#then i threw him into a marriage of convenience | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

kurogane2512 · 2 months

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I can treat you better

A little concept I wanted to try for a while, I see this done with male characters a lot and I wanted to experiment on my waifus.

Game: Genshin Impact

Characters: CEO!Ningguang, Teacher!Lisa, Milf!La Signora (referred as Rosalyne) x fem!reader

Type: Fluff hcs and drabble, Modern AU

Contains: Broken marriages, infidelity (not with reader), comforting, teacher-student relationship (Lisa), age-gap (Lisa and Signora)

Marriage is supposed to be the ultimate union between lovers, a symbol of togetherness and eternal love. However, not every marriage ends as well as it began. Love shouldn't fade away but sometimes it does, or perhaps it never existed in the first place and was just a matter of convenience.....

CEO!Ningguang who owns the most successful business in the country that she started by her own efforts. A meticulous and hard-working woman who has lines of suitors but everyone knows she's already given her heart to her husband, a simple man she met in college and fell in love with. He promised to support her in her business venture and always stuck right by her side the more she built her empire.

Ningguang is highly successful in life, she has money and a loving partner- what more could one ask for? You are her secretary, her right-hand woman, who has assissted her since the beginning. The first and only secretary she has had because you are perfect for the job. You have had a crush on her for the longest time, but you knew how happy she is with her husband so you simply continue supporting her from the sidelines.

However, her marriage started becoming rocky recently. Ningguang spent too much time at work, doing overtime almost every day for the last 6 months and rarely spending time with her partner. Ningguang never stopped climbing the success ladder, she wanted more and she was determined to work for it. Her husband, on the other hand, became a stay-at-home husband because.... why does he need to work when his wife is the richest woman in the world?

Ningguang became more stressed as days passed, she was making deals with all these demanding companies all the while trying to keep her marriage at bay. Many times, you heard her arguing with him on the phone, his voice would be so loud that you could clearly make out the curses and accusations he threw at her. It frustrated you. How dare he say all that to her? How dare he think of her this way?

Ningguang was working hard for her future with him, she was not greedy for money. She wanted to give him and her eventual children the best life she could, all of this hard work was for him. Yet, he seemed to have never realized that. The more days Ningguang spent cooped in her office, the more apart she became with him. Until the day you heard her crying for the first time in your life....

"Ms Ningguang, the documents you want—" you stepped inside Ningguang's office but stopped mid-sentence as you heard her sniffle. She was seated on her table, holding her head in frustration and looking at something on her phone.

"Ms Ningguang, are you okay? What happened?" You were genuinely worried, the woman you loved was crying and you wanted to do something. Ningguang quickly wiped away her tears and switched off her phone screen before standing up and looking at you firmly, "Ah, Y/n, thank you. I had been looking for these for a while."

She avoided your question. You knew something was seriously wrong now. You wanted to ask more but decided to not pester her and continued with the work you had brought in, she came into her 'work mode' almost immediately. She always impressed you so much. The two of you finished the work for the day then you invited her to a diner for a simple meal, hoping to lighten her mood. You had a hearty meal together and drank a few glasses of alcohol to unwind, she became a bit tipsy and leaned on the bar table while you prepared to leave the place and escort her home.

"Earlier.... my apologies for avoiding your question." Ningguang suddenly spoke causing you to stop your actions and listen to her.

"N-No, ma'am, it's okay. You are not obliged to tell me everything...."

She sighed then took out her phone and scrolled to a particular photo then showed you the screen, your eyes immediately widening in shock.

"Is this.... your husband? And that woman...." Yes, it was a photo of her husband with another woman, and they looked very intimate like a couple. It could be brushed off as friends but the position was.... too intimate for friends, the woman was all over him and he was very much into her as well. Now, you realized why Ningguang was potentially crying at that time. You stayed silent and looked at Ningguang with sympathy while she simply let out a bitter chuckle.

"What do you think? They are just friends? That's what I want to believe as well but I have never seen her around him before, we know each other's friend groups well enough. Either she's a new addition during the time I have been away or...."

She trailed off and you noticed tears forming in her eyes. You felt infuriated. She did not deserve this at all.

"....I suggest you should talk to him and clear up things, having doubts and misinterpretating can lead to unnecessary conflicts between you two. You should take some time off from work, I'll handle everything for you, ma'am."

Ningguang pinched her temple and pondered for a moment before nodding, "I know, you are right. But hypothetically speaking, if this is what I think this is then.... what should I do? I....I don't know how to face him."

"You shouldn't think of that possibility, ma'am. He loves you, doesn't he? You should trust that and talk to him openly. I....don't think he would do this to you; you are amazing and so beautiful, it could just be a misunderstanding."

You wanted to comfort her and give her some hope but deep down, you weren't so sure yourself. The picture was too obvious to be misunderstood, but you didn't want to see Ningguang upset. She finally smiled a little and nodded then you helped her stand up and escorted her to her car. She was more drunk now and leaned on your shoulder, wrapping her arms around your body and snuggling into your neck.

"....It's my fault, isn't it? It's all because of how neglectful I have been, I have barely spent any time with him. Everyone says I'm married to my work now, he waits for me every day and I come home late then leave early morning without talking to him at all. This was bound to happen, it's all my fault..."

She was rambling, blaming herself for everything. You hated seeing her this way, you knew how much she loved him. "But...But I have been holding back so much as well. I also have needs! We haven't touched each other in so long....and he goes and finds someone else."

CEO!Ningguang who later talks to her husband and finds out it was a misunderstanding, the woman really was a new friend he made. The smile on her face returned and she became more relaxed, there was no greater joy for you than to see her being happy again. She thanked you for your advice and started having a better work-life balance.

You supported Ningguang even more and sent her home early so she could spend time with him; although, you never stopped doubting him because that photo was way too suspicious and you felt he was lying just to take advantage of her and her money. You became a comfort person for Ningguang, a shoulder to cry on whenever she needed it. She shared with you her personal things and regularly asked for suggestions for her love life.

You thought all things were going well until one day when you came across another photo of him with that same woman from before. Once again, Ningguang was sobbing in her office that night while holding you close and rambling. She revealed that she had planned to talk about having children with him soon and also booked a vacation to spend time together but now she could no longer go about it.

You couldn't see her this way. You comforted her and slowly told her that she should reconsider her marriage. He was cheating on her and using her money. You didn't know if his love was ever real, but you were bound to believe it wasn't. It infuriated you to see such an amazing woman like Ningguang go through this, you wanted to be there for her and help her as much as possible.

She eventually divorced and cut all connections with him and his family, even buying a separate house for herself and sending him far away. You could see her true self returning, she felt liberal and free after all this time. And she wasn't blind to ignore all the help you gave her; spending late nights in her stead to complete her work so she could enjoy.... why were you so supportive of her? She started seeing you differently and wondered if there was more to you.

"You are an idiot, Y/n." Ningguang overheard you talking with a colleague one day during your coffee break and she hid around the corner and listened in.

"Who in their right mind helps patch up the marriage of the woman she loves?! If it was me, I would have used that to come between them and taken her!" your colleague spoke with a chuckle, Ningguang's eyes widening at the statement. You loved her? You did all that.... all the while being in love with her? The time you spent advising her and helping her be with her husband.... you loved her all that time?

"Don't be ridiculous! She.... she loved him and I just wanted to see her happy, even if not with me. Besides, I'm not in her league at all. I'm fine with how things are and now that she's no longer bound to him, she can be herself and do what makes her happy."

Ningguang's heart skipped a beat, you did so much for her just to see her happy.... even her ex-husband never did that. It was always her being the giver in the relationship and she barely received anything in return from him, now she realized the true meaning of love. She realized how blind she had been, there was someone doing everything for her just the way she had been doing for him.

CEO!Ningguang who starts falling for you, seeing you as more than just a secretary or friend. She tries to be around you more, makes you accompany her to more places than before. She invites you to her house under the guise of working, just to spend more time with you because your presence is so comforting to her. She is still recovering from her broken marriage, but with you she feels loved.

She plans to confess in the near future if you don't, and till then tries to understand you better as a person. She realizes how much she has always liked you but was too blinded to see it. But what she didn't see coming was when you handed in your resignation notice one faithful day....

"Resignation? Why all of a sudden? Is the salary not up to your requirements? Is there too much work pressure? I don't see how there isn't any room for negotiation if you find something unsatisfactory here, Y/n." Ningguang was perplexed, almost on the verge of breaking down. Why were you doing this? Were you really going to bury your feelings and leave?

"No ma'am, none of that. Everything is good here; the salary and work environment, I like everything and I don't mind the work pressure either because it's very rewarding."

"Then why? I believe I deserve to hear a proper reason for this. You are one of my oldest and best employees, have you been offered a better deal somewhere else?"

Ningguang attempted to negotiate with you to make you stay; aside from how used to she was to you and your working style, she truly didn't want you to leave.

"....Are you really going to leave just like this? Without even telling me your true feelings?!" Ningguang's voice raised as she paced around the table and stood in front of you, looking at you firmly. You were confused as to what she meant, but she soon answered your doubts.

"This is how your love is, Y/n?! You'll run away without speaking a word?! You also want to leave me?!"

Your eyes widened, how did she know? And why was she being this way? You were about to say something but Ningguang grabbed your collar and pulled you into a passionate kiss, her lips kissed yours feverishly as if she wanted to own you and keep you here forever.

"Don't you dare leave me.... Is that clear?" Ningguang whispered against your lips as she pulled away from the kiss, leaving you breathless and astonished. You had no idea when she found out about your feelings but now that the cat was out of the bag, you didn't want to hold back either.

"Yes, I'm sorry. I....I love you very much, Ms Ningguang. I want to be with you and I promise to treat you well, I want to keep you happy forever."

Teacher!Lisa who is the sweetest and most beloved teacher at your university. Currently in your first year, she teaches you chemistry and let's just say the entire university has a crush on her to some extent, teachers and students alike. A kind, hardworking and sincere woman who has been teaching for 6-7 years now and has never had a complaint against her. But to everyone's vain, she's happily married for 5 years to a man arranged by her parents.

Lisa loves teaching and interacting with her students, she's always ready to put in the extra effort for struggling students and very patiently deals with problematic cases. She's usually soft spoken and pleasant to be around, but anger her and she can be quite strict and terrifying as well even if it's extremely rare to see her that way. As her student, you don't miss any of her classes due to how much you love to attend them.

Lisa eventually became your class tutor and you showed utmost enthusiasm to be the class representative in order to help her, but truthfully you just wanted to be with her more. Your classmates called you a teacher's pet but you didn't care, you genuinely wanted to help Ms Lisa and care for her just like she cares for you. You eventually grow close with her as you spend time outside of classes, doing some work or the other and chatting along.

Lisa rarely talked about her family which wasn't surprising as you were just a student, but you discovered that even with her colleagues she rarely ever shared anything and seemed to dislike the topic altogether. Everyone assumed her marriage was good considering how sweet and lovable she was, she'd make a perfect wife. But little does everyone know her dark reality....

"Ah, Y/n. Do you mind opening the window? It's gotten really warm these days...." Ms Lisa sighed and fanned her face as sweat trickled down her forehead, the two of you were sitting in the staff room during afternoon. She had called you to do some work and you agreed as it was your free lecture; coincidentally, the staff room was also empty right now as other teachers had gone for classes.

You nodded to her and stood up to slide open the nearby window and let the cool breeze flow in. You then turned around to walk back to your place when you saw Ms Lisa remove her coat and pull up her sleeves which caused you to glace at a peculiar cut on her wrist.

"Ma'am, did you get hurt?" you came closer and asked in a concerned tone. She realized where you were pointing and quickly slid her sleeve back down to hide the scar before letting out a forced smile.

"Oh, it's nothing. I accidentally brushed my hair straightener there."

"....I see, please take care of yourself."

You weren't easily convinced that's all it was but you were unable to know more. You worried about her, you hoped everything was fine.

Teacher!Lisa who actually has a toxic good-for-nothing husband living off her hard-earned money. A regular drunkard who lost his job after their marriage, she was forced to marry him because he used to be well off but in reality, he was doing illegal work that eventually got him caught and put on house arrest. She is the sole breadwinner of their household and struggles every day to make ends meet.

Lisa never let anyone know the truth about her marriage, not even her parents. She knew they wanted the best for her when they made her marry him and he did appear to be nice back then. She regularly argues with him and looks after him when she comes home, all the while managing work from the university and her basic duties.

Lisa's husband recently became violent and started hitting her during their arguments. She was coming to her breaking point but she couldn't leave him; after all, she fell in love with him after their marriage. He was handsome and gentlemanly in the beginning; despite being an arranged marriage, they got along and liked each other. She hated seeing him in this state and promised to keep supporting him even when nobody else does.

But everyone has a breaking point, and Lisa was nearing hers too. She hated having to tolerate such treatment every day, she wanted to be a good teacher and be with her students who bring her joy without having to worry about going back to a dreadful home. Then one day, her husband crossed even more borders. Now she had to live with him cheating on her as well? How could she walk into her house just to find another woman in bed with her good-for-nothing husband?

Lisa had no words and packed up her essentials then left, she did not need any explanations or excuses. How could he do that? What did she not do for him? And how is she lacking in appearance or sex drive that he'd go for some random woman? She gave him everything and he never recognized it, she had enough. She found herself at a bus stop, eyes filled with tears and no idea of what to do. That's when a miracle happened.

"Ms Lisa?! What are you doing here at this hour?!" your voice called out to her from behind, and she turned around to see you walk up to her with an excited look.

"I'm just...." she trailed off and your eyes fell on the bag she was carrying, tear stains on her face.

"What happened? Are you okay?" you asked softly and stepped closer, gently caressing her arm.

"...What about you, Y/n? Why are you out so late?" she averted your question.

"O-Oh, I'm just returning from my part-time work. My flat is nearby, would you like to come?"

"Do you live with anyone else?"

"No, it's an independent flat. I.... didn't really want a roommate."

Lisa ponders for a while and eventually agrees to come with you. A humble abode perfect for a single person, she found a strange sense of calmness and comfort in your apartment. You offered her some beverage and you found out she hadn't eaten anything since afternoon, feeling appalled and immediately went to cook for her. She trusted you, she wanted to be away from her life for now.

"Uh, sorry, I don't have too many ingredients right now. I was going to go shopping this weekend, I hope you don't mind pasta...."

Lisa looked at the plate you put in front of her, a small smile appearing on her face. "Pasta is my favorite dish, actually. But it's been a long time since I had it, thank you."

You smiled back, you knew something was up. The cheerful Ms Lisa was strangely quiet, seemingly holding back a lot of her emotions. Eventually, she finally opened up to you and told you everything about her husband- from the abuse to cheating. You were terrified hearing the horrors she faced, yet presented herself to be happy at the university, nobody could guess she faced all of that every day.

You offered her to stay at your place for as long as she wants, and that she should report him to police and talk to her parents. A divorce was the obvious couse of action, but you were in no place to advice that to her. You only hoped to comfort her and provide her a home until this passed. That night, you laid in bed together and Ms Lisa held you as she cried out, eventually falling asleep in your arms. If only she knew how much you loved her, right from the first day you saw her....

Teacher!Lisa who talks to her parents the next day and tells them everything. They feel devastated hearing what their daughter went through, and they assist her in a successful divorce where she gets maintenance claims and a secret property he had. It was a messy court case given the illegal work of the husband, but she triumphed and obtained her justice.

The case went on for a few months and Ms Lisa lived with you all this time. She helped you in your studies and enabled you to become the topper in her class, though she never used any unfair means to help you. It was sometimes hard to hide the fact that you were living together, but you both made it work. Ms Lisa wasn't open for a new relationship yet, It was true she really loved him and it was hard to move on despite all the terrible things he did.

Ms Lisa and you grow closer than ever during the time she lives with you. You act like a happily married couple more than she ever did with her ex-husband. She said she'll do all household chores to pay you for allowing her to live there, though you really didn't mind either way. You cook together, watch movies, laugh and share past memories, study, have shopping dates and what not.

Lisa did not know it yet but she was deeply in love with you, she had forgotten how it felt to be treated with love and given importance. She wondered about your love life now, if you have someone you like or wish to date. You tell her you want to focus on studies and career, but there is indeed someone you like. She becomes curious, even slightly jealous realizing the gap between you and her.

One night, you were out until late drinking with some friends. You returned home in a drunk state and Lisa was ready to tend to you. While she was surprised you had this side to herself, she was more pleased to know more about you and wanted to care for you. She was already an expert in tending to drunkards, and you were unironically so adorable acting as one.

"Ms Lisaaaa~ You are so beautiful, you know thatttt?~" you slurred as she carried you to the bed, chuckling along the way.

"You teach... so welllll.... and you are so sweettttt~"

"Yes yes, I know. You have said that even as sober~" she whispered, laying you down then going to fetch some water for you. You curled up in your pillow and when she came back, you looked so cute to her.

"I love you... Ms Lisa... I love you so much...." you slurred in a drunken state, catching her by surprise.

She smiles and gives you the water then you immediately pass out while hugging her, your head laying on her soft bosom. Lisa caresses your head and kisses your forehead in return, "Say that when you are sober, I'll give you an answer you'll like~"

It was last day of your second year, you still had 2 more years to spend at the university. You wanted to wait till graduation but couldn't anymore, you wanted to confess. And it seems, Ms Lisa was having similar thoughts. Only you both knew how much you held back when you lived under the same roof. You find her in am empty classroom waiting for you.

"I love you, Ms Lisa. I have loved you since last year, and I want to date you. But um... I understand if you don't want to, so please don't feel forced to give me—"

Your words were blocked as Lisa pulled you close and connected her lips with you in a passionate and loving kiss. Her arms wrapped around your neck as she pushed you to the wall and continued kissing, her tongue already slipping in and dancing with yours.

"Took you long enough to say that, Y/n~"

"You... knew? Since when?"

"Hehe, that's my secret~" she winked at you then jumped in for another kiss, completely devouring you this time. She knew you would treat her well, she felt at home with you and she was confident she would love you forever now.

Milf!Rosalyne, a 31-year-old who is your new neighbor. She recently moved to the apartment in front with her husband and 4-year-old son. You were 16 when the family moved in, you welcomed them along with your mother and acted as good neighbors. Rosalyne was a pleasant housewife while her husband worked in the military hence often leaving her and their son home alone.

Rosalyne used to take home tuitions and manage the entire household by herself, you eventually ended up visiting her to help around and just give her company. She was lovely and overall amazing to talk to, you discovered she did the same course you were planning to do and took some advice from her.

You often had dinner at her place on the days her husband was home. You would play with her son and secretly observe how lovey-dovey they were, it was clear they deeply loved each other and nothing could come in between. You used to watch them giggle in the kitchen, cuddle on the sofa and share small kisses throughout the day.

Rosalyne often commented how you were like a helpful big sister for her son as you helped him in studies and played together, which meant she likely saw you as a child which wasn't surprising. She found you mature for your age and admitted liking your company and it was a bonus that her son did too. She was a great mother, extremely loving and supportive.

However, you moved away to another city at 18 for studies for 4 years. Now you have returned as you found a job in your hometown and decided to live in your parent's apartment as they moved out. You harbored a crush on Rosalyne back when you regularly met her, you couldn't help but feel jealous of her husband.

You reminisced your memories of your home as you climbed the steps to your apartment. 4 years passsed yet much didn't change about the place, and you were having a sense of deja-vu. The first thing you noticed was your neighbor's door, hoping the nameplate was still the name you remembered and, it indeed was. You felt happy as well as nervous meeting her again; how was she now? would she have changed in all this time?

Once you settled your things in your apartment, you decided to finally visit the woman you have had a crush on for years. You thought being away for 4 years would make you let go of these feelings, but you never stopped thinking about her. You didn't know what she thought of you, but it was more than likely she would only see you as a friend at most.

You rang her doorbell and waited in anticipation until the door finally opened, and your breath was taken away. She looked as beautiful as the day you first saw her, it felt like you fell in love with her all over again. She scanned your figure from head-to-toe until her eyes widened as she realized who was standing in front.

"Y/n?! Oh my god, it's been so long!" Rosalyne chimed and lunged forward to hug you affectionately, hearing her call your name sent butterflies in your stomach and the hug made your heart skip a beat. You were glad to see she remembered you so fondly.

"It's been long indeed. How have you been, aunty?"

"Awh, stop that. Just call me by my name, I don't want to feel old~" Rosalyne giggled and lightly punched your shoulder before holding your wrist and pulling you inside her house. Her house mostly looked the same, but there was something strangely missing that you couldn't pinpoint. She made you sit on the sofa while she brought some water and snacks for you.

"How is Ray?" that was her son's name.

"Oh, he's been fine. He's at school right now, I'm sure he'd be delighted to see you again!~"

You chatted away as you caught up with each other, you told her you are back to living her as you found a job and she seemed really happy to have you around again.

"How's uncle been? Will he be coming back anytime soon?" you asked in a casual manner, but the answer was unexpected.

"Rostam.... passed away 3 years ago. He died on a field mission."

You didn't know what to say. You observed her looking down with a sad look and touch her wedding ring, likely reminiscing about him. You apologized for speaking that but she assured it was fine, your parents never mentioned that he died 3 years ago otherwise you wouldn't have asked. You felt deeply saddened for her and wondered how she was handling things on her own all this time.

You went back to your place with a happier remark, you offered to help her whenever she required and promised to be there for her. You later on met her son in the evening and had dinner at her place, it felt just like old times for you and you were glad she was still here and you could meet her.

Milf!Rosalyne who works multiple jobs a week to make ends meet. The military provides for the housing out of respect for her husband's service, but she has to look after everything else on her own. She takes tuitions on the weekend and works as a receptionist in a hotel during the week, also doing some additional online work whenever she can.

She had wished to find a job related to her degree but all those jobs require long working hours away from home and she couldn't do that, her son was her first priority. She was fortunate to have a pretty face and a model-like figure even at her age, but it was also a curse sometimes in this field of work.

You ended up meeting her at her place of work one day, you had come there for a meeting. You were shocked to discover she had to work this kind of job now, you really wished to help her. You tried asking your boss if there was an opening but they were not hiring, and Rosalyne also denied due to the unsuitable work hours but she appreciated your thought.

Rosalyne also faced problems in dating life now. To no surprise, not many people were willing to get together with a 37 year old single mother. Some expressed disgust without even bothering to know what happened to her husband, while some were unwilling to take on the responsibilty of a child so soon. She had not moved on from her husband but she was trying for her son's sake, to give him a father. But none of the people she met made it easy for her.

It was a Saturday evening and you were planning to stay home to rest. You had been working a lot ever since you moved here and hadn't got much time for yourself, you even weren't able to meet Rosalyne as much as you had hoped to. An unexpected ring of your doorbell called you to the front door and you find none other than Rosalyne standing with a soft smile on her face.

"Are you free by any chance today, Y/n?"

"Oh, sure I am. Do you need some help?"

"Well.... want to hangout together at my place? We can order some food and just watch some movie or show if you'd like."

Your eyes widened in surprise at her invitation, you were ready to accept right away but didn't want to appear too eager.

"Ah, that would be great. But what about Ray?"

"I sent him to my mother's place for the weekend. He had been wanting to visit for some time."

You suddenly became nervous realizing you'd be alone with her at her house. You accepted and made your way to her apartment, you offered to bring some food out of respect but she assured you it was fine and that you can order whatever you like. You ordered some pizza and snacks, while Rosalyne also bought out the wine she had and offered you a glass.

Now, here you were sitting on her couch with wine in hand and watching some random movie you both agreed upon. You had not talked much all this time, you mainly exchanged some work stories and vented frustrations. Rosalyne shared some things about her son that happened to him at school, she always appeared so happy to talk about him. She really was a great mother.

Some time passed and more wine later, she was clearly tipsy. She leaned on your shoulder and was in a soppy state now as she started venting about how hard things have been for her in finding a new partner, and the constant harrassment she faces at work yet nobody is ready for a serious relationship as soon as they hear about her son.

"Tell me, Y/n.... what am I lacking? There's all these men who flirt with me all day but the moment I set up dates and reveal the truth, they all leave.... How is it so wrong for a 37 year old single mother to find someone new?!"

She was babbling in a drunken state while holding you. There was absolutely nothing lacking in her, she was perfect in your eyes and you wouldn't even think twice about dating her, heck even marrying her. You wanted to be there for her not just as a friend but more. But you had no idea if she ever saw you that way, or if she even liked women in the first place and how her son would react to that.

"I never wanted this, Y/n.... what did I do wrong? Ray doesn't deserve this, I want to give him a complete family.... I want to have a complete family.... But Rostam... he betrayed me...."

You were caught by surprise, "Betray you? What do you mean, Rosalyne?"

"He.... he cheated on me, I found out he cheated on me years ago after Ray was born. He hid it all this time.... I discovered this at his funeral.... I don't know what to think, I can't even remember him the same way anymore.... How could he?! What did I do to deserve this....?"

She was crying while holding you now. You felt anger rise in you hearing this secret, it was quite unbelievable to you he did that when you recall how lovey-dovey they used to be and Rostam seemed like a good man. Your desire to support and love her increased even more now, you couldn't bear seeing her in this state. So much happened to her while you were away, you wished you were here.

"No! Nothing is wrong with you and you are not lacking anything! You are beautiful and strong! You are an amazing mother, Ray loves you very much! You have been so resilient all this time, I actually admire you so much for doing everything on your own. I.... Please know I'll help you! In any way! Please don't put yourself down this way, Rosa!"

You chanted before hugging her tightly, trying to convery how serious you were and really wanted her to be well. You pulled away to look at her and saw her face reddened up as she gazed at you with a needy look before placing her hands on your shoulders and leaning close.

"Any way? Then.... date me, Y/n." You were shocked beyond belief but the next thing she did was worse. She leaned in and softly kissed you, it was a gentle kiss at first then you felt her push you down and straddle you then kiss deeper. You knew this was wrong, she was clearly drunk and swept away by her emotions. But the feeling of her lips on yours made you entranced, you have wanted to kiss her for so long.

