I know everyone is currently very upset with the update and the situation in general, myself included, but I feel like a large chunk of the community is not looking at all the facts at this time, so I thought I'd share my thoughts as someone who's been closely following the situation since the very beginning. Do keep in mind that I am just as distraught as everyone else and I’m not trying to defend the company or really anyone in the situation, this is all just food for thought.
The main thing that a lot of people are disregarding is the involvement of the Chinese government in the whole situation. While it is true that we don't know the full extent of their involvement as none of us work at infold, I do have a possible perspective to share. Their government is very strict with their media and censorship, so after antis started reporting the game to them, they obviously started looking into the game and keeping an eye on it, I have no doubt about that. And considering how many lies were made up about Valko that could potentially have some consequences with the law, it is possible that infold had no choice but to (temporarily) remove Valko in order to be able to keep the game. I’m not saying canceling him the way they did was the *right* move but it may also have not been the wrong one. It is also important to consider that all of his content is still up on x, at least as of about 30 minutes ago it was, as well as some other snippets of him on other social media, including his song on Spotify.
I truly don’t think that anyone at infold and paper games *wants* to get rid of Valko, I’m sure many people spent countless hours of time and passion on developing his story and character so I firmly believe that they will continue to try to find a way to release him somehow. However as of right now with them being under a close eye they may not be able to. So what I suspect they are doing is rerunning a banner which has Chinese cultural representation in a positive manner in it, to show the positive aspects of the game, the fact that they’re showcasing Chinese culture on a global stage. They may be doing this to calm the waters and buy themselves time to change some things that need to be changed in order to be able to release everything they’ve worked on in a way that won’t cause any legal trouble for them. This is being reflected in some parts of Xavier’s story being temporary removed for a rework. This could also mean potentially changing some minor parts of Valkos story in the meantime (ie changing the balcony scene), and then releasing a slightly tweaked version of him a little later down the line.
If I am correct and this is what they’re trying to do in some constellation, it makes sense that they haven’t given us a statement, they can’t exactly say “hey, we’re calming the waters so they stop breathing down our necks so that we can then release him”, as that would kind of defeat the purpose of what they might be trying to do.
Now you might be asking, “if they’re trying to bring him back why get rid of the “coming soon” text”, and I do have a potential answer for you. I think that is because they’re *trying* to bring him back, but are not certain they can, so as to avoid further backlash due to false advertising it may be better to remove that text until they are sure they’re able to fulfill that promise. Like I said this is speculation, and I may be delusional but I don’t think that a company would throw away all that work and money in its entirety without trying to figure out a way to adjust it first, and I truly don’t think that just 9 days is enough to fully figure all that out. I’m not saying he’s coming back, I’m also not saying he’s not, but I’ve been seeing a lot of us at each others throats for the past 2 weeks when ultimately we’re supposed to be sisters, I think it’s time we start acting like it again.
Everyone, stay kind, stay beautiful, and I’m sure the rest will fall right back into place before you know it. Stay safe out there!
*Jumps into your inbox*
May I request: Betrayed by her boyfriend and stepsister, Reader agrees to the marriage alliance to Valko.
Tone: hurt-comfort
Trigger warning: cheating
Author's note: I was proved right in my assumption that writing a fanfic about Valko with so limited information would be difficult. 😵💫 That being said, I hope my interpretation does him justice. 🫣🙏
@sailorstar9 Thank you for the request! I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed bringing it to life. Happy reading! 💖
Synopsis: After catching your boyfriend in bed with your stepsister, you think your life can't possibly get any worse.
You're wrong.
Blackmailed into a forced marriage with a complete stranger, you expect nothing more than a loveless relationship.
Instead, as resentment slowly gives way to trust and affection blossoms, you discover that fate may have chosen you long before you ever had a choice.
Pairing: Valko x (Female) reader/non-MC
Content: All "in-game" information about Valko is considered canon, with the exception of his evol ability and the existence of wanderers.
Trigger warnings: Hurt/Comfort, Forced Proximity (Forced Marriage), Fated Mates, Cheating (not Valko—don't worry), Mentions of Blackmail and Manipulation, Suggestive Content (Non-Graphic), and Mentions of Death (Non-Graphic).
Word count: 5,898
The Orchid and the Wolf
This wasn’t how the day was supposed to end.
Not with you sitting alone in the secluded corner of a booth, nursing a cocktail despite barely drinking, in a nightclub far too luxurious for your bank account, tears silently streaming down your face.
You were supposed to be in a cozy restaurant, celebrating your boyfriend's birthday over a nice dinner. You had planned everything weeks in advance.
You'd requested the day off work so you'd be free as soon as your classes ended. The moment your last lecture finished, you rushed home to get changed before stopping by a local bakery to collect the cake you'd ordered. Nothing extravagant - just a small cake, enough for a few slices. Your boyfriend had never been much of a fan of sweets anyway. It was more symbolic than anything.
His present had been wrapped neatly in a gift box, complete with a ribbon and birthday card. You'd bought him a tie from one of his favourite luxury designer brands.
A brand far beyond the budget of a broke college student.
You'd spent months saving for it, surviving on instant noodles.
But this was your boyfriend.
He deserved the best.
With cake in hand and the gift tucked safely inside your handbag, you'd made your way to the upscale apartment building where he lived. You greeted the receptionist on your way through the lobby before stepping into the elevator.
Once upstairs, you entered the code and let yourself into the apartment.
You knew he'd still be at work, which was exactly why you'd come early. You wanted to surprise him.
You placed the cake in the refrigerator to keep it chilled. You planned to give him his present later at the restaurant where you'd already reserved a table.
Needing to use the bathroom, you headed upstairs.
Halfway down the hallway, you stopped.
Muffled sounds drifted from the bedroom.
A breathless moan.
The bedroom door stood slightly ajar.
You stepped closer and slowly pushed it open.
Your breath caught in your throat.
Your chest tightened.
There, tangled together on the bed, lay your boyfriend...
...and your stepsister, Elizabeth.
