“How so?” Satan asked, confused as both women were dead after all. 
With a knowing smile, Undertaker pulled away the cloth over Catherine's body, showing you all the gruesome work of her murderer. Thank whatever deity that you skipped the breakfast. The intestines had been stuffed back messily into her body, perhaps for the transportation of the corpse, and her throat had been slashed open. Her eyes were wide open from horror, having faced the killer just upon her death and mutilated nearly into unrecognition. 
“The killer slashed both victim's throats first, but this one was mangled much worse,” Undertaker explained, amused by your ever-changing facial reactions to the unsightly sight. “The killer was perhaps disturbed and searched for the next victim, finishing their work on dear Catherine here~ She was found with her intestines hanged over her shoulder, so they could reach for something else” He pointed towards her uterus, or rather where it should have been “My guest isn’t a whole woman anymore to add to the insult of dying in their own puddle of blood. The left kidney is missing as well, a minor detail but might be important as well.”     
/This is disgusting af/ you tried to stop breathing the foul odor in, holding a tissue to your nose. How Satan, who was deep in thought, was able to handle it was beyond you. “The kidney taken could mean the killer was involved with organ trafficking but the uterus? Very unusual…” He said it more to himself than anyone. “But the unsub very likely has experience in the medical field. They must be right-handed judging by their slashing movement”
“You refer to the killer as ‘they’, Mr. Undertaker,” you chimed in “The Yard and the public usually address Jack the Ripper with a male pronoun. Do you think the culprit could be a woman?”
The mortician hummed “That is a possibility yes, although they prefer poison, well, judging by my usual patronage.” 
“Nevertheless, the unsub most likely has personal feelings towards prostitutes in general. The victims have done something to anger the killer, the uterus and kidney are most likely some sort of trophy, usual for serial killers. As you said, the uterus is exclusively female and the kidney has significance in several cultures. In Egypt, for example, they were left in mummies because they connected the kidney with judgment and moral decisions. In Hebrew, it was understood as the seat of emotion together with the heart and bowl. And during medieval times they were regarded as the seat of our conscience. Fascinating.”
/Satan - Google, who?/
Undertaker regarded the blond with a cheeky smile “You sure are a smart one, Mr. Holmes. Interesting deduction.” 
You beamed, proud of your husband. If Undertaker looked closely, he could see the hearts floating above your head. 
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“We thank you for your time, Mr. Undertaker” You curtsied politely, glad you finally left the mortuary, which bad smell hopefully didn’t stick onto your clothes and hair. “It was my pleasure. I hope you’ll tell me another joke one day.”
Satan deadpanned (He loved you, but those dad jokes…)
“Oh, I have one for free. Wanna hear?”
“What do you call it when an orphan visits a graveyard?” 
“Oh, please tell me~”
“A family reunion” 
Silence. 
/Too offensive?/
A chime of a little bell forced all of your attention to the entrance door. The young boy from the day before stepped inside forcefully, the man dressed in black from head to toe by his side. “Are you here, Undertaker!?”
You were not sure that the funeral director started to roar with laughter just because of your joke.
What an unusual man, that Undertaker.
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Sorry for the long wait. Hope you like it.
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S.R./Autistic!Reader Fic Rec List
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Hey friends! I've wanted to make a collection of headcanons and fics involving an Autistic Reader for future reference. Everything is Spencer Reid unless marked otherwise.
If you write/already have a fic involving an Autistic!Reader, please let me know and I’ll add it here!
Fem!Reader
Different Dialects by me: Spencer is trying to tell Reader he likes her, but it feels like they speak entirely different languages.
Funny Thing Fate by me: Reader is tipsy and lost in D.C. when she spots a man she thinks might be able to help.
Porcelain by me: Reader has a meltdown in the cafe. Luckily, there is a Dr. Reid nearby.
Baggage Claim by me: Reader has a hard time at the airport. Spencer notices.
Piece of Paper by me: Spencer and Reader discuss Autism evaluations.
Wife by @specialagentlokitty : Spencer’s wife comes to visit him at work.
He Knows by @specialagentlokitty : Reader has a bad day at work and Spencer tries to help.
Meltdown by @prodigyspencer: Reader has a meltdown out eating with the team.
Look at Me by @yurimura: Reader works at the BAU and has a hard time making eye contact with people. A certain Dr. Spencer Reid picks up on it.
Their Resident Genius by @assassinmidnight: The BAU is called in by Scotland Yard to help with a case, Spencer becomes intrigued when he hears that they have their own resident genius.
Daughter Headcanon by @letarasstuff: If Spencer's daughter was Autistic.
Daydreams Turn to Reality by @spencerreidscoffeecup: [NSFW] Reader has a meltdown at the office.. Thankfully, her teammate Dr. Spencer Reid was nearby to help.
The Absence of Rain by @inactive-luv: Reader meets a stranger in the rain.
Surrounded by @c-m-stuff : Reader is overwhelmed by the press, and begins to panic.
Virginity by @beautifulbrainrot :[NSFW] Spencer and Reader experience something new together.
More under the cut!
GN!Reader
The Living Weighted Blanket by @venusianelf: Reader had a crush on Spencer for the longest time but have managed to keep it fairly hidden... then they had to share a room.
Male!Reader
Lovers Do by @undeadspeeds: Reader loses his noise cancelling earmuffs and gets ready to have a very messy flight. Spencer cares more than he knows.
Understanding by @x-reader-theater : Reader is nonverbal and gets frustrated trying to communicate with Morgan. Luckily, Spencer’s there to help.
Stars by @reidmycriminalmind: Reader and Spencer stargaze.
Other Characters
The Tea Effect by @underworld-of-imagines: (Hotch, Fem) Reader expresses her love for green tea, and Hotch realizes his feelings for her.
Comfort Kittens by @reidgraygubler : (Wes, GN) Reader goes to visit Wes at the clinic and gets overwhelmed.
Potato Chips and Cupcakes by @reidgraygubler : (Chip, GN) Reader is oblivious to Chip’s flirtations, until he asks them out.
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happilyhertale · 11 months
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Destiny is all - Osferth x female!reader, Part 7
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Summary: You are Finan's sister. You live in a village in Scotland, near the border with Northumbria. You lead a quiet life until your brother decides to visit you with his boys and your life changes completely.
Pairing: Osferth x fem!reader
Warnings: Smut; 18+; NSFW
Author’s note: Hey you (:
Now I am finally sharing my little Osferth story with you. The events are a little different from the story in the series. (No, Osferth will not die either). I hope you will enjoy it! English is my second language, please forgive me if I made any mistakes (:
Dear readers... we all knew this moment would come and now it is here.... This is the last part of this story. Thank you for all the great comments and conversations that have come out of it!!! Much love to you Word count: 2.5 k
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6
Other stories of mine
· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·
Finan seems paralysed at first. The noise around you seems numbing. But Finan doesn't seem to notice much of it. When he stirs again, however, he slams the mugs of ale onto the next table. More ale lands on the table than is left in the cups afterwards. He looks over at you and takes a big step towards you. Sihtric stands shocked next to Finan and does not dare to intervene.
But before Finan reaches Uhtred, Osferth is at your side. Your arms are still wrapped around Uhtred. Somehow you seem to be enjoying the kiss... and you feel good about showing Osferth that you can enjoy yourself without him. But suddenly Uhtred is pulled away from you. Your eyes grow wide as you see Osferth's hand on Uhtred's shoulder and he pulls him away from you almost violently.
"Y/n???" Osferth almost shouts and looks at you angrily.