"Yes... you will be good. Ray likes you too... I can explain to him.... Be with me, Y/n, please?"

She pulled you closer by your collar and went in for another kiss, you didn't expect to make out with her this way. You felt she was being desperate by choosing you this way, you could tell she likely didn't love you and wanted you just for her son's sake as you are the only one who gave her attention and expressed willingness. Rosalyne passed out before you could answer her, and you almost felt relieved.

Rosalyne apologized to you the next day for all her actions, she genuinely felt guilty for all the things she said and did. It gave you enough indication that she really didn't like you romantically and that you stood no chance. You forgave her rather easily, you really couldn't complain experiencing that. She saw you as a good friend and you'd try to maintain that.

However, your feelings started overwhelming you and you tried to make some distance from her for some time to be able to move on and remain a friend. You ended up ghosting her texts and calls, and also rejecting all her invites to spend time together by making up some excuse for work.

Rosalyne felt you were avoiding due to that day, and she hated that so much. You were the only one she had, she didn't realize when she started liking you romantically. She knew it was wrong of her to use you but she didn't mean to, she wanted to make amends and do things right. She couldn't bear being away from you.

"Y/n, may I borrow some rice?" Rosalyne came to your house one day asking for some rice like a good neighbor.

"O-Oh sure, come in." you subsconsciously let her inside and asked her to come to the kitchen. She watched you take out the rice then silently walked up to you and hugged you from behind, catching you off guard.

"R-Rosalyne?"

"I'm sorry.... I'm so sorry for that day, Y/n. I know I did something very wrong, but please don't punish me this way..... You have become so distant, so closed off, you avoid me so much. You can hate me all you want, but please don't leave me.... not you too, please...."

Her arms tightened around you and you could tell she was weeping. You hated seeing her in this state, you never wanted to make her cry.

"....I can never hate you, Rosalyne. And I'm not ignoring you because of that. It's just.... I like you. No, I love you. I love you very much, I have loved you for years. I loved you 6 years ago too.... I want to be there for you and help you, I really do. But... I need some time to move on and forget these feelings so that I can be a true friend for you...."

Rosalyne let go of the hug and enabled you to turn around to face her. Her eyes were filled with tears, a tear rolled down her cheek and you gently smiled then wiped it away and cupped her face.

"I don't expect you to love me, it's okay. But just.... give me some time. I'm not strong enough to move on from you if you keep doing these things...."

Rosalyne's heart skipped a beat and before she knew it, her body moved on it's own to push you towards the counter as her lips relentlessly seeked yours. Her arms wrapped around your neck and she passionately kissed you, this time she was completely sober and knew what she was doing. You kissed for god knows how long, you were a panting mess by the time she stopped.

".....I love you too, Y/n. I want to be together because I love you and not for Ray's sake. I want to spend the rest of my life with you...."

#genshin impact #genshin x reader #genshin women #la signora #signora x reader #ningguang x reader #ningguang #lisa #lisa x reader #genshin impact lisa #genshin #genshin impact signora #genshin ningguang #genshin lisa #la signora x reader

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strawb3rrystar · 1 month

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totally didnt trip and run here…why would that happen.

anywho, stolas x stellas cousin!gn! reader :3 idrc if its platonic or romantic this man needs a friend/someone to care ab him and actually show it (staring at blitzø)

if platonic, then it could be that they have a marriage of convenience and stolas is off put but them but they reassure both him and octaviva that they arent like their cousins lol and from there they befriend stolas and be his rock for whenever blitzø shuts down and pushes stolas away

if romantic then it could just be a silly slow burn with stilas veru confused bc he loves blitzø but also is beginning to like his new spouse?! (then they could talk and the cousin could be like “dude we dont gotta be exclusive. esp since u still like the imp dude. if u want, take thing slow, see where u end up and how you feel.”)

and when reader shows affection stolas is taken aback bc all the people in his life aren’t really forward with their own affections?

soz if this is lengthy 😭😭 i love this sad bird sm and just want him to have someone to rely on that isnt his kid or his BF

It wasn't just a marriage of convenience.

Pairing: Stolas x GN! Stella's cousin! Reader

Warnings: Stella slander (im sorry), very slight blitz slander (again, sorry)

Word count: 816

✰Masterlist

Stolas wasn't too keen on remarrying, especially when he found out it would be his ex-wife's cousin. He expected to be just like the rest of your snobby family.

The first time he met you, your beak upturned in a smile that could've been fake. But there was no faking the look in your eyes. The way you were hanging off every word as he talked. That was the most genuine thing about your family. Your eyes always gave you away. Stolas learned that quickly with Stella. Even when she was trying to be nice, her eyes always revealed her true feelings.

After the wedding, Stolas realized the heels of your fancy shoes didn't echo in the hallways like Stella's did. Her footsteps always sent chills down his spine because they were always filled with fury. No matter where you were in the palace, you could always hear her coming.

The first time you threw a ball, it wasn't for a selfish reason, it was for your friend's birthday. Unlike Stella's amazing idea of a 'not divorced' party. She would glide across the ballroom with fake poise, her head turned up at everyone who was below her. But you move so effortlessly and with such elegance that you could put your cousin to shame.

It felt odd to be living with you at first. To be sleeping in the same bed. But you mostly kept to yourself during the day. Stolas finally could get some peace and quiet now that Stella's constant torment was gone. During dinner, when you were all sat at the table, you would have an actual conversation with him. Octavia seemed to like you as well, the two of you would talk about things that she liked. And you would hangout in the library at night.

You weren't trying to be a new parent for Via. Or a new spouse for Stolas. You were just simply existing in the same space. Not trying to disrupt the environment before you. Maybe that's why he was just so drawn to you. You cared about his problems, listened to him, but didn't pry. Even when your cousin was brought up, you were never angry. You were just an observer.

But now Stolas was in a dilemma. He likes Blitz, but now he also likes.. you? It sent his head into spirals, rethinking the last year of his life. It was so bad he couldn't concentrate on the words in his book. Because just a few feet away his spouse sat at their vanity, putting some eye drops in their eyes. Stolas takes a deep breath, going over every outcome in his head. Before he knew what he was doing, the words were coming out of his mouth. "Uh, hey?"

This gains your attention, and you turn to him. But not just your head, you did a full body turn towards him. Satan you were so beautiful. Stolas would compare your beauty to that of the stars. Your head tilts every so slightly, your eyes fill with affection. "Yes?"

"I'm having a bit of a problem.." Stolas admits, setting his book on the nightstand. By the time he looked back at you, you were already sitting on the bed with him. "What kind of problem?"

"I think I'm starting to love you..." He mumbles scratching the back of his neck and then smoothing down his feathers. "Why is that a problem?"

You already knew about his relationship with Blitz as he would often express his issues to you. It was a very simple question, but it made Stolas even more confused. "Because I can't like two people at once."

He shakes his head, his hands in his lap. You raise an eyebrow, then chuckle to yourself. "Stolas, we don't have to be exclusive. Especially since I know how special that Imp is to you. We can take things slow, see if we like it. If not, we can go back to how things are, I won't be upset."

His eyes widen at your words. His body felt like it was on fire. But not the 'I'm horny' kind of fire. More like 'I love you so much I think I'm going to explode' kind. "Could I.. kiss you then?"

You smile, the type of smile that made his heart melt for you. You inch over to him, taking his wing in yours. "I would love nothing more than that."

It was one of the most love filled, passionate kisses that Stolas had ever experienced. His claws grabbing at you like you'd slip away if he didn't. Your claws touch his face delicately, as if he were a glass figure that would shatter if you pressed too hard. When the two of you pull away, Stolas buries his face into your neck. And the two of you cuddle into each other for the rest of the night.

Star's notes -> You know I love it when I get requests from you Adonis!!! <3

(Thank you, @sweetadonisbutbetter for requesting!) (Requests are open!)

Taglist -> @samohxt2-0 @sunshines-bright @astrolovedy @saints-wrapped-in-plastic @sweetadonisbutbetter

@little-miss-chaoss @sunr1s3-strab3rr1 | Join the taglist

#☆strawb3rrystar answers requests #helluva boss #helluva boss x reader #stolas x reader #stolas helluva boss #stolas goetia #stolas #helluva boss x you #helluva boss x y/n

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stargirlrchive · 1 year

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ocean eyes: chapter five ✩ jake sully

masterlist ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ ocean eyes masterlist

summary: widow!jake sully x female!reader, 10 year age-gap. jake is lowkey sunshine <3 reader is grumpy! arranged marriage/marriage of convenience + wc - 2,099

comments: hi babies, chapter five! i loved this chapter, it is just build up from dramaa, RAHHH i hope you love her! she was so fun to write, okay byeee <3

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⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

Jake lazily threw his arm over your stomach as you made way to leave, his face nuzzled into the crook of your neck as he mumbled quietly, “Where are you going?”

His fingers rubbing at the exposed skin of your abdomen was making your mind fuzzy, cheeks painted a dark pink at the intimate gesture. You were finding it hard to part from him, and with great resistance the words fell from your mouth, “I must head home.”

The two of you had spent hours in the forest, his fingers tracing along your skin, getting familiar with your body and everything that made you tick. Still you wondered why he decided to stay, why he was still kissing you and holding you. It made no sense, but you welcomed it all the same.

Jake shook his head, pulling you closer, “Just a little longer.”

You felt yourself pulling away from him, despite not wanting to. “Ronal will skin me alive. It is late.”

Jake laid flat against the floor, huffing out a breath as he watched you change yourself, “I see you every night sneaking back into the beach, you know?”

You weren’t sure why but his confession made you laugh, turning to look back at him, “Didn’t know you were watching my every move.”

Jake sat up, his eyes falling down to your lips, “Can’t seem to stop.”

There was no humorous bite in his tone, only honesty and the more his eyes scanned over your face, the more nerves began to wrap around your throat. He suddenly made you nervous. “Well then you would know, I am always back by this time.”

You sighed quietly, “Ronal always waits for me, even though she pretends to sleep.”

Your cheeks colored a bit as you realized just how much you were talking, seemingly unable to stop. Jake only hummed, moving closer to you, “Pom?” Kiss.

Jake’s hands moved forward to cradle your face, pulling you closer as your eyes fluttered shut at how gentle he was being with you. His lips fell flat against yours, pulling your breath away as you melted into him. His lips were soft and he tasted so sweet, lightly nipping on the plump of your bottom lip as he pulled away. “Go, because I cannot guarantee I will let you leave if you stay longer.”

You let out a deep breath, Jake’s face softly nuzzling against yours before you pulled away. You hesitated for a few seconds before you were off, walking quickly back to your marui. Your fingers fell to your mouth, enjoying the numbness that had fallen upon them after having been kissed for so many hours.

The smile on your face felt permanent, just like the way your chest was warmed with contentment and excitement.

You had expected to slip into your home just as you had every other night since your argument with your sister. But you were surprised to find her sitting by where the five of you would eat your meals. It was dark except for the light of the moon and it sharpened her features. You could see how her face was twisted up in anger. You did not want to do this, you had not felt this happy in so long and had hoped nothing would ruin it. It seemed that your wishes were too much to ask, because as you planned to just slip past her she spoke up, “Where were you?”

You tensed up, fidgeting with your fingers nervously before you turned to look at her, “With Jake, we were training.”

Your voice had pitched up slightly, as it always did when you were being dishonest, “Training at this time?”

You only nodded your head, she was scanning you from head to toe. “You’re lying.”

“No I am not, Ronal.” Your voice pitched up once again, only driving her irritation with you further.

“You reek of him.”

Your face flushed in embarrassment, “He was showing me how to use a bow, sister. That must be why.”

The both of you stood in silence for a few seconds, Ronal’s emotions getting the better of her as she noticed how much of a wedge there was between the two of you. “When did you become so guarded around me?”

Your uneasiness around your sister snapped, treading towards something closer to anger. How could she ask you that? Was she really so blind to just how much of it was her doing?

“When you left me. I needed you, and you left. And you made sure to forget me, I had no space in your life.”

Your voice was thick with emotion and her face scrunched up in confusion. “I never left you.”

“Yes you did! The second you choose Tonowari I was left to slip away in your shadow, always too much for Sa’nok to handle, and then not important enough for you to deal with.”

Ronal felt her throat tighten at the words leaving your mouth, that was never what she intended to happen. She had never wished for you to feel like this. “Tsmuke, I-”

The words were lost on her, unable to think of what to say. “You do not have to say anything. I have grown accustomed to the feeling now.”

Your ears betrayed your words, they were pinned roughly against your head as you met her gaze. Ronal shook her head, unable to stop the way she yearned to hug you and hoped that alone would wash away all the unspoken words she had not told you. But that did not happen, she didn’t know how to close the distance between the two of you, “What happened between you and JakeSully?”

Your lips formed into a thin line, unable to meet her gaze any longer. Her eyes had narrowed in on the way you squirmed under her gaze, and it clicked. “You mated with him?”

Her voice was accusatory, and you did not wish for her to taint the memory with remarks of disappointment. “Yes, and no.”

Her brows furrowed softly, “What do you mean?”

You grunted out quietly in frustration, “Exactly what I said. We-we did not form Tsaheylu if that is what you are asking.”

Her sharp intake of breath caused your eyes to roll, arms wrapping around your chest in sheer annoyance at how dramatic she was being. “Tsumke, this something sacred to us. Why would you give yourself to him? Was it to spite me? To prove- ”

You hissed angrily at her, boiling from the inside out as her words swam through your mind, “Not everything that I do is to vex you! And if you must know, he wasn't even the first.”

A part of you wanted to rub it in her face, let her know how much she had missed in your life. Ronal’s mouth gaped as she floundered under your words, trying to wrack her brain at how she could have missed so much.

Her mind reeling, in those few seconds recalling how she did in fact leave you to fend for yourself. It was not out of not wanting you in her life, it was out of wanting to be a strong role model, someone worthy for you to look up to. She had gone about it so wrong.

She called your name quietly, standing up to make her way towards you, “It was never my intention to make you feel that way. I see now, that although unintentional I have hurt you.”

Ronals eyes watered with tears, voice wobbly as her hands reached out to pull you in. “I-I would like for us to start over. I have missed you even though you have always been so close, syulang.”

The term of endearment had caused your eyes to water, she had not called you that in so long. You met her gaze and it only caused the tears in your eyes to fall. She saw you, for the first time in years you felt like you had your sister back. Your arms wrapped around her neck, pulling her in closely as a sob was ripped from your throat. Her arms pressed tightly to your back, pulling you in closer as she pressed a soothing hand to your hair, her own tears falling freely as she held close. “I have missed you so much, Tsumke.”

She nodded into your hair, squeezing you tightly before she moved away, “Me too.”

She rubbed at the tears that had run down your face and you felt like you could breathe easier, like the strings that had fallen apart at the seams were being mended back together.

You wrapped your fingers around her wrist, tugging lightly, “Come.”

There was a smile etched onto your face as Ronal laughed, shaking her head but she followed nonetheless. “It is too late.”

“Which is why it makes for the perfect time to take a swim. Come on!”

She hesitated for a brief second as your fingers let go of her wrist, you dived deep into the water. She looked back to her marui, yelling out to you as you resurfaced “Wari will be worried if he sees the two of us missing!”

You rolled your eyes at her, “Believe it or not, I am sure Tonowari will be pleased that the two of us have finally made up!”

You turned from her, swimming farther away and before she could think too much about it, she was swimming after you.

Once she was close enough to you, you began to make quiet clicking noises. A few ilu’s swimming around the two of you and you mounted yours quickly. Ronal following suit. You felt so at ease, just as you once had as a young girl, “Follow me!”

You made your way to the cove the two of you had found when you were younger, laughing quietly when Ronal tsked quietly. “I have not been here in years, how did you even remember where this was?”

Your shoulders shrugged, “I never stopped coming here.”

Ronal watched as you dismounted the ilu, a small frown making its way onto her face. She really knew so little of what your life had become, and it caused a deep guilt to settle into her chest, “So, you said JakeSully was not your first-“

Ronal paused as she thought of how to ask this without making the situation so awkward, “Romantic partner?”

The words came out in question, her face flared as you laughed. Floating in the calm waters, “No he was not. My first was Ro’han.”

Ronal felt her mouth drop, voice shrieking lightly, “Wari’s right hand man?!”

You huffed in annoyance, and it was clear to her that there was bitterness related to the memory. “Yes, he was courting me, or so I thought.”

Your head shook slightly as you took a deep breath, “But I was scared you’d grow a distaste for him because it had always been known he was a flirt with all the clan girls our age. And he had also just started under Tonowari-and I did not want to jeopardize that for him so I told him we’d keep it quiet for the time being.”

You gave a particularly hard kick into the water, chest heaving harder at the memory, “He used that to continue speaking to other girls, and when I caught wind of it I panicked. Wrapped up in my own naivety and insecurity, thinking that I loved him. And-I thought that if-if I gave myself to him it would keep him by my side.”

Ronal had reached for you, pity filling her features as she noticed the glossy look in your eyes. Your shoulder shrugged as you tried to play it off, “The next morning, I woke up alone. When I found him he told me he would never have me as his mate, he could not lower himself to the standards of someone who gave it up so easily.”

Ronal felt a spike of anger course through her entire body, it started from the top of her head down to her toes and her fist balled up in anger, “I will kill him myself!”

Your eyes widened at the angry expression on her face, your sister's fury was unmatched and it caused a nervous laugh to rip from your throat, “That is not necessary, tsmuke. It is in the past.”

Your words did little to comfort your sister, “I might have let you before, but-”

Your face burned at the events that happened a few hours ago, “Things are different now.”

🏷️; @mashiromochi @midhito @neteyamforlife @adaiasafira @ambria @sillyfreakfanparty @fanboyluvr @jakescumdump @itscheybaby @iwanttohitmyself @janeety @im-in-a-pansexual-panik @lemonmoonmochi @dazedshoon @amanda-678 @randxmthxughts @drinking-tea-and-be-obsessed @wekiamo @iwanttogohomeandtakeanap @theroyalbrownbarbie @1ntefly @nyylovestowrite @crazy4books1 @jakesullylongjuicyshlong @kikookii @ducks118 @elegantkidfansoul @bold-writing @1-800-fandomsdestroyedme @graysonmalik2550 @milequaritchsslut @23victoria @kamcrazy123 @annamarieisbae @k----a27s @tojigirl @lynbubble @outspokenmatters @thehoneymushroomhealer @tsamiaxo @esposadomd @ok-boke @figlia--della--luna @sparrows-corner @zoexme @alexandra-001

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lulublack90 · 1 month

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Prompt 4 - Marriage of Convenience

@wolfstarmicrofic May 4, word count 972

Sirius spotted him while out shopping for new shoes. They’d lost touch after school. He and James had gone to prestigious universities, but Remus’s parents hadn’t been able to afford them, so Remus had gone straight into working for his father.

Remus was slumped in a closed shop doorway. He had about three threadbare jumpers on and a grubby duvet tucked around his legs. He had an old fast-food cup sat in front of him and passers-by tossed coins into it.

Sirius approached. He had to once he realised who he was.

“Remus?” He asked. Remus slowly opened his eyes, as though it took a lot of energy. Once the recognition sunk in, his eyes began darting about, looking for an escape. He grabbed his things in his arms and lurched to his feet. “Hey, hey, calm down.” Sirius tried to calm him. He reached out to steady him as he swayed on his feet. “I have a flat down the road. Come and have a cuppa.” He wrapped his arm around his old friend and began to lead him away from the gloomy doorway.

He put a steaming mug of tea in front of him and the tin of biscuits. He went hunting in his fridge and cupboards and made him a thick ham sandwich with a wedge of cheese and a whole bag of Doritos. “Eat as much as you want.” Sirius told him. It was only when he’d put his arm around his friend that he’d realised how skinny he was. Remus dug in as if he hadn’t eaten in days. Which could very well be true given the state he was in. When they’d been boys Remus would easily have been able to finish the entirety of food before him. But this emaciated man could barely get the sandwich down. He dunked a couple of biscuits in his tea and that was it. “Come on Remus. I know you can eat more than that.” He goaded slightly, worry marring his face. Remus shook his head.

“If I eat more I’ll be sick.” His voice was barely a crackle from lack of use. It broke Sirius’s heart.

“What happened to you?” He needed to know. He couldn’t understand why Remus hadn’t come to one of them.

“My father caught me with one of his employees in a compromising position, and he threw me out with nothing but what I managed to get on before he shoved me out of the door.”

“What, he chucked you out because you were shagging Brenda from accounting?” Sirius scoffed. Lyall had always been a hard bastard.

“Jeremy from marketing, actually.” Remus winced as he took a sip of his tea and added more sugar.

“Well, I refuse to let you spend one more night on that street. You’re taking my guest room and that’s that.” Sirius folded his arms and dared his friend to argue with him. Remus didn’t have the energy anyway.

The next morning, Sirius arranged a meeting with his solicitor. Remus was still sleeping, so he left him a note.

“I’m sorry Mr Black, but unless you are related to him or married you cannot, gift him the amount you want to.” Arthur had stuttered at him. All he wanted to do was set Remus up, so he wouldn’t have to worry. Sirius could afford it. What was a house, a car, a new wardrobe and all the bills paid for if he got to help a friend?

“Thank you, Arthur.” He shook his hand and left. Stupid laws. But there was a way if only he could get Remus to agree.

Remus was picking at a slice of toast when he got back. He sat down opposite him and put on his serious face. “Remus, I need to ask you something, and you aren’t going to like it.” Remus’s head tilted and his brow furrowed. “I want to help you. Like properly. I want to get you a house and a car and whatever else you need. But my solicitor says I can’t just gift you that amount without you being related to me or,” He paused for a second. “Married to me.” He let the words sink in. Remus’s eyes widened in shock.

“You—you want to marry me?!” He stuttered, dropping his toast onto his plate.

“Don’t worry, we can still see other people.” Sirius winked at him.

“Shut up. No. I mean why? Why would you want to do all that for me?” Sirius took pity as Remus’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. He reached across the table and took his friend's hand in his.

“Because my family kicked me out and disinherited me when they caught me in a compromising position with Bernard from IT.” Remus’s eyes grew wider.

“Oh,” He said. Sirius moved around the table and got down on one knee.

“Remus Lupin, will you marry me, so I can gift you all the things I want to and know you’re safe. I don’t want anything in return and if you want a divorce down the line, I’ll sign the papers. But please know I want this because you're one of my best friends, and you mean the world to me.” He grinned a crooked smile at his friend, which turned into a full beaming smile when Remus nodded his head.

“Okay, yes. If you’re sure.” He swallowed and added shyly. “Do I have to move into a house straight away or can I stay here for a bit?”

“You can do whatever you want, Remus, stay as long as you want and when you’re ready we can talk about what you want to do. But just know you’ll have a very nice allowance as my husband.” He added cheekily.

They started the paper work that afternoon and were married within a month.

#wolfstar #wolfstar microfic #wolfstar fic #wolfstar angst #wolfstar au #sirius black #remus lupin #sirius orion black #remus john lupin #sirius x remus #remus x sirius #sirius and remus #remus and sirius #poor remus #homeless remus #damn you lyall #sirius wants to help #remus will you marry me so i can shower you with everything you deserve #marriage of convenience

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moonacrefarm · 21 days

Text

anticipating love

summary: your parents marriage didn’t survive the test of time and neither did you first love.

contains: childhood friends to lovers to strangers, second-chance romance, angst, hurt/comfort, slight miscommunication, fluff, 18+ series, mentions of stalking, mentions of cancer, no mention of y/n

authors note: woooohoooo! i didn't expect this chap to take so long. i ended up with a few health issues (all cleared now) which put a dent in my writing schedule as i rested up and got better. a little slow of a chap today but im excited as the foundation has been set for the next few chaps ◡̈

series masterlist

previous part | next part. 04. turning and returning

03. fated ones

“You didn’t.”

“I did.”

“No. Mom. You didn’t.”

“I did and you're going to set the table.”

“Why would you invite Bradley over?”

“Why?”

“Yes. Why?”

Your mother narrowed her eyes at you. You could tell her temper was on the rise, you’d been arguing about inviting Bradley over for all morning and she’d seemed to have had enough.

“I’m dying sweetheart. I’m not dying with regrets.” She hissed out the last part. “He’s coming over and you aren’t gonna say another word about it.”

“But—”

Her finger shot up, “If I hear one more word. One. I’m shipping you to base with your father. This has nothing to do with whatever you guys fell out over. I invited him over because I wanted to have dinner with the boy I so much as raised when Carole died. I do not care if you think I should be angry with him, I’m dying and I’m…” She pointed at herself, “Making amends. If you don’t want to be here, take a drive, sleep on base, and pull your teeth out. I’ve had you yammering in my ear all morning about canceling dinner. This is the one thing I’m asking you to do for me, and you’re throwing a fit. Zip it or ship it.”

Your lips pressed in a line thin. You **had been making this about you. The past few days have been difficult for you to process. The revelation that Bradley hadn’t just up and left you for no reason was heavy in your limbs. It didn’t align with what River had told you and with what you knew.

But, something was off.

It’s not that you didn’t believe what Bradley had told you. There were many ways to explain it all away but something kept gnawing you. River always talked about “divine timing.” What if it's all meant to be, “divine timing” will take care of it. Your guy's relationship had been built out of convenience. You both were young, in school together and looked good together. You both kind of… settled. He fit so well into your life that it had to be divine timing. How else could you explain it?

When your mother was diagnosed, River was good. He was so good to you and her, taking time off, driving her to appointments, and sure your mom was never his biggest fan but she respected him enough and his ability to make you comfortable. You can still pinpoint when he changed and became colder and distant. Every time he talked to you it was flitted with something aggressive.

