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@moody-alcoholic
Welcome
I'm Moody, this is my main blog where I write about my husband and our boyfriends.
This used to be a COD exclusive blog but it has always been my goal to branch off to other factions too, so I'm making the blog look a little more like a 'main blog.'
Anyway, most things on this blog and others are 18+ so proceed with caution.
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The Missing Piece - Complete Ghoap x reader. 24 chapters. 85k+ words.
These Violent Delights - Ongoing Poly141 x reader, a/b/o AU. Multiple works.
Cross My Heart - Ongoing Poly141 x reader. 14 chapter 50k+ words
Blood And Flame - Ongoing Poly 141 x Reader, Fourth Wing Crossover. Multiple works.
As Above, So Below - Ongoing John Price x Reader. 22 chapters 80k+ words
The End and Beginning of Us - Ongoing Ghoap x reader, omegaverse, post apocalyptic. 1 chapter 7k words
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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
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A Day That Never Comes - Ongoing Gustave x reader, Lune x Sciel. 7 chapters, 20k+ words.
Roses Dont Know When They're Dead - Ongoing IRL/Original Verso x reader. 12 chapters, 25k+ words.
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Where Flesh Meets Fire Masterlist
Summary: Fourth Wing x COD, alternate universe, poly 141 x reader. Please read the first fic Where Blood Meets Flame before this.
Basgiath made you, war molded you. Now you are fighting for not only your survival but the survival of your family, your friends and your partners. The future of your homeland hangs in balance, war or not you’re going to protect the people you love.
Where Blood Meets Flame - AO3 AO3 Chapters marked * contain smut
Thank you @theorist-fox my rock.
Part 1 - Hunted Prologue Chapter 1 - Lines in the sand
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Where Flesh Meets Fire
Prologue
Summary: Fourth Wing x COD, alternate universe, poly 141 x reader. WC: 4.6k CW: Cannon typical violence, death, angst, hurt/ comfort.
Where Blood Meets Flame - Masterlist - next AO3
No one should hold the power of life in their hands, power like that turns men to madness. Do not let my work fall into the wrong hands. One day someone will carry on my legacy, it needs someone who knows the consequences of life and death. When that day comes do not guide them, they need to make their own decisions and their own mistakes. And I hope for all our sakes it is someone kind, for there is already enough evil on this continent. - Extract from a letter written by Artemus Newman to Niral Ilan.
___
612AU The year of the death of Artemus Newman, five years before his daughter graduates Basgiath War College and seven years before her death.
May we condemn their souls to Malek.
___
“My daughter will attend Basgiath War College.” Artemus says as he puts down his cup of tea.
“As a rider?” General Niral asks.
“No, a healer.” He smiles, she hums and leans back in her chair.
“You must be proud?” For a few seconds he doesn’t say anything.
“I’m always proud of her.” Niral smiles and he can feel the weight of her gaze as he plays with his tea cup.
“There is always a place for you here.” She says he can see the sadness on her face, the longing for him to just accept his friend's offer and live a different life. One where he is free to do as he pleases.
“Navarre is all they have known, it’s their home.” Artemus replies. Niral leans forward in her chair, he can see the pleading on her face and it almost breaks his heart.
“They could have a normal life here. Your daughter would make an amazing flier.” She sighs. “You could continue your work and change the continent.”
“It’s not my legacy.” He says shifting uncomfortably, hoping she’ll drop the topic. They have this talk every other month when he comes by for tea. Only this time might be his last, he lets the tea cup clank against the saucer breaking the tension between them. He eyes the stack of reports on her desk. She’s always been surrounded by books and papers, always behind on her reading and reports.
“How have the attacks on the border been?”
“It’s graduation season, the new riders from Basgiath are all eager to bloody their dragon's teeth.” She sighs leaning back in the chair. Artemus can see that she’s annoyed he’s changed the subject. “Our supply lines have been disrupted, we’re working on it.”
“What news from the Capital?” “Most of the same. The Queen keeps up her attacks along the border giving the riders plenty to keep them busy.” He can hear the resentment in her voice. They’ve been sacrificing flier cadets for months to keep the military bolstered but it’s not enough.
“Attacking supply routes is only going to rile up Navarre even more. You should petition the queen to reinforce the borders instead. Let the dragons come to us, over their wards.” Artemus says.
“Maybe you’re right but I am just a headmistress, as the queen likes to remind me.” Niral sighs and gets to her feet going over to the cabinet and pulling out a bottle of Poromielish wine.
“If we’re going to talk politics I need something stronger. She brings over two glasses, she places one down in front of him and he sits up straight looking back over at the stack of reports. “When will you be back?”
“I don’t know.” He accepts the wine, drinking it down to stem some of the irritation rising in him. “With my daughter going to Basgiath there will be more eyes on us. It’s not practical for-”
“When have you ever cared about practicality?” She scoffs sitting back down in her chair and taking a long drink. “I never asked for you to be practical, you’re good at what you do. It would be a shame to lose another smuggler.”
Artemus sighs and takes another drink. “I’m giving you a warning. It's the least I can do.” She scoffs, shaking her head.
“When does she start?”
“October, in three months.” She sighs, pressing her lips together and rolling the glass in her hand.
“I have a family who cannot wait, a woman in desperate need of medical help we cannot provide.” She waits for a second before opening a locked drawer and handing him the mastiff and handing it to him. He takes it and looks over the information, a family of three: a husband, wife and child.
“I will take them, send them to Eliana.” He finishes his glass then stands up and shoves the letter into his pocket. Niral stands with him watching as he shrugs on his fliers jacket and picks up his gloves and goggles. She walks around the table and over to him, he pauses as she buttons up the final button of his jacket.
“Come back, Artemus. I do wish to meet your daughter one day.” She presses a quick kiss on his cheek. “And give my love to Katlyn.”
___
It’s late evening when Artemus finally makes it to his sister's house. She comes to the doorway as he flies over, Thera screeches at her as they land at the bottom of the walled garden. Eliana smiles at him as she makes it to them.
“Are you staying for dinner?” She asks as he pets Thera’s neck. He pulls his flight goggles down around his neck and starts to take off his brown leather flight gloves.
“If there is any going.” He replies and Thera chirps nudging him with her beak. Eliana dries her hands on her apron before scratching behind one of Thera’s ears.
“She knows where I like it better than you do.” Thera teases and Artemus chuckles before him and his sister head towards her house.
“She’s missed you.” Artemus says as they make it up the steps, he looks back to see his gryphon head into the half ruined house. There used to be two other families living here, they both moved after a wyvern attack destroyed their homes. Artemus only managed to get back in time to save his sister's house and he’s always regretted that.
“How was your flight back?” She asks as he sits down at the table, his nose fills with the smell of fresh bread and pie.
“Good, the wind was on our side.”
“And how is General Ilan?”
“She’s coping. The attacks on the border have been getting worse and wyverns have been causing problems inland she cant-” He stops as Eliana places a plate down in front of him with a sigh. He knows she hates politics, she just wants to know how her friend is doing. “She’s fine.”
“She’s always fine.” Eliana sighs then sits down with her own plate. Artemus says grace before they both dig into their food.
“When are you going back?” She asks, by back she means home but Eliana will never call Narve his home.
“Late tonight, I’m taking a family over with me too.” He says looking up at the clock on the wall. “They should be here in a few hours.” Eliana nods.
“This is the last one for a while.” He says. She looks sad.
“I worry about you when you’re over there. If they found out you were smuggling they’d have your head.” She says, he nods and smiles at her.
“So I won’t get caught.”
…
When it’s dark and he’s a few glasses of wine deep he makes his way over to the abandoned and ruined house Thera sleeps in. When he opens the door she lifts her head and gets to her feet. He walks over to her and wraps his arms around her neck.
“How are you?”
“I’m fine.” She chirps, nuzzling Artemus who scratches behind her ears, he hums following the side of her face and down to her chin.
“We have one more family to take over the border, then we can rest.”
“For how long?” Artemus hums again, he laces his fingers through her thick feathers. She’ll be maulting soon, getting her winter coat before the harsh winters in the mountains.
“For a little while, at least until spring.” He replies and sits down on the pile of hay and Thera sits in front of him keeping close.
“Do you remember the night she was born?” He asks out loud before taking a swig of his waterskin. Thera tips her head to the side.
“Your daughter?” He nods.
“It was snowing. The worst storm we’d seen in centuries they said. The midwife couldn’t get up from the village to our house. Katlyn laboured all night, when the sun came up that's when it was over.” He smiles, taking another swig of the wine-filled skin. “You stayed the whole night, hidden in the stable with a horse.”
“It was too dangerous to fly back.” Thera replies, Artemus nods.
“Do you remember when I bought her to you? Only a few hours old. She was so perfect.”
“I remember.” Thera chirps happily.
“She’s kind and stubborn like her mother. And she’s adventurous, brave and level headed. I regret it was the only time you got to see her, but it was for the best she didn’t know about your existence, or my history with Poromiel.” Artemus says, he sighs choosing his next words carefully.
“I would like to form a blood bond.”
Thera chirps and tenses, Artemus reaches out to stroke her.
“I know it’s rarely done but I want her to be your flier. If anything should happen to me.”
“What would happen to you?”
“We do dangerous work. There is always a risk.” Artemus drops off the haybale and down to his knees making Thera look down at him. He produces a knife, it shines in the moonlight Thera watches as he presses the blade to the palm of his hand.
He hesitates for a second before dragging it down his hand leaving a streak of blood. Thera lowers her head sniffing at the blood before leaning back on her legs. She raises one of her paws, extending her claw and digging it into her other palm drawing blood. Artemus smiles as Thera raises her paw and he presses his palm against hers.
Artemus can feel the energy change, magic fills the air and he feels it pulse through them both. Thera chirps lowering her paw and stands up, Artemus follows then wraps his arms around her neck.
“She’s going to make a great flier.” Artemus says.
Thera chirps. “She’ll never be as good as you.” Artemus breaks from the hug stroking the side of her face.
“No, she’ll be better.”
___
“Dad!” Your voice is as cheerful as ever as you meet him at the bottom of your garden. Your mother probably sent you out for more herbs, he can already smell the food from here. The family following behind him stops as you rush over wrapping your arms around him.
“Ah, my daughter. How I have missed you.” He picks you up in his arms squeezing you tight before putting you back down. The sun is only just cresting over the mountains making the small hamlet below look like it’s on fire.
“You’ve been gone for longer than we expected.” She says and looks behind Artemus to see the group of people. “More family friends?”
“They’re desperate for food, and maybe somewhere to rest. It’s been a long trek over the mountains.” He says with a smile. You nod and turn back to rush into the house calling for your mother. Artemus turns to look at the tired family.
“We will rest here, it’s safe.” He smiles then looks back up to the mountains. Thera is hiding somewhere in the mountains. She has always guided him over the mountains safely, she has never let him down. Storm clouds fill the sky, he hears rumbling in the distance then leads the family over to the stables.
When he makes it into the house the smell of fresh bread and herbs hits his nose. You smile at him then slip back out the front door. When you close it behind you, your mother finaly turns.
“You were gone for almost a month.” She sighs leaning against the sink. Artemus doesn’t care how much trouble he's going to be in, he’s just glad to see her and he smiles as he walks over to her.
“What happened to your hand?” She asks, ever the observant healer.
“I cut it. Don’t worry it was a clean blade.”
“There is no such thing as a clean blade.” She sighs. “I will apply some slave later, to stave off an infection.”
“I’ve missed you.” He says, wrapping his arm around his wife's waist. Her resolve melts against him and she kisses him one of her hands travels up to his face and she traces his jaw breaking from the kiss and looking deep into his eyes.
“I have missed you too. You said this was going to be the last time.”
“And it is, I promise.” His hand presses on the small of her back. “When she goes to Basgiath, that is what I promised.”
Kaitlyn nods. “You should speak to her. Soon she won’t be here.”
“I will.” He presses a kiss on her forehead. “First, let's eat. It’s been a long journey.”
…
It’s midday when the storm finally makes it over the mountains and the sky is filled with dark clouds. Your father finds you collecting eggs as the family he’s smuggling gets some rest in the old stables.
“You look older.” Artemus says as he approaches you. You chuckle closing the pen door and turning.
“You too.” He smiles following as you head back towards the house.
“Do you think I’m making the right choice?” You ask, suddenly stopping in your tracks. Artemus looks up at the sky thinking about his next words carefully.
“About leaving?” He asks probing for more information.
“About Basgiath.” You look up at the skies with him.
“I think it’s a good choice.”
“I don’t want to go to war.”
“It’s a good job we’re not at war then.” He smiles trying to put you at ease. Thunder rumbles in the distance and lightning flashes over the mountains. “I think you’re making the choice that's best for you.”
“I don’t want to be like mum, spending half my life stuck in the same hospital with the same routine. I want to get out there and do something, make a difference.” He feels proud as he watches you look over at him with determination on your face. He goes over and rests his hands on the top of your arms.
“You are going to do amazing things.” He moves his hands up to cup your face and presses a kiss on your forehead. “You’re going to change the continent one day.”
You chuckle. “I don’t think I’m that good. I just want to help. I want to help you one day, with your family friends.” Artemus drops your face and sighs, there is no way in hell you’ll be allowed to help with that. It’s far too dangerous.
“We can talk about it when you graduate.” He says. Wrapping his arm around your shoulder and leading you back towards the house. He only manages to take a step before a familiar screech fills the air. He stops and so do you turning to look towards the direction of the noise.
“Is that a-” You pause to gasp. “Is that a gryphon?” Artemus’ jaw tenses as Thera flies at full speed towards the garden. She shouldn’t be doing this, she should never give herself away unless. Fear grips at him.
“Wyverns!” Thera says as she lands in the garden and screeches so loud you jump away.
“Easy.” He walks towards her holding his hand out but keeping one hand on you.
“Wyverns and venin there-” She doesn’t get time to finish the words as a roar fills the sky bouncing off the mountains. Artemus looks up while your eyes are still fixated on Thera, he sees the flash of blue. The storm, it’s not natural he can feel the magic in it now.
“Go!” He says, trying to hide the fear in his voice as the family he’s smuggling comes out of the stable.
“Whats happening?” You ask.
“Go inside with your mother.” He orders, you nod blindly and drop the eggs turning for the door but it’s too late. There’s a roar that shakes the ground and a wyvern dives for the house. Blue fire spews out of its mouth setting alight the roof in an instance. You scream rushing towards the building but he holds you back as your mother comes out of the house screaming.
She trips on the path and Artemus finally lets you go so you can be with her. He turns to Thera just as the next wyvern makes a pass.
“Protect them!” He says, she cries out launching into the sky then landing next to you and your mother. The wyvern roars and the child with the family starts to cry as the storm seems to change, Artemus goes over to the family, the father trying to shield the mother and his daughter from the torrential downpour.
“We need to get to safely.” He says but he’s not sure what to do or where to go. He looks up and stills as he takes in his surroundings, above them are two circling wyverns, the storm clouds seem to have dropped to touch the earth like a thick gray fog encircling their home.
Energy fills the air, the wyverns roar and Thera cries out flapping her wings. Atremus is not sure what to do, it’s like he’s been trapped.
“Look out!” Thera cries, it happens so quick. An icicle shoots out of the fog and drives straight into the neck of the husband he’s smuggling. It’s like everything suddenly goes silent, Artemus watches for one heartbeat, then another. Then an ear piercing scream fills the air.
“To your right!” Thera shouts again and he dodges just in time for an icicle to whizz past his head and explodes against the house. Another one is launched this time slamming into the chest of the mother. The screaming stops.
“NO!” Artemus roars as he launches at the little girl. He has to save her but just as he is about to reach her a red hot pain irrupts in his side. He cries out and drops to his knees.
“Dad!” He hears you shout. He hopes you’re not watching as a third and final icicle silences the screaming child. A shiver runs through Artemus, then rage. He cries out in anguish as he gets to his feet feeling where the pain is, he’s been struck in the side.
“Artemus!” The venin calls stepping out of the clouds with his arms spread. Artemus steps towards him as Thera paces behind you and Kaitlyn, both you and your mother on your knees sobbing.
“What do you want!?” He calls over the thunder and torrential rain.
“You. Come with us and we will leave your family alone!” He replies, Artemus scoffs.
“You just destroyed my home! Killed innocent people, why would I do anything you say?” He spits. The venin smiles and an icicle forms in his hand.
“Last chance.” The venin shouts. Artemus looks back at his wife and you, huddled together with Thera behind you both.
“Never.” He shouts, turning back to the venin. He stands proud and defiant in his choice. The venin tips his head to the side, spinning the spike of ice in his hand before launching it directly into Artemus’ chest.
Artemus has never heard you scream, not like this, not with such horror in your voice. He looks down at his chest seeing the icicle turn blood red, he collapses to his knees and feels hands grip him laying him flat. The venin stalks over as Thera lands with a thud between him and the venin flaring her wings and screaming in his face.
The venin laughs and it sounds like it reverberates off the fog. “Leave the mother and daughter.” He bellows as a wyvern lands next to him and Thera backs up, her wings still streached as she screeches. “Dystroy the hamlet. We did what we came here for.”
“Dad!” Your voice fills his ears, he can feel hands press around his chest. He’s let everyone down, he’s let the whole hamlet down. He looks between his wife and you. Kaitlyn presses around the icicle and he winces.
“Da- dad look at me.” You’re strangely calm, grabbing his hand and squeezing as your mother looks around his wounds. He knows it’s too late though. The fog and clouds around the house start to lift and the screams from the hamlet below begin.
This is his fault, he led the venin here, he knew they were after him but he didn’t think they meant to kill him. He looks up into your eyes, he has to change this. If there is one thing he can do in his dying moments is save you.
“What was that? Why did the dragons attack us?” You ask, he can see the pleading in, you want answers and you’ll never stop looking. He turns to look at his wife and reaches out for her hand. She nods knowingly then walks around to stand behind you.
“Mum, whats going on?” You ask as she bends down behind you.
“It’s okay, it’s all going to be okay.” She sniffles and pulls you into her arms. Thera walks around to Artemus’s other side whining and licking at the blood and the melting icicle.
“It’s okay, girl. We had a good run.” He says with a smile.
“Mum?” You whisper as he pulls his hand out of yours and reaches up to touch your face.
“I love you so much and I need you to be brave for me.” He says through a ragged breath bringing his hand up to your temple. You nod and he gives you a reassuring smile. His fingers are blooded but he needs to do this. You’ll spend the rest of your life hating Poromiel but you’ll be safe. He closes his eyes and reaches for Thera’s power. She cries out a pained groan, she’s mourning you and you don’t even know her yet.
He closes his eyes hearing your protests as his wife, your mother holds you so Artemus can do his job. His fingers tingle as Thera’s power travels through him, he sees your mind like a maze. He hates it, he hates invading your mind like this. You’re his daughter he should just stop but then he would be putting you both at risk.
He finds the memories you’ve just created, he starts to syphon them away before they plant themselves deeper into your mind. You squirm letting out a deep groan as he pulls at the memories in your mind, he hears Thera come over to him and she lays down by his body nudging him with her beak.
He smiles and reaches over with his free hand to scratch above her nose. She whines again resting her head over his body. He focuses on changing the memories from the attack to gryphons instead of wyverns and venin. You shuffle again and his wife has to hold you tighter as he finishes up drawing more power from Thera.
“It hurts.” You sob, it breaks his heart.
“It’ll be over soon.” He assures you, keeping his voice as calm as possible. He opens his eyes as he finishes pulling out the rest of your memories, your eyes roll back in your head and you collapse against your mothers arms.
“Sh- She won’t remember.” He feels his energy fading and reaches over to stroke Thera properly who chips and turns so she can look in his eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“I understand.” Kaitlyn says stroking the top of your head, tears rolling down her face. He reaches up to brush one away leaving a smear of blood.
“I love you, Kaitlyn. I always have.” He says. She sobs holding you closer before leaning over to press a kiss on his lips. He can taste her tears, he can feel her shaky movements. When she breaks from the kiss he can see the pain on her face, the tears drowning her eyes. “I always loved your eyes, like sapphires.”
He coughs and blood spits out his mouth, Katlyn cups his face as he strokes Thera’s neck. He turns to look at her.
“Go home to Eliana, she’ll keep you safe.” He says.
“I don’t want to lose you.” She replies and blinks.
“My daughter needs you.”
“How will she know what to do if she can’t remember me?” She asks, he hums brushing up to her ears where he knows she likes it and she leans into his touch.
“She’ll know. I know she will.” He says then turns back to his wife and you unconscious in her arms. His vision begins to swim and he can’t blink it away, he reaches for your hand picking it up and squeezing it.
“Keep her safe.” He says.
“I will join you in the next life, love.” She replies, brushing hair behind his ear. Artemus manages to smile, his eyes flicking down to you one last time before the last of his life leaves him. Thera raises her head, her feathers covered in blood. Katlyn sobs, tears rolling down her face as she reaches for Artemus’ hand squeezing it in yours.
Thera chirps sadly nudging Artemus one more time to no avail. She throws her head up, spreading her wings and crying out a painful screech. She launches into the sky leaving her dead flier alone with his wife and you, someone who will one day mount her, until then she mourns.
___
Where Blood meets flame
Where Blood Meets Flame
Chapter 42 - As Ashes Fall
Summary: Fourth Wing x COD, alternate universe, poly 141 x reader. WC: 8k CW: Cannon typical violence, death, angst, hurt/ comfort, war.
AN: I can't believe the first half of this fic is over. I can't believe there is a whole other fic in the works. Like I said I would try and make the transition as easy as possible which means I am posting the next chapter of the new fic right now and you can go and read it here after this chapter.
