#they looking at her like they haven’t eaten in months and she’s the last meal on the planet | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

cake-writes · 2 years

Text

A Dutiful Disaster (Part Six)

Pairing: Loki x Reader

Story Tags/Warnings: Arranged Marriage, Enemies to Lovers, Royalty, Pre-Thor (2011), Smut, Angst, Drama, Slow Burn, Odin’s A+ Parenting, Cis Female Reader (she/her), No Y/N Usage, Second Person POV, POC-inclusive descriptors, Toxic Relationship (lil bit of abuse from both parties - mostly screaming matches with the occasional physical thing but he never like slaps her or anything), Smut, Slut-Shaming, Mommy Issues, Reader has anxiety, 18+

Chapter Warnings: anxiety, major argument involving a knife, this is not a healthy relationship you guys lmao

Word Count: 5.5k

Snippet: “I do not wish to be kissed. It’s too great an intimacy for our,” you pause to consider the word, tapping your finger to your chin, “unique situation, wouldn’t you say? We are the furthest thing from lovers.”

“Oh?” Loki sounds amused by your answer – and then he drops his feet back to the floor with purpose, taking advantage of your startled jump to pull you further into his lap where you can feel the hardening length of him against your clothed core. “If not lovers, then what are we?”

“Married,” you gasp, arms clutching around his neck for fear of being dropped – or so you tell yourself.

Master List / Spotify Playlist / Part Five

A/N: And we're back! Apologies for the quality, I'm a bit rusty after not writing for a few months. Enjoy!

When the canvas rustles for the third time in as many minutes, you expect a lecture that doesn’t come.

“You seem troubled, dear,” Frigga says gently.

The Queen’s motherly sort of kindness has always felt unfamiliar—certainly nothing like how your mother would react if she found you like this, yet you still find yourself wracking your brain for an excuse.

You only meant to take a temporary reprieve away from the suffering. Just a short break, really. But you’ve been plagued with nightmares these last few nights, and you’ve barely eaten a proper meal in nearly a week, and your anxieties about the state of your life have grown with every passing day—so much, in fact, that you can scarcely round a corner without fearing an encounter with your husband.

Loki has yet to grace you with his presence in the five days since your impulsive decision to return to him the shreds of his own letter. Thea told you later on that she’d delivered it to him in a box per your suggestion, elegantly wrapped in a ribbon the colour of plum wine. Your colour.

Hilarious, for all of about a minute. Then came the anxiety.

You haven’t decided if it’s better or worse that you haven’t seen him since. All you know is that you’ve been feeling less and less rational the longer you go without suffering the inevitable explosion, but there is still some rationality to your fears.

He's laid his hands on you. Twice.

What you fear most a third time—and so you’ve spent far more time in the supply tent today than you originally planned, taking inventory of your life. Evidently long enough for your absence to be noticed by the Queen of Asgard.

The very moment you hear her voice, you plaster on a watery smile. A mask. “My apologies, Allmother, I was—”

“Hush, child. There is no shame in taking some time to decompress,” Frigga chides fondly. The warmth you see reflected in her kind blue eyes almost makes you think cares why you’ve been staring blankly at a shelf of medical supplies for the last few minutes, struggling not to cry. She offers you a sad sort of smile and adds, “You’ve done well to maintain your composure for someone so unaccustomed to battle.”

“Battle?” you repeat, before you snort derisively. “Surely you jest! I am hardly a warrior.”

Though it comes out sounding less like a joke, and more like you think it’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever heard, Frigga doesn’t seem to mind. Instead, she hums. “I would argue that the strongest warriors seek not the glory of battle, but tend to the aftermath.”

“Or they are women,” you suggest.

Frigga doesn’t hide her amusement as she sends you what you assume is meant to be a scolding look, but you can see that knowing twinkle in her eye, the one that all enlightened women seem to share. Her humour waxes apologetic, however, as she steps closer to place a comforting hand on your shoulder. “Ready yourself, dear. This will not be the only act of war we’ll encounter in the coming days. I am sure of it.”

An act of war.

The phrase sounds familiar. It takes you a fair few seconds to place, but when you do, a cold chill ricochets down your spine from the memory. Loki had shared similar sentiments the night that he—

You briskly wipe your clammy palms on your apron and focus back upon the shelf. “I shall—” You clear your throat to dispel the sudden uneasiness settling into your chest, and try again, “I shall do my best to prepare.”

Frigga slowly pulls her hand away, hesitant, uncertain. She studies you for an uncomfortable pause while you pretend to deliberate over a jar of calendula salve for no other reason than to busy your hands. The amber glass comes as a small comfort, something to roll between your fretful fingertips, though her voice also makes for a good distraction: “Forgive me, but I must ask you an unpleasant question.”

You turn your attention back to her, questioning.

Her brow creases with worry. “Has he… Has my son harmed you in any way?”

You freeze.

She knows.

She knows—

“It is not my intention to pry,” she reassures you quickly. “My sight may be a wondrous gift, but it very much lacks decorum.” A joke, you’d think, if not for the grim expression settling into the fine lines of her face. “I believe I saw a memory.”

She saw—?

No. She couldn’t have.

“You saw nothing,” you spit venomously, bristling at the mere suggestion—a means of protecting your weaknesses from anyone who might exploit them. Even the Queen of Asgard.

Especially the Queen of Asgard, whose son would harm you in a fit of rage.

Despite Frigga’s calm demeanour, you suspect that she can easily discern your lies. She is, after all, Loki’s mother, and you’ve never met a more talented liar than your despicable husband whom you hold so dear.

“You are hesitant to trust me, I know.” Her hand cups the side of your face, soft and cool against the angry flush on your cheeks. When her eyes soften further, so too do your defences. “Life has given you many reasons not to trust so easily, but I must seek the truth. If Loki has hurt you—”

“Frigga, please,” you plead. “I am fine. I will be fine. Please forget what you saw.”

Loki can’t know that she knows. No one can know. He’ll only get worse.

Lips pursed, Frigga searches your expression until she sees something that prompts her to nod – just once, resolute. “Very well,” she sighs reluctantly, giving your cheek an affectionate pat before she lowers her hand to her side. “I will respect your wishes under one condition. You must come to me if it happens again. Yes?”

You open your mouth to object to her terms, but she doesn’t let you.

“This is not a request. Not even my son is exempt from the laws of common decency, let alone those of Asgard. Yes?”

Upon hearing her sharp inflection of the word, it's impossible not to notice that Loki would have picked up that particular habit from her. He always did complain as a child that his mother was stricter than she seemed, but only now are you starting to see why.

When you glimpse the fierceness in her gaze, what else can you tell her but yes?

“Fancy meeting you here, Highness,” jokes the first unofficial member of your personal guard. You regard Sigurd with a mock frown as you step outside of the tent, and he grins. “No bandages today! Have you finally practiced to your heart’s content?”

This time, he falls in step beside you without asking. Not that you mind.

“I am exhausted, Sigurd,” you lament, just as a yawn overtakes you. “I shouldn’t think more practice will help when I cannot even seem to grasp the proper technique. I truly am terrible at it, you see.”

“So I’ve noticed,” he quips amiably, casually resting a hand upon the hilt of his sword. “The man at the front of the tent has been fussing with his for hours.”

You huff. “As if I didn’t feel awful enough already! That poor man has struggled more than most, and I only add to his discomfort.”

“Ah, but whenever you so graciously deign to check on him, he always seems right as rain. The sight of a beautiful woman does wonders to heal a man!“ Sigurd jokes, and you playfully slap his arm for his lack of propriety – far less concerned about it now than you were the first day, for these daily escorts have long since revealed him to be this way with anyone he meets. “Of course, I also saw him gawping at His Highness in a similar fashion yesterday, so I suppose his only preference is for beauty.”

You stop in your tracks.

“Or royalty,” he continues on for a moment, ignorant to your plight. “Ah, but he doesn’t look at the Queen in such a way, so perhaps—”

“What did you say?”

The shrillness of your voice immediately captures Sigurd’s attention, and his grip tightens on his sword until he locates you three paces behind him, staring at him, bewildered. His brows furrow in confusion. “He… doesn’t look at the Queen in such a way?”

“No, not that. My husband has been by?”

He blinks. “Aye, a few times—come to see you, I thought. He always brings a snack for the lady.” Sigurd cocks his head to the side. “You didn’t know?”

“No, I didn’t know!“ you snap, massaging your temples.

Loki has been by? With snacks? For you?

How absurd.

The man you know would never do such a thing—but then, Frigga has been particularly adept at convincing you to take your breaks of late, somehow always managing to lure you away from your duties with the treats you so enjoy.

Apples. Dates. Pastries. Any manner of sweet things, really.

Not only that, but she’s mentioned a few times now that the sugar would do well to keep your energy levels high – except there’s always been a hint of something in her voice that makes it sound like a jest. A hint of laughter. Like she knows Loki brought them for you. A memory of the cherry tart during your break this afternoon begs the question—

Did he come by then, too?

Did Frigga tell him about your conversation?

Or maybe he’s shapeshifting again? Because it certainly wouldn’t be the first time Loki has played that particular trick on you. It's as annoying as it is confusing, and whenever he blessedly lifts his spell, you always find yourself tempted to throw something at him.

Sometimes you even do. A book, the last time; serves him right for startling you while you perused the shelves in the library.

Insufferable bastard.

“Princess? Are you alright?” Sigurd asks, drawing you out of your reverie.

You can’t continue on like this. You can’t continue being scared of him like this. You shouldn’t have to feel this way.

“I need you to deliver a message for me,” you answer, full of conviction.

Freshly supped, bathed, and ready for bed, you’ve just cracked open the primer on healing magic you took from Loki’s chambers when you hear your ladies’ voices out in the hall.

“Your Highness, I really must protest!”

“Please wait, the Princess isn’t dressed—”

After which the door slams open with all the force of having been kicked.

You fully expected that this would happen—ensured that it would, in fact, when the letter you asked Sigurd to deliver was intended to be a provocation. But even though you’ve been waiting for your husband to make an appearance all evening, actually encountering him is another story; the well of your short-lived courage dries up all too soon.

Quite the opposite, you shriek in surprise and scramble to cover yourself just as Loki storms into your sitting room. Upon finding it empty, he quickly hones in on you sat up in your bed, clutching your blankets taut to your bosom.

His icy glare pins you down despite your obvious state of undress, or perhaps because of it: face cleansed of all makeup, hair still damp from your bath, thin silk nightgown spilling like a waterfall over the delicate swell of your breast. All you can do is stare at him in terror as he stalks toward you like a predator cornering his prey.

“You,” Loki hisses, “are the most infuriating woman I’ve ever met.”

And corner you he does. With a single wave of his hand, the doors separating your bedchamber from your sitting room forcibly shut, trapping you inside with him.

You thought you’d have your ladies here for this. It was a baseless hope, really; a misguided reassurance that he wouldn’t do anything otherwise, but you’re on your own—trapped and alone with the one person on all of Asgard you can’t stand, in the one place you can take off the mask.

Your bedroom. Your safe space. Yours.

Your blood boils in an instant, fear and righteous fury bubbling to the surface until it overflows, taking your sense of self-preservation right along with it. In all of half a second, you shove your hand beneath your pillow to procure the dagger you’ve slept with since you came of age; you’ve never known how to use it, not really, but you don’t think twice before you’re already up on your feet with the blade held out in front of you.

“Get out!” you snarl at him, wild, feral, reminiscent of an animal. “You will not use me to assuage your anger, Loki Odinson. Not this night. Not again.”

Fight-or-flight takes you over. Spurs you on. Not according to plan, but you’ve long since forgotten what it even was, now, with every rational thought wiped so clean from your head.

The flood of adrenaline helps you to discern the slightest shift in his footing, the barest twitch of his fingers as his gaze drops to examine the knife in your hand; but even when Loki surely sees the uncertainty in your grip, his eyes turn sharp as the steel you wield. Calculating. Ruthless.

They cut back up to yours, and you scarcely manage to suppress a shiver.

The warrior.

Loki is as terrifying as he is glorious; every part the fearsome god you avowed yourself to. You can only assume he means to intimidate you into submission, and when his eyes narrow upon yours, it’s all you can do not to give in.

“Poor with a blade, indeed,” Loki observes, tone neutral—your previous admission come to light, but you don’t miss the tension in his posture, same as yours.

He still considers you as a threat.

Good.

You smile sweetly and lower your hand just enough to point the blade at his groin. “Shall we find out?”

His soft laughter sounds unfamiliar to your ears, now; not at all like the mocking sort you despise, but something sharper – darker – dangerous, and the hairs raise on the back of your neck. “Darling, I strongly suggest that you put that down.”

You don’t. Instead, you wave the tip of the dagger toward the locked double doors of your bedchamber. “Unlock them.”

“They aren’t—”

“Now.”

Irritation visibly sparks at the command, but Loki doesn’t act on it. Rather, a careful, deliberate flutter of his fingers brings your attention to his hand, after which he takes far more caution than necessary in motioning to the doors – pointedly – as if he means to indicate that he’ll do as you ask.

“Go on,” you order.

A muscle tenses in his jaw, evidence of his patience wearing thin, but still, Loki listens. He reaches over slowly, tediously, as if he means to placate a wounded animal—you, and you watch with baited breath as he finally places two slim fingers on one of the intricate door handles. Then he presses down.

The door unlatches.

“As you can damn well see, they were never locked,” he says tersely.

“Open them, then,” you retort. “Unless, of course, you fear what my ladies might do when they witness how you behave behind closed doors.”

Of course, you’ve seen nothing to indicate that Thea and Eris are waiting your sitting room to ensure your wellbeing once he leaves. Loki may very well have locked them out of your chambers entirely, but it’s a bluff you’re willing to make.

“Her Highness may wish to reconsider that last command,” Loki drawls, caustic and biting, holding his hands back up in front of him in a show of defence. “Or have you forgotten, Princess, who it is you hold at knifepoint?”

A Prince of Asgard. You are threatening a Prince of Asgard.

You’ll be tried for treason. Branded a traitor. Put to death.

Your grip falters.

“Yes, darling. Now put it down. I will not ask a third time.”

It’s a double-edged sword, your dagger; the only thing between you and the safety you deserve. Your grip on it feels slippery from how clammy your palms have become, and a cold sweat comes over your body as the adrenaline shifts to panic.

You’re just as trapped as you ever were.

If you put it down, Loki will hurt you again. If you don’t, he could just as easily use his magic to open the doors and reveal your treasonous act to the world. Your ladies would have no choice but to confess to what they’ve seen, lest they become conspirators themselves. Hanged, right along with you.

Only then do you realise how well and truly fucked you are, but it’s too late.

Something shifts in your periphery, and you don’t even have a chance to move, let alone blink—your only concession the startled gasp that rips from your throat. Your husband vanishes in a shimmer of illusory green at the same time his very real fingers encircle your wrist, and then it’s all over.

I will not ask a third time, he’d said.

You should have listened.

Loki roughly wrenches your arm behind your back and angles it into a brutal, unforgiving lock, one that allows you to feel all the strain in your shoulder as it almost dislocates, all the tension in your wrist as it nearly breaks, and all the pain that sends you straight up onto your tiptoes in your desperation to avoid it, avoid him, avoid the inevitable.

You bite out a nasty, colourful swear because it hurts like hell.

You have to focus on something else. Anything else. Anything would be preferable to the gnawing pain shooting up your arm.

You focus on the warmth of his body at your back. The spice of his cologne. The danger. The chaos. The skilful press of his other hand at your throat, just firm enough to keep you still, keep you from struggling, keep you from hurting yourself in an ill-thought attempt to escape. It’s an exceedingly effective way of immobilising you, and an unwanted reminder that your husband holds your life in his hands. Your pulse thunders beneath his fingertips as fear and something else you refuse to name unleash a swarm of butterflies in your gut.

Carefully, as if he thinks you’ll shatter like glass, Loki twists your wrist just a fraction more – just enough to loosen your grip.

Your dagger clatters to the floor.

His laughter holds a bitter note of mockery – victory – as he whispers into your ear, “My little assassin.”

Then he shoves you forward, sending you sprawling ungracefully onto your bed where you land face-first. Your body bounces from the impact, and you’re forced to dig and claw and fight with every fibre of your being to try and pull yourself up, keep him in your sights—and you manage to, just in time to see him stoop for your dagger.

Another bitter curse escapes your mouth. Everything feels like slow motion as you rush to get to the doors, but the moment your fingertips brush the gilded handle—

“Not another step.”

The words are spoken quietly; dangerously so, but to your ears, they sound deafening.

Heart pounding, you turn to face your fear head-on at last. He’s given you no other option.

Light from the full moon cascades through the window, illuminating your husband’s silhouette as he examines your dagger with all the boredom you’d expect, but the silvery glint of the blade in his hand makes you tremble.

When his eyes lift back to yours, your throat goes dry. Loki stares you down for one long, unreadable moment before he leisurely gestures to your bed with the tip of the blade. “Sit.”

The unmistakable click of a lock follows. Now he’s locked you in.

You take three shaky steps to the foot of the bed, and proceed to collapse upon it when your knees go weak, but you try not to let it show. You keep your posture straight as a rail and ball your fists in your lap, making a point to stare straight ahead. Not at him. You won’t give him the satisfaction.

You hear his footfalls, first, as he approaches from around the side of your bed. Then, from the corner of your eye, you see emerald linen and dark leather finally enter your line of sight, before indignation prompts you to slam your eyes shut.

You won’t look at him while he enacts this torture. Instead, you hold your head up high, even when his footsteps finally come to a stop before you. It’s failed attempt at maintaining your composure, because the overarching silence resounds with every shallow, ragged, fearful breath that passes through your lips.

One second passes. Two. Three.

Loki tentatively reaches out to caress your cheek, and you flinch.

“You are absolutely terrified of me, aren’t you,” he murmurs. It’s a statement, not a question, and his voice sounds softer than you've ever heard. Kinder. Not mocking. Not now.

His fingers trail from your cheek to tenderly tuck a stray lock of hair behind your ear, and you feel your chin start to quiver. How cruel he is, to lull you into a false sense of security before he—

Loki quickly tears his hand away like you’ve burnt him—or perhaps the opposite, because you hear him audibly swallow the lump in his throat. “How poorly I have treated you. You have every reason to fear me as you do.”

Hesitantly, you squint open your eyes to find him all but kneeling before you, now, in a way that almost makes him appear smaller than his too-tall stature should otherwise allow. One knee loosely holds his weight as he sits back on his heels; upon the other rests his arm as he looks up at you – up – with something you never expected to grace his features.

Reverence. Repentance. Submission.

Surely not.

Then a silvery gleam catches your eye, and you glimpse your dagger in his other hand, where he holds the blade pinched between his thumb and forefinger. Loki waves it once more – just a little, just enough to ensure that you’ve seen it – before he makes a very cautious, very deliberate point of setting it down atop the tangled blankets to your right. Returning it to you.

“I’ve wronged you terribly. I should never have laid my hands on you.”

An impossible admission.

It’s all you can do to stare at your husband, stunned, because the Loki that you know would never admit to a single lick of wrongdoing. Especially not to you. And yet, he just did.

It disarms you—somewhat.

“No,” you answer haughtily, crossing your arms over your bosom, where you can feel the still-frenzied rhythm of your heart beating out of your chest. “You should never have even considered it, let alone done it twice.”