You just return the look.
"Well, ya seemed busy... I thought ya wouldn't mind if I was busy elsewhere too!" you answer and cross your arms in front of your chest.
"Can someone explain to me what's going on?!" asks Finan angrily. But Uhtred puts a hand on Finan's arm and only shakes his head slightly as a sign that he should not interfere.
The noise around you has not abated, but the silence that now reigns between you is stifling. No one answers Finan. His gaze wanders back and forth between you. He looks first at you and then at Osferth.
But you and Osferth don't notice Finan at all. You are still standing in front of each other, still looking at each other angrily. Your gaze becomes slightly provocative.
Finan looks at Sihtric. But Sihtric raises his hands innocently, "I was with you getting new ale. I didn't do anything wrong this time," Sihtric says.
As Finan's gaze falls on Uhtred, he remembers that Uhtred kissed you. Finan grabs him by the collar and pulls him towards him, "Ya have kissed my sister?!"
Uhtred grins slightly, "That really was an accident and should have gone differently. Calm down," he says to Finan. He reaches for Finan's hand and loosens his grip. Finan just grunts, "And how am I to understand that? Y/n. Can you say something about it?", Finan now turns his attention to you.
Tired of all the last days, you don't feel like arguing here now. There is no point in getting into a discussion with Finan or arguing with Osferth now. Frustration courses through your veins as you make a determined turn and stride out of the inn.
As you make your way through the boisterous crowd of happy voices, laughter and excited chatter, you walk on unperturbed. As you make your way to your room, a presence catches your attention - Osferths walks after you, incessantly calling your name through the air. But each call only stirs the fires of anger within you, causing you to simply move on and ignore his calls.
"Osferth... Just go!" you shout warningly at him as you enter the room and stand in the doorway. You just slam the door in his face. Osferth is standing in front of the closed door. But he doesn't think of just leaving you alone now. He pulls open the door and enters the room.
"I certainly won't do that now!", he only replies and closes the door behind him, but a little more gently this time. You turn to him and look at him angrily.
"But I don't want to see ya now!" you shout at him. His eyes almost sparkle, "That's too bad, because I want to talk to you now!" he just replies.
You look at him with raised eyebrows. Again you cross your arms in front of your chest.
"Oh? So you want to talk? All right then, tell me Os... While I was in the camp, surrounded by all those Danes, trying to gather information... But at the same time, filled with this fear of not seeing ya again, ya were having fun here?" you say to him angrily.
Osferth hesitates briefly. But he quickly catches himself again.
"I wasn't having fun here! I was afraid for you!" he shouts.
"Scared while ya were lying between the ladies' thighs?!" you interrupt him.
Osferth's head turns red, "Never would I have started anything with those women while you were in potential danger!"
But you just snort and glare at him angrily.
"I mean it, y/n!" he says in a calmer but firm voice. You hear him breathing heavily as he takes a step towards you.
"But it looked very different just now at the inn!" you retort again.
"You were kissing Uhtred there! What am I supposed to make of that?!" he says, now angrier again.
"Because ya had two women on ya, idiot!" you feel the rage inside you reach its peak.
Amidst the charged atmosphere, you become aware of Osferth's proximity, standing very close to you. Both of you are breathing hard, your faces marked by unmistakable anger. There is an oppressive silence between you, broken only by the rhythm of your breaths. As his gaze moves from your eyes to your lips, a strange feeling of warmth mingles with the anger coursing through your veins. You have no desire to receive a kiss from Uhtred. But neither do you want to see other women enclose Osferth in their passionate embrace.
Suddenly you pull him down and kiss him. He gasps briefly as your lips touch. But immediately he wraps his arms around you and kisses you. Your kiss is wild. Very different from the kisses you have usually exchanged. Your tongues dance wildly around each other, fighting for dominance. His one hand moves to the back of your head while his other hand rests on your lower back. He holds you close to him. Osferth begins to push you backwards towards the bed, not even interrupting the kiss.
You let yourself fall as you stand beside the bed and Osferth immediately lies down on top of you. You can already feel how aroused he is and you whimper briefly when you notice how he presses his aroused length against your warm core. But Osferth swallows your whimper as his lips settle on yours again and kiss you wildly. You are both breathing heavily and you are aware of a growl forming in his chest. Your hands move to his torso and begin to pull at his shirt as you try to open it. Osferth doesn't hesitate for long. He breaks the kiss briefly and takes off his shirt. You see his lean torso as he kneels between your legs. Light muscles are visible under his soft skin. You bite your lip lightly. You start to open your dress. But before you can react, Osferth's hands are on your body. He begins to open your dress roughly.
You gasp briefly as he literally rips open your dress. He pulls it over your shoulders and kisses the soft skin of your neck and shoulder. Your breathing becomes heavier. You pull your dress down further and Osferth finally takes it off completely. You lie naked under him and pull him down to you again. Passionate kisses follow. Your tongues are still fighting for dominance. His hands slide over your body, sending a shiver down your spine. His fingers reach your thigh and begin to tease you. While still kissing you wildly, he leaves circular motions on your thigh. Slowly but decisively he lets them move higher. He grips your soft thigh a little as his hand reaches the inside of your thigh. Again you whimper and you feel him smile slightly as he kisses you.
You reach for his neck as his fingers reach their destination and slowly glide through your wetness. His fingers are immediately soaked with your arousal. You moan out, "Os..." You hear him chuckle softly.
Even before he slides two fingers inside you, you look up into his face and notice a slight smile forming on his lips again. You close your eyes and he lets his fingers slide into you again and again. Your warm walls immediately clench around his fingers and you hear him groan deeply. His thumb finds your pearl and begins to leave firm but gentle movements on it. You squeeze your eyes shut even more and moan.
His fingers thrust deeper into you. With each thrust, his thumb rubs further over your pearl. His fingers reach your sweet spot and each time he touches it, your hips jerk further towards his fingers. You hardly notice how he opens his trousers and lets them slide down. Without diverting his attention from you, he suddenly kneels naked between your legs.
He pulls his fingers out of you and you whimper slightly as you feel the sudden emptiness inside you. But this emptiness is quickly replaced by the feeling of him sliding his hard member through your folds. You hear him grunt again. As he slides his hot length through your wetness, a wet smacking sound fills the room. He lets his hard member be enveloped by your wetness before placing it in front of the entrance to your warm core. You look into his blue eyes. You are both breathing heavily.
A moment passes in which neither of you says anything nor moves. Then you kiss each other gently. His soft lips are on yours and he begins to thrust gently into you. You gasp as you feel him fill you more and more.You grab his shoulder again as he is up to the hilt inside you. You gasp as he fills you completely. "Os..." you moan again. He gives you some time to adjust to his size. He kisses you as he slowly moves inside you. But as time goes by, his thrusts become stronger. His moans of pleasure mingle with yours as his hips slam against yours.
His thrusts become firmer and more purposeful. You begin to moan louder. You grow louder with each thrust. He presses his lips firmly to yours and kisses you. You feel his heavy breathing. His hand reaches for your thigh. He spreads your legs further apart. His thrusts go even deeper than before. You moan out and again a smile plays around his lips. He leans down and begins to kiss your neck. He bites into your soft skin as he thrusts into you. A light groan sounds from him. You bite your lip as you feel his bites.
"Os...", you moan. But only a "mmmhm" sounds from him. The sweat on your skin mixes where your bodies touch.
You push his hand away from your thigh. At first he looks at you irritated, but you just kiss him. You put your legs around his waist. You press your heel against his bottom and press him further against you. His cock thrusts deeper into you and you cry out with passion.