Completely naked.
They both looked up at the same time.
Shock spread across their faces.
You didn't scream.
You didn't cry.
You simply closed the bedroom door and rushed out of the apartment.
…
You wandered the streets of Linkon City aimlessly.
Your vision was blurred by tears.
Your mind numb.
Your body was moving on autopilot.
You never noticed the afternoon fade into evening.
Eventually, a bright neon sign caught your attention.
Without thinking, you walked inside.
…
And that's how you ended up here...
You and your boyfriend hadn't even been together for very long.
Just under two years.
The two of you had met during one of the darkest periods of your life.
Not long after your father passed away.
The doctors had warned him that if he didn't change his lifestyle - if he didn't reduce the stress in his life - he wouldn't survive another heart attack.
Your father had been the only parent you had left.
Your mother had died from cancer when you were so young that you could barely remember her.
For most of your life, it had been just you and your father.
That changed when you were fourteen.
He remarried.
You never truly liked your stepmother, Miranda.
Nor did you get along with her daughter, Elizabeth, who was a few years older than you.
Still, for your father's sake, the three of you maintained the illusion of being one happy family whenever he was around.
The moment he wasn't...
...you simply stayed out of each other's way.
You always knew Elizabeth was spoiled, selfish, and accustomed to getting whatever she wanted.
You just never imagined...
...she'd decide she wanted your boyfriend too.
…
Valko senses something unusual the moment he steps inside the bar.
He makes his way to the counter and settles onto one of the stools.
“Welcome, sir,” the bartender greets, polishing the inside of a glass with a cloth. “The usual?”
Valko gives a distracted nod, his gaze sweeping across the nearly empty club.
“Quiet tonight,” the bartender remarks as he sets a glass in front of him. “To be expected on a weekday.”
Valko hummed absently.
His nostrils flare as he draws a slow breath.
A scent lingers in the air.
Soft.
Sweet.
Floral.
Orchids...perhaps.
A scent that stands out more vividly than anything else.
His pulse quickens.
Picking up his drink, he wanders through the club at an unhurried pace, though his sharp eyes scan every corner like a predator stalking unseen prey.
Then he stops.
His head turns slightly.
In the secluded corner of a booth sits a lone woman.
Her shoulders are slumped.
Her head hangs low.
A half-finished cocktail sits forgotten in front of her.
His feet carry him toward her until he comes to a stop beside the table.
Sensing the shadow that has fallen over you, you slowly lift your head.
Your eyes meet.
A shiver shoots through Valko's entire body, racing from the base of his spine to the tips of his toes.
He's found you.
The one his family has been telling him about since childhood.
The one destiny has chosen for him.
His mate.
You sniffle quietly before wiping at your tear-stained cheeks, only succeeding in smudging the remains of your mascara even further.
Something dark stirrs inside him and his jaw tightens.
Who had made his mate cry?
“Who hurt you, flower?”
The words - and the endearment - leave his lips before he has the chance to stop them.
You simply stare at him too numb to answer.
A storm of emotions rage inside Valko.
He wants to hunt down whoever has reduced you to tears and tear them apart with his bare hands.
He wants to take every ounce of your pain and carry it himself.
More than anything...
...he wants to pull you into his arms, hold you close, and promise you that no one will ever hurt you again.
Instead...
...he does the only sensible thing he can think of.
He takes out his phone.
“You look exhausted,” he says gently. “It's late.”
After a brief exchange, he slips his phone back into his pocket.
“I've arranged a ride home.”
You don't take his outstretched hand.
But you slowly raise to your feet.
Valko steps aside, allowing you to walk ahead while he stays close behind, his hand hovering just behind your back.
Moments later, a sleek black sedan pulls up outside the club.
He opens the rear passenger door for you.
Without a word, you climb inside.
“Where to, miss?” the driver asks politely through the rear-view mirror.
Valko waits patiently until you quietly give your address.
Only then does he close the door.
Leaning down to the open driver's window, he meets the driver's eyes.
“Make sure she gets home safely.”
Valko remains where he stands, watching until the taillights disappear around the corner.
Only then does he retrieve his phone once more.
“There's something I need you to investigate.”
“I want everything there is to know about her.”
——————————————————————
It's been a few days since you caught your boyfriend cheating.
And the bastard hasn't contacted you even once.
No calls.
No texts.
No explanation.
No apology.
No desperate plea for forgiveness.
Nothing.
As you approach the front gates of your college, your stomach sinks.
Of all the people you could have run into...
It had to be her.
You instinctively take a few steps back, hoping to slip away unnoticed.
No such luck.
You decide it's easier to walk straight past her than acknowledge her existence.
“Giving me the silent treatment?” Elizabeth calls after you. “How mature.”
“If you've come to gloat or rub salt in the wound, don't waste your time,” you reply without slowing your pace.
The sharp click of her high heels echoes across the pavement as she falls into step beside you.
“I kept telling him it was only a matter of time before we got caught.” Her voice drips with smug satisfaction. “I mean, he'd been sleeping with me for almost as long as the two of you were dating.”
Your footsteps falter for the briefest moment.
Then you keep walking.
“The only reason he asked you out in the first place was because of your daddy's money.” She lets out a mocking laugh. “But once he realized there wasn't any..." She shrugs dramatically. “He moved on.”
“He just didn't have the heart to dump you.”
You stop so abruptly that Elizabeth nearly walks into you.
You turn to face her.
“Did you really come all the way here just to tell me that?” you ask, your voice flat.
“Oh.” Elizabeth taps a finger against her lips as if she'd only just remembered. “I almost forgot.”
“My mother wants to see you.”
“It seems you've been ignoring all her calls.”
Your brows knit together.
“What could Miranda possibly want with me?”
Elizabeth merely shrugs, inspecting her manicured nails.
“Your guess is as good as mine.”
Then a smirk spreads across her face.
“I can give you a lift to the company.”
Without waiting for an answer, she spins on her heel and saunters away, her hips swaying exaggeratedly with every step.
Miranda would never summon you over something trivial.