You can also read it on AO3.
Thank you so much to everyone who has enjoyed this first half, thank you for all your comments and feeback and just liking and reading. It means the world to me and I can't wait to continue the story.
Previous parts - Masterlist - Where Flesh Meets Fire AO3
Do no harm, still no beating heart. For yours are the hands to give life, not take. - Extract From The Code of Chricton
___
Water fills his mouth.
He can hear John calling him but he can’t respond right now. Waves pull him back under and he fights to stay above the surface.
“Swim!” John and Car scream in his head but he takes another mouthful of water and the ocean pulls him back down. Salt water stings his eyes as he thrashes, willing his body to break the surface but he can’t.
“John!” He calls as the current pulls him deeper, he turns and barely has time to register the rocks below the cliffs. He tries to grab onto them as his body is slammed against them but his hands miss and what little air he has left in his lungs is forced out.
Black spots flash around his vision as water fills his mouth and escapes down his windpipe. He can’t breathe and his chest aches. He makes one last frantic reach for the surface, his fingers breaking through and feeling the wind as his body gives in.
Massive claws wrap around Kyle as Tahpe grabs him out the water.
“Kyle!” John shouts out loud and in his head to no response. Car roars and follows Tahpe as he flies to the cliff and lands gently putting Kyle down. John slips off Tahpe’s side as Car lands looking down at Kyle’s unconscious body. John rushes over his hands finding Kyle’s pale face.
“C’mon, Kyle. Don’t do this to me.” John pleads, pressing his ear against his nose and hearing his breathing and looks up at Kyle's dragon and nods.
“Major!” Someone shouts and John turns to look at soldiers rushing towards him. He wants to shoo them away, but he needs a medic. He needs you.
“I need a medic. Is there any news from my team?” John snaps as the lead soldier stops and salutes him.
“News from Major Graves.” John takes the piece of paper off him and reads it. He skips past the pleasantries and reads what's important. It’s over, they managed to hold the front and cut off the oncoming venin. It seems like the back up from The Barrens was smaller than they anticipated. Or more likely this fight isn’t over and there is more to come.
John looks up at Thape then back down at Kyle watching his chest rise and fall. A medic runs over, a healer dressed in pale blue, a strip of white adorned with a red cross. She reminds John of you, only instead of riding into battle on dragon back she looks terrified. Car growls at her, lowering his head behind John.
“He fell into the water.” John says gesturing for her to come over.
“H-how long was he under?” She asks bending down on the other side of Kyle as more healers come over.
“A couple of minutes.” John stands up. He needs to know what is going on with Johnny, Simon and you. You could be deep in the mountains stuck and dying. He shivers at the thought. “His dragon will take him back to The Riorson House.”
“Where are you going?” She asks as John rushes over to mount Tahpe.
“To find my team.” He calls back.
“Major Price! Major Graves requests your assistance!” The soldier shouts up to him. John huffs in frustration grabbing Thape’s pommels.
“Major Graves will wait. No more of my team will be injured today!” And before the soldier has time to respond, Tahpe launches into the air.
“Ayzelunth and Oarsirias say the mountain pass is clear.” Tahpe says.
“Can they communicate with their riders?” John asks.
“No, they are still out of range.”
“We will have no more accidents today.”
“You lead me.” Thape roars. “We will not fail today.”
___
You’re still holding Simon’s face when the rumbling starts behind you. This cave in is not going to hold, and you have no idea if there will be venin waiting on the other side. Simon can move the stones again but that would mean having to use more power from the earth. You watch him blink as the red ring around his irises contrasts with the caramel brown.
“Never-” You choke on the words. “Never do that again.”
“We’re alive.” He says as a matter of fact. You scoff and turn to Johnny whose eyes are closed now. You rush over to him and bend down by his side pressing your fingers into his neck. He’s alive, he’s breathing just unconscious. You have no idea what kind of injuries he has from the explosion but he clearly needs help.
“We need to get out of here.” You say standing back up to look at Simon. He nods and sheaths his sword before walking over to the pile of rubble.
“It’ll take hours to dig through this rubble.” He says. “I could-”
“No!” You snap, shaking your head.
“It’s the only way we’re getting out of here.” He says, you know he’s right. You turn back to Johnny, you don’t want to watch Simon lose any more of his humanity.
“Johnny.” You gently shake him, he mumbles moaning and gripping his arm, now you know where his pain is – or at least some of it. “Johnny, look at me.” He slowly blinks, opening his strained eyes. His head lulls and you catch it holding it straight.
“Look at me” You chase his eyeline. He looks devastated and in pain. “Where does it hurt?” He presses on his stomach. You follow his hand pressing down, he winces and you feel around for anything out of the ordinary. You turn to look at Simon as you hear rubble move and see the path being cleared, the stone moving to Simon’s touch.
“He. Did it didn’t he?” Johnny asks so quietly you almost miss it. “Power from the earth.” You look down and wipe a tear away with your thumb, he looks at you with wide eyes and you nod. Johnny squeezes his eyes closed and you press your forehead against his, giving you each a second to breathe.
“It’s clear.” You break from Johnny turning to look at Simon who has drawn his sword again pointing it to the now cleared tunnel. You hook your arm around Johnny throwing his arm over your shoulders helping him to his feet with a groan. Simon comes over to help you but you bat him away taking the majority of Johnny’s weight on you.
“No, you need to defend us. I can handle this.” You hitch Johnny again and start to walk. Johnny groans, you have no idea how he’s even going to mount his dragon. You start down the tunnels trying to see if there are any parts you recognise, the blast has caused significant damage and it feels like the whole place could come tumbling down in a minute.
You don’t think you’ve ever seen a mountain fall.
You take another step forward and your foot kicks something. You stop and look down at a body, pale face and white hair crushed under the cave in. You swallow hard and continue. Simon stops at the top of the tunnel cross section.
“Stay here, let me scout ahead.” Simon says it makes you jump and Johnny moans, you nod and close your mouth. There is little light in the tunnel and what mage lights are left flicker on the broken floor.
“Help.” The voice is so faint you almost miss it but it echoes off the barren walls and you turn with Johnny to see a venin with half his body pinned under the rubble. You feel bile rise in your throat at the sight of him. Even if you could move the rubble with the extent of his injuries he wouldn’t survive for long.
You should leave him to die. His kind are out there fighting to take over the region, you’re defending it his fight is over, one less venin to kill. Something twists in your stomach though and you find yourself lowering Johnny against the wall. You swing your bag around to your front and open it reaching for your water skin.
You walk over to him, his face and hair is covered in dust. You kneel down by his head, slipping your hand around the back and helping him hold it up. He looks up at you with red ringed eyes and opens his mouth as you press the skin to his lips. He drinks eagerly, you let him have as much as he wants, you hear steps behind you and turn to see Simon standing at the cross, he looks between you and Johnny.
You let the man's head fall back down then stand closing the top of your waterskin.
“I took an oath. To help all those in need.” You say, he nods and lowers his sword.
“I know the way out.” You nod, closing your back back up and swinging it back behind you. He helps you pick up Johnny and you wrap your arm around him letting Simon let go and walk ahead of you. The tunnels feel like they go on forever, it feels like you’re going deeper into the cave. It’s only when you see the first light of the sun and feel your connection restored with Ayze that you know it’s over.
“Healer, are you okay?” She asks.
“I am, Johnny is injured.” You reply, you can’t help smiling as her voice fills your head. You squint as you make it into the clearing, the scars of fighting are everywhere. Dead bodies and weapons from both sides, the stench of blood fills the air as Ayze and Oarsirias land. Lundra circles above and you look down at Johnny, his eyes are barely open and he looks deathly pale.
“She’s mad I got hurt.” He says with a scoff. “She should be mad at me, I was the one who made the shield.” You look up at the deep red dragon as she comes in to land between Ayze and Oarsirias. You help Johnny walk over to her, at least he seems to have perked up a little. You and Simon help him mount Lundra, she whines as he winces and cries out in pain. As soon as he’s in his seat she raises up and launches into the sky.
You’re holding your breath as she flies over the mountains and send up a silent prayer that Johnny stays in his seat on the trip back to The Riorson House. You turn to look at Simon trying to walk towards Oarsirias but she steps away from him and he pauses.
“Oarsirias.” He reaches out for her but she turns her head away from him. You don’t think you’ve ever seen a dragon look disgusted before but that's what you feel. Simon sighs and walks around to mount her, she doesn’t lower herself for him.
You walk over to him and he turns as thunder rumbles in the distance, you rest your hand on his back and he turns to look at you.
“She won’t speak to me.”
“She will. You’re her rider.” You reply looking deep in his eyes for a hint of red but there is nothing, his eyes just shine golden looking darker with the paint around his eyes. You nod and force a smile, he turns and steps up onto her back leg. A roar fills the sky and you look up to see Tahpe and his battlescared wings block the sun before they turn into land.
Ayze moves to let him and you walk up to them.
“Where’s Soap?” John asks immediately and slides off Tahpe’s back.
“He was injured, Laundra has taken him back for medical treatment.” You say. “Where is Kyle?” You look around for Car but you don’t see him.
“He fell.” Your heart stops and you gasp. You reach out for him in your mind and hit a wall. “He’s also at The Riorson House for treatment.”
“Is- is he okay?” You ask, you should have been there. You should have been there to catch him.
“He’s okay, we’ll know more when we get back.” You nod, you still have to make it back there and who knows if there will be more fighting on the way. Your heart is still pounding in your chest as you mount Ayze. Johnny and Kyle are both injured but you’re safe and so are John and Simon.
Well, somewhat safe. You look over at Simon on the back of a still transformed Oarsirias. You will fix this, no matter what you’re going to save the man you love.
…
As you land horns blow and bells ring signifying your victory. It doesn't feel like a victory, you look over as Oarsirias lands with a pained groan. You feel her pain, you feel it physically deep in your bones and your hand goes to rub your abdomen.
“It has begun.” Ayze says and flies off before you even get a chance to turn properly.
“What has begun?” You ask.
“Her labor.” You turn to look at Tahpe and John, Tahpe’s head is lowered and John runs his hand down his massive jaw. He whispers something at him before stepping back and letting his dragon launch into the sky, which he does with a roar following after Ayze.
“You okay?” Simon asks as he comes up next to you, you’re still rubbing your abdomen.
“Oarsirias.” You say.
Ulices comes out to greet you, you and John walk past him. “Fen wants to debrief right away.”
“We have injured, we will make sure they’re okay first.” John turns on his heels.
“Lieutenant MacTavish is in surgery-”
“Surgery?” You interrupt him.
“They said he had some internal damage.” He explains, you scoff that could mean anything.
“What about Garrick?” John asks.
“He remains unconscious but stable.” Ulices says then gestures for the entrance. “If you please Major.” Simon comes up to stand next to you, you can’t help looking into his eyes but there isn’t a hint of red in them. You follow John and Ulices into the assembly room where you’re met with clapping and pats on the back.
Everything about this feels hollow.
You hear someone talking, shouting. John holds his hand out for you to stop.
“-I had to defend this province alone!” Fen slams his fist on the table, everyone in the room goes quiet. You tense and feel Simon beside you tense too. No one says anything and all eyes are on Fen as he stands.
“I will be traveling to Calldyr City to speak with the King, maybe then I can convince him to come to our aid in the future. This is no longer a problem he can ignore.”
“Human politics.” Ayze grumbles.
“How is Oarsirias?”
“Her labor will be long.”
“Is it because she has transformed? She should be at The Vale.”
“She is safe here.”
Major Graves bursts into the room and everyone turns to look at him as he strides over to John.
“You were supposed to be my back up!” He snaps, you’re taken aback by his anger but at least its not directed at you.
“My team needed me in the mountains.” John explains and Graves scoffs.
“I needed you on the battlefield!”
“Okay, easy now. We won.” Ulices says getting between John and Graves.
“What the hell happened in that mountain!” Graves snaps. It feels like all the air has been sucked out your lungs, you look at Simon not sure what to say.
“We destroyed their dragon forge.” Simon says, sounding unbothered. There are gasps and murmurs around the room Graves looks between you both.
“I heard rumors.” Graves says.
“What kind of rumors?” John steps in, your blood runs cold, no one knows, Graves can’t know.
“Rumors about magic.”
“Be very careful about the implications you’re making.” John says, getting up in his face. “They might be your last.” His hand moves to the dagger on his hip.
“I can assure you, Major, the only magic used was through our dragon's signet’s.” Simon says in a cool but authoritative tone slicing through some of the tension in the air. Everyone is on edge even though the battle has been won.
“Major Price and his team fought bravely just as Shadow Wing did.” Ulices says as John takes a step away from Graves. “We should discuss casualties.”
“Shadow Wing took twenty-eight casualties and four deaths.” Graves starts. You clench your jaw, it's more than you expected. “We held the Medaro Pass strong, there were no civilian casualties. Only venin and wyverns.”
“Did we lose any dragons?” Mairi asks. You look over at Fen leaning over the table.
“No, only men.”
“And your unit, John?” Fen asks.
“We took two casualties. No losses.” John says, Fen’s fist slams the table again.
“What about the infantry units? Do we have preliminary numbers?” Ulices goes to open his mouth when the door to the room flies open.
“Wyverns! Spotted over the mountains!” The soldier says. You and Simon are already rushing to the door when you put your hand out to stop him.
“Oarsirias is in labor, Tahpe is with her, they can’t fly.” You remind them.
“Tahpe says he’s ready.”
“John.” You plead with him, tipping your head to the side. If he gets hurt he’ll leave Oarsirias alone.
“I am coming.” Ayze says. He nods and Graves pushes past you.
“Shadow wing is still coming back from the Pass. Toilra is ready to fly.” You nod at him, you never knew the name of Graves’ dragon. Dragons roar and you rush out of the building to the front courtyard as Ayze and Toilra land. Graves’ red looks tiny compared to Ayze, you have no idea what you were ever worried about.
You’re exhausted but you can hear the wyverns crying in the distance and you need to get in the sky and take them out. Graves mounts his dragon with ease, calling out orders to his shadows as you climb up Ayze’s side.
“Let’s go, medic!” He shouts at you as he launches. You huff and get into your seat watching Graves and his dragon fly off, Ayze blows smoke out her nose then follows him. You can see dark clouds over the mountains, a bad omen? More venin on their way?
“A storm.” Ayze says, then flares her nostrils. You feel a sense of calm wash over you then your head snaps up as three wyvern fly through the clouds, glowing blue. You can’t communicate with Graves the way you can with the others but their dragons can.
“He said we could have the biggest one.” Ayze says, you smile and grip onto her tighter. Ayze senses your excitement and heads towards the larger of the three flying above the rest. Graves distracts the other two as you get closer and closer to the wyvern, you’re so close you can see its blue organs pulsing through its chest.
You just need to get a little closer.
“Fire!” You cry out. Flames roar out of Ayze’s mouth engulfing the wyverns in fire. It screeches as it scorches then explodes into a thick puff of blue mist.
“Where is the venin?!” You ask Ayze even though you know she’s keeping track of the wyverns more. As another one approaches she throws her wings out, stalling in the air and wrapping her claws around the wyvern before digging her teeth into its neck. It bellows making you want to press your hands over your ears before it’s over.
You look down to the ground as thick clouds roll in, you see infantry making their way back towards the camps and Ath. Graves and Toilra fly over you, attacking another wyvern. There is only one left, one chance to find the venin. You follow the blue threads looking between the mountains as Ayze circles above.
“There!” You point as you see them disappearing to a clearing. Graves must see it too because he dives towards it. Ayze follows, leaving the wyvern and going straight for the source. You squint as you see the figure with his arms still thrown up in the air, he has dark hair and skin. Your stomach drops. Erik wouldn’t have fought in the main battle, his role was to get Berwyn out of their stronghold.
You watch as Graves lands, he doesn’t even bother dismounting his dragon as the venin drops his arms and the wyvern disappears like it never existed in the first place. You clutch Ayze tighter as you watch the venin back up, he looks more and more like Erik the closer you get.
“It is not him, kind one.” Ayze says, snapping you out of your head just as Toilra opens his mouth and burns the venin.
…
When you make it back to The Riorson House Simon is waiting for you at the door. The sun is setting and his white mask is lit up in shades of orange. You slide down Ayze’s side and pat her leg as you walk over to him.
“How is Oarsirias?” You ask.
“It has ended.”
“She has an egg?”
“It will need to be taken back to The Vale, the hatching grounds here are too warm.” Ayze says, you smile as you reach Simon.
“We found the Venin, Graves took it out.” You say finally pulling off your flight gloves.
“Good.” He turns as you walk inside.
“Where is John?” You ask frowning.
“He went to the medical wing.” You nod and follow him down the halls. You haven’t seen the gryphons yet.
“Simon.” You walk up to him reaching out for his arm. He shrugs you off and you’re not sure what to do.
“How’s Johnny?” He asks. You sigh and look up at the medical board.
“Still in surgery.”
“I should be with them. We both should.” He turns to leave but you stop him.
“Have you spoken to John?” You ask. He hesitates then shakes his head.
“Simon.” You tut and shake yours.
“He doesn’t have to know. As far as he’s aware we got out of those tunnels without magic.”
“No, he needs to know. He should know.” You say, you move to stand in front of him and look up into his eyes. “He’s your partner, my partner and he has a right to know.”
“It’ll kill him.”
“Not if he hears it from you and there’s a good chance when Johnny wakes up he’ll tell John.” You sigh, it’s like he’s not getting it. “He needs to hear it from you.”
Simon sighs and you look up into his eyes. There is not a hint of red, but you can see the pain in them. He regrets it, you know that for sure.
“Is Oarsirias still not talking to you?” You ask, lowering your head. He lets out a long sigh.
“Is she talking to you?” He counters. You reach out for her down your bond but there is nothing just a door blocking you.
“No. She was in labor, she’s probably resting.” You reply, you feel Ayze her bond has been strengthened, probably to make up for the lack of Oarsirias. She doesn’t agree with what he did, none of the dragons do but for her it’s more painful, the dragons channeling power through you is an incredible gift, a privilege and an honor. Using magic from the earth is like spitting in your dragon's face. They’re all mad, but especially Oarsirias.
“She’ll come around.” You say trying to offer him some little comfort.
“I don’t think she will.”
“Dragons are stubborn.” You say, he hums and turns to walk away and you let him go this time.
“Will she ever talk to him again?”
“It is up to her.” Ayze says.
“He saved our lives.”
“And in return he lost his.”
…
When you make it to Kyle’s private room it is already dark out.
“He’s still sleeping.” John says as you make it to the end of the bed. You see him squeeze Kyle’s hand as you pick up his folder. You look over it, he has pneumonia it makes you swallow hard. He had water in his lungs, you should have been there. You should have been there to catch him. You sigh, putting the folder back then walk around and stand next to John. You wrap your arm around his shoulders and he leans against you. Kyle looks pale but rested, a gash on his arm has been patched up, the only thing covering him is the bedding.
“How is Simon?” John asks.
“He’s okay. He’s worried about Johnny and Kyle.” It’s partly true.
“He seems distracted.” John says, you squeeze him.
“We all are.” You reply and sit down in the chair next to him resting your hand on his thigh.
“They said there was water in his lungs.” John says.
“Pneumonia.” You say. “The water is out of his lungs but he’ll take a few weeks to recover.”
“How’s John?”
“In surgery, he should be out in an hour or so.” You say squeezing his thigh.
“I let them down, I let you all down.” John says and hangs his head.
“No, you didn’t. We had a plan and it worked. We destroyed their dragon forge. We dealt a blow they’re never going to recover from.” You turn to look at him. “We did it, John. The plan worked.”
“And look what it cost us.” He says, you see moisture gather in his eyes as he squeezes Kyle’s hand again. There is a knock on the door and you both turn to see a nurse with a bucket walk in. She stops short and looks between you both.
“It’s time for his wash.” She says, you get to your feet and take the bucket and sponge from her.
“I can do it.” You say. She nods and leaves, for a brief moment you wish you were still in blue. You look down at your black riders leathers, your chest is still covered in throwing knives. Your sword and hatchet are at your side. The only thing that reminds you you were once one of them is the bag on your back.
You turn back to John and Kyle and walk over to the bed. John shuffles as you kneel down on the opposite side and pull the covers down his chest. There’s fresh bruising, you put the bucket down and squeeze the sponge.
“Once my father told me that healers are the true warriors.” You say as you start to wash Kyle with the damp sponge. “I always wanted to be a healer but I never wanted to be involved in a war. I joined Basgiath to help people, to make a change just as my father did with his smuggling.” You pick up Kyle's arm gently whip down the underside before putting it back down again.
“When did you figure out about your fathers smuggling?” John asks. You look up at him, there are tears still in his eyes.
“Once there was this kid with a broken leg. A compound fracture – a bone was sticking out his leg. No one in our village was a healer, the nearest help was a military base. We couldn’t go there without the Navarren soldiers knowing who they were.” You pause as you move down Kyle’s chest. “My mother tried her best but none of her training or tinctures were enough. I was with him until he died.” You stop and look up at John who just looks sad.
“He died in pain from an infection he picked up trying to flee a life of torment and there was nothing anyone could do.” You say dunking the sponge back into the water. “My father told me that they were distant friends of the family but I knew different. Maybe it was the way my mother looked at my father the next morning, like he’d failed.”
“It was the last family he smuggled before he died. When I swore the oath, the Code of Chricton before the Gods, I made a promise that I would heal everyone I could. No matter who they are or where they came from.”