His balls keep slapping against your bottom. You continue to moan. Each thrust hurts, but it feels so good.
Osferth still has a smile on his lips. One of his hands reaches up and tangles his fingers in your hair. His other hand slides to your hip to hold you firmly as he continues to thrust into you, but also so as not to crush you with his body.
"Os... I am so close... Os," you whimper.
"Come... Come on my cock.. Let go for me, my lady," he breathes in your ear.
You moan again as you hear his words. His thrusts become even harder. You are a moaning mess. Your thighs begin to tremble. They are still around his waist and he feels them twitching around him. He thrusts further into you. You feel the heat spreading through your abdomen and you whimper. And then he pushes you over the edge. You moan loudly. Your warm walls tighten around his hot length again and again. Osferth grunts, but his thrusts don't let up. His hand is still on your hip. He continues to hold you tight, thrusting into you. He closes his eyes and you hear him moan. "Oh Lord..." he suddenly moans and you notice how his thrusts are getting sloppier and sloppier. His thrusts soften until they subside.
You are both breathing heavily. Osferth lowers himself onto you and buries his face in the crook of your neck. You feel his warm breath and how he gasps. You are still panting, but you have to smile. You let your hand wander into his hair. Gently you stroke his head.
"Did ya really just say 'Oh Lord' when you climaxed?" you whisper to him.
You hear him chuckle slightly.
You chuckle as well.
"That reminds me, I should ask for forgiveness..." he says softly and gestures to get up.
"Noo... Ya stay here," you say and pull him towards you again.
A soft chuckle escapes his lips and he lies down beside you, pulling you tenderly into his embrace. You reach for the blanket, it envelops both your bodies. You snuggle closer to his side and your gaze meets his, fascinated by the loving bond between you. Amidst the intimacy, you become aware of the rhythmic, wild beat of his heart, a lively echo that effortlessly harmonises with your own. A gentle smile caresses your lips, and a tender kiss on the tip of your nose seals this moment of happiness.
But just as he is about to say something, the door opens. Finan suddenly rushes in. His gaze wanders around the room until he suddenly sees you lying on the bed. His eyes grow wide as he realises that you are lying in bed with Osferth and your clothes are lying next to the bed.
He seems speechless at first and you try to cover your body.
"Osferth!!", Finan shouts. Uhtred suddenly appears behind Finan. When he sees you lying on the bed and notices how you try to cover your body and Osferth's face turns red, a grin comes to his lips.
"I... I...", Osferth stammers out.
Your cheeks also turn red, but you have had enough.
"Finan! Get out!" you suddenly shout.
Finan looks at you, stunned.
"Y/n!...", he begins. But before he can finish his sentence, Uhtred grabs him gently but firmly by the shoulder and pulls him backwards out of the room. Finan tries to reach for Uhtred, but Uhtred simply pulls him along.
"You should put some clothes on," Uhtred says with a grin as he closes the door.
You are still breathing heavily. Your eyes and Osferth's meet. You see how Osferth's red cheeks match yours. You kiss him gently and feel him begin to smile.
"Maybe ya shouldn't just ask God for forgiveness..." you whisper to him.
His cheeks become even redder.
"That's not funny... He's going to kill me...", Osferth says softly, but you see a slight smile on his lips.
"I will prevent that," you whisper against his lips and kiss him again.
· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·
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princeloww · 8 months
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Hi takin over the asylum fandom
I finished this show a few days ago and have been rapidly consuming everything I could fandom-wise. During this, I read most of the TOTA fanfiction I could find on AO3, and noticed a common pattern.
Writers, non-Scottish, tend to use "Aye", like the characters in the show, yet I've never seen a writer use "Nae". Maybe this is because they aren't too sure of it or how to spell it/correctly use, so I thought I'd explain it a bit if anybody is confused!
Disclaimer - I am not Scottish, but I am from Ireland, so I have a vague idea of some IRISH slang, which isn't too far from some Scottish slang. Feel free to correct me!
"Aye" means yes.
Everyone seems to get this one.
"Aye, but" = "Yes, but"
Simple as that. It doesn't necessarily always work with "yes" subbed in, but it's just an affirmative phrase, really.
It is from Gaelic. Gaelic is a Celtic language that dates back years and years ago. There are different branches (Irish and Scottish Gaelic, for example) that were caused by language spreading through things like trade between countries. Although Gaelic is not typically spoken, it still very much exists and is used in slang in both Scotland and Ireland.
On the opposite side, there is "nae", which means no. It is commonly used attached to can, "cannae", which is the equivalent of "cannot", and is very simple. It just goes in place of cannot.
"You cannae do that", for example, is the same as "You cannot do that", or "You can't do that".
If you want to make sure you're extra familiar with the slang before using it in fanfiction, out of fear of getting it wrong, just listen to examples of how it's used in the show (and its very often) until you're comfortable.
There are a lot more interesting slang terms to learn about, if you're interested in learning more about Scottish culture. (Ex. Dinnae - meaning don't, coming from "dae" meaning do.)
This is just for if you want to accurately copy the way the characters speak! I've seen a lot of writers disclaim that they might be out of character, as they themselves are not Scottish. You of course don't have to use the right slang for your fanfiction, it's still just as good without it, but some people prefer accuracy.
Hope this was semi-helpful! Please get writing fanfiction, I crave more content. Again, feel free to correct me - I don't mean to upset anybody, this post is mostly just for fun.
I've added some links below if you're interested on reading some more!
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madarasgirl · 8 months
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A Night for Hunting Ch.10 -What Makes a Meal?
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T/W: Alucard (Ultimate) x F!Reader, sexually suggestive content, but also some fluff. Romance, Riocard, shapeshifting. Smitten human with a crush. Seductive vampire troll, ‘dating.’ Comedy but not really? (things are amusing for Alucard at least).  Words: 5026 On AO3 @alastorhazbin
Thank you all for the birthday wishes! 
This chapter ended up longer than anticipated. Guess I was having fun too! I think it’s needed before the plot gets a bit more serious later.
I received a new shipment of orchids to add to my modest collection and I’ve been obsessed, if you can’t tell with my plant references.
Please read the note at the end of this chapter.
Alucard insisted on taking your number before you left for vacation with your closest friends. It was only a short trip away from home, but it was what you could manage. You ended up travelling to Scotland and visiting all the attractions of interest to your group, including Edinburgh Castle and the Isle of Skye. The landscape at the Isles was truly the stuff of legends. The soft light of late winter painted the sky deep pinks and purples during sunrise, the dusting of frost atop mountains were glittering diamonds in the morning sun before it melted into a shimmery dew, a series of picturesque waterfalls cascaded into the crystal clear Fairy Pools. It was a land of magic and enchantment more suited for a world of fantasy than reality. You almost wished Alucard was there so you could show him the beauty of the land and those spectacular sunrises. You captured countless photos to preserve the memory.
During a hike, your group’s passage disrupted a colony of hibernating bats, sending them fluttering in a noisy, chittering swarm. You scuttered away with your friends, yet you grinned even while squawking as everyone else did. These bats, however, did not possess scarlet eyes. Neither did they want anything to do with roosting in your hands as another bat did. 
He was at the back of your mind the entire time. Ever since you accepted your attraction to your immortal suitor, you thought of him frequently in increasingly fond terms. He was absolutely charming. It was frightening how quickly he came to occupy your conscious faculties. You hoped he’d appreciate the small gift you were bringing back to him. 