Initially, you thought it had been neglect. You weren’t spending enough time with him, or maybe it was an effort. Either way, when the switch flipped it felt like whiplash. The night you called it off it was a blow-up fight. He threw vases, photos, plates, and whatever he could find. He kept murmuring about you not being in love with him and choosing your mother over him. Nothing could placate him and soon enough you tore the ring off your finger and hurled it at him, grabbed your keys, and ran to your car.

He tried to follow you but you lost him on the freeway and called your mother. It felt like all those years were a lie, he’d never lost his temper in that manner. Had never gotten aggressive or screamed at you. The whole argument unsettled you. It confirmed the gnawing feeling that ate away at you for years. Every once in a while his smile would become rigid, his grip on your wrist slightly tighter. Always small and light movements to command you to his well.

Once the phone call ended, you immediately went to pick her up, opting to stay at a hotel for a couple of days. He kept calling, texting, calling, and spamming through unknown numbers and accounts. All it did was confirm that… feeling that always sat at the back of your mind. The breakup wasn’t amicable in the slightest. You had police escort you to your shared apartment to pack your belongings and he, luckily, wasn’t there. Within hours, your life was packed up and you moved back in with your mother. However, you never shook the feeling that he was orbiting around you. Even if you never saw him, it followed you everywhere you went.

Silently, you grabbed plates and started to set the table.

“Thank you.” Your mother sighed. You mulled over anything and everything, still stuck on the photos. You and River didn’t even take engagement photos, just a small get-together with your mother and his family.

“Mom?” You called out gently, setting another placemat down.

“Yeah, sweetie?”

“Did you ever think something was wrong with River?”

She stood still for a few seconds.

“Like that something was off with him?”

“To be honest hon, I thought he was boring…”

The confession startled you, causing a giggle to bubble out of you.

“I did! Towards the end, I thought something was wrong with him. There were a few moments when he would seem…off. I never thought he was so off that he would've lost it like that when you two ended it.”

You nodded

“He was boring.”

When the knock on the door arrived, your mother shot off her chair. Your father stayed stiff and you followed suit.

“Oh, you've grown so tall.” She held his face between her hands for a moment, “Handsome, just like your father.” Bradley smiled wide, embracing her again, “It’s good to see you too.”

Bradley took in her scent as he hugged her, feeling how much more frail she had been than the last time he saw her. The guilt gripped his heart.

“Now come on, I made some of Carole's lasagna and set the table.”

Toeing off his shoes he made his way into the home, still familiar with the path to the dining table.

“Sir.” His back straightened, Beau sighed, “At ease Bradshaw, you're in my home not on base, formalities don’t exist here”

“Damn straight they don’t.” Your mother's cheerful voice cut in, earning a small smile from your father.

“Bradley.” You nodded.

He gave a small smile, one so tense you thought he might pull a cheek.

“Dear, could you go get the drinks? I left them in the kitchen.” Pulling yourself up, you heard your mother’s bombardment of questions. She didn’t hold back asking Bradley about the last decade of his life, they did have a lot to catch up after all.

By the time you made it back to the table, your mother was asking the hard-hitting questions,

“So, are you dating anyone? Engaged perhaps?” Bradley choked slightly on his drink.

“Uh.. no ma’am. No engagement and no girlfriend.”

Your mom frowned, “I was hoping for some grandbabies and now I'm hearing I probably won’t have any at all!” Her arms went up in the air. Your dad and you eyed each other, knowing she was putting on a show. Snuffing your snickers you silently chewed. Unfortunately for Bradley, your mom wasn’t quite done.

“Honey, you’re gonna be a spinster by the time your good years are up! You're young and healthy! This is the time to make a couple babies.”

Bradley burned red and none of you could hold back your laughter.

“Okay Mom, give Bradley a breather, anymore baby talk and I think he’ll start babbling like one…It did take him a while to grow out of baby talk.” You snickered and he softly glared at you, “Bringing up my dark past I see.”

Your mother and father gave each other a soft smile.

Dinner wore on and your mother's efforts had paid off, everyone had relaxed and spread out to the living room for some photo album viewing.

She was entrenched in showing the photos of you and Bradley on a family trip to the Sequoias. Climbing trees and chasing each other with fake snakes.

“Carole thought you two were the cutest thing, wherever you went, Bradley was sure to follow. He was terrified of the fake snakes and you grabbed four in the gift shop and started chasing him.”

“Okay, you’re making it sound like I was a little menace.”

“I’d have to agree that you were. I never quite got over my fear of snakes…” Bradley smirked, earning him a small shove from you.

Your mother yawned, flipping through a couple more photos before another yawn followed.

“I think it’s time someone got to bed.” Beau had wrapped around the couch and put a blanket on your mother's shoulders.

“It is a little late, I should be heading back to base.”

“That you should, we have early morning training tomorrow.”

“Honey, can you walk Bradley out to his car? I suddenly feel exhausted.” You nodded, standing and motioning for Bradley to follow.

He got his shoes on and embraced your mother once more before leaving, “Now you come back and visit me, you hear me? I want to see your face as much as possible little Goose.” All he could do was nod, “I will. So much that you’ll be sick of me.” He smiled at her once more, watching as your father walked her up the stairs.

The breeze was welcomed as you stepped out. It had been getting warm inside, your cheeks slightly flush from all the laughing.

“Quite a trip down memory lane huh?” He asked, giving you a small side glance.

“I completely forgot how scared of fake snakes you were.”

“I wonder why…” You shoved him again.

You both approached his car, standing awkwardly for a few moments.

“I didn’t realize how…” He cleared his throat. “How sick she was?”

He nodded grimly.

“Yeah.”

You swallowed hard.

“She’s been fighting really hard.”

You both went quiet again.

You started at the paint on the Bronco, a small dent at the base of the driver's side, from where you and Bradley had been playing a game of baseball gone wrong. A little smile grew on your face.

“You should come by more often.” You looked at him, “I know we don’t… don’t get along like we used to. But we aren’t sure how chemo is gonna treat her this time…She really missed you.”

Bradley’s eyes stung. He’d seen his mother go through this, and seeing your mother today had brought painful memories to the surface again. He let out a shaky breath, “I will. I’ll come by as often as I can. With training, I’m not sure…I can work something out.” You nodded once more, “Drive safe Bradley.”

“Goodnight Bugs.”

You watched him drive off. Standing outside for a minute, letting the air cool you before your father came to the door, “You coming in?”

“Yeah. I just needed some air.”

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astrumark · 1 year

Text

── WHERE IT TRULY LIES ★.

PAIRING: aemond targaryen x female reader.

SUMMARY: you are now a happily married woman, however, aemond will always pull you back.

WARNINGS: smut with plot, infidelity, oral (m and f receiving), fingering, orgasm denial, face-sitting, p in v, mild choking, and dirty talk.

WC: 7.4K

NOTES: this is not new, i've deleted it accidently (yikes) and wasn't going to upload again but a lovely soul reached out and they haven't read it yet so here it is! as the title might give away this was inspired by the song moth to a flame - the weeknd. hope you enjoy!

He knew he couldn't marry you, as a prince of the realm, and on the verge of civil war, once his father passed, Aemond needed to secure an advantageous marriage with a powerful house, one that would increase their army numbers. You were not fit. Regardless of his affection for you: duty comes first. That is what his mother taught him. Under different circumstances, perhaps it could've worked out, you were not a lowborn, but your position was simply not high enough.

Aemond could be a cruel man, yes, but never with you. You have found your way into his heart a long time ago when you were but children. He couldn't be selfish and hold you back because of his desires because he also knew you needed to marry soon.

"You might do well to find yourself a suitor." He said in between kisses, you were straddling his lap on the sofa of his quarters, grinding on his bulge slightly, his breath stuttering as he held onto your waist.

You pulled away, with furrowed brows, swollen lips, and lustful eyes. The sight was almost too much for Aemond to bear. "What?"

"You heard me." Shadows danced across his face and you believed Aemond bathed by the candlelight was undoubtedly one of the finest views you have ever seen.

You hummed, a habit you picked up because of him, and then smirked. "Are you trying to get rid of me?" Your lips encountered his neck, leaving a trail of hot and wet kisses.

Aemond squirmed underneath you, holding your arms as he gently pushed you away. "I am not jesting," His expression was stern. "We cannot keep this going for longer, we must tend to our duties."

Your secret affair with Aemond started when you were both six and ten, nurturing an honest friendship long before that. The mutual pining reached its peak during a calm evening at the library. Over the years, you both found immense comfort in each other's arms. There have been a few whispers here and there, but that was the end of it. No clear evidence.

He paused. "My grandsire and mother were discussing convenient marriage pacts for me this afternoon. I will not remain unmarried for long, nor should you." His tone was not harsh, just plain.

"Let me help you, I want to be sure you will be safe. You must understand, my darling, this comes from a place of genuine concern. I promise to find you a worthy match, I want you to be settled." His warm fingertips softly brushed over your uncovered arms, making goosebumps arise on your skin.

You huffed defeated, you were aware that your time as someone unwed was running low, and you didn't need Aemond to remind you of that. However, when your eyes fixed on his you couldn't even find it in yourself to be cross with him, for you found nothing but tenderness in his violet iris, eye carefully studying your reaction.

"I know, Aemond. But I won't find myself a suitor the next morning. But fear not, I am not in secret hopes of marrying you." Your hands wrapped around his neck.

You nodded earnestly. Aemond watched you carefully for a few seconds before he locked his lips with yours once again, slow and tender. All of your thoughts and worries completely disappeared the moment he picked you up and threw you into his soft mattress, his lean body hovering over yours.

Aemond remained true to his words and pondered the options for you. He didn't want you to move away from King's Landing, for you were, most importantly, his friend and he would rather have you close to him. The prince didn't want you to be married to a disrespectful or much older man either. Soon he concluded that he should set you up with someone who was somewhat familiar to him, so he could be certain you would be treated well and watch over you from time to time.

Aemond was not one to often engage with lords, but he didn't completely despise Hadwyn Manning. The young lord had recently become head of his house and retained a large control over Blackwater Bay. He was rich enough, near enough, decent enough. The prince approached your father subtly, planting the idea inside the older man's head. It didn't take long until words of your courtship spread around the Red Keep.

Hadwyn was a 24-year-old man, with light brown locks, green eyes, and tanned skin. The lord has already been married and fathered a child with his late wife who unfortunately passed with a sudden fever. Due to already having an heir, Hadwyn wasn't keen to rush marital matters, and he made it quite clear. He would rather take his time knowing you to be certain and so he did.

Countless letters were exchanged, thoughtful gifts received, and many promenades transpired. Hadwyn had even taken you to a ride on one of his boats and prepared you the sweetest picnic while at it.

It was clear he was charmed by you. It's there in the way his eyes glistened when looking at you, and the grin that never left his mouth, the fact he would give you his undivided attention at all times, listening and watching you assiduously, and in the gentle touches. He was a gracious man, respectful and flirtatious at the same time. And you like him. Yet… there's still a longing lodged in your heart, a small part of you feeling empty and cold no matter what you do or think.

It had been part of your accord to end your rendezvous once either of you became betrothed, returning to being friends only to not complicate the situation. It seemed easy back then, but in truth, it wasn't. You craved for his touch just as a drunken craved for liquor, so much it was best to keep your distance. It seemed as if without Aemond, the world was less exciting and less colorful.

Visiting the Red Keep again, as per usual now, Hadwyn strolled with you around the garden. You held the puppy close to your chest, giggling and rubbing the animal's small belly as he writhes around, trying to bite anything it could grasp. You've mentioned on different occasions how you would like to have a pet, but that you weren't allowed to, and Lord Manning had now presented you with one. You were as surprised as overjoyed.

Aemond watched from afar, sitting on a bench. In a rare occurrence, he found himself free from tasks during the early afternoon and decided to accompany his sister and nephews to the gardens. A handmaid walked around with Maelor, who seemed entertained with the bushes, Jaehaerys and Jaehaera played with wooden toys on the grass, and Helaena stood not far, studying a dragonfly she caught. For anyone, Aemond seemed as stoic as ever, but there was turmoil inside him.

Hadwyn was doubtless enchanted by you and treated you kindly, and you seemed to like his company as well if your flushed cheeks and chuckles were any indicative, and as your friend, he should be content. This was his doing in a sort of way, so his discomfort was unwelcome and confusing. His building rage and jealousy were unwelcome and confusing. His fists tightened by his side, trying to control himself. Do not be selfish, Aemond.

After the dragonfly flew away from her hand, Helaena sat beside her brother, sighing as she breathed in the fresh air. Her gaze fell on you as well after a specific loud laugh, and she smiled softly at the couple playing with the puppy. When you put the dog on the floor and started following it sprinting around while chatting with your suitor, your hand brushed his, and after a shy glance, Hadwyn intertwined them together. A chaperone trailed behind you, not close but not far either, giving you the required privacy.

"They are sweet." Her voice was like cotton.

"Yes." It's all the one-eyed said, tone devoid of any emotion.

"Lord Manning seems like a very devoted man, I am happy for her. Not many women have the same luck. She deserves it."

Aemond nodded, swallowing down the lump in his throat. "Most certainly."

Your wedding gown was exquisite, fitting you like a glove, your hair and skin glowing. Your cheeks had been pinched and lips scrubbed with sugar and honey, and the smell of your fragrance lingered around the room. You have asked for a minute alone, preparing for your entrance. The ceremony was not the most luxurious, but it was lovely. You had personally dealt with the decorations, the musicians, and with the kitchen workers, making choices according to your liking.

When the door burst open you expected to see your father ready to escort you, and your eyes widened upon seeing Aemond. "What are you doing here?"

He made fast and long strides towards you, eye devouring the bittersweet sight of you. His hand then moved to your waist, bringing you closer to his body. "You look ravishing, my love."

Gods, you almost melted, breath caught in your throat and heart pounding as you felt his touch again and heard him praise you in such a velvety voice. A part of you wished to close your eyes and relish in the moment, forgetting all about what expected you on the other side of the door, but you found enough strong will to push his arms away from you. "Don't."

Aemond crossed his arms behind his back, noticing how your breath got heavier and smirking, knowing you're still so responsive to his touch satisfied him.

"You are right. My apologies, my lady." He didn't sound sorry in the slightest.

You fought back a smile at his behavior. "What is it, my Prince? What are your reasons for barging in here?"

"I wish to give you a wedding gift, before the ceremony."

You raised your eyebrows curiously, prompting him to continue.

He grinned a little before reaching his pocket, it was small enough to fit the palm of his hand, one he'd closed. You stepped closer, intrigued, and when he opened his palm, you gasped. Your eyes found his face, no doubt reminiscing the gem beneath his eyepatch, one you had grown used to and attached to.

Grabbing the ring from his palm, you studied it in awe. It had to be the most delicate jewelry you had ever seen, and it shined so bright, from the oval sapphire as the center stone to the scalloped diamonds accenting both sides, covering almost all of the ring with its shine.

"Every time you look at it, I want you to remember me, and our pleasurable time together," Aemond said and your cheeks warmed up. "Can you do it for me?" His hand touched your face daintily. "My star in the mist, will you not forget about us?"

"Never." You whispered but there was no falter in your voice, it was the truth. Aemond chuckled softly, nodding briefly.

Perhaps Aemond could still be a little selfish and give in to his jealousy, perhaps he needed to. He needed to see if he still had some power over you since you had been so busy lately with your future husband and the wedding planning, perhaps he needed you to wear a piece of him. It was obviously more than a wedding gift, it was an odd sort of claim. But a secret claim, such as your secret affair.

"Let me," He grabbed the ring and your hand, and you licked your lips nervously. Slowly, he placed the jewelry on your finger. You knew there was a deeper meaning behind the item, which was slightly amusing, nonetheless, it felt right on your finger, as if it was always there, to begin with. "It suits you."

"It does." Your eyes locks with his and for a minute you get lost, letting your mind wander. Aemond recognizes the look on your face because it's the same as his. And for that minute, you both wore your heart on your sleeves. For a minute, you prayed for time to stop. Your heart ached, and so profoundly. There's no need for words. You both understand each other's thoughts and feelings as if attached to a strange magic bond. It's yearning, it's acceptance, and most of all, sorrow.

Aemond pulled you by the back of your neck and rested his forehead against yours, breathing your scent. Your eyes shut, humming and brushing your noses. It's so comforting to be with him, feel him, breathe him. The prince leaned in and you opened your eyes, there's a silent question behind his eye, but before you could answer it, you heard heavy footsteps outside. He pulled back, recomposing himself. Your father looked shocked to see Aemond but he was soon soothed with the blonde's silver tongue and his excellent excuse. He leaves you without another word, only a nod.

The ceremony went smoothly, and you tried your best to focus on the feast happening around you. You entertained the guests and danced and pampered your new husband, but not as much as he pampered you. Any person would deem the ceremony as fun and would claim that you two were completely in love. Truth be told, you weren't in love with Hadwyn, but as you giggled the night away, you strongly believed it wouldn't be a hard task to be. You hoped it wouldn't.

It was a relief to know Hadwyn wasn't pretending to be someone he's not until you become his, for the lord remained as sweet and caring as ever through the moons following your wedding. You lived together harmoniously, and his son, barely three, quickly grew attached to you. It was a calm and quiet life most would be satisfied with.

It didn't stop you from thinking about Aemond, however. To reminisce about his touches and kisses as you pleasured yourself, and it became worse after you first visited the Red Keep after your wedding. Until then, you had exchanged innocent letters, the kind all childhood friends shared after moving away, but being close again stirred something you could no longer hold back.

You also have come to terms with the fact you would never feel for him as much as you feel for Aemond. They were entirely distinct. While Hadwyn was a faint flame of a bonfire in the morning, low but constant and warm, Aemond was dragon-fire itself, boiling, wild, dangerous, and consuming. And that's alright. Maybe different loves are meant to feel differently.

It was there when Aemond's gaze moved from your husband to land on your hand, the one the sapphire ring laid, you had not taken it off, his violet eye darkened considerably, and a smile that could only be described as smug crept into his face.

For the rest of your stay it had been torture, the way he'd pressed his body against your back when you were practicing the bow and arrow for good fun, or the way his hand brushed yours as he passed you the milk during breakfast, when you were laughing together in the library and he accidentally laid his hand on your covered thigh, or how his chair was too close during supper, his delicious scent invading your nostrils and making your stomach tingle with a forbidden desire.

You believed it was simply a coincidence until you were back home and his letters shifted from friendly to immoral, and you had to burn it the second you finished reading them. In the first one, he explicitly wrote how your dress accentuated your body and how he wished to rip it off and absolutely devour you. The harsh and filthy words make you dumbfounded and horny, cheeks burning and an uncomfortable and sticky pool between your legs. You didn't know what had gotten into him, or even you for entertaining his sick behavior, as you replied to each of them in the same way. It was shameful and wrong, but as everything involving Aemond, it was also thrilling. And in all honesty, you could never deny him.

And then you reached your breaking point. You sneaked out of your shared bed in the middle of the night, your husband soundly asleep, and made your way to a reclusive inn. You paced around the room, fidgeting with the sleeve of your cloak as you waited for Aemond. Sending him only a small note with an address, you had no clue he'd come. Certainly, now that the war broke out, he had more urgent matters to attend to, so were you being selfish for wanting and almost demanding him? Absolutely, but so was he when he didn't let you go once you got married, so was he enticing you with filthy letters and making you sin even more for him.

The crack of the door makes your blood rush in your veins, breath stuck in your throat as you turn around. There he stands, in all his haughtiness, even when he's almost all covered by his cloak. He pulls the hood down, smirking at you. There's only silence as you watch him slowly take off the cloak and throw it on a chair. You lick your lips as you take in his leather clothing, then he proceeds to remove his worn and brown eyepatch, the one he would only use to run around King's Landing undetected. Your eyes trail his body hungrily, the glistening gemstone only making the knot in your stomach tighten. It's truly almost painful the sight of him, having him so close, and completely alone. You can ghostly feel his touch and smell already, and your heart hammers against your ribcage. You approach him under his amused gaze.

"I know you are up to no good to bring me to such a place at the hour of the owl." Aemond says as you halt in front of him.

"You are correct." You glance at his curved lips for a second before locking your eyes with his violet one again.

"Where's your dear husband I wonder?" He asks mockingly.

"Sleeping." You tilt your head, smiling slightly.

"Unaware you seek the company of another?"

"Not just another..."

"What else?" He questions curiously.

"The most charming and fierce prince of the realm. Hardly an offense."

Aemond rolls his eye, lips twitching upwards. "Quit your flattery."

"Do not pretend you don't love it."

"Have you enjoyed my letters?"

"Greatly, the same amount I despised it as well." Aemond scoffs. "What happened to our terms?"

"Impracticable."

"Were they?" You raise your eyebrow.

"Yes. How am I supposed to not fuck you anymore when I already got the taste of the most delicious cunt there is?"

You smirk, his crude words making your core clench around nothing. "Flattering me as well?"

"Simply being honest." He twirls a piece of your hair around his finger, placing his hand on your jaw after. "Does he fucks you good?"

You pause, remembering your intimacy with Hadwyn. It is not awful, just plain. It happens what you expect, and nothing else. You didn't feel comfortable telling him more of your preferences, afraid he would think low of you if you did so. Although recently you had managed to bring his hand to your bud and rode him once, it seemed he preferred to keep it as usual. With Aemond you never had to ask, it was always instinctively, you guessed he probably read many books about intercourse before laying with you because you knew he didn't have many experiences either. One, to be precise, and you doubt it actually counts, he was just a child after all. His question triggers a pang of guilt to wash over you, though. Your husband has been nothing but kind, and how do you repay him?

"I must be a terrible person." You mutter.

"You are not," You look at him incredulously. "A terrible wife, mayhaps, but not a terrible person."

You can't help the snicker falling off your lips as you hit his chest playfully. "Stop making me feel more guilty than I already do!"

Aemond hums, raising a brow. "Not guilty enough to stop you from answering my letters or coming here late at night." You avert your eyes.

"It 's alright. Did we once follow the traditions? Do you believe the Seven thought of us as fewer sinners when we engaged in sexual activities before marriage because we were unwed?" He grabs your chin. "Do not be ashamed. You are mine and cannot resist me. You and I are meant to be, we are more than a mere convenient marriage. Ain't I too supposed to be faithful to my future bride?"

"Is your betrothed very lovely?"

"You will be relieved to know you have ruined me. No other woman compares to you. Ever." Your heart flutters with his words. "Floris Baratheon seemed the least irritating of the sisters, that is all."

"Have you enjoyed my letters?"

"I keep them all." He answers, leaning his face closer to yours. Your knees almost fail you as you inhale his scent of leather, sandalwood, and bergamot. "Have you missed me as I missed you, my beautiful girl?"

"Possibly even more." You confess.

"Tell me why you invited me here, I need to hear it from your pretty mouth." His thumb trails over your lower lip.

"I was expecting you to keep to your word." You tease.

He chuckles. "That would take days."

"Certainly you can arrange some time for an old friend…"

His good eye seems to glimmer as much as the sapphire replacing the other. "Will this be an occurrence?"

You fidget with the button of his tunic. "It seems we cannot keep apart from each other, so I would guess so." You look into his eye.

"Mhm." His arm sneaks around your waist, bringing you even closer to his body, and you place your hands on his shoulders. "You haven't said it yet." He tilts his head.

You breathe in and gulps. "I brought you here because I want you to fuck me."

Aemond smiles, actually smile. Most certainly smugly, but he displayed all of his teeth in his adorable grin, and you love to see it, a smile appears on your face as well, almost unconsciously just by seeing his.

"As my lady wishes."

It's blazing when your lips meet, not loving or gentle, but rather fervent and harsh. You moan into his mouth when his tongue touches yours, and all guilt leaves you at once. At that moment everything that wasn't Aemond ceased to exist. As it always happened when you were with him, you only cared for his touch.

The time apart makes it even better, the leather beneath your fingers comforting. His other hand goes to the back of your head, and you continue to kiss him eagerly, your body trembling even with so little stimulation. You bite his lips as you part slightly for air, and then your mouths are locked again. The kiss slows down a bit, becoming more appreciative as both of you delight in the exchange and each other's taste, but it remains just as lustful.

Aemond swiftly takes your cloak off and you struggle off your shoes, the prince does the same. You help Aemond out of his tunic after you are done and his undershirt goes flying across the room in one go. You touch his toned abdomen before your lips find his chest and neck, the low groan coming from Aemond stirring you up, your mouth trails down as you kiss all of his stomach, kneeling down in front of him. Aemond looks at you in anticipation as you undo his belt and pulls his trousers down, the leather a little too tight.

Once his veiny and semi-hard cock springs free, your mouth starts watering. You don't take your eyes off it as you stroke him, making Aemond gasp loudly. Your eyes darken, even the smell of his manhood tantalizing you. He's definitely above average, straight, long, and thick enough to give the best stretch without making you uncomfortable, with large veins running through the base and a pinkish tip. You can't help yourself as you insert his head in your mouth with a loud pop, he tastes so divine. You smirk at him as he let out a strained moan, your tongue then sliding across his slit. Aemond's hand grips your hair with a decompensated breath.

You start kissing and licking around his shaft attentively, tongue flat while savoring it and purposely teasing him more before you stroke his cock a few more times and proceeds to put half of his length in your mouth, Aemond trembles upon feeling your hot and soft lips around him, a growl escaping his mouth.

"Oh, fuck, yes. You look so beautiful, my dear."

Your cheeks hollows, head bobbing back and forth as you suck him into your mouth, humming against his member, the sensation of pleasuring him way too good, and tears start to prickle your eyes. You fist his cock and lap on him relentlessly, even when you pull him out, your lips keep locked on him, tongue running around his shaft before you swallow him again, the fullness of your mouth making you grow even wetter. You look up at him as you gag on his cock, mouth squeezing his manhood, and his head is thrown back, brows furrowed and pink lips parted, his good eye is half-closed while the sapphire sparkles bright, the most wonderful sight one could lay eyes on. His grunts become more prominent as he lets you lead, and you can feel your cunt throbbing achingly now. You give him all the devotion you can master through it, your other hand gently massaging his balls and receiving the most delightful sounds in return.