“I’m sorry.” John says.
“It’s okay, I grew up that day.” You say force a smile, as you do Kyle groans, your attention immediately turns to him and you stop patting his chest. He coughs and wheezes, John sits forward in his chair and helps Kyle sit up. You pull the duvet back over him, covering him to his navel.
“Easy, Kyle.” You say as he wheezes again. You turn and offer him some water.
“Wha- what happened?” He asks, his voice is raspy. He accepts the water and drinks it slowly.
“You fell, into the ocean. Tahpe got you out but not quick enough.” John explains.
“Where are we?”
“The Riorson house.” You say rubbing his arm. He looks over at you and smiles.
“Did you do it?” He asks.
You nod. “We did it.”
___
The next morning you finally get to see Rhea. Her and the other gryphons who stayed were responsible for moving the injured between the battlefield and Aretia. Today when she walks in riders black, all of them do. It was done to distinguish them in case the fliers who abandoned their post came back.
You still can’t believe they willingly chose to leave and join the venin, even after giving them a home when Cliffsbane fell. They betrayed your trust and worst their home, all for the false lies venin pump into their head.
“What was it like on the front lines?” She asks, looping her arm with yours and leaning in close.
“I was inside their stronghold.” You remind her.
“But still, you got to be where the action is.” She sounds excited to hear stories but everything makes you think of Simon and the sacrifice he made.
“It was all pretty uneventful.” You lie, you can tell she wants more but doesn’t push the subject.
“How is general Ilan?” You ask moving the topic along.
“Her ankle is broken, she was pretty upset she had to sit out and let Nikolai take charge.”
“It’s better than causing permanent damage.” You reply automatically. She hums and leads you into the mess hall which is mostly empty this time of day. Craven, his boyfriend and the rest of Rhea’s squad are sat at one of the tables.
“How the hell do you wear these things?” Craven says as you approach pulling on the collar of his top.
“With pride.” You almost spit back at him. He sighs and gets back to looking at the playing cards in his hands. Luckily none of the fliers were lost and they all did a good job re-enforcing the defence around Aretia that was mostly provided by cadets alone.
“The vests are heavy, Tira was complaining about the extra weight.” Craven’s boyfriend says. Rhea hits him over the back of the head.
“Those vests save lives. We’re at war, remember.” Everyone chuckles as he rubs the back of his head.
“What about you medic? How was it storming the enemy stronghold?” You’re about to open your mouth to reply when you hear steps and a dissatisfied huff behind you.
“Shouldn’t you all be in debrief meetings?” Graves asks. Hairs stand up on the back of your neck as you turn to see him with two riders flanking him.
“We’ve been in meetings since we came back yesterday.” Rhea says. “Besides, we've already debriefed and written our reports.”
“It’s a good learning experience to see the way we do things after a battle.”
“Rest and recuperation after a battle is also important, isn't that right, medic?” Rhea asks, matching Graves’ stance. You clench your jaw before nodding.
“I’ll be keeping an eye on you.” He says before turning on his heels and walking out the mess. You shouldn’t be bothered by him, Shadow Wing helped you win the battle, you just don’t trust him. He’s friends with Varrish and he’s been deceitful in the past.
“His dragon knows.” Ayze says.
“But he doesn’t. He would have arrested us by now.” You say.
“He could be waiting for proof.” Ayze says and a shiver runs up your spine. You don’t like the thought of anyone outside of 141 knowing.
“There has to be something we can do. A way to reverse what he’s done, a cure.” You say.
“There is no cure for the dark ones.”
“But Simon’s not corrupt. He doesn’t want to destroy the continent, he just wants to survive." You say, your fathers books talked a little about the venin. You should go back to them with new eyes, you’re not looking for a way to fix the wardstone now. You need a cure for venin. “I need to find a cure, Simon deserves to be saved.”
Ayze growls, you know she’s not happy with the idea but Simon is her daughter's rider, she’ll do what she can to keep her safe.
You excuse yourself from the fliers and their celebrations and spend the rest of the day holding up in the wardstone room with your fathers research behind a warded door where you won't be bothered. Your fathers letters talk a lot about the venin, how to spot them and how to kill them. In his diaries he talks about what little he knows about them.
Most of his knowledge comes from stories, legends passed down from generation to generation, most of which are banned in Navarre.
When you finally pull your head out from your notes it’s dark out. You decide to go to the library and collect the books you want to read for tomorrow before going to bed. Fen has some banned and collectors books, you might be able to find some information there.
The halls of The Riorson house are quiet when you make it up to the lobby, everyone is resting after the battle. The only place still abuzz with activity is the medical wing. You always loved night shifts in the hospital, the energy always felt so much different. It was like you really were standing on the vale between life and death.
You shake the thought away as you make it to the library picking up one of the mage lights so you can see down the dark rows of bookcases. Once you have what you need you head back to the wardstone room.
As you turn a corner you crash into someone dropping all the books and falling to your knees. When you look up you see Graves looking down at you with a raised eyebrow, the hair stands up on the back of your neck as he crosses his arms.
“Sorry.” You mumble picking the books up.
“It’s late, what are you doing?” He asks.
“Someone has to find out how to activate the wardstone.” You say. He hums and bends down to pick up one of the books you’ve missed.
“History of Venin. Cliffsbane Academy.” He says, you snatch it off him.
“I have to try everything.” You say wanting to remove yourself from this situation. “Good night, major.”
“I heard about the tunnel collapsing.” He says suddenly, he steps closer to you and you tense. “We have someone who can see through things.”
“I thought you were fighting at the bottom of the pass?” You ask frowning.
“We were.” He tips his head to the side. You want to be here even less, you step around him. He grabs your arm and you freeze, almost dropping your books again. He presses his mouth next to your ear.
“We both know Oarsirias was out of range. Ayze too, else you would have shielded that cave in.” He says in a low voice. You feel a pit form in your stomach and Ayze growls.
“Tell him to unhand you.” You pull your arm out his grip and he lets you go standing back up again, he has a wicked smile on his face.
“Good luck with activating the wardstone, medic.” He says before turning down the corridor and leaving. Your heart feels like it’s going to burst out of your chest. You rush back to the ward room and throw the books in with your fathers diaries before heading upstairs to find Simon.
John is still with Kyle and Johnny still hasn’t woken up from his surgery. You should be with him, you all should but you need to talk to Simon. You find him smoking on the balcony outside your room. You feel a sense of urgency rush through you and go over to him pulling him to turn to you.
“Graves knows.” You hiss at Simon, he frowns for a second.
“Graves knows what?” He asks.
“About you.” You snap at him. He looks relieved, you almost want to slap him.
“He doesn’t know. He has no idea.” Simon says with a sigh and turns to look back out over the city.
“But if he does-”
“He doesn’t. Even if he suspected no one would believe him without proof.” You shiver and look out over the city with him. Fireworks are going off in the distance and the sound of distant cheering reaches you. People are out celebrating the fact that they’re not going to die today. You managed to hold off the threat for now, but if John’s right then venin from The Barrens could still be on their way.
“He could go to Basgiath and try to tell General Sorrengail again.”
“And what's she going to do? Petition to have one of the best units in Navarre taken out of the sky.” Simon scoffs.
“You seem pretty confident, he said he has someone who can see through things. He saw the collapse in the mountain.” You explain feeling heat rush to your cheeks. Sorrengail is not your general anymore General Shepherd is, you answer to him and John.
“Let him think what he wants. He’s not going to do anything without proof.” He says pressing the butt of his cigarette out on the balcony.
“You need to tell John.” You say quietly, quickly looking behind you to make sure you’re alone. Simon sighs then turns to look at you. You see the deep golden of his eyes, you’re still looking for any sign of the red you saw in the mountain.
“Don’t look at me like that.” He says quietly, looking away from you. You feel guilty as you look back out over the city. The storm that threatened to break yesterday never did and the air feels charged.
“Sorry.”
“Thats what I’m worried about, him looking at me like that. Searching my face for signs I’ve changed already.” He sighs and you feel sorry for him, you want to reach out and touch him but you don’t instead gripping the balcony.
“He saved me. When I was at my worst he came into my life and offered me a different path.” He pauses but you let him keep talking. “I’ve betrayed him becoming like this, becoming something we’ve vowed to destroy. He’s going to hate me."
“He’s not going to hate you.” Simon scoffs and leans down to rest his forearms on the railing.
“He loves you Simon, we all do. Do you think I stopped loving you because of this? I’m not going to leave you, none of us are. And I’m going to find a cure.”
“There is no cure for this.”
“You don’t know that.” You say and reach over for his hand, he lets you rest your hand on top of his.
“I’ll talk to him tomorrow, we have a patrol together.”
“I promise you it’s going to be okay, Simon.”
He sighs again. “I hope so.”
___
The next morning when you wake Simon and John are already gone. It feels weird waking alone in the room, Johnny and Kyle are still in the hospital wing and you have plans to spend the whole day there today. You need to take your mind off the wardstone for a while besides Johnny’s more lucid now and you should be spending time with him.
You’re almost at the medical wing when someone calls your name. You spin on your heels looking for the source.
“Medic.” You see a rider standing at the end of a corridor. You raise an eyebrow at him. “Someone is here to see you.”
You feel even more confused but follow him anyway. He leads you to a room, when you step inside you gasp.
“Mum?” She’s sitting at a table drinking a glass of water. “What are you doing here?”
“You look pale, sit down.” She says, you swallow hard and go over to the table. She offers you a glass which you accept, drinking the contents to stem your nerves, still shocked she’s even here in the first place.
“I have-” She looks nervous and clears her throat before continuing. “I have something to tell you.” Your nerves only get worse but you sit down, what could she probably hope to tell you.
“What is it?” You ask refilling both your glasses.
“There is a secret I've been keeping from you.” She says nervously. You frown at her then you hear steps come into the room and you turn to see your father. You gasp and get to your feet.
“I’m sorry we had to keep it a secret.” You turn back to your mother shocked, you’re not sure what to say. He’s alive, you look back at your father, you almost want to pinch yourself. Maybe this is a dream and you really did die in that tunnel.
“Dad?” You ask, feeling tears fall down your face.
“Hello, sweetheart.” He says, it’s a voice you haven’t heard in years. It’s just how you remember, low and comforting, before you can stop yourself you rush over to him and hug him. His arms wrap around you, you can feel him, hear the beat of his heart. He’s really real, he’s really here. He smells of ink and parchment paper.
“I’m sorry we had to keep it a secret.” He says. You don’t care, he’s alive.
“Why?” You ask him breaking from the hug so you can look at his face. Suddenly you remember Thera and guilt wells inside you. “It was safer for you. People were after me.” He says.
“Venin?” You ask, he frowns then chuckles.
“Yes. How much do you know about them?”
“I-” You hesitate. Your father could help you, now he’s here you can make sense of the works he wrote. If you can find a cure before anyone finding out you could save Simon. “I’m looking for a cure.”
“A cure, for venin? Why?” He asks, sounding intrigued.
“There has to be a cure.” You say hanging your head, his fingers come up and he tips your head up to look at him.
“What is it?” He asks, he looks worried you never want your father to be worried. You trust him, and your mother even if they kept his death a secret. “I want to help you.”
“Simon. He is my partner. He’s turning to venin.” You say, the words feel heavy and you look up at him with a pleading in your eyes. You’re waiting for a response but he just pulls you back into a hug. You feel secure in his arms, you remember him holding you as a child. You remember being a happy family and now he’s alive maybe you’ll be able to get that again.
“I’ve missed you.” You say. He squeezes you tighter. You break from the hug and turn to your mother who smiles at you then looks grim as she sits back down taking a sip of water. You feel dread wash over you, something’s wrong. The adrenaline of seeing your father again has faded. When you look back it’s not your father standing there holding you it’s Graves. You gasp and step back, suddenly your mouth fills with water and you feel sick. You taste something earthy and turn to look at your mother who’s sitting with her head down.
You’ve been tricked. Of course your father’s not alive, you saw him die.
“Ayze?” You ask, nothing. You look at the jug of water. You step away from Graves as two Shadow Wing Riders step into the room.
“Arrest her.” Graves says.
“No!” You cry out but you’re trapped. You look at your mother as the riders move closer to you. “How could you!” Tears stream down your face, you can’t believe this is happening. You’re so stupid.
“Mother! How could you!” Tears stream down your face as you look at Graves a man who pretended to be your dead father just moments ago. You don’t even fight when two of the riders come around you and grab your hands, shackling them in front of you. You look at your mother patting her nose with a hanky.
You wonder if she cries for you or her dead husband even if it was an illusion she got to see him one more time. “I will never forgive you!” You scream at her as you’re led out the room with Graves leading. People turn and look at you, they whisper, you wonder if any of them knew what was going on. What if Simon knew, or John, any of them. The thought makes you feel sick and you swallow hard, keeping yourself stoic, you won’t look weak, not now not ever.
Ayze lands on the courtyard walls as you’re led out to the waiting carriage. Graves looks up at her and she roars at you both. You wish you could communicate with her. She can’t intervene, as much as she wants to, justice has to run its course. She looks down at you with sad eyes as you’re pushed into the back of a wagon. You hear her roar again and look out the door as Graves’ dragon circles above.
“We have the lieutenants." A rider sighs, they have Johnny and Kyle and they’re both injured they won’t be able to fight back. You let them all get trapped because you couldn’t keep your mouth shut because for a few seconds you wanted to believe it was real.
“What is it? Speak up?” Graves snaps.
“We can’t find the captain or the major.” You feel a sense of relief, maybe they’ve got away.
“Find them and remember your orders are to kill Simon Riley.” Your heart sinks at the order. Of course they want Simon dead.
“Their dragons are missing too.”
“Fuck.” Graves says and you can hear the irritation in his voice. “Go, get scouts up in the air, if they make it over the border we’ll lose them” You hope they’re at Velmorin by now, you hope they’re safe somewhere they can hide. You see Johnny and Kyle being bought out the front door. Johnny is being carried while Kyle walks next to him.
This is all your fault, you’ve got Simon killed, you’ve all been arrested and all because you believed your mother.
“You better get comfortable medic, it’s a long trip to Calldyr City.” Graves smiles at you then slams the waggon door closed.
You did this, this is your fault. You deserve everything that's coming. You betrayed the people you love and now they’re being hunted. You did this and they should never forgive you, you just hope Simon and John managed to get over the border.
“I love you all, each and every one of you. Amari, keep them safe, please make sure they live. If I do nothing more in this life I need to know they’re okay.” You plead to the queen of gods. It’s almost like you can hear her in your mind.
You did this, you deserve this and whatever comes you will spend the rest of your life making up for your mistake.
Where Flesh Meets Fire
Thank you !
Thank you guys once again for making NikPrice week such a cool and memorable event ! We hope you enjoyed creating and looking at everyone's awesome work that was made this year !
As mentioned previously, late submissions will still be accepted until 6th August 2025, so don’t worry if you’re still working on your prompts, we can’t wait to see what you have in store for us!
Look at the really cool list of tags from the NikPrice week collection, 2025-2026 !
Now, onto the honorary art ! We'd like to congratulate everyone who managed to include all 4 seasons in their creations, and thus get to use our honorary art piece as a cool way to show off a little ! This includes:
@hatsbuckets @autobot2001 @live-exp10sive @nekrosmos @moody-alcoholic
This list will be modified as people send us their work throughout the expended posting time ! Please reach out to us if we forgot anyone !
This awesome piece was made by @yooo-lets-go , thank you again for this incredible art <3
Finally, I ( @nekrosmos ) , would like to thank my awesome team partners who made this and last year's nikprice week possible: @oncosis and @on-a-lucky-tide . It's always a pleasure to work on this with you guys <3
See you next year comrades !
I had so much fun. I can't wait until next year! ❤️
Day 5 and day 7 of my Nikprice week got flagged. I don't know how tumblr's system works...
regardless they're all still avalable on AO3
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed participating this year and I can't wait for 2027!
As always you can read about the week here, massive thank you to the people who run this. You're all amazing <3
Well it seems like tumblr can't handle 2 men in love. You can always read this chapter on AO3.
Thank you tumblr
NikPrice Week Day 6
Learn more about nikprice week HERE
Day 6 - Alternate Universe - Cyberpunk 2077 SFW WC: 1.7k CW: None I can think of. Little bit of kissing and angst.
AO3 - masterlist - next
“Got a gig for you.” John says as Simon sits down beside him.
“Anything good?” Simon asks.
“Badlands, data klep.”
“You’re doing jobs in the badlands now?” Simon asks with a raised eyebrow. John doesn’t have the energy to get into all the details instead he reaches into his pocket and hands Simon the shard. Simon takes it, pressing it into the slot behind his ear and John waits for his eyes to glaze before talking.
“Martin Hall, got picked up by a nomad clan a few days ago. They caught him trespassing on their camp and thought he was a threat.”
“What clan?” Simon asks, interrupting John.
“The Raffen’s.”
“While they were questioning him they took a data shard, client wants it back.” John says as the bartender brings him another whisky on the rocks. Simon takes the shard out and tries to hand it to John who waves his hand away.
“I’ll have to bring Johnny.” Simon says, John nods taking a sip of his drink.
“Bring who you like, pay’s still the same.” John shrugs.
“What about extraction?” Simon asks, leaning back against the sofa.
“I can help with that. I’ll get you a chopper but don’t expect anything fancy.”
Simon scoffs. “I never do.”
…
Summer means the heat in the Badlands is stifling. Dust and sand swirls as Nik brings in the chopper to land. John leans out the door looking around for any sign of Simon or Johnny, maybe they’re still held up, this is the rendezvous point though.
John sighs rubbing his shoulder then running his hand up his neck to press against his shard port. He needs to get it checked out. It's been irritating him for days now, he just never has the time.
“Got a good ripper you could see about that.” Nikolai says.
“I’m good.” John replies looking into the front of the chopper at him. Nik looks cheerful and is clearly not affected by the heat as he flicks a switch on his console and the noise from the engine changes. Nikolai used to be a scav, almost every ripper he knows used to be one too. Ex-scav rippers are not always known for being gentle.
“Well, if you change your mind let me know. She’s good I promise.” NIk chuckles. John smiles at him then turns as he hears the rumble of bikes in the distance and sees a trail of sand and dust heading towards the chopper.
“There here.” John announces and Nik nods, turning his attention back to the controls. John squints bringing his hand up to shield his eyes from the hot sun and zooms his vision to see them tearing across the wasteland. Only he doesn’t see two people, he sees three.
“What the hell.”
“What?” Nik asks but John doesn’t get time to respond as the bikes make it to the chopper. John watches as Simon steps off the bike and grabs the third person by his arm and pulls him over. He looks like he’s seen better days, there’s a massive gash on his forehead and his clothes are caked in a thick layer of dust.
“Who’s that?” John asks helping Simon get him into the chopper. Simon opens his mouth to speak when a deep droning noise fills the air. Everyone looks up just as they’ve managed to get the mystery man into the chopper.
“Shit!” John calls as he sees the massive drones cutting across the same path Johnny and Simon took to get to the chopper.
“We need to move, there are more incoming!” Nik calls. Johnny and Simon climb in and Nik has only just managed to make it off the ground when the sounds of bullets ring out. Nik curses in Russian and the chopper jolts before picking up speed and flying away. It drones continue to follow though, John can’t stick his head out and risk looking at them while they’re actively firing.
Simon has bent down by a laptop and he plugs himself in muttering to himself about something. Clearly the job didn’t go as planned. Suddenly the chopper drops in altitude so quickly that John’s stomach drops.
“NIK!” John screams as they barrel towards the ground. “MacTavish, make yourself useful and get on that gun!”
“You never said anything about Militech!” Nikolai shouts back as flairs fire out the chopper. Nik straightens out and they start to climb again. John hears the explosion of one of the drones. Militech? What do they have to do with all this and why are they after them?
“Ghost?” John asks, looking at Simon typing on a laptop.
“Working on it.” He replies. “Their ICE is thick.”
“I can help.” The man they came out with says, flicking his eyes between John and Simon.
“Who are you?” John asks, raising his weapon at the man, he stays in place holding one hand up, the other grabbing onto anything he can while the chopper turns again.
“He said he was just some guy!” Johnny shouts over the fire of the mounted weapon, there’s the sound of scraping metal and a crash as another drone is shot out the sky.
“John! We’re reaching the border!” Nikolai says, John turns to look out the front of the chopper, he can see the red hologram of the city limit lit up by a haze of dust and sand. If they go past they’ll be shot down.
“Got it!” Simon announces and John leans out the chopper just in time to see the last two drones drop out the sky.
“Militech will be on us, we need to lay low for a while!” John shouts over the roar of the engine.
“I know a place.” Nik says, John turns to him and sees a smile on his face.
…
“What is this place?” Johnny asks as they all hop out the chopper outside of what looks like an abandoned factory deep in the badlands.
“Used to be an old scav chop house. It’s been abandoned for years.” Nik shrugs as he jumps out last closing the doors and activating the camo screen. “No one should bother us for the night.”
John nods and they all walk into the surprisingly still furnished factory. John can see the scars the scavs have left behind and it makes a chill run up his spine. Johnny and Simon have untied the man now and sit him down on a chair. John’s still angry though. If he knew this job was going to involve militech he would have done things differently.
“What the hell is on this shard?” John asks annoyed, Simon hands him it and he slots it in behind his ear. He waits a few seconds for it to be scanned before he sees the data flood his vision.
“Fuck. This a black market sales shard. It’s all stolen militech equipment.” John takes the shard out, handing it to Simon who does the same swearing as he sees the same thing John was just looking at. He turns his attention back to the man and Johnny steps closer.