The vampire phoned at night on several occasions. Unfortunately, he did not allow you to elude him with only texting, stating that it was no proper way of communication. Once again, you were pleasantly surprised by the conversation with him. He was the most attentive audience as you excitedly recounted the adventures of the day, then he agreed with your hotel roommate as she teased you about ‘your boyfriend’ in the background of your calls. Curse his vampire hearing. You trembled at the deep voice on the other end. Between them, they had you tumbling into a flustered puddle of stutters and you terminated the call, telling him to let you be and that he was being an idiot.
You fell back on the mattress and pulled the sheets over your head so your friend wouldn’t see the stupid grin on your face. The butterflies in your stomach fluttered again as you recalled the smile you heard in Alucard’s voice during the call. --------------------
At last you were home in England. Considering the circumstances on how you met, the eagerness with which you wanted to see Alucard might be astonishing. His dastardly ways were mostly unchanged, yet his hunting of you for sport was long ago. Your current relationship was decidedly warm. 
There was no way you could treat him to a fancy restaurant, so you invited him over for dinner. It seemed like an excellent choice of activity until Alucard expressed his excitement about the prospects of you feeding him, only for you to repeatedly remind him he was not drinking from you again.
Sweet, I have arrived.
You fumbled with the lid to the pot before catching yourself and safely setting it down. You rushed to the entrance with a huge smile and pulled it open, only to stop dead in your tracks.
Huh?
Your smile dropped at the bizarre sight. It was undoubtedly Alucard on the other side of the door. You would never mistake those fiery eyes, the immense stature, and arrogant demeanour for anyone else. Yet he was different. His thick tresses revealed his hairline and fell straight past his rear. He wore a tailored black suit that fit him to perfection and a conceited smirk that matched the enthralling sunset gaze. There was something about his appearance that made him feel more unsettling and dangerous than usual.
You knew the vampire was a shapeshifter, yet you edged backwards when faced with the unfamiliar. His eyes glittered with mirth at your hesitation and his fingertips landed on your cheek with a delicate touch.
“Surely you have not forgotten me in a mere week, Dear?” He jested, rattling you out of your stupor.
As if that was possible. You shut your mouth. Yup, this was certainly Alucard. “I –I could never.” You meekly stepped aside to let in your guest and stared at him as he strode in like he owned your home.
“This is a gift for you,” he pronounced, setting a basket of yellowish, fragrant orchids in your hands. “It is known as ‘The Lady of the Night.’ It suits you.” It was a living arrangement of the whole plant, not just the cut flowers, and you shook your head at the vampire’s double meanings with a sigh. 
“Thank you. They are lovely.” You accepted the gift graciously and took a quick whiff of the citrusy fragrance that was to die for. The door shut and locked behind the vampire.
Alucard was in excellent spirits. He scented your excitement from behind the door and in truth, he was equally eager to see you. It smelled divine, the aromas of home-cooking and your nervousness mingled to tantalize his senses. He took in the sight of you standing awkwardly beside him, wondering if you were supposed to offer to take his coat, and grinned fiendishly. How adorable without even knowing it.
“Sweet, you should know the physical form I assume is meaningless. I may appear as whatever I desire.” 
His handsome countenance suddenly melted into whispering shadows. You gasped as his snakelike tongue lolled before he warped into a bipedal horned monster leaking darkness. His body stretched and broke open to reveal smooth bone, before sinewy muscle fibres formed over skeletal limbs and were encased in fresh skin. Those overly long, disproportionate fingers dripped of the night and you held your breath. You weren’t sure if you were afraid, but you couldn’t tear your eyes away from the grotesquely fascinating transformation. 
The monster dropped onto all fours, the horns elongating into antlers and with a series of crunches, the beast moulded itself into a giant elk that took up all of your living space. The metamorphosis was disturbing, but Alucard remained the most majestic creature, even as the elk sprouted eyes along its snout and down its hide. It stared into you for the longest moment and you didn’t look away, then it shrank into a dog, though the extra eyes remained.
And suddenly he became your Alucard again. 
The jagged shadows lashed about before flowing back and forming his familiar face, the darkness rippling around him with a crimson glow. It seemed the magic show was over and you were both silent. You finally released your bated breath. Instead of feeling terrified by the gnarly sight of Alucard remaking himself as if he was liquid, you giggled, then laughed out loud in wonder. You approached him to caress his hands, inspecting the digits that were reformed without any sign they were any longer mere moments ago. You stroked his cheeks, then went to the top of his head. No remnants of horns either.
Alucard’s brow lifted at your reaction. You were…excited by the prospect of having your own petting zoo? Yet he was not affronted by your debasement of his abilities as a Nosferatu. He made you laugh again and he basked in the sound. Tucking a strand of hair behind your ears, his smile matched your own toothy grin that showed your canines peeking through, so tiny compared to his fangs. 
You kept giggling, tucking a strand of imaginary hair away, unconsciously mirroring his actions and your eyes glittered as you lunged to embrace him. Such an unexpected and gratifying response you welcomed him with. His expression softened.
“Welcome back, little one,” he murmured, wrapping an arm around your waist.
Your lips parted and then closed. And opened again. You buried your face in his chest. “I missed you too, you jerk,” you mumbled, burrowing deeper when you felt the vibrations of his laughter. “I have something for you too, from Scotland.” Holding out something furry with both hands, you presented to your vampire a little stuffed toy bat. 
His brows raised before the orange pools spun and the light caught their golden flecks. He took the bat and studied it with a toothy grin, flicking a fond glance at you before tucking it away in his duster. “Delightful.”
You beamed bashfully and pulled apart. “Come on in, vampire, dinner is ready.”
You led your guest inside and seated him at the table. The seats were set and everything was just about cooked. All that was left to do was to plate the dishes and pour the drinks. You excused yourself briefly to use the bathroom.
Alucard settled into his seat while you used the facilities, listening to the sounds of your bodily functions, enjoying everything that made you human. Everything that was a normal life. His eyes opened as you returned and finished your preparations, materializing beside you to assist with preparing the beverages and floating the entrees over, making you shake your head in glee at his ‘magic tricks.’
He tugged at a chair to slide it across the floor with a hushed whisper, then tucked you back into the table once you were seated. “Dig in!” You proudly announced, quickly layering your bowl with an assortment of goods. 
As you tore into the deer, you peeked up at him in confusion. He made no moves to serve himself. You almost snorted. He may be your guest, but was he so insufferable he was expecting you to serve him like he was a king?
“You aren’t eating? Go ahead.” You pushed a dish at him and dabbed at the escaped sauce from your lips, not missing the way those predatory eyes followed the movement. 
“I will eat,” the vampire replied cryptically.
“You should while it’s hot. It’s venison stew, perfect for this weather! It’ll warm even you up,” you snickered, plopping a sizable serving into his bowl.
He didn’t reply.
This was getting awkward. You tried to chew quietly as your head spun. Was this some archaic vampire ritual where he was supposed to allow you to finish eating before he began? Did you mess up the dish somehow? Perhaps he preferred his meats more undercooked, bloodier? You somehow doubted it was because he didn’t consume meat. There simply didn’t seem to be a hint of a vegetarian in Alucard.
“The meal is perfectly divine, little one.”
The reassurance didn't help. “Then why…” You trailed off. The vampire was enamoured by the process of you eating. You set down the spoon as you finished swallowing.
“Alucard, you’re getting creepy again. You were expected to eat too, you know, not just stare at me.”
He chuckled. "You still wish to feed me?" 
“That was why you were invited.”