You smirk at him, taking him out of your mouth sloppily once again to catch your breath, his cock coated with your saliva. You slap it on your face before sucking it again as if your life depends on it. He was so addicting.

"By the Gods," He mutters with a grunt.

It's when you quicken your pace that it feels as if something quite feral snaps inside Aemond. He starts to grow impatient and jerks his hips against your face, his closed fist on your hair more harsh and demanding, his pace becomes so brutish now that you stop stroking him, both your hands laying on his bare thigh for support, your nails digging deeply into his skin as you moan, no doubt bruising it later. It is impossible to fit all of his length in your mouth, but Aemond is certainly determined to do so, a flow of hot tears fall down your eyes as he fucks your mouth, your throat burning with the invasion. It's dirty, uncomfortable, and absolutely ecstatic. Aemond does not care for you or your whines or your gagging one bit now, he only cares for his enjoyment and release and you are more than happy to assist him with it. Lewdy sounds echo in the room as his tip hits the back of your throat mercilessly. You push his thigh as you pull back for air, your appearance disheveled.

"Come on my face, please." You say out of breath, a split of saliva hanging between his cock and your mouth as you stroke his length rapidly and suck his head again.

The sight below him accompanied by your words are enough to send Aemond over the edge, and with a high-pitched moan, his hot load hits your face, painting a few parts of it white. You stick your tongue out and shut your eyes as your hand continues to jerk him, swallowing his spend that falls on your tongue and gathering the amount that landed on your face.

"So good," You praise him, licking your fingers clean. "So fucking good." You give his head another lick, making him whine due to sensitivity.

You giggle and get up, Aemond immediately tasting himself on your lips in a messy and lecherous kiss. Lowering himself to your feet the prince grabs the ends of your dress and removes it anxiously. Your choice of dress was a very simple and easy to take off one, and you didn't bother to wear a shift underneath tonight either, aware of the sinful practices you planned to indulge in, leaving you completely bare now. Aemond stares at your nakedness with a pleasant hum and blown eye.

"Go to bed and spread your legs for me." He commands as he discards your dress somewhere.

When your back hits the bed, you immediately open your legs to him, hand provocatively touching your breasts, there's no shyness, only a burning desire to be seen by him. You bite your lips as you notice how his violet eye has turned almost all black now. He fists his cock a couple of times at the sight of you, one he wishes to never forget.

He makes his way toward the bed, kneeling in front of you. Bringing your body forward, he leaves a trail of kisses on your inner thighs, which makes you shudder. "I have missed this sweet cunt so much…"

His middle finger parts your folds, gathering your juices next to your hole and then coming back up to circle your sensitive bud. You moan with the touch, brows furrowed and lifting your hips slightly, and you can hear Aemond chuckling. "So wet for me it's pitiful, truly." He continues to touch you teasingly, fingers pressed tightly to your heat as he drags it around. You can only hum in response, already lost in your pleasure, you feel completely on fire.

"Do you know why?" He moves his hand away, pressing his lips to your bud in a light kiss and making you whimper with the action. "Because it knows it belongs to me, it's as clear as day." He spits on your cunt crudely before immediately lapping on it, your back arching involuntarily as your moans get louder.

His warm tongue twirls between your folds slowly, making you whimper and bite your lips harshly, it's been so long since you have been eaten out that it feels like a dream, your face immediately twists in pleasure as shivers run down your spine with the missed sensation of his lips on your sex. Aemond sucks your bundle of nerves, making you gasp, your hands going to his silky hair as you press his face even further in your cunt. Aemond's tongue slides all over your womanhood as he sucks and licks you as if it was the air that he breathes. He closes his eye for a second, groaning lowly against your cunt due to his own enjoyment.

"Mhm," He grunts. "So fucking tasty."

His tongue teases your hole before coming back up to suck harshly on your sensitive bud unabated, you watch him with hooded eyes, his name on your lips like a prayer.

"Yes, the best thing I have ever tasted," He continues lapping on you, one of his hands holding your cunt open to give him better access. "You're doing so good, my beauty."

He spits on you one more time, mouth devouring you. He easily inserts two fingers into your soaked cunt, and you cannot control the sounds that leave your lips anymore. He curls his fingers inside you as his tongue whirls on your clit, his pumping quickening as you jerk your hips against his face and hand. It's so exceptional, his long fingers reaching a spongy spot you cannot on your own. In an urge to grab something, one of your hands squeezes your breasts as you whimper uncontrollably. You open your eyes again to see he's already looking directly at you as his tongue moves side to side on your cunt. You bite your lips so hard it draws blood.

Getting up on your elbows, you watch as he gives you long licks up and down, then twirls it around your bud again and sucks it into his mouth, his fingers inside you not faltering, you relish in the stimulation on both your core and bud, making your eyes roll back as not one coherent thought crosses your mind. You feel goosebumps all over your skin and pathetic gibberish leaves your mouth. Aemond continues to work you on, his tongue and fingers getting faster and making your moans break. You can feel your release building up on your lower belly as you shut your eyes, cunt clenching tightly around his fingers, and you are so ready for it, to let it go and cry in pleasure, you are close, so close… and he stops, pulling away.

You look at him with a mixture of confusion, anger, and frustration. He chuckles at you, licking the fingers that were inside you seconds ago.

"I need you to sit on my face, pet."

Your stomach tingles upon hearing his words and you can only nod, moving aside so he could lay on the bed. When Aemond is settled, you straddle his face, holding onto the cool headboard and being careful as to not put all of your weight on him, you lower your cunt to his mouth, immediately gasping when you do so. Aemond holds on to your upper thighs tightly, keeping you in place and moaning into your heat as he starts licking you fervently once again.

You can't help yourself as you grind and roll your hips on his mouth, hands pinching your nipples as your pace quickens. Aemond doesn't leave an inch of your cunt out of his affections, sucking hard as he groans against you in delight. When his tongue enters your hole you are moaning so loud you are certain the whole inn could hear you, but that was far from being a concern to you. You need to hold on to the headboard again, knuckles whitening with the force you put on it. His name is on your lips as a mantra now while you bounce on him, your stomach churning. Then, his tongue is all around you again, relaxed and hot as he works his magic with purpose.

You keep your eyes locked on Aemond the whole time, the sight of him under you and satisfying your desires only adding more intensity to your pleasure. He looks so pretty and alluring like this, his adorable lips so keen to make you happy, eating you out so well and good, you bite your lips again while smiling down at him. You grind more relentlessly now, not even trying to be careful, the feel of his mouth paired with the faint brush of his chin and the tip of his nose on your cunt is the best thing you have ever experienced.

Your peak comes down abruptly and feels like a million stars exploding at once, a long scream on your lips. Your head falls back, black dots covering your vision as your legs tremble. You cry as Aemond continues to lap on your sensitive cunt, kissing it multiple times after.

Admirably your legs didn't fail you and you manage to get off his face, body falling limp on the bed. The ceiling above you is spinning as your heart palpitates in your ears. It takes a minute for your breath to stabilize, and when you look at Aemond he is grinning like a maniac, chin glistening with your juices, and you both laugh at each other out of bliss.

Aemond moves to hover over you, his mouth finding yours in a long and deep kiss, your legs wrap around his waist as one of his hands squeezes your breasts before cradling your face. Your lips move harmoniously together, tongues caressing one another.

It's so soothing, you feel so at peace and so light, just as the sound of the wind passing through the trees. There is no rush, only long kisses and pecks, hooded eyes, and silly little smiles. It's not sexual, and it's not innocent, it's just two people taking their time with each other. You lost track of time in your consuming passion, too occupied in the sheer joy of the prince's soft lips and naked body pressed against yours.

Slowly but as expected, the kisses start to grow needier, your breathing becoming erratic and your womanhood pulsating. You grind against Aemond's stiffness and he sighs deeply, his mouth moving to your neck as he sucks and bites your sweet spot and makes you shiver, then trailing down to your breasts as he puts one in his mouth, twirling his tongue around your nipple. He pulls back a little, holding his hard cock and running it in between your folds before he calmly and gently slides into you.

Your eyes close with the feeling, the stretch his girth gives is simply extraordinary and so fulfilling. You start whimpering as he settles in the middle of your legs, nothing and no one else could make you feel this way, to reach that specific spot, and your cunt is clenching tightly around him.

"Fuck, sweet thing," He breathes out. "You feel even tighter. Is your husband fucking you at all?"

He starts to thrust on you slowly, and your eyes roll back again, gasping loudly as you relish the feel of his cock inside you, so marvelous. Aemond lets his face fall in the crook of your neck, to feel your soft walls around him an absolute blessing in his opinion, his moans are so low if you were a little bit louder yourself you wouldn't be able to hear him.

"So good…" You moan, you have missed this way too much.

"Mhm, yes, very good." He holds onto your hips tightly and your legs parts even further.

He starts to go even deeper, his hip finding a steady pace that makes you feel as if you are flying. His grunts become loud, and his hand leans your leg up to your chest as he starts to pound on you more fastly now. "Fucking perfection. You are so perfect."

You hold your leg up to help him, already a moaning mess. The cracky bed hits the wall repeatedly and you are sweating a lot, your hair sticking to your forehead. It is such a great sensation you are torn between seeking your peak and wanting it to last forever, to feel him inside you forever. It seems Aemond feels the same, because now and then when the prince believes you or himself to be close, he'd stay still inside you, completely out of breath, and hold a few seconds before starting again, a few strands of his silver locks falling into your face as he does so.

His lips wrap around yours messily, tongues locked as he keeps thrusting and grunting. His familiar scent, a cologne custom-made because he is just that snob, mixed with his sweat turns you on even more.

He parts from you for a minute, kneeling on the bed and then turning you around with impressive force and grace, your back instantly arching for him while the side of your face is pressed to the mattress. You can hear him chuckle before he slaps your ass hard, and you whine.

"You little whore," He presses the tip of his cock to your entrance and you wiggle. "My perfect little whore."

He thrust into your cunt, the new position making you euphoric, and you started to meet him at his pace, your whimpers almost pitiful. Aemond's hand grips your ass, his shoving only quickening by the second, he laughs a bit seeing your eagerness, and then he halts, letting you do the work for a while. He stares at his cock disappearing inside your cunt with a wicked glint in his eye and he needs all of his self-control to not go feral.

"Yes, yes, yes," He encourages. "You're so good at this, gorgeous. Keep on taking my cock like the cheating whore you are, oh yes."

His words make you groan, cunt tightening around him as your movements grow faster and harder, so much his cock slips out of your cunt once, but you are quick to insert it into your dripping hole again, the wet sounds of skin slapping skin nothing but obscene. Aemond watches with a smirk the way your womanhood is milking him, hands caressing and squeezing your butt as you bounce on his length.

Soon he takes control again, starting to thrust on you aggressively and steadily. You scream, the rattle of the bed growing even more strident now, and you become a babbling mess, biting into your hand to try to prevent your loud moans from being heard, a tear falling from the corner of one of your eyes. Aemond laughs amusedly.

"Oh my, you love this, don't you?"

"Y-y-yes," You stutter, brows furrowed and fists tight on the linen sheet.

"Fuck, you are heavenly," Aemond says. "And all mine."

"Uh-huh," You agree. "All yours, only yours."

He slaps the cheek of your ass again. "My princess," His pace becomes faster. "My fucking queen." He leans down, lips kissing your cheek.

In a blink of an eye, you are on your back again, Aemond's managing your body too easily. You bring both your legs up as he inserts his manhood into you, his hand wrapping around your neck as he thrust into you ruthlessly.

You can only moan, holding onto anything you can grasp, it's almost too much and you feel completely wobbly, it feels as if he was made in the most perfect size to send you to the seven heavens and back. His cock hits your cervix unrelenting, his fist tightening around your neck until you can barely breathe, the lack of air only increasing your pleasure, and then…

The knot inside you snaps in a shattering wave, your whole body shaking. It's as if you have left your body entirely and were floating around, your vision whitening and audition failing you. When you come back to your senses, Aemond is grunting lowly and thrusting into you, your cunt wrapping around his cock amazingly, with a husky and strained moan, his face twists in pleasure, eye shut and mouth agape as he spills his seed deep inside you, filling you up and you moan just by watching him. His thrusts get sloppier and weaker as he rides off his peak until his body falls on top of yours, with hitched breath and trembling slightly. You smile, one hand caressing his hair and the other his back, his skin feels almost burning under your touch.

You feel suddenly exhausted, and all you wish to do is close your eyes and succumb to slumber, but you know you cannot. It was already late when you left Hadwyn, and you do not know how much time has passed since the moment Aemond stepped inside the room. Most definitely it was already the hour of the bat, and as a heavy sleeper, you couldn't risk not waking up before dawn, your husband was a very early bird after all. Aemond looks up at you as if guessing the line of your thoughts: the prince was accustomed to you getting sleepy after your passionate activities.

"You may sleep, my beloved," His knuckle brushes against your cheek. "I shall remain awake and wake you up before the sun is up."

You smile softly at him in silent agreement and he gets off you, wrapping your bodies with the thin blanket. You rest your face on Aemond's chest and the prince hugs you closer, caressing your back and your thigh. He sighs contently.

As you quickly fall asleep, Aemond stares at you, the crickets outside the small window and the cackling of the fire are the only noises reaching his ears. He smiles upon your sleeping form, realizing no matter marriage or time, this is where you will always belong: with him, in bed, in his arms, where your heart truly lies.

#aemond targaryen #aemond targaryen x reader #aemond x reader #aemond fanfic #aemond imagines #aemond smut #hotd x reader #hotd imagines #aemond targaryen imagines

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brewsterispunkk · 6 months

Text

marriage of convenience: part 5

pairing: pero tovar x f!reader

WC: 10.1k (longest part yet!)

summary: reader’s relationship w/tovar develops. she and lisbeth dare an adventure.

a/n: thank you to everyone who has stuck with this. it has been months (!!) since I updated this story so if you’re still here—thank you. i hope u enjoy this extra long update :)

series masterlist

PART FIVE

“My love,” your mother called as you made your way to the door, rushing. Tovar was already annoyed at how late you were running, waiting outside, and you didn’t want to keep him waiting for long. He was already unpleasant enough.

“Yes?” You threw over your shoulder, already halfway out the door.

“Will you see Lisbeth today?”

“I expect so.”

“Give these to her for me,” she handed you a bundle wrapped in linen–herbs, of course. Your mother was practically an apothecary at this point. “They’re for her mother’s headaches. And when you stop by Olga’s today, see if she has any of the lemon-honey concoction she uses during the cold months.”

You puzzled. It was late May–your family would not be in need of such a thing until mid-autumn at the latest.

“Why? Will she even have some? It is early summer.”

“I expect she will,” Your mother walks in from the kitchen. “She always has some reserves for the occasional late spring cold. It is for your father. His breathing has gotten worse.”

Your stomach turns to stone, but you force yourself to nod as you take your basket and leave through the rickety front door.

Of course. Of course it was for your father. You silently said a prayer to whatever god was listening for his recovery, like you always did whenever he took a turn for the worse.

He had always had issues with his health, ever since he came back from the war when you were twelve.

It began with a leg injury that never really recovered–he’d taken an arrow to the shoulder and fallen off his horse, breaking his leg in the process. If your mother had been there, he would have healed almost completely and even been able to walk again, but the encampment he had been in had no one with healing knowledge. The wound had festered, according to your mother, and your father was lucky to be alive. He hadn’t walked fully since.

The injury had caused your father to have to sell his blacksmith’s shop in town–the one Tovar apprenticed at now.

His health had been slowly declining ever since. Last winter, he suffered a chill and a bout of a coughing illness that took his ability to breath unencumbered, the winter before that, he’d suffered fainting spells and lost feeling in his injured leg. Until recently, he’d been able to hobble down the stairs with the help of your mother, but in the past weeks, he has been too weak to even make it downstairs for supper. You feared the worst, as you always did.

Graciela and James, your two siblings with enough sense to know something was wrong, were more hopeful than you.

“He will recover soon. He always does.”

Grace had told you the night before, over mending by the fire. Your mother was so weary these days that the two of you had to do much of the household chores. “Womens’ work,’ Petyr called it. You dreaded it and found it odious, but it was your duty. You would not let it fall to your mother, who had enough on her plate keeping the family afloat.

You wished you could believe your sister, but you were always the more cynical one.

You’d spent the better part of your life waiting for the next hammer to fall; waiting for the day when your father didn’t recover and the family was left in the care of the next male relative in line. Petyr. The very thought made your blood turn cold.

If Petyr treated you the way he did now, when your father was alive and coherent, you had no desire to discover what horrors would await you when your father departed from this world.

There had been a time when you dreamed of marriage; yearned for it, even. There had been years when you and Lisbeth, on May Day, had gathered ten different kinds of wildflowers and put them under your pillow to dream of your true love, a practice your mother swore led her parents to find each other.

But as you grew older, more well-versed in the ways of the world, it dawned on you that real life was rarely like the tales that bards sang of. At least, for people like you. You also knew that if you ever dreamed of escaping your village, of seeing all the world had to offer, marriage would end all aspirations of that.

You squared your shoulders as you stepped out into the fresh morning air in front of your family’s small home, urging all thoughts of your father’s illness to the back of your head.

“Took you long enough,” Tovar grunted from where he leaned on the small wooden fence meant to keep the family goat in. “We will be late. The blacksmith will not like it.”

You rolled your eyes, opening the gate and walking past him onto the small road that led through the forest and into town.

“Then remind him who it is you live with. He will have no qualms.”

It was one of the things you hated most about him; his tendency to take everything so seriously.

“Just because your father trained him does not mean he will extend me grace,” Tovar grumbled from behind you. You could hear the buckles bump against the metal of his armor.

That was something that puzzled you; you didn’t know why he still wore it—he wasn’t at war, and nothing so exciting as a sword fight ever happened in your village.

“And why not?” You asked, entering the treeline. The trees cast shadows on the dirt road in the early morning light. “He would do so with William or any one of my brothers if they expressed interest in the family trade.”

Tovar huffed in annoyance from behind you and your lips curled into a smirk. It had become one of your pastimes in the weeks that he’d been escorting you to and from the market. You liked to see how annoyed he could get.

“I am not like your brothers,” he said. “Or William for that matter.”

You chuckled—that much was obvious. Your brothers and your cousin were much more open, more kind than Tovar, who barely expressed any emotion besides annoyance and occasional anger.

“That I know,” you threw back at him. “No one would ever accuse you of being as sunny as them.”

“That is not what I meant.”

You puzzled and turned behind you, realizing what he was implying.

“You think it is because you are foreign?” You asked in disbelief. “From another kingdom?”

Tovar kept walking, face impassive, not betraying any emotion but annoyance.

“It is the same in this part of the world as it is in others,” he says like it’s nothing. “They need but look at me for a moment to tell that I am unlike them.”

You rolled your eyes. So dramatic.

“This village is used to foreigners,” you said matter-of-factly. “We see strange people from strange places every day. People trade everything from silk from the far east to salt from the continent to the south. You aren’t so special.”

Tovar just leveled you with a dry look, and you took it as a sign to keep talking.

“Your scowl and that armor don’t help,” you added with a smirk, swinging your basket back and forth beside you as you walked.

“What is wrong with my armor?” Tovar sounded puzzled. You stifled a laugh.

“Really?” You turned your head to stare at him, but found his brows furrowed in genuine confusion. You sighed. “You walk into the village everyday in full armor. Like you expect someone to put a dagger in your side at any moment. You do not smile, do not try to speak with anyone unless it is for trade. You should not be surprised people are wary of you.”

“I wear my armor everywhere except when I sleep. It is—”

“A habit, I’m sure,” you finished for him. “But still, this is a peaceful village. The most violence we see is from a brawl at the tavern or a rowdy group of traders on leave. Wearing full battle armor sends the message that you don’t trust us. And that makes people nervous.”

It was true—there hadn’t been even a skirmish on your lands in years. Not since the war, when the old Lord died and power passed to his son. Since then, your land had known peace.

Tovar huffed what you almost thought was a laugh, but when you looked back at him, his mouth was downturned and his eyes were narrow.

“I don’t trust you.”

At that, you laughed, a deep thing from deep in your stomach. If someone told you Tovar slept with a knife beneath his head, you’d believe them. You weren’t even sure he trusted William.

“That I believe,” you shook your head and continued down the dirt road to town, leaving a grumbling Tovar trudging behind you.

—-

In the recent weeks, you and Tovar had begun to form a kind of begrudging companionship.

You still didn’t like him–not in the least. He was uncouth and rude. He never exchanged pleasantries with anyone at the market and you were sure you’d never seen him smile. Not even once. And the two of you often bickered. So much so that your mother had taken to seating you on opposite sides of the table at dinner to avoid as much conflict as possible.

Hence, the begrudging part. The companionship merely meant that you had begun to be able to tolerate his presence. Barely.

Your brother hadn’t reared his ugly head in the recent weeks either, being either too drunk or preoccupied with other things to notice you. That was a blessing in and of itself. You still hadn’t really gotten over the embarrassment that had come over you at Tovar seeing your bruises. You knew it was what caused him to volunteer to escort you to town daily and still, you hadn’t addressed it with him.

Still, as May slogged into June, you were stuck with him. Unless you wanted your drunk, unpredictable, brute of a brother to accompany you to the townsquare every other morning, you had to learn to endure the company of the quiet Spaniard.

And endure you did.

You’d learned not to ask questions; whenever you did, you were either met with silence, or a stilted, annoyed response. In fact, the conversation you’d shared this morning was the longest conversation you’d had with him.

That was just one thing that set Tovar apart from your cousin, William. Both men had seen so much of the world, lived so many different lives, and while William spoke of his time abroad with bright eyed and excited words, Tovar’s past hung over him like a heavy cloud. You didn’t know what the grizzled mercenary had experienced during his time traveling, but whatever it was, he didn’t want to talk about it.

Which was difficult for you—you could listen to William talk for hours about his time on the road. But, you’d heard all of William’s stories. Tovar kept whatever tales of his travels closer to his chest than his armor. And you resented him for it.

You resented that with all the freedom in the world, with a lifetime of stories and lived experiences under his belt, with the blessing of being born as a man in this world, he had the nerve to act the way he did: angry at the world, scowling at every kind face.

The absence of that—of freedom—pulsed and throbbed deep in your chest. And all you could feel was anger.

The sights and smells of the town’s center flooded your senses when you reached the market. You took a deep breath and tried to savor it: the aroma of spices from far-off places, the sharp smell of lemons from Arabia, the colorful hues of silk and fabric, the bustle of business and trade. It was as much of the wide world you were afforded, so you took it in with wide eyes and a smile.

You looked down to your basket, mentally going over the deliveries and trades you had to make before meeting with Lisbeth by the bakery. You were fingering a sprig of stray lavender when Tovar nudged your shoulder, breaking your train of thought. You turned and glared at him.

“I will leave you here,” he mumbled, looking around you and scanning the faces of the people bustling by. “You will meet me at the blacksmith’s when you are finished.”

“I will, will I?” You asked, feeling your temper flare. You hated when he gave you orders–like you were an animal and not a person.

Tovar leveled you with a dry look, before rolling his eyes himself.

“Do not be late,” he said, before adjusting his satchel and walking away.

You glared at his back as he went, cursing the broad expanse of his shoulders. Not only was he an ass, but he was a handsome ass. That was even worse.

With a sigh, you set about making your first delivery, already planning on being late to meet Tovar later in the day.

- -

By the time you’d completed your second delivery, the sun was high in the sky and strong. You could feel the back of your neck glisten and knew that when you looked in the mirror at the end of the day, there would be freckles dusted across your cheeks.

You’d already delivered one order of tea to the miller’s wife, who promised you a satchel of grain in return by week’s end, and traded the town seamstress for some new thread. Your stomach buzzed with excitement at the news you’d heard as you left the seamstress’s parlor.

It had been a normal business dealing: the seamstress, an elderly woman who had been a friend of your grandmother, had long been a customer of your mother’s. You knew her well. Your mother had sent you to get new thread for mending, but you always stayed for a cup of tea whenever the seamstress, Agnetha, whenever you traded with her.

“You look more like your grandmother every time I see you,” she said, sitting down gingerly on a stool behind the wooden counter at the front of the shop.

You smiled at her. You’d never met your paternal grandmother, but you had always been told that you resembled her—the same facial structure, the same hair, the same stubborn spirit. It warmed you to hear it from someone who knew her so well.

“Thank you,” you said, finishing the cup of herbal tea and setting it down. “And thank you for the thread. My mother sends her regards. She apologizes that she can’t be here to see you in person.”

“Oh, pay it no mind dear,” Agnetha’s gnarled hand pats yours. “With a household to run and that business with your father, god only knows how she can manage it all.”

You clench your teeth at the mention of your father. That was what it was like living in a village of this size: no one’s business was private.

“I was sorry to hear about your father, dear,” Agnetha continued. “Do let me know if I can do anything to help.”

“Thank you,” your lips spread into a tight-lipped smile.

It wasn’t that you didn’t appreciate the sentiment–you did—it was just that you had grown tired of hearing the same sentiments from everyone. It was suffocating, having everyone know the trials of your family.

“I must take my leave, I’m afraid,” you said after a beat. “I must make haste if I am to finish all my business by day’s end.”

“Of course,” Agnetha waved you off, but then held one finger up, turning back to the back room of her shop. “But give me one moment! I had forgotten—I have something for you.”

You puzzled but obeyed, your interest piqued. What could she possibly have for you?

After a moment, the white-haired woman reappeared with a bushel of flowers with small, white petals: yarrow. She held them out to you.

You furrowed your eyebrows.

“What is–”

“For tonight, my dear,” she leaned in and smiled at you like you were in on some secret. Your confusion grew.

Nothing save for seasonal festivals and feasts ever happened in your village. Besides, if there was anything happening tonight, you were sure you’d know about it.