And knowing the kind of woman she was...
Refusing wasn't an option.
…
A few days ago, Miranda had welcomed a most unexpected - yet no less welcome - guest into her office.
“Mr. Valko.” She greeted him with a polished smile as she stepped forward to shake his hand. “It's an honor to finally meet you. Please, have a seat.”
She gestured toward one of the armchairs.
Valko sat, though his broad frame was far too large for it to be remotely comfortable. Miranda settled into the chair opposite him, crossing one leg over the other with practiced elegance.
“May I offer you something to drink?”
“That won't be necessary.” His voice was businesslike. “I'd prefer to keep this brief.”
The moment he'd stepped into the office, a sharp scent had assaulted his senses.
Unpleasant.
It lingered so heavily in the air that every instinct urged him to leave as quickly as possible.
“I'll get straight to the point. I understand your company is seeking investment from EonCore Tech,” Valko said.
“I don't know how much you know about this company, Mr. Valko, but we devote our resources to improving the lives of society's less fortunate - the disabled, the unfortunate souls who must rely on others just to get through everyday life.”
Miranda smiled as though expecting praise.
“To continue our research, expand our facilities, and develop new technologies, we require funding.”
She gestured toward the thick proposal folder resting on the coffee table between them.
“I've prepared all the necessary documents.”
“If EonCore Tech is to invest…” Valko said at last, “...I have one condition.”
He raised a single finger.
Miranda smiled confidently.
“I'm sure we can reach an agreement.”
“I intend to marry your daughter.”
Miranda clasped her hands together, delighted.
“How wonderful!” she exclaimed.
“Elizabeth will make an excellent wife.”
Valko frowned.
“Elizabeth?”
A flicker of confusion crossed his face.
“I'm referring to Y/N.”
Miranda's smile vanished instantly.
Her gaze turned considerably colder.
“...Y/N?” she repeated.
“I'm afraid you've been misinformed. She's merely my stepdaughter.”
She gave a dismissive little laugh.
“Mr. Valko, believe me when I say that girl is nothing but a constant disappointment... and, quite frankly, an embarrassment.”
Valko's hands curled into fists.
Oblivious, Miranda continued.
“If you're looking for a wife worthy of your status, Elizabeth would be a far more suitable choice.”
Valko calmly reached for the proposal folder.
He picked it up and rose to his feet.
“My condition is final.”
He held up the file.
“I will marry Y/N before EonCore Tech signs these documents.”
“If that condition isn't met…”
“...there will be no deal.”
…
——————————————————————
“Enter!” Miranda's voice comes, muffled through the thick wooden door.
You push it open and quietly close it behind you.
Miranda glances up from the paperwork spread across her desk, peering at you over the rim of her glasses.
“About time,” she says sharply. “Must I send someone to hunt you down every time I need you?”
“Nice to see you too, Miranda,” you mumble.
She removes her glasses and places them neatly on the desk.
“I'll get straight to the point.” She folds her hands together. “A chairman has finally agreed to invest in the company.”
You blink.
“...Congratulations?”
“What does that have to do with me?”
You had nothing to do with your father's company.
After his death, ownership had passed to Miranda, just as he'd stipulated in his will.
“The chairman has one condition,” Miranda continues.
“And he has made it abundantly clear that he will not negotiate.”
“He wants to marry you.”
You stare at her, convinced you'd misheard.
Judging by the look on Miranda's face...
...you hadn't.
“No.”
The answer leaves your mouth immediately.
“Absolutely not.”
“I refuse to become a pawn in one of your business deals.”
“And why me?”
“If he's a wealthy, successful chairman, surely Elizabeth would be a much more suitable match.”
Miranda's jaw visibly tightens.
“He rejected Elizabeth.”
For the first time since entering the office, you smile.
Elizabeth had spent her entire life believing every man would fall at her feet.
Knowing someone had rejected her...
...was satisfying.
“My answer is still no.”
Miranda lets out a soft laugh.
“How adorable.”
She rises from her chair and slowly walks around the desk until she's standing directly in front of you.
“You seem to think this is a request.”
She leans one hand against the desk.
Her smile is cold.
“You will marry him…”
“...or you can say goodbye to your apartment.”
Your eyes widen.
“You can't do that!”
“My scholarship and my part-time job are barely enough to cover my living expenses. I'm graduating with my bachelor's degree this year.”
Your father had rented an apartment close to campus before your first semester began.
After his death, Miranda had agreed to continue paying for it...
...on the one condition that you stay out of her way.
“What a shame,” she muses.
“It would be unfortunate if the last two years of your education went to waste.”
She already knew she'd won.
Reaching into a drawer, she slid an envelope across the desk.
“Everything has already been arranged.”
You slowly pick it up.
Miranda smiles sweetly.
“Try not to be late for your own wedding.”
——————————————————————
You'd always imagined getting married one day.
At least...
...you'd hoped you would.
Just not at twenty years old.
Not to a man you'd never met.
And certainly not without your father there to walk you down the aisle.
You smooth the front of the off-white dress.
You'd even attempted to style your hair into a bridal updo.
Part of you had hoped you'd wake up before any of this became real.
You didn't.
Step by step, you walk down the aisle toward the man waiting at the front.
Valko.
The only thing you know about him...
...is his name.
The wedding is small.
Held inside the town hall with barely anyone in attendance.
There's the officiant.
Miranda, wearing her usual polished business smile.
Elizabeth, glaring at you with poorly concealed resentment.
An unfamiliar man standing beside Valko, presumably someone close to him.
And Valko himself.
The moment you stop beside him, he turns to look at you.
Then he smiles.
A genuine one.
Overflowing with happiness.
If he were a dog...
...you swear his tail would be wagging.
The officiant begins reading.
You barely hear a word.
Instead, you steal curious glances at the stranger you've agreed to marry.
He's young.
Probably somewhere in his twenties.
Incredibly tall.
Standing beside him, the top of your head barely reaches his chest.
Broad shoulders.
A solid build.