“As you wish, little one, but you are not feeding me.” 
You fixed the flattest, blankest stare in his direction. The quietness was nearly deafening. You made him a feast that blanketed every inch of the table. What game was he playing at now?
Sunset eyes got brighter and that grin grew wide. 
“Oh hell no. You’re a grown ass man! I’m not spoon-feeding you like you’re a toddler!”
“That is the only way I will eat human food.” He licked his lips.
“Then don’t eat! See if I care!” You huffed in disbelief, shoving in another bite to chew angrily. All that time spent preparing this plethora of dishes to perfection for this uncivilized beast. More for you, whatever. There will be plentiful food for the week.
The minutes stretched as you ate in silence by yourself. Childishly, you sliced the already tender morsels with more force than necessary to make a point. Several times, your gaze flickered up to check what your infuriating guest was doing, whether he was bluffing or if he truly expected you to demean yourself. An uncanny stare scrutinized every aspect of the way you consumed your food and suddenly you couldn’t remember why you missed him.
Grinding your teeth, you at last threw your hands up in frustration. “You really are insufferable!” You scooped up a slice of deer and shoved it at Alucard’s annoying mug.
The vampire's grin split even wider with his victory and the meat slid into his mouth. He started purring. “Heavenly. Were I still living, I would have appointed you a chef in my castle.”
You rolled your eyes at his grandiose words of praise. Even if he was a Duke or a Count or anyone of enough importance to warrant living in a castle, his manners were clearly plebeian. His appreciation for your efforts would be more apparent if you didn’t need to basically beg him to eat it.
“Come here, sweet one.”
“I am here,” you deadpanned.
“Your obstinate struggles against my will, as entertaining as they are, will always be fruitless, little human. Come here.” He scooted back in his chair and placed a hand on his lap. 
The audacity! This was your home. 
You had half a mind to demand he leave, but what were you going to do? Try shoving him out the door? He’d just phase through and mock you, if he even let you move him. If sitting in an ancient vampire’s lap to feed him dinner was the only way to expedite the process, so be it. Begrudgingly, you grumbled and plodded over to drop onto one of his thighs, only for him to scoop up your legs and drape you sideways over his lap.
You pouted and glared at him to show your displeasure.
“You really are charming when irate,” he purred, sticking his nose to your throat to nuzzle it. He inhaled. “For the aromas.” He chuckled when you tensed. “I am ready to eat, Sweet.”
You leaned away while pushing at his jaw to create distance, feeling the twitch in the corner of an eye as you picked up the fork and lanced the first piece of deer from Alucard’s bowl before lifting it to his lips. They wouldn’t part.
Not like that. His voice appeared in your mind, immediately followed by an image of yourself holding the cut to his lips between your fingertips.
“You really are going too far.”
“Humour me and you will find your freedom sooner.”
Picking up a slice of stew meat, you shoved it at the beast as you blazed with fury. He accepted the offering instantly, cool lips closing around your fingers to suckle. You squeaked in horror and yanked your hand back while he swallowed what you gave him whole.
“What the hell?!”
He smacked his lips and leered at you through lidded eyes. “Next.”
Gulping down your apprehension, you raised the next piece to his mouth and looked aghast as that scandalous tongue made a reappearance. Alucard made a show of licking your hand, beginning at the palm with a tickle and wrapping around your sauce-coated fingers. He lapped slowly at your fingertips as his eyes flashed, before gingerly taking the deer between sharp teeth and sucking it back with a wet slurp.
The hair on your arms stood on end, making your skin tingle. Your eyes met and his hand tightened around your waist. The other stroked up your thigh and squeezed your hip. Something else like appendages rubbed your shoulders and feet and held you tighter to him. He crooned and licked your jaw before capturing your lips to nibble on. The lounging beast sighed happily as your eyes bulged and you squirmed with discomfort on his lap.
“For the added seasoning,” he murmured against your ear.
That was just rude! 
The vampire cackled and flicked at your bottom lip again, making you flinch. “There exists no seasoning superior to your own taste.”
Piece by piece, you fed the old vampire by hand while he held you hostage in his lap. Despite feeling thoroughly harassed, eventually you couldn’t help but feel slightly flattered about your culinary abilities that elicited a response like this. If he liked your food so much, you supposed you could just cook for him again but skip this degenerate’s feeding kink, although being perched on his lap was not too bad. Neither was his touch wholly unwelcome. 
You pet his cheek while he chewed, his expression the face of pleasure. Nuzzling into your palm with a moan, his eyes opened to slits when you brushed up one side to investigate the pointy earlobe. He kept purring as loud as an engine.
Your eyes focused on the dancing shadows that surrounded him. They floated and twirled and seemingly pulsed at times. So mesmerizing.
Your unoccupied hand dipped cautiously into the shadow tendrils flowing around Alucard. He shuddered and growled, so low it was nearly imperceptible. A single wisp wrapped around your hand and you held onto it. Making contact with it was the strangest experience. Alucard's shadows were just that –not really tangible, yet you were able to physically touch his darkness. It buzzed in your hand with arcane energy that rippled through your being and tickled your spirit. Finally, you let him go, unable to bear the sensation any longer, and dropped your head on his broad shoulder to rest.
The heat was probably too high in your apartment after so much cooking. Your shirt clung to musky armpits and you fidgeted on Alucard’s lap as the undead cat finished another bite. He inhaled deeply, heavy purrs rumbling through his chest and vibrating through you. What a pervert. Always too suggestive. Always too attractive.
You absentmindedly gave him another piece, nipping on your lips and staring everywhere except at him when he started licking again. Something hard slid against your finger, catching your attention. The goddamn vampire was dragging the side of a fang against your ring finger. You held your breath, but again, it wasn't fear you felt, only curiosity at where he was going with this when he plainly stated he had no intention of biting you.
You caught the wicked smirk and glint in his eyes, now a deeper shade than at the onset of the meal. Again with the teasing. The air was heavy, the aura of mystery and danger swirled. His hair was longer and the locks fluttered despite the lack of a breeze. The lights dimmed before coming back on, throwing contrasting shadows across the pale profile you enjoyed looking at so much.
This smug vampire knew he was magnificent.
Your body responded aptly. After being subjected to hearing and feeling him purr all night, as well as the sensation of having his hands on you all night, you fell victim to his allure… the devilish monstrosity was simply irresistible. It felt like you were sitting in a furnace when you lowered your gaze from his triumphant one.
There it was, the scent of arousal. Alucard inhaled loudly, nostrils flaring as he absorbed his victory, ensuring you knew he was fully aware of your state of restlessness. Human food may be disgusting, but the taste of your skin was sweet ambrosia. For it to be finally paired with this ravishing perfume? Alucard believed he would never have enough of this gourmet delicacy.
The vampire was rock hard. A stiff shaft prodded your rump, large enough to make an impression even through fine wool and the awkward positioning. Your wide eyes lifted slowly to meet his, your shock at odds with his amusement.
The hands returned, the touch now lewd compared to the gentle exploration earlier. A shadow hand massaged your breast, alternatively kneading the mound between its palm and fingers. He traced circles around the tip to create a pebble before he pinched it. Your guest took your lips, prodding insistently until you yielded to his demands. Cold muscle delved into your mouth and he growled as he slid around to conquer and explore. Something firm held the back of your head when you attempted to escape. Another hand. His hands were everywhere, stroking and grabbing until you writhed in his grasp.
Your musk got heavier as your underwear became saturated with fluid. Even you smelled it. Alucard keened and encouraged you to touch him. A strange energy embraced you, leaving you gasping and he smirked with satisfaction. 