“What did The Raffen’s want with you?”
“They wanted me to crack the shard, find out where the stash was being held.” He explains. It makes sense and John hums. Now the question is was that really militech after them or just someone with militech drones. Simon unslots the shard and hands it back to John.
“Could you do it?” John asks him. The man nods.
“I just didn’t get time to finish before you rescued me.” “Good.” John hands the shard back to Simon. “Find the stash, seems like the job’s not over yet.” John turns on his heels and heads for the door. When he makes it outside the sun has already set, he can see Night City’s lights and holograms in the distance lighting up the sky in unnatural shades of colour.
He sees the shimmer of Nik’s chopper hidden from most people by the camo covering.
He walks around in frustration looking for something to take his anger out on. He spots a bottle kicking it with a grunt before hearing the door he just left out close behind him. He turns quickly to see Nik then sighs. He doesn’t really want to talk to anyone right now but at least it’s Nik and not Simon.
“Easy, John. It’s not your fault.” Nik says, stepping up next to him.
“I booked the gig, I’m responsible for their safety.” John says, he feels the weight of the guilt. Simon could have died, they all could have died. Nik reaches out and grabs John’s arm, Nik turns to face him. His hand runs up John’s arm, Nik looks sympathetic at him. John barely even has time to register Nik pulling him closer, his hands running up to John’s shoulders.
John’s hands find Nik’s waist and he squeezes, pressing his fingers into the soft flesh.
“It’s not your fault, John.” Nik says his eyes flicking down to John’s lips, he’s not thinking, his mind for once is blank all he can imagine is Nik’s lips on his and he doesn’t have to imagine much longer. Within a second Nik is kissing him. For a brief few seconds there is no militech, no shard or dodgy job. Just Nikolai and him standing in the warm summer breeze.
John closes his eyes and sinks into the kiss. Nik presses his tongue into John’s mouth his fingers ghost over his shard slot then he cups John’s face tilting it up slightly so he can kiss him deeper. Their tongues drag against each other and Nik moans in John’s mouth who feverishly laps him up. John doesn’t want it to end, he wants to stay in this perfect moment with Nik but he breaks from the kiss pressing his forehead against Johns.
“It’s not your fault, malýsh.” Nik says in a low voice. “You have access to my chopper. Why don’t you go lie down, I’ll send Johnny to get you when they’ve cracked the shard.” John sighs, he could use a rest. Before he can regret it he nods, pulling his forehead away from Nik.
“Join me.” John says suddenly. Nik smiles and grabs John’s hand.
“Okay, but only because you asked kaptain.”
next
I love where blood meets flame. Working on it while watching house of the dragon makes it feel so good.
I know it's not my most popular work but I can't wait for people to read the finale and I cant wait to start work on the next fic.
If you think where blood meets flame was epic, where flesh meets fire it's on another level.
I'm practically vibrating with excitement
NikPrice Week Day 4
Learn more about nikprice week HERE
Day 4 - A well deserved break + Aftercare NSFW WC: 1.5k CW: bondage, slightly NSFW, angst, hurt/comfort.
AO3 - masterlist - next
John is tied up again, Nik warned him he was working too hard.
The window of John’s private room is cracked open letting in a cool spring breeze. Nik’s just fucked him within an inch of his life and now he’s laid here panting with his arms and legs tied together.
“Perfect.” He hums as he spreads John’s arse watching his spend slide out onto the clean sheats. He could go again, take John one more time and really clear his head but he can tell by how antsy he’s getting John’s done.
“Easy, malýsh. I’ve got you.” Nik says pulling on his wrists and hooking his finger around one of the knots and gently pulling on it. As it falls apart, Nik kisses the marks left from the rope, he works his way down John’s arms pulling each knot loose. John sighs, bringing his hands around to look at the marks left on his wrists.
“You did so well, John.” Nik says, pressing a kiss on his cheek. John looks up at him with tears in his eyes. Nikolai stops what he’s doing to bend down by his head. “Hey, it’s okay. What's wrong?” He strokes John’s face and hair.
“Nothing.” John says but Nikolai knows it's a lie.
“You can talk to me.” he brushes a tear on John’s cheek.
“There’s a lot going on Nik, Makarov keeps getting away.” John pauses and sighs. Nik doesn’t stop stroking his face. He can see whatever it is it’s really bothering him, he pulls on the last knot letting John’s arms separate and flop down by his side.
“Makarov.” The name is hushed off John’s lips and Nikolai tenses. “It’s been almost a year and we have no idea where he is.”
“You’ll find him, he can’t hide forever.” Nik says not quite sure how much comfort that is really going to bring. He can see the destress on John’s body, he can feel it in the way he holds himself. Nik has to do something or John’s going to spiral to a dark place. Nik shuffles bringing John’s face up to look at him then leans down to kiss him.
It’s slow and gentle, not too much but just what he needs. No noise, no distraction just him and Nik in the moment together. John moans in Nik’s mouth, almost begging him for more. To put the ropes back on his body and fuck him until there is nothing left in his head, but thats not going to fix the problem. Only push it to the side and let his thoughts stew until they all explode out of him. Nik knows this, he’s seen John at his worst when all he can focus on is work and the consequences if they fail.
“Malýsh.” Nik breathes as their lips part. “You need to rest.”
“I can’t.” John says squirming, now he wants the ropes off his legs, he wants to throw himself back into work and distract himself until he’s numb to it all. He looks up at Nik with pleading in his eyes but he can tell Nik’s still in control.
“You can, and you will.” Nik says cupping his face in his hands. “You left Simon in charge, you’re not needed anywhere tonight and you know that if you go back into your office I won’t see you until the morning.”
“Someone has to find him.” John says almost frustrated now. Nik sighs and presses one of his thumbs over John’s lips.
“And someone will. But it’s not going to happen tonight and you need rest.” John sighs not even having the energy to fight, Nik continues to stroke his face, his fingers are gentle, his gaze is soft. He could fight Nik, pull rank and get out of this room and back into his office where he can feel like he’s doing something. Instead he relents, letting the tension fall from his body. He closes his eyes fighting more tears as a sob rises in his throat.
“I’m sorry, I’m just exhausted.” He admits, it feels like a weight off his shoulders. He can relax around Nik, he is allowed to be vulnerable. He’s allowed rest.
“I know, I know love.” Nik says pulling on the knots around his ankles. They fall away and Nik moves over to work on the others each time pressing kisses along his legs and thighs. Each time a knot falls away John gives himself permission to relax more. Letting each thought about work and Makarov fall away as Nik mumbles sweet nothings at him.
When the final rope is gone Nik comes back to John’s face and he looks up at him. A wind wafts into the room blowing in a fresh spring breeze that makes John shiver. Nik pulls the duvet over his shoulders before rubbing his arm.
“Let me take care of you.” He says pressing a kiss on John’s forehead. Before he can convince himself he doesn’t need this he nods.
Nikolai does everything he can think of to give John a break until the morning. He goes to speak to Simon discreetly explaining the situation to which Simon understands immediately and almost orders Nik to keep him in bed until the morning. Nik spends an hour tidying John’s room and taking his laundry down before making him a cup of tea and raiding the mess for snacks.
When he makes it back to the room John seems better and smiles at him, Nik strips to his boxers then climbs into bed with John putting on the telly to give them some background noise while John lays in Nik’s arms. His arm is spread around Nik’s chest, his head pressed into the crook of his shoulder. Nik presses a kiss on the top of his head stroking John’s other arm.
“This is nice.” John says after a while of them both pretending to watch the TV.
“You deserve a break, even when you’re working.” Nik replies kissing him on the top of his head.
“When this is over we should take a holiday. Somewhere far away and hot.” John chuckles.
“I would like that.” Nik replies smiling. There’s a few moments of silence between them as John relaxes further against Nik who keeps him supported as John runs his hand up his chest.
“Thank you for spending Christmas with me.” He says after a while. Nik smiles remembering the time they had. It was only supposed to be the two of them but with the horrible weather Johnny and Simon ended up being stuck with them. They didn’t mind. It was nice to have some company for christmas day even if Johnny was sad he couldn’t visit his parents until boxing day.
“I hope to spend many more Christmases with you.” Nik says. John yawns.
“I would like that too.”
It had been another hour before John had fallen asleep in Nik’s arms. His gentle snoring letting Nik know he’s sleeping peacefully for once. Nikolai won’t move, like a soldier made to stand guard for hours; he's not going to let anything bother John tonight even if he sacrifices his own comfort.
The TV has switched to the 10pm news and Nik lowers the volume listening to the rising tensions in Urzikstan, Nik might need to go back soon and help out Farah but the thought of leaving John makes his heart clench. John’s phone starts to vibrate which is enough for John to stare.
“Shh, it’s okay.” Nik comforts him reaching over for the phone and declining the call from Kate. If it was important Simon would come and get him. If it was important she would call again which she doesn’t. Nik rubs his arm feeling the tension in John’s body seep away, this is what he’s needed these last few weeks.
“I love you.” Nik whispers, pressing a kiss on John’s head again.
“I love you too.” John mumbles mindlessly. “Thank you.”
Nik smiles. “No problem, malýsh. Any time.”
___
next
when you move, i move
Simon 'Ghost' Riley x f!reader
18+
CWs: smut! medications & side effects, low libido, subtly touches themes of depression. porn is being watched during sex. this is like two smut fics into one lmao
CoD Masterlist | Main Masterlist
"Do you want to watch porn together?"
Never a dull moment with you, he thinks. Always full of surprises. The way you sprinkle excitement and spice in his slow, boring life is the only thing that keeps him afloat.
And Simon can confidently say that this is the least bored he’s ever been with you.
He's learned to school his expression into place; however, not even years of duty can mask the curious quirk of his brow. He shifts on the sofa, propping one ankle over the opposite knee. One arm rests on the backrest of the couch, fingers thrumming against the leather.
Your eyes fall onto his other hand, sitting atop his thigh.
He nods with his chin. "Run tha' by me again?"
You stand barefoot on the carpet. Loose shorts and an old tank top that has stretched out from one too many washes. The nibble of your lip tells him that you're ready to eat your words as soon as he questions them. The same goes for the way you're tormenting the cuticle on your thumb.
But he's interested. Fucking hell, this is the most intrigued he's been in ages.
"Porn?" He inquires the moment you open your mouth to most likely take everything back.
You close your lips with a pop and look at the ceiling, trying to force the heat collected on your cheeks to dissipate—flow southward perhaps, where it's not a bother but a welcome feeling instead.
But then you clear your throat. Straighten your spine. "Yes, porn."
Simon echoes you, enunciating the word. "Porn."
"Porn."
He nods, the corners of his lips curving in a smirk.
"With me?"
You tongue your cheek, eyes sharp. "Did I stutter?"
He pinches the air in front of his face. "A little."
But he must have taken it a step too far, because you're suddenly rolling your eyes and huffing.
"Right. I shouldn't have asked—" You mutter, turning on your heels.
Simon's got quick hands. One of them reaches forward and grabs your wrist, pulling you in. You stumble between his legs, big thighs now parted for you to stand comfortably before him.
His eyes soften, then, only because he can tell you've taken pains to summon the courage to ask him such a curious thing.
Simon rests the back of his head against the couch to look up at you. Instead of finding your eyes, however, he sees your profile—stubbornly, you're forcing yourself to look at everything but him.
"M'sorry, alrigh'?" He rumbles. The tip of his finger finds your jaw, and he gently steers you to face him. "Took me off guard is all."
The line between your brows deepens, sudden worry branching through your features. Though when his finger on your jawline turns into a palm cradling your cheek, you sigh, leaning into his hand.
And as your body softens, your tongue loosens, too.
"I just—" You bite your lip, nibbling at the flecks of dry skin. Once again, your eyes dart around, as if the firmness you need is stuck somewhere in the furniture of the house.
He grounds you again, this time with a light tap of his fingers.
You rub your forehead in frustration. "Ever since they upped the dosage of my meds, I—we—"
You don't need to finish the sentence for him to understand where you're getting at.
Yes, you haven't fucked in months. He’d wager it’s been at least two, maybe three, and the last thoroughly satisfying fuck he’s had with you goes back to a couple of days prior to that fated doctor’s appointment. It’s not the longest break, and he’s aware. Fucking hell, before he met you, he could’ve gone years without getting his dick wet. He has gone through years of solitude, in fact.
Though it’s you that he misses. Fucking you senseless. Eating you out. It’s the taste of your skin, not the taste of skin itself. It’s the scent that nestles in the creases of your neck, not the smell of sex.
Most people would say that, in such cases, they don’t remember the last time they had sex. Simon, however, does. He remembers it quite vividly, actually. Nothing can erase from his mind the picture you paint when you’re feeling good—when he’s making you feel good.
He misses it. Misses you. He’s human, after all.
But he likes you with that smile. Likes you proper happy. Likes you healthy, hungry, and then sated. Likes you laughing at jokes, at life. Likes the fight that’s suddenly surged within you. The need for control in a life that left you without it.
He misses it, true, but he likes you alive.
And nothing will ever change his stance on that.
His other hand brushes your thigh with the back of his knuckles.
“Go on,” he murmurs.
“Well, I—I can’t stop this—” You gesture vaguely at your stomach, as if it’s there where it all festers. “—Sense of guilt. I feel guilty, alright? I—I know you’ll say I shouldn’t—”
“Aye, you shouldn’t.”
“—But,” you interject, pointing a finger at him. “I still do.”
“Love,” he insists, but not unkindly. “Won’t fuck you outta guilt, yeah? You gotta want it.”
“I do!” You whine, lightly stomping your foot against the carpet in frustration. “I swear I do! I just—"
You rip your cheek out of his touch. His hand falls to your other thigh, then, no matter how reluctantly, just to give you space.
“I—I don’t think I remember how to feel like I do anymore,” your voice cracks. “I hate it. I hate how I can’t control it anymore.”
Simon falls still. Stays silent, waiting for you to get to the point of your reasoning. No sense in stopping you when, clearly, you’ve been trying so hard to tell him what feelings have been festering inside you.
You take in a steadying breath, smoothing your hands down your shirt.
“And I thought, you know, maybe porn can help me. Maybe it can make me horny.”
He nods, urging you to go on. His hands on you, slow and grounding, draw mindless shapes.
“But it’s weird to… get ready for it.” You cinch your shoulders. “I don’t want to watch some porn in the bathroom waiting to get wet only to find you after, because—because it literally takes a walk from the loo to the bedroom that it’s just… gone.”
Simon thinks about it.
It would be odd, he doesn’t deny that. Doesn’t know what you like to watch when he’s deployed. Then, it feels wrong to look at another person while he’s fucking you. Doesn’t care much about other people and those fake moans, or selfish ones and their plastic performances.
You’ve got a few videos you both took when drunk or when trying to spice it up a little. Perhaps those?
He knows he’s got one of you that he can’t get tired of.
You’re lying on your front as he pounds into you, pretty ass wiggling against his crotch whenever he stops. The phone is propped up on the pillow, its back leaning against the headboard. The shot shows your face first, then the curve of your spine. Your ass pressed to the V of his stomach, bouncing round and soft.
He put the phone there, even as you insisted it’d be better if both of you were in the frame. But he was stubborn, asked to have something to look at when he’s away, and he joked about how he’s not a fan of his ugly mug.
“Can’t have a wank an’ look at this mug now, can I.”
Your face, mainly. That’s what he likes to watch. Brows pulled tight, eyes hooded, mouth agape. White paints the knuckle of his hand as it fists your hair, forcing your head back. Then, there’s you. The uncomfortable and jagged curve of your neck, your tendons bulging at the sides, the veins that branch out from your collarbones and find root at your jawline.
Fuck, the sounds you make. Those strained breaths that stroke your vocal cords like you’re an instrument—moans clipped and sharp, rhythmic with the pistoning of his hips.
Oh, the groan of your first orgasm. The whites of your eyes eating up your pupils. The curve of your mouth, a pained smile that trembles, unsure whether to cry out or laugh blissfully.
It’s your voice that brings him back. His eyes focus on you once again, redefining the lines of your shape.
He must have stayed quiet for a bit too long, because the worried look on your face starts withering into something even worse, something like rejection.
“We could watch anything,” you provide nervously, rubbing your palms against your thighs. “Your favourites, maybe? Do you have any? I don’t know, you can take the lead on that—on everything, actually. I—I need to—”
With a frustrated sigh, you run a hand down the back of your neck. “I need to feel like you want to fuck me. I—I want to feel like I want to have sex again. I want to be in control of it.”
Your chest heaves. “Please tell me I’m making sense.”
Fucking hell. It would be odd, true, but fuck odd.
Your brows pinch. “It’s okay if you don’t wa—"
“I got an idea.”
“This isn’t what I had in mind,” you blabber breathlessly.
Simon’s fingers are buried inside you. The video is muted because you asked.
“Met you halfway, didn’t I?”
His phone sits propped against the headboard, the lower margin hidden beneath the hills and curls of the pillowcase. The light is dim in the bedroom, similarly to how it looks on his phone. He’s got you with your stomach pressed against the mattress, just like in that video. The only thing keeping your head from slipping against the bed is his fist, holding firmly onto your locks.
“But I—” You choke when his knuckles brush your clit. “—I don’t like to look at myself.”
Simon cracks his neck, tilting it side to side.
“S’porn, innit?”
You groan. “God, Simon—”
“You asked for my favourite,” he rumbles. “There y’go.”
There’s a slow, accommodating fashion in the movements of his hand. Languid strokes given with two fingers, sometimes slipping out to smear your wetness down your slit, brushing featherlight on your clit.
“But this won’t make me horny,” you whine, though there’s a telltale weakness in your statement that doesn’t manage to mask the lie.
Greedy eyes eat what his mouth still can’t. The sweat collecting on your temples, the slope of your nose and the curve of your mouth—lips pouting, teeth sinking into the flesh to silence yourself. Shy thing. You’ve never been one, but he reckons there’s nothing wrong with a change of pace, every once in a while.
He parts your folds with his fingers and gulps harshly when the thick sound of your wetness reaches his ears. Proved yourself wrong, there.
“Won’t it?”
He’s kneeling on top of you, knees digging into the mattress on either side of your thighs. The video is not what he focuses on, though. He’s got better things to admire. The angles of your shoulder blades, the indents of your muscles as they tense, and the sweet dip of your spine. Where it hollows and where it ends—two tiny dimples crowning the plump of your ass.
Fuck you’re a painting, aren’t you?
“Look at yourself,” he drawls, forcing your eyes to the screen with a tug of your hair. “Look at how good you were feelin’, mh?”
The little whine that escapes you matches the clench of your pussy around his fingers. Gladly, he realises that you’re not cutting off the blood flow of his hand, but instead you’re opening up to him, feeling much softer than when he first entered you.
For a brief second, his eyes flicker to the screen.
There’s the pretty curl of your lips as you look up at him, subjecting your neck to bend in an uncomfortable arch, though his face is out of frame. You go a little cross-eyed, right there, as your smirk turns into a beautiful smile—all teeth and wrinkled nose.
The video keeps rolling, and after a heartbeat, you offer your tongue. From the top of the screen, a rope of spit falls and lands directly on it, and he watches as you drink it down.
The soft bob of your throat, the delighted grin it follows, the mouthed “thank you”.
Simon’s cock sits above your ass. It hangs heavy with blood and gleaming at the tip, aching to be touched. His balls feel painfully tight, and if he ventures and grinds down between your cheeks, he might finish before this thing even starts.
His fingers switch, moving from inside you to lightly tap at your clit. Deliberately slow, circling around your clit to unsheathe it and leave the most sensitive part to his mercy whenever he glides down.
You suck in a breath.
Gentle touches wake up your body, skin rushing with waves of shivers that tiptoe up your spine.
“Can—can you do that?”
Simon’s pads slide forward, from your clit to the curls on your pelvis, slipping easily with the wetness collected on his pads. Back and forth, until the tautness in your thighs melts away into the sheets underneath.
“Do what, swee’heart?”
Shyly, you look up. Your neck cranes backwards in a mimicry of that same painful curve he’s witnessed time and time again.
Your lashes flutter up to him. “Can you spit in my mouth like that?”
And it goes straight to his cock.
Don’t need to tell him twice.
The hand in your hair slowly releases its grip, and by the way your moan comes, breathless and aching, he can tell the sting it left must have added to your pleasure. His fingers grasp your jaw, digging into your cheeks.
Shifting forward, Simon aligns his mouth with yours from above.
“Open up.”
You blink, doe-eyed and bashful. Lick your lips and nibble at the flakes of dry skin, pondering for a moment, before you heed his order and part your mouth for him, letting your tongue loll down your chin.
Simon’s eyes roll back.
His throat is parched, and he wonders how the fuck he will spit in your mouth when you managed to dry out his tongue with just a look.
Nevertheless, he summons the strength and purses his lips, letting a rope of spit fall slowly onto your tongue.
He watches your nostrils flare in anticipation. Your brows as they flutter when it lands. How you seem to savour it when you swallow. How you find his face again in your stupor, with your eyes smothered under the dark veil of lust.
His cock grows tighter when you smile.
“Thank you,” you mouth, licking your lips as if you might taste more of him again.
Simon’s left breathless as you repeat your own words, and he has to summon all his strength not to spear you with his cock right then and there. He genuinely wants to pace himself, but you look so fucking appetising that he just craves to have a taste. He should give you time to adjust, space to settle—he shouldn’t devour you with his mouth.
He should, should, should. Should be better. Should be softer. Should be—
I need to feel like you want to fuck me.
Simon’s heart comes to an abrupt stop.