Something flickers in his gaze, some recognition, and his adam’s apple bobs with the guilt he swallows for a second time. “No,” he readily agrees. “It should never have happened at all. You are unquestionably right.” How easily he acquiesces makes you nervous, particularly when he takes a moment to extend his hands to you, and beckons for your own. “May I?”

You eye him warily. It could be a trick.

“I am always right,” you sass despite, nervously uncrossing your arms to place your hands into his – hesitant, cautious, uncertain of his motives. “Is—Is that not the first lesson any husband must learn?”

Your voice wavers from your nerves.

The uneasiness must show on your face, too, because he begins to rub soft, reassuring circles into the backs of your hands, but all you can think is that his gentle touch feels far more soothing than it should. You should hate it – hate him – but you don’t. Not when he treats you so tenderly.

“The second,” Loki corrects good-naturedly, and the corners of his lips twitch with silent laughter when yours tug into a frown. “I must first learn to honour my wife, merciful as she is.” A more teasing lilt follows, “The most merciful assassin I’ve ever met, to be sure.”

“I am hardly an assassin,” you grouse, and tug at your hands, but he brings them to his lips to leave a kiss upon the back of one, then the other – all the while peering up at you with those stunning green eyes of his that make you so desperately want to trust that this isn’t a trick.

“Indeed. Which is exactly why I seek to offer you my penance.”

Loki has always been a talented liar, but there’s something vulnerable about his expression. Something honest. Something real.

You scoff. “As if you would ever—”

And then, for the first time in centuries, Loki says your name – your actual name – without a shred of mockery, when even his wedding vows held that same familiar bite you’ve grown so accustomed to. “I mean every word. I’ll not so much as speak to you, should you find it amenable.”

You’d love to entertain the idea, but it would never work. “I rather think that will be impossible, Loki. Such a thing would soon become gossip amongst the court.”

“Do you truly believe I care about gossip, when you—” he begins in exasperation, but as soon as he sees your withering look, he relents. “Fine. Then…” Loki pauses to contemplate another option until he seems to take notice of your hands; after which he gives them a gentle squeeze, just one, and releases you. “I’ll not touch you, then, if you so wish it. A fitting recompense, I would imagine.”

That suggestion makes you feel some kind of way. Your stomach twists. “For how long?”

“For however long you should deem it necessary.” Loki takes another moment to consider his answer more thoroughly, and then, “Perhaps a decade to start. Is that suitable?”

“A decade? My, how generous,” you remark, examining your nails. When you glance back up at him, however, it’s clear you’re being contrary just for the sake of being contrary, and his eyes shine knowingly.

“A century, then. Will that suffice?” he questions, tone lighter than previously, but you can still detect the sincerity in his words.

Oh, hell. You’re starting to think he’s serious.

“A century is quite a long time, you know,” you taunt, crossing one leg over the other. The autumn chill in the air bites at your skin, bare halfway below the knee, but you ignore it in favour of sending him another pointed look. “Are you certain that you are up to the task? I would so hate to set you up for failure, ambitious as you are.”

Loki rolls his eyes and pulls himself back to his feet—to make as grand a departure as his arrival, you assume. But you’d almost forgotten how tall he is, so effective was his apology, and your spine instantly stiffens because of how easily he towers over you.

Especially when you’re still sat upon your bed in nothing but your nightdress.

Especially with him blocking the only exit—the only exit, which is still locked.

With a slight flick of his fingers, the doors unlock and swing back open, revealing your sitting room and the freedom just beyond.

When you finally glance back up at your husband, the expression he offers you in response is solemn, bordering on apologetic. “Darling,” Loki says softly, “I will wait however long it takes for that terror in your eyes to dissipate, and longer still.”

The breath catches in your throat.

He is serious.

Loki’s emerald gaze rakes over your body for the briefest of moments, then, before he lets out a long, weary sigh. “Now do get some rest before my mother worries herself into an early grave. Yes? You’ll be of no help to anyone in that state.”

“You speak as though you aren't the primary cause of her worry,” you clap back, wholly on instinct with your mind still reeling from the rest of the conversation. The familiarity of it helps you to regain your footing, though, and you add, “You’ve made such an awful habit of creating all manner of mischief to your own detriment that Frigga would no sooner give you an earful than tend to your wounds.”

Loki’s eyes glimmer with amusement. “Frigga, you say—Stars, now you’ve made me worry.” He clicks his tongue in mock disapproval and adds, “It will hardly do for my mother to have an accomplice in all of her lambasting, petal. Not when I value my hearing.”

Sleep deprivation would be the likely culprit for the peal of laughter that escapes you, so joyous and light without the weight of the last week on your shoulders. So light is the feeling, in fact, that your natural laugh comes out for the first time in several decades, and a snort escapes—not unlike that of a pig.

Loki’s brows shoot up in surprise.

Mortified, you rush to clap a hand over your mouth. A torrent of shame rushes through your brain, bringing along with it every single one of your mother’s harsh criticisms about your laugh.

Crude. Unseemly. Ill-mannered at best, and at worst, you look like a peasant. A strumpet. A farmer’s wife, whose laughter matches her livestock. Common.

Face burning hot as the sun, you quickly turn away from Loki to look out the window, where you can only pray that the moonlight will alleviate the heat in your cheeks. You try to focus upon the smattering of lights twinkling in the distance, the homes of the peasantry beyond your gilded cage, and you can’t help but wonder if the farmer’s wife feels any less trapped than you do.

“You are radiant when you laugh.”

A lie, surely.

Flustered, you turn your attention to your duvet, where a fraying thread captures your attention. You pick at it absently, appreciative that your dagger is on the other side of you lest you toy with it instead, and that’s a hair more dangerous. “Hardly.”

“Truly,” Loki counters. "I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you laugh so freely, even when we were young. What could possibly possess you to hide it as you do?”

You know you should be mindful that this is Loki. Your lifelong irritation. You know that he is the one person on all of Asgard to whom you shouldn’t admit your weaknesses, but the night has been... strange.

“A lady should never be seen to laugh so exuberantly,” you quote your mother verbatim – an honest answer, but only on the surface. Then you don the mask of the Duchess’s prideful, snobbish daughter, and arch a perfectly-manicured brow at him. “It is crude, is it not? Uncouth. Not at all suitable for polite society, let alone any woman hoping to secure a highborn match.”

His eyes start to regain some of the steel from earlier, barely enough to notice. “And now you have.”

You blink.

So you have. You hadn’t really considered it until now. But then you laugh – dainty, delicate laughter, meticulously crafted since birth to suit your title – because now the pressure to maintain your façade is even worse. “Oh, yes, and what a spectacle it would be! A Princess of Asgard, looking common,” you spit the word. “Such would be an embarrassment for the Crown.”

You would be the embarrassment.

“Common?” Loki repeats the word with a obvious note of distaste, like it’s a joke he doesn’t particularly appreciate. “Dear girl, you couldn’t look common if you tried.”

You shoot him a look. “It is entirely too late in the evening for your mockery, Loki.”

Your husband studies your face, perplexed, like you’re a puzzle he can’t quite manage to solve. His eyes search yours for the answer to a question he doesn’t ask, nor does he seem to find whatever it is he seeks. Instead, he lets out a long, slow, frustrated sigh and runs a hand through his hair.

“My flattery,” Loki corrects – not combative, but firmer than a jest. “Even I can discern when to hold my tongue.” It sounds like a jab, but you recognise it to be a concession, one even you can see he’s struggling to make; any other time he’d never have managed to keep his temper in check. “I’ll call upon you in the morning. Perhaps we might discuss your letter over breakfast.”

Right. Your provocation. You’d completely forgotten.

You nod, and bring yourself to your feet to see him off. “Until breakfast, then.”

“Indeed. Get some rest.”

Something is different, you think. Off. It’s almost like he can’t quite look at you, and certainly not as he did just a few minutes ago, on his knees begging for your forgiveness.

Then again, the night has been strange.

When Loki takes his leave, his long, brisk strides almost seem to indicate exactly how little he wishes to intrude upon you any longer—though you’re suddenly left wondering whether it’s more for your benefit, now, or his.

Part Seven

#loki x reader #loki #loki imagine #loki smut #loki laufeyson #loki x y/n #loki x you #loki fanfic #loki odinson

359 notes · View notes

jhilsara · 28 days

Text

Tie Me to You/ Chapter 9

Chapter Summary: Mika's exhausted and Sam forces her to take a nap.

Word Count: 3.1k

Chapter Warnings: Heavy making out

This fanfic will explore heavier emotions and will have eventual smut. Minors DNI

Can also be found on AO3 X

Just close your eyes, the sun is going down

You'll be alright, no one can hurt you now

Come morning light, you and I'll be safe and sound

Safe and Sound - Taylor Swift

Mika’s spent the better part of the last two weeks being on a rotation with the incubi. She called it a custody drop off, but no one found that funny besides her. If she couldn’t find some humor in her situation, she’d go insane. Regardless, they refuse to leave her alone without any protection since Malix showed up, so she’s being chauffeured everywhere. She hates that she essentially needs a babysitter, but it’s better than having some hell born devil attacking her in public.

Her schedule has been nothing short of classes, work, home. Rinse and repeat. She was lucky enough that her job was on campus, so it made her life a little easier. Working in the university library was one of her smarter life choices. It worked to keep Mika away from her parents' house and provide her with time to study. She cut back on her working hours this month, trying to focus on graduation.

At home Mika disappears into her room to study for her exams. It keeps her mind off the impending doom of devils targeting her. Which is what she needs. So, she buries herself in her studies to block out her fear and anxiety. She focuses heavily on the goal of graduation, even though her grades are stellar, and she doesn’t need to worry. She didn’t need to study as much as she was. Damien and Erik had tried to persuade her out of her room to eat but were met with refusal.

“I’ll eat after I’m done studying.” was the excuse. Every night she forgot to eat. Her exhaustion and anxiety were catching up with her body, almost visibly so. Her under eyes were dark and her cheeks appeared sallow. Mika dismisses their worries.

“She isn’t coming down...again.” Erik tells them in concern. He sits at the dining table, brow furrowed in worry.

“That’s three times this week and she’s lying to herself. She never eats.” Damien adds distressed over their friend.

Sam slams his hands on the table and bolts up, fists curled and heavy footsteps pounding up the stairs. He doesn’t say a word. Damien almost snorts with the laughter bubbling out of him. Sam was just so aggressive with how he shows care, it’s ridiculous. Who knew it would take Sam’s brute force to make her eat dinner.

Sam pounds his fist on her door, “C’mon you’re eating with us.” he says sternly. His voice is gruff as he continues to knock.

Mika almost jumps out of her chair from the sound that comes from the force of Sam’s fist. She can feel the headache starting. His attitude is the last thing she wants to deal with right now.

“Not hungry!” She shouts back at him. Continuing to look over her notes.

“Don’t care.”

He slams open her door and easily stalks over to her. Before Mika can even try to stand up or shout at him, Sam bends over, grabbing her legs. He slings her over his shoulders like a sack of potatoes and turns to haul her downstairs.

Mika’s face is red from embarrassment as she slams her hands against Sam’s back.

“Put me down! What is wrong with you?!” she shrieks trying to wiggle out of his grasp. Her small hands pound against his back, not doing much at all except reaffirm to her how firm and muscular Sam is.

She can’t move, his biceps locking her in place. “You haven’t eaten a real meal in days! Do you want to get sick? Stop being an idiot.” He growls out at her.

Mika stops hitting him and freezes, growing quiet. “...That’s not-” she tries to retaliate but he cuts her off.

“Just take a break. It won’t kill you.”

She stops fighting back and lets him take her downstairs. She only tries to stop him outside the dining room, demanding she is fully capable of walking herself to her chair.

Graduation is around the corner, and Mika is exhausted. If it wasn’t for the normal amount of stress that comes with graduating university, she also has to worry about devils.

Mika is spent on her last thread of patience and exhaustion. She’s been getting little sleep and she passed out upon entering the car the last time James picked her up. Safe to say Mika is barely functioning.

Sam’s driving her to campus this morning, which how he got a license is still debatable considering he’s quite possibly the worst driver she’s even seen. He notices the dark circles under her eyes and how she has the car mirror pulled down looking at them. She tries to cover them with some concealer, to not worry her friends. There are enough people who she’s burdening already. She didn’t need to add her friends to the mix.

Sam looks over to her out of the corner of his eye, “How much sleep did you get?” Sam asks her bluntly. It sounds harsher than intended, but Sam never tried to be soft.

She sighs and slaps the mirror back up, “Between studying for finals, work, and you know, stressing over my life possibly ending because of some devils... like, three hours?”

He rolls his eyes at her answer, “Do you work tonight?”

Mika turns to face him as she grabs her bag, “No, I took the day off. My last class ends around one.”

“Why are you asking? I thought Matthew was picking me up today?” It would be her luck that she’s forgetting who is supposed to be driving her too.

“He was, but I’m taking over. I’m gonna pick you up and you’re taking a god damn nap today.” Sam tells her in a tone that isn’t debatable.

It’s never stopped her before though. She huffs in frustration, “Sam I have chores and studying and a million other things to do. I don’t have the time besides...” she pauses looking down at her lap.

“I can’t.” she stresses out.

“What are you talking about? Of course you can-” She cuts him off.

“No, Sam, I mean... like I physically can’t sleep. If I could, I would but, it’s like my brain just won't turn off at night.” her grip on her bag is tight.

She wasn’t planning on telling any of them about her sleeping problems. She had managed not to even set off Damien who couldn’t tune out her brain if he wanted to. So, why was Sam peeling away her carefully composed layer?

He lays off for a moment, reaches over and places his hand on her head and ruffles her hair. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Sam!” her hand flies up to smack his away and pulls down the mirror. “I just fixed that.” she pouts.

He rolls his eyes playfully, “I’ll see you later doofus.”

“Bye Sam.”

He doesn’t push her. Doesn’t pry for more information or offer unwarranted advice she didn’t care to hear, he just listens. It eases her unsettling nerves, if only for a moment.

Mika doesn’t believe that she will be napping. Like she told Sam, she just... can’t. She wishes she could, but the nightmares she’s been having are eating her from the inside out. All she can see and hear are red devils and gunshots.

It’s easier to not dream.

Sam wasn’t joking with her though. He picks her up like he said he would and just like with dinner, he lifts her up effortlessly. Throwing her over his shoulder and tossing her into her bedroom.

Mika sighs, not enjoying how much Sam’s already man handled her the past few weeks. She does take her time and bask in the hot water of her shower. She stands there long after she’s done washing and doesn’t move until the water almost runs cold.

She pulls on her comfiest hoodie and shorts after drying her hair. She throws the door open and Sam’s leaning against the wall, waiting. He raises a brow at her.

“Sam,” she sighs crossing her arm, “I’m not sleepy. I really do feel so much better after that shower though. So, I’ll just study until dinner.”

Mika feels content with her argument. She still felt awful but not like a living corpse anymore, it was progress. She waves him off but Sam steps forward placing his hands on her shoulders. With a firm grip he pushes her back into the bedroom.

“Nuh uh, no way. Get in that bed.”

Mika rolls her eyes but dramatically falls onto her bed. She moves to sit up, crossing her legs and looking at Sam with a pointed look. “I’m on it.” She smacks her hands on her knees dramatically, trying to be irritating. She just wants to study, alone.

Sam’s had enough of her attitude, he shakes his head and toes off his shoes. “Get under the covers doofus.”

“Is the plan that you take a nap with me?” She jokes and shuffles herself comfortably under the blankets.

Sam moves to sit next to her head, “No, just lay down and close your eyes alright?” He rolls his eyes.

Mika shoots him a questioning look but does as she’s told. More than positive, she won’t be falling asleep anytime soon. She settles in hoping that, at the very least, she can relax for twenty minutes.

She isn’t prepared for Sam’s hands to start lightly brushing through her hair and massaging her scalp. A soft gasp escapes Mika’s lips as she presses herself deeper into the pillow. Sam’s hands are rough and calloused, but he cards them through her hair so delicately. She doesn’t realize that the sensation and comfort of it put her to sleep.

Mika stirs awake and it only mildly confused. She remembers Sam forcing her to take a nap but that was it. She had a dreamless sleep and it’s the most refreshed she’s felt in weeks.

She’s wrapped around something on her bed, and it’s not a soft pillow. It’s firm. Or rather, Sam’s firm. Mika is pressed against Sam’s chest, one of his arms comfortably laying behind her. Her own arms are wrapped around Sam, hugging him close to her. She can hear his faint snores, as she notices he also fell asleep.

Mika’s face burns in embarrassment and she tries to untangle herself from him. She slowly pulls her arms back toward herself and flips her body over so her back faces him. She moves to try and get off the bed, but Sam’s body follows her movements. He groans as she moves away, his arms immediately moving to wrap around her waist and pull her back against his chest.

Mika turns to look over her shoulder and sees that he is still very much deeply asleep. She relaxes in his hold, knowing she isn’t going to be leaving the bed until he wakes up. The discomfort leaves her body as she focuses on his breathing and the slow, rhythmic movement of his chest. She sighs and grabs her phone that’s next to her pillow and mindlessly scrolls on it to pass the time.

A solid twenty minutes pass before she feels him stirring awake behind her.

“Whattimeisit?” he slurs out groggily.

Mika softly giggles to herself, “It’s about seven at night.”

“Five more minutes...” he clutches onto her tighter shoving his face into the crook of her neck.

The motion sends a shiver of pleasure down her back. Sam immediately feels it and his hands fly off her like he’s been burned from a hot iron. Sam sits up completely straight his face blushing furiously as he looks mortified.

Once he releases her, Mika finally sits up. She moves her arms up in a stretch.

“Oh my fucking god. I’m so sorry.” He rushes out, avoiding her eyes.

“Sam it’s fine. You just fell asleep, and we’ve been exhausted for over a week...” she offers him an olive branch to end his own inner turmoil.

Sam looks up and reads her face. He finds she is being sincere, and his shoulders release the tension they were holding. He flops back into the bed, rubbing his face in irritation. “I’m more than exhausted.” he mutters to himself.

“What?”

“It’s nothing.” Sam swings his body back up, trying to shake off his admission.

Mika moves before she can stop herself, grabbing his wrist. “Sam...I-”

She’s nervous. Mika chews on her lip anxiously, looking down to avoid his intense gaze.

“Do you need energy?” she finally asks him. Her voice is quiet, but her question screams at them both.

She feels Sam’s body go rigid, “I’m fine.” He bites out in a hard tone. His actions defy his words as Sam doesn’t pull himself out of her light grip.

She looks up at Sam for the first time, and really notices how tired he looks. He’s carrying his own undereye bags and he’s been training his brothers almost every day. Sam is more than at the end of his power supply. Mika didn’t know how often they needed energy, but it looked like Sam was desperately clinging onto whatever was left.

“Sam, you look like a dead man walking.” She tells him bluntly. “Take my energy, I’m telling you it’s okay.” Mika reassures with a squeeze of his wrist.

Sam’s losing his internal battle with his will. He scoffs at her statement and turns to look away from her.

“I promise, it’s okay.”

Sam’s tense shoulders finally seem to relax, and he begrudgingly looks at her. Mika sees his eyes are no longer green but rimmed in a beautiful gold. Almost dancing around his iris. She smiles in triumph.