Striking amber eyes unlike any you've ever seen.
Crimson hair with a violet sheen beneath the light, brushed back from his forehead.
“...I do.”
Your voice is scarcely louder than a whisper.
Moments later...
...it's over.
You're married.
——————————————————————
The drive passes in complete silence.
At least on your end.
Valko tries to make conversation, but his words barely register.
You simply stare out the window.
Eventually, the car rolls into the driveway of a mansion.
It reminds you of the house you once called home before your father died.
So, this was your new home.
Valko eagerly offers to show you around.
You barely pay attention.
Finally, he opens a door.
“This will be your bedroom.”
Relief washes over you.
Your own bedroom.
Not a shared one.
Without a word, you step inside.
You slam the door shut in Valko's face.
A second later, you turn the lock.
——————————————————————
Days had passed since the wedding.
And you'd avoided Valko completely.
He could hear you moving around the mansion.
He could smell your scent lingering in the hallways.
Yet you refused to see him let alone speak to him.
So tonight, Valko stands by the front door, arms folded across his chest, his foot tapping impatiently against the marble floor.
He glances down at his watch.
Where are you?
Are you even coming home tonight?
His ears perk up as he hears footsteps crunch across the gravel outside.
A moment later, fingers tap in the security code.
The front door swings open and you step inside, looking exhausted.
The moment you close the door behind you, Valko speaks.
“Where were you? I was worried.”
You nearly jump out of your skin.
“Good grief!” You clutch your chest. “Why are you standing by the front door in the dark like some kind of serial killer?”
“I asked first.”
You sigh.
“I was at work.”
He uncrosses his arms.
“What happened at the company that kept you there this late?”
“...Company?”
You frown.
“I work at the cinema.”
“The cinema?”
His confusion is genuine.
You stare at him.
“For the same reason everyone works.”
“Money.”
Valko reaches into the inside pocket of his jacket.
“Speaking of money…”
“…I've been meaning to give you this.”
He holds out a sleek black bank card.
“The account is in your name,” he explains. “You're free to use it whenever you need. If the balance ever gets low, just let me know. I'll transfer more.”
“Are you serious?”
Your voice echoes through the entrance hall.
You throw the card straight at his chest.
It bounces off him before clattering onto the marble floor.
Oh no.
His mate is angry.
At him.
“It's bad enough I was forced into this marriage because of some business deal,L you snap.
“And now you're treating me like I'm some kind of gold digger?”
You shove past him.
Valko hurries after you and steps in front of the staircase, blocking your path.
“I'm sorry. That wasn't my intention.”
He runs a frustrated hand through his hair.
“…Please.”
His shoulders sag.
“Just... don't shut me out.”
There is something almost puppy-like in the way he looks at you.
“Please... give me a chance.”
“Have dinner with me.”
“We can talk.”
“Get to know each other.”
The desperation in his voice catches you off guard.
Perhaps...
...you’ve been taking your frustration out on the wrong person.
If anyone deserves your resentment...
It is Miranda.
——————————————————————
“Please tell me this isn't the restaurant we're eating at.”
You stare out the window as Valko pulls up to an elegant, high-end restaurant.
In the end...
...you'd agreed to dinner.
“Is something wrong?”
“Places like this have a dress code.”
You glance down at your outfit - a simple oversized sweater, jeans and worn boots.
Valko looks you over before smiling.
“I think you look lovely.”
“Don't blame me when they turn us away at the door.”
You reach for the handle.
“Don't.”
Before you can open the door yourself, Valko is already out of the car.
He hurries around to your side and opens the door for you before offering his hand.
You hesitate before taking it.
His hand is warm.
He helps you out before gently offering you his arm.
Together, you make your way toward the entrance.
To your surprise, the hostess doesn't so much as glance at your outfit.
She greets you and leads the two of you onto an outdoor terrace.
Your table sits beneath strings of fairy lights overlooking the city.
Valko pulls out your chair before sliding it in once you've sat down.
At the very least...
...he's undeniably gentlemanly.
A waiter approaches with two menus.
“What would you like to drink?”
After taking your order, he leaves you to look over the menu.
“...I don't know what half of these dishes even are,” you mutter.
The menu may as well have been written in another language.
Valko chuckles.
“I’ll handle the ordering.”
You lean forward.
“...Everyone's staring at me.”
“I stick out like a sore thumb.”
Valko glances around the terrace.
Then, in a much louder than necessary, he says,
“Excuse me.”
Several nearby guests and servers look over.
“I know my wife is absolutely stunning…”
Your eyes widen.
You hurriedly try to shush him.
“...but could everyone please stop staring at her?”
“You're making her uncomfortable.”
When he finally sits back down, you can't help giggling.
“You're ridiculous.”
Valko's face lights up.
He'd made you laugh.
“I'm glad you agreed to have dinner with me,” he says softly.
“...I'm sorry…For yelling at you yesterday.”
Valko smiles.
“It wasn't all bad.”
“In fact…”
A mischievous glint appears in his amber eyes.
“You being angry with me was strangely attractive.”
He gives you an unapologetic wink.
Before you can respond, the waiter returns carrying several beautifully presented dishes.
As soon as the waiter leaves, Valko speaks again.
“I meant what I said earlier.”
“I'd like to get to know you.”
You look down at your plate.
“I'm not very good at talking about myself.”
You shrug.
“...Why don't you just ask me whatever you want to know?”
“The problem is…”
He smiles sheepishly.
“I want to know everything.”
Seeing your uncertainty, he quickly adds,
“How about you ask me something first.”
“I'm an open book.”
Setting your fork down you meet his eyes.
“Why would someone like you…”
“...handsome…”
“...successful…”
“...wealthy…”
“...choose to marry me?”
A smug grin spreads across his face.
“Soooo…”
“…You think I'm handsome."
“...Of course that's the part you focused on.”
“I would never lie to you.”
The teasing disappears from his expression.
“But the real reason…”
“...is complicated.”
He pauses.
“And…”
“...you're not ready to hear it yet.”