He should, should, should—
—give you more.
Show you how he wants to fuck you, like you asked, instead of going at a slow, far-fetched pace. He was never one to sit down and have a feast patiently. Simon’s hungry, he’s always been. To merely nibble on supper would feel artificial, plainly wrong.
And above everything, Simon wants you.
He leans down and smashes his lips to yours.
The sound of clacking teeth almost swallows your gasp, but the surprise is short-lived—promptly replaced with the same kind of hunger, only delivered more tentatively.
His kiss is hungry and unrestrained. His teeth sink into your lip before launching again, smearing spit down your chin. You taste like you. Of mint and sugar. Herbs from the tea you shared, sweet because of the biscuits you dipped in yours, even as he grimaced at the sight.
It’s the taste of you. The feel of your skin.
The growing warmth of your cheeks as his stubble irritates them, the slick of your tongue as it dances with his.
Your palm lands harshly at the nape of his neck, grasping blindly until it clutches around a handful of hair. Your fingers wander and grab, nails scratching his scalp and sending shivers down his spine. Now that your hand isn’t supporting your weight anymore, you’re using him as leverage—pulling down his head and further smashing his mouth against yours.
Simon’s hand around your throat tightens just slightly.
“Remember tha’?” He purrs, lips to lips. Then, he steers your face to look ahead, where the video keeps rolling.
And you’re so diligent, following his lead. “Yes.”
“Mh,” he rumbles. “Felt good, didn’t it?”
The swell of your ass grinds against his cock. Simon kisses his teeth, jaw tight in the effort to keep himself sane.
“Yes.”
His offhand reaches down to the base of his cock. Slaps the head against the curve of your ass once, twice.
“Wanna cum on my cock like that?” He murmurs, reaching down to lick the shell of your ear. You shiver. “Wanna feel like tha’ again?”
You wiggle underneath him, letting out the smallest whine. Shy thing, you. That’s one of the things that has changed. He’s always loved the bite of your teeth, the cut of your tongue. Loved the leash you put on him, how it revealed his need for control for what it truly was—mere, unfettered fear. Shackles he thought were keeping him safe, when they were only locking him up in a cage of his own making.
He recognises that same trait within you, now. Recognises, also, how you’re trying to be rid of it.
It’s why he’s more than delighted to understand that you're fighting against those chains—forever his clever, clever girl.
He narrowly misses your hand reaching forward to press the buttons on the side of his phone.
Your voice fills the room.
“Oh fuck,” you groan.
Simon’s hand has your hair in a brutal grip, pulling you back until all the phone can record are the angles of your jaw and the sharpness of your collarbones. His chest peeks from above, glistening with sweat and ruddy in blotches.
Your ragged moans are punched out of your lips by the rhythmic snap of his hips. Thrust after thrust framed by the slap of skin and his voice—some raucous, crackling thing that rips from his chest, claws and all.
“Like tha’, pet,” he snarls. “Fuckin’ take it.”
And you nod, sweet thing. You nod dumbly as you smile up at him. Your tits hang and bounce as the raw force of his hold lifts your chest from the bed. One last pull, tight and strong, turns those moans into one sharp yell.
His grin is unseen but clearly plastered in his tone. “Y’liked that, uh?”
Another tug, another helpless moan.
“Ah fuck, yer close,” he chuckles. The wet squelches of your pussy ratchet up in volume as he thrusts in, over and over, picking up the pace. “Listen to tha’. Yer gonna cum, love?”
The lower half of his face pops into frame from above, only to land a kiss on the crown of your head.
“Can feel ya getting’ tight.” His lips brush your skin. “Go on, sweet girl.”
Before leaving the grip in your hair.
“Cum on my fuckin’ cock—"
Your face hits the pillow with a groan that drowns in linen. The phone falls, now recording the ceiling. No one bothers to pick it up again.
“Fuck me,” you heave. “Fuck me like that again, baby.”
Simon has to close his eyes and inhale to get himself back in line.
“Fuckin’ hell.” He kisses his teeth. “C’mere.”
He pulls your head back once again. Kisses you until his lips feel numb. Right beneath him, you keep chanting your plea like he isn’t about to give in already.
“Fuck me, baby,” you mumble to his mouth, on and on without rest. “Please fuck me. I—I want to feel you inside me, please. Please.”
I want to feel like I want to have sex again.
“I want it,” you whimper. “I want you.”
Blood pulses from the base of his cock all the way to the tip. He can feel the shockwaves seizing his limbs when he presses it to your cunt, sliding it up and down your slick until he’s drenched in it.
He kisses your temple. Moves upwards to the back of your head, safely cradling your jaw in his palm.
“Missed it, haven’t ya,” he purrs by your ear. His cock enters an inch. “Feel tha’?”
He’s never been this hard in his life—never been this turned on either.
You must realise it too. Words fail you, but your voice doesn’t. It crackles through your lips with a moan that shatters on his palm.
“Missed you too, pet.”
He’s barely been inside you, and if he doesn’t truly, really, focus, he’ll ram his cock and come so fucking deep you’ll drip for days.
Suddenly, the thought feels more tempting than wrong.
“Yer gonna take it, yeah?” He grunts, moving forward with his hips. “Gonna take it like a good fuckin’ girl.”
A pleasing sob. “Please.”
With a groan, Simon gives in.
Not a sound leaves your lips. He can feel them open up against his hand, choking on air, and that is all you yield as he pushes in. The rest tightens into one euphoric knot at the base of his throat, cutting off each intake of air.
In a swift motion, Simon buries his cock to the hilt, hips flush to your ass. His head collapses against you, mouth to your shoulder, and peppers kisses all over its curve. When he pulls back, the first stroke after months sends his brain into a frenzy. His teeth sink into your neck, growling like the famished beast that he is—
One you tame with your hand in his hair, tightening the grip to settle him.
“Oh my fucking—" Words tumble out of your mouth in a strained whimper. “Fuck it feels so good. Move. Move, please move—”
Simon’s mouth opens against your neck. His tongue licks a path from your thundering heart to the shell of your ear, where he tries to focus.
It’s the smell of you. The floral of your shampoo and the sourness of sweat. The butter of your face cream and the ginger of perfume.
“I got you, pet,” he croaks, as his heart suddenly ties itself in a knot. “I got you.”
You’re incomparable. Fit like a glove, you do. Adjusting to him in the blink of an eye, already heaving like he stole the air from your lungs—though he’s just started, and considering the desperation of your hands, he reckons you’re far from done, too.
He’s deliberately slow, savouring each second that passes—but sometimes he slips, and thrusts in a little harder. Apologises with his lips down your neck, turning your hiss into the softest sigh. Thumbs your waist with the hand fisting the sheets, also the only thing preventing him from collapsing on top of you.
You find his fingers and twine them with yours.
The only sound he hears is the one coming from the video, the screen now flush to the pillow. It fell at some point. He never bothered to check when.
His groans, the slap of skin, your pleas as you come—
“Fuck,” you pant, hissing through your teeth. “Ngh—keep going. God, plea—keep going—”
“Yeah?” His voice purrs. “Fuckin’ feel that—Christ yer dripping.”
Your breath picks up, ricochets in the bedroom as another orgasm stalks closer.
“M’gonna come again—”
“Go on then,” he rumbles. “Do it, love. Cum all over me.”
Abruptly, your fingers reach for his phone and lock it. The echo of your moans is cut short, and so are his grunts. For a second, his tinnitus manages to shroud the lack of sounds.
But then, there’s the quiet stagger of your breathing that breaches past, poking a hole through the cotton stuffing his ears. The creaking of the bedframe follows. How his movements make the springs moan under his weight.
The wet of your nose nuzzles his cheek. “I missed you.”
Your fingers relent the grip in his hair, hand falling down to cup his cheek instead.
“I missed you.”
It’s said so wistfully that Simon, for a moment, feels entirely out of his depth.
He kisses the shell of your ear before guiding your gaze to point his way. Glossy eyes find him, thinly veiled with gratitude. He almost melts then and there. You got him wrapped around your finger, bow and all.
“I love you,” you say, placing your lips on his. “I love you so much.”
Simon’s chest grows tight.
He can feel those words take hold of his heart. Squeeze it bloody, only to travel southward and tighten around the base of his cock, too. In a stutter, his hips falter, and he has to come to a standstill if he doesn’t want this to end so abruptly.
“Christ,” he mutters, “Yer killing me, pet.”
The smoothness of your teeth brushes his lips as you smile. “Mh. And we don’t want that.”
He buries his nose in the crook of your neck and inhales the flowers, the butter and the herbs. The ginger, the sweat and the biscuits.
“Aye, we don’t,” he sighs.
Your tongue licks a stripe across his mouth. “But I love you.”
Simon groans. “Yer a cheeky fuckin’—”
He pulls back and slams in again, as if to chastise you, but it isn’t received as punishment at all. In fact, it spurs you on—you moan into his mouth and put him under your spell. A chant, continuous, of endless I love yous that peel off the layers that make him.
Simon finally gives in. He’s missed you, too.
He collapses on top of you, punching a gasp from your mouth as your whole body is enveloped by his. His arm snakes under your belly, and you favour him by lifting your hips. The angle has him hit somewhere deeper, and you shatter beneath him. Your throat cracks a groan, soaked by the pillow, and finally, you let go when his fingers find your clit.
“Missed you,” he croaks in your ear.
His pace picks up.
“Missed this voice ‘ere.” His mouth latches onto your neck. “Missed yer fuckin’ taste. Missed this fuckin’ cunt.”
Doesn’t care about the strain in his spine and the burn of his calves, not when your moans start growing louder and wetter.
“Fuckin’—” He stutters. “Love ya. Wanna fuck you every day—”
Your slick rolls out of you thick as liquor for each thrust, coating his fingers. Two, at first. Then three, gliding smoothly from side to side over the tight knot of your clit.
“When yer knackered, when yer cooking, when yer in the fucking shop an’ bend over to pick up some shite—”
“Oh fuck, Simon—keep going—”
“—Fuck, yer made f’me. Naked or not. I always want you. I do.”
“I’m—oh fuck—I’m gonna come—”
And he can fucking feel it.
“That’s it, pet. Give it to me.”
Your body seizes at first, taut as a bowstring. And then, you bloom.
Wave after wave, rippling against him with your whole being. Even as cramped as you are, crowded under the weight of him, you fuck him through your ecstasy. Push your ass backwards to ride him for all his worth.
And Simon is entirely helpless, so entranced by the pulsing of your cunt around his cock that he barely realises how he’s coming, too. It’s all it took, really. To feel you clutch at his hair with your fingers, to have you fight for control—steal it from the tight grip of his hands.
His teeth sink into the soft flesh of your neck, groaning when his release wrecks him from within. Feels your pulse ratchet up under his tongue, your stutters as they bubble up your throat as you wordlessly beg for him to want you, to love you.
As he silently gives it all to you. All you ask, and more.
Eventually, you fall still. The tightness of your muscles melts. All the effort of your movement turns into mere, occasional twitching as adrenaline leaves your bloodstream.
You’re soft again. Turning your head on the pillow to find him, resting with his cheek right by your side.
“I missed you,” you say wetly. “I’m sorry.”
Simon brushes his nose against yours.
He knows how that type of guilt feels—the misplaced one, the one with no reason to be there at all. It festers within your stomach and doesn’t care about the damage it yields, because it’s not how it operates.
It’s unfounded. Still, he knows words won’t be able to quell the heartache.
But Simon sees what you still can’t. It takes balls to survive a life you don’t want anymore. He knows a thing or two about that. Swam in his own ocean of shit.
Still, he watched you take control back in your hands. You asked for help and crafted a new life that fits you better and patched the wounds left by the one you once led. You witnessed yourself burst at the seams and decided that it was time to pick up the needle.
That requires an incomparable amount of courage.
Simon knows it well. Still bears the scars to prove it.
“Don’t gotta be,” he whispers. “Proud of ya.”
Your eyes widen. Open the faucet, too. The glittering rim left by your orgasm turns into a river. Tears cascade from the corners of your eyes and branch above the bridge of your nose, down your temple, into your hair.
“For what?” You chuckle dismissively. “Having sex?”
But Simon kisses your nose instead. Offers a lovely smile he hasn’t granted in a while.
“Yeah,” he concedes, because you need time. “Tha’ too.”
Your giggle is refreshing and genuine, though a bit strangled. He realises only then that you’ve been crushed underneath his weight all this time, so he props himself on his elbows. You sigh, wiggling to turn around in the cramped space between his chest and the bedsheets, until your eyes are aligned with his.
Your lashes are clumped, sticking to one another with dewdrops of happiness. They flutter when you look up at his face.
“Thank you,” you say. “For being here. For being proud of me.”
Always.
Simon leans down and breathes a kiss on your forehead.
“There ain’t a day that goes by that I’m not.”
I absolutely love how Theo writes Simon. I hope to be like her one day
NikPrice Week Day 3
Learn more about nikprice week HERE
Day 3 - Snowed In + Exhibitionism w/ Ghost NSFW WC: 1.5k CW: 18+ content MDNI. smut, oral (M receiving), handjob, exhibitionism, voyeurism
AO3 - masterlist - next
It started with a mug of mulled wine.
“Snow’s bad.” Simon says looking out the window at the thick blobs as they fall onto the frost that’s already set.
“Come sit down.” John says with his arm wrapped around Nik’s shoulders. Simon moves from the window and over to the sofa. John can see the tension on him, the way he carries himself and huffs as he sits down. He knows he’s not worried about Johnny, just how long he’s going to be stuck here for.
Simon finishes his mug of wine before leaning back on the sofa. John looks him over while he curls his finger around a lock of Nik’s hair. They all need to relax, they’re going to be stuck in this small house for at least another night. John turns to Nik and gives him a knowing look, Nik smiles at him then John lets out a long breath letting the mulled wine warm his body and rests his hand on Simon’s thigh.
Simon doesn’t fight it, he doesn’t even tense. John takes it as an invitation to start to gently rub and squeeze. Simon doesn’t try to stop him just relaxes into the sofa watching the late night christmas eve telly. John keeps things slow, moving his hand further and further up Simon’s thigh until his fingers ghost Simon’s crotch. He doesn’t stop him though, just shifting in his seat to which John turns to face him.
John can see the shine in Simon’s eyes, his pupils dilated and face flushed from a mix of the heat and alcohol.
“I think it’s time for one of your Christmas presents now.” John says and before Simon can protest he gets to his feet and stands in front of him as Nik leans closer to Simon.
“Don’t worry, we already spoke to Johnny. He said you like to watch.” John sees heat rush to Simon’s face. Simon leans forward. “Stay there.” John gently pushes his shoulder and Simon flops back on the sofa. John brushes his hand down Simon’s face and presses his thumb over his lips.
“Relax.” Nik says, his hand squeezing Simon’s thigh before he gets up. John smiles down at Simon as Nik stands behind him wrapping his arms around his waist and pressing a kiss into John’s neck, John hums and tips his head back leaning into the kisses.
“Malýsh.” Nik breathes and John can already feel his erection pressing into his back, his own straining in his pants. John turns in his arms and presses his lips to Nik. The kiss is needy and loud, lips and tongues slapping together as they drink each other up. Nik pulls on the bottom of John’s top and they both break from the kiss.
Nik’s eyes are glossy as John undoes his belt and drops his clothes before kicking them away, Nik does the same and then they’re both standing there naked. John can hear Simon’s heavy breathing but when John turns to look at him he sees a neediness in his eyes and he knows he’s made the right decision.
“Are you okay?” Nik asks, Simon doesn’t say anything, he just hums. Nik can’t get a read from him. John chuckles, running his hands down to Nik’s waist and pulling him closer so he can plant a kiss on his lips. When they break from the kiss John sees Nik’s eyes dilate and feels their cocks twitch between them.
“Sit down,” John orders in a low voice. Nik nods and John wonders how he’s going to do this but Nik seems to know what he’s doing pushing the coffee table to the side so he can sit down with his back up against the other sofa. John gestures for him to sit forward and slips in behind him, wrapping his arms around Nik’s broad chest and running his fingers over his nipples.
Nik lets out a moan tipping his head as his cock jolts with delight. John reaches down to grip him pressing his thumb over Nik’s tip before pumping his length earning more moans from Nik.
“Like what you see?” Nik asks Simon, already breathless, John flicks his eyes from his lover to see Simon pressed back into the other sofa, the mug of mulled wine resting on his thigh.
“Speak up lieutenant.” John says as he pumps Nik’s cock again.
“Yes.” Simon says, it’s low and breathless, John keeps a keen eye on him watching how his eyes flick from Nikolai’s chest to his cock. John can see the strain in his pants, he can see Simon fighting the urge to touch himself and give himself that release.
“Go on, Simon.” John says giving him the permission he’s probably waiting for. “Make yourself feel good.” Simon hesitates for a second or two before reaching down into his sweatpants and pulling out his leaking cock. John smiles at him then runs his thumb over the tip of Nik’s cock.
“Tell him how good you feel.” John says low into Nik’s ear, Nik just moans as John pumps his cock in time with Simon who starts slow.
“Ah, it feels good. So good.” Nik mumbles, his voice rumbling his chest as John continues to stroke him.
“More?” John moans in Nik’s ear.
“Please.” Nik responds, John looks up at Simon.
“What do you want Simon? Should I make him come? Or bend him over and make you watch as I fuck his tight hole?” John asks with a cheeky smile on his face. Nikolai shudders and Simon squeezes the base of his cock. He doesn’t say anything at first and John’s worried he’s going to need to coax Simon into saying anything but then he shuffles on the sofa leaning back further into the pillows.
“Make him come.” Simon says, John chuckles and pumps Nik’s cock again.
“Hear that? He’s being nice. Say thank you.” John says.
“Tha-thank you.” Nik stutters, his body tensing as John speeds up his strokes matching them with Simon again. He seems to understand this time though and sets his own pace. Simon’s breathing picks up, John can sense how close Nik is getting and he can tell by the way Simon is squirming he’s close too. John’s cock twitches in anticipation of seeing his lover and his lieutenant finding their release together.
“Wait, don't come.” Simon orders suddenly. John slows his movements, tipping his head to the side and frowning as Nik groans in frustration curling his toes. “It would be a waste.” Simon drops off the sofa and crawls over to them, his leaking cock in his hand.
“Besides, you deserve better.” Simon says in a low voice. John and Nikolai both watch as Simon wraps his mouth around Nik’s tip. John removes his hand and lets out a long breath as Simon’s eyes flick up to look at Nik who moans and laces one of his hands through Simon’s thick curls.
John doesn’t need to do anything just watch as his lover is pleasured, Simon takes his thick cock all the way letting out a small gag that has them both moaning and John’s own cock jumping with excitement against Nik’s back. John moves his fingers to find Nik’s nipples though his mat of chest hair.
Nikolai lets out some of the most beautiful moans John has ever heard as Simon speeds up his mouth, saliva dripping down his chin, the sounds of wet sex fill the room and Nik bends his knees then lets his legs flop to the side giving Simon more room for his broad shoulders. One of his hands is still wrapped around his cock, his hips turned to the side so he can pleasure himself too.
John watches as Simon’s movements falter again and Nik starts to squirm.
“So bloody gorgeous.” John says in his ear as Nik mutters something in Russian.
“Gonna make him come, Si? Let him fill up your mouth? You better not waste a drop.” John orders in a low voice, Simon moans in response squeezing his cock before continuing with his frantic strokes. John can see how close he is, how desperate he is.
Nik finds his release in Simon’s mouth as Simon pumps his cock one more time reaching his own climax all over the plush carpet. John swears it’s the hottest thing he’s seen in a long while. He cups Simon’s face as he pulls his mouth off Nik’s cock with an audible wet pop that has John’s cock twitching.
“You said that was one of my gifts.” Simon says in a low voice. John chuckles and presses a kiss against Nik’s neck.
“We have plenty more gifts for you, but some require Johnny. Can you wait?”
Simon nods.
“I think you’ll like them, Johnny told us all about what you like.” John explains as Nik’s breathing steadies.
“Only good things.” Nik says between breaths. John nods in agreement looking into Simon’s deep caramel eyes.
“Soap has good taste.” John smiles.
Simon’s eyes light up with anticipation. “Yes, he does.”
___
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NikPrice Week Day 2
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Day 2 - Road Trip SFW WC: 2k CW: car accident, slight angst.
AO3 - masterlist - next
“Are you sure going up to Scotland is a good idea in this weather?”
“Well, it’s better to go now then later when the weather will be worse.” John says, but he looks out the window at the thick falling snow. It’s been snowing all week, and the roads have been a hazard to say the least.
“Will we even make it?” Nik asks. John laughs patting him on the back.
“We’ll make it.”
“This snow reminds me of home.” Nik says walking over to John and slipping his arms around his waist. John hums and scrolls through his phone checking his messages one more time before he turns it off and focuses all his time with Nikolai. John turns in Nik’s arms so he can face him.
“Do you want me to drive?” Nik asks.
“I can drive, besides I know the best shortcuts.” John says, Nik hums and leans down to kiss him. John presses his tongue into Nik’s mouth dragging them together he moans feeling Nik’s hands travel down his body to land on his waist and pull them closer together. They can’t get too caught up in each other right now they have a long journey up to Scotland.
“I love you.” John says as they break from the kiss.
“I love you too, Jonathan.” Nik says and presses a quick kiss on his lips before breaking from the embrace. “I’ll carry the bags.” John nods and looks around his flat one more time making sure he hasn’t forgotten anything.
“Ready to go?” Nik asks, waiting at the door with the bags.