“Don’t look so smug,” he says moving his hand out of her grip to grab her waist and lay her down on the bed. He touches her like she’s something fragile. “You’re gonna be tired after this.”

“Only if you do it right.” She teases him.

“Oh? Now you’re pushing your luck.” Sam says in a low voice but before she can respond his lips have found hers, shutting her up.

Mika feels the enthrallment working its way in her body, making her feel flushed from the inside out. She feels the warmth in the pit of her stomach. Sam’s hands leave a burning trail as they slide down to her hips. He presses her into the mattress, it’s a consistent firm pressure, almost like he’s forcing his hands to not roam her body. Mika wraps her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her. Their mouths slot together easily.

Unlike before, Mika is acutely aware of being enthralled. Mika craves more, she only wants more of Sam. She wants him all over, kissing her neck, caressing her, marking up her body with evidence of only him. She involuntarily thrusts her hips up, trying to chase any friction, a small whimper escapes her lips. She feels his grip on her hips tighten in response, keeping her still in place. A low growl registers in his chest.

Heat flushes down her body, as a wave of desire floods her senses. Mika’s head is swimming in thoughts of Sam. Everything feels too much, too hot, just too intense. She can’t decipher if she has real feelings or if it’s just enthrallment. Her head is spinning as she realizes maybe she should have asked about how enthrallment works before just diving right into it.

Sam shifts and leans his weight onto one arm as he props himself up. His mouth moves to sprinkle kisses along her jaw and down her neck. She doesn’t suppress the moan that comes from her, craning her neck back to expose more to him. Sam chuckles into her neck and places one more soft kiss on the hollow of her neck.

He pulls away to sit up, “Thanks, I’m good now.” His voice is low, like he’s the one out of breath and not her.

She looks up at him, eyes heavy as she feels the enthrallment drop. She’s taking deep shallow breaths, feeling completely blissed out. Her head was still fuzzy from it all.

“Uh, yeah, anytime.” She says in a daze moving to sit up.

Sam snorts and places his hand on her head, ruffling her hair. His eyes are soft as he looks at her, “Don’t offer up something like that. I might make good on it.” He teases.

After Sam leaves the room Mika falls back on her bed. Hands covering her burning red face as her heart beats astronomically fast. She has no idea what she’s doing.

‘Fuck me.’

She should have asked how their powers work. Enthrallment is... confusing for Mika. They just seemed so human, she forgot they were demon's half the time. If it wasn’t for Damien’s never-ending mind reading, she would forget entirely.

Which is why she shouldn’t be thinking about it at all right now. She grips the steering wheel a little tighter and tries to focus on the music playing from the radio. Mika’s driving to class, it’s Damien’s turn to escort, and she’s still replaying last night with Sam. She’s trying not to while Damien’s literally sitting next to her. There’s no privacy in her own head, and while usually that wouldn’t bug her with Damien, this is different. Mostly because she doesn’t know if she has feelings for Sam or if she just liked the lustful feeling from the enthrallment.

Mika’s mind wanders to Sam’s firm hands pressing her into the mattress and his large body hovering over her frame. Sam was built and it wasn’t fair, he easy threw her over his shoulders, and she thinks about him manhandling her in other ways. She shakes her head trying to push the thought from her head.

There’s a heavy sigh from Damien and she looks at him briefly, seeing him quirking a brow at her.

“I’ve heard literally everything in your head, and it is not only overstimulating, but it feels like mind whiplash.” he says with a frown.

She clutches the steering wheel, white knuckles, as she focuses heavily on the road. Shame flushes through her body.

“How, how does enthrallment work?” Mika asks quickly trying to push past her embarrassment.

Damien chuckles, and tries to cover it with a cough, “Well, it gives us your energy. Which you knew that much. As incubi we feed on sexual energy, but enthrallment doesn’t magically give you deep emotions for someone. It just lets us bend your will to ours in that moment. It also enhances the pleasure of your experience as a human. Nothing more and nothing less.”

Mika grows quiet at Damien’s respond and mulls it over in her head.

“So, my very confusing feelings aren’t the enthrallment?”

“Nope. That’s all you.” Damien looks over at Mika with an amused smile.

“You’re not being very helpful here Damien...” Mika says with a pout as she gives him an annoyed glance.

All Damien responds with is a genuine laugh.

#seduce me otome #seduce me the otome #seduce me #sam seduce me #seduce me the demon war #seduce me mika #seduce me sam

10 notes · View notes

mollybecameanengineer · 1 year

Text

The Joy of Cooking

MSR | Season 10 | 949 Words | tagging: @today-in-fic

Scully had first noticed it a month after they started working together again.

Rather than a hastily put together sandwich, leftover Chinese, or something greasy he’d just picked up, Mulder had real food nestled in a glass storage container for lunch. It looked like chicken with mushrooms, green beans, and a yellow purée. She wondered where he’d gotten it.

Over the following weeks, similar dishes appeared. Steak with veggies and chimichurri. A white fish over rice with Chinese broccoli. Chicken and delicata squash over greens.

The man she’d spent most of her adult life with wasn’t a great cook, though he had managed to put dinner on the table for most of the years she’d lived with him. But it was never this imaginative. Or healthy. Or varied. They’d eaten a rotation of the same dozen or so dishes for years.

If she didn’t know better, Scully would have thought Mulder had someone at home making him dinner every night. At least, she was pretty sure she didn’t know better.

“Mulder,” she began, on a day when she was feeling brave. “Have you, you know, dated at all since we…” she waved her hands around rather than finish the thought.

Mulder laughed out loud. “I haven’t been on a date since the early ‘90s. Or maybe late ‘80s. Unless we went on dates. Did we go on dates?”

She shrugged. “That night in Hollywood was pretty date-like.”

He smiled at the memory. She had to admit it was a pretty good one. Other than having to sit through that movie. “Ah, yes. Well then, last date was around the turn of the millennium. How about you?”

She kicked herself. Of course he’d return the question. She’d tried hard, when they’d first broken up, to get over him. She’d made an online dating profile and went on around a half a dozen first dates. They all sucked. After having a disappointing one night stand with a man she'd picked up in a bar, she’d come to the conclusion that she was still in love with Mulder and no amount of fucking strangers was going to change that. She deleted her profile and started seeing a therapist. “A few dates. Nothing serious.”

“Ah.” Mulder pushed his chicken, mashed potatoes (or maybe mashed cauliflower!?), and Brussels sprouts around the container. “It’s a shame I didn’t take you on more dates. Do you want to come over for dinner? You know, as a makeup for the hundreds of dates I didn't take you on?”

She froze. They’d been working together, successfully, for several months now. Growing close as friends again. But she’d been careful to draw a line in the sand with respect to their previous romantic entanglement.

He must have sensed her discomfort. “Just as friends, Scully. Don’t overthink it. I have a salmon thing at home I think you’d like.”

Well, if it would get to the bottom of this food mystery. She agreed.

When she arrived at their (his!) house, it was already filled with the smells of dinner. “Perfect timing!” Mulder said from the kitchen. “It will be ready in about 10 minutes.”

“Can I help?” she asked, setting down her bag and hanging her coat.

“Nope. It’s pretty easy. But you can break open the wine.” He nodded toward the already set table, where a wine bottle was sitting.

She went into the kitchen to get the corkscrew. “What are we having?”

“Uhhh,” he said, leaning to read something on a piece of paper while also tending to a pan. “Salmon with sun dried tomato sauce over couscous.”

“Couscous! Mulder!”

He looked at her. “What? You like couscous.”

“I know I like couscous. What I don’t know is where you learned to make any of this!”

“Oh.” He chuckled as he handed her the paper. “I didn’t. I signed up for one of those meal delivery services. My, uh,” he cleared his throat and returned his attention to the stove, “my psychiatrist thought that a more balanced diet might help with, you know.” He stirred the couscous more vigorously than necessary. “And as you know, I have a limited repartee, so she suggested this as an easy alternative.”

Scully ran her eyes over the paper he’d handed her. It had clear instructions and little pictures showing how everything was supposed to look. Including the plating.

“Do you think it’s helped?” Once the words were out of her mouth, she realized they were too intrusive for their current relationship. “Sorry, you don’t—”

He cut her off. “No, I want to share with you.” A timer went off and he started plating the couscous and salmon, just as shown in the little picture. “I mean, the meds really helped, once we got them right. And talking about… everything.” He carried their plates over to the table while she opened the wine and poured. They sat, again in the places they’d always been.

He continued, once they were settled, “But getting back to exercising and this whole new diet thing have been good, too. If nothing else, my pants fit better and my cholesterol is down.”

“I’m glad.” She took a bite of the dinner, and was surprised by how good it was. While she’d known these services existed, she’d not understood why anyone would pay for them. But it did seem perfect for Mulder. “This is really good,” she said, taking another bite.

“I’ll let the good people at Eaters know.”

She smiled and raised her wine glass to her lips, but paused before taking a drink. “A toast.” She raised her glass. He put down his fork and did the same. “To health.”

He clinked her glass. “To life.”

#x files fanfic #the x files

85 notes · View notes

jimblejamblewritings · 2 years

Text

princesse de mort | part 3.

Summary: Y/N Riddle. Not much more has to be said. Life at Hogwarts when your dad is Lord Voldemort is an interesting experience. And four particular people at school make it even more interesting.

Warnings for the Series: This whole story is angsty, hurt/comfort, smut, will end in fluff but goes through all the other stuff first. this is like a mild dark fic? just shy of being dark?

Pairing: Marauders x black!reader, eventual Remus Lupin x black!reader

Word Count: 3.2k

Previous Part | (Series Masterlist)

Your life felt like hell. You knew it when you found yourself wishing the Marauders would choose to mess with you that day so others wouldn’t. They never called you a Death Eater or said you should rot in a cell in Azkaban. You would actually even take them shoving you into the Black Lake again like they did in third year. Every meal was now eaten in the kitchen because the Great Hall was the biggest source of your nightmares.

With too many students in a space, it didn’t matter if a professor caught your torment. They couldn’t really catch your tormentor. So you started to stick to isolated areas where it would be easy to point someone out. You went to the owlery to get another letter from your father. There was one from him and one with no markings or signatures. You opened it to find a single sentence:

If you go to Astronomy tonight, you might slip from the tower.

“Hey, Princess!”

You didn’t even look up at James, just ran and tore the letter into pieces. In the safety of your room, you cried and hyperventilated on the floor. It felt like when you woke up with a pillow over your face. The bullying was expected, the torment was often, but the moments you truly didn’t feel safe were far and few between. You listened to the letter and didn’t attend your Astronomy class.

“Riddle’s not at her table,” Remus noted. “Hasn’t been for a month now.”

“I haven’t seen her in class for the past two weeks,” James said. “Any of them, not Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, or Astronomy.”

Your professors knew where you were even if students didn’t. You had special permission to roam during curfew hours. You snuck to the kitchens to eat and then used the time when everyone was asleep to deposit your homework into teachers’ classrooms. The problem was O.W.L.s were coming around the corner and you had to show your face. You took in a deep breath as you entered the Great Hall. This was the last thing you wanted to do but you were desperate.

“She knows she’s just making her case worse, right?” Sirius asked as they watched you approach Slytherin.

“Or she’s finally admitting she’s— I can call her a Death Eater now, right? It’s been a while since she kissed any of us. That deal’s off?” Peter looked at the others.

“The whole posse’s following, definitely a Death Eater. Dear daddy probably gave her the Dark Mark when she was three for her birthday.”

They watched you walk out with the others. You tried to act like the whole posse wasn’t there as you filtered through library books. You hated yourself for resolving to go to them. But you just wanted study material without problems. You would have to ask them to escort you again in two weeks when the exams were over and you had to return the books. You looked over when you heard all of the posse stand up from their chairs. A group of seventh years from different Houses were there. The girl in front rolled her eyes.

“What are you doing, Riddle?” she asked.

You didn’t answer.

“You don’t know how to speak, brat?”

Wands on both sides were drawn. You looked at all of them and grabbed Bellatrix’s arm. She took the books from your hands and told the others they were going to check them out. You looked at the seventh years.

“What do you want?” you asked.

“Come to Hogsmeade.”

“I’m studying, O.W.L.s ar—”

“That wasn’t a question. When your exams are done, you’re coming with us. Hogsmeade or your cat might go missing. It was a stray anyway, right?”

You scrambled away from them and back to the posse that were holding your books. They wouldn’t leave after you insisted you were fine until they watched you disappear into Hufflepuff. You looked at your kitten that was asleep on the corner of the bed. It was hard to focus because you could only think about why they wanted you at Hogsmeade. The dreaded last day of school and end of your O.W.L.s came. You shrugged on a flannel over your dress and went to the little village. You didn’t have to walk far. They were all waiting at the edge of Hogsmeade.

“I’m here.”

“Wand.”

“Come on—”

“Wand.”

This was going to stop you from buying your little trinkets this month. You coughed up the wand and watched it get snapped into multiple pieces.

“We’re getting firewhiskey at the pub, you’re coming.”

“I can’t drink till next school year.”

“Learn that these aren’t questions, unless you want another hex.”

You followed them to the pub where they trapped you in. You listened to them order— someone got you a butterbeer and a shot of firewhiskey. The shot was placed in front of you.

“Drink.”

They laughed as you coughed as the alcohol burned your throat. The girl from the library grabbed your chin.

“When your father takes over, you think all little muggleborns are going to let you take our wands?”

“I didn’t mean it like that, you didn’t hear the fir—”

“Prove it. Prove you’re not a Death Eater then, that you like us mudbloods… I know what I do when I like someone.”

You hit at her wrist. “No, let go.”

The group laughed.

“She’s not into girls, I bet,” someone else said. “Sweetheart, we’ve got plenty of mudblood boys too.”

You panicked and hit at her wrist again. You didn’t like this game. It wasn’t like the Marauders— they listened if you said no. The guy behind the girl raised a brow.

“I thought you wanted everyone to know you weren’t your father.”

“No kissing, you already broke my wand.”

“That was just part one.”

“Let go, let go!”

She hissed when you hit her particularly hard. Before the girl could get out another word, a wand was pointed at her throat.

“She told you to let go. I don’t think she’s friends with any of you.” Lucius sneered.

They all scampered away. Lucius gave you a hand out of the booth. Just like when you were eleven, you immediately clung to him. He led you out the pub and apparated you both to Diagon Alley when you mentioned that your wand was broken. Ollivander wasn’t even surprised to see you.

“Let’s try a different wand this time, Miss Riddle. I’ve been giving you the same replacement for years. Try this, beech wood with a dragon heartstring core. Ten inches, unyielding.”

You casted a little spell that shot confetti. Ollivander nodded. You reached into your purse but Lucius paid before you could even fish out the coins and count them. He took you back to Hogsmeade and began the walk to Hogwarts.

“They’re still messing with you? I told you to tell your father after I graduated.”

“He’d kill everyone, even the purebloods.”

Lucius chuckled. “That’s what happens when you’re a Daddy’s girl. Well, you’re almost done and then you can join him… did you get the bracelet?”

You nodded, not saying that you didn’t wear it.

“Good.” Lucius took your hand and kissed it. “I’ll see you around.”

He turned to leave. He had to know about the marriage list. You sighed because Lucius definitely thought he was the number one prospect and was going to do anything to stay that way. You’d quicker marry Sirius than him and that said a lot because you wanted the arrogant boy to drown himself in the lake every other day. You felt light walking into the castle, though. Lucius had kept you out long enough that everyone already left for the summer. You were in an empty castle with no one to bully you for a little bit.

Summer was your liveliest time even if it was short. The Great Hall was always playing music on the record player when you were cleaning with the house-elves. You spent most of your days outside in the grass or painting your nails on the Black Lake’s pier. The library and your favorite window ledge were always waiting for you to grab a good book and read. Almost every meal was eaten in the kitchen as you gossiped with the elves. The quidditch pitch was free for you to ride your broom and scream at the top of your lungs. It was the real you that no one— not even your father— had a glimpse of.

All the shine was dulled when September came back. You skipped the opening feast and ate in your room. You just wanted another day before all the crap started again. And like you predicted, the moment you stepped outside was the moment it started. The Hufflepuff prefect dropped your schedule in your cup of orange juice and then you slipped on a mysterious patch of ice when leaving the Great Hall.

You thought about how fed up you were by the end of the first month as you bought new nail polish. Summer money from working at the castle was always a substantial paycheck. You always splurged a bit. But you were over everything. You had to go to Severus three times in a day for him to give you a potion or reverse a hex. He was scarily good at potions. You got top marks because you had nothing else to do but study. Severus got top marks because he was talented. You couldn’t do it anymore. You were honestly considering Lucius’ idea of telling your father but that meant a host of things.

One, you were sure he would attack Hogwarts. Two, you felt like whining to your father pushed you from answering his letters out of obligation to saying that you supported him and sided with him. Three, he might instruct the posse or Lucius to keep a closer eye on you. Four, he’d tell you some new Dark Arts trick and then have someone watch to make sure you actually did it.

That’s how you learned the Unforgivable Curses by age six. Using your mom’s wand, they taught you how to crucio garden gnomes, imperio little rabbits, and kill. That was when you realized who your parents were and what your father’s ambitions included. Making you kill forest creatures and crucio gnomes scarred you for life. It made you afraid of causing others pain because of those poor creatures. You imagined that if you had to duel, you could. If you had to do anything, you probably could.

But it would be a last resort. And you started to feel that last resort creeping up. You looked at your coins in your hand— there was some money to spare. A butterbeer before going back to the castle would help you think or at least make you feel good. You paused when you reached the window of Three Broomsticks. Four faces were talking animatedly to each other and a new last resort option appeared in your mind.

“Are we actually gonna do it?” Remus asked. “We never even figured out who to ask over summer.”

Sirius took the salad that the waitress brought. “Not my fault two of you are straight as a damn whistle. A boy sub is so much easier to find, I know so many. We would’ve had someone by now.”

“That’s comfortable with four doms?”

Peter swallowed his bite of food. “If they’re comfortable with Padfoot, they’re comfortable with four doms.”

That made the others chuckle. The boys had been seriously considering actually going through with the throwaway suggestion one of them had made the summer before when they broke into the Potters’ alcohol cabinet to finally try some. An alcohol induced night and the fact that they were already way too comfortable with each other led to finding out they’re all doms— which shocked James who thought Sirius was a sub the entire time, vice versa with his friend.

They began to think more and more about it but never really figured out who they would even approach to ask. They might have been popular and known around school but there were still some things they wanted under wraps. Which was why they were so hesitant on Sirius’ suggestions even though he knew the most people out of all them— the problem was they loved to kiss and tell which was why he slowly stopped kissing and just went on dates. James only could think of people on the quidditch team and didn’t want that messy dynamic of being team captain and sleeping with one of your teammates. He wasn’t about to be accused of benching someone or being harsh during practice because of sex. So they were back to square one of brilliant idea with no possible execution.

You walked into the pub with determination. You were getting the peace and quiet you demanded from Hogwarts this year. It was owed to you. The Marauders blinked when you stood in front of their table. You stood with your hands on your hips and James had to bite back a laugh because you were dressed just like his grandpa— he was positive that he had seen that exact pair of corduroy pants and pink t-shirt in the closet. Even your little tote bag looked old.

“Ring Leader?” Remus acknowledged you.