You narrow your eyes suspiciously.
“Let me guess.”
“Your parents left you a trust fund that you can only inherit if you're married by a certain age.”
Valko lets out an amused laugh.
“A classic.”
“But no.”
He shakes his head.
“I promise I'll tell you someday.”
He holds your gaze.
“Until then…”
“...just trust me.”
Strangely...
...you do.
You just aren't sure why.
…
To your surprise, the evening turns out to be far more pleasant than expected. The conversation flows with surprising ease. Valko is cheeky and playful, constantly teasing you, but you find yourself strangely drawn to that side of him.
“I had a really nice time. Thank you,” you say genuinely as he drives.
“In that case, you won’t have any objections to me taking you shopping tomorrow,” Valko says, keeping his eyes on the road.
“I can’t tomorrow. I have work.”
“Not anymore.”
“I don’t remember my shift being cancelled.”
“It wasn’t. I resigned on your behalf.”
You stare at him.
“You did what?”
Before you can properly react, Valko quickly continues.
“Before you get angry, I’m not trying to control you. You’re free to work if that’s what you want.” He glances at you. “But I refuse to sit back and watch my wife spend her days scrubbing toilets and cleaning up popcorn spills when she’s capable of so much more.”
You open your mouth to argue, but he continues.
“You’re studying business. Come work at EonCore Tech if you’re interested.”
You want to be angry at him. You probably should be.
Yet, deep down, you know his intentions aren’t cruel.
“I’ll think about it,” you finally say.
——————————————————————
“Welcome. How may I assist you today?” a saleswoman greets cheerfully the moment you enter the department store.
“My wife needs a new wardrobe,” Valko says confidently. “I’ll leave her in your hands.”
She leads you towards a fitting room that is practically the size of your old apartment.
Valko takes a seat on the couch outside.
You quickly lose count of how many outfits you try on.
And every single time, Valko insists on seeing them.
Every single time, he compliments you.
It becomes less like shopping and more like a personal fashion show where Valko is your most enthusiastic audience member.
“I’ll take everything my wife has tried on,” Valko says, handing his card to the saleswoman.
“Valko, please don’t. What am I supposed to do with this many clothes?”
“Wear them?”
You give him a look.
“Then again...” His lips curl into a mischievous smile. “They might look even better on my bedroom floor.”
Before you can respond, the saleswoman speaks.
“Would you like to see our lingerie collection as well?”
“Please,” Valko agrees before you can even open your mouth.
You stare at him.
“If you think I’m putting on a show in lingerie, you are very much mistaken,” you say deadpan.
“But I’m your husband,” he says, giving you an exaggeratedly innocent look.
“You haven’t earned that privilege.”
Not yet.
But he will. One day, he will.
…
“What a lovely couple. Welcome.”
The jeweler greets you both as you enter.
“What brings you here today? A hunt for wedding rings perhaps?”
“Already taken care of.”
Valko proudly holds up his hand, showing his ring.
“Speaking of wedding rings...” Valko glances at your hand. “Why do I notice you rarely wear yours?”
“I don’t wear it at school or work,” you explain. “I can’t risk people noticing and asking questions.”
“Are you ashamed of me?”
“No.”
You sigh.
“If people notice, they’ll ask questions. What am I supposed to say? That my evil stepmother financially blackmailed me into marrying a chairman who insisted on marrying me as part of a business deal for reasons he refuses to explain?”
Silence.
The jeweler awkwardly clears his throat.
“Perhaps I could show you some of our newest arrivals.”
You both follow him towards the display cases.
“Does anything catch your eye?” Valko asks.
You hum thoughtfully.
You’ve never really been someone who wears jewelry.
Then suddenly, a thought comes to mind.
You take out your phone and scroll through your gallery until you find the picture you’re looking for.
“Is there any chance of getting these earrings? The exact ones?”
The jeweler takes your phone carefully.
He puts on his glasses and studies the image.
“Give me a moment, please.”
He disappears into the back.
“What’s so special about those earrings?” Valko asks.
“My father gave them to me for my sixteenth birthday.”
“I don’t have them anymore.”
“Did you lose them?”
“If only.”
Your voice lowers.
“I was in a difficult situation and had to sell them. Along with a lot of other things that had value.”
Valko’s hands tighten into fists.
Something about this doesn’t sit right with him.
The financial situation.
The small apartment.
The job at the cinema despite your father’s company.
And now this.
None of it makes sense.
“I need to make a call,” he says, stepping outside.
The moment he is out of earshot, he pulls out his phone.
“I need you to investigate my wife’s finances. Her father’s death. The company. Her stepfamily.”
“Everything.”
…
When Valko returns, the jeweler comes back from the room behind the counter.
“I’ve identified the earrings, Madam. Unfortunately, we no longer carry them. They were part of an older collection.”
Your expression falls.
“But don’t lose hope. I’ll make some calls. There may still be a chance of finding another pair. If you leave your contact information, I’ll notify you immediately.”
“Thank you.”
You write down your number.
“For now, I’ll take these.”
You point towards another pair.
“Excellent choice.”
As the jeweler prepares them, you stare at Valko.
He notices.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“The reason I chose these earrings is because they reminded me of your eyes.”
If he wasn’t standing in the middle of a store, he was fairly certain he would howl with happiness.
——————————————————————
“Valko?”
You rise from your seat at the kitchen table, surprised to see him home so early.
His eyes move from you to the unfamiliar woman sitting across from you.
About an hour ago, you invited your best friend Tara over to finally explain everything that had happened.
Up until now, you had been avoiding her.
Tara had gone through every possible emotion upon hearing your story.
“This is my best friend, Tara,” you introduce. “Tara, this is Valko. My husband...the one I told you about.”
You glance at him hesitantly.,
“I hope you don’t mind that I invited her over.”
Tara suddenly stands.
“You mean to tell me this is your husband?”
You barely have time to react before she smacks the back of your head.
“Ow!”
“When you told me you were forced into a marriage of convenience, I pictured some old, frail, ninety-year-old man who was halfway into the grave.”