John nods. “Let's go.”
❄️❄️❄️
It takes them an hour to get out of London alone. The roads are choker as John said and when they made it on motorways it wasn’t much better.
“It’ll be dark soon.” Nik says as the sun starts to set, lighting up the clouds filled with snow. John hums as snow starts to fall.
“Have you ever been afraid of the dark?” John asks.
“I used to be afraid of heights." Nik chuckles, John looks at him and smiles.
“I couldn’t imagine you being afraid of heights."
“I couldn’t imagine you being afraid of anything.” Nik sighs.
“I'm afraid of things.”
Nik chuckles again. “Like what?” “Snakes.” John says as a shiver runs up his spine.
“You know it’s not necessarily the height people are scared of, it's the fear of falling.” Nik says reaching over to rest his hand on John’s thigh. John picks up his hand leaving the other on the steering wheel.
“We’ve fallen out of many choppers, Nik.” John says, squeezing his hand. He’s fallen out enough for a lifetime, especially with Nik. He remembers the time they fell out the sky in Urzikstan, they barely managed to escape with their lives.
“I’m afraid of losing you.” John says, looking at Nik quickly. Nik squeezes his hand bringing it up to his mouth so he can kiss it.
“I’m afraid of losing you too, you do dangerous work.” He says.
“We both do.” John reminds him, when Nik’s not flying for whatever army needs him he spends his time in Urzikstan helping Farah. John can hear the sadness in Nik’s voice though, he knows it pains him being away for weeks sometimes months at a time, not knowing when or if they’re going to make it back safe. John squeezes his hand again.
“We should stop, get some coffee.” John gestures at the service station sign trying to move the topic on. He doesn’t want to think about losing Nik, not now they’re going to spend Christmas together. Nik forces a smile and nods in agreement. It's a couple of hours till they make it over the border then another few on the road.
As John turns down the slip road to the service station he almost crashes into the stationary car and the woman standing on the phone.
“What the fuck!” John calls, dropping Nik’s hand and slamming the breaks. The woman turns to see the car and horror spreads across her face. She’s crying and disheveled with fresh snow falling in her hair. As the car skids to a halt John can see the back of the car has been propped up, the woman is clearly in distress and it only takes one look between them to know what to do.
John puts on his hazards as Nik gets out of the car. As they both approach the woman John can see how much damage has actually been done to the car, the front has been smashed up and he can see the driver's side airbags have been deployed. There’s a baby crying in the back seat but the woman looks relieved as they approach taking the phone away from her ear.
“Hello, I’m so sorry.” She stammers. “I’m on the phone with AA but they-” she chokes on her words.
“It’s okay, what happened?” John asks in a calm voice, instantly taking control of the situation.
“Black ice I think. I was turning then the car just spun out of control. I hit the raling. I really am so sorry to bother you.” She explains. John and Nik flash her reassuring smiles as she presses the phone back to her ear.
“It’s okay, are you hurt?” John asks. She shakes her head looking back at the car where the screaming baby is still crying.
“I think she’s cold.” The woman explains sobbing. John looks over the damaged car then turns to Nik quickly.
“Looks like the tires burst. Is there a spare in the trunk?” Nik asks. She frowns for a second and John fights not to correct him then she nods frantically.
“There’s one in the boot, I don’t know how to change a tire though.” She sobs again.
“That's okay, I can help.” Nik shrugs and steps over to the car, the woman moves closer to John.
“How about you and the baby go sit in our car, it’s warm and you can keep talking to AA?” Visible relief falls over her and her shoulders sink.
“Oh thank you, I don’t want to be a bother.”
“It’s no bother. Do you need a hand? Are you sure you’re okay, how fast were you traveling?” John asks looking over her again, she doesn’t have any injuries he can see but she is very clearly still in shock.
“I-” She turns back to look at the car thinking. “Fifty, I’m not sure. It all happened so fast.” She starts to sob again and John rests his hand on her back leading her over to the car. The road is treacherous and he doesn’t like the thought of her falling and injuring herself or her child. When they make it to the back passenger seats John can see the baby still screaming in its baby seat.
She presses the phone against her shoulder and tries to detach the seatbelt but huffs in frustration.
“Let me.” John offers and she moves out the way letting him lean over and detach the seat. He carries it over to his car shooting a glance at Nik who already has the spare tire out the boot and on the floor next to the burst one.
“Thank you so much, I had no idea if anyone was still going to be traveling with the weather being so bad.” She says, John flashes her a reassuring smile.
“Don’t worry, just take it easy, is AA coming?” He asks as she opens the back door and gets in the car. John puts the baby in the seat next to her and passes her the seatbelt so she can strap the baby in who is thankfully calming.
“I think so, they’re delayed though there are accidents all over the country.” She sniffles. John nods, he doesn’t expect anyone to be here for hours. They should try and get her to the service station so she has somewhere safe and warm she can wait for help.
“Let us know if you need anything. I’ll go check on how Nik is doing.” He gestures at her can and she nods, thanking him one more time before he closes the door to his car and heads over to Nikolai who is already taking the lugnuts off the burst tire.
“How is she?” He asks as John bends down next to him.
“Shaken up but fine.” John says, Nik turns and flashes him a smile.
“A damsel in distress.” Nik chuckles.
“Would that make us the knights in shining armor?” John asks, shaking his head. Nik hums.
“I would like to see you in shining armor.” John tuts standing back up as Nik loosens the tire.
“Sounds uncomfortable.”
“Maybe we can skip the armor then.” Nik looks up, wrapping his thick arms around the tire and pulling it off. John swallows hard, his eyes trailing over Nik’s body and ability to handle the cold that is now seeping into John’s bones.
“Need a hand?” John asks.
“Yeah, the tool kit from the back of the car.” Nik says. John nods and heads back to his car, when he opens the boot he can hear the woman talking to AA and it doesn’t sound good she could be stuck here for longer then John thought.
It takes Nik no time at all to change the tire then they both inspect the front of the car's damage and decide it’s safe for it to make it to the service station.
“I’ll drive her car, she still seems pretty shaken up.” Nik says. John nods and then goes to explain the plan to the woman who seems to have calmed down a little and is finishing up on the phone with AA. As John drives her and her kid to the service station behind Nik she explains she’s going to visit her brother for christmas. John listens intently letting her talk away the rest of the nerves and dismisses her when she tries to offer them money.
“I really can’t thank you enough.” She says as they walk into the service station.
“It’s no bother really, just stay safe.” John says. She nods and heads over to the costa coffee after offering one more time to give them something to say thank you.
“Do you feel like a knight in shining armor?” Nik asks, nudging John.
“Do you?” John raises an eyebrow.
“It’s Christmas, the time of year to do good.” Nik crosses his arms watching the woman walk up to the counter. “C’mon, kaptain. I’ll buy you a coffee.”
❄️❄️❄️
When they make it to the house the snow almost feels meters deep. It was such a treacherous trip down the barely maintained dirt road to Johnny’s house that Nikolai was praying half the time. When they make it into the drive they see that the lights are still turned on.
“Maybe they forgot to turn the lights off.” John shrugs undoing his seatbelt. Then the door opens and they both see Simon standing in the doorway. Nikolai gets the bags as John meets Simon in the doorway.
“Johnny went to town to grab the few things we needed, then the road got closed by the rozzers.” Simon explains.
“We didn’t see any police.” John frowns.
“A tree fell on the road or something, either way Johnny’s not getting back tonight. He’s staying at the inn till the morning.” Simon explains. “I’ll sleep on the sofa, sorry for ruining your first night.”
“No bother.” John smiles patting him on the shoulder.
“I’ll cook. Do you like chicken?” Nik asks Simon.
“It’s okay, I already ate.” Simon says.
“No you didn’t!” John calls from the bedroom where he’s dropping the bags off.
“Chicken and chips.” Nik says.
“I can see John’s passing on his cooking habits.” Simon mumbles and Nik laughs and heads to the kitchen. Simon follows and grabs a beer from the fridge as John comes out of the bedroom. Simon hands him a can and they both go over to the sofa.
Nik watches them talk and catch up as he cooks the chicken and smiles. John always thinks he could never have a civilian life but here in Johnny’s house in the highlands surrounded by the people he loves he has never seen John so relaxed and content.
That's how he wants to imagine John when they can’t be together, relaxed, happy, safe and surrounded by friends and family. One day he'll make sure that's exactly what John gets.
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NikPrice Week Day 1
Learn more about nikprice week HERE
AN: here we go again! I'm so excited for this year! Enjoy day one. <3 Day 1 - cockwarming NSFW WC: 1.8k CW: 18+ content MDNI. smut, cockwarming, oral (M receiving).
AO3 - masterlist - next
“I love fall.” Nik says suddenly. John raises an eyebrow and looks up from his paperwork.
“Autumn.” John corrects him.
“What are you doing for halloween?” Nik asks.
“The boys are going over to the next base, apparently there's a costume competition John has everyone participating in.” John sighs, thankfully he managed to stay uninvolved on a count of all the paperwork he has to slug through this month.
“We should go!” Nik says, this time John looks up at him properly. He can see the massive smile on his face and it warms his heart, then he remembers what he’s asking and sighs.
“No, I don’t think so.” John chuckles and signs the report he was reading before placing it on the finished pile. Nikolai sighs and John looks up at him, he looks good, his hair freshly cleaned and styled, even his ever present gold chain looks like it’s shining.
“You work too hard.” Nik says eventually before getting up and walking around John’s desk to stand behind him. John relaxes his shoulders waiting for Nik to dig his fingers into the taut muscles and rub out his knots from the day but he’s surprised when instead his chair is spun around to face Nik who drops to his knees.
Even though John hasn’t locked the office door, and even though they should wait until they’re in John’s private quarters, he finds himself spreading his legs for Nik who runs his hands up and down John’s thighs.
“Let me keep you warm, kapitan. So you can work, and feel good.” John’s not sure what Nik means at first then Nik reaches to undo his belt and zipper, John helps shuffle his pants down slightly releasing his cock into Nikolai’s grasp. They both sigh and wet their lips as Nik pumps John’s cock a few times to get him hard then locks his mouth around the tip.
Now John wishes he’d really locked the door.
“Nik.” He moans as he takes him all the way, John feels his cock hit the back of Nik’s mouth. “Fuck, the door.” Nik chuckles and it sends vibrations through John’s body. He leans back trying not to think about the fact that someone could burst in at any second and catch them. Nikolai seems to sense his unease and after giving his cock one more glorious lick he pulls his mouth off and huffs getting to his feet.
John can see the strain in his pants as he adjusts himself then leans over to kiss him. It’s quick and needy, Nik’s tongue laps in his mouth before he walks around the desk and goes over to lock the door. That's when John truly lets himself relax and shimmies his pants all the way off so he can spread his legs better.
Nik comes over with a greedy look on his face as he kicks off his boots and pushes his jeans and boxers down. John sighs when he sees Nik exposed for him, a sight he’s still not used to even after all these months. He sometimes forgets that Nikolai is all his, as he comes over to John he pumps his cock in his hand pulling back the foreskin to reveal the swollen red tip.
John and Nik have had sex in his office before, Nik has pressed John over the desk and fucked him from behind or been sat under his desk worshiping John’s cock like it’s made of gold before finshing him off with one mind blowing blowjob. This was going to be different though, this time Nik was going to sit and keep him warm. John smiles as Nikolai stands in front of John, he reaches up to cup John’s face running his fingers through his beard.
“You need to relax, malýsh.” Nik says in a low voice. John hums leaning back in his chair leaving plenty of room for Nikolai to sit on top of him.
Nik rocks his hips rubbing the underside of his cock against John’s stomach.
“Don’t move.” John orders in a low voice. It sends vibrations down Nik’s body as he digs his fingers into John's shoulders.
“Kaptain.” He whines fighting not to rock his hips again just for some kind of stimulation. John just chuckles at his frustration.
“Go on then, keep me warm.” John says, teasing him. He wants Nik to just fuck him, give him any kind of resbite from all the work he has to get through. Nik smiles and reaches behind him opening John’s drawer his hand swiftly finds the travel sized bottle of lube John keeps in the office. John sucks in a breath as the cold substance meets his cock and Nik gets him nice and ready.
John almost begs him to get on with it, he wants to be inside him and fuck him until he’s nothing but a wimpering mess. John has only managed that once, and they were a bottle of wine deep. Nik smiles, pressing a quick kiss on John’s lips before using his hand to guide John’s cock into his arse.
“Fuck.” Nik breathes as he seats himself on John, his fingers digging into his shoulders. John takes a deep breath in and leans back in the chair. John loves the way Nik looks sat on top of him like this, his head tipped back slightly and his eyes closed murmuring something in Russian. He rises himself up and down slightly moaning into John’s ear.
“Perfect, Nik.” John says watching him open his eyes again and looking down at John.
“For you malýsh.” Nik says as he clenches around John pulling a moan from his throat.
“How am I supposed to focus on work now?” One of Nik’s hands comes up to John’s face and he laces his fingers through his beard with a greedy look in his eyes.
“Hum, I don’t know. You have a lot of work to do.” Nik teases. John pulls them closer to the desk so he can pick up one of the reports he was working on and Nik leans forward pressing their chests together, John can feel his hard cock pressing against his abdomen soaking his shirt with pre.
He picks up one of the reports and is almost halfway through it when Nik starts to squirm. It’s slow at first but then it quickly turns into Nik rubbing his cock against the fabric of John’s top trying everything to get some form of stimulation.
“Nik.” John says slightly irritated his cock twitches and heat pulses through his body. He could lift Nik, throw him over the desk and fuck him. He won’t though, instead he just leans further back in the chair and tries to look at the report in his hands. Something about a training exercise report he made everyone write.
The words seem to mold together though, he can’t quite focus as Nik squirms again and John fights to tell him not to move. All he wants is for him to move, for him to make him come. Nik clenches around him and John sucks in a breath. He can’t focus like this, he tries to rock his hips but he’s pinned to the chair.
“Easy.” Nik says leaning down to press a kiss on John’s cheek, then his neck. “Relax.”
“Kind of hard.” John says frustration rises in him and Nik chuckles. John lets a moan escape his throat and Nik’s hands come up to cup his face forcing him to look away from the paper and into Nikolai’s eyes.
“Krasivyy.” His voice is low and soft, his eyes glazed over as he looks around John’s face then presses his lips to John’s. Nikolai is slow, pressing his tongue deep into John’s mouth and mapping it out. John tips his head back as Nik clenches around him again rocking his hips letting John have the slightest release.
“You’re killing me.” John sighs as they break from the kiss, cheeks flushed and lips swollen. Nik just chuckles and presses another long kiss on John’s lips.
“Stay with me for Christmas.” John says, the words clear Nikolai ‘s head and he looks up into the man he loves eyes. “I know you normally go home but stay. We can use John’s house in Scotland again.”
“John-”
“Please, just one year.” He pleads, he can see Nikolai thinking.
“Then you come with me next summer. When I go home, come with me.” Nik says, John smiles.
“Deal.” Nik smiles back then presses a kiss on John’s lips.
“Now hurry up and finish work so I can make you come.”
🎃🎃🎃
Four days later John is stood with one arm wrapped around the first place trophy and the other around Nikolai.
“They’re pissed they had to give it to a SAS unit.” Johnny chuckles, shaking Nik’s hand. They’re all dressed as people from the wizard of oz. Nik decided John and him would dress up as their favourite super heroes, it was cliche but it’s all Nik could manage at short notice especially since all the costumes had to be made using things from within the base.
“They’ll do better next year.” John smiles, he’s dressed as Aquaman, Nik hand sewed the costume using an old wetsuit and cut up individual scales out of an old camo uniform. Nik’s costume was easier, he managed to raid the lost and found and it didn’t take him long to find everything he needed for his wolverine costume.
“We’ll do better next year.” Kyle chuckles while sipping on a beer.
“Well, it kept me busy for a couple of days. This was fun.” Nikolai says and John smiles pulling him closer. He doesn’t care who sees them together here but he’ll still keep the PDA to a minimum if not at all. The last thing he needs is to let the alcohol go to his head and be found by someone who will report him to his higherups.
“C’mon Si, they have apple bobbing.” Johnny says excitedly.
“No.” Simon replies crossing his arms but Johnny and Kyle drag him over anyway leaving Nik and John alone. Nik presses a kiss on the top of his head
“I think you look great.” Nik says moving to face John and resting his hands on John’s hips.
“You did a good job.” He smiles, Nik hums and leans in closer to John pressing his lips against his ear.
“Maybe we could get back to the base and I’ll show you the other surprise I have.” Nik says low and slow in John’s ear.
“What’s that then?”
Nik hums lowering his voice even more. “How easy they are to remove.” John’s breath hitches in his throat as Nik stands back up again, he can feel heat rushing to his face and finishes off the last of his beer.
“Well, we better get a move on.”
Nik chuckles. “Lead the way.”
___
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NikPrice Week 2026 Masterlist
Read about the challange HERE NikPrice Week 2025
AO3
Day 1: cockwarming NSFW Day 2: Road Trip SFW Day 3: Snowed In + Exhibitionism w/ Ghost NSFW Day 4: A well deserved break + Aftercare NSFW Day 5: Dry Humping NSFW - blocked on tumblr Day 6: Alternate Universe - Cyberpunk 2077 SFW Day 7: Meeting the Family + Secretive Sex NSFW
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Where Blood Meets Flame
Chapter 41 - The Battle of Tyrrendor
Summary: Fourth Wing x COD, alternate universe, poly 141 x reader. WC: 10.6k CW: Cannon typical violence, death, blood, description of injuries, use of weapons, medical inaccuracies, childbirth, fighting, angst, hurt/ comfort, war.
AN: I can't tell if i'm not happy with this chapter or it's just been so long since I posted for this fic it feels weird.
Previous parts - Masterlist - next AO3
Those who fall in battle will forever have a place at my table. There is no greater honor than to sacrifice oneself for the protection of others. - Proverbs of Malek, God of Death.
___
Despite John’s insistence you all stay in bed, you all make it to a hectic assembly room.
The place is in shambles, the generals and assembly are all in various states of dress looking over papers spread out on the table. You feel sleep tug on you, you’d rather be in bed mourning Thera’s loss but you want to know what's happening and why they all left.
“They are weak.” Ayze snaps, you feel her anger rise in you. You feel betrayed, you gave them a home to go to after Cliffsbane and now they’re spitting it back in your face.
“Major Price, we only called for you.” General Shepherd says, you feel a hand on your lower back and without thinking you lean against Kyle.
“My team is here and ready to help.” John says, eyes land on you. You must look like shit having spent the last few days doing nothing but wallowing in bed.
“Not much we can do really.” Graves says. “Unless you want to go and chase them.”
“Let me in!” You hear a scuffle in the doorway and turn to see a flash of red hair.
“Rhea?” You ask, trying to look through the door.
“Let her in.” John orders and the doors open and Rhea, Craven and his boyfriend stumble into the room.
“What are you doing here?” You ask confused.
“We’re not traitors, you’ve been kind to us and given us a home after ours was destroyed.” She looks past you all to the assembly. “We’re staying.”
“You don’t have to, we’re at war with your homeland. You have every right to leave.” You say.
“We’re not leaving. Aretia, The Riorson House, this place has become our home and we want to help defend it.” She says, crossing her arms. You smile at them and you hear Fen hums.
“I will vouch for them.” John says, turning back to the assembly table.
“How do we know we can trust them?” Mairi asks.
“We can’t, but if Major Price is willing to vouch for them they can stay.” Fen says, drumming his fingers on the table.
“Should we chase them?” Ulices asks.
“Whats the point? They’ll be in Poromiel by now, best let them go back to their king.” Graves says, crossing his arms.
“He’s right, it’s not worth the effort.” General Shepherd agrees.
“Duke Riorson!” You all turn to see a soldier out of breath standing in the doorway. “Gryphons are landing in the courtyard.”
“What?” Rhea asks, pushing past you. Everyone moves and rushes out to the courtyard where the gryphons and their fliers are being surrounded by the infantry. Then you see who it is, Nikolai and General Niral.
“Leave them be!” John shouts and walks past the circle of infantry as Kate comes running over. Nikolai looks confused but lowers his arms as you get closer. Rhea rushes past you all and over to Niral, you almost want to pull her back but she goes over and wraps her arms around her.
“What happened?” Nikolai asks with his thick accent. John sighs and pats him on the shoulder. “It’s a lot to explain.”
“Catch us up.” Niral says as Rhea breaks from the hug. She limps over to John.
“What happened to your leg?” He asks.
“We have a story to tell you too.” She scoffs.
When you all make it back to the assembly room Rhea insists on you checking out her ankle. Niral sits down and you inspect it as John catches them up and Nikolai and Niral explain their story.
“We heard the king had asked you to come back to Poromiel, by the time we made it to Cordyn you were already gone.” Niral explains. “Then we were ordered to scout the route for the refugees but we were attacked.”
“By venin?” John asks, you move her ankle and she winces in pain.
“Sorry, it might be broken.”
“Great.” She tuts.
“No, not venin, gryphons.” Nikolai says.
“What?” Fen asks.
“Seems like the fliers who left you have also turned their back on Poromiel too.” Niral says. Everyone looks around each other but you reach into your bag for a bottle of leigheas serum. She waves your hand away. “I need to keep my head clear.”
“You need rest and a doctor.” You say offering it again. She sighs and takes the smallest sip.
“Why would fliers betray the king?” Rhea asks, you feel sorry for her.
“We have no idea, it’s not exactly like they were in a talkative mood. They were heading for Zolya.” Nikolai says.