“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean—”

“Oh, hush,” Agnetha cackled. “I remember it all too well when I was your age. Your grandmother and I snuck off to Geris many a time when we were girls. These are for your hair. It is said they will bring you good fortune and a happy husband if worn on the feast of Saint Julia.”

“Geris,” you mumbled, all of it clicking into place.

Geris was a neighboring village—a town really—nearly an hour walk north of your own. It was larger and a bigger hub for trade than your own home, as it bordered the sea. Petyr would often go there to drink or gamble with his friends, sometimes not returning for days on end. You had never been.

“There is a festival in Geris today?” You asked Agnetha, who now looked as confused as you had been moments ago.

“Why yes,” she laughs. “The largest one of the year—Saint Julia is the patron saint of Geris. I–did you not know?”

“No,” you laughed, suddenly giddy with excitement, already plotting in your head how you could sneak off to experience it for yourself.

“How the times have changed,” Agnetha hummed. “When I was young, it was every mama’s worst nightmare for her daughter to sneak off to the festival of Saint Julia.”

“Is it still as grand as you remember it?”

“I imagine so,” she smiled. “The dancing is what I loved the most.”

“Well then,” you smiled at her. “I believe I shall have to dance, won’t I?” You took the flowers from her. “With flowers in my hair.”

Agnetha smiled a secretive grin and patted your hand.

“Do, dear. Twirl a little extra for me,” she said. “Now, be on your way—and be safe!”

You thanked her and left, walking out into the balmy warmth of mid-morning, feeling all-of-a-sudden more hopeful than you had that morning.

You met Lisbeth by the miller’s pond just before noon, like you’d planned. It had been your meeting place whenever the two of you were in town for years. Growing up, since your father’s property bordered here, you’d often meet in the forest. But, once you’d become old enough to do some of the household work trading in the village, you’d had to find a place to meet during the day.

Now, you buzzed with excitement, the news of the festival on the tip of your tongue.

Recently, you’d been itching to do anything to distract yourself from the monotony of life in your village. As the days got warmer, more and more traders passed through, bringing with them goods and stories from far-away lands. Lands you longed to see, but knew you never would. You longed to stretch your wings, if only a little. Sneaking off to Geris would be the perfect opportunity to do that. Now the only issue was convincing Lisbeth.

You wiggled your toes in your shoes as you saw her approach, eager what you’d heard back to her. You just hoped she would be willing to go with you.

While Lisbeth understood your desires to leave, explore, and see the world, they were not desires she shared. She had always, ever since you could remember, wanted to be married. She sighed at tales of princesses and knights, longed to fall in love and have children. And you knew that when she did that, it would be beautiful. Still, a small part of you envied her for her dreams. You wished that that could be enough for you.

As she approached you, Lisbeth rooted through her basket, looking for something buried in its depths.

“Please tell me you have the herbs for my mother’s headaches,” she groaned as she came to stand beside you, leaning on the wooden fence by the pond. “If I have to listen to her moaning for one more day, I will bash my skull against the wall.”

You grinned at her.

“What?” She asked, finally looking at you. She furrowed her eyebrows. “Why do you have that look—”

“I have something to tell you.”

“Oh dear God,” she sighed. “What is it this time?”

“Before I begin, you must promise to at least consider my proposition,” you raised your eyebrows. Lisbeth sighed your name. “Promise.”

“Fine,” she says. “I’ll consider it. Now tell me, I am withering away in suspense.”

“Alright,” you smiled. “We always complain that nothing ever happens here, right?”

“Yes.”

“And we moan about wanting to see more of the rest of the world, of the rest of the country—”

“I would say you complain more than I—”

“Yes, yes, whatever,” you waved her away, causing her to laugh. “Tonight, there is to be a festival in Geris. If we leave after sunset, when our families go to sleep, we can be home before dawn—”

“Geris?” Lisbeth’s eyes widened. “That is madness—”

“It isn’t!” You assured her. “We have walked further distances many times to trade before. The only difference is—”

“It will be night!” Lisbeth shook her head. “After reports of criminals in the woods in the surrounding villages, do you really think it smart to go venturing to Geris after dark?”

You sighed.

“No,” she raised her hand. “Do not try to argue. You have a chaperone now because of the dangers. Even your father can see we are at risk.”

Your heart sank.

“Lisbeth,” you reasoned. “That happened weeks ago. Nothing more has happened–it was likely ruffians passing through. Traders, nothing more.”

“You are mistaken,” she folded her arms. “I heard tell this morning of another attack on a young couple. At a village only a few leagues away.”

“What?”

“It was a farmer’s daughter from Frayley,” she elaborated. “She snuck away in the night to meet with a boy from the village. Her lover was killed, and the girl was ruined. Her honor sullied, barely living.”

Your breath left your chest, a familiar clamminess taking over your hands.

This story was nothing new; when you were younger, before the new Lord of your county had taken power, such attacks were commonplace. The forests around your village had been infested for a time—small bands of ruffians and criminals who would carry maidens away in the night and burn houses to the ground after looting them. There were several girls in your village who had been abducted and held for ransom, and one who had even been forcibly taken to wife. By the time the Lord of the county had gotten word, they had already been married in the eyes of god. There was nothing to be done.

It had been something that had enraged your mother. You were too young to worry about such things, but you have vivid memories of the doors being always bolted shut, your mother sleeping with a dagger beneath her pillow.

The thought of such uncertainty and violence returning to your land made your stomach turn.

“I see,” you said.

“Yes,” Lisbeth sighed. “I wish to explore, but not at the risk of our lives and honor.”

You smiled at her sadly and nodded.

“Two women alone in the wood at night is a recipe for disaster anyway,” she continued. “How I envy men.”

You threw your head back and laughed at that, having had the same thought multiple times.

You wondered often what navigating the world would be like if you weren’t seen as a target simply for your sex. You would ponder what the world would look like if you could walk alone, unaccompanied, how different your life would be if you were able to work, own land, travel alone. If you had the liberties afforded to the likes of William, of Tovar. The very thought of it made your stomach turn with envy.

That’s when it hit you: William. Tovar. And you knew what you had to do.

- -

When you arrived at Olga’s little stone cottage at the edge of the village, your brow was damp with perspiration.

The sun was high, well past mid-day, and you knew you had to meet Tovar soon. You would be late, just like you’d planned. It wouldn’t be the first time you’d kept him waiting and you knew that he’d be in a sour mood for the rest of the day–well, sourer than usual–and that was detrimental to your plan. You needed him agreeable if it was to work.

You sighed as you made your way up the dusty road to her door.

Olga was someone who you held fondness for. She was an old woman, a widow with white hair and a thick accent. Her husband was a merchant who left her a reasonable sum of money when he died, so she lived comfortably and alone, something you’d never seen a woman do before her. She was from a country from the far South, Aragon, and she had forsaken her homeland for her husband. For love. It all sounded so romantic to you that you almost forgot your own personal objections to marriage.

You have memories from your younger years of your mother and her exchanging herbal wisdom over tea. She educated your mother on the herbal remedies of her homeland and in exchange, your mother shared her knowledge of the plants native to your own kingdom.

As you approached her cottage, you heard the faint sound of voices conversing inside made you puzzle. Olga was a generally reclusive woman–it was rare for her to have visitors.

You approached her door and knocked gently, calling inside.

“Olga?” You called, hoping your voice would carry through the open window.

“Ah, yes! Come in, come in,” she called back, voice painted with laughter.

You nudged open the door and took in the small sitting room in her cottage. On the wooden table in the center there was a clay bowl filled with oranges, no doubt traded from a merchant. Your mouth watered. You knew oranges were commonplace in the South, but here they were a luxury few could afford, including yourself.

“In here,” Olga’s voice called, louder now, from the adjoining room which served as a kitchen.

What you saw made you stop in your tracks.

There, standing in Olga’s well-furnished kitchen, leaning against the worn brick of her stove, stood Tovar, arms folded in front of him, across his face a genuine smile. A smile. It was the first time you saw one cross his face. Your breath left your chest.

Of course he’d have a gorgeous smile, you thought spitefully.

You hadn’t realized you were frozen until a warm hand on your shoulder startled you.

Olga looked at you expectantly, the lines on her face graceful in the early afternoon light. You blinked.

“What?”

“I said, have you met Pero, mi amor?” She smiled at you softly. “He is a blacksmith’s apprentice in town. New.”

You stumble over your words for a moment, tongue like lead in your mouth.

“Si, Doña.” Tovar–Pero’s–eyes caught yours from across the room. “We are acquainted.”

“Ha!” Olga laughed, throwing her head back. “Doña he calls me. You flatter me, caballero. I am no Doña.”

You smiled at them, shifting on your feet. You knew nothing save a word or two of the strange language they spoke. Castillian, you thought.

“He speaks to me as if I am a high-born lady, child,” Olga said, sensing your confusion.

“You are mistaken,” Pero smiled slightly at the older woman. “I know una mujer honrada when I see one, Doña.”

Olga leveled him with a wry smile and held up a finger, wagging it at him.

“You watch out for this one,” she looked over to you. “He is a charmer.”

You couldn’t help the snort that escaped your lips. Of all the words you would use to describe your surly bodyguard, a charmer was not one of them. Pero shoots you a withering glare at your laugh.

“What is so humorous?” He tilted his head.

“Forgive me,” you smirked, sensing his wounded pride. “I wouldn’t use the word ‘charmer’ to describe your countenance.”

Olga tilted her head, hands finding her hips.

“How exactly do the two of you know each other?”

“I am a companion of her cousin’s,” Pero’s gaze moved to the woman in between you. “We have traveled together for… too long. Her family is providing us with lodging until we are able to find work and continue on.”

“Well, a small world indeed,” she smiled. “How have you found our village, then? Quite different than Toledo, no?”

Pero chuckled, shaking his head and looking down.

“Quite,” he said. “In truth, it has been a long time since I have journeyed home. But compared to other places my trade has brought me, it is not so different. Though I have found the people of this kingdom more skeptical of outsiders than my own homeland.”

The admission surprised you; you had spent months trying to pry any bit of information out of Tovar you could to no avail. And now, with Olga, he was an open book. It made you wonder: was it just you that he had an aversion to sharing with? You bristled at the thought.

“Yes, it is something to adjust to,” Olga patted Pero on his shoulder. “They are not used to Southerners here. We must stick together.”

Olga turned to you.

“What brings you here, child? Do you bring me more concoctions from your mother?”

Your smile thinned and you clasped your hands in front of you.

“No,” you admitted. “It’s my father. I was sent to see if you have any of your lemon-honey tonic left from the cold months. His breathing has gotten worse.”

Olga’s lips pressed together in a sympathetic smile.

“Of course,” she said. “I keep some reserves in the cellar. I’ll go get them now, and I’ll have another batch brewed specially for him in a fortnight.”

“Oh, please don’t trouble yourself–”

“Hush, it is no trouble at all.” She walked over to you and grabbed your shoulders, her eyes sparkling as she regarded you. “With my Louis gone, there is no one for me to look after. I daresay I have missed it. Besides,” she placed a soft palm on your cheek. “Your family has shown me true kindness in the years I have known you.”

You smiled a tear-filled smile at her.

“Thank you,” you said.

“Think nothing of it,” she patted your cheek. “It seems your family has a habit of adopting strays.”

With a wink, Olga flitted away to the wooden door that led to the cellar, leaving you and Pero standing awkwardly in her kitchen.

“So,” you began before an awkward silence could settle. “What brings you here?”

“A delivery,” he huffed. “A new lock for her door.”

“I didn’t know Colm has you running deliveries now,” you picked at a fingernail. “I thought the whole point of being an apprentice was to learn.”

Pero rolled his eyes at you, annoyance clouding his features. He leveled you with a glare.

“I know my way around a forge better than that man,” he hissed at you.

You smirked. You always knew how to set him off—how to wound his pride just enough that he would lash out.

“I have been an apprentice since I could walk. I have nothing to learn. It is only an easy way to earn coin.”

“Your father was a blacksmith, then?”

Pero’s eyes narrowed at you before he sighed, seemingly tired of your antics.

“Yes,” he said. “He taught me his trade before I took up my sword.”

“Hm,” you said. “I always wished I would’ve learned the trade. But no, it was too unladylike for me. My mother forbade it.”

Pero snorted at that. You bristled again and shot him a venomous look.

“What? You think it silly for a girl to want to learn something other than sewing or weaving?”

“I think it silly that people in your kingdom think that is all a girl is good for,” he countered. “A waste. My father made sure my sisters knew a trade before he died.”

You blinked.

His response surprised you. A sentiment like his was rare, especially in a place like here. But more than that, it was the first time he’d said something remotely kind to you. In your mind, he was a brute, with no compassion or regard for others.

“You have sisters?” You asked, your curiosity piqued. It wasn’t often you could squeeze information out of him; you wanted to see how much you could get before his mood turned sour again.

“So many questions,” he shook his head.

“Forgive me for trying to make conversation,” you replied dryly.

“It does not matter,” he huffed after a moment. “They are gone now.”

You opened your mouth to respond, but Olga’s footsteps nearing the kitchen stopped you.

“Here we go,” she said kindly, handing you a clay jar sealed shut. “This will help. Come back next week for another batch, or come tell me if it gets worse.”

You smiled at her kindness.

“Thank you, Olga.” You said. “Your kindness will not be forgotten.”

“Think nothing of it.”

“Thank you, Doña, for your hospitality. But I’m afraid we must be going if we are to make it back in time for supper.”

“Of course, of course.” Olga waved her hands, ushering you to the front door. “Be safe. I’ve heard tell of bands of criminals in the woods as of late.”

“We will,” you waved as you left her house, basket in one hand and the tonic for your father in the other.

“No preocupes, we will be home before dark,” Tovar said over your shoulder from where he walked in front of you.

He seemed more chipper as he walked down the dirt road, beginning the journey home. You silently thanked the gods for it–you’d need him in a good mood for your plan to work. Even though you knew the deciding factor would come down to William, you still needed Tovar to be there in order for Lisbeth to feel safe enough to journey to Geris. You would be futile in convincing him, you knew; he hated you. But, though he put up a front, you knew that William could convince Pero of anything.

As the two of you walked home, you silently hoped that your plan would work.

- -

“You are out of your mind,” Pero’s eyes were wide as he regarded William, hands on his hips in front of the fire.

It was well past sundown, and your family had gone to bed already. You hid in the loft, peeking down into the large room below where William stood speaking in hushed tones with Pero.

You’d pulled him aside before dinner with your proposal: to sneak off to Geris in the night for the festival and be back before dawn tomorrow.

You knew he was your best chance. You’d begun to recognize the signs of restlessness in him–the twitching of his fingers, the brainstorming with Pero about where they would go after the harvest ended in the autumn. He and you were alike in that way: always longing for adventure. The only difference was that he actually had the freedom to seek what he longed for.

Either way, after some badgering, he’d agreed. You always had that effect on him–he couldn’t ever say no to you, even as a child. Besides, you’d already told Lisbeth to meet you after dark in front of your family’s house, with the promise that the two mercenaries would be there to protect you on the road.

Now, the only one left to convince was Pero.

“Come, brother.” William reasoned. “We have had nothing but work for weeks. Don’t you fancy a drink in a tavern? A change of scenery?”

“There is a tavern here,” Pero ground out, throwing up his hands. “There is no need to traipse through dark woods in the dead of night for an ale. I have spent my day laboring in front of a hot forge and acting as a sworn sword to your child of a cousin. All I wanted was to come home, fill my belly, and sleep. Now you ask this of me.”

You felt a pang of hurt at the belittlement, and a surge of resentment toward the Spaniard. You were not a child; you hadn’t been for quite some time. You’d practically had to be the man of the house in the months before William arrived, with your mother so preoccupied with your father’s help and Petyr drowning in his cups. That was a responsibility you suspected Pero would never have to shoulder.

William’s voice called your attention back to the men by the fire.

Pero had moved, sitting in the wicker chair to the left of the kitchen, sharpening his sword with a whetstone. His eyes looked deadly trained on the blade. William stood with his arms crossed next to him.

“She is a woman grown and you know that,” William said, sighing. “I do not know why you dislike her so. She is a fine young lady.”

“You watch her then.”

“Really, Pero. Why do you let her affect you in such a way? You can face the enemy’s sword without so much as a flinch, but put you in the presence of a maiden and you tremble like a leaf.”

“I do not tremble,” you heard Pero seethe. “She is insolent and foolish, and cannot follow a schedule. I am always late because of her.”

William laughed at that.

“You are bothered too easily, friend.”

Pero grumbled in response, eyes still focused on sharpening his longsword. You heard a rustle from outside the opened window and realized with a start—it must be Lisbeth.

You hurried over to the window and peeked out, catching a glimpse of Lisbeth’s auburn hair in the light of the fire that showed through the downstairs window. She was hidden by a long dark cloak, no doubt belonging to one of her brothers.

A surge of pride shot through you at the sight of her. You knew she was risking a lot–much more than you–by sneaking off into the night like this. She was of a higher station than you, and would soon be wed to some far flung lord, or even a duke. She risked her reputation being tarnished. And yet, here she was, brave as ever.

“If you do not agree, you will force my hand,” you heard William’s voice. You hurried back to the loft to spy yet again, knowing that soon you’d have to go fetch your friend who watched from the downstairs window.

You saw that now, William stood in front of the fire, blocking the line of light Pero needed to sharpen his sword.

“Move, amigo. I’m not in the mood.”

“And I lament that, but you are coming with us.”

“Us?”

“Yes—”

“I should have known she was behind this. No. If my mind wasn’t made up before, it is now. I will not go with her—”

Your laugh interrupted him, and gave away your hiding place. Pero’s eyes, full of ire, snapped to you. You stood up and raced down the stairs, conscious to not make too much noise, lest you be discovered by your family.

“Oh, please Tovar,” you said, approaching where he sat. “It will be fun.”

He looked at you with a dry expression.

“No.”

“But—”

“No.” He gritted his teeth, standing up to come and stand toe-to-toe with you. You flushed at how close he was—you could see every wrinkle, every freckle, every dimension of his scar. It made your throat dry.

“Why?” You asked, voice packed with as much irritation as his.

“I am driving myself mad escorting you to and from town every day, Señora.” He spat the word, making you blink. “I will not spend another moment more than necessary in your presence. Not unless forced.”

“I’ll call in my favor, then.” William drawled amusedly from in front of you.

You started, having forgotten that he was there. You took a step back from his counterpart.

“Pardon?” Pero turned to William.

“My favor,” William smirked and tilted his head. “You owe me.”

“I owe you nothing—”

“Remember Vienna, Pero?” William’s eyebrows rose. “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten already–”

“I’ve forgotten nothing.” Pero’s glare would scare even the fiercest of knights, but William didn’t even look phased by it.

“Then it’s settled,” William clapped his hands together. “We will leave immediately. We’re losing moonlight already.”

“Lisbeth’s in the garden,” you piped up, already pulling your satchel over your shoulder.

Pero looked like a deer caught in the headlights. William moved to follow you, picking up his sword from where it was leaned against the brick of the fireplace.

“Lisbeth’s in the garden,” he repeated after you, smiling at his companion, who glared into the side of his head. You giggled.

“Make haste, Pero,” you called over your shoulder. “Or we’ll miss the festivities.”

Wordlessly, he sheathed his sword and stood, glaring at you. The glare didn’t scare you though. You knew it was one of annoyance—one you often drew from Pero.

He grumbled to himself before shouldering his sword and following you out the door.

- -

William had convinced Pero that the horses could handle two riders, with the distance being so small between your village and Geris. Besides, the two mares had gotten little to no excitement since the two mercenaries made their way into your small village. William reasoned it would do them well to stretch their legs.

So, you were two to a horse each. And since Pero intimidated Lisbeth, you were stuck with him while Lisbeth rode comfortably with your cousin. The two made small-talk as you trotted through the kingsroad by moonlight. You gazed over at their shadowy figures as they talked, Lisbeth sidled up to William comfortably in the saddle behind him. You smirked. She had always thought he was handsome, ever since you were children. She was quite at her leisure. In contrast to you, who was trying to sit as far away from the grumpy man steering the horse in front of you.

You jostled as the horse trotted over a bump in the road, yelping and grabbing roughly onto Pero’s waist.

“Alright there?” William called from a few steps away. You nodded a yes.

“Hold on,” Pero grumbled. “You’ll break your neck, and your mother will have mine.”

You had no quick-witted response to that. If there was anything in this world that could cause an experienced mercenary to tremble in fear, it was your mother. So, you simply tightened your grip around his waist, locking your hands together. He stiffened as you did.

You hated how comfortable his broad back felt pressed into your front, how his scent overtook you. He smelled of fire, the forge, sandalwood, and leather. It was a far-cry from the rank stench that followed him and William when they arrived.

Lisbeth laughed from her place on the road beside you while William regaled her of stories from his travels. You frowned at the grumpy man in front of you, silent save for the way he mumbled under his breath to the horse in his mother tongue.

“Does your horse have a name?” You asked.

“Hmm?” He grunted, turning his head a bit to face you.

“The mare. What is her name?”

“Horse,” he replied shortly.

“Horse?” You asked incredulously. “Her name is horse?”

“She has never needed a name,” he said.

“All animals need names,” you sighed. “All of mine do.”

“Hm,” he hummed, not unkindly. “I suppose I wouldn’t know what to name her even if I desired to.”

You paused and thought for a moment. This was perhaps the most civil conversation you had ever had, and it was about a horse. Still, you were loath to see it end.

“She is quite fond of the clovers that grow by the barn. I often see her grazing there. What about clover?”

“Clover,” he repeats, turning the words over in his mouth. He hums. “It is better than Horse, I suppose.”

After that, the rest of the ride is filled with comfortable silence save for the sound of the hum of conversation from the couple on horseback beside you. Despite yourself, you smile. Perhaps you and the Spaniard could find middle ground after all.

The festival was like something from a fairy story. And as you stood there, even Lisbeth, who had grown up surrounded by nobles and visits to court was in wonder at the gaiety of it all.

As soon as your group had approached the city gates, you could hear the music—upbeat and lilting, with clapping and voices singing accompanying it. Your heart had leapt at the sound.

Dancing. There was little in life you enjoyed more than letting the music take you and spinning away.

As you took in the city, you didn’t know where to look. There was light everywhere: torches and lamps making the streets seem like they were glowing. You could hear strange languages on the tongues of passersby as you walked, making sure to keep close to your group. The smell of the sea breeze lingered in the air, telling you you were close to the sea. You smiled at it. You’d never seen the ocean, and though you knew you wouldn’t tonight, the smell of it awakened something in you. Above the thatched roofs above your head, you could make out the shadowy figures of the tops of sails—boats, resting in the harbor.

You and Lisbeth followed William and Pero to a stable near the heart of the city, where William payed to have the two mares quartered for the few hours that you planned to be there.

When you reached what must’ve been the town square, Lisbeth gripped your arm tightly, face beaming as she took in the grandeur of it all.

There were countless stalls set up around the perimeter of the cobbled town-center, tents and poorly-built shacks selling all manner of trinkets and gifts. There were food-stalls, jewelry, flowers, tapestries—too much for you to fully take in. In front of one of the taverns that bordered the town center, there was a group of people, sitting in rickety wooden chairs and stools, playing music. There was an old man with a mandolin, hair graying and beard long, a young woman with a lute, a lumbering man sitting behind them playing a violin with startling precision.

In the center of the square, countless couples danced in tune with each other. It was a popular dance in your part of the world—an upbeat ballad about a hare and a tortoise, one you’d been dancing at harvest and midsummer festivals since you were a child.

You smiled so wide your cheeks hurt.

“Look!” Lisbeth cried, turning to you, grip still on your arm. “Do you remember when were ten and you had to dance with—”

“Eldon!” You winced, remembering the handsy youth only a few years older than you that you’d been forced to dance with by your mother. There had been a time that she was hopeful for a match between the two of you, but he’d ended up marrying a girl in a neighboring village and moving there to take over her father’s house. You were glad of it; he’d been an unpleasant boy.

“The candle-maker’s son?” William smirked from the other side of Lisbeth.

“The very same,” you groaned.

“Oh, he was the most odious boy,” Lisbeth added.

“Really?” William asked. “I remember him being quite shy, if a bit ill-,mannered.”

“Ill-mannered doesn’t even begin to describe him,” you countered, remembering his wandering hands and leering gaze. “I don’t know if I can remember someone else whose face was so vile.”

“Are we remembering the same boy?” William asked. Beside him, Pero’s eyes scanned the crowd, looking bored with the conversation. “I remember him differently.”

“Because he wanted to be you, cousin,” you smiled at him. “He was positively disgusting.”

“He had a scar that cut across his forehead,” Lisbeth added. “From a riding accident.”

At that, Pero stiffened and his jaw clenched, his eyes finding you as William and Lisbeth continued talking.

“Yes, that’s the boy,” William nodded. “Was he truly so bad?”

You opened your mouth to respond before being interrupted.

“Ah yes,” Pero snapped, surprising you. The sharpness of this tone was something you were unused to. His lip curled as he addressed you. “Because a scar is truly what makes a man’s character. How unfortunate for you that you had to look upon the face of someone so…what did you say, Senora? Disgusting.”

He spit the word at you like it was poison. You gawked at his tone, at the malice in his voice, before feeling your own ire bubble in your gut. William and Lisbeth stood perplexed between you.

“He was disgusting,” you countered, taking a step toward Pero. “Because of his untoward behavior and hands that had a habit of wandering up ladies’ skirts. The scar had nothing to do with it. Though how good it is to finally know your opinion of me, Tovar.”

He just opened his mouth, gaping like a fish, before you grabbed Lisbeth’s hand and began to walk toward the crowd.

A new, more slow, group number had begun to play, and you and Lisbeth fell in line with the masses enjoying the festival. From behind you, you could faintly hear the sound of William scolding his companion.

“I see what you mean,” Lisbeth said to you after a moment.

You looked at her in confusion, before turning into the next step of the dance.

“He is unpleasant,” she elaborated. “And rude. No matter how handsome he is. I am sorry for ever thinking otherwise.”