Curiously, you rested a palm on his chest. He had no heartbeat. Your heart was pounding, but there was nothing beating in his, nothing to show that you weren’t the only one hot and bothered. A moment of trepidation flashed by and passed. Resting your forehead to his chin, you trailed down his torso to rest lightly on the front of his pants. It was held up with steel that strained the smooth material into an indecent tent. You cupped it width-wise, its girth taking up most of the curvature your hand created, and tentatively ran your palm down the length. Down and down and down your hand travelled, until the end ran under your leg and disappeared.
Sweet Jesus, how big was this monster?
He hissed in pleasure as he made another show of licking your fingers, sucking them into his maw one by one. The devil held you spellbound through glowing vermilion orbs. No…you searched within your consciousness…the ancient vampire wasn’t hypnotizing you. This was all you. The revelation was more frightening than anything.
You shivered.
“What say you? Shall we search for nirvana this fine evening for dessert?”
“E-excuse me?”
“As I proposed, I will mount y–”
“I know how the mechanics work!” You screamed, your face on fire as you suddenly found yourself free of your prison and you scrambled off of him in an uncoordinated tangle of limbs, tripping over yourself and landing on your rear by his feet.
Alucard threw his head back and roared raucously as he leaned back to watch you. Eyes opened on the ground and curled in laughter to join in. The extra extremities disappeared. As did your desire –in just these few seconds, your libido jumped off a cliff and died, to be replaced by total mortification.
Not knowing how to recover, you picked yourself up from the floor as the vampire shook his head and chuckled. Stomping down the hall, you turned and hollered, “Time for you to leave! I’m going to bed!” Nevermind the fact that you just ate. 
The door slammed behind you and you crumbled to the floor in a panting heap, the mind racing to process what happened. A vampire, you were about to lay with a marauding predator of the night. Sinfully beautiful, but a ruthless murderer nonetheless. You hugged your legs and tried to calm yourself.
It was futile. You too craved his presence.
“...”
You sat alone longer at the edge of a precipice, the distance providing some much-needed clarity, until you finally stood shakily with your fingertips lingering on the door knob, about to flip the switch when you stopped yourself. If you were to be honest with yourself, you didn’t detest this vampire anymore. You would not mind if he stayed the night. 
…The bedroom door was left unlocked.
-----------------------
You stirred, sticking out a leg and kicking over to the other side of the bed, the cotton sheets brushing softly against your naked skin. With an arching back, you stretched the entire length of your body, from the tips of your fingers to the bottoms of your feet, and yawned. The muscles in your legs cramped from being perched in one position last night. Your toes poked out from under the blanket.
“I bid you good morning, little human.”
You sat up abruptly and found the unblinking crimson set of eyes in the corner of the room. For a moment, fear shot up your spine, the terrifying recollection of being at the mercy of a red-eyed monster who wanted to rip into you on another occasion made your blood run cold. 
But there was no need for alarm this time. Your heart raced even as the fright dissipated.
There he was, sitting on the grey loveseat with his legs crossed and a frown marring his features, his fingers loosely intertwined. Shooting a panicked glance over to the window, you saw there was indeed light filtering around the edges of the curtains, illuminating the bedroom with the gentle rays of morning. But the sun! Why wasn’t he going off in flames? Did he just watch you sleep the entire night? 
“Why are you here?” You asked dumbly.
The frown turned upside down and the vampire cackled, two rows of jagged teeth gleaming like a bear trap. “You invited me in, little one.”
“But you stayed the night?”
“Watching you breathe,” he purred, “listening to your heart beat.”
Creepy, psychopathic behaviour, but then again, this was Alucard you were referring to. You held the sheets closer to your chest before remembering to check on your state of undress beneath. You were the same as how you went to bed, crotch still clammy from the devil’s seduction last night.
“I meant the sun. How are you alive? Shouldn’t you be a pile of ashes?” 
He smiled. “Your legends generally do not apply to a true vampire like myself.”
Indeed, Alucard actually looked fresh and well-composed, as if he didn’t spend the night sexually harassing a young woman and then ogled her as she slept. The fog in your mind slowly retreated. A true vampire… There was so much you didn’t know about the supernatural.
You rubbed your eyes and blinked at him. "So the sun doesn't hurt you?"
"No more than it harms you, though I may despise the day."
"Then how about garlic?"
He snorted.
"Crosses? Holy water?"
"Mere irritations."
"Silver?"
"Ah– that may cause injury." The vampire closed his eyes and snickered. "So curious about my existence, little one. You want me dead?" Hellfire bore through your soul.
Dead?
You froze, unsure of how to respond. Did you want him dead? Vampires were a menace to society, a scourge. Wouldn't the world be better off without demons like him wandering it? “You are already dead. But…I can’t say I want you gone for good anymore…”
Silence. The fire burned warmly in those molten pools. "You are such an intriguing creature," he murmured.
You shuffled in bed and propped up a pillow behind your back, being careful to keep the sheets draped over your chest, thoroughly conscious of your nakedness. A million questions bloomed in mind as you sat quietly across from this ancient creature a few paces away, who witnessed the eras come and go. Was it okay to ask now?
“So…how did you become a vampire?”
He sat back and tilted his chin up in thought before staring down his nose at you. “At the end of my human life, I chose vengeance and hate."
You perked up. To be or not to be. "So your sire gave you the option to become a vampire?" You recalled his reaction the last time you inquired about his sire. Hopefully vampirism wasn't a fate that was forced upon him.
Alucard didn't respond immediately. "I have no sire, little human."
You were mildly confused. That was how vampires were born though, wasn't it? Vampires created vampires, as they also gave rise to ghouls. Alucard himself told you so. It seemed the more you learned from him, the less you knew. There was always another secret.
You blurted it out, much more directly than the last time you broached this topic months ago. "...Do you ever regret it?"
He looked sad, wistful, and your heart churned for a demon. What was this feeling? His gaze dimmed, turning downcast as the frown returned.
"Cherish your humanity, child."
Not knowing what to say, you reached for him and he came to you immediately, kneeling by the side of the bed and resting his face in your hand. You ran your fingers through the silky hair you adored and the vampire sighed against your touch.
You pondered Alucard's words as you pet him. So many questions. "Then what about that vampire you shot? Is he like you? Are there other vampires like you who don't bite?"
Alucard tensed before smiling slightly, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m not something so vulgar and cheap. And I do bite.” A hand shot up to grasp your wrist by his face.
You were undeterred. You put your other hand to his chest and once more noted the lack of comforting beats. His touch wasn’t gross like with the other vampire. In fact, physical contact with Alucard no longer made you feel the need to shower. His aura no longer urged you to run and hide, or face mortal peril. Actually, this was quite pleasant.
His face came within inches of yours and you felt his icy breath as he spoke.
“If you can kill me, I would gladly die by your hands.” He purred at you, pressing your hand hard into his chest, leaning heavily into your touch and lowering his head to rub noses.
To be or not to be. You snorted, “As if that’s even in the realm of possibilities.”
“Only a human can kill a monster.”
“You are not making any sense.” You’ve seen what he can do. He had superpowers while you were a normal mortal. Kill him? What a joke.
Alucard chuckled, “No, I suppose not.” A gloved finger bumped softly against the tip of your nose and he closed the gap between you. Luminescent irises whirled, his gaze affectionate. You stared back into the balmy gaze as you let your lips and foreheads touch in a tender meeting.
Minutes had passed when you pulled apart.