“Cliffsbane.” Craven says, you look behind you to see him and his boyfriend holding hands. They look angry, that's more like the Craven you know.
“We need to warn the king.” Nikolai says. “We thought we should come here and find out what you knew before heading back to Cordyn. Organised fliers are a risk to the security of Poromiel.”
“There’s no way you’re going to be flying.” You scoff finishing wrapping up her ankle.
“We don’t have a choice.” Niral says through gritted teeth.
“Listen to her, you’re both exhausted, you’re in no position to be going anywhere for the next few days.” Rhea says with authority in her voice.
“She’s right.” Craven says, you look up seeing him more worried than angry now. He really is soft under that hard exterior. “We need to stay here and make a plan, we have venin to worry about.”
“You have no idea when they’re going to attack though. The first round of refugees come tomorrow and now we have angry fliers to look out for.” Nikolai says, throwing his arms up.
“The dragons will protect the refugees.” John says, crossing his arms.
“We can’t sacrifice the manpower.” General Shepherd says.
“We can and we will.” John says this time with a warning in his voice. No one tries to argue with him.
“We need to look out for the venin.” Fen says eventually.
“Make the third years follow the patrols, more eyes in the sky and they get some training in.” Simon says. General Shepherd shrugs.
“Okay.” He says and turns to Graves who leans in to listen to his instructions.
“Thank you.” Niral says as you finish with her ankle and she looks down at you. “Is it broken?”
“Maybe, you’ll need to see a doctor.” You say. She goes to stand up, you move out the way and Rhea goes over to her and wraps her arm around her back and helps her stand on one leg. You sigh and start to pack away your bag.
“Stay the night, get some rest and see the doctor tomorrow.” Fen offers. “We’re sorry your fliers betrayed you.”
“Thank you, it’s good to still have some friendly faces on this side of the border.” Nikolai says. John pats him on the shoulder.
“You’ll always have a friendly face here.”
___
The next morning you’re watching as the first group of refugees make it up the mountain. They’re all exhausted and look like they’ve been travelling for days, they probably have. If they think the only safety is in Tyrrendor Province they’re wrong. They have no idea the kind of threat waiting around the corner.
The infantry King Tecarus sent over have worked through the night setting up the temporary settlement of tents just outside the city of Aretia, a few fields away from where Thera’s body was burnt.
“How are you feeling?” Johnny asks. You shrug and look down at your feet digging the toe of your boot into the soft ground. John has had one of them near you at all times, you’ve secretly appreciate it.
“I’m glad the refugees haven’t been attacked on their way here.” You say. You don’t like the thought of eighty angry fliers trying to take down their own, you have enough to worry about. You look up as Tahpe and John fly over you, some of the refugees look on in shock others cry out in fear as Tahpe roars.
Show off.
“Medic!” You hear someone shout. You look down to see a woman with Rhea, she’s doubled over in pain with Rhea and some man hold her up. Your training automatically kicks in and you rush over to them pulling your bag around to your chest. Johnny is on your heels as you make it over to the crying woman, the closer you get you can see she’s pregnant.
“What happened?” You ask, you don’t know much about pregnancy.
“She’s in labor, it started half way up the pass.” Rhea says as you take over from the man.
“You climbed the pass pregnant?” You ask shocked.
“She doesn’t speak common.” Rhea says. The woman moans again and the man you assume is her husband reaches out for her as she doubles over in pain.
“Let's get her somewhere private and laid down. I need to check her out.” You say and Rhea nods translating for the woman and her husband. As you walk her to the tents you can hear how out of breath she is. You need to think about the baby too.
You pick a random empty tent and lead her in, throwing all the pillows on one bed as she lays down against them.
“Johnny, we need towels and hot clean water.” You tell him. He nods and leaves the tent.
She already seems to know what she’s doing and is bending her legs up as her husband supports her. You reach over for one of the blankets and cover the lover half of her body and pull her dress up. “She says this is her third pregnancy.” Rhea translates as the woman talks through pants.
“Okay, I need to check her out.” You say, she asks the woman and she nods before crying out with another contraction. You realise you haven’t been counting them, you have no idea how far apart they are. You don’t worry about that right now and you look between her legs, you press on her knees spreading them further apart...
Fuck.
“Push!” You order her, Rhea translates and the woman nods then on her next contraction pushes. Her screams fill the tent but you don’t care, you feel around the baby's head as she pushes supporting the head.
“Good, the heads out. Another big push.” You say your eyes flicking up to Rhea who looks at you with surprise, she squeezes the woman's hand and translates. The woman cries out and you hear her husband murmuring things at her, hopefully words of support. With the next push you turn the baby slightly and as soon as the shoulders are out the baby just kind of flops out into your hands and immediately starts crying.
You breathe a sigh of relief and hold the screaming naked baby on your thighs, it’s a girl.
“I’m back!” You turn to see Johnny with a bucket of water and towels under his arm. His face lights up as you pick up the screaming baby.
“Towel.” You say reaching out for one as Johnny drops the bucket, you use it to wrap the baby then hand it over to the mother. She looks at the baby pressing her fingers over its nose and lips before looking back up to you and saying something.
“She wants you to name it.” Rhea says. You look at her and shake your head.
“I-”
“She says you saved her, it’s your right.” Rhea says, there’s so little you know about Poromielish traditions. You stand up and look over the new happy family.
“Thera.” You say. “I think that's a good name.” Rhea looks at you sympathetically then translates to the woman.
“Thanking you.” She says with a thick accent and you nod then turn and step out the tent. You let out a breath looking down at your hands and arms covered in blood and other fluids you don’t want to think about. Johnny’s hand slips around your waist pulling you over to him, you turn to face him and his lips crash into yours.
He kisses you greedily lapping at your lips and tongue as he moans in your mouth. His hands travel up your body to cup your face and his thumbs graze over your cheeks. Suddenly he’s not being so gentle anymore, his tongue works faster and his teeth nip at your bottom lip.
“You are amazing.” He says between kisses. “I love you so much.” Your body heats at his touch, you find yourself resting your sticky hands around his waist and pulling him closer. He breaks from the kiss, still holding your face and looking down at you.
“Seeing you, with a baby on your lap. That's how I’ve dreamt of you.” His hands go down to your neck as he kisses you again. “Fat with our children, then caring for them better than any other mother could.”
“Do you dream about that alot?” You say raising an eyebrow, you see heat rush to his face.
“Sometimes.” He says, tipping his head to the side as he presses you up against a tree. “Sometimes I just imagine you riding my cock as I fill you with my come.” His voice is low, his eyes are glossed over. You feel yourself blushing as he looks at you with greedy eyes. He presses his erection against your body. Fuck, you’d do that right here right now in one of the empty tents you don’t care if it’s all just adrenaline.
You open your mouth to invite him when Rhea calls for you.
“Medic, I think the thing is coming.” She says, Johnny drops his hands and turns away from you adjusting himself in his pants as discreetly as he can and you’re suddenly very aware of how red your face is.
“Placenta.” You call back before turning to look at Johnny. “I have to go.”
“Later.” He huffs with frustration. You smile at him and wink.
“Maybe.”
…
The sun has only just set over the horizon as you step out onto the balcony. You breathe in the cool night air and try to relax. All the refugees made it over the pass and into the province safely. You open your eyes when you hear someone behind you, arms wrap around your waist and familiar arms pull you against their chest.
“What are you doing out here?” John asks.
“Clearing my head.” You say with a sigh then turn in his arms. He smiles at you then leans down to kiss you long and slow as he pulls you closer.
“Heard you delivered a baby today.” He says looking impressed. You sigh and drop your head.
“It didn’t feel like a good thing.” You say.
“Why not?” He frowns.
“This war.” You pause and look out over the city. “Being a refugee in a foreign land, it’s no place for a newborn. They have no home; it's been destroyed by an enemy our country won’t even acknowledge exists. I feel useless.”
“You’re not useless.” John says. “You’re amazing. You’re a rider and a medic and you brought life into the world today.”
“A world at war. She’s here with a newborn in a region that is about to be attacked.” You sigh and turn away from him. His hands land on your arms and he gently turns you back to him, you know he’s only trying to help.
“You are an amazing person. A strong, kind and beautiful woman.” You feel yourself blushing at his words. “You did something incredible today, don’t forget that.” His hand comes up to cup your face and his thumb brushes your chin.
“I love you, we all do and we’re going to fix this war. We’re going to make the place safe for all newborns.” He says, it’s a pipe dream and you know it.
“Do you really think we’ll be able to do it?” You ask. His expression softens and you relax too.
“I think we can, we’ll end this war.” He says, you smile, you believe him.
“Then we’ll go somewhere safe.” You say as he pulls you against his chest, you wrap your arms around him resting your ear to his chest and listening to his heartbeat.
“We won’t have to go anywhere, when the war is over we’ll all be safe I promise you that.” He says.
You sigh and squeeze him. “I would like that.” You wish you could just stay there in his arms listening to the sound of his heart beat and the noise of Aretia night life letting yourself relax in this perfect movement when there is movement in the doorway. John breaks from the hug but keeps his arms on you as he turns slightly to see who it is.
“John, Fen is requesting you.” Johnny’s voice fills your ears and you look past John to see him. John sighs and looks back down at you.
“When this is over we’re all going on holiday, somewhere where no one can find us.” He says letting you go and stepping away from you. You almost want to throw your arms around him and beg him to stay, but that wouldn’t be fair, he has work to do.
“Promise?” You ask him.
He smiles and kisses you one last time. “I promise.”
____
The next day you’re back in the assembly hall turned war room to discuss a plan. You have no idea when the venin will attack but General Shepherd has increased the patrols on the border and in the mountains so you should have some warning.
“We should hit them where it hurts.” Johnny says. John frowns then crosses his arms letting Johnny speak. “Blow up their forge.” No one says anything at first, everyone just exchanges looks then looks back at the table.
“And how would we do that?” Fen asks.
“I worked explosives when I was in the infantry.” Johnny says. “It wouldn’t be hard to make something.”
“How long do you think it’s going to take?” John asks.
“I don’t know, if you need it in a rush I could get something working in a couple of hours.” Johnny shrugs.
“Go with Simon, work on what you can.”
“Major I don’t think it’s wise-”
“To blow up their means of making weapons?” John interrupts and no one says anything. “We could take their forge out and leave them vulnerable before they attack.”
“I think it's a good idea.” Fen says.
“With all due respect Fen, you have little military experience.” General Shepherd says, you wince, that's not exactly fair. Fen served just like most men his age did, just because he had a province to look after doesn’t mean his council is any less important.
“But I have enough to know that you should take any opportunity to hurt your enemy.”
“We would be able to go in and do it. We’ve been inside the caverns twice now.” John says, you don’t know how you feel about going back to the place you were tortured, the place where Isolde and Erik are hiding with an army of venin.
“We might only get one chance.” You say looking at the maps of the old mining tunnels in the mountains.
“One chance is all we need.” John says.
The arguing goes on for so long that by the time anyone can come to any kind of agreement Johnny and Simon come back and the sun is setting, Fen looks exhausted. Finally after hours of debate General Shepherd signs off on 141 blowing the forge, the plan is set in motion for the end of the week to give Johnny time to perfect his bombs.
You stare down at the map of the old mine tunnels trying to make sense of any of them, trying to see if you recognize the way out but it all looks like a mess of decades worth of drilling. When John finally calls it a night you all fall into bed exhausted. Tomorrow you’ll spend the day with the wardstone imbuing it and trying to find a way to activate it. Until then Tyrrendor Province and by extension Navarre will be undefended and it’s not exactly like the king is helping you.
You close your eyes, wrapping your arms around John and try to relax. Tomorrow is a new day, you have a mountain to blow up and a continent to save.
____
The call to arms comes out of nowhere. You’re eating lunch when the warning bells ring, you’re suddenly no longer hungry and like everyone else in the room you stop eating and head to formation. This time it’s just the graduated riders, shadow company and the three hundred or so infantry lining up in the massive main courtyard of The Riorson House.
John takes his spot on the podium with the generals, Fen and Kate Laswell who you still haven’t had time to get to know. You look around the courtyard as dragons start to land on the walls, you can see through the front gates citizens rushing around to get to shelter. Who knows how close the fighting will get to Aretia. The third year cadets watch on from the sidelines, they’ll be the ones left behind to defend The Riorson House with the small drift of Gryphons led by Nikolai and Rhea.
“We are under attack!” General Shepherd’s voice booms over the courtyard. Your heart stops for a second and you look up at Ayze who throws her head up into the air and roars, the other dragons do the same and you feel a swell of confidence rush through you. No matter what you’re going to win this.
You don’t listen to his speech you’re itching for a battle now, Johnny reaches over and grabs your hand lacing his fingers with yours.
“Are you ready for this?” He asks.
“Ready.” You reply confidently and he squeezes your hands. As soon as the speech is over Kate and another two generals take the infantry while the riders spit up into their respective raids. You wait for John to make it over to you with a handful of Shadow Wing’s riders.
“Our first job will be to clear a path through the mountains. That's where most of the venin have been spotted by the scouts.” John explains. “Then we send you into the mountain to blow the forge.” You already know that means you, Johnny and Simon will have to split off and leave Kyle and John to lead the fight outside.
Everyone nods, everyone knows what their role will be here to protect Tyrrendor Province. Shadow Wing will be watching the mountains for signs of the venin from Poromiel trying to scale the Medaro Pass. Which will be easy for them to do with wyverns, you think to yourself. John keeps talking but you drown him out, you already know what your role is in all this.
“We might die today.” You say down the connection to Ayze blocking everyone else including Oarsirias.
“Death is inevitable.” She replies coldly, you’re not sure why you decided to turn to her for comfort. “‘And if I should fall I will do it with honor and pride.’”
“Quoting the God’s? I thought dragons didn’t believe in what us silly humans do.” You say, she huffs and drops down off the wall.
“The only people who can determine the outcome of this battle are the people fighting it. I control my own fate, but if believing in an all knowing power gives you comfort I will appease that.” She says.
“-Everyone understood?” You catch the end of John’s speech. People nod, including you. “Good, then let's go.” The Shadow Wing riders move first leaving you alone with John, Simon, Kyle and Johnny who has two massive duffel bags by his side.
“Johnny, stay here until we’ve cleared a path for you.” Simon says to which Johnny nods, kicking one of the bags, it makes you jump.
“Don’t worry, lass, these ain’t going off until we need them too.” He nudges you but it doesn’t put you at ease any more than Azye quoting the God’s does.
“I want you all back here in one piece.” John says, you look up at him and nod. You want to hug him, you want to hug all of them one last time. You all just look between each other.
“Any questions?” John asks. No one says anything. “Then I hope to see you all when the fighting is over.” You all head over to your dragons as they line up in the courtyard.
“You will see them again, healer. I will make sure of it.” Azye says as you mount her, you trust her. You gasp when you see Oarsirias come in to land and you see she’s already transformed. You look for Simon just to see he’s fine with John.
“Why didn’t you tell me!” You call over the courtyard. Simon and John turn to look at you and Ayze growls at them.
“I’m fine, she transformed before I could stop her.” Simon replies in your head.
“Is it even safe for her to transform in her condition?” You ask looking over at her and down at her slightly distended belly. You still have no idea when her egg will be born or how long she’ll have to nurture it before it’s born, it might not even be in your lifetime.
“She says it’s okay.” Simon shrugs and walks over to her ready to mount by her remaining back legs. She looks over at you and you meet her eyeline then your eyes fall on her translucent chest and pulsing organs all shrouded in a blue shine. She’s magnificent, if Basgiath ever got hold of her they would never let her go. Besides they think it’s still all a rumour Graves made up.
“Stay safe.” She says nuzzling Ayze’s neck before turning to Tahpe.
“You too.” You reply and she coos at him before launching into the sky. You reach forward and rub Ayze’s neck, you can feel her worry.
“Let's go, we have a mountain to blow up.”
She launches into the air after Oarsirias. “And venin to kill.”
…
When you make it over the crest of the mountain you see the infantry fighting the army of venin spilling out from the mountains. Erik’s intel was only so good, it never gave exact numbers either because he didn’t know or he’s keeping it secret. You’re not sure which one you want it to be more.
Two thousand was the estimated number of venin in the mountains with another five thousand coming from The Barrens. It's way more than you thought they were going to be but with dragons you should have just enough to defend yourselves.
You’re mad that the government only sent a few hundred infantry to help you. Once the crown heard you had Shadow Wing and Kate’s platoon they were reluctant to help, especially because technically venin don’t exist. If you’re lucky you can keep all the fighting to the mountains and away from the civilians.
“Thats a lot of them.” Kyle says in your head, you look next to you and see him flying on Car.
“More to burn!” Oarsirias roars and swoops down to attack.
“Gaz, Ghost take the frontlines! Help push them back.” John orders. “Medic, let's attack from above.” Ayze and Tahpe roar then you both fly down to attack. You won’t find Erik here or at least you hope not. Based on what he wrote in his intel he’ll be responsible for getting Berwyn and the other high ranking venin out of here instead of fighting, because of course their most powerful venin won’t be fighting.
Ayze dips lower in the clearing and you can hear the sound of swords and weapons crashing against each other. You look at the venin all with platinum white hair and deep red eyes. Oarsirias lands and roars towards the venin from behind the front lines. Some of them back up leaving a little clearing for Oarsirias to step forward, she leans down on the top of her wings and spews blue flame out her mouth.
You look on in a mix of fascination and horror as the venin go up in flames screaming and crying.
“What signet did Simon get?” You ask.
“Earth wielder." Simon replies and as he says it an avalanche starts. You look down as the venin at the back of the army realise what is going on and shout warnings but it’s too late and the rocks fall down the side of the cliff blocking the route back to safety. Now they’re trapped, now is your time to strike.
“Now!” You cry out and with a roar Ayze opens her mouth and flames spew out. You don’t hear the army you’re tearing through scream. Ayze closes her mouth and banks hard to the side as you make it to the end of the fighting line. You look down and see Kyle and Simon holding the front line.
“Again!” You order Ayze, she flies higher into the air so she can turn. Tahpe flies below you flames and smoke bellowing out his mouth too as he passes in the opposite direction. You’ll burn every venin in your path no matter what it takes. Ayze makes another pass perfectly hitting only the venin. Wind whips past your head as Ayze flaps her massive wings taking you further into the air. Tahpe lands in the clearing and roars, lighting up the ground below you with hot flames.
He roars again and swings his wings, grabbing a venin in his mouth and crushing it before reaching for another. You look at John on the back of Tahpe with a bow in his arms firing arrows off at the venin trying to get to him, each shot is perfect and you smile before Ayze turns for another pass.
This time you see the infantry finally break the frontline and start to encircle the venin army. You’re winning this fight at least, you have no idea what it’s like further in the mountains or on the border where the supposed army is coming from The Barrens.
“Ghost go get Soap.” John orders. “Medic go with him, me and Gaz will hold the line.”
“Are you sure?” Simon asks.
“I’m sure.” Ayze changes her flight path as Oarsirias and Simon launch into the air.
“Good luck.” Kyle calls.
“Stay safe, I want to see you back when the fighting is over.” John adds. You look back one last time at them, Kyle is still fighting at the front lines and John is still shooting arrows in the back lines, there are only a few venin left.
“We will, we’ll come back. Then we celebrate.”
You hear all your dragons roar in sync. “Yes, then we celebrate.”
___
You help Johnny carry one of the heavy bags of explosives. It feels like you’re holding a ticking time bomb and if you make one wrong move you’ll all light up.
“We’ll lead.” Simon says nodding at you before turning and walking down the tunnel, you’ve never been here before, it’s all new. It’s not the place you were tortured. You hesitate for a second and Johnny sees it reaching down for your hand. You look back at Ayze, you can only see her legs on the lip of the mountain entrance you landed on.
“Come back, healer.”
“Always.” You say and squeeze Johnny’s hand before following after Simon. Ayze, Car and Oarsirias will go back and help John and Kyle. You’ll lose your connection with them the deeper you go into the mountains and the further they go away from you. You keep hold of Ayze’s bond for as long as you can as you follow Simon and Johnny deeper into the tunnels.
The deeper you go the more complicated the paths get. Johnny and Simon seem to have done their research though and before you know it you turn a corner into the massive forge room. It’s bigger than you remember but it’s not active, they’ve let the coals die down to embers.
“This is it.” Johnny says dropping one of the bags, you do the same next to his and he opens them revealing the sticks of dynamine and the system of copper string he has going between them so he can explode them all at once. You feel a shiver run up your spine as he points at one of the bags and gives instructions to Simon.
You look around the forge walking to the other side when you see the pilot flame.
“Fuck.” You gasp.
“What? What is it?” Simon asks, coming over he gasps when he sees the same thing as you. The flame burns a bright almost golden in the dim light of the cavern.
“It’s a dragon forge.” You say, turning to look at him.
“No wonder they needed dragons.” Simon says. Erik’s dragon Gamarth, he would have lit this forge which means they’ve been experimenting with metals, maybe they can even find something that will counter Alloy. You don’t have time to think about this right now, now you have to blow this place sky high and you both walk back around to Johnny who has sticks of dynamite in his hands.
“We’ll mount the explosives, you keep an eye out.” Johnny says and you nod then they walk around the massive forge leaving you alone. You hear voices and the sound of the caves dripping with water as you stand in the dark cavern. The forge is still warm, you can feel the heat coming off the coals.
You don’t want to be here.
You have to be strong, you can do this. For the better of Navarre, so you can build a better continent for everyone. You hear footsteps and tense quickly looking around not seeing Johnny or Simon, besides they would announce themselves.