“How much is it to get it all to stop?” you asked.

“The taunting, already told you last year. Snog—”

“Not you four, everyone else. I want everyone to stop.”

“Do it yourself.”

“I don’t hurt people. I’m not my father… or the rest of Hogwarts. I don’t hurt people to get what I want.”

James set down his butterbeer. “Well, we don’t control everyone, Princess.”

“No one messes with me if you four are in charge. I want that every day. No more jinxes or hexes, nothing. I want it all to stop, so how much?”

“Sleep with us,” Sirius said jokingly before shoving his forkful of salad into his mouth.

“Alright.”

He looked up with wide eyes, nearly choking on his food. “You know I didn’t mean we’re taking a nap.”

“I know.”

“It means fucking.”

“I know what sleeping with someone means.”

James put a hand to your forehead. “Are you sick? You didn’t even want a kiss for your quills back yesterday. I still have those by the way, haven’t thrown them out yet. Same offer as yesterday.”

You pushed his hand away. “We have sex and the jinxing stops, done. Is that what you want, sex?”

James fished some coins from his pocket. “Princess, go order yourself a firewhiskey and wait at the bar. We need to talk.”

“It’s the middle of the day.”

“Then get whatever you want.”

“I’m not paying you back.” You took the coins.

“Don’t have to.” James watched you sit down and order a butterbeer before turning back to the others. “You’re fucking kidding, I’m dreaming right?”

“No, we all heard,” Remus said. “I mean we were talking about it earlier.”

“Yeah, not with Riddle, though,” Peter said.

Sirius set down his drink. “I mean… she’d be quiet. Any girls I’ve talked to about it are definitely going to tell everyone. She just wants to be left alone, you know she’s not telling anyone what our dicks look like or who lasts in bed. Easiest fucking bargain.”

Remus looked over. “She looks good despite dressing like a grandparent.”

Sirius snorted. “Yeah, where does she even get those clothes?”

“It wouldn’t be that hard,” Peter said, coming around to the thought. “Tell everyone she’s off limits like Snivellus.”

“They still mess with him though,” Remus countered. “We’d have to actually get them to quit jinxing her.”

“That’s because he keeps sticking his greasy nose in people’s business. Riddle doesn’t provoke.”

James pulled out his wand and your butterbeer went out of your reach. You turned and glared at him. He chuckled as he tucked his wand back in his sleeve when you jumped down from the stool.

“You think she’s going to be an easy sub?” he asked. “She sure knows how to glare like she’s in charge… Alright, Princess, we’ll take the deal.”

You stuck out a hand. They gave you an amused look as each of them shook your hand.

“Do you know anything about what a sub is?”

“No.” You picked at your corduroys.

“Go look it up. If you still want the deal… write us a little essay about it, due Monday.”

You pointed at Remus’ zip-up hoodie. “I don’t want anyone to see me looking at sex books.”

He bit his bottom lip to stop from laughing. Remus took off the hoodie and gave it to you. You shrugged it on and popped on the hood.

“You’re drowning in it.”

“Good… you said sub?”

“Sub, submissive, dom, dominant. Any of those.”

You nodded and walked out of Three Broomsticks— the four boys shamelessly stared as you walked away. You knew the Hogwarts library wasn’t going to have whatever they were talking about. But the bookstore down the road might. You tugged the sleeves of Remus’ hoodie over your hands so no one could attempt to identify you by your skin tone and claim they saw you in the section of the bookstore that you were in. You quickly grabbed a bunch and then raced to the muggle section to grab decoy books.

The chair in the back corner was taken by you. You kept the hood on as you read through the books. Heat rose to your face as you read through some things. Your nose scrunched up at some things and you knew you weren’t doing them. Most things seemed alright. The Marauders already acted like this with you, you didn’t see much a difference except for being naked. You penned your essay and handed it to Peter when he got into your Charms class on Monday. Peter chuckled as he entered the dorm when classes ended and the other boys looked over.

“Riddle’s little essay.”

He handed it over to Sirius and pointed to the third paragraph. Sirius flipped his hair and put on a voice to try and mimic what you sounded like.

“I don’t like most of the nicknames for doms or subs. I’m not calling any of you daddy, and definitely not master— we all know why.”

That made them all howl. James said it was a fair statement but that didn’t make it any less funny.

“The sub names are weird. No kitten, no pet related names at all. My father calls me sweetheart so I don’t want to hear it either. I don’t think I mind toy but don’t even think about fucktoy or anything with the word fuck in front of it— Blimey, she keeps going— little is fine because you’re all taller than me so I guess it’s true— Prongs, never give her a fucking assignment again— the books say that people like to get rough and call—”

Sirius could see why Peter was laughing. He took a moment to recover. “I’m okay with slut but not whore because I’m not a whore.”

Remus snatched the essay so he and James could read it.

“Those are the same… at least she understands most of it. Nice list of dislikes too, makes our job easier. This weekend?”

The rest of them agreed. They also thought screw snogging and messing with you. If this was all they had to do, they would have last year. The rest of the school would have to find a new target but that wasn’t their problem when a summer fantasy was coming true.

(Part 4)

#remus lupin x black!reader #marauders x reader #remus lupin x reader

39 notes · View notes

pranks-all-day-everyday · 1 year

Note

What are 50 facts about you, Travis?

Woah, 50 facts? Didn’t realize someone wanted to know so much about me. Wait until I tell Connor I have a fan.

I’m the older brother, not the older twin, Connor and I are not twins.

I once pierced my ears with a safety pin, I was trying to, ah, impress someone. Let’s move on

So, funnily enough, I hate strawberries. I’m around them so much, ate them nearly every day with every meal for years, I just can’t stand them anymore.

I’m terrible in close hand combat. I’ll be on the floor three seconds top.

But I am pretty awesome at surprise attacks if I don’t say so myself

Dyed my hair for a few months last year, it was nice but I hated having to keep on top of it, especially since I have to be super careful with my curls. So I stopped dyeing it.

Im bi bi bi, apparently this was a super big shock to most people? Not Connor of course, and for some reason neither was Katie.

I absolutely definitely most certainly do not have a crush on anyone and have never had a crush on a fellow camper. Nope nope nope. (Shut up, Connor)

Favorite color is green, any green if I’m honest, the specific green depends on my mood.

My fingers are double jointed, it grosses Katie out.

On my way to camp for the first time I twisted my ankle, but I didn’t know anyone so I never told anyone, it’s been so long that nothing can heal it so every now and then it acts up.

I actually hate wearing jewelry, it feels restricting, which sucks because jewelry is really pretty. I’ve only been able to wear our camp necklace, and even then I don’t wear it as often as everyone else.

I can do a cartwheel, Drew dared me and I did it. I’ve never tried doing one again

For a hot minute Connor and I were kinda the go to head camp counselor’s for anyone our age or younger, I guess the older ones scared everyone off by being…older? And Anniebeth wasn’t always around since she was usually on some worldending quest or trying to stop the world from ending.

I have an okayish relationship with my dad. Better than Connor at least. Sureeee we don’t talk or anything, but I’ll pray to him every now and then.

Speaking of parents, I dunno where my mom is. She just left one day and we haven’t seen her since.

When I was little I had this stuffed snake, it kinda got eaten by a monster, I saw one that looked exactly like it in a store once. I was very tempted to ‘buy’ it.

I don’t actually own a pair of running shoes! I have one pair of converse and another pair of flip flops but that’s it. There’s not much opportunity for year rounders to go out and buy whatever they want, so I’m stuck with whatever Chiron finds for us and we have to make that stuff last.

I once tried to throw Katie a surprise birthday party, well, not tried because I did. But someone else took the credit so I never bothered to correct it. She probably wouldn’t have believed me anyways.

When I was 13 I tried to straighten my hair, it did not go well. Let’s just say I’ve only just been allowed near electrical hair tools things, whatever you call them.

Connor and I came to camp just months after anniebeth did. I was about let’s see, she was 7? Connor was seven too, but only by a few months, then I had to be 9? Yeah, I was 9.

I have no idea what my middle name is, I know Connor’s, but mom never told me mine and I don’t know where our birth certificates went, or if we even have any.

That reminds me, Chiron thought it was super important for us to get a drivers license so I and everyone my age went with him for our turn, turns out he couldn’t use the mist to make me a fake birth certificate, so then we had to forge an actual one and that’s how everyone learned I don’t know what my middle name is

We did not end up taking the test, we got him bombarded by like ten different monsters, this was when people were only just realizing a war would be happening. Let’s just say a lot of words were said that day

My first kiss was with Ethan Nakamura. We never really figured out what we were before he ran away and then was on the opposite side of the battle

I lost a bet with Drew a while back, now I have to let all the new Aphrodite kids try out makeup ideas and stuff on me, by new I mean whatever kid has been around for less than a month, after they reach that first month mark they can’t try anything on me. Connor, traitor that he is, finds it hilarious

I want to be a teacher, it’s what I’m going to school for. I haven’t really told all that many people

A dare I once did was to eat a cup of malic acid two times a day for an entire week, it was very painful and my taste buds have never been the same since

I like to paint my nails

I never take off the old nail polish, only repaint over it, this is apparently the wrong way

I can surf!! Kinda. I can stay on the board and get past the waves. I just can’t come back. Or stand up. Or ride the waves.

I can’t surf

But I can roller skate, all the year rounders shared like two pairs and learned together.

I broke my first bone (my arm) from roller skating

Demigods don’t need mortal vaccines, we can get them, but we don’t need them

We do need demigod vaccine though, ages ago a kid of Apollo and Hermes got together and realized hey! We need vaccines!! And now we have vaccine specifically for us

Connor and I want to get matching tattoos, we just don’t know what to get. Any ideas anon?

Don’t tell anyone, but I can’t whistle.

I’ve accidentally handcuffed myself to a car and then had to remove the car door and go back to camp like that.

I don’t think I’ve ever received a birthday from either of my parents since I was five. It’s the only reason I even know my birthday. Connor hasn’t either, well, kinda, I would get him two gifts up until we came to camp and tell him one was from mom and the other from me, I think he knew but he never said anything.

I once lost a tooth from getting in a fight with Clarissa. But it was okay, I gave her a bloody nose back. After that we became friends.

Up until Percy made sure other gods got their own cabin, I had gone about five years without an actual bed in my cabin.

When Will was first learning to become a healer I was basically his test subject, I got hurt a lot because I was clumsy and stupid. We became pretty good friends from it

Nico might not realize it but Connor and I consider him an honorary child of Hermes and therefore our brother.

My favorite milkshake flavor is strawberry even though I hate strawberries

ACTUALLY I don’t really like milkshakes in general, gotta be in a very specific mood for them. They’re just so Thick, don’t go down the throat easily, kinda hard to suck through a straw

Dark chocolate is the best chocolate for end discussion.

I can’t dance, don’t tell anyone, it’s the real reason why I’m over by the food whenever there’s a party.

I once had a goldfish for an entire week but then someone swallowed it when they grabbed the fishbowl to drink the water because they ate something hot.

I lied earlier. I do have a crush on someone. I just won’t tell you who.

There’s the 50 facts anon. Sorry it took so long, you know how the demigod life is, running for your life, fighting monsters, stealing things.

#rrhp✅#travis stoll #travis answers asks #anon

14 notes · View notes

purplesurveys · 1 year

Text

1633

What color was the last nail varnish you wore? Can’t remember all that well as I rarely have my nails painted. It might have been purple, maybe? Purple with some glitters. I kind of remember getting that done a few months ago.

^ Do you own any shirts in that color? I don’t look too good in purple so I don’t have any clothes in that color.

What color was the last lipstick you wore? Burgundy.

^ Have you/would you ever dye your hair that color? Sure, why not? I’m open to any color as long as it isn’t a neon shade.

How long have you owned the mobile phone that you currently use? Just over a year.

How about your laptop? And what brand is it? This laptop has been going strong since 2017, man. Six whole years and counting. I made the most use out of it throughout college and in my first working year, but given that I only ever use it for doing surveys these days it’s enjoying a much longer lifespan than I expected it to have.

I got some nice new mugs recently. What does your favorite mug look like? It’s this one from Starbucks:

Do you own any mugs with a picture of an animal on them? Yeah I availed a fanmade kit from a local shop in celebration of BTS’ anniversary two years ago, and a mug was part of the inclusions. It has a number of the band’s symbols as designs, like stars and a whale.

Do you own any items that have your initial on them? No I’m not a fan of personalizing my things.

Do you own any items that have a Disney character on them? As far as I know, no.

When was the last time you had a box of chocolates? What kind were they? My mom’s godmother recently visited the country after 25+ years and she got a box of chocolates for us. I haven’t gotten to checking it out much as I’m not a super big fan of chocolate haha but it’s essentially different variations – there’s chocolate with coffee filling, another with caramel, another with coconut, etc.

How long have you had the headphones/earbuds that you currently use? It’s been at least a couple of months.

^What color are they? White.

The last time you checked the mail, was there anything for you? Nope.

Is there anyone you’ve had regular video calls with, during the pandemic? No, I hated video calls at the time. It’s only been recently when I started to be more comfortable with them.

Do you remember what you were doing at 8PM on Saturday? I was having dinner with my family.

Of all your relatives & close friends, whose birthday is closest to yours? Dev’s is just a day before mine.

Did you have a cake on your last birthday? What kind? Nope. I opted for ramen instead, haha.

What were some of your favorite foods/meals as a child? I couldn’t get enough of Pancit Canton as a kid that eventually my mom stopped getting it for a time because of how unhealthy it can be to be eaten regularly.

What were some of your favorite drinks as a child? Eh, just water. I’m not so adventurous when it came to beverages.

Are there any foods/drinks that you loved as a child, but dislike now? For the most part it’s the opposite for me because I used to be a REALLY picky eater and now I’ve learned how to eat and love everything, hahaha. A favorite 180º change of mine would probably be curry; I used to dread it when I found out that’s what was for dinner, and now I could have it literally everyday.

Which of your physical features do you receive the most compliments on? My figure, hands, and eyelashes. What traits/qualities do you have, that you believe others appreciate? I’m good at reading people, so I go ahead of them in terms of things they might be needing help with but might be too shy to raise. It’s stuff like, “Do you need a ride home?” “Do you need me to pay for this first?” “Do you need me to go talk to her?” and the moment their eyes light up that make me think they do appreciate the initiative to an extent.

Do you have any friends that you communicate with every day, in some form? Angela is the person who best fits this. We do talk everyday these days.

When you woke up today, what kind of mood were you in? So groggy. I slept at around 3 AM, so when my mom woke me up to prepare for church I wasn’t exactly awake awake yet.

What was the last food or drink you had, that you hadn’t tried before? Wasabi powdered fries. Turned out really good and not spicy at all!

What was the last song you listened to, that you hadn’t heard before? Bittersweet by Seventeen’s Wonwoo and Mingyu, and LeeHi. Instant fan.

When do you next plan to eat something? Do you know what it will be? Probably in a couple of hours and most likely it’ll just be something light to pass the hunger.

So, to finish, what’s your favorite position to sleep in? On my side, clutching a pillow.

2 notes · View notes

i-can-even-burn-salad · 2 years

Text

22: Starvation

Heal my Wounds

forced feeding/starvation/food poisoning

Warnings: Starvation (who would have guessed)

This is part of a series. If you haven’t, I suggest starting at Part 1.

They were too happy, time to change that :)

Previous | Masterlist | Next

The light was still dim as Valadan followed the path towards the training grounds. Winter was quickly approaching. The nights were getting colder, and the mornings stayed cold for longer. Bathing in the nearby lake was no longer remotely as pleasant as it had been during the summer months. Even now, with the sun rising over the outer walls of the citadel, Valadan was still freezing. He considered jogging the rest of the way, but he had to conserve what little energy he had left. It would be hard enough to get through the two or three hours of training as it was.

The weakness of his knees and the ache in his stomach reminded him that it had been two days since the last time he had eaten. Two weeks ago, he had run out of money, occasionally managing to earn some coins with random tasks and errands since. Even if he found someone willing to offer him work, sweeping a floor or unloading a cart, it was barely enough to get a single meal a day. He was left constantly hungry and a bit more desperate with every passing day. There was no future for him here, no way to get out of his predicament. He’d have to leave and find another town where he could actually earn a living; leave before the hunger would leave him too weak to wander, or the nights would get even colder. If he stayed here, he wouldn’t survive the winter.

If he left, he wouldn’t survive the loneliness.

When the training ground he and Josephine used came into view, he found her already waiting. Sword in hand, she was warming up, her practiced motions like a dance. She was wearing dark gray pants and a light gray shirt, fitting tightly. When she moved, it shimmered, like bands of silver were woven into it. She seemed to like silver. Valadan had to admit that it looked great against her sun-tanned skin and her dark hair, pinned-up like always.

Valadan stopped to watch her. Whoever had taught her before him must have valued form and posture a lot. Perhaps a mentor of the Silver Blades. A noble like her surely could afford that. She had kept most of the grace, adding ruthlessness and the clever use of ice magic to her repertoire. By now, she won regularly, even when he wasn’t holding back. There wasn’t that much more he could teach her.

Turning around, Josephine must have spotted him. She let her sword sink, raising her other hand to wave at him. From this distance, he couldn’t make out her expression, but he could imagine her smile. It made his heart heavy as he started to walk again, raising his own hand to return her greeting.

If there was nothing left for him to teach her, that meant his time here was coming to an end. Sure, they could train together as equals now, but that didn’t solve his myriad of other problems. And he didn’t even know if she’d want him around. When she looked at him like this, a smile lighting up her ice-blue eyes as she greeted him, it was certainly easy to believe.

It would hurt all the more if it turned out to be wrong.

“You’re okay?”

Ah, fuck. “Yeah,” Valadan said, rubbing his neck. “Didn’t sleep too well, that’s all.”

In fact, he had spent half the night awake, shivering and listening to the rain pattering on the bit of the roof that was sheltering his sleeping place. Every time the wind had turned, freezing drops had found their way through the bushes that were blocking him from view, soaking his blankets. If the weather stayed like this, they’d barely be dry by the time evening came.

“Wanna take a break today?”

“No.” If those were the last few days with her he might have, he wanted to savor every one of them. “Come, let’s start.”

Josephine shot him one last worried glance, but she nodded, raising her sword again. Stepping next to her, Valadan summoned his own blade. Moving in unison with her was comforting, even though it couldn’t lift the weight that had settled on his heart.

By the time he was warmed up, Valadan was already exhausted. He tried not to show it, extending his left hand to summon a chain. If he wanted to have a chance today, he needed his preferred weapons.

It didn’t take long for his steps to become erratic, for him to have to focus almost fully on not slipping on the ice she created. She drove him back across the sandy ground, while he had trouble evading her strikes, with no opportunity to attack. A kick he would usually have avoided with ease made him stumble, directly into her strike, the blade turned at the last moment to only hit him in the stomach with the broad side. For a moment, he stood hunched over, gasping for air, his vision darkening. Then he was on the ground, the darkness slowly dissipating to reveal the overcast sky above.

“I’m sorry. Are you hurt?”

Josephine had put the sword down, hovering over him, her hands clasped together.

“No. Ah. Fuck.” It turned out that breathing was a bad idea; so was speaking. His stomach hurt, and he was sure there’d be a bruise across it soon.