Her eyes travel over Valko.
“Not a literal godlike hunk.”
She turns back to you, looking genuinely offended.
“You have absolutely no right to complain about being married to this.”
She gestures dramatically towards Valko.
“If you don’t want him, I’ll happily take him off your hands.”
Valko lets out a deep laugh.
“Tara, was it?”
“I like you already.”
Then he looks at you, his expression softening.
“But I’m afraid my flower here is the only one for me.”
——————————————————————
“What do you think?”
Valko had asked you to join him in his home office, presenting you with a page showing a luxury wellness retreat.
You narrow your eyes suspiciously.
“Let me guess. Since I refused to put on lingerie, you’re trying a different approach?”
“Are you trying for what? A bikini? A towel?”
“As much as I would enjoy seeing either of those things...”
He pauses.
“I wouldn't be going with you.”
You raise an eyebrow.
“I thought you and Tara could go together.”
Your suspicion grows.
“Why all of a sudden?”
He leans back.
“I just thought you might enjoy having a girls’ weekend. Or whatever it is you call them.”
Something about this feels suspicious.
Valko is hiding something.
But instead of pushing, you accept the offer.
Besides...
Tara would probably kill you if you turned down a free luxury wellness retreat.
——————————————————————
The weekend wellness retreat with Tara is relaxing and fun.
Yet, despite having a wonderful time, your thoughts keep drifting back to Valko.
The day you left, he had seemed... different.
Almost as if he was forcing himself to keep his distance.
Throughout the entire weekend, he never called. His replies to your messages were brief.
…
“Valko?”
Your voice echoes through the manor as you close the front door behind you.
“I’m home.”
Since he knew what time you were returning, you expected him to be here.
Actually, you expected him to pick you up from the hotel himself.
Instead, his secretary had been waiting.
When you asked about Valko, all you received was a vague response.
“Valko?”
You call again, stepping further inside.
The next thing you know, the world flips.
At impossible speed, you’re lifted off the ground.
A startled yelp escapes you as you’re carried across the room and dropped onto the mattress.
A large figure looms above you.
Amber eyes glow in the dim light.
And on top of his head...
Are those wolf ears?
“You scared me,” you huff.
“Also... what’s with the cosplay?”
You reach up, fingers moving towards one of his ears.
Valko's expression shifts from surprise to pure panic.
“Flower?”
He moves away, retreating to the edge of the bed as if he’s afraid of himself.
You sit up, concern replacing your amusement.
“Are you alright?”
“Why... why are you here?”
His voice is deeper than usual.
“What day is it?”
You frown.
“Monday. The weekend is over.”
Valko covers his face with both hands.
That’s when you notice the sharp claws extending from his fingertips.
The room is nearly dark, the curtains drawn shut, so you reach over and turn on the bedside lamp.
And finally, you see him properly.
The wolf ears.
The claws.
The sharper teeth.
The large, fluffy tail behind him.
“You weren’t supposed to see me like this.”
He slowly lowers his hands.
“I guess... it’s time I tell you the truth.”
…
“So let me get this straight.”
You stare at him.
“You’re telling me you’re a werewolf.”
“And I’m your mate, which basically means I’m your "destined partner".”
“And the reason you look like this is because I triggered your... heat.”
“Which, if I understand correctly, is basically your version of being extremely horny?”
Your eyes briefly flick down before quickly returning to his face.
Valko clears his throat.
“...Pretty much.”
You stare at him.
“I sensed something was wrong with you, but I have to admit... this was not what I expected.”
Your brow furrows.
“You’re uncomfortable, aren’t you?”
“It’s not exactly pleasant.”
“But how can you tell?”
“I don’t know.”
“For the past few days I’ve been feeling things. Emotions that don’t feel like mine.”
Valko’s expression softens.
“That’s the mating bond.”
“The bond lets mates sense each other’s emotions.”
You tilt your head.
“How does that work exactly?”
You pat the top of your head jokingly, as if checking whether a pair of ears have somehow appeared without your knowledge.
Because last time I checked, I wasn’t growing fur.”
“The stronger the connection between mates, the stronger the bond becomes.”
“I think, in your own way, you accepted me before you even knew the truth.”
You’re quiet for a moment.
“What can I do to help?”
“Let me hold you.”
The request is almost vulnerable.
You open your arms.
That’s all the permission he needs.
Valko buries his face against your shoulder and takes a deep breath.
“You smell like orchids.”
“So thattt’s why you call me flower.”
“I’m late to ask this, but... can I mark you?”
“Please tell me that doesn’t mean you want to pee on me.”
“That’s a weird kink.”
“I don’t have any kinks.”
You scratch behind one of his ears.
His tail immediately starts wagging.
You grin.
“Although... I may be developing a thing for werewolves.”
A low growl rumbles from his chest.
“Please don’t tease me.”
“It is taking all my willpower not to jump you right now.”
Most people would probably be terrified in this situation.
Panic
Run.
You’re confused, yes.
You have a thousand questions.
But those can wait.
…
Valko wakes to sunlight slipping through a gap in the curtains.
His wolf-like features are gone.
He feels like himself again.
Slowly, he looks down.
You’re still there.
Sleeping peacefully beside him.
You didn’t run.
You stayed.
He gently pulls you closer, careful not to wake you.
His beautiful mate.
He silently vows that he will spend every day making sure you never regret choosing him.
masterlist ⠀! ⠀ do not plagiarize, repost, or translate works without the knowledge or consent of the creator in other platforms or websites. ✶
His love language is acts of service.
He read that somewhere—some stupid quiz you made him take一and he latched onto it like a lifeline because it made him sound normal.
See?
See??
He's not a freak, he just likes doing things for you. It's a legitimate psychological concept. It's on the internet, go look it up. It's real.
He loves it when you want something from him. He lives for it. Thrives on it. Gets dizzy with it the second you so much as look at an empty glass.
You barely have to open your mouth. You just shift on the couch and sigh and he's already upright, already halfway to the kitchen, already aching.