You’re holding your breath as shadows dance on the walls of the entrance tunnel. Your heart is hammering in your chest and you rest your hand over your hatchet. You’re still frozen in fear when Isolde steps out of the shadows and your stomach drops.
She’s dressed in shining armor and a purple and crimson robe. You watch as she pulls a dagger off her hip and steps further into the room. Johnny and Simon are still busy with the explosives, you have to protect them. You mirror her movements taking your hatchet off your hip.
“It’s good to see you again, kind one.” A smile curls on her face, she tips her head to the side, her eyes landing on the bag that contained the explosives. She laughs. “You can’t stop us. We are inevitable.”
“I can damn well try.” You spit at her and spin the hatchet in your hand. She chuckles again and raises her dagger. She has never revealed her signet to you, you have no idea what she’s capable of. You tense in anticipation of something to come flying at you but nothing happens. Then you watch as the blade in her hand twists.
The metal curves and stretches until it’s not a dagger anymore it’s a curved shortsword. Metallurgy. You try not to let yourself look scared as the blade grows more. She won’t give you time to draw your sword, you’ll have to fight with your hatchet and throwing blades.
You can do this.
“You could always join us, you and your partners. There will always be a place for you here.” She says as the blade stops.
“I would rather die.” You say and before she gets a chance to respond you lunge at her. Swinging your hatchet and aiming for her neck but she’s quick, batting your axe away and lunging at you herself. You both cry out, metal hits metal pinging off each other as you lock together.
Arms flail and you reach inwards for the little connection you have with Ayze and grab onto it. This deep in the mountains it’s barely there and she is high in the sky. You gather as much of it as you can, feeling the power tingle under your skin. You throw open the doors of your mind letting Ayze push as much power through as she can.
Isolde’s eyes widen as a blue shimmer engulfs your hand and you swing at her stomach with as much force as you can muster. She’s flown across the room landing on her arse and skids to a halt dazed. You pull two throwing daggers off your chest and grab the hilt of one with your thumb and forefinger walking towards her.
She looks up at you, the curved metal of the blade falls away as she reaches up to rub her shoulder. You throw one of the knives at her, it lodges in her other shoulder, she screams and you know it’s over. It’s almost pathetic how quickly she crumbled, you’ve never seen her fight before. As soon as things got hairy in the wardstone room she fled.
“You’re pathetic!” You snap at her. She looks up at you with fury on her face and pulls herself to her feet. You let her and as soon as she’s standing throw your second knife at her leg. It hits and she cries out through gritted teeth.
“I am inevitable!” She screams. “You cannot stop us!”
“I can! I am one of the strongest riders in generations. I will put a stop to each and everyone of your kind!” You scream at her, your voice reverberates around the cavern and you hear movement behind you. She looks over your shoulder and her eyes darken.
You know it’s Simon before you hear his sword being pulled out its holster, now she’s outnumbered. She scoffs and shakes her head.
“You could have been amazing.” She yanks the knife out her leg and takes a step towards you, you see Simon raise his sword. “You could have helped us restore the continent to greatness, you would have been something, someone.” She almost has a pleading look on her face.
“I am someone.” You snap at her, she tips her head to the side.
“But who are you without the people you love?” She asks. You frown and before you get a chance to say anything you hear more noise behind you and Simon lowers his sword. You reluctantly turn to see Johnny with a tall venin behind him holding a knife to his throat. Your eyes go wide and you snap back to Isolde.
Simon was supposed to be with him. She smiles and takes another step towards you.
“You see, I know your weakness better than I think you know yourself.” She says in a sly voice. “You will do anything to protect the people you love.”
“It’s okay, lass.” Johnny says before the man behind him presses the blade harder against his throat. He flicks his eyes down and you see the detonator in his hands. You can still do this, no matter the cost. You swallow hard and look at Simon who sees the same thing and gives you a slight nod.
You always knew this might happen. When Simon came to talk to you privately you knew what he was alluding to.
‘We might not get a choice in how this goes down’ He said.
‘I know.’
‘We might die.’
‘I know.’ You turned to him and threw your arms around him. ‘It would be an honor to live and die by your side.’
You never thought it would happen but here you are and there is only one option. Finish the job you’ve started, the ultimate sacrifice.
“I’ll deal with Johnny, you take Isolde.” Simon says in your head and even though he’s standing next to you he sounds miles away.
“Deal.” You reply and take another step towards Isolde. She chuckles as you grip your hatchet tighter and lower your body slightly so you’re ready to strike her.
“He’ll be dead before you even get a hit on me.” She scoffs. You smile at her and tip your head to the side.
“You’re wrong about one thing.” You start as you start to circle her. “You really have no idea how far I will go to protect them.” Before she gets time to reply you launch your hatchet at her. You hear a gasp behind you and a scuffle and you know Simon is doing his job now you need to do yours.
Isolde jumps away from your throw but that's all you need to knock her off her already unsteady feet. She cries out in pain and you turn quickly to see the man who was holding Johnny locked in a fight with Simon. You pull a throwing knife off your vest as you turn back to Isolde, you can’t miss this time. You get ready to launch it as someone pushes you and you see the man who Simon was fighting he’s rushing over to Isolde.
Your knife flies into the stone wall and you turn back to Johnny and Simon, now is the time. You all group up together and you reach out for your connection with Ayze. It’s so far away she might as well be on the other side of the continent. Power tingles through your body.
You should be able to block dragon fire, you can block an explosion. You take a deep breath in and quickly look up at Johnny and Simon. Your mind goes to John and Kyle and you send up a prayer hoping that they’re okay. You close your eyes and reach out for Johnny and Simon’s hands. You imagine a shield covering all of you. You hear the distant roar of Ayze in your head.
You pull as much power as you can. It feels like pins and needles over your whole body but that's good, that means it’s working. You grit your teeth focusing on the dome around you all, keeping you safe. You throw open the surgery room doors in your mind letting Ayze flow unlimited power through you.
“Forgive me.” You whisper.
“Stop them!” Isolde screams.
“Now, Johnny!” Simon shouts. You open your eyes and see a faint blue dome around you all, you have no idea how strong this is going to be. You hope it’s strong enough, you sink to your knees and throw your arms in the air imagining yourself holding the shield up.
Johnny hesitates then pulls the trigger.
Silence.
Maybe something has gone wrong.
Then the ground starts to rumble. You feel an energy fill the air. You look at Johnny one more time then close your eyes. Even that is not enough as a white hot glow lights up the space around you and you cry out holding your shield for as long as you can.
You scream as you feel it faltering, deafening noises echo around you, then your shield falls and you’re thrown up in the air. You hit the ground hard then everything fades away.
___
John
“Do you think they’re okay?” Kyle asks.
John hums and turns to look at him. “I think they’re fine.” He looks over at their dragons standing ready on the other side of the clearing. He’ll be the first to admit he hates being cut off from half his team like this but they need to destroy that forge.
“Major Price!” An infantry pants as he stops in front of John and salutes handing him a mastiff. John accepts unrolling it but before he gets a chance to read it Oarsirias’ voice fills his head.
“Wyvern, I can sense them.” John looks up at her as she launches. Tahpe grumbles he wants to be in the air with her and he’ll do it with or without a rider.
“Wyvern’s spotted over the coast!” John announces, the few shadow wing riders they have with them rush to mount their dragons and John moves to do the same but Kyle catches him by his arm and John turns.
“No unnecessary risks.” He says worry lacing his voice. John relaxes and steps close to him running his hands down Kyle's arms and pressing his forehead to his.
“We’re making it home safe. Together.” He says and for a second he believes it.
“We do not have time for this!” Tahpe snaps in his head but John ignores him and kisses Kyle. When he breaks from the kiss he sees the shine in Kyle’s eyes.
“Together:” He says again, wrapping his hand around the back of Kyle's neck as he stands up straight.
Kyle nods. “Together, stay safe.”
“I always do.” John smiles as he walks towards Tahpe. He reaches up to the top of Tahpe’s leg to pull himself up when the ground they’re standing on shakes. John gasps and digs his fingers around Thape’s scales to stop himself from falling off. As soon as it’s started it stops and John smiles, you’ve done it.
“We need to move.” Tahpe says, John nods and as he makes it to his seat he sees a plumb of smoke bellowing out the side of one of the mountains. Ayze roars above him as she circles with Oarsirias and it sends a chill up his spine. He sends a silent prayer to Malek as Tahpe launches into the air.
It takes them less than an hour to reach the coast. John can see the infantry on the cliffs fighting the venin and in the air dragons circling in battle. There are more wyvern than John has ever seen before. He spots Grave’s red ripping one apart and watches as it evaporates into a blue mist.
Tahpe flies to the first wyvern he sees and John holds tight as Tahpe turns his body, locking his jaw around the wyvern's neck and sinking his four claws into the wyvern's chest. It takes a few seconds then it’s gone leaving only a shroud of blue smoke behind.
“There’s too many of them!” Kyle calls.
“Some of them might be Grave’s.” John hopes and looks over to see if any wyverns are helping with the attack. If there was any need for Grave’s magic it’s now. Oarsirias roars and John looks up to see her crash into two wyverns sending one plummeting to the sea below and wrapping herself around the other.
Tahpe charges for another one but misses, John looks down at the wounds on his neck some of them are starting to bleed again. He needs rest but John knows he won’t, not until the fighting is over. Tahpe is the biggest dragon they have and he needs to stay fighting for as long as he can.
“Until my last breath.” Thape roars, opening his mouth and spewing out a flame so hot John has to bring one hand up to block his face. Three wyverns catch alight and a shrieking scream fills the air as they all drop out the sky.
“We should find the venin controlling them!” John says to Kyle, John watches as Car dives down to avoid a wyvern coming right for him. John’s holding his breath as he skims the water before flapping his massive wings and launching back into the sky. “Head back to the coast.”
Thape reluctantly turns and John scans the fighting on top of the cliffs looking for any sign of the venin controlling the wyverns in the sky there has to be multiple of them. He squints debating taking his flight goggles off when he hears a roar to his right.
“John!” Kyle’s panicked voice rings in his head. Tahpe turns his head then banks so hard John is almost thrown out of his seat. He clings on for dear life as Tahpe straightens out again then he looks over to see where Kyle is just as a wyvern crashes into him.
John cries out as Tahpe is forced to roll, John’s thighs burn and his stomach drops as he loses altitude.
“Hold on!” Tahpe roars.
“Working on it!” John replies, gritting his teeth. Suddenly there is the heat of dragon fire and the wyvern lets Thape go. John watches Car fly over them.
“I got you!” Kyle’s voice rings in his head and Thape finally rights himself. John only gets a few seconds to survey the scene around him, Car is parallel with Tahpe now and John looks over at Kyle who is waiting to know if John is okay. He throws a thumbs up and John matches it. He won’t go down that easy.
John sucks in a breath letting himself loosen his grip on Tahpe.
“Maybe I'm getting too old for this.” He says with a sigh.
“Once a rider, always a rider.” Tahpe reminds him and John goes to roll his eyes when he recoils in horror.
“KYLE!” He screams but it’s too late. A wyvern bigger than John has ever seen before crashes into Car. It happens in seconds Kyle is thrown off his back and launched into the air. John’s heart stops. “NO!”
You’re not here to shield them, you’re not here to catch them. Tahpe dives after Kyle but John already knows it’s too late and his heart sinks as Kyle crashes into the dark ocean below.
___
The smell of gunpowder fills your nose.
You shift against the cold stone floor, your fingers stretch, each one is sore and stiff. You hear someone groan then move yourself pressing your aching body off the ground. Everything hurts but you’re alive. You force your eyes open looking around. You see Simon and the dead venin who was holding Johnny, but no Johnny.
Suddenly all your pain is forgotten about and you force your body to your feet.
“Johnny?” You call as Simon gets up brushing off the rock dust. The place has been destroyed, the forge is gone, they won’t be able to make weapons any more, you’ve done it. You hear a groan again and you and Simon both turn to see Johnny trying to prop himself up from under a pile of rubble. Simon rushes over to help him and you pull your bag to your chest. Johnny grits his teeth as Simon moves one of the parts from the forge off him. He looks horrible, he’s covered completely in rock dust you all are, there are cuts on his face and fresh blood trickling down his eye. You open your bag reaching in for some gauze.
“Where does it hurt?” You ask him as Simon continues to move rubble, each one getting a wince from Johnny.
“Everywhere.” He says so quietly you almost miss it, this isn’t good. You start by feeling around his head and neck then press the gauze on the cut above his eye. He reaches up to hold it in place then coughs. His chest doesn’t sound good, he could have inhaled some dust or worse the explosion could have collapsed one of his lungs.
“Can you stand?” Simon asks, Johnny doesn't reply, he just moves to get to his feet and you and Simon help him up. He immediately sways and you catch him wrapping your arm around his waist.
“My leg.” he says, you look down to see it twisted awkwardly.
“Shit.” You say under your breath and Simon helps you lower him back to the ground. “I can quickly stabilise the leg but we need to get out of here.”
“Okay, stay here. I’ll be right back.” Simon says and he heads for the door, you make sure Johnny is leaned against a piece of rubble then get up after him.
“Simon, wait.” You call reaching out for him. He turns and you see a flash of irritation in his eyes. “You could be injured too.”
“I’m fine.” He replies relaxing a little.
“Let me check you over quickly.” You say resting your arms on his.
“I’m fine.” He says again, you swallow hard and step back. Guilt runs through you, you should have made a bigger shield. You should have made a stronger one then none of you would be in this position. Your body feels heavy and your arms feel like you’ve just done a two hour lifting set.
“It’s not your fault.” Simon says sensing your unease. You can’t bring yourself to look at him, the people you could have got killed. He steps over to you, his gloved hand pulling your chin up to look at him.
“We go down fighting.” He says. Suddenly your guilt is replaced with a surge of confidence. You can still get out of here, you’ve destroyed their forge now you need to escape. You look up at Simon and nod.
“Look after Johnny, I’ll scout ahead then we’re leaving.” He says letting your chin go. You nod and turn to head back to Johnny as he leaves. When you make it over to him his head is slumped to the side and his eyes are closed.
“Johnny, wake up.” You shake his shoulder and he jolts awake reaching out for you. He squeezes your wrist and you take out the thickest roll of bandage you have and a bottle of leigheas serum.
“Here, drink this.” You say offering it to him. He doesn’t hesitate, swallowing it down with a wince.
“Where is she?” He asks as you cut up his trouser leg and take his boot off. The whole lower half of his leg is swollen and disjointed. You start to wrap the bandage around using the only wooden splint you have to keep the rest of his leg in place. He winces and hisses through his teeth but doesn’t once complain.
“I don’t know.” You say. She has to be dead though, no one would have survived that explosion, you’re lucky you did. She’s under piles of rubble where she deserves to be.
“Dead.” You say. He hums and the empty bottle rolls out his hand. You shouldn’t have let him drink the whole thing because you’re going to need to move but he’s going to be in so much pain. You finish wrapping his leg just as Simon comes back in the room with his sword drawn.
“We need to go now.” He says with panic lacing his voice. You nod and help Johnny to his feet, he's barely conscious now. You wrap your arm around Johnny’s back and shrug his arm over your shoulder, he leans against you and mumbles something.
“It’s okay, Johnny.” You try to reassure him, pressing your free hand on his chest to feel how sluggish his heart is beating. You barely have any of your own strength left but you can't fall and give Simon two people to look after.
“This way.” Simon orders as he heads to where the forges entrance used to be. As you follow him you can hear venin shouting, the sounds of people rushing around in panic echoes down the carved hallways.
“Do you know where we’re going?” You ask.
“No, we can’t go the way we came, too many of them.” He says, it doesn’t exactly fill you with confidence but you trust him. You keep half dragging Johnny down the twisting rock tunnels, some of them are lit, some aren't until you turn a corner and are greeted with a group of at least five venin. You all stop in horror, this way is blocked and Simon turns slightly but still keeps his eyes on the group as you all start to slowly walk away.
Then you accidentally bump Johnny into the wall and he groans. Five sets of red eyes snap to you as all the venin turn.
“Run!” Simon shouts pushing past you, basically picking up Johnny and launching you both down the tunnel. You hear the venin shouting behind you and reach out for your power. You can barely feel it, it’s just a faint tingle under your skin. You imagine a shield dropping behind you blocking off the path and feel the venin pound on it.
As you make it back to the old forge room you run in the other direction, you can barely keep up with Simon dragging you and Johnny along. Your heart feels like it’s pounding in your head and your lungs burn but you don’t stop until you reach another group of venin this time two of them in what look like guard uniforms.
Simon drops Johnny against you as you feel the shield you placed behind you break, pain shoots through you and you grit your teeth groaning. Heat fares your face and you look as Simon swings his sword in his hand ready to take on the venin blocking your path.
He swings hard and fast, both the venin counter attack and you’re holding your breath as he takes one down and then the next in a few swift movements. He turns to look back at you with fresh blood on his white mask.
“Keep moving.” He orders and you nod. You hear footsteps behind you and you turn to see the group you tried to block, finally catching up with you.
“Simon!” You call but you see him pressing a venin to the walls of the cavern and slicing its throat in one swift movement. The body falls to the floor and fear lights up Simon’s eyes then he turns on his heels and runs. You squeeze Johnny harder and follow after him as fast as you can.
The venin are moving closer, you throw out another shield but it fizzles away almost the instant one of the venin warriors hits it. You can’t keep doing this, you’ll burn out and Johnny needs you, you look over at his pale face and hitch his body back up.
He groans, dragging his feet as Simon slices down another venin in front of you. They just keep coming, the cave systems run deeper than you would have ever imagined. You may have blown up their forge but all you’ve done is kicked the hornets nest.
“Simon!” You call out for him, your body is exhausted, your injured arm throbs. It’s only been a couple of days since Johnny pulled out the arrow last time you fought. Simon looks back to see you, his mask splashed with blood. You have no idea where you’re going but you have to keep moving or the venin off your back.
Simon comes over to you lowering his sword and wrapping his free arm around Johnny hitching up his other shoulder. Johnny cries out and his head limps to the side. “Easy.” You warn him, Johnny’s badly injured, you need to get somewhere safe so you can tend to him. Sweat drips down the back of your neck as you hear venin shouting behind you. You turn feeling for your power, this time when it flows through your veins it’s hot like molten lava. You grit your teeth as the shield materialises blocking the tunnel as you all turn to head down another path.
You can't hold it for long and you feel it falter as Ayze’s connection disappears.
“We need to get out of here.” You pant. Simon nods and you look down at your feet, willing your body to keep moving. If not for your sake then for Johnny and Simon, they need to get out of here too.
“Fuck.” You hear worry in Simon’s voice and look up to see a dead end. Your heart drops and you both stop.
“Ayze?” You reach out for her connection in your mind but there is nothing there. She’s too far away. Simon lets Johnny go and leans him against you before you both turn to see the venin making it around the corner.
You don’t have long before they’ll be on you. You have to be ready to fight no matter how exhausted you are. Johnny is in no position to fight, Simon can’t use his signet and you’re close to burnout.
“Can you reach Oarsirias?” You ask, he shakes his head. You feel dread rise in you, you and Simon will have to fight to protect Johnny. The venin stalk closer and you see the hatred on their faces. You’ve destroyed their home, their forge. You place Johnny down against the side of the cave wall.
“Don’t.” He manages to say.
“Shh, stay there Johnny.” You tell him cupping his injured face, he looks up at you with tears in his eyes. You stand up pulling out your sword and move over to stand next to Simon. This is a small place, only enough room for two of them to attack you at a time. You can take one each but there are so many of them.
You turn back to look at Johnny one more time.
“There is another way.” Simon says, your head snaps to look at him, his eyes are hard. He reaches out with one of his hands spreading his fingers. You can’t let him do this, you’ll fight.
“Simon! No!” You reach out to grab his wrist but there is no more Thera, no more power. He closes his eyes and the cave starts to shake. You watch in horror as the sound of cracking stone fills your ears. It feels like the whole mountain is shaking and you drop to your knees throwing your arms around Johnny to keep him stable.
His head rests against you and you can smell the fresh blood on his breath. You squeeze your eyes closed and pray to Malek you make it out the other side.
Your nails are digging into Johnny’s shoulders, you feel the rumbling slow and you open your eyes looking down to make sure Johnny is okay. He looks broken, you’ve never seen him like this before. He knows as well as you do what Simon has just done. You stand up and turn to him, his eyes are still closed, his hand held out with his fingers spread. As the rumbling calms you look behind you to see the cave blocked off. Simon steps away from you, you look down at Johnny who has witnessed the same thing and see tears spilling down his face. He sniffles and holds his arm.
Simon has turned away from you both, you can see his uneven breathing, you can hear the shake in each breath as he presses his hands against the wall of the tunnel.
“Simon.” You reach out, pressing your hand on his back. You need to see, you need to see it for yourself. You thought you would be angry but all you feel is sadness. He stands up and you drop your hand.
“Don- don’t look at me.” His voice wavers.
“It’s okay,” you use the same tone you use on patients to reassure them. He lets out a long sigh and turns, you clench your jaw biting down on the inside of your cheek trying to keep your expression soft. He looks down, you can’t quite see his eyes and you tip your head trying to force eye contact.
When he finally looks at you your heart skips a beat. Outlining the warm gold of his irises is a ring of blood red.
You sigh and reach up to cup his face. “Oh Simon, what have you done?”
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I have a confession...
because people ask me if they should read the fourth wing books too.
I hate the books but each to their own, Violet is just so annoying... maybe I'll do a full post about it someday
pls don't hate me...