You sighed and linked your arm with hers, as the dance called for.

“It’s alright,” you smiled. “You couldn’t have known.”

She returned your smile and squeezed your arm.

“I wonder why he is so…”

“So…uncaring? Aloof? Unkind?”

“...melancholy.” She finished, and you started.

Of all the words you would use to describe Pero Tovar, melancholy was not one of them.

“What?” She asked, noticing your confused look. “You cannot deny he has a sad air about him. Besides, to think someone so cruel as to call a young boy disgusting because of his scar? To think that you could be that cruel? He must have a sad outlook on life indeed.”

You hummed, reflecting on her words.

Lisbeth was right—as she so often was. It hadn’t been a point of view you considered before. Perhaps the reason why Pero’s countenance was so impatient and dreary was because of something else, something out of your control. As soldiers, he and William had seen the worst of mankind. You remembered what he’d said to you earlier that day, about his sisters. It doesn’t matter, they’re all gone. Perhaps there was a reason he didn’t wish to discuss his travels.

You rid all thoughts of the Spaniard from your mind as you finished the dance; you didn’t want your one night of freedom ruined.

As you and Lisbeth exited the center of the town square, you spotted Pero, sulking and leaning up against a wooden beam that supported the awning to a tavern. You suppressed a smirk at the glowering look on his face. William must have scolded him for speaking to you how he did.

Good, you thought.

“Pero,” Lisbeth called cheerily once you got close enough. “Where has William got to?”

Pero’s eyes flickered to you for a moment, clouded with something you didn’t understand. He opened his mouth to say something, deep, dark eyes still trained on you, when William’s booming voice interrupted you.

“Cousin!” He called jovially, four frothing metal cups in his hands. They were overflowing with an amber-colored liquid.

“That had better not be beer,” you wrinkled your nose, always having hated the grainy-tasting drink.

“Mead, cousin. Come! Let us make merry while we can,” William looked as if he’d had a drink himself already. “I would beg of you both one dance before the night is through. I cannot bring the most beautiful women in the land to a festival and not demand a dance.”

You rolled your eyes fondly at your cousin’s silver tongue. Beside you, Lisbeth blushed behind her cup. You took your own drink, the metal cool beneath your fingers, and relished in the sweet, honey-flavor of the fermented drink. Mead was a delicacy to you. Your family was rarely rich enough to afford more than ale, and you had long been wary of it, not wanting to fall prey to the cup like your brother. Tonight, though, you drank eagerly. Behind his own cup, Pero’s eyes remained trained on you, full of an emotion you couldn't place.

- -

After her dance with William, Lisbeth pulled you aside.

Her pale cheeks were rosy with exertion and with drink, her breath sweet and smelling of mead. You smiled at her, glad to see your often high-strung best friend relaxed for once.

She stepped on an uneven stone and lost her footing, stumbling into you with a giggle.

“Oh!” She exclaimed through a laugh, leaning into you. “If my mother could only see me now. She would be aghast.”

You giggled with her, pushing a stray auburn hair away from her eyes.

“Her high-born lady, absolutely ruined,” you teased.

“And dancing with a mercenary, can you imagine?”

“What ever shall we do with you?”

Lisbeth just laughed. It was a deep laugh, coming from her belly. One you didn’t hear often. Once she caught her breath, Lisbeth sighed, resting her head on your shoulder. The two of you watched as the people danced in the square, content.

“Thank you,” she mumbled after a moment. “I have had a wonderful time. I am glad to have had at least one night like this before—”

Lisbeth stopped herself, clamping her lips shut. You paused.

“Before what?” You asked.

Lisbeth pulled away from you, wringing her hands together in front of her, gaze trained on the cobblestones below your feet.

“Before what, Lisbeth?” You asked again.

When she looked up at you, her eyes were teary. She worried her bottom lip between her teeth before she spoke.

“I am to be wed,” she said, voice warbling. “Before midsummer. My father just told me this morning.”

“What?” you asked, all breath leaving your chest.

“I wanted to tell you right away,” she said, a tear streaming down her face now. “But when I tried, I just couldn’t. Then, I wanted to enjoy tonight. I thought if I’m to move away and become a wife, I’ll at least have tonight.”

You blinked, processing what exactly this meant.

Of course, she’s to be married, you thought. It was strange enough that she wasn’t betrothed at the age of ten and nine. Her father had finally made his decision. She was a lady of high station, the daughter of a Lord—this was her duty. One she was excited for, even. She had always wanted to be the mistress of her own house. You should be happy for her.

So why did you feel so sad?

“Who,” you croaked, before clearing your throat. “Who is he?”

Lisbeth smiled weakly.

“A Lord,” she said, laughing a little. “He lives a two-days ride to the North. My father says he is kind.”

“Have you met him?” You asked.

“Once,” she smiled. “But I was little more than a girl, and I barely remember.”

“Will you have time to…be acquainted before…”

Before the wedding. The words hang in the air between you.

“Yes,” she nodded. “He will come visit in a fortnight.”

You nodded dumbly, realizing the reality that faced you: your best friend would be leaving you to begin her life, and you would be left behind. The thought brought tears to your eyes.

“And he’s not…old, is he?”

It had long been one of Lisbeth’s fears that her father would wed her to a man too many years her senior—an old, country lord who she could never grow to love. If she was to be sold off like a broodmare to a man old enough to be her grandsire, you didn’t think you could stand it.

“No,” she smiled shakily. “He is young—only nine years my senior.”

You breathed a sigh of relief at that. Little mercies. You took a deep breath and squared your shoulders, willing the moisture to leave your eyes. You would not cry in front of her.

“And, are you happy with the arrangement?”

Lisbeth considered it a moment.

“I am… relieved he is not old. It is too soon to tell without actually meeting him, but I trust my father’s judgment. I am his only daughter. I do not believe he would part with me for someone unworthy.”

You smiled at your best friend–your ever constant, loyal companion. Her auburn hair shone around her head in the yellow light of the evening. Her eyes shone with hope. She was ready for this, you knew it. You ignored the pang of melancholy in your stomach and squeezed her arms. For now, you would be happy for her. You would save your tears for later.

“No, I daresay he wouldn’t.”

You pulled her into a hug. She sighed against you.

“You shall be at my wedding,” she declared once she pulled back. “I will refuse to be wed without you.”

You laughed at her.

“Me, surrounded by lords and ladies,” you snorted at the idea.

“Hush,” she smacked your arm. “We are not so different from you lot. Besides, I much prefer your company to theirs any day.”

You smiled at her, linking your arm with hers as you ventured into the square to find your companions.

“Come, let us enjoy the rest of the night,” you said.

“Let us,” she replied jovially.

As the two of you continued on, you ignored the pit in your stomach at the idea of Lisbeth’s impending nuptials.

- -

Your group departed with hours left until sunrise—plenty of time to return to your beds without your families noticing.

The hopeless feeling that struck you at the revelation of Lisbeth’s engagement stuck with you, though, even after you bridled your horses and began your trek home.

Beside you, William hummed a tune while Lisbeth dozed off behind him. Your arms were loosely wrapped around Pero’s waist as he rode silently. The two of you still hadn’t exchanged a word since the tense encounter in Geris’s town square. Still, you hadn’t been on the receiving end of any of his glares for the rest of the evening.

You pondered what your life would look like after Lisbeth left. You couldn’t help it. For as long as you could remember, it was you and her. Your mother has acted as midwife in Lisbeth’s birth, and ever since, her mother had been a loyal patron of your mother’s herbal remedies. You and her had been friends since infancy. And now, she was leaving. Entering and finding her place in the wide, expansive world. And you were going to be stuck where you’d always been: caring after your ailing father and serving as a punching bag for your drunken brother.

The thought of Lisbeth’s absence from your life made your eyes fill with tears, and before you knew it, they were streaming down your cheeks.

You turned your head away from William, knowing if he saw you cry, he’d make a fuss. You took a few shaky breaths, trying to calm yourself, but failed. Before you knew it, you were shaking with tears against Pero’s back.

You knew he could feel your sobs, but couldn’t find it in you to care. He was going to judge you no matter what you did—he’d made that much clear tonight. You might as well let yourself weep.

After a moment, though, he surprised you. You heard Pero breathe your name, so quietly you scarcely heard it.

You sniffled, trying to cover the sounds of your tears. You mumbled an apology, feeling your cheeks heat up in embarrassment. But instead of pestering or making fun of you, Pero only hummed in acknowledgement, before wrapping a rough palm around your own and squeezing.

His hand remained wrapped in yours the rest of the way home, a silent show of support. It baffled you, but you didn’t have time to even begin to question it. Instead, you just let yourself cry, leaning against the Spaniard for support. The rest could wait til the morning.

#pedro pascal #pero tovar #pero tovar x f!reader #pero tovar x female reader #pero tovar x you #pero tovar fanfiction #pero tovar imagine #pero tovar x reader #pero x reader #pero tovar fic #the great wall fanfic #the great wall fanfiction #pero tovar x y/n

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queen-haq · 1 year

Text

Fic: Grudgingly Yours (Part 2)

Summary: You are a general surgeon, working in a hospital that’s slowly sucking the life out of you when one day you’re given the offer of a lifetime.

A.K.A - An arranged marriage fic :)

Pairing: Billy Russo x You

Rating: R

Masterlist (contains links to my other stories and this one)

Chapter Two

A week had passed since your wedding day and you were finally getting the hang of maneuvering around Billy in the penthouse you shared with him. Not that it was cramped, it was a fucking mansion really. A wedding gift from Alistair, and located in the same neighbourhood as him. Of course you saw right through the ruse. It was a convenient way to keep watch over you; you wouldn’t be surprised if the man had cameras in the suite too. You did spend a day looking for them but the search turned up empty. Oh well. If the old man got his jollies from that then so be it.

After resigning last week, you had spent the last few days moving in and getting settled. It was the first time in years where you actually had time to relax and you took full advantage of it, lounging by the pool in the private rooftop terrace everyday. It was heaven, but you had to remind yourself not to get used to it. This was temporary, nothing more. Even with the millions you would be paid after the divorce, there was no way you’d spend it on something so frivolous like a luxury apartment. That wasn’t your style.

You entered the suite and headed to the kitchen to grab something to drink. It was almost one in the morning and you had just returned from dinner with some of your college friends. They had arranged the get together last minute after finding out about your wedding. The first half of the night was just them drilling you about why you hadn’t told them you were dating Willliam Russo. One of them found out about the wedding through some bougie New York society blog and they were hurt you hadn’t invited them. Of course you couldn’t tell them about the arrangement, that was part of the NDA you signed with Alistair, so you made up some nonsense about the two of you falling madly in love after you treated Alistair and deciding to elope in a mad whim. It was bullshit, but your friends ate it up. You did feel a slight twinge of guilt for lying to them, but, whatever. They didn’t need to know everything about you.

You poured a glass of wine for yourself and took a sip. An appreciative sigh escaped you. God, these rich snobs knew good wine. You had almost emptied the glass when you heard loud yelling. Curious, you sauntered outside the kitchen to find the source - a tall, leggy blonde storming down the spiral staircase, screaming.

The entire upper floor was Billy’s territory, and he’d warned you to stay the fuck away from the very first day you’d moved in. Apparently the same instructions didn’t apply to the other woman.

“Fuck you, Billy! I hope you fucking die!”

Amused, you regarded the scene in front of you as Billy took his time coming down the staircase. He was dressed in a black wifebeater and jeans, and appeared unbothered by his date telling him to die. Damn. This was fun. You really did revel in other people’s drama.

“Who the fuck are you?” the blonde demanded as soon as she saw you.

“His wife,” you responded.

The woman turned around to confront Billy who was now a few feet away. “You’re married? You slept with me yesterday, asshole!”

“Ouch!” you remarked, making a face. “That’s harsh.”

Billy cast a scornful glance at you before grabbing the other woman by the arm. “What part of we’re fucking done don’t you understand?” His voice was pure ice as he pulled her to the door. “Don��t show up here next time, Gwen. Or I’ll make sure you never book another modeling gig again.”

You cocked your eyebrow as he practically threw the woman out before slamming the door shut in her face. Shit. That was cold. You felt badly for the Gwen woman, she didn’t deserve to be humiliated like this. Now the same asshole was approaching you, flashing the same disdain. A slow feeling of dread crept over you but you kept your calm, refusing to cower. “You really know how to treat your women well, don’t you?”

Stopping right in front, eyes darkened with contempt, he looked down at you. “Next time keep your mouth shut in front of my guests.”

You snickered. “Or what? You’ll throw me out too?”

“Happily.”

“We both know that won’t go over well with your Granddad.” Smug, you sidestepped past him and headed back to the kitchen. To your surprise, he followed behind you.

“There’s only so much bullshit I’ll put up with.”

You laughed, rinsing off the wine glass in the sink. “I think you’ll put up with a lot to get your hands on his money.”

“You’re gonna judge me after you married a fucking stranger for money?”

You turned towards him again. “Guess that makes us both gold diggers.”

There was that beat of silence again, when his eyes grew darker and his expression turned blank and he simply stared at you like he was contemplating your torturous death in multiple ways.

“Are you just gonna be hanging around here the entire time?” he finally asked. “I thought you were a fucking surgeon or something. Don’t you have people to cut up?”

“I quit.”

A snide sneer curved his lips. “Of course.”

Usually bitchy comments just rolled off your back, but something about his tone struck a raw nerve. “I’ve been busting my ass for the last fifteen years to get to where I am. What the hell have you done?”

“I’m a goddamn Marine. A scout sniper specialist with 134 confirmed kills.”

“So you’ve killed people. Congratulations.”

“Like you haven’t? Everyone you operated on come out alive?”

Another sore spot for you. Bastard. “I’m not buying your bullshit about serving. People like you never actually risk your lives. You guys get the glory from slaughtering nations while it’s the poor folks who risk their lives on the battle front.”

You were taken aback when he suddenly charged at you, cornering you against the kitchen island. Apparently you hit a nerve too if the twitch in his jaw was any indication. Gripping the island on either side of you, he held you hostage between his arms. “Don’t presume to know me.” His voice was a quiet roar, laced with vitriol and menace. The man wasn’t playing, especially when he lowered himself so he could meet your eyes directly. “You have no idea who I am. What I’m capable of.”

“I hope you’re not threatening me, Billy. I don’t respond well to those.”

“And I don’t respond well to being forced into marriage.”

“Looks like we’re at an impasse then.” You crossed your arms, straightening your back, hoping the narrowing of distance between you two would force him to retreat. But he remained in place, his pitch-black eyes still locked on you. “Maybe we should call a truce to keep the peace.”

“Not interested.” His eyes glided over your face, making it difficult for you to breathe under his scrutiny. “I’d rather destroy you.”

You knew better than to goad him. You really shouldn’t have, but you couldn’t help it. “Violence gets you all hot, husband?”

Something almost resembling a smile curved his mouth “You’ll never know. I wouldn’t touch you if you were the last woman on earth.”

Your lips formed an exaggerated pout. “Aw. How am I supposed to survive without vanilla sex?”

The last thing you expected from him was a grin, an actual, legitimate smile that finally made you recognize he really was fucking hot. Yeah, yeah, everyone went crazy over his looks including your friends but his personality ruined his good looks for you. Except his smile somehow managed to overshadow all of that nastiness.

“That mouth of yours is gonna get you in a lot of trouble, golddigger.”

“It’s also got me out of trouble, sweetheart,” you fired back.

“This isn’t gonna end well for you. You know that, right? The old man is using you to embarrass me. He thinks he can bring me in line by forcing this marriage on me – but I’m not gonna let him win, no matter what.”

“Why not just play along? Sounds like all he wants is for you to stop fucking around and take some responsibility.”

An impenetrable expression masked his face. “Take responsibility? No, he wants me to be his fucking puppet and I’m never going to be that.” The hard glint returned to his eyes. “And if this means I have to take you down, I will fucking do so happily.”

There were a lot of things that didn’t make sense in this scenario. Like why a rich brat like Billy ended up serving in the military. You didn’t know if that really was true, you needed to find that out, but if it was, it didn’t gel. You would’ve expected him to follow in his family’s footsteps and go to some Ivy League school and work in the family business. But from the cursory stalking you did online, that didn’t appear to be the case. Back then you didn’t care enough to find out more, but now your curiosity was definitely piqued.

“Scared?” His snide tone brought you out of your reverie. “You should be. Shows that you’ve got some survival skills.”

“You don’t need to worry about me. I always land on my feet.”

“When this whole thing blows up on you, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

You smirked. “Warning noted.”

He moved back, evidently disappointed by your flippant reaction. “You’re an idiot.”

“I graduated top 2% of my class in medschool but, sure, I’m an idiot.”

He sent you an irritated glance, making his way to the fridge. You watched as he took out some leftover food from the fridge and started warming it up. “Booksmart isn’t everything.”

“You’re gonna wax poetic about street smarts now?” You snickered. “Spare me.”

“Just, please, shut the fuck up while I eat. Your voice is giving me a headache.”

You watched him as he ate some pasta, noting how careful he was not to leave a mess. Small, dignified bites, carefully wiping off residue sauce from the surface, and actually washing the dishes after he was done instead of leaving them in the sink for the maid to clean up.

A yawn escaped you and you realized how tired you were. The dinner had wiped your energy, and while the argument with Billy had reenergized you for a while, your exhaustion had returned. As an introvert, there was only so much you could take being around people.

“Does Alistair know your brother’s got a record for pimping?”

You stopped in your tracks. Fuck. A part of you had hoped Billy would be too lazy to have someone look into your family but obviously you’d underestimated him. You turned around to face him, careful to keep your blank mask on. Your brother had made some stupid, heinous mistakes as a teenager that you still hadn’t come to terms with, but you sure as hell weren’t going to let some rich prick lord it over you.

“Of course. One of the reasons why he chose me for this shindig. That man really wanted to stick it to you.” You weren’t entirely sure, but a part of you suspected that really was the case. You were meant to be a punitive consequence for Billy and so far everything about you was an embarrassment to the man. Alistair really did strike gold when he landed under your care.

Billy’s eyes were filled with cold heat as he continued his assault. “He pimp you out too?”

Your temper flared. “Why? You interested?”

“Not my type. I like ‘em with less meat and no sass.”

You rolled your eyes. “Is this where I’m supposed to start crying because some rich brat called me fat?”

“You know,” he mused, “this rich brat can sneak into your room at any time and kill you without a second thought.”

“And this fat bitch could slip some poison into you that fucks up your entire body and kills you in the most painful way possible.”

There was wry amusement in his voice, like he was actually enjoying this. Something you didn’t expect. “So you’ve put some thought into this.”

“I keep a running list of the best poisons in my head.”

“So not just a golddigging whore then. Potential killer too.”

“I’m a woman of many layers.”

“Clearly.”

For the first time you saw his gaze linger down your body, not in disgust or disdain, but with actual interest, like he was seeing you in a whole new light. And all because you’d confessed to thoughts of murdering him. What a fucking psycho.

Done with his bullshit for the night, you turned your back and exited the kitchen, all the while feeling his eyes boring into you.

To be continued...

A/N - Thank you for the lovely response to the first chapter. I know some people asked to be added to a taglist but Tumblr really hates my posts when I add pictures or tags in the body. If you’d like to follow this fic, I recommend you follow the tag “Grudgingly Yours”.

Anyway, I really hope you enjoy this chapter and I’d love to hear your thoughts on it. Thank you!

#billy russo x reader #billy russo #ben barnes #the punisher #grudgingly yours #my fics

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thebunnyslibrary · 7 months

Text

To Someone From a Warmer Climate

summary. On Halloween night, a storm rages on outside your door. But when the sheriff of the nearby town arrives and reveals his true nature to you, you will be caught in your own storm in desire and fear.

characters. Witch!Reader x Demon!Lee Bodecker

wc. 4.8k

warnings. Non/Dub!Con, Forced Mating/Marriage, Housewife Kink, Threats and Mentions of Violence, Blood.

an. Happy Halloween! Thank you for joining me for my first Halloween Collection.

BunBun’s Spoop-tober Collection Masterlist / Main Masterlist

It was the Samhain, All Hallow’s Eve…Halloween. A storm raged on outside, but you could still feel the moon’s power from behind the clouds. The storm itself actually made you feel calm, content, knowing you were safe for the night in your cozy cabin. You’d put out an extra place setting on your table and even dribbled some candy across it just for fun. You were planning a mute supper of the delicious smelling stew bubbling away in your crockpot (much more convenient than a cauldron, in your opinion).

Cooking was your specialty in magic, infusing spells and potions into food to help absorb them faster, and strengthening the effect. Tonight, you were testing a new potion to infuse with the stew; made to keep you warm and give you strength through the cold winter months. After dinner, you planned to cozy up to by the warm fire and tuck in with a collection of scary stories with some Nina Simone records.

Suddenly, a loud banging noise outside the door made you jump. At first, you thought it was just the storm, but you heard someone hollering, you rushed and threw open the door, fearing it was some poor lost soul. Instead, there stood a mountain of a man.

Tall and stocky with a wide brim hat doing its best to keep rain off his face where dark blue eyes peered at down at you. Soft pink lips pursed in a thin line were framed by 5 o clock shadow. He wore a black windbreaker with a shiny gold star pinned to his chest. You knew him; Lee Bodecker, the sheriff of the local mortal town just outside the wood.

“Evening ma’am, may I come in?” Wiping your hands on your sweater and crossing your arms over your chest, you eyed him suspiciously. However, you couldn’t sense anything too malicious about him. You stepped back, letting him enter and watching as he easily crossed your threshold. You knew your dwelling was protected from negative forces. You’d made well and sure of that.

“Is there something I can help you with?” you asked as you shut the door, not wanting any trouble and trying to be polite. You knew sometimes the teenagers of the town came into the woods to drink or fuck, especially on Halloween night. You’d hoped the storm would keep them away, but if the sheriff was here, maybe something had happened.

“Wellness check, ma’am. I got a call from some little old lady that said she knew there was a woman living in the woods. She wanted to make sure you hadn’t been flooded out.” He explained. A smile spread across your lips as you breathed a silent sigh of relief.

There was a woman whose farm backed up almost into the woods. Since her husband died a year ago, a few times a week you would go and help her with some of the chores; and she would give you milk, eggs, and fruits and veggies from the farm. You would also bring her soup and healing herbs when she was sick. She wasn’t aware of your powers, but always thanked you when she remarkably felt better the next day. Of course she called it in; knowing where your house was after you’d brought her there for tea one afternoon.

“Well, I appreciate you coming all this way Sheriff-”

“Lee, please” He interrupted. Your skin bristled a little at the interruption, but you nodded gently at him, knowing mortal men could be a little brash sometimes.

“Lee.” You continued. “But I really am alright. Can I offer you some tea or something for your trouble? I did just mix up some stew.” You’d heard stories about the sheriff, the town hero, who seemed to always be in the right place at the right time. But you were always suspicious of things that were too good to be true. It was your nature as a witch.

However, the man HAD come all the way into the woods in a storm just for one little old lady’s request. He must have something resembling a heart, you reasoned. You decided to give him some nice warm, strong, stew and slip a little forgetfulness potion into his coffee; then send him on his way, never to remember this place. You could return to your cozy evening. No harm done.

“Coffee would be appreciated if you have it.” Lee requested. “And that stew sure does smell good.”

“Have a seat.” You gestured to the chair at your small round table, only fit to hold 3 chairs, 2 of which already had a place set. Lee sat down at the one without, setting his hat down on the table.

“Can I take your coat?” you offered.

“Thank you kindly.” He took his coat off, handing it to you before setting his hat on the table and sitting across from the set place as you hung his coat by the fire. Going back to the kitchen cupboard and grabbing a mug and a bowl. You shook some grounds into a filter, infusing your forgetfulness spell.

Filling the coffee machine with water, you pressed the buttons and let it brew. You ladled a healthy serving of stew into the bowl and carefully placed it in front of him. He dug in as you sat across from him and tried to think of anything to say. You never had mortal company, only the nice lady who liked to knit and read, just like you; But Sheriff Bodecker didn’t seem the type to knit. Finally, he cleared his throat and asked you.

“You uh…live alone out here? You had another place set.” He gestured to the table. “Your husband leave you all alone out here?”

“Of course not.” You answered and he seemed taken aback. “Well, I mean… I don’t have a husband. But I’m not alone. The animals live out here too. And the plants. And my books.” The burbling of the machine caught your attention. “Do you take anything in your coffee? You asked him as you went to pour it into the mug.

“No thank you, ma’am.” He answered. “This stew is absolutely delicious.”

“Thank you, kindly.” You beamed as you set the mug down in front of him. “And I must admit the place setting is more of…personal thing. It’s a Halloween tradition to set a place for those who you have lost in the past.”

“That’s mighty sentimental of you. Though I’ve never heard of that one. Where’d you learn that?” Lee asked.

“Oh I uhm. I read about in a book.” You said, technically not lying. You just didn’t mention it was a magic book.

“I see.” Lee looked around the room. “You sure do have a lot of books.”

“Yes, well, sometimes I find the company of the books better than that of people.” You joked, looking to the coffee and hoping Lee would take a sip soon. You looked back at him but his body suddenly seemed a lot closer, his leg resting between yours, leaning against your right knee.

“Ah c’mon people aren’t too bad. Look at me for example, I wanted to make sure you were okay.” Look at him you did. He was decently handsome. Strong arms and a well-built frame. He was heavier set than other men, but you kind of liked that. You knew food was a comfort and you would rather people knew too much than not enough. Even the face you’d been suspicious of when he arrived had a more homely charm as he slurped up the last of his stew. He took a swig of coffee, then turned to face you fully.

“Mmmmm…damn…That’s the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had. And I just love the taste of the forgetfulness potion you added.” Your heart dropped into your stomach.

“What did you say?” He didn’t answer, only leaning back in his chair. He blinked and where crystal blue eyes had seemed to make him handsome and rakish; now were two inky black pits. He blinked again and his eyes were human again, but now his irises were crimson red.