“Okay, you got your show. Time for you to leave.” You sighed, brushing a thumb against his cheek one last time before dragging your sheets with you to keep yourself modest as you rose from bed to pull open the curtains.
He was gone from your room when you turned back.
~To be Continued~
Chapter 11: Interlude I Chapter 12: The Feeling of Safety
Notes:  For those of you not familiar with Shakespeare’s work, Hamlet, “To be or not to be, that is the question” is probably the most well-known line from his play. This infamous soliloquy is referring to the decision “to live or not to live,” something Hamlet pondered as he discussed how painful living is and how death may be preferable, if it weren’t for the uncertainty of what came afterwards. Hamlet was suicidal. It is deeper when Alucard said it because he wasn’t merely referring to his ‘cowardly’ decision to turn (“to be a vampire”), but also how by choosing ‘to be,’ he ended up damning himself to an eternity of unlife instead. Alucard wants to die.
While I think Alucard wasn't constantly shagging everyone prior to meeting us, I headcanon that he is normally open to sexual relationships with humans should they be interested (and if they interest him). And if Alucard is sexually interested in someone, he will certainly at least try to seduce them. Alucard is extremely suggestive, very sensual, and the type to take a mile if you give him an inch. If you let him in your pants once, he'll be seeking opportunities to charm them off again. He knows he's attractive, good in bed, and that we’re hot for him. 
So now I feel like I kind of lied when I said "no smut" in this story's initial tags (hey it was supposed to be a oneshot), but I think I actually can't avoid some racy content if we're to get to the point where we want to give Alucard all of ourselves. This fic had mature themes from the beginning, so I believe most readers won’t have too much issue with more sexual content, but explicit smut scenes will be mostly in the interludes from this point on. It is now officially “eventual smut/NSFW." Things will be spicier here and there. The Interludes can be skipped and readers will (probably) not miss too much. Just FYI, they eventually do pretty much everything except fuck “all the way,” ie. P-in-V sex. BTW, next chapter is an interlude. It features period blood and is really not for everyone (but hey, our dear monster is a vampire), in which case I hope you’ll enjoy Ch.12 more!
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Above: Brassavola nodosa, The Lady of the Night. Not my orchid, but one I eventually want to add to my collection. I wasn't aware of this, but apparently in some cultures, it represents the connection between the living and the dead. Only at night it is fragrant, releasing a smell that is described as citrusy or like gardenias.
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snowneedsanap · 30 days
Text
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at the top of the rock
inspired by The King by The Amazing Devil
includes: Arranged marriage, war, invasion, flirting, father and daughter dynamics, Scottish dialect, pregnancy(much later on), Scotland highland games, courting, intimacy, Scottish royalty, conflict, arguments, princess!reader, eventual smut, family with Johnny MacTavish, i will add more as i remember what i wrote.
No use of Y/N, only addressed by ‘You’.
A/N: hi!!!!!! :> this is my first story ever written and publishing, so please please give constructive criticism and no nasty stuff :p (please). I would like to know if you all want to see future chapters or any questions/asks. I am still trying to do my research on Scottish traditions and how they live, so things are subject to change as I learn. Thank you for the support! Enjoy :3
w/c: 2.6K
Synopsis: Your kingdom was at war with Scotland, or more the clans that raided your lands. As a peace treaty, your father offers you to the leader of those barbaric Scottish-men. Now being sent to the foreign lands, you're met with the happy-go-lucky man barbarian leader, Johnny MacTavish.
(Not proofread.)
Chapter 1.
Barbaric Husband.
The brewing of the battles raged outside. The constant bicker in the halls and rumors hung on the walls like paintings, it was incessant. The plains were now battlefields; all the grass was torn up and left was topsoil wet with blood. Fires flickered outside of your room, from the posts that stand on the crumbling walls. It was frightening, nonetheless.
Shouts of anguish come from outside of your door, which only makes you flinch and not respond to the knocking. "Dear! Open up!" A booming voice you unfortunately have come accustomed to from the past 13 months. You sigh with a heavy sway of your dress, picking it up to go answer the door. "Yes?" answering you father begrudgingly.
"Come with me, you are needed in the throne room, immediately," He leaves without another word and with a sway of his cape.
With a groan, you follow. Maybe it's another trade offer that he needs help with, or maybe taxes he needs to be filed. Whatever it is, it's taking your time out of your day. Not like you have much to do anyway…
You follow your father and his wall of guards, into the throne room. There holds many familiar nobles inside, along with your servants. Strange, you thought. This only happened when your sister was sent away to be married…wait a minute.
"Father, you wish to send me away during war? Do you not understand how valuable I am to you?" Your sass was known to tick your father off, and this time was not an exception.
"Daughter…" he came close to your face and cupped it, just as he did whenever you would cry about the monsters in your cabinet. "My sweet bird. You know that I love you so dearly, but this will end the war and end the deaths of our people. You have to understand…" He whispers to soothe. But none of that was soothing. It was so hard to hear his thoughts, but you were almost expecting them. Being the youngest daughter and the youngest child, the King had grown close to his child after the mother of children passed away. Everything had been downhill since that winter.
"Father. Yes, I understand. But you send me away, who will you have? This house is empty, who will you have once I am gone?" He smiles at that.
"You will see me even after you are gone. I promise to visit," With that the strong wall of being the princess broke, tears begun to fall. Your father wipe those tears away, saddened by his daughter's sorrow.
"Please. Do not cry. We will talk after this," You turn your head to the crowd, seeing that familiar skirt from the battlefields with intricate patterns and colors. *Barbarians. *You scowl and thought it was to yourself, but your father turned your head again, "Daughter. These people offer peace. You will save them. You will go down in history as the princess that ended the war," He wipes another tear.
Anger fills your lungs, "So you marry me off to a barbarian?!"
"Keep your voice down!" He hides my reaction from the guests. "they are not barbarians…we are just at war with them…" he mumbles to you and pats your shoulder.
"I need you to keep your head high and to use all of the lessons you learned about being a princess," he whispers to you as he guides you further into the throne room.
You spot the barbarian farther up in the group, with two sides of his head shaved but a long line of hair running down his scalp. He has his arms crossed in front, and with a puckering smile. His eyes are of sea glass that glistens… oh what are you saying? He is an invader! He's probably come to make you his wife and bare his stupid Scottish children--
"Daughter! Take a seat, don't stare," your father ushers you to your own seat on his left. You slowly make your way to your own throne and blush to yourself, making a fool with the guest.
You sit on the cold throne, wanting to jump up from the surprise.
Your father speaks first, "Welcome, my guests. The man who is marrying my daughter, please step forward," the King gestured to the stairs right near him. That man with those ocean blue eyes stepped forward, and you shuddered. He smiles as his skirt sways and he steps forward, one knee higher on a step.
"State your name, Scottish man." The King lowers his voice.
"Johnny MacTavish, at ch'our service…" He bows almost mockingly. He then raises himself up and eyes me, with a seductiveness that was almost childish. He's an odd man. He's a barbarian after all…
"Daughter, introduce yourself," that snaps you out of your stare. You raise yourself, the fabric of your dress falls. You introduced yourself, with a polite smile trying not to grimace.
"Lovely lass.." you heard the man mutter. He raises a hand to yours, wanting you to take it. You look at your father for reassurance. The King lifts a finger so you go to this strange man. You hesitantly take his hand in yours, and he lifts it to his lips and kisses the back of your hand.