“Fuck,” he repeated, propping himself up to at least assume a sitting position. “I don’t… feel too well today.”

“Yeah, no shit.” Her tone was annoyed, but the look on her face spoke of concern. “Perhaps you should rest.”

“Yeah.”

Valadan didn’t look at her as she offered him her left hand to help him up. His arm was shaking so much that she grabbed it with her right hand as well, to steady him. He didn’t want to rest, but he had to. Crawl back into that fucking damp nest of blankets that stank of horses. Hope that he’d manage to earn some money tonight, or perhaps the next day. Fuck. He had to keep it together until he was out of sight.

“Sorry,” he said, averting his eyes. “I’ll just… yeah. I’ll rest.”

He could still feel her gaze on his back as he started to walk, up the small hill and towards the citadel. Listening for footsteps, on the off chance that she might catch up with him, offer to escort him back to his room.

She didn’t.

Nevertheless, Valadan looked around to make sure he was alone before he followed the path to the stables. He didn’t often return during the day, too great the risk of being discovered and questioned, but he was too exhausted, both physically and mentally. He just wanted to lay down on the closest thing to a bed he owned, close his eyes and hope that somehow, when he awoke, a miracle had happened.

As he walked past the stables, he heard muffled voices and the sounds of horses inside. It was too late in the day and too busy to hope he’d be able to snatch some oats from the horses. He was almost desperate enough to try and find the stash of it, but he couldn’t afford to be caught stealing. Chewing on some sad, half wilted dandelion flower, he laid down on his bed.

Perhaps he was wrong. Perhaps it was already too late. He couldn’t see himself wandering to the next town like this. His chances of asking Bennett for permission to use the portal had vanished months ago, but Josephine might be willing to help him — if he found the courage to ask her for it.

Maybe, if he could choose a city, there might be one tiny sliver of hope left for him. Valadan closed his eyes, hoping the sleep would take away the pain in his stomach and the pain in his heart.

Tagging: @dont-touch-my-soup @whump-in-the-moonlight

#Heal my Wounds #write me a novel #whump #fantasy whump #starvation tw #my writing

8 notes · View notes

glitterandmoondustofficial · 1 year

Text

Side to Side

Chapter 238: Prisoners

Characters: Ruby Rating: Teen Warnings: Language, death Notes: I said I would be update faster and then this took me a month to get out. I am a sham.

~~~~~~

Ruby felt like an idiot.

Of course she didn’t feel that way at first. It was after she had woken up, dressed herself, and had eaten half of her breakfast.

She was chewing on her potatoes before it dawned on her that she had been so tired and annoyed the previous night that she had let her two new companions convince her to leave before interrogating the captured bandit.

How could she be so stupid?!

She knew that every time that these bandits were captured that they “somehow” managed to “escape.” A sinking feeling in her stomach told her that the bandits she had kept alive were already gone. She could not believe how badly she messed up.

Ruby rubbed her face in stress with a groan.

“Is it that bad?” She heard the bartender ask with a chuckle.

Ruby blinked and looked at him through her fingers. “No, the food is delicious. These potatoes are nice and crispy.”

“Then what’s with the long face?”

“I, uh,” think Ruby. What was something perfectly normal to be groaning about? “I just realized I haven’t secured passage to Tamcier. I was kicking myself about it.” Oh fuck and she wasn’t even lying about that! She actually needed to do that!

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll be fine.” The bartender smiled calmly. “We don’t have many people leave the island, most people like it here, despite its misgivings.”

“Ah. I see.”

“Jaal will be at the docks by now, just focus on finishing breakfast and when you’re done, head on over.”

Ruby nodded. She wished that getting a ticket for the boat was all she needed to worry about. She still had to stick to her word and actually take care of the bandits. And she may have already screwed that up.

She kept herself from groaning again and finished her meal. She drank her juice and swallowed the last bit of bacon. She thanked the bartender before rushing out of the inn. She stared towards downtown before sighing.

She turned towards the docks. She needed to secure passage to Tamcier. It was the absolute priority. Bandits could wait. Law and Dressrosa could not.

She walked to the docks, remembering the way with no issues. She stood at the edge of the seafood stands and stared at the docks. When she thought about it, there weren’t nearly as many people here as she had seen on other islands. It was almost completely deserted. The consistent pirate attacks must have had everyone scared.

She saw Jaal and Saban and immediately started to walk towards them. She needed to figure out which ship was taking her to Tamcier and when it was leaving.

She saw Jaal look at her. He turned to her as she approached him. He opened his mouth and then closed it, looking distraught.

“I never caught her your name,” he said apologetically.

“Huh? Oh. It’s Elissa,’ Ruby said. “I need to find the ship to Tamcier.”

Jaal nodded. “It’s The Sharke.” He said and pointed at a ship, one that was smaller than the Dependence, but still larger than the Polar Tang.

Ruby stared at Jaal. “Shark?”

Saban laughed. “Don’t look at us! We don’t name them!”

Ruby sighed. “Right. I’ll head over.” She was in a rush, so she needed to move on. She would secure passage and then head over to Tas and Hanzi. She could only hope that the bandits hadn’t “escaped” yet.

She really was such an idiot for going to the inn to sleep instead of questioning the bandits the way she had said she was going to do. She made such a grandstanding about not following rules and being rough for no goddamn reason.

She walked up to The Shark and looked around for someone to help her. She stared at the ship that had “Sharke” in big fancy letters and rolled her eyes. She huffed and placed her hands on her hips.

“Ma’am?” She heard someone beside her.

Ruby looked over to the tall woman with an eyepatch. She had thick, curly red hair and black lipstick. Ruby cocked her head. “Yes?”

“Are you looking to board The Sharke? We won't sail for three more days.”

Ruby blinked. “That’s perfect,” she said. “I need to go to Tamcier and your boat is the one to take me there. Who do I pay for a room?”

“Well, I’m the captain, so I guess you can pay me.” The woman grinned and revealed a diamond canine.

“Great!” Ruby pulled her wallet out of her purse. She looked back at the woman and Ruby realized she looked more pirate than some official ocean liner captain. Then again, she looked more like a stereotypical pirate than any real pirate she had ever run into personally, herself included. “How much do I owe you?”

“Hmm,” the captain brought her fingers to her chin like she was deciding the amount. She looked Ruby over and grinned. “How does 200 berries sound?”

Ruby’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. 200 berries?! That’s it? For a room all to herself?! Ruby quickly pulled out 200 berries and tried to stop her shaking hand. Suddenly a sword was placed on her hand. A man with long black hair and round glasses was attached to it. Ruby stared at him like he grew two heads.

He sighed. “Marlene…” he pushed his glasses. “You cannot undercharge every pretty girl you meet.”

Ah. So this was the man who was actually in charge of the money.

“I wasn’t undercharging her! I was giving her a fair price. Women who wish to be lost at sea deserve some nice things.”

The man sighed and pinched between his brows.

““Lost at sea?”” Ruby questioned.

“Well, you look so damn sad and lost, I can only assume you lost your lover or are on the run or something like that.” Marlene grinned.

“Whether she is or not we are not charging her only 200 berries for a room.” The man looked at Ruby. “800.”

Ruby nodded, disappointed that she was no longer getting her massive discount. She fished out 600 more berries from her wallet and handed it over to the man. As he counted the berries Ruby sighed. She wasn’t even trying that hard to play the part of the forlorn widow, she truly was sad and missing her nakama. They hadn’t been apart for very long but she felt an ache in her heart that she hadn’t felt in years.

Loneliness.

The longing to be with loved ones again.

“Alright, Miss?” The man eyed her.

“Elissa,” she responded.

“Miss Elissa. We set off in three days at dawn. Do not be late or we will either charge you more or leave you behind, it entirely depends on the crew’s mood.”

“You got it,” Ruby said. “I’ll be here.” She turned and started to walk away, a small smile forming on her lips as she heard Marlene complain to the man about overcharging her.

Ruby left the docks and rushed to the headquarters where Tas and Hanzi should have been. She must have looked quite determined and scary because people promptly moved out of her way as she sped walked to the headquarters. She arrived outside of the doors. She noticed many officers hanging around and chatting outside, some with coffee or food.

Ruby let out a breath and started to walk into the building. She immediately felt a shiver run up her spine. It felt so incredibly wrong to walk in the building to help these people. She should be avoiding them. She should be running from them.

She looked around the room with all of the desks. Most of the people were talking amongst themselves, there was laughter and camaraderie. Some were sharing pastries, others looked like they were working on things together. They didn’t seem to notice her. Maybe she should just go to Tas’s office. She had a feeling he was already in there with his nose to the grindstone.

“Darling!” Hanzi laughed. Ruby looked over to the happy man. “There you are! I was wondering if you had run off on us.”

“Er, nope, I said I would help and I try to stick to my word.”

“Great! Let’s get in Tas’s office!” He started to push her, rather hastily, into Tas’s office.

“Whoa! What- Hanzi!” She took steps forward to ground herself and to stop herself from falling over. “What’s with all the shoving?” Ruby huffed.

Hanzi closed the door behind him with a sigh. He looked over to the desk and Ruby followed his line of sight. Tas was sitting at his desk with his head in his hands. Ruby frowned and then sighed.

“They’re gone, aren’t they?” Tas didn’t answer her. Ruby groaned. “Fuck! I can’t believe my dumbass went to bed instead of interrogating that bastard!”

Tas sighed. “I know,” he said, completely dejected. “We finally had a chance and we decided to rest instead.” He took his hands away from his face and leaned back in his chair. He groaned. “I can’t believe they escaped already. It had to have been that one that got away. He had to have been able to gather people to break them free.”

Ruby frowned and looked at Hanzi. He shrugged. “Maybe,” Hanzi said. “Is there a point to trying to figure it out?”

Tas stared at the two of them. Ruby sighed. “Weren’t there guards here last night? I assume that there had to be someone guarding the cells, right?”

“Of course,” Hanzi said. “But they were knocked out. They said they were hit hard in the back of the head and didn’t remember anything until they were woken up this morning.”

“What about the others in the rest of the office? Did they not hear anything? Or see anything?”

“They were all called away from the office,” Tas said. “Every single one said that there was a call from someone that they needed to tend to outside of this office.”

“All of them? Were they all serious? Or were they just stupid shit like a cat up a tree?”

“I…don’t know. I haven’t gotten around to asking what the calls were exactly and their shifts are over so I’m not going to call them when they should be sleeping.”

Ruby huffed. “Fine.” She bit her thumb nail in frustration. “We’re back to the beginning, though and-”

“Tas.” A voice from the door called with a strong, calm voice. “Hanzi, as well.”

The three of them turned to the door and the two men stood up straight.

“Lucian,” Tas said stiffly.

“You’re here early,” Hanzi said with a grin. “Come to eat breakfast with the rabble?”

Lucian, who did look fairly tired, looked the two men over before his piercing gaze turned to her. He scrutinized her with his obnoxiously bright pink eyes. “Who is this?” He walked up to her. He was stupidly tall, too.

Ruby immediately felt her body tense up in defense. Her spine straightened and she clenched her hands into fists, her nails poking her skin. Ruby tilted her chin up, squaring her jaw, trying to be as intimidating as she truly was. “My name is Elissa,” she said, self-assured, looking this man in the eye with so much confidence her captain would be proud. She was Sela D Ruby and some random man would not scare her.

“What are you doing here, Elissa?” He looked her up and down. He started to move aside but then Ruby realized he started to circle her like a shark that had found its injured prey.

Ruby’s upper lip curled into a snarl. Hanzi grinned widely and panic flashed in Tas’s eyes.

“She’s been assisting me with the Nine Lives attacks,” Tas answered for her.

“Why?” Lucian said from behind her. “Why is some random woman helping out the authorities?” He rounded in front of her. “Are you a marine?” He asked her.

Ruby’s nose scrunched in disgust. “No.”

“Then who are you?”

“Pretty sure I already gave you my name,” Ruby said. “I’m here to help, which you should be grateful for.”

“She defeated some pirates at the docks single-handedly,” Tas said. “And she has a devil fruit power. She’s strong. She managed to capture multiple offenders last night while we were escorting Farmer Brown and his cargo.”

Lucian raised his brow. “And where are these offenders?”

Tas and Hanzi looked at each other before sighing. “They…somehow escaped, sir. Someone came in when all the officers were doing their duties within the town and managed to sneak up on Percy and knock him out. They let the bandits go and-”

“And now you have nothing to show for the work you all put in last night,” Lucian finished for him. Tas flinched in response.

“We do have a happy Farmer Brown,” Hanzi said.

Ruby wouldn’t have called Brown happy, but nobody was asking for her opinion.

Lucian grunted. “What payment have you been promised?” He asked her.

Payment? She didn’t even think of that! Oh, she could be so stupid! “I’ve asked for nothing in return,” she responded. A sickly sweet smile spread across her lips. “I just want to help,” she said with enough brightness and innocence to be absolutely fucking annoying.

And the man knew it. He knew she was full of shit. He narrowed his eyes at her and his mouth formed a slight frown.

They stared at each other, the tension in the room growing thick and hot. They stared each other down, challenging each other to make the wrong move. Anything that would make this interaction go sour.

Whether it be luck or fate, an officer walked into the room with a report for Lucian. The three officers turned to the door while Ruby glared holes into Lucian’s back.

Lucian sighed. “Alright. Let’s go and we can go over it together,” he told the officer. The officer left and Lucian started for the door. He turned around to look at Tas and Hanzi, no longer acknowledging that Ruby was also in the room. “If you two are done playing hero, get back to work.” He walked out of the room without another word.

Ruby stared at Tas and Hanzi in silence. Her silence was due to the fury in her heart. She did not like Lucian. Everything about him screamed “power hungry” and “domineering” and even “pompous.”

Tas and Hanzi looked at each other and then turned to her. Tas looked taken aback but Hanzi laughed boastfully.

“Darling, you look terrifying with that look on your face!”

Ruby sighed. She ran her fingers through her hair. She breathed in and breathed out for a moment, thinking of better things.

“Ruby,” Law called. “Will you be okay?”

Ruby turned to him, her face hard with anger. “That asshole brought up my family,” she seethed.

Law sighed. “I know, that’s why I took care of him.” He walked over to her. Ruby’s glare did not falter. She was furious. Law reached out and stroked her cheek, a soft look in his eyes. “You’re terrifying,” he said.

“That’s the point,” she responded bitterly.

Law chuckled. “This is inappropriate, but you’re beautiful when you're pissed.”

Ruby blinked twice, her anger temporarily forgotten. “Huh?” She asked eloquently.

Law leaned in and kissed her forehead. “Nothing incredibly deep. I just think that your fury is a sight to behold. When it’s not directed at me, of course.”

Ruby closed her eyes when he kissed her forehead again. She sighed. “What a lame way to get me to calm down,” she mumbled and tilted her head up.

Law took the opportunity and kissed her lightly. Ruby felt the pleased grin he had on his lips and felt herself smile back. She was too busy enjoying being in his arms to care about the anger that dissipated from her heart.

She sighed sadly. She wanted to see him. She just wanted to look into his tired gold eyes again.

“Did I offend you?” Hanzi spoke up again, looking slightly concerned.

“Oh. No. I just…my family used to talk about how terrifying I was when I got mad. I was just thinking about them.” She cleared her throat. “What do we do now?” She changed the subject.

Tas groaned. “I don’t know. We lost the only lead we had.”

Ruby crossed her arms and huffed.

This truly was bullshit. She had previously looked around the office and didn’t notice any recording den den mushis that were typically found in marine bases. She doubted there were any in the jail, seeing that no one had brought it up. How incredibly frustrating.

“Well,” Hanzi said slowly. “Not…necessarily…”

Both Ruby and Tas looked at him.

“What do you mean, Han?” Tas asked. “I checked the cells this morning. No one was in them.”

Ruby stared at him. “Are you…harboring someone?”

“No! Definitely not! I’m just…holding a prisoner…outside of their cell…” Ruby blinked in shock and Tas sputtered a bit. “Well, as our lovely lady has been very obviously implying, bandits are stupid. One of our bandits…lingered too long in the town, thinking no one would recognize him.”

“But because we did that job last night you did,” Tas said. Hanzi nodded. “Where is he?”

Hanzi grinned widely, with an almost feral tinge.

“Let me show you.”

~~~~~

“You're keeping him in your apartment?!” Tas exclaimed as the three of them stood outside of an apartment door. “Do you know how much trouble you will get into?”

“It’s fine!” Hanzi laughed and opened the door.

Ruby silently followed the two men into the apartment. It was clean. Cleaner than she expected, at least. It was a well lived-in apartment with old carpet and popcorn ceilings. She sighed.

Hanzi led them into a bathroom. He opened the door and revealed the bandit Ruby had originally planned on interrogating handcuffed to the toilet with tape over his mouth and tears in his eyes.

“Oh, god, Han, you’re going to be in deep shit,” Tas groaned.

Ruby’s lips twitched before she opened her mouth. “So, what, do we bring him back to jail?”

“Of course,” Hanzi said.

“Why did you wait to tell us?” Tas asked. “Why not just bring him in immediately?”

Ruby said nothing as the two men started bickering about what to do. She wondered if Hanzi had begun to suspect that someone on the inside was letting these bandits go. She sighed. Did this mean that he wanted to question this bandit outside of the jail? She was certain that wasn’t legal. That’s why she said she was going to do it.

She walked over to the bandit and knelt down. She stared into his fearful eyes with a dangerous look on her face.

“I’m going to remove the tape,” she said, grabbing everyone’s attention. “If you scream for help, I will kill you,” she warned in a low tone.

The man’s eyes widened in fear before nodding. Ruby ignored Tas trying to get her to take back what she said and ripped off the tape. The man breathed out for a moment before taking a deep breath. Ruby immediately grabbed his face.

“What did I tell you?” She hissed. “You saw what I can do. I can make you disappear if I truly wanted to.”

He swallowed. “W-what do you want from me?”

“Oh, I think that’s painfully obvious.” She stood up. She looked at Tas and Hanzi. “We should bring him back. I think he’ll tell you guys everything you need to know.”

“What? Why do you say that? You know you can’t be in the room with us,” Tas said.

“I know.”

“Then…” Hanzi started slowly. “Why do you think he’ll come clean?”

Ruby smiled and then looked down at the bandit. “Because I will kill him if he doesn’t tell the truth.”

“H-how will you know that I’m telling the truth? You may not believe me!”

“And you could even lie!” Ruby created a seed in her hand. She rolled it around in her fingers. She knelt down and shoved it in the bandit’s mouth quickly. He was so surprised he immediately swallowed it. “You know those old wive’s tales about people swallowing seeds and then it grows in your stomach? This can do that. It will grow and then cause your stomach to burst!”

“What?!” Tas and the bandit exclaimed.

“At any moment I can cause it to grow rapidly and kill you. I assume you don’t want that.”

“Elissa, this is ridiculous!” Tas choked out.

“If you cooperate. I won’t let that happen. Got it?”

The bandit nodded rapidly. “Yes, yes, I’ll tell you whatever you want!”

“Great! Not here, though. Like I said you’re going back to a cell.” She turned to Tas. “I think you can take it from here.”

Tas stared at her, looking upset and offended, but said nothing. He walked past her and gathered up the bandit, leading him out of the bathroom and out of the apartment.

Hanzi cleared his throat. “You’re so full of shit, Sela,” he chuckled. “There are no plants or seeds that can do that. Not even yours.”