"Water? Snacks? A blanket? Your heating pad? Do you want the kitten mug or the big one? Do you—"
"Just water, baby."
Baby.
His knees almost buckle.
Focus.
Water. You need water. He can do that. He's getting you water. Look at him go一such a good boyfriend, so attentive, so caring, he's fucking nailing this.
He pours the water so carefully. No ice. You don't like it too cold, it hurts your teeth, and he remembered that because he remembers everything about you, every tiny preference, every little sound you make when you're happy.
Pathetic. So fucking pathetic.
He hands you the glass with both hands like an offering at an altar. Bouncing a little on his heels. Doesn't even realize he's holding his breath until you take a sip and your throat moves and he's watching the little bob of it and his mouth is dry but that doesn't matter because—
He have to be patient.
Waiting.
Just waiting for it.
Come on. Come on. Say it. Say the words. Give him the thing. He needs it.
"Thank you, love."
Oh.
The words hit his brain like a shot of something warm and syrupy. Thank you. You thanked him. He did good. He did good and you noticed and you said thank you and now he's standing there with his heart doing backflips in his chest.
He wants more. He wants you to say it again. He wants you to pat his head and tell him he did such a good job, that he's so helpful, that you don't know what you'd do without him. He's practically vibrating with it, this desperate, aching need for your approval, and it's pathetic, he knows it's pathetic, he's a grown man getting high off a thank you like it's a line of coke—
Cute isn't he?
No.
No, he's not cute.
He's a dog. A mangy. panting. desperate dog who just got a pat on the head for fetching.
And he gets hard like a dog in heat too.
Always hard.
Always.
You could ask him to pass the salt and he'd have to adjust himself under the table.
You could ask him to zip up your dress and his hands would shake and he'd have to bite the inside of his cheek until it bled just to keep from moaning at the brush of his knuckles against your spine.
What a loser, right?
His dick twitches.
Jesus Christ.
He's hard again.
Weirdo.
Disgusting.
Pervert.
He hates himself. He hates himself so fucking much.
Why can't he be normal? Why can't his dick just stay soft like a regular boyfriend instead of twitching every time you say his name? You're gonna hate him, aren't you?
Oh god oh god oh god.
You're gonna find out. You're going to hate him. You're going to leave him. You think he's disgusting. You think he's a creep. You're gonna leave him. You're gonna walkout that door and he'll never feel your eyes on him again and he'll die, he'll actually just curl up on the floor and stop breathing because what's the point—
"Such a good boy."
Huh?
Good boy??
Him???
He freezes.
Did you just一did those words actually come out of your mouth? Good boy.
Good. Boy.
And you're smiling.
You look so beautiful when you smile. Your soft eyes and your softer lips and the way your cheek creases just a little and he wants to lick it, he wants to suck that smile right off your face and swallow it whole so it lives inside him forever—
Nope.
Nope nope nope.
He's so hard he could die on spot.
"Um... excuse me."
The words come out strangled. He's already backing away, hands positioned awkwardly in front of his crotch like a teenager caught watching porn.
Smooth.
Real smooth.
You probably think he's having digestive issues. That's fine. That's better than the truth.
He immediately bolts to the bathroom, lock clicking behind him.
You don't know. You didn't see. You're not going to leave him. He won't let you leave him anyway. He'll lock the doors and he'll nail the windows shut and he'll chain you to bed and he'll chop your pretty legs off if he has to—
no no no no no NO!!!
Don't think that. Don't you ever fucking think that about her. You sick fuck. How can you even imagine hurting her? Chopping off her perfect pretty legs? How dare you?? How fucking dare you???
If you do that you could never feel her thighs wrapped around your head while you suck on her clit. You'd never feel them tremble and clampagainst your ears while she moans your name. You'd never get to press your tongue inside her while her legs are draped over your shoulders, soft and warm and alive.
OH!!!
Okay that's better. He gets it now.
Yeah yeah yeah. See? He's not violent. He just panicked for a second. His brain does that sometimes一throws up these horrible, intrusive images that make him want to vomit but he'd never ever act on them!! He's not a monster!!! He's just... confused. Overwhelmed. He just loves you so much alright??? So much he'd unspool his own intestines into a leash if you asked him to walk himself—
Alright. Shut up. Shut the fuck up.
Deep breath.
Okay. Okay, he's fine. He's fine. Just rub one out quick and go back out there. You're waiting. He doesn't want to keep you waiting. That would make him a bad boyfriend, and he's not—he's a good boyfriend, he's so good, you just said so, and if you said so then it must be true—
Shut. Up.
Focus.
His hand is shaking as he pulls down his jeans. He's leaking already, a slick little pearl at the tip, and it smears across his palm when he grips himself. Pathetic. So fucking pathetic.
First—first, he needs something. Something to make it faster, make it pleasing, make it so he can walk out there and not immediately pop a boner again the second you breathe in his direction.
He opens the cabinet under the sink, behind the toilet paper, behind the bleach, where he hid it.
Your panties.
The ones you thought you lost in the laundry.
The lacy ones, light blue, a little damp in the center from a long day. He found them. He found them, okay? He didn't steal them. Fuck off. He found them. That's different. Stealing is a crime. Stealing is bad. He's not a bad person. He just... found them. On the laundry room floor. He was doing laundry like a good boyfriend, separating your underwears from the regulars because he read somewhere that youre supposed to do that, and they were just... there. In his hands. And then in his pocket. And now they're pressed against his face.
Fuuuck.
The smell hits him like a drug. Musky and sweet and so distinctly you that his knees give up. He inhales deep, pressing the soiled fabric to his nose and mouth, and his dick twitches so hard a bead of pre cum drips onto the bathroom tile.
He's disgusting. He's a creep. He's a freak and a weirdo and a pathetic little lapdog who gets hard from a thank you.
You'd hate him if you knew.
He hopes you never know.
He hopes you find out.