You want to gag. He smells of piss and musk, it's awful. He wants to be so nice to his new wife, but he just has that masculinity to him that turns you off. But then again, those eyes were captivating your heart, and that smile with the scar on his chin pulled you in closer to him.
“M’lady…” he mutters to you, which unfortunately makes heat rise in your cheeks and stomach.
“Hm,” you resentfully reply back. He takes that as a notion to lower your hand. He turns to your father, “I am pleased with your daughter.”
You scowl at his words, how dare he treat you like a prize. But that was what you were.
“Splendid. Then the marriage and ceremony may commence. Johnny MacTavish, you have welcomed my daughter into your home, and I give you my blessing,” you father smiles. To which you reply with a grumble.
“Daughter, let your servants take you to get ready for the banquet tonight. Tomorrow will be the wedding, so I expect you to be prim and proper.”
“Yes, father,” And with sass, you leave down the steps. MacTavish’s friends or people of his clan start wooing as you walk by, clicking their tongues to try and get your attention. Your first hand maid Linda takes you by the arm, “Let’s go lovie, I am so sorry,” she mumbles in that motherly tone you were so familiar with.
“So you knew about this?” You hiss back.
“No-no ma’am. Until today, yes. I… I had no control nor said,” she frowns with her eyes. You sigh, looking down to the cobblestone floors.
“We’ll take good care of you miss, just like we did,” Linda gives a hopeful smile. Again, you sigh with your eyes barely acknowledging her words.
She brings you into the bath house, a small but cozy place. Linda helps you strip and then get into the warm bath, gently scrubbing away at your skin.
Everything was sinking in. The fact that you wouldn’t be here much longer, nor be able to see Linda anymore. She was always like a second mother to you, especially after your mother’s passing. This comfort would no longer be possible, and you would be left by yourself for your dying days.
Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad, maybe it would actually be prosperous and glorious. In your dreams. That stupid MacTavish taking you away as a prize, only so your families would stop fighting. Why the hell were they fighting in the first place? You weren’t allowed into politics because of your gender, and that was a whole other headache. But all you heard from your father was money issues, which seems plausible but not the full answer. You stared at the steam rising as Linda rubbed in lavender and magnolia oils.
This was all one big headache, and you didn’t want it to go on any longer. It’s not like you can just leave, but maybe you could…
“Princess, come on, let’s get you dried off,” you really needed to start paying attention to the things around you.
You step out as Linda wraps you with cloth and then ushers you to the bedroom. Your stylist shows you a couple of dresses out of your wardrobe, one with green and gold trimmings and accents, another that was red with a wine colored sheer collar and sleeves, and a plain blue dress. You choose your favorite and the maids help you get dressed.
You feel odd standing while they help your corset. The last time you were dressed up like this was your mother’s funeral, and that was something you did not want to think about right now. Pearls were adorned on your chest and ears, and you were pulled like a stubborn mule to the mess hall.
It was already loud enough. Once you entered it roared with whoops and hollers of excitement, as a butler brought you to your seat on the right of your father’s head seat.
“You look beautiful my little bird,” you frown a little at your father’s compliment, and he frowns back. “Please, raise your chin. Your husband has even offered to protect our lands,” The words of your husband made you recoil. But you kept a straight face and sighed at the whole ordeal.
“These Scots all seem so lively, it’s good to have a change of mood,” the King sparks a positive light, and you use your selective hearing.
“Hm,” you barely muttered, but it wasn’t heard over the ruckus.
“Birdie, please smile,” your father pleads.
“I will be happy, I haven’t been this happy since your mother–”
“Do. not. Mention her.” you sputter.
He sighs. “My apologies, but it’s true. Ever since losing my dear friends to the war, I haven’t smiled truly.”
“So you let the people who killed your friends into our home?” You fuss and glare at him.
“Well….” Your father pauses.
“What?” You stare at his hand raised gesture to try and make himself justified.
“They have been nice and pleasant,” You almost deadpan at that. You gesture to the barbarians eating and drinking your food with nostrils flared like dragons and noises made by pigs.
“You call this nice and pleasant?!”
“Well….” You stop his words with a finger and a look of disappointment.
“No. You’re already selling me off to some nasty ass man, so I don’t want to hear your pleas,” Your father glares at you now. “Your words, young lady.”
“Your words! Old man!” His nostrils flare like the barbarians.
“Enough, daughter. You do not talk to me that way around guests,” he gives a warning tone. His voice was cool now so as to not draw any more attention.
You stay silent and keep your hands in your lap. That Scots man comes back and sits across from you.
“Sorry, hev’ ‘ta quiet eh chums,” He makes eye contact with you, “Ah, pretty lass, goo’da see ‘ye,” Johnny takes your hand again and kisses it. You could tell his lips were wet, probably from the cherry red wine. His accent is thick and laced with teh alco
You nod with a small smile, trying to please your father.
“So, dear daughter,” Your father speaks up, pressing a hand on yours. He smiles constantly, glad that you have considered behaving in front of your barbaric husband. You look at your father’s crow feet and wonder why he seemed so urgent.
“Your…husband has agreed to use our carriage for your journey to their lands. As well, they are letting you bring Diana with you,” the mention of your midnight black Friesian horse made you somewhat smile, but still a little grim that you had to leave. You will always hold a small grudge that your father is selling you off like a slave. Cruel.
You want to tune out all of the commotion and ruckus, and just to magically float out of here without another word. You turn your head away from your father to simply ignore him, and your “husband” too.
Bored out of your mind, you place your hands on your lap. Brutish beasts of men tear up turkey legs and pork stomachs. You want to wretch just to piss them off. You felt a brush of your hand and you jumped, and you flashed your head to see your primitive husband who gave you a small smile.
“Sorry lassie, didnae mean tae scare ya,” his murmur of his accent made your stomach do flips, but you pushed that feeling aside. You sighed at him, knowing you eventually had to deal with him.
“Ye’r pretty,” he smiles and caresses your head. You wanted to melt into those gruff hands with dirty grim under the nails. Why was he so charming? Why was he trying to court you? He was only to be your husband, not a lover. That was all you were taught. Though you dreamed of the opposite. You read romances of princes who would pick princesses off their pretty little feet and away from the duties of a royal court.
A dream that you didn’t believe in as you got older, simply because it didn’t seem real anymore. Now with these aliens invading your lands and setting fire to your villages, how could you possibly fall in love with the man who led these acts of violence?
He seemed so sweet though. His eyes were of the sea glass you would pick up on the shores, luring you in to discover what treasures the ocean holds.
Johnny grabs a hold of your right hand and kisses it like he did in the throne room. You hum at this action, seeming unamused to make him leave. You turn your head to your guests, but he pulls your chin towards him.
“Yer father calls ye birdie?” He grins with a chuckle. You nodded, allured by his charm.
“Hm, pretty birdie…” he brings you closer to his face, index still under your chin. Your face flares at his charisma, something you can’t help with the unfamiliar warmth below your stomach and between your legs. “Can ye chirp for me?”
With that, you’re pulled away suddenly by your arm by your maid, tugging you out of the dining hall and into the empty hallway. You couldn’t help but smile at his childish antics, hoping he would do that again but also not.
“Lady… I swear he will bed you and have you fruitful before you make it to Scotland,” Linda grumbles as she tugs on your arms and into your bedroom. “You need to rest m’lady, you have a big day tomorrow…” She sets you in the bed and leaves without another sound.
You smile at Johnny’s words, that heat you felt from earlier rising again between your legs. You feel so giddy like you did when you read those romantic books so long ago. You had a feeling deep inside that he would be a good husband.
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