“I know that and you know that, but those two don’t.” She shrugged. “Not my fault it’s easy to take advantage of dumb people.”

“Tas isn’t dumb he’s just…genuine.”

“Genuinely dumb.”

Hanzi chuckled. “Alright,” he sighed. “So you’re really not going to question him yourself?”

“No, I think he’ll give you the info because of my threat.” She turned to him. “Is that why you kept him here? So I could question him?”

He stared at her for a moment before closing his eyes. “Probably. Something told me to wait to bring him back there so I could show you and Tas.” He sighed and opened his eyes. “It’s different doing this than being in the Navy.” Ruby snorted. Of that she had no doubt. Sleepy little islands like this had different rules than the grand Navy and all of its vice admirals and admirals. “What kind of seed did you end up giving him?” Hanzi changed the subject.

Ruby grinned. “A pumpkin seed.”

~~~~~

Ruby paced back and forth in Tas’s office as she waited impatiently for her two companions to return to her.

Everyone in the office was in complete shock when Tas and Hanzi brought in that bandit. Lucian came out of his office when there was loud commotion and even he looked surprised that they managed to capture a bandit and bring them in.

It was almost as if everyone had been excited that they managed to catch one of the Nine Lives. Lucian had to calm everyone down and tell them to get back to work. It was to no avail. Once Tas and Hanzi disappeared with the prisoner the whole office went into a tizzy. Everyone was so energized that they had captured a bandit and that they were being questioned right away.

Lucian tried to follow Tas and Hanzi but Hanzi just laughed and said that they could handle it. Everyone stared after the two men before Lucian barked orders at everyone to get back to work. He looked at Ruby, who was already halfway into Tas’s office. She caught his eye for a moment before her nose twitched and she closed the door behind her.

Now she was waiting. Simply waiting. They could have at least offered her coffee!

She huffed and sat in Tas’s chair. She crossed her arms and leaned back. She looked at the desk and how organized it was. It was so tidy and neat. She smiled, getting lost in thoughts of her lover and his need for things to be clean.

Of course, she never pointed out his hypocrisy when it came to his own personal desk in their room. It was such a mess! Covered in papers, books, ink, pens, maps, among other things. She remembered the first time she saw his desk and how she could barely believe that her neurotic captain had the capabilities of being so messy.

She let out a light sigh with a small smile on her face. She loved him so.

She looked up when she heard the door open, glad that her companions were back. The soft smile she had on her face disappeared and she settled into a hard stare.

“I see you’ve made yourself at home,” Lucian said. She didn’t say anything. “Who are you?”

“I told you who I was.”

“No. Who are you really?” He narrowed his eyes. “Random citizens can’t single handedly take down pirates, no matter how powerful their devil fruit is. That takes training. You clearly have some form of training. Who are you?”

Ruby glared at the man before an almost evil grin formed on her lips. “None of your fucking business.”

Lucian slammed his hands down on the desk but Ruby didn’t react. “I will find out who you are and why you’re stringing my men along. This island doesn’t need any more trouble.”

“Last I checked, I was the one actually dealing with that trouble.” Ruby leaned back and crossed her legs. “You should be thanking me, instead of trying to intimidate me.”

Lucian bared his teeth and practically growled at her. He opened his mouth to retort but the door opened revealed Tas and Hanzi. Ruby’s challenging stare turned neutral. She turned to the men and smiled like nothing happened.

“Took you guys long enough.”

Hanzi laughed but Tas cleared his throat. “He actually confessed everything quickly. If his information is good, we should be able to discern the location of the hideout by the end of the day today.”

Ruby grinned. Yes! Soon she would be done with this! She wouldn’t have to be uncomfortable in this office anymore and she could spend her time in her room reading. She can get ready to leave and move on. She wouldn’t have to meet up with these people anymore. Her grin faded a little as she watched Hanzi laugh and Tas sigh at him.

Lucian cleared his throat. “Where’s the prisoner?”

“In cell three,” Tas said. “We gave him some food and he’s been quiet since then.” Lucian nodded and started to leave. “Sir? What are-”

“I’m going to take a look at the prisoner.” He walked through the door. “I want to make sure that…he is well protected from the Nine Lives, seeing he just gave you all that information. No doubt they will try to kill him now.”

Tas nodded. “Good idea.”

Lucian gave Ruby a backwards glance before walking away. Ruby rolled her eyes. Hanzi closed the door after Lucian. They both turned to look at her with curious looks on their faces.

“Why was he all pissy?” Hanzi asked.

Ruby shrugged. “He doesn’t really like me. Can’t blame him. I’m not exactly a people person.”

Hanzi laughed. Tas stared at her weirdly. “What? You seem fine, Elissa.”

“Well, I guess. You were pretty nervous around me at first, too.” Ruby shrugged. “No big deal. Besides, we have more important things to discuss.”

“Right. Well, first of all, you need to make sure that seed doesn’t kill him.”

“It won’t.”

“Oh. Okay. Good.”

Ruby and Hanzi shared a look before they both grinned at each other.

“Alright, we need to get all this information we have to make sense. We need to write everything down while it’s still fresh and in our minds,” Hanzi said. He reached into his pocket. “We’ll need some good grub for that. Darling, do you mind picking us up some food while we compile this?” He searched through his wallet. He pulled out some berries. “I trust you won’t run off on us with my money in your hands.”

Ruby rolled her eyes. She stood up and walked over to him. She took the money and shoved it into her purse. She smiled sweetly. “No promises.”

~~~~~

After Ruby had bought enough pizza, breadsticks, and dessert to last the rest of the afternoon, she made her way back to Tas and Hanzi. She entered the office again, holding onto the food. She was almost brought to a halt when some of the officers greeted her kindly, like she was part of the crew.

That was incredibly strange.

She walked into Tas’s office with their food. The two men were busy at work, mumbling to each other. They had both taken off their jackets, as if it would make them concentrate better. Ruby was certain that the coffee they had would help more. There were scattered pages across the desk, with notes and scribbles and even doodles. There was a thick roll of paper to the side that Ruby could only guess was a map.

“Darling,” Hanzi greeted her. “Looks like you got exactly what we needed.”

Ruby nodded. “Food is the best fuel, after all.” She walked over to Tas’s desk and raised her brow. Hanzi immediately shifted the papers away from the middle of the desk, allowing Ruby to place the food onto it. Looking at the mess that was Tas’s desk brought memories back of her captain’s desk, littered with similar papers and books. Her tired captain with only a coffee cup, who hadn’t eaten in hours so he was grumpy and irritable. She remembered how the crew would take turns checking on him, bringing him snacks, water, and encouraging words. She blinked out of her memories and forced a smile “Can’t think clearly on only coffee.”

“You sound like you have experience in that area,” Tas said as he opened the box of pizza. He looked up at her. “I never asked, what did you do before your…husband died?”

Ruby swallowed. She briefly looked at Hanzi, whose brow was raised in amusement. “I was a gardener.”

“A gardener?” Tas repeated. “I guess that makes sense. I’m sure your fruit made things easier for you.”

“Yeah. Something like that.” Ruby cleared her throat and grabbed the spare chair in front of Tas’s desk and sat in it. She grabbed some breadsticks and cheese dipping sauce and immediately started to eat.

Tas and Hanzi started to talk about the bandits again while Ruby became lost in thought. She ate her food as she thought about her pirate crew and submarine. She hoped that they were eating properly. She made sure to leave easy vegetables and fruits for Jean Bart to take care of so that they would never run out of the right nutrition. She also gave precise and detailed instructions on how to take care of the medicinal herbs so that Law had a steady supply and wouldn’t have to be forced to buy some.

She remembered their first real conversation about her skills, way back when they were still getting to know each other.

“So, if I’m understanding right, you’re a logia.” Law said, looking her up and down as if to examine her.

Ruby huffed. “Yes. I ate the mori mori no mi as a child and now I’m a plant logia.” She held out her hand and a white flower bloomed in her palm.

“So you can just…make any plant that you want?” He asked slowly, like he was considering something.

“As long as I know it, sure. Why?”

“Can you make functional medicinal herbs? Ones that we can use.”

“Yeah,” Ruby answered immediately, thinking about her past use of whatever herbs she could to numb pain.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

Law’s seemingly permanent annoyed crease in his brows relaxed as he considered what she said. “You’ll be my gardener,” he said confidently. “Your job is going to be making medicinal herbs for our meds.”

Ruby blinked and cocked her head. “Job?”

“Yes. Everyone on this crew has a job. There’s no slackers. I hope you didn’t think you’d get to be lazy here.”

“Well, no, I just didn’t expect to have such a…” soft title. Something so helpful. Something so…fulfilling. “Gardener just wasn’t something I expected. Did you want me to make me fruits and vegetables, too? You would probably save on the grocery bill. Which I can only assume would be good, seeing that pirates don’t actually have a stable income.”

Law stared at her perplexed, like he hadn’t even considered the idea. “Yes. That was my next request,” he lied. “We have an extra room. Could you use that? You wouldn’t be able to use the deck since we’re a submarine.”

“I could, but we would need to go shopping for some things to make it a proper greenhouse.”

“Consider it done.”

“Elissa?”

Ruby blinked out of her memory and looked over to Tas. “Sorry, what?”

Hanzi laughed and Tas sighed. “He asked whether or not you’ve decided to stay on the island.”

“Han! That’s not what I asked!”

“In so many words you did!”

Ruby took another bite of her breadstick, looking between the two men. “Then, what did you mean?”

“All I said was that you don’t have to search forever for somewhere to stay,” Tas grumbled. “There are plenty of places to stay here and I’m sure you could get a job on the island. Hell, you could even apply here and…” Tas started to ramble on about her staying permanently on the island.

Ruby was proud of herself for being mature enough to snort at the ridiculous idea of her becoming a cop. Yeah. Surely the job for a pirate would be some official guard or something stupid like that. She’d go insane.

But she smiled. It seemed that Tas trusted her enough now that he wanted her to stay on the island. There were times where she thought about what a normal life would be. She spent so long just trying to survive, that it wasn’t until recently that she really thought about the comforts of life. Friends, family, and good food and drink. She had found that on the Polar Tang, although she sometimes wondered if there was a less dangerous path for her.

Still, she loved the Heart Pirates, and her soul had been healed by the sea. She knew that if she and Law survived the events of Dressrosa that they would one day settle down with tons of loot and treasure. But that was years in the future, it was when wrinkles appeared on her face and her hair started to lose its color.

“All I’m saying,” Tas interrupted her thoughts again. “Is that you don’t have to wander anymore, if you don’t want to. You could make a home here. Losing someone is hard, but if you’re looking for a new home, then this would be a great place to start.”

Ruby settled into a warm smile, one that seemed to take not only Tas by surprise, but Hanzi as well. “I appreciate it,” Ruby said genuinely. “Perhaps I’ll come back to this island,” she said. “Once the wanderer in me tires out.” She grabbed a slice of pizza from the box. “For now, let’s focus on the task at hand. Are we close to figuring out where they are?”

Tas and Hanzi looked at each other for a moment before looking back at her. Ruby chewed on her pizza and cocked her head.

“Well, I guess you can say that.”

Ruby swallowed. “What exactly did that guy say?”

“He mostly just cried,” Hanzi sighed, sounding incredibly exasperated. “He seemed to be one of those recruits that joined because he felt like he had no other choice. The reason why he was captured again so easily was because he was trying to see his family after weeks of no contact.” Hanzi crossed his arms and sighed.

Ruby unscrewed her bottle of cola and sipped. “Did he give you any good info?”

“I think he gave us as much as he knew,” he replied. “He doesn’t really know the guy in charge. He mostly described him because he’s never talked to him one on one. He said that there are guard rotations and that their toughest fighters guard their hideout, while the weaker ones are the ones who do the raids.”

“Which would explain why it was so easy for you to capture them,” Tas added. “If they keep their toughest fighters close, then I bet if we were to go to the hideout you’d have a tougher time.”

Ruby just shrugged in response, not really wanting to go into how that was fairly insulting.

“He also said that they keep everything they steal in their hideout. The money, jewels, food, all of that.” Hanzi spoke up again.

“That makes sense,” Ruby said. “Why else would they keep their toughest fighters at home?” Ruby sighed and picked up her dessert box which held a brownie in it. “Did he happen to give us the exact location of the hideout?”

“No, but he did give us landmarks. He said that there were higher ups who would lead them from the hideout but would take them in different ways everytime, so no one could truly know the exact way to it unless you’re higher up the chain.”

“That is…smart.” Much smarter than she expected some random island bandits to be. She ate a piece of brownie. In her experience, bandits were stupid and greedy. They would take what they wanted and cause chaos. They didn’t have intricate plans to recruit people to their side. They didn’t last 20 years without failures, only to continue to grow in numbers.

She was almost certain someone else was pulling the strings. Someone who was smart. Someone who had power.

It wouldn’t matter if Ruby took out every bandit, raided the hideout, and returned everything back to the citizens. If the person who was truly in charge wasn’t taken out, the cycle would just continue.

Could it be whoever was in charge of the island? Was it a cop? Could it even be a government official, who was blinded by the sparkling diamonds that were mined up? After hearing what had happened to Flevance from Law, it wouldn’t surprise her. People in power always took advantage of those less fortunate.

“We have a map,” Tas said as he picked up the empty food boxes and placed them aside. He rolled out the thick piece of paper and revealed a map of what Ruby assumed was the Old Forest. “We just need to place the landmarks and we should be able to figure out where the hideout is.”

“...right…” Ruby said slowly. “But if it was that easy, wouldn’t you have already found the hideout.”

“Not really,” Hanzi said. “The bandits have pretty much taken over the Old Forest. Only stupid kids go in there these days. Most people stay out for their safety. In fact, Lucian made an announcement a few years ago saying that for everyone’s safety the Old Forest is off limits to anyone who isn’t an authority figure.”

“Ah, that makes sense.”

“Luckily for us, I was around before the bandits,” Hanzi said with a grin. “There are some good things about being an old bastard like yours truly.”

Ruby giggled. “That’s good to hear.”

Tas and Hanzi started to go over the landmarks that the bandit had told them about. Hanzi started to mark on the map where he remembered things were. Ruby sat in her chair, sipping on her cola, feeling a little useless. She almost felt like she should just head back to the inn. If they figure out where the bandits were, they could do a raid. They could get every officer and gear up, taking on the bandits, saving the island, becoming heroes.

Ruby would slip away, unnoticed and could move on with her life, as if she was never here.

She sighed. She wondered briefly if her power to “see” into the forest would make a difference. She paused. Wait. It absolutely would! Holy hell she really could be such an airhead.

She opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted by the door swinging open. Ruby jumped and turned to the door with an annoyed look on her face.

“Lucian!” Hanzi greeted. “What can we do for you?”

“Didn't I say get back to work?”

“We are at work,” Hanzi said. “I believe that you said that if we found any information on the bandits then we should make that a priority.” Lucian stared at him. “We have information, we are putting it to use.”

Lucian sighed and pinched in between his eyes. “I found your bandit dead.”

“What?!” Tas and Hanzi said.

Lucian stared at them. “He committed suicide. He hung himself with the blanket on the bed in the cell.”

“Was no one watching him?” Ruby asked, narrowing her eyes.

Lucian ignored her. “He was one of Loiza’s kids. We’ll need to inform her of her loss.”

“Shit,” Hanzi hissed.

“What are we doing if not protecting these people?!” Tas exclaimed. “Are we truly so useless? We can’t even keep an unfortunate prisoner alive in our own facility!”

Ruby swallowed anxiously. She opened her mouth to say something to him when she was rudely interrupted.

“You,” Lucian grabbed her attention. “I’ve tolerated your presence long enough. You need to leave.”

Ruby blinked. She looked at Hanzi and Tas before looking back at Lucian. “Why?” She asked.

“Because you’ve been nothing but a distraction for these two. You’re filling their heads with ideas of heroism and grandeur. All you’ve accomplished is someone breaking criminals out of jail and someone needlessly dying.”

“That’s not my fault! Maybe you need to run your office better if these things are happening under your watch!” She snarled.

“I won’t say it nicely again. Get out of my office, before I have you removed.”

Ruby glowered at the man, the way she did to her enemies she was about to fight. She stood up straight, narrowing her eyes and flexing her fingers. She could kill this man. She could easily take his life like it was nothing. She felt insult and anger burn in her chest, daring her to just rid her of the nuisance.

Instead she grabbed her purse. She brushed past Lucian with an upward turn of her nose. She turned as she made it to the door. She smiled apologetically at Hanzi and Tas. “We’ll get lunch when you’re done saving the island.” And then she left as Tas went to stop her, her heels clicking on the fake wood floor.

She was angry and insulted. Her temper was flaring and her mind was wandering to violent places. But she didn’t say anything when she was questioned by the officers, she didn’t stop to turn around when she left the building, and she barely waved goodbye to Hanzi after he shouted at her through an open window.

She wanted to give into her fury, but the love she had for Law would always win. He told her to stay safe, stay quiet, and don’t make a scene. Ruby was certain that killing the guy in charge of the local authorities would definitely make the news. She couldn’t disappoint Law like that.

She walked back to the inn, stopping for some ice cream on the way to help her calm down. She sighed when she reached the outside of the inn. She stared at the cute building before walking into it.

“Miss Elissa!” The innkeeper greeted her. “Were you able to get a room on the boat that’s on the way to the island you’re going to?”

Ruby smiled at him. “Yes. I’ll be ready to go in three days.” She started to walk towards the stairs. “I’m going to head up to my room for a nap. I’ll be down for dinner.”

“Wonderful!” He smiled at her. “Tonight we have some live music. Dinner will have a selection, but the cook is boasting about his meat pie.”

Ruby's smile widened. “I’ll make sure to get one then.”

Ruby walked up to her room and opened the door, once again sighing in relief that nothing of hers was touched or taken. She kicked off her heels and stripped naked. She sighed and stared at herself in the mirror on the dresser.

She passed a hand over her stomach. She was back to the way she looked before her foot accident. She was hard and lean. She was ripped and muscled. She knew she had to be. She knew she needed to protect herself. She looked good. She knew she was attractive.

But part of her still liked the way she looked when she had grown softer.

She sighed. She took her hair from her bun and let her hair fall down against her back. She stretched and rolled her neck. She was going to shower and take a nap.

She guessed that her part to play in this bandit thing was over. She had helped Tas and Hanzi out. They could take it from here.

Soon, she would be back on the sea. She’d feel more at ease, even on a boat that wasn’t her own. She’d be on her way to Tamcier, sailing on and not looking back.

And then, after that, she would be on Dressrosa.