You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself. You’d dealt with a few lower-level demons in your travels, but never someone who you could walk through your house’s defenses so easily. Usually, any malevolent force was neutralized before it even touched your house. But he…he was something darker.

“I’d heard about a pretty witch living out here in the woods.” Lee continued. “Thought it was just another one of them dippy mortals wearing peace signs. But then that little old lady came in, bringing some brownies she said you’d made. And when I tasted them, I knew for sure. There was a real little witch somewhere in town.

“Though it took me a while to find ya, darling. All them wards and runes…you’ve kept yourself pretty well hidden. But when that same sweet little old lady called in, worried about her friend in the woods, I knew I’d found you and here you are. Hidden away from the world, cooking up spells your nose buried in a mountain of books. All that defensive magic and you opened the front door for me and invited me in. Silly girl.” His eyes raked over your body, studying you.

“Damn, you are something pretty. You got a name, sweetheart?” But your lips tightened. You didn’t want to say another word to him, fearing what else he might be hiding. “Oh, come now, darling. I won’t bite.” But his wolfish grin spoke otherwise.

You told him your name in the strongest voice you could muster, trying to think of a plan to drive him out. As if reading your mind, Lee gently shook his head.

“Now let’s not do anything foolish sweetheart. I don’t want to get too nasty with you.” He warned.

“What-what DO you want then?” you asked. Lee paused for a moment, reaching across the table to grab a piece of candy, unwrapping it slowly and staring into your eyes as he placed the candy in his mouth, licking his lips as he chewed and swallowed.

“Quite frankly, darling…you. You’re clearly pretty good with the magic, and you’d be even more so with a little training. I’ll have all the power I need. See, I’ve been living like a king for years, feeding off the darkness of the souls in this town.”

“Darkness…?” The woman from the farm was always talking about how wonderful the town was, how safe it was…all because of him.

“Oh yes, sweetheart. There is a darkness in this here town. Seems half the people are born just so they can be buried. And I’ve managed to feed off of it for years. You’d be surprised how many people will give truly anything to get what they want. Sometimes they surprise me, just wanting basic mortal shit they could get if they tried a little harder. But some of them want to watch the world burn. They offer their souls and what happens? The town sheriff stops their crimes before they’ve even started. I look like got damn hero and never have to lift a finger.” He grinned wide. “All the praise of the good people feeding my pride. All the sin of the others feeding my powers.”

“But why…why do you need me?” You asked, meekly. His smile faded and his jaw clenched. His steely gaze and making you shiver and squirm in your chair.

“The good people have started to question me. Why I haven’t settled down with a wife... And if the good people are questioning me, I can’t clean up the filth in the town. See, I’m thinking about a run for state senator, maybe even governor. And the higher up the ladder you climb, the darker people will get. I can’t do that without a little lady with me to keep me in their good graces.” He stood up now, his hand on the table, leaning in close to you, but you managed to shove the chair away and rushed to the sink, grabbing the sharpest knife you had and pointing it at him. But Lee only shook his head and smiled.

“Now what are you gunna do with that, huh? You certainly don’t have it in you to use it” He mocked, stepping closer to you. He let out a low groan. “And that’s exactly why I want you. Your innocence, and your kind heart are exactly what I need. Someone to look good for the town, show off at all the little local town events, and keep my bed warm at night.” He licked his lips. “So, here’s the deal. You keep my bed warm and my stomach full, and I'll keep the town safe; keep being the hero.” He was standing in front of you now; still holding the knife in your trembling hands as you shook your head. Lee reached up, grabbing the knife like it was nothing, and throwing it somewhere.

Blood ran down his hand but he made no move to wipe it off. Instead, he grabbed your wrists and pinned them to the cabinets behind you, his lips thundering down upon yours in a harsh and punishing kiss. He bit your lip, making you gasp, giving him a chance to force his tongue into your mouth. Your eyes widening as you swore the end of it was forked. When he pulled away, you were gasping for air. He leaned in close to your ear, his breath hot on your cheek and neck.

“Maybe you didn’t understand me clearly in that dumb little brain of yours, but I could ruin this town. Your poor little old lady friend? Out on the street. Your library? Closed. I could stand back and make you watch this town suffer. Or you can be my good little housewife.” He leaned back to look at you, his eyes soulless black pits.

“Or maybe I'll take you out to the town square. And show them what you really are. Some mortals around here get scared, they start getting jumpy…and pretty scary themselves.” Your breath hitched; you knew some mortals, even as time moved forward, who still got too scared of what they didn’t understand and could get violent quickly. It was one reason you kept yourself hidden. “So, what’s it gunna be, little witch?” You stared back at him, your breathing shallow.

In a flash of quick thinking, you thought to the holy water in your cabinet, and it manifested in your hand. You managed to dump it on his hands, and he roared in pain, letting you escape. If you could make it to the bedroom, your sacred room, you might be able to ward him out, or at least escape to somewhere else.

You were steps away from the threshold when you were suddenly wrenched back and slammed against the wall. Your hands were pinned above your head and your legs were spread wide. You heard Lee down the hall; his heavy footsteps getting closer and closer until he stood directly in front of you.

“Tsk tsk tsk. Just couldn’t make it easy could you? But that’s okay, Nothing worth having ever is.”

“But…how…no other magic works in my space…” you stammered. But he only chuckled, relishing in your fear as you struggled against the bond, studying you like a work of art.

“Seems to me you’re in MY space now.” As you fought to free yourself, you realized he was right; nothing in the house, none of your powers were working. “Now Let’s try that again shall we, sweetheart?”

“Please…” you begged. “Please don’t do this.”

“Oh, come now. It ain’t all bad... A powerful demon husband, access to magics you wouldn’t believe, I can make this so good for you.” He forced his hands up your sweater to run them down over your breasts, one hand stopping to fondle your nipple with his thumb while the other slid into your pajama pants, between your legs and cupping your pussy over your panties and rubbing his ring and middle fingers back and forth.

“Well well, for such a good little witch, you sure are dripping wet for me. I’m must say I’m flattered.” He kissed you with a fire that stirred something dark and twisted within your heart and soul. Something you ignored as a witch who tried to do only good to others.

“God…please...” Your voice was soft, but Lee heard you growled, his hand going from your breast to grab your hair and force your head back. His voice was soft but dangerous in your ear.

“Trust me sweetheart, Even if he gave a shit about you, there’s not a damned thing he could to stop me. You worship me now. Go on, say my name.”

“Lee…” you breathed heavily. Your resolve was slowly crumbling as you realized there was no way out of this. And that fear, that resolve, was being replaced with desire. The way Lee looked at you seemed like he wanted to devour you whole should’ve terrified you, but you couldn’t deny how wet you were. You didn’t want to want him, but your whimper gave you away.

“Yeah, baby? You want something? Go on…beg for it…” he ordered; his fingers moving faster as he kissed down your neck, biting gently in just the right spot to make your toes curl. You let out a low moan. Your breathing was heavy as you spoke.

“You…you promise you won’t hurt the good people?” You asked, tears forming in the corners of your eyes. Lee scoffed with a smirk, staring down at you.

“Good people, oh if only you knew…but you’ll learn.” Without another word Lee pulled his fingers from your shorts, making your whine in loss and feeling yourself clench around nothing. Lee snapped his fingers and your clothes were gone.

Before you could react, he grabbed you, lifted you over his shoulder, smacking your ass then storming into your bedroom, slamming the door behind you two and locking it. He tossed you unceremoniously onto your bed, hardly giving you a moment to breathe before he was on top of you. He leaned over you and his black soleless eyes bore deep into yours.

“The people in this town are bathed in sin. Just you wait and see.” His gaze softened, his eyes returning to their crimson form. He ran one hand down your cheek, using his thumb to hold your chin and force you to look at him. “But you know what, I think you want something darker… I saw some of those books on your shelves. I think you wanna be a little damsel in distress. And I’m more than happy to oblige.” His hand wrapped around your throat; then he leaned down so his lips were just ghosting against your trembling ones.

“How long have you wanted the touch of a strong man?” Your whimper in response only made him grin wider. “You’re adorable and you reek of loneliness. He kissed you deeply before leaning back to rake his eyes fully over your naked form. “So fucking purty…” he growled. “And you taste sweeter than any mortal sin.” He stood up, but you were still unable to move. Your arms crossed over your head and your legs were forced wide.

Wasting no time, he stripped out of his own clothes; Finally he pulled his boxers down to expose his cock which bobbed against his stomach. Your eyes widened in shock at the size. It had been some time since you’d been with a man, but his thick cock was bigger than you’d ever had. You tried to shy away from him a bit but he stroked it up and down a few times, laughing at the more than apparent shock on your face

“Never had a cock this big before, have you?” he slowly climbed on the bed, kneeling between your legs. “Well not to worry, little witch. I’m here now and I’m gunna take good care of you. Starting by fucking you like the little bitch in heat that you are and making you cum.” He stroked his cock while gently running his fingers up and down your slit. You wanted to struggle, scream, fight back. But when Lee pressed his thumb down on your clit, you let out a moan and seemed to almost grind against his hand. It was wrong, but it felt so good. He brought the fingers he’d been rubbing you with up to your lips.

“Suck on em, slut.” Pushing his fingers in your mouth, rather than be repulsed, your tongue laved over his fingers; thoughts clouding your mind of kneeling before him and sucking his cock. “Oh don’t worry, little witch. You’ll be doing that soon enough.” Lee promised. “Tell me you want this cock. Tell me how bad you wanna be my little whore.”

“Want…want your cock in my pussy Lee…want to be your slut..” you begged.

“You gunna be my good wife? Give me whatever I want?” You could feel the head of his cock brush against the inside of your thigh.

“Yes…please…”

“Open your mouth.” He ordered. You did as he said and he squeezed your cheeks, making sure your mouth stayed open as he leaned over and snarled something in Latin before spitting in your mouth. Your eyes widened as you realized what he was doing but he covered your nose and mouth with his hands. “Swallow it, slut. Swallow it if you wanna breathe again.” You had no choice but to swallow. Your veins came alive like fire travelling through you as you were now soul bonded together. He let go of you but replaced his hand with his lips in another hard kiss.

You felt the last of your resolve crumbling. You hated yourself, but you wanted him…and he knew it. He snapped his fingers again and now your arms were free to move, but they didn’t fight him, instead they sought to hold him close to you. You wanted to feel him against you, he was so warm compared to the chilly night air. Like a blanket wrapping around you on winter’s first night.

“Well now, we certainly have changed our mind, haven’t we?” You didn’t answer, turning away, and trying to not meet his leering gaze. But he gripped your chin and forced you to look at him.

“When I ask you a question, you answer, understand? I’m being real nice here, but I can go back to being mean if you want.” He threatened. But you shook your head softly.

“No please…I’ll be good…” you whimpered and he smiled.

“I know you will.” He kissed you, taking the chance to push his cock inside you making you moan into the kiss. His hands were on either side of your head and you dug your nails into his shoulder to try and pull him closer to you.

You pressed your knees tight against his sides as he set a torturous pace. Dragging his cock out slowly so you could feel the head rubbing the walls of your pussy, making you keen and moan. Then pushing back in hard so you felt like you were going to be split in two.

“Lee…please.” You wanted to beg him to stop but it came out as a plea for more.

“Such a powerful little witchling, reduced to my wanton whore…” His hands grabbed your breasts, tweaking and rolling your nipples between his calloused fingers. “Gunna be so pretty on my arm. And if you be a good little wife, I’ll buy you all the books you want, and I’ll fuck you to sleep every night on my cock.” He took one hand away from your breasts to smack your clit…hard. Your vision went white with pleasure as you screwed your eyes shut; your pussy clenching hard around his cock.

“Fuck and a pain slut to boot. You’re gunna be lots of fun, little witch. I want you to cum. Cum for your new husband.” His thrusts increased to a punishing pace and he used his thumb to rub your clit. “And when you cum on my cock, I own you. Heart, body, and soul. You understand?”

“Ye-Yes I understand…Lee…” His eyes flickered to black as he pinched your nipple hard and ordered you in a voice much lower and darker than his usual tone.

“Then cum.” The sound of it making your eyes was the final straw as your eyes rolled back in your head and you felt every muscle in your body clench as you came harder than you ever had before. Lee had made your body feel like it was on fire but your orgasm was like a cooling only water could bring. You called out his name as you bucked your hips up, like you were trying to draw him in more.

He kept fucking you through the waves of pleasure crashing down on you, chasing his own release. “Look at you, all fucked out and all mine. Can’t wait to get you home, gunna bend you over and spank this ass hard before I fuck it…” His words made your breath hitch and you clenched his cock one final time before he stilled above you, growling and snarling.

You could feel his hot cum filling you as he pumped his cock into you a few more times. For a few moments, only the sound of your combined breathing’s filled the space. You lay there with your eyes closed as your feelings washed over you; shame, embarrassment, but at the base of it all, satisfaction and power. Power stronger than anything you’d felt before. Lee chuckled above you as you opened your eyes to meet his, now back to crimson.

“You can feel it, can’t you? All that new power from being my mate flowing through you?” You nodded weekly. “Good but just remember. I’m the one in control now, you’re bound to me so if you even think about hurting me or doing something stupid, I’ll strip them away and leave you for dead. We clear?”

“Yes, Lee.” You sighed, accepting your fate. His eyes flashed once more to black before turning back to the blue that had drawn you in so easily. You bit your lip, staring up at his rugged looks and acknowledging there were worse options to be bound to for all eternity.

“Fuck, I hope you never lose that doe eyed look. I just wrecked your pussy and you still look like the shy little bookworm you are.” He pulled his cock from you slowly, the first gentle action of the night. “Do you need some stew now, little witchling?” He asked, teasing you and tickling your side, forcing a smile onto your face that didn’t last. Lee let out a small sigh.

“Listen, you might look cute when you cry on my cock, but you’ve got one hell of a smile, darling. I’d like to see it for real.” His words struck a chord, all night he’d teased and degraded you, but now he seemed gentile, almost trying to be charming. He brushed a strand of hair back from your face. “You have to remember sweetheart, I may be strong and powerful, but I have to lure in my pray first.”

Lee gently pounced on you, placing hot, open mouth kisses to your neck, nipping and kissing until you were squealing and laughing in pleasure, forgetting for just a moment the rude and brash way he’d taken you, sexually and literally. When Lee stopped, he pulled back to press a kiss to your forehead.

“I told you sweetheart, if you’re good for me, I can be so good for you.” Despite everything you’ve ever known about demons, you decided to trust him; hoping that as his wife, maybe you could do some good and help the people of the town on a wider scale.

“Can I ask for one thing, please?” you asked, reaching for his hand and squeezing it.

“Well, I am feeling awfully generous.” He said, smiling coyly.

“Please let me keep this place. I promise I’ll come home to you every night but…a witch needs her sacred space.” You asked, batting your eyelashes just a little.

“Hmmmm, I suppose that can be arranged.” Lee conceded. “But I have complete and unfettered access, understood?” You nodded, knowing the road ahead as his wife would be rough, but seeing who he was and hoping you could smooth down the rougher edges gave you a sense of relief.

He lay on his side, wrapping his arms around you and holding you against him. You were almost shocked how comfortable you felt in his embrace. But it happened easily, his leg feeling so natural wrapped around yours in your bed.

#bunbun's spooptober collection #spooptober #halloween #halloween fics #lee bodecker #lee bodecker x reader #demon!lee bodecker #demon #the devil all the time #the devil all the time fics #dark!lee bodecker #sebastian stan fics #sebastian stan

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farity · 8 months

Text

Obsession, part 19

She was a loving wife and a very stern nurse, as Aemond found out.

She would not let him be late with his medication, would not let him overexert himself, despite how antsy he was to go for a run or work out.

He had to enlist Helaena's help in order to carry out his plans, but two weeks later he finally got everything ready.

"Let's go for a walk, it's nice outside," he said casually. "Just a short walk, hmm?"

"A short walk," she said, "okay, but if you start feeling badly, we're-"

"We'll turn around, you can call the doctor, whatever you want."

She smiled then, grabbed her jacket and met him at the door.

He smiled to himself, thinking she really should question how agreeable he was being.

* * * * *

He walked them to the gardens on the side of the property. When the Tyrells had pledged loyalty years ago, they had gifted them hundreds of antique rose plants, which only existed in Highgarden.

"These are gorgeous," she said, rushing over to touch a bloom. "They smell so good, too."

"Come this way, I wanted to show you something."

He was impatient, which wasn't like him. Nervous, which was definitely not like him. He'd meant for her to enjoy the walk with him but now he couldn't wait.

When they turned a corner, there was a small table set up with wine, two glasses, and a small box, and she turned to him, one eyebrow raised. "What's this?" she asked.

He took the box, opened it, and showed it to her.

Her jaw dropped, and she looked from the ring in the box to his face. "We're already married."

When he went down on one knee, she gasped. "Aemond."

"I don't want a marriage for protection," he said, "or convenience, or any contrived bullshit. I want to know if, after everything you've seen, everything you have been through, you want to be with me until the end of our days. I want to know that you want to be married to me out of love, because I sure as hell love you."

She threw herself around him, and he nearly let go of the box, but held on as she kissed him and pulled him back up.

"Yes, yes," she said when she finally let go of him. "I love you, I don't care about anything else."

He kissed her until she was breathless and then remembered. "Here," he said, taking her hand and placing the ring on her finger. "Do you like it? We can look at others-"

"I love it," she said, looking at the square diamond on her finger, the scrollwork that surrounded it. "I love you," she wrapped her arms around him and he could only think of one word to describe what he felt - home.

* * * * *

The next afternoon Aegon called him, and he smiled as he hung up.

"What is it?"

"Cregan Stark would like to speak to Helaena's brothers."

She gasped and covered her mouth with her hand, "oh my gosh, do you think-"

Aemond nodded, "I think he's going to ask us for her hand. He's a brave man," he added.

"Why?"

"He also spoke with mother."

She fell back onto the sofa, "that is true love, if he discussed this with Alicent."

Aemond shrugged as he rose, headed to the door. "If she didn't like him, believe me, he wouldn't be able to get anywhere near Helaena. I'll be back in a bit."

"Don't be too mean to him." She called out as he left.

He smiled as he closed the door behind him. He wanted Helaena to be happy, and he knew she was. Cregan had surprised him with his willingness to get his hands dirty if that's what it took to be accepted by the Targaryens, because whoever Helaena married would need to be ready to do whatever it took to keep his sister safe.

And he liked the Stark lord. But it didn't mean he and Aegon would make it easy for him.

He walked in to find Aegon and Daeron sitting with Stark, who looked at him and rose to shake his hand. "Aemond."

"Cregan."

Aegon rose as well, went to stand facing the three other men. "Gentlemen, we are here because Cregan Stark has sought to meet with us. The wolf of the north wants the hand of our beloved sister Helaena in marriage, and he has wisely decided to ask all of us, as each one of us would lay our lives down for her, and we will allow no less from the man she chooses to marry. Cregan?"

He rose, exchanging places with Aegon, and looked at all three men in turn. "We Starks fear very little in life. We live with the ever present danger of the Land of Always Winter at our doors, we are raised to survive in the harsh climates of the north.

"It was when I got to know your sister, Helaena, that I found out what it is that the Starks fear. The loss of our mates. We are true wolves and fidelity is in our veins - wolves mate for life and so do we. The thought of any harm or hurt coming to Helaena is unconscionable to me. Should you deem me worthy of making her my wife and the lady of Winterfell, I will keep her safe and do my best to make her happy.

"Should I fail in either endeavor," he turned to reach behind him, and produced a sword, "you are free to hunt me down and take my head. I would like to formally ask for the hand of Helaena Targaryen, only daughter of House Targaryen, in marriage."

"Have you spoken to our mother?" Aegon asked.

"Yes," Cregan answered, "and while she said we have her blessing, the decision is left to the head of the House," he bowed his head to Aegon, "but I wanted to speak to you all."

Aegon looked at his brothers and although there was no word exchanged or gesture made, Cregan knew, when Aemond stood, that everything hinged on the next few moments.

"Will you lie for her?"

"Yes," Cregan responded immediately.

"Will you kill for her?"

"Yes."

Aemond took a step closer to the Stark lord. "Will you die for her?"

Nodding slowly, Cregan looked at the three men facing him. "I will."

Aemond turned, and went back to his brothers. It was the work of but a moment and then all three Targaryen men turned, with Aegon in front.

"Cregan Stark, lord of Winterfell. You have proven yourself worthy of the reputation that surrounds your ancestors. You expressed no doubts in joining us on one of our jobs, and you have placed your resources at our disposal.

"But what it comes down to is our sister's happiness. And it is because of Helaena's happiness that we welcome you to our family, that we open the doors of House Targaryen to a Stark wolf, and embrace you as a brother."

* * * * *

You were unpacking your new sketching supplies when the text came from Aemond and you smiled, dropping everything to rush over to the main house.

When you walked in, you were handed a Champagne flute by one of the kitchen staff and went to the lounge where you could hear conversation.

Alicent walked up to you, smiling what seemed an actual genuine smile, although you couldn't be quite sure. "It's a beautiful day," she said, brushing one cheek against yours, and then the other.

"We're so happy for Helaena," you replied before catching your new sister's eye. "Hel!" you exclaimed, letting her engulf you in a huge hug. "I am so happy for you both. If there is anything you need help with, please, I'm here for you."

"Oh thank you," she said, "having a sister during this time is the best ever!" She looked up past you and then she was letting Aemond hug her. "Sweet brother."

You saw Cregan then, his face radiant with joy and you went up to him. "If you ever need to talk-"

"I'm sure I will," he nodded, eyes wide. Then he laughed, the corners of his eyes crinkling.

"Congratulations, she is a treasure."

"That, she is," he said, "and we will spend part of the year here, I would not take her away completely."

You smiled at him, "I'm glad to hear it."

* * * * *

A week later you stopped as you put your toothbrush and toothpaste aside. There was something, something needling at you in the back of your mind. You began combing through your damp hair and tried to remember what it was, to no avail.

"What are you thinking about?"

You looked in the mirror to find Aemond standing there, a towel around his hips. Your gaze went from the top of his hair to the edge of the towel, and back up to his eye. "I'm thinking there is one towel too many in this room."

You went up to him, ran your hands up his chest, your fingertips skimming over the scar left from his recent surgery.

He wasted no time in lifting you up and taking you into your bedroom, where he placed you on the recently made bed and undid the sash on your robe.

"If I were to reach down in here, would I find you wet for me?"

Your cheeks warmed at the familiar words. "One way to find out."

He spread the robe open, baring you to him, and reached between your thighs, his fingers slipping gently inside you. "So wet. So hot. Is this all for me?" he asked.

You licked your lips, "only for you."

He pulled you to the edge of the bed, mouth on the inside of your knee. "So soft. So fucking sweet."

You were busy slipping the robe off your arms, the feel of his lips already making your head spin.

When he fastened his mouth between your legs you moaned, his tongue beginning to work you. He knew exactly how to drag you to the very edge and keep you there, how to keep you hovering while you yanked at his hair and canted your hips to get him right where you wanted him.

He shoved your legs back, spreading you wide open as he continued to feast. When he began making small circles with his tongue, you felt yourself about to fall, and then he slipped his fingers back inside you and you screamed as you came, muscles clenching as he reached deep inside you to prolong your orgasm.

You were still contracting when he rose and pulled your legs around his hips. He drove inside you, the fullness just on this side of pain, and began rocking against you. Each snap and recoil was making you spiral again, and you moved in time with him, seeking release once more.

His hand cupped your face, his touch so tender that you felt tears gather in your eyes. "I love you, Aemond."

When you came a second time, you took him with you, and felt him wrap himself around you as you surrendered to the darkness.

* * * * *

He was going through his files when she walked in the next day. "What is it?"

"I need to talk to you."

"What?"

She walked in, her steps tentative, and he wondered.

"I've been thinking there was something off, and I finally realized what it was."

Aemond stood, starting to worry.

"While you were in the hospital I was eating and sleeping at random times," she said when he took her hands, "I wasn't really keeping a schedule."

"Do we need to see a doctor, are you okay?"

"Well," she looked at him, her eyes huge. "I'm okay, but we might have to."

He knew. He saw it in her eyes - the surprise, the careful joy, the fear, and his eye traveled to her stomach. When he looked back up, her eyes were filled with tears.

"I think I'm pregnant."

* * * * *

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dracoxmalereader · 7 months

Text

Marks & Spencer

Draco x Male Reader

Context: Takes place ~late 2014 because that's when gay marriage was legalized in the uk 🤓 which is convenient because that also means they have cellphones. Texting best plot device. <3 Also I don't know how weddings work my parents didn't have one so I had nobody to ask. TT I dunno if you're supposed to be shopping for the clothes together but let's say that reader and Draco are shopping for their wedding suits together because that way it'll be easier to coordinate prices. Weddings aren't cheap! Draco did just lose his job when this takes place.

Summary: You and Draco are shopping for suits for your guys' upcoming wedding. <3 Much fluff and shenanigans ensue in the Marks & Spencer.

Word Count: 1079

“Telling your boss to ‘go make out with a dementor’ is not a very muggle-ly reaction.”

“Well he deserved it! He should be rotting in Azkaban for the paychecks he was giving us. How many hours of overtime did I work last week? ‘Cause it sure wasn’t ‘zero’ like he put on my paycheck.” Draco shook his head with a sigh, eyes focused on the rack of jackets he was shifting through.

He picked a jacket off the rod, slinging it over the growing pile on his arm. “And that’s why we’re shopping for wedding suits at an M&S.” You teased with a smile, no real bite to your words.

Draco continued complaining about his now ex-boss, and you exhaled through your nose in amusement. A lacey puff of white sticking out from the clearance rack behind him caught your eye, and you pushed past to grab it by the hanger.