He hopes you walk in right now and see him—cock in hand, your panties stuffed in his mouth, tears streaming down his face—and he hopes you step closer. He hopes you laugh. He hopes you call him a disgusting little mutt and pat his head and tell him he's still your good boy.
Your good boy.
Yours.
He cums so hard he sees stars. Ropes of it, hot and thick, splattering his hand, the floor, the little bathroom rug. He bites down on the panties to muffle the sob that tears out of him, and for a long moment he just kneels there, trembling, fucked, still crying, still hard.
But it's fine.
Everything's fine.
He cleans up. Flushes everything. Hides the panties again and washes his hands twice. Splashes water on his face. Looks in the mirror. Practices his smile.
He looks normal.
He is normal.
He's a good boy.
Then he opens the bathroom door and smiles.
"You okay?" you ask, tilting your head.
And he could say it. He could confess. He could drop to his knees right now and tell you everything and beg for forgiveness or punishment or whatever you wanted to give him.
Instead he just nods. Crawls onto the couch beside you. Rests his head in your lap like the loyal dog he is.
"Just missed you," he mumbles into your thigh.
You stroke his hair.
He almost gets hard again.
He's so fucked up.
But you're still here. Still petting him. Still calling him yours.
Robins React To: “text your crush like you’re already together prank”
Pt 1// Dick & Tim
Tags: gaslighting, you’re kinda toxic in all of these sorry it’s the name of the game, reader wearing a dress and tights is mentioned in Dick’s
[FOR JASON & STEPHANIE CLICK HERE]
Dick Grayson
Catches on but is completely happy to go along with the charade. If you weren’t serious, too bad, you’re stuck with him now
Tim Drake
Goes along with it because he assumes he asked you out during an episode and just forgot about it (he stared at that ‘i love you’ for 10 minutes before replying. and then clumsily adding the emoji too bc you included one and he can’t let you think he doesn’t love you as much)
Hi and welcome, 🎋 anon! I know you introduced yourself in the request you sent, but I'm greeting you here because I'll be answering this one first!
*rubs hands together* Oh, boy do I have recs- You can go through the love and deepspace x reader tag on this blog to see my tumblr recs that I go back to re-read often. As for ao3 recs, here they are, in no particular order! All my love and kudos to the lovely authors who wrote them! Most of them are Fem!Reader, btw.
Destiny's Ties (by residentmachina)- non-MC reader, isekai/transmigration, where you're an employee at Destiny's cafe and interact with the LIs. All the LIs are involved, but I don't believe it's poly.
I'll Come Back To You (by Ophella)- MC reader, poly!, a lot of angst and hurt/comfort on all ends. This was the fic that got me started on LADS writing ngl. (Smut included)
Cleaning Up the Timeline (by VeeBeeBoo)- MC reader, poly!, past lives interfering with their modern lives, and you become a housekeeper for the boys. (Smut included)
when you return (promise to never leave) (by teej_tiger)- one shot, Sylus x MC!Reader, where you go dip because of some Hunter business without being able to tell him.
Letters Unsent (by OrphicMeliora)- one shot, Caleb x non-MC reader, where you had a long time crush on Caleb and wrote him letters you never sent. (Smut adjacent? I think?)
Echoes in Space (by feralaffection)- Caleb x non-MC reader, isekai/transmigration, angst so far, where you had been a subject along with Caleb and MC but have been separated from them and the two forgot you.
You never gave me a warning sign (I gave so many signs) (by OrphicMeliora)- Zayne x non-MC!WIfe!Reader, after years of distance and coldness from a marriage forced by your mother, you want a divorce. Him? He wants to make amends.
Meeting Him in a Past Life (by Balidoria)- MC reader, all the LIs are involved but I don't think it's quite poly, due to some bs, you jump through various past/future versions of the LIs. Myth memory spoilers and a rather ongoing emotional aftermath of that world jumping.
across distant nights (by ughbrie)- Dawnbreaker x Reader (I think she's MC), you saw him in your dreams as often as he did you, the two of you interacted and that led to something... more. (Smut included.)
star dogs (by seathings)- Caleb x non-MC reader, Pre-canon and post-canon halfway through. You are an astrophysicist. Slow burn. (Smut included)
when fate yields (by kisstrela)- non-MC reader, isekai and transmigration but not into the LADS-verse. It's broadly inspired by the mechanics of the manhwa 'Villains are destined to die', but the author specified that there are a lot of differences too. All LIs are involved with you, but so far only Xavier and Zayne has been introduced.
This was the latest news posted on Tik Tok this morning about the current situation of the Game and the Company. But please keep being careful.
With this information, this is where I declare that officially I will stop posting and hope that this whole situation can calm down... So bye. 👋🏽
@madam8 , @diamonrot , @igotanidea , @flirtwithluck , @theliving-radio , @rcvcgers , @wendeeesaucy sorry again for scoring without authorization but I think it is important that they know what is happening.
hi again everyone. i know emotions are still running high, and everyone is working to get Valko back, but a few reminders:
sleep. eat. drink water. do NOT stare at your phone all day. go get some sun. read. watch your favorite show. players all around the world are working towards the same goal. breathe. it’ll be okay.
i found something on twt. a chinese player shared it. either way, take it with a grain of salt !!
"im a low-level artist on the project team. the entire character design and pv (promotional video) for the new male lead were completed six months ago. we held meetings three times to warn upper management that dropping a character out of nowhere with zero pre-hype would definitely infuriate veteran players. we suggested extending the promotion period and balancing the content production for the old characters, but everything was rejected by management. the higher-ups only care about traffic and financing. they can't wait for players to argue their way onto the trending searches to boost popularity.
they deliberately suppressed the storyline resources of the five original male leads to pile everything onto the new character, completely disregarding the feelings of long-time paying players. everyone at the grassroots level clearly knew that this plan would ruin the game's reputation, but nobody listened to front-line opinions. the current mess of net-wide boycotts is entirely a self-inflicted result of management's shortsightedness and greed."
yousharknotpass
tangentwithtanner
germansingergirl
prguitarman
romaincrisis
turnnoffyourmind
ellievsbear