#op fanfic #one piece #lawxoc #law x oc #one piece fanfiction #side to side #sela ruby #ruby sela #this took way too long to write BUT DON'T WORRY #after the next chapter is written i have the next two already written #so updates SHOULD be faster for the next four or so chapters

2 notes · View notes

thedivinefish · 5 months

Text

TGIWednesday: Find the gift in the silence

TGIWednesday News

In the early morning hours is where I find solace and comfort and where Spirit seems to chat at a more audible level especially when I am working on the prayer list of My Daily Prayer subscribers. And it was no surprise this week when it seemed like all events fell into place. And as my sweet mother used to say, “Everything’s coming up roses.” Sandy and I grabbed some lunch in hopes of recapping the year passed and discussing the year ahead. When we pulled into the restaurant parking area there was only one spot left and it was the first one! (meant for us). We had an awesome sparkly waitress who at the end of the meal asked us if we were frequent dining points members and yes we have the rewards card but haven’t eaten at this place in over 6 months. Riley was kind enough to check our points in the back and returned with more good news that our meals would be 100% free with redeemed points! We looked at each other puzzled as to how? what? Then we smiled because we both knew how, and kindly thanked Spirit for the fun. Of course we then HAD to leave her a giant tip to pay it forward. Sandy also gifted me a Christmas scratch-off lottery ticket which parlayed into $30! What another delightful surprise. Sandy then reminds me that she had JUST recently infused her little dolphin keychain totem with the Lucky777 audio prayer just days prior - (psst, it's our gift with any digital purchase this month in the shop) So let’s keep this paying it all forward energy going! If you’re already a My Daily Prayers subscriber, this month’s Zoom is FREE. Even if you’re not, register now and help to co-create a fabulous kick off to a more prosperous New Year by joining us! Know that if the day and time of our event isn't ideal for you that the replays are just as powerful as the original! Many blessings for this holiday season and beyond into a better brighter 2024.

🎁 Last Chance 🎁 Final days to receive the gift with purchase offer through December 31st! Buy any digital item and you'll receive this bonus.

"Infusing Energy Blessings for Your Totems and Good Luck Charms" video/mp3 (not sold separately, a $44 value) Sent in a separate email to buyers after your purchase.

VISIT THE SHOP HERE

"Dear Jimmy and team, I want to share my gratitude, I have been listening to mybeliefworks and today I received positive outcomes to 2 situations! I feel blessed and grateful 🙏🏼✨ With thanks. May we all be blessed and we all are ✨" - Sarah ---------------------------------------------- Do you need a reset for the coming new year? Is it time for a one-on-one session? Get on my schedule today, most times within 72 hours View Calendar First, Then Pay and Schedule 15 mins | 30 mins | 60 mins | Appointments

TGIWednesday Video Download

~ THE GIFT IN THE SILENCE ~ I believe, think, know and feel that remaining still and quiet allows the wellspring of that still small voice within me to bubble up wisdom from the ages. I know, when, where, how and why to set aside quiet time for myself so that I can be the true gift to myself as well as others this time of year and always. I am ready, willing and able to tune out the noise of the extra fancy holiday stress and find that quiet moment to commune with Spirit at a deeper level. I am asking in all languages and throughout all time lines and so it is. Know that if you’ll make a little daily progress that the rest of your life can be the best of your life!

Tonight's LIVE Zoom Event

TONIGHT DECEMBER 27TH 7:30PM ET/ 5:30 CT/ 4:30 PT (30 mins) Pre-register at Calendly for $22 (includes reminders and REPLAY) 👉 https://calendly.com/jmh-calls/december-2023 For this month only, it's a free gift for active My Daily Prayer subscribers (if that's you, check your inbox, call link email reminders were sent already). ---> *Sign up for MDP TODAY and Zoom registration will be included as a FREE bonus.

THEME: Receiving Ethereal Gifts

During this time of year with the overindulgence of eating, shopping and festivities, ground yourself just for a moment and drop into what intangible/non material gift would you really like to receive for yourself, your loved ones and for humanity and the planet?

Join our fishing crew and welcome aboard as we delete the negative and download more positive to round out this year!

Pre-Register Here - $22

FREE Live Appearances

Watch and listen to hundreds of Radio Show replays for FREE here in the archives from the Jimmy Mack Healing Radio show.

https://thejimmymackhealingshow.com/

From the Fish Box

Well it’s not always good news but when clients ask about themselves or a loved one and want to know about future events, more often than not, what we’ve tuned into with My Liquid Fish, Change made simple, allows us to get highly accurate predictions! The one below was from a Summer prediction about the holidays.

Hi Jimmy you might want to know that as you said, Richard's father had a collapse last night. Just as you were shown. Best wishes and blessings." M. / Isle of Man

Fish Food

The Daily Bread To Feed The Fish

Tell the Fish - 365 Daily Inspirations and Affirmations - by Jimmy Mack Own this e-book so that you can read inspiration every day!

DECEMBER 27TH "Today I will be thankful for what I have. This may include transportation (where other have none) I am so richly blessed to have legs and feet that allow me to walk. I am thankful for my ability and privilege to drive and own my own car. I give thanks for my employment of any kind considering the alternative to not having a job at all."

Receive 24/7 Prayers from Jimmy

Looking for a new job? Going through a court proceeding? Upcoming surgery scheduled for you or a loved one? Need help selling or buying a property? Troubled times in your relationship? These are just some of the life at the crossroads events that are ideal for My Daily Prayer program. Your name will be added to a special VIP Prayer list where Jimmy will use his intelligent computer software, src4you which runs 24/7, to delete the negative and increase the strength of the positive creating a higher probability of favorable outcomes for you. ---> *If you sign up for MDP in December, Zoom registration is included as a bonus.

30 Days of Daily Prayer (single month) - $99/month This $99 service is for ONE SINGLE MONTH of 30 DAYS ONLY. Click here After the 30 days, you will receive an email from Jimmy and have the opportunity to renew for an additional month plus update your list, but you are under no obligation.

You can add yourself and those living in your immediate household and yes you can include pets! Merely include everyone’s names and Jimmy will add them to his daily prayers.

**NOTE: Most clients save money and choose the auto-renew option listed below so they do not miss a single day of prayers PLUS they take advantage of the cummulative effects of this service over time. Monthly subscription - $95/month on auto-renew

Use PayPal for subscription Click here

Use Stripe for subscription Click here.

*Anytime prior to your next scheduled payment within the 30 days, you can cancel or pause this service via email request.

---------------------------------

Could you use a private session? Are you feeling extra-crispy? If so, you can now Book Appointments... View Availability First, Then Pay 15 mins | 30 mins | 60 mins

**Can't See The Full Email? Click Here to View Online**

Visit our Online Training Center "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" - Lao Tzu

All are welcome to create a FREE account to access the NEW and IMPROVED MLF Basic Training Course and also know that the Anchors Away, Life Force Energy Masterclass and both Mastery & Practitioner courses have been UPGRADED with new information & lessons!

Visit now, Click Here!

The Fish Market

Below is list of over 35 titles in the MyBeliefWorks Clearings audio series, monthly Zoom clearing call replays and Guided Energy Processess. Find a topic that addresses your issue(s), click on the link to read more. We had a lot of help downloading & channeling these over the years & they keep getting better and we are ALWAYS working on the next one. Don’t forget… you can share these with your immediate friends and family.

Freedom from Abuse Overcoming Addiction Receiving Abundance Body Scan: Head to Toe Healing Bountiful Harvest Igniting Creative Spark Discovering Your Destiny Daily GPS Reset Releasing Dark Energies/Fears Crossroads -Decision Making Diet & Exercise Support Education & Learning Support Empowering the Empath Enthusiasm for Life Financial Windfall Gold Coin: Money in All Forms Healing Family Relationships Healing Body Disorders High Cotton Abundance Joy of Money

IRS Stress & Taxes Relieving Holiday Stress Increasing Intuition Lucky 777 Finding Love & Romance Mental Stress Positive Money Mindset Moving Forward from Past Chronic Pain Relief Pet Healing Support Improving Sales & Success Improving Sex Improving Sleep Pro$perity Unlocked Traveling with Ease Treasure Chest Work & Career Success Weight Loss Support Restoring Youth & Vitality

View Full Zoom Replay Collection The 5 Anchors Process The Purple Rain Process The Magical Golden Key

Healing and Grounding Mats for all occasions Yes even Lily my cat uses the pet one! View Grounding Mats here Use code: MyLiquidFishfs for Free Shipping

**We are NOT involved in the sales or shipping process of the 3rd party items, please contact them directly.

TGIFunny

Forward

Jimmy Mack | Appointments Transformational Healing of Body, Mind & Spirit, People, Places, Pets & Situations! View Availability First, Then Pay 15 mins | 30 mins | 60 mins Search FAQ Learn MyLiquidFish technique for FREE Clearing Audio Downloads and eBooks Get Certified in MLF Mastery or Practitioner Watch Free Videos on YouTube Radio Show Archives Healing and Grounding Mats ...enter code: MyLiquidFishfs at checkout for Free shipping! http://www.jimmymackhealingshop.com www.jimmymackhealing.com Copyright ©1998-2023 All Rights Reserved

0 notes

divinefishingtips · 5 months

Text

TGIWednesday: Find the gift in the silence

TGIWednesday News

🎁 Last Chance 🎁 Final days to receive the gift with purchase offer through December 31st! Buy any digital item and you'll receive this bonus.

"Infusing Energy Blessings for Your Totems and Good Luck Charms" video/mp3 (not sold separately, a $44 value) Sent in a separate email to buyers after your purchase.

VISIT THE SHOP HERE

TGIWednesday Video Download

Tonight's LIVE Zoom Event

THEME: Receiving Ethereal Gifts

Join our fishing crew and welcome aboard as we delete the negative and download more positive to round out this year!

Pre-Register Here - $22

FREE Live Appearances

Watch and listen to hundreds of Radio Show replays for FREE here in the archives from the Jimmy Mack Healing Radio show.

https://thejimmymackhealingshow.com/

From the Fish Box

Hi Jimmy you might want to know that as you said, Richard's father had a collapse last night. Just as you were shown. Best wishes and blessings." M. / Isle of Man

Fish Food

The Daily Bread To Feed The Fish

Tell the Fish - 365 Daily Inspirations and Affirmations - by Jimmy Mack Own this e-book so that you can read inspiration every day!

Receive 24/7 Prayers from Jimmy

You can add yourself and those living in your immediate household and yes you can include pets! Merely include everyone’s names and Jimmy will add them to his daily prayers.

Use PayPal for subscription Click here

Use Stripe for subscription Click here.

*Anytime prior to your next scheduled payment within the 30 days, you can cancel or pause this service via email request.

---------------------------------

Could you use a private session? Are you feeling extra-crispy? If so, you can now Book Appointments... View Availability First, Then Pay 15 mins | 30 mins | 60 mins

**Can't See The Full Email? Click Here to View Online**

Visit our Online Training Center "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" - Lao Tzu

Visit now, Click Here!

The Fish Market

View Full Zoom Replay Collection The 5 Anchors Process The Purple Rain Process The Magical Golden Key

Healing and Grounding Mats for all occasions Yes even Lily my cat uses the pet one! View Grounding Mats here Use code: MyLiquidFishfs for Free Shipping

**We are NOT involved in the sales or shipping process of the 3rd party items, please contact them directly.

TGIFunny

Forward

0 notes

365dailyaffirmations · 5 months

Text

TGIWednesday: Find the gift in the silence

TGIWednesday News

🎁 Last Chance 🎁 Final days to receive the gift with purchase offer through December 31st! Buy any digital item and you'll receive this bonus.

"Infusing Energy Blessings for Your Totems and Good Luck Charms" video/mp3 (not sold separately, a $44 value) Sent in a separate email to buyers after your purchase.

VISIT THE SHOP HERE

TGIWednesday Video Download

Tonight's LIVE Zoom Event

THEME: Receiving Ethereal Gifts

Join our fishing crew and welcome aboard as we delete the negative and download more positive to round out this year!

Pre-Register Here - $22

FREE Live Appearances

Watch and listen to hundreds of Radio Show replays for FREE here in the archives from the Jimmy Mack Healing Radio show.

https://thejimmymackhealingshow.com/

From the Fish Box

Hi Jimmy you might want to know that as you said, Richard's father had a collapse last night. Just as you were shown. Best wishes and blessings." M. / Isle of Man

Fish Food

The Daily Bread To Feed The Fish

Tell the Fish - 365 Daily Inspirations and Affirmations - by Jimmy Mack Own this e-book so that you can read inspiration every day!

Receive 24/7 Prayers from Jimmy

You can add yourself and those living in your immediate household and yes you can include pets! Merely include everyone’s names and Jimmy will add them to his daily prayers.

Use PayPal for subscription Click here

Use Stripe for subscription Click here.

*Anytime prior to your next scheduled payment within the 30 days, you can cancel or pause this service via email request.

---------------------------------

Could you use a private session? Are you feeling extra-crispy? If so, you can now Book Appointments... View Availability First, Then Pay 15 mins | 30 mins | 60 mins

**Can't See The Full Email? Click Here to View Online**

Visit our Online Training Center "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" - Lao Tzu

Visit now, Click Here!

The Fish Market

View Full Zoom Replay Collection The 5 Anchors Process The Purple Rain Process The Magical Golden Key

Healing and Grounding Mats for all occasions Yes even Lily my cat uses the pet one! View Grounding Mats here Use code: MyLiquidFishfs for Free Shipping

**We are NOT involved in the sales or shipping process of the 3rd party items, please contact them directly.

TGIFunny

Forward

0 notes

advancedthetapractitioner · 5 months

Text

TGIWednesday: Find the gift in the silence

TGIWednesday News

🎁 Last Chance 🎁 Final days to receive the gift with purchase offer through December 31st! Buy any digital item and you'll receive this bonus.

"Infusing Energy Blessings for Your Totems and Good Luck Charms" video/mp3 (not sold separately, a $44 value) Sent in a separate email to buyers after your purchase.

VISIT THE SHOP HERE

TGIWednesday Video Download

Tonight's LIVE Zoom Event

THEME: Receiving Ethereal Gifts

Join our fishing crew and welcome aboard as we delete the negative and download more positive to round out this year!

Pre-Register Here - $22

FREE Live Appearances

Watch and listen to hundreds of Radio Show replays for FREE here in the archives from the Jimmy Mack Healing Radio show.

https://thejimmymackhealingshow.com/

From the Fish Box

Hi Jimmy you might want to know that as you said, Richard's father had a collapse last night. Just as you were shown. Best wishes and blessings." M. / Isle of Man

Fish Food

The Daily Bread To Feed The Fish

Tell the Fish - 365 Daily Inspirations and Affirmations - by Jimmy Mack Own this e-book so that you can read inspiration every day!

Receive 24/7 Prayers from Jimmy

You can add yourself and those living in your immediate household and yes you can include pets! Merely include everyone’s names and Jimmy will add them to his daily prayers.

Use PayPal for subscription Click here

Use Stripe for subscription Click here.

*Anytime prior to your next scheduled payment within the 30 days, you can cancel or pause this service via email request.

---------------------------------

Could you use a private session? Are you feeling extra-crispy? If so, you can now Book Appointments... View Availability First, Then Pay 15 mins | 30 mins | 60 mins

**Can't See The Full Email? Click Here to View Online**

Visit our Online Training Center "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" - Lao Tzu

Visit now, Click Here!

The Fish Market

View Full Zoom Replay Collection The 5 Anchors Process The Purple Rain Process The Magical Golden Key

Healing and Grounding Mats for all occasions Yes even Lily my cat uses the pet one! View Grounding Mats here Use code: MyLiquidFishfs for Free Shipping

**We are NOT involved in the sales or shipping process of the 3rd party items, please contact them directly.

TGIFunny

Forward

0 notes

missluckycharms · 2 years

Text

Our Little Family.

Summary: Y/N has some important news to tell Harry.

A/N: IM CRYING SO FUCKING HARD. AHHH.

Honey Harry & Y/N Masterlist.

—

Harry was stressed.

Very very stressed. It was a busy day at Styles Law Firm, meetings being held left right and centre about a huge case that was presented to them by the court, needing some lawyers from his firm on the case, but most were hesitant due to the nature of the case.

It’s safe to say Harry nearly ripped his hair out when the court went else where for their lawyers, having them miss out on a huge business deal and a way to get their company’s word out and have future clients.

“You should really take it easy H, you haven’t eaten.” Y/N says stepping into his office, Harry allowed her to stay on as his secretary, she didn’t need to as she’s now moved in with Harry and he basically has enough money for her to never work again, she insists on helping, wanting to do something.

“M’fine darling, just want this day to be over.” Is all he grumbles, taking a gulp of his strong black coffee as she sighs shutting his office door and walking to stand behind him.

“It’ll be over soon, we’ll be home, having a bubble bath and a nice meal in no time, yeah?” She hums softly, hands now kneading his shoulders as he basically moans at the feeling, smile appearing on his face as the tension leaves his shoulders.

“Just a bubble bath and meal?” He teases, her laugh loud as she bends down to let her lips brush off his ear.

“It’s Friday night isn’t it? Honey will be in your Mums …” she trails off, nibbling on his earlobe which has him groaning at her words, mind already heading towards what he’ll do to her tonight when they’re alone.

God, he’s so fucking easy for her.

“Now Mr Styles, get back to work.”

Harry gets home after Y/N, she has evenings off and only works mornings so she can collect Honey from school and take her home. Today, she was getting her ready for Anne’s and she was already gone and there by the time Harry walks in the door, his heart breaking a little seeing he was too late to kiss and hug her goodbye, but he’s soon smiling when he smells something cooking and hearing Y/N’s soft singing as she cooks.

“What’s cooking, good looking?” He says with a laugh slapping her ass as she jumps a little slapping his chest lightly because he startled her while she was at the stove.

“You’re so cringe, you’d know your an old man.” She teases, his fake gasp having her wink and turning around biting her lip as she feels him behind her again.

“Old man huh? Well, could an old man fuck you like I do, hmm? Don’t try and get smart with me darling, you know I fuck you good, even say it yourself when I’m balls deep in you.” He whispers as she feels a shiver down her spine at his low voice, arousal dripping off his tongue as he speaks.

He notices her sudden movements and he’s smiling like a devil behind her “Turn off the stove baby, I’ll show you how good this old man can fuck.”

That night was over a month ago, it was filled with loud moans, dirty talk and rounds upon rounds of sex that lasted for hours, both of them panting and shaking by the end of it but Harry never wiped the smug look off his face once.

It was safe to say, that even if they have an eight year age gap, Harry could fuck Y/N better than anyone her age or any age for that matter ever could. She was always amazed at his stamina, he could go for hours and yet she’d be exhausted by round two, asking for a nap as Harry just laughs and teases her.

Y/N has been at home with what she’s chalked down to as the stomach bug, Harry being all pouty when he had to leave her this morning before heading off to work, telling her he’ll be home as fast as he can and he’ll bring her some soup that will help ease her tummy and vomiting that seemed to be worse the second she woke up for the last three days.

It’s only when a week later that she’s still vomiting, she becomes alarmed when she realises she’s two weeks late, her period never came and she’s been vomiting non stop each morning for a week now? She immediately rushes towards the nearest store and grabs two boxes of tests, hands shaking as she pays, nearly falling up the driveway to get inside and take one.

She’s nervous, very very nervous.

The test was only taken two hours before she had to collect Honey from school. Her friends messaging her and asking her to hang out get some lunch and manicures. She decided to agree, wanting to just have some fun.

“Papa!” Honey sings when Harry walks in the door, immediately rushing to latch onto his leg. He’s home earlier today, Honey only being home for an hour before he walked through the door.

“Hello button! You had fun today? Hmm?” He asks picking her up, walking through the hallway to try and find Y/N, his head popping into the living room and then kitchen before he finds her.

“Oh! Feeling better darling?” He asks with a laugh, noticing how she’s dressed and ready to head off somewhere, makeup on and hair done with her own bright smile.