You started to chuckle and held the overly frilly dress up to Draco’s figure, watching him turn to look. He deadpanned, his unamused expression making the dress, now draped fully over his front, that more hilarious. You giggled uncontrollably, tears pooling in your eyes.

"Are you serious?"

“You always were Slytherin's princess.” You threw your head back and cackled. Draco blinked, and a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. His chest started to bob with silent laughter. He rolled his eyes and tried to act annoyed, shoving the garment off of himself with his free hand.

“You’re an arse, you know that?” He shook his head, “Go look at the cakes or something if you’re not gonna help me.”

You wiped the tears from your eyes, catching your breath from your laughing fit. “You sure?”

“Yeah, I’ve got to try these on anyways,” He lifted the arm with all the jackets piled onto it, “Not sure if they match my skin tone, y’know?”

You smiled at him lovingly. “You’re so high maintenance.”

He feigned offense with a telling smirk, pawing at your shoulder with his empty hand. “You try shopping for a complexion as unique as mine.”

“Sure, sea-salt. You can be as picky as you like,” You teased, leaning forwards to leave a smug peck on his lips before you put the dress back on the clearance rack. “It is our wedding after all.”

His face reddened and he shook his head with a flustered sigh, watching you saunter off towards the bakery section of the store.

Your eyes shifted back and forth on the shelf in front of you. Eyebrows furrowed, you chewed on your lower lip. Deciding on apple danishes instead of chocolate, you reached to grab them, only to feel your phone buzz in your pocket. Grabbing the boxed pastries and tucking them under your arm, you pulled your phone out.

WhatsApp💬

Dray🦦: Come to the fitting rooms.

Dray🦦: Please.

You raised a brow in confusion. You stared at your phone, unmoving, and watched more texts appear on-screen.

WhatsApp💬

Dray🦦: I’m in the third cubicle.

Dray🦦: Please come to the fitting rooms.

Concerned, you slipped your phone back into your pocket and walk-jogged out of the bakery section. You wormed your way through aisles, then through racks of clothes until you were turning a corner and shimmying down the little hallway to the third cubicle of the men’s fitting room.

You knocked on the door, concern lacing your voice when you called out to your fiancé. “Dray?”

There was shuffling on the other side and then the door clicked and cracked open, just enough for you to slip inside. You shut it behind you and your eyebrows shot up when you saw Draco. White lace clung just a bit too tight to his frame, frilly neckline dipping unevenly where it’s obvious he’d struggled to get it on. His hands laid flatly at his front, almost consumed by the puffy, layered tulle of the dress’s skirt.

Your jaw hung open before it snapped shut, lips pursed into an entertained smooch. “Pfft.”

Your mouth filled with air as you fought back laughter, slapping your free hand over your mouth. He met your eyes solemnly, eyebrows drawn tight. “Don’t.” He urged, but nothing could stop the eruption of laughter bubbling its way out of you.

You set the box in your hand down on the little bench beside him, snickering until you managed to calm yourself down. “What,” You paused, spreading your fingers and waving your hands in front of Draco for emphasis. “Happened.”

He pressed his lips together tight, fighting a small smile of his own. “I was just gonna take a few pictures to make you laugh, you arse, but the bloody zipper got stuck and I can’t get the damn thing off.”

You snorted, the corners of your mouth tugged downwards to fight another bout of giggles.

“This is all your fault! Is my suffering funny to you?” Draco whined, his expression telling you that he really wasn’t all that bothered.

“Turn around, you git. Let me help you.”

He complied with a lighthearted groan, turning so his back was towards you. The zipper was visibly snagged on the fabric, caught and pulling it taut half-way up his back. You stepped closer, squinting to get a closer look before pulling at it a couple times. You managed to free it, and the zipper slipped further, all but bursting the rest of the way open.

“I’ve gotta say, as stunning as you look in white, I don’t think this one’s your size.”

“Piss off.” He grumbled, turning back around. His face was bright red and his eyes lingered on the floorboards. He slipped the off-shoulder sleeves down his arms before looking back up at you.

“So feisty.” You simpered at him.

He smirked back, “I thought you liked me feisty?”

“I do!” You smiled back at him.

The two of you stared at each other for a moment, just enjoying the comfortable silence, before Draco spoke again. “So, you gonna get out now? Or should I put on a show?” He wiggled his eyebrows at you and you rolled your eyes, a silent chuckle shaking your chest. “Not that I’m opposed.” He dragged out the last syllable, teasing.

You shook your head in amusement. “Alright I’m going. Text me if there’s any more,” You pointed your gaze at the bunchy skirt of the dress. “Mishaps.”

“Darling, you know I will.” He winked smugly, and you slipped out the door of the cubicle.

How dare my parents not have a wedding. What if their eldest would need to understand weddings for his Harry Potter fic some 22 years later? /j

The funnest part of this was getting to look up 2014 phones. Draco 100% has an iPhone 6 plus he pre-ordered and the reader has like a Galaxy S4 he got on sale. Every iOS main needs their android user, and reader is Draco's.

This is less proofread than my others because I have 1 out of minimum 30 assignments done in all of my classes and they gave me an unexcused absence. Wouldn't be that big of a deal if I wasn't like one more of those away from a court date, so I've been focused on that lately. :P Let me know if there are any typos or grammar issues pls. <3

#draco malfoy imagine #draco malfoy x male reader #draco x male reader #draco x reader #harry potter fandom #draco malfoy #tagging is hard #lmk if there's any typos #or goofs #draco x y/n #draco malfoy x reader #x male reader

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oh-saints · 1 year

Text

sweetest devotion (p.4)

mason really should've listened what his sister had been saying all this time, that not everyone is what they seem...

playboy!mason x princess!OC

tw: as mentioned in the masterlist only, but particularly extramarital affair to a marriage of convenience AND VIOLENCE in this chapter

wc: 2.1k

note: as i've promised previously, here's some happ(ier) stuff for you guys! hope you like them! but as usual, i happen to write at dawn so this is not beta-read yet.

tags: @pingyu-in-wonderland @ironmaiden1313 @myreveriie<3 (lmk if you wanna be added!)

part 3 - part 5

sweetest devotion masterlist here

please don’t be late for the banquet.

was the last thing elena saw flashing from mason’s phone.

mason had never voiced out his inner frustration towards this whole one big mess they—including serena—were involved in, but elena knew better than the deep, resigned sighs mason let out just now. or every time he’d gotten a glimpse of serena’s name from his phone, which was rather often due to her tenacity to keep posting about her whereabout. or whenever someone brought up the sore topic of his (faux) marriage.

it still irked her that she still couldn’t have mason entirely, body and soul, despite living together for almost a season now. despite having him physically by her side almost 24/7, except on days he had to leave for practices and matches. now she had to have him apart for the formal banquet at the embassy of eldorra, as a consequence of marrying the country’s only princess.

I know, I know, elena groaned inwardly. it was only a night, but elena had to see pictures of mason and serena being a couple everyone dreams of plastered all over the news and social media posts by tomorrow morning. it might not be the married couple’s intention but surely the palace would love to blast how wonderful their marriage turned out to be, fanning the “ridiculous” gossips of the couple nobody saw coming. aka the bun in the oven.

elena couldn’t take it—heck, she never could. she would always play hard to get, yes, but it was solely for mason’s eyes. she’d never guess it’d backfire on herself, playing the jealousy card.

the mere thoughts of people fawning over their visuals would already drive her insane because she knew—god, did she know—that elena and mason would’ve smashed every other visual couples. she was a model, for god’s sake, and he was the teenage-heartthrob footballer.

the temptation to just wreck the banquet was already sitting on top of elena’s head, if it wasn’t for the fact that her career she’d so hard been building was at stake. because no matter what, she was up against a princess, a monarchy figure loved by her people, a respectable woman in the eyes of the world. of course elena would be the one everyone would throw tomatoes at, should she come out and expose the real deal.

heck, she couldn’t even tell a single soul because of it. no matter how supportive her friends are, elena would be on the short end of the sticks. they’d call out elena a crazy lady and tell her to stop deluding herself because her ex—from their point of view—was no longer available in the market. that elena was taking her grief and regret of losing mason way too harsh.

“don’t go,” elena would always beg him to stay behind, whenever mason was walking out of the door towards serena’s direction. be it picking up his fresh set of clothes—for whatever reason elena could never understand because he could’ve moved in all his stuffs—or be it for his monthly baby check-up.

tonight was no exception.

and mason would always answer, “you know I’ll be back soon, baby.”

but what if he never did? would elena still be able to stand time and place in this lifetime?

fuck’s sake, elena sobbed in frustration that she almost threw mason’s favourite choice of liquor from her hand to the nearest wall. what did she do to deserve this?

right, you broke mason’s heart and led him to serena.

＊✿❀○❀✿＊＊✿❀○❀✿＊＊✿❀○❀✿＊

mason would be lying if he said his jaw didn’t fall onto the floor the moment serena stepped out of her room—his old guest room, mostly occupied by ben chilwell whenever he was over at mason’s—wearing a floor length tulle gown. one he’d recognised from the latest collection of the palace’s favourite designer, ellie saab.

serena, magically without even touching him, had no problem making his acting job tonight go smooth as silk.

call him shallow for all he cared, mason could feel his withstanding great wall of china he’d built around himself crumbling apart at the sight. and that should only mean a big fat red flag for him because he wasn’t supposed to feel this way. especially after the insane stunt she pulled weeks ago, endangering herself, the baby, and the identity of their fake marriage the moment she went down to Portsmouth to be by his mother’s side.

but how could he, when the room’s attention shifted to wherever serena went, that he had no choice but to aggravate his own towards his wife, who was now talking to the eldorran ambassador for the UK like they were good friends and not a princess and one of her subjects?

how could he not feel all these supposedly forbidden things when he watched her effortlessly forced everyone else in the room to keep up with her knowledge?

how could he not feel all these supposedly prohibited things when he watched her interacting with several little eldorrans like they were her own children, while looking so magnificently striking without even trying?

a total 180 degrees contrast to her usual garb of either smart pants or loungewear with cardigan wrapped around her. her hair was now clipped neatly into an updo, her make up was rather clean for a formal banquet but still had a dramatic effect around her eyes. her jewelleries could also be considered simple for the title she was bearing.

despite his description on serena going rather humble for her extravagant upbringing, mason had never seen someone who exuded an aura so… composedly dignified. regal. royal. despite his proud acclamation that he had always loved it when a woman knows how to carry herself well, no one was a worthy match to serena thermopolis of eldorra.

it was only then did he realise—again—that he had, indeed, married a princess all along.

the person who was usually silent while busily writing down her recipes and diaries colourfully on his kitchen counter—only talking whenever he asked her a question or whenever she wanted to report her whereabouts or whenever the baby’s concerned. even then, she’d cut down her replies to no more than 10 words in a sentence—was no more than an exterior she’d only put up whenever she was around.

slowly things dawned on him, especially scenes from weeks ago at the hospital. she certainly wasn’t silent if she could get along with his family.

“how are you settling into the married life, your highness?”

her smile was still plastered in her face prettily, albeit the strained edges of her eyes. “I have a wonderful husband right here,” as if on cue, mason stepped in closer to her and held her gently by the waist. they weren’t supposed to show affections in public but for some unbeknownst reason, mason wanted to. “I think it’s rather how he’s settling into the married life with me.”

was this how serena had always been, witty underneath the cold, calm beauty?

“we can’t actually believe it at first, the calm princess got married before her brothers,” another one spoke up, and mason could feel serena tensing at the implied gossip around the ton. in some fucked up way, it reminded him of the time they shared a ride home from Portsmouth, when she was left frozen at the sight mason losing his head.

was she scared of him?

“when you know a princess loves you with all her heart,” mason instinctively took the wheel, silently thanking heavens he paid attention to the short course on media play and handling Chelsea had prepared for their players. “what’s stopping you to marry her?”

while mason titled his head down to spare serena a glance, the woman’s vision remained locked to the honourable guests in front of her, a smaller smile etched on her face this time.

was he that blind to her being afraid of him?

or was it something else that he did?

who is serena thermapolis, anyway?

＊✿❀○❀✿＊＊✿❀○❀✿＊＊✿❀○❀✿＊

mason couldn’t sleep afterwards. he’d trashed left and right to find a comfortable position or a cold surface of his sheet, he’d woken up every one or two hours on top of that.

unfortunately, mason knew it was not because of the ethereal sight of his wife cascading throughout the ballroom, impressing and charming everyone else while also impressing mason at her ability to divert the guests’ piqued curiosity of their marriage.

it was because it had been a while since the last time he’d occupied his bed. funny how he said his bed this time around, as if he’d gone back to Portsmouth and his mother told him his old bedroom was still available for him.

but as extreme urgent poundings grazed his door before he could drift himself to sleep, mason had never felt so lucky to be sleepless.

he immediately jumped off the bed, thinking nothing but grabbing his phone to call the police. he’d pressed the device already to his ear, ready to rant off about the intruder to his house. “serena?”

he called for his wife-on-paper not to make sure if it was her crazy antics, but it was because he wanted to make sure she was safe instead. and when his calls were only met by silence, he’d never dashed off for the stairs faster than that instance.

however, it turned out it was rather mason’s problem not catching on her voice. firstly because her room was downstairs, secondly because it slipped his mind that serena had never been brought up to raise her voice. because she was already standing at the doorframe, facing whoever had the lunatic guts to disturb his home so late into the night.

mason ran faster towards her direction because there was no way she was facing a criminal on her own, without protection or safety gears or whatsoever, as if it was her friends coming over to surprise her at midnight. “serena!”

but before he could reach her, serena had flown all the way across the porch from a well-placed, strong punch. before he could process what was happening, serena had sat up, holding her face with a hand while her other hand was holding her weight.

“what else do you want?”

before he could ask what she meant by that, a familiar figure launched herself towards serena like a tiger pouncing on her prey. “I told you before to leave mase alone!”

elena?

“and I will tell you over and over again to leave mase alone!”

mason couldn’t believe the scene unravelling before his very own eyes. like soap operas, the hidden lover kept hitting on the wife set up for him—grabbing the pregnant woman by the hair, launching slaps on her face, shoved her to the ground brutally while throwing cuss words at here every time the mistress relented her anger towards her.

was this what it felt like, when his favourite actor played out a scene where he died out other noises and people and surroundings because he couldn’t think anymore?

after what felt like an eternity, the scene where elena kicked a crouching serena, left and right endlessly, was what snapped him back to reality. that’s a pregnant lady, for god’s sake!

“leave,” mason stepped in between the two ladies, covering serena’s cowering figure with his body. as soon as his hands went around serena’s sides, he could feel her protecting her belly and mason had never felt so much anger emitting from his inside. “while I’m still nice.”

“mason—”

“I said, leave,” still wrapping his body around serena’s, mason mustered the coldest, meanest intonation as if it was his weekly battle on the pitch. “which part of the word that’s hard for you to understand?”

elena stood towering both mason and serena, yet she was the one that appeared small and scared. “mase—”

“leave!” mason had never shouted at a woman before but morality and courtesy were the last things on his mind right now. “I fucking told you to leave!”

“mason…” his lover whimpered, trying to reach for mason but the man only shook her hands away and stood up, looming over her this time as he pushed her off his property. “surely you’re mistaken, we can talk about this—”

in every of mason’s step forward was a step backwards for elena. in every of mason’s fuming step was elena’s panic spew of her so-called justification behind her actions. and before long, the man had pushed her off the edge of his home.

“if you come here again, I will not hesitate to call the police. you got me?”

next update:

“I need you to be honest with me, serena,” mason didn’t waste another breath after the doctor stepped away from her room. “the doctor said next time. when was the first time?”

“remember that one week you thought I went missing?”

#oh-saints writes #mason mount #mason mount angst #mason mount fluff #mason mount series #mason mount x oc #mason mount imagines #mason mount fics #mason mount fanfic #mason mount fanfiction #football fanfiction #football fanfic #footballer x oc

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sunshinebingo · 6 months

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FINAL CHAPTER !! Thank you so much @thelov3lybookworm for giving me the opportunity to play around with a version of Gwynriel I never tried before. I really hope that you like the gift. And thank you @acotargiftexchange for organising one of the best events in the fandom. Merry Christmas everyone!! ♥

***

Synopsis: Two months into their convenient marriage and Gwyneth and Azriel still have very strong feelings for each other. Is it really the hate that they claim it to be, or something else? Not even they can tell.

However, another chance at tackling the failed mission that has led them to where they are will make the two spies face something that they have both been afraid of. After all, the line separating hate from desire can be very thin.

Word Count: 2.3k

Warning: NSFW!

Find the Masterlist here

Read on Ao3 here or proceed below the cut

There was a lot of ways that the books Gwyn read described the feel of a kiss. Sometimes it was soft, sometimes sweet, oftentimes deep. This one... This one was... searing. Passionate. Consuming. It was everything all at once. It was death and rebirth. Every stroke of Azriel’s tongue against hers made Gwyn’s entire being burn hotter than her fire ever had. It fuelled every sneer and every threat exchanged since the moment they had met while their bodies set everything aflame.

There was no time to think about the why nor the how it came to this. All she wanted right now – what they both seemed to crave – was to keep doing this. Whatever this was.

Azriel pressed his body against her, pinning her to the wall, as his callous hands found the slit in her dress and he ran them up her thighs. Gwyn’s legs parted on instinct and she pulled him even closer by the waist until his middle was flushed against hers.

A lewd sound escaped her mouth when she felt his hardness against her centre. She threw her head back against the wall. Azriel’s mouth left hers and made its way down the column of her throat and neck.

He had no rights being this good at this. He had no rights to know exactly how to control her this way. Her blood boiled at the thought that his experience with others before her had led to him being this knowledgeable with a female’s body. How many before her had been in her position, at the mercy of the handsome and infamous Shadowsinger of the Night Court? But Gwyn was no random lady who was about to share his bed for a few hours. She was his wife. And she intended to claim that title in the only way she had not yet.

Her hand glided across his shoulders. She grabbed his shirt and forcefully dragged it down his arms. Her hand went lower when Azriel removed the shirt all the way and threw it across the room. With the same urgency that she had used with his shirt, she opened his pants, not caring if she was ripping it in the process.

Azriel’s lips moved to her shoulders where he pulled the fabric of her dress away. When it could not go any lower, Gwyn took his hand from where they were grabbing her ass and brought them the v of her cleavage.

“Take it off,” she breathed out.

Azriel gave no warning before he ripped the dress open at the front. The satin glided off her skin as it fell at her feet and exposed Gwyn’s body to her husband. The only things on her were the shiny necklace that fell between her bare breasts and the blue lace that matched the colour of her dress and which covered the most intimate part of her. Azriel took a step back, making Gwyn already miss their proximity. His eyes travelled across the expanse of her body.

“You will be the death of me,” he whispered more to himself.

Gwyn did not know if she could blush harder than she already was but the intensity of his gaze made the pink on her face expand to her entire body. Yet she refused to look away. She stared into his eyes with the same challenge that she always did as she slowly slid her underwear down her long legs. His eyes tracked the movement, as did his shadows as a few followed her hands and brushed her skin.

As soon as it hit the floor, Azriel was on his knees before her. The lust in his eyes when he looked up at her combined with the few candles around the room removed any traces of green in his hazel eyes. All that was left was a golden gaze that matched her flames to perfection.

Gwyn brushed away the few strands of hair that had fallen in front of his eyes. She needed to see all of him to know that this was real. Even when he grabbed her backside and licked her centre, Gwyn fought to keep her eyes open. She watched as his mouth closed around her and sucked on her most sensitive area.

The sight was as sinful as the feeling it brought her. Her moans filled the room as he sucked and licked her. She lifted one of her legs and placed them on his shoulder. Azriel bit the inside of her thigh, drawing a whine out of her lips, before he went back to where she needed him most and plunged his tongue inside her.

She gripped his hair with both hands and he groaned every time she tugged at his roots. The sound only drove her to do it more and drove him to suck her harder. He brought one of his hands to her breasts and squeezed while the other held her ass just as hard. Her pleasure increased with every touch and flick of his tongue against her.

He was torturing her in the worst way he ever had yet she knew that this would be the kind that she would always crave. How would she ever go back to how they were after feeling this? How had she ever imagined that thinking about him this way was wrong?

The possibility of ever going back flew out of her mind when her release suddenly hit her harder than it ever had when she had touched herself while unknowingly thinking of him. Her mouth opened on a sharp gasp. The intensity of her orgasm forced her eyes shut and Gwyn lost herself in that feeling. For a moment, she felt herself floating in a sea of nothing where her only anchor was him.

Azriel stood up and pressed his lips on hers. With her eyes still closed, Gwyn held him and let his kiss bring her back to the present. This one was unhurried but just as burning as everything he had done to her.

Gwyn would have cursed him for having had this power over her. But that would not be enough. What she wanted more was to give him a taste of what he had given her. She deepened the kiss as her hand lowered on him. She felt all the hard muscles that she had loathed before for distracting her so much.

Her hand froze when they reached the bandage that she had carefully applied on his lower abdomen. Feeling her hesitation, Azriel pulled away and looked at her in the eyes.

“I’m fine,” he said, brushing his thumb over her swollen lip.

She started to protest but he silenced her with another kiss.

“It can’t be more painful than not having you when I so desperately want you.”

The truth that she discerned in the tone of his voice stirred something inside Gwyn. It was as strong as fear, as consuming as anger. Something that only he ever did to her. Something that she could place no word on. The same thing that had made her kiss him earlier and that made her want to do it more.

So she did. She wrapped her arms around his neck so quickly that he had to take a few steps back. Gwyn kissed him. And kissed him. Until his fingers rubbed at her centre and she felt her wetness start to run down her legs.

Gwyn grabbed his wrists and pulled his hands away. Before he could say anything more than her name, she lowered herself on her knees and looked at him like he did when he was the one in that position.

With his dark wings spread behind him and the flames around the room bouncing against his golden skin, he looked every bit the angel of death that people feared and lusted after.

Their gazes locked again as she slid his pants down and bared him to her. A smug grin started to tug at the corner of his lips when she failed to hide her shock at the sight – the size – of him. Gwyn scowled at him and wiped that grin off of his face by wrapping her lips around his cock.

Azriel’s hand settled on the back of her head, guiding her into a rhythm that had him groaning in pleasure. She brought one of her hands at the base of his cock while her tongue played with the rest of him. She revelled in every sound and every curse that fell out of his mouth, each of them feeding her own arousal. She moaned around him as she took him deep inside her mouth, again and again as he pulled on her hair like she did with him. Gwyn thought that she could come again just by pleasuring him.

But then he pulled out and sat down before her. His lips found hers again and Gwyn’s body melted into his again. She let him gently push her backwards until she was lying down on the soft carpet before the fireplace and Azriel was hovering above her.

She let his mouth explore her for a while until it became too much but not enough. Gwyn pulled on his hair to guide his head away from her breasts and to her face again. Azriel saw the silent plea in her eyes and lined his cock at her entrance. A pained groan left him as soon as he started sliding inside her.

Gwyn looked down at his wound. She stopped him with a hand on his chest and forced him to pull back. “Let me,” she told him as she sat up to straddle him.

Again, she kept her eyes on him. Even as she stroked him a few times before lifting herself up and lowering herself on his cock. For the few seconds that it took for her body to adjust to the this new feeling, Gwyn cursed him inside for making her feel things that nobody else did. She cursed him and herself for not having done this sooner.

No words were needed between them then. Gwyn let her body do what it wanted as she moved atop him. Azriel gripped her backside and moved with her as the shadows circled them frantically and some danced with their ragged breaths. Her skin glowed from pleasure at every stroke of his cock against her inner walls. Soon, their moans filled the entire room, louder and louder the closer they both came to unravelling.

The sound of her name coming out of his mouth made her lean closer to him. Unable to resist his lips, Gwyn crashed her mouth on his. The feel of his tongue against hers and the memory of what it did to her earlier made her move faster and harder. Again. And again. Until she came again, screaming his name in the crook of his neck. Azriel held her close with his hand around her and kept moving. Gwyn was still coming down from the height that her second orgasm had brought her when she felt him tense beneath her. He groaned against her skin as his own orgasm hit him, and he spilled himself inside her.

Gwyn held him tight through it. Only when she felt him relax did she loosened her arms where they were wrapped around his neck. She only moved away when her breathing finally calmed and her senses returned to her. But she still did not let go entirely. She half lied on top of him, mindful of his wings and of the bandage on his abdomen. She placed an arm around his middle and buried her face in his neck.

All of this felt unreal and she did not want to miss any part of it. Although she still feared the things that he made her feel, Gwyn was not ready to go back to a reality where his touch would not sooth those fears. Whatever happened next, at least she had this.

“I still hate you,” she mumbled against his neck.

She felt the reverberations of Azriel’s laugh through every inch of her. His hands wrapped around her and held her closer.

“I know, love.” Gwyn smiled when he kissed the top of her head. “I still hate you too. So damn much.”

“I hate you more.”

She heard a familiar humming as the shadows circled them and nuzzled her still flushed cheeks. Gwyn did not question it this time. She just closed her eyes, and softly hummed along with it.

*****

The night had been short, but it had been the best Azriel had had in months. There was no pacing, no pulling his hair out because the thoughts of his wife had been plaguing his mind, and no wondering if she would ever stop.

When he came down for breakfast this morning, instead of wondering how long it would take for Gwyn to ruin his day, he found himself looking forward to finding out how much better she could make it.

Azriel filled his plate and then Gwyn’s with anything that she liked in the morning. Instead of putting their plates on opposite sides of the table, he placed them right next to each other. It would be easier that way for him to hear whatever stupid names she would find to call him.

Azriel heard footsteps entering the room as soon as he settled into his seat. The shadows wasted no time before they rushed to her. The chair next to his lightly scraped and her voice filled his ears a second later.

“Husband,” she smiled at him.

“Wife,” he smiled back.

The end!

#Last one!#acotar gift exchange #acotar secret santa 2023 #gwynriel #gwyneth berdara #azriel shadowsinger #gwynriel fanfiction #gwynriel smut #smut

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