Harry was happy she was better, he was becoming concerned that she was seriously ill when she kept vomiting for a week straight, she still seemed off this morning but now she’s looking happy and healthy as ever.

“Much better, had some of that soup you bought again yesterday, worked wonders.” She smiles kissing him as he smiles against her lips, Honey now running off towards the living room.

“Where you off to?” He asks grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, noticing how she has her handbag in hand and constantly clicking her phone to check the Home Screen.

“Tilly and a few of the girls asked me to go on a girls day out, she should be here any second now.” She beams, Harry smiling at her and delighted that shes going out to have some fun after being so poorly.

“Have fun my darling, I love you, call me if you need me!” He kisses her and shouts after her when she runs towards the front door, Tilly outside in her car waving at Harry who’s waving them both off happily.

—

Y/N gives it another few days before she takes another test, the first test she took came up very faintly as two lines, she wasn’t convinced of it at all. She brushed it off and went about her days until she noticed herself becoming more and more exhausted throughout the days, stomach bloating and her nausea not going away.

She knew for definite this test would be positive, her period never came, not even any signs of it coming! Either she was pregnant or something was very wrong … which had her slightly panicked also.

She’s pacing around hers and Harrys bedroom as the test sits their bathroom, her alarm set for two minutes. Harry is in work, Honey is needing to be collected in twenty minutes and then taken to Anne’s for the night. Y/N has never felt this nervous in her life, she can feel her tummy turning at every possible outcome from any situation her body could be in right now.

If she is pregnant, she’d be over the moon, her and Harry hadn’t really had that talk, but she knows he would be more than happy if she was, heck, he was nearly crying a few nights ago when he mentioned how he held a baby dress — Y/N wanted him to have another baby, have one to raise and be there for the moments he missed with Honey.

Her alarm breaks her from her panicked thoughts. Legs running towards the bathroom and hands shaking as she takes a deep breath, psyching herself up before she just rips the bandaid off and looks, her eyes tear up when she sees what she knew would be true.

Two very very visible lines.

—

Y/N took three more tests when she dropped Honey off to Anne’s each test reading the same which had her nearly jumping for joy, tears streaming down her face as she celebrates alone.

Then she panics, how does she tell Harry? What do people do when telling their spouse?

She decides to cook a meal, Harry wouldn’t be too suspicious as she cooks nearly every day, she loves being in the kitchen and harry loves her cooking.

So, when Harry walks in the door he’s speeding towards the kitchen, nose sniffing the air as he smells the delicious meal that’s being cooked.

“Smells amazing darling.” He announces himself, walking over to plant a kiss to her lips, smiling against them as she thanks him softly.

“Is Honey already in m’Mums?” He asks, shrugging off his coat and laptop bag, placing his coat on the chair and letting his bag sit on the island.

“Mmh.” She hums, not turning around to face him, keeping her eyes on the food she’s cooking.

He senses something is off, usually she would hum when cooking, would never give one word answers, Y/N is a talker, she’ll always have a story to tell him when he walked in, now she’s quiet and not even looking at him. Had he done something wrong?

She hears him shuffle around behind her, his shoulder bag unzipping and then zipping again as she focuses on trying to cook and not scream to him at the top of her lungs that she’s pregnant because he has no idea how to tell him, none at all. Zero. It’s nerve wracking.

“Havin’ an off day? Hmm?” He asks softly, stood beside her with one arm wrapped around her as she doesn’t say a thing, just smiles at him which makes him smile back and then he holds something in front of them both.

“Had a feelin’ you were, barely texted all day. Got us something to help unwind.” He says excitedly, she turns her head to see her favourite wine, the same wine she first had when Harry took her out on their first official date, they drank so much of it, she’s surprised their blood wasn’t Cherry wine by the end of the night.

“Good old Vin de Cerise, gets us both up and dancing, remember?” He laughs, calling the wine by its French name, the same way he did when they first took a sip, Y/N gushing over how easily he can speak French — she’d be lying if she said it didn’t get her going, his low voice just wraps around each word so perfectly.

His heart breaks a little when she doesn’t laugh like she did on their date, she doesn’t smile or she doesn’t ask him to pour some out, she just stays looking at the pot stirring the pasta.

“Darling, can you look at me for a mo’?” She feels her heart ache when he asks this, his hands reaching between them to switch off the stove while settling down the wine.

“C’mere, what’s going on in that lovely head of yours? Huh? Missin’ you so much, come back to me, yeah?” He coos, cradling her face in his hands as she just pinches her eyes shut, trying not to cry over the immense amount of fear she feels, the anxiety, it’s all too much.

“Do they sell that wine in non alcoholic?” She blurts out, a small smile tugging on her lips as Harry looks at her confused, thumbs running over her cheekbones as she just looks at him not saying another word.

“I can check the store if you’d like, I’m sure they would have. Is that what’s wrong? I’m sorry darling, I’ll get you some non alcoholic wine … I’ll be back in a few minutes, Kay?” He says panicked, bending down to kiss her lips but his panicked self has her laughing hysterically now, making Harry wonder even more if she’s okay or not.

“H! Calm down!” She shouts between laughs as Harry begins to get panicked about her wine again, insisting that he’ll drive off to a store right now and get it, Y/N hot on his heels as he grabs his coat and keys heading for the door.

“Darling, it’s not a problem! I’ll get your wine, don’t worry.” He laughs reassuring her, his lips kissing her face as she laughs holding onto his shirt tightly so he can’t get out the door.

“I’m pregnant!” She yells, comes right out and says it as they stand in the hallway by the front door, Harry doesn’t know if he heard her properly until she’s grabbing something from her sweatshirt pocket, four tests that all had two dark lines on them.

“My baby?” He asks in disbelief, eyes welling up with tears already as Y/N just nods, watching as his face drops from shock to happiness, tears rolling down his face.

“You’re having my baby!” He shouts out, hands shaking as he takes her into his arms, lifting her up off the floor and twirling her around yelling in pure happiness, their laughs loud as they celebrate the moment between them too.

“Oh my god! I’m having another baby!” He says stopping himself suddenly, his shock settling in again as Y/N smiles, cradling his face in her hands as she kisses his nose.

“What if I can’t do it? I barely raised Honey, Mum was there … Y/N, what if i can-“

“No, do not put yourself down. You raised Honey, you made her into who she is, you were there and you still are there. Whatever happened is in the past, you never gave up, you have given Honey so much, you are the best fucking Dad in the world.” She scolds him softly, tears streaming down both of their faces now.

“You’ll be there, right? Please tell me you’ll be there.” He sobs, holding onto her tighter, the flashbacks of Myla entering his mind, how she and him were in this exact position and nine months later she was gone, ripped away from him.

“I promise. We’re in this together, we’re a team, we’re a family.” Y/N reassures him, holding him tighter as he sobs into her hair, holding her as if she’ll vanish at any given moment.

“Now, I was cooking some fancy ass pasta dish, but if I’m being honest, I could really go for a McDonald’s right now.” She mumbles against his chest, lightening the mood and bringing them back into happiness.

“I’ll give you anything you want, I love you so much.” He laughs with her, kissing her all over her face as she holds his shirt relishing in his love.

“We’re having a baby!” Harry jumps excitedly as he rushes her towards the car, the pair looking ridiculous as they basically run and jump into the car hugging and kissing all over one another.

“I’m having another baby!” He shouts out the window as they’re driving, Y/N in the passenger seat just letting him have his moment, the pure joy on his face was worth the anxiety she felt for almost three weeks.

“H! Careful!” She warns as he gets too excited and speeds up a little on the road.

“M’sorry darling, just so fucking happy.” He laughs, tears welling in his eyes again.

Harry never thought he would see the day when he’d have two little loves in his life, during the roughest time in his life he saw no way out, no future and no happiness for him, but as he watches Y/N devour a Big Mac, milkshake and a large fries, he knew that this was meant to be, Myla sent Y/N, and he’s so fucking happy she’s around, and now having his baby.

“So, baby names, what are we thinking? Do you feel like it’s a boy or girl? Twins? Triplets? More?”

Y/N just laughed at his fifty questions, letting him ask away and rant away in his happy state as they sat eating McDonald’s together.

This is how she wants to spend the rest of her life.

#dad!harry #harry styles #harry styles au #harry styles imagine #harry styles fandom #fan fic author #harry styles one shot #harry styles writing

397 notes · View notes

russett-pots · 2 years

Text

On the Edge

Kwon Eunbi

TW: Suicide, Depression, Self-Harm

Word Count: 2.2k

Fluff

Promise you it is a fluff despite the TW.

Part two is here: A Familiar Face

Well on the topic, get help if you feel like you need to. Getting help, helped me a lot. This piece is kinda special in a sense but I hope you'll enjoy it :)

Looking up at the night sky, it is a full moon. The cold wind is howling, strong enough to make your clothes flutter but too weak to make your move. You look down at your legs, dangling on the ledge of a bridge. Then you can see a dark abyss lurking below.

Is this it?

Your final moments.

You try to push yourself for the 15th time, but your instincts pull you back again, forcing you to wait for the next time you are ready. You pull up your sleeves again, a series of cuts on arms—a punishment you give yourself every time you mess up. By the way, it looks, you have made a lot.

The blood rushes to your legs, making your legs feel heavier—time to try again; your confidence this time compels you to try but stopped again.

Maybe five more minutes.

The view isn’t that bad.

I promise just five more minutes.

Then, I’ll leave this cruel life.

My-

A hand grabs onto your arm.

“Please don’t do it.” A female voice begs you from behind.

You turn your head. A woman is desperately trying to hold your arm. Her grip isn’t strong enough to physically stop you, but it is enough emotionally.

“You can get down now. Just talk to me.”

You move your legs back to safety, making it stand on solid ground, away from the darkness below. She pulls you down and makes you sit on the sidewalk.

“What’s wrong? You can tell me.”

Do I trust her?

I just met her

“I am…. I just…..” with those words, your eyes slowly water. Tiny droplets turn into rivers.

You cling on to her shoulders as she holds on to you tightly. Her hands are rubbing your back, slowly comforting you.

“I can’t... I can’t anymore….”

“It’s okay. It’s okay, take your time.”

You continue sobbing. Your tears are running down your cheeks onto her shoulder, wetting her clothes.

“I can’t. I don’t want to do this anymore…..”

“Tell me what’s wrong.”

“I don’t know. I have friends. My family loves me. I’m doing well at school. I visit my doctor regularly. I’m going to therapy. I just don’t know.” You pull back from her, eyes still red.

“It’s okay to know now right now. What matters right now is that you are safe.” Both of her hands hold on to yours.

It is comforting. The soft, gently feeling is now holding on to you tightly to make sure you don’t do anything rash.

“Tell me what happened today?”

“I left my dorm….. then I went to school. Ugh, I can’t remember.” You try your hardest to recollect the events that transpire today.

“Classes…I attended my classes. I met my friends….” You pause for a second, trying to question yourself

Are they my friends?

I mean, I only meet them at school.

We only talk about homework and projects.

If we only talk about school, are they really my friends?

“Your friends, do they know where you are?” the woman asks

You shake your head no because they believe in the lie that you just want to rest at the dorm for tonight. It makes sense. Today is tiring for everyone, including for them.

But you have other plans. The bridge you just got off is the same bridge you pass by every day on your way to school and on the way home. Every now and then, you look over as you cross it.

Maybe this is the place.

Looks tall enough

“What else happened today?”

“I went to lunch…..”

“What did you eat?”

“Ummmm….. I didn’t…….”

“Do you want to have something? I can make dinner for you?”

You nod. Your stomach is still growling, asking you to feed it. But as punishment for yourself. You haven’t eaten lunch or even breakfast. Even for the past two days, you still haven’t eaten.

You are only taking nibbles of food as meals if other people are around. You lost weight in the last few months. People are complimenting you because you look thinner but unknowing your unhealthy habits.

She slowly assists you in walking to her car. It is parked far away. Headlights are still on, and the engine is running.

Did she jump out of the car to save me?

Why does she care?

Opening the car door, the woman helps you get in the backseat, buckling your seatbelt. She hurries over to the driver’s side as you sit there motionless, staring at the headrest. She gets in the diver’s side and

*Chuck*

She locks the car doors. You look at her; she adjusts the rearview mirror to point it at the backseat. You know it is for your safety. Even when closing the door, she subtly turns on the child lock.

As she drives into the city, the quiet ride gives you time to think.

Who is she?

What does she want?

Is she going to kidnap me?

She rolls into the parking garage of a residential building; you guess that it is her place. Once on her designated space. She hurriedly opens the car door for you and undoes your seatbelt. She holds on to your waist as she leads you up to her apartment.

When the door opens, it is a cozy place—a small kitchen with only a table and two chairs as a dining room. There is a small living room with only a couch and TV.

“Sorry, it isn’t much. But I hope you’ll be comfy.”

“No, it is okay. It is better than mine.”

“Do you live alone?”

“Yeah, I live alone. I used to live with my brother, but he moved out of town.”

My brother took care of me.

He made sure I ate, took my meds, and made sure that I slept.

“What are you hungry for? I have instant ramen Ummm, leftover pizza? and I have chicken.“

“Chicken will be great.” You softly shout

She puts it in the microwave to heat it. You sit down at the plastic chairs in front of her.

“Tell me what happened after you went to lunch?”

“Um…..back to class……I went to meet my girl-“ memories start to rush back to your mind—the pain of what she said to you. A sharp knife stabs you in the heart.

“Chaewon, what do you mean? You want to break up?”

“I’m sorry, Oppa. I tried my best. I tried my best to help you.”

You sit there silent. Shocked at what Chaewon had just asked you. She did her best.

“I went to you every time you needed me. I don’t blame you for what happened, but I’m tired. I went to the guidance counselor.”

“……”

“She didn’t say I should, but she didn’t I shouldn’t. I can’t do it anymore. I’m tired.”

She did her best.

We were together for four years.

She was the first one I told.

She encouraged me to get help.

She went with me to the doctor.

She helps me find a therapist.

I love her.

“I still love you, but I can’t handle it anymore,” Chaewon weeps

You sit there silent on the bench as she slowly walks away. Chaewon looks back at you and still cares for you, but she needs to take care of herself.

All those painful emotions come back; it isn’t her fault. You question if it is yours.

“Here is your chicken, careful it is still hot.”

Your blank expression allowed the woman to get your food when the microwave dinged.

“How do you feel about it?”

You grab the metal fork on the table, raising it in the air. But before you can stab your arm. The woman tackles you on the ground and throws the utensil away. You begin to cry again.

“I still love her. Why?! Why?! Why?! Why!!!”

“Shhhhhhh, calm down, calm down.” She sees the cuts on your arms—both the fresh ones and the scars from before.

She lets go of your wrist, allowing you to sit up. She moves to the bathroom to get the medkit. Pulling out the alcohol and cotton buds, she cleans your wounds. Then she bandages them, bringing them out of your sight.

“Let me feed you the chicken.”

Despite the heat, she hands over the first piece, but she ignores it. You hold on to it with the edges of your nails and nibble small bits. Even the tiny morsels would calm the rumbling of your stomach.

“Is it delicious?”

“Yes……”

Despite the reluctant answer, it is the most delicious thing you have eaten for the last month. It is the biggest meal you had in the previous months. The sticky sauce that drenched the chicken envelopes your taste buds. You begin to devour each piece. Grab each piece directly from the plate and finish every single one.

“It is getting late. Do you want to sleep?”

You nod still with the sauce on your face. She chuckles for a bit and hands over the tissue.

“I’ll stay on the couch. You can stay in my room.”

“Are you sure?”

“It is fine. Don’t worry about me. Just let me change first.”

She shuffles her feet into the room. But with her gone, you give a quick scan around the area and see the fork on the floor. You are staring at it, giving you tunnel vision. Your only focus is on it. But you just stare and not daring to pick it up.

“I’m done. You can get in my room now.”

She comes out wearing a shirt that can barely hold on to her sizeable chest hidden by her thin attire. Her tiny booty shorts didn’t help either from imaging her naked as your bulge slowly grows.

With your disassociated state, she guides you in her room and helps you lie down. As she leaves the room and before she turns off the lights:

“Good night!”

“Wait! Leave one light on…..”

She turns off all of them except the one at the door. Now with you alone in the room, you look around her room. It is small. The only thing is a wardrobe, a bed, and a side table. But as you sleep, you think about her.

Why is she doing this?

Why does she care?

Her tits are nice tho….

You stare off to the ceiling as you go to sleep. You are tucked in tightly in a comfy bed with soft pillows, the aircon on, feeling cozy with a blanket. You ponder what you felt today.

“Shut-up! This is all your fault.”

“Seriously, are you still like that?”

“You are just making things up?”

“You don’t have depression. It is probably something else.”

“You depressed? What are you talking about? You have a great life.”

Surrounding you are your demons—the fear of what people think of you. Overthinking maybe, but that is what’s on your mind. Darkness begins to sweep you off your feet, just making you float in the void of what is inside your head.

“Aaaaaaaaah!!!!”

You wake up from your terrible nightmare. The same ones for the past weeks. The repetitive cycle of dark downward depression. Your sweat coats the pillow you use. Your hands are shaking. You cling on to your head, trying to tear it apart or not. You can’t make up your mind.

Looking around you, it is still the same bedroom of that woman who saved you looking around you. You get up on your feet and slowly creep into the door, getting a peek at what is outside.

There she is, sleeping on the couch as she said. Sound asleep, oblivious that you are awake. You sneak to the outside door. Two locks, one for the key, and the other is the deadbolt. Both secured. You quietly turn the knob.

*Click*

The first one is open. You turn your head to see if the woman is awake. Yes, she is. Her head is resting on her hands, elbows on the armrest. She looks disappointed but not angry.

“Come here. You don’t need to leave.” She comes up to you to hug you, locking the door again.

“I just…..”

“Did you have a bad dream?”

“Yes….”

“I’ll sleep with you. Is that okay?”

“Okay……”

She leads you to the bedroom again. But this time, she lies down with you, facing each other. Her arm over you. Her face is watching you, making sure you fall asleep.

“Goodnight.”

“goodnight…..” you inaudible mumble

You wake up again. This time, the sun is shining. Birds are chirping, and you can hear someone preparing breakfast. You walk to the dining room, still groggy from last night’s events. You are rubbing your eyes to try to wake yourself up.

“Good morning, sunshine! Do you want some kimchi fried rice?”

You look around. There is a soda can on the table, the ingredients of the kimchi fried rice on the counter, and the woman still wearing the tight shirt and booty shorts.

“Do you want to try some? This is my special recipe.”

She gets a spoonful from the frying pan and hovers it towards you.

“Open wide!”

You open your mouth as she feeds it to you. Your eyes open wide the flavor of the fried rice is similar to what your mom used to make. All you can do is show a thumbs up in approval of what she made.

“I’m glad you like it.”

“It is delicious.”

Your bright smile finally truly shined. The past week was hell. You were trying to pretend you enjoyed life. But This woman just gave you another chance.

“What is your name?”

“I’m Eunbi or Dr. Eunbi if you want; nice to meet you.”

~The end

A/N I want to make a smut sequel (no spoiler on whom but it takes place 7 years in the future) but I want to see if people like this one first.

#izone fluff #kwon eunbi #kpop fluff #eunbi fluff

192 notes · View notes