This was perfect, that's the only thought that would come to Andrew's mind right now. Crazy as that might seem, sitting on the floor of an empty house. The only thing illuminating the house was a single lamp your new neighbors didn't want anymore.
"Only two more days without, well, everything." You couldn't help but laugh. Your head was resting on his shoulder, dinner a fading memory with the only reminder being the plastic cups half empty with some wine you got from a store on your way home.
"No rush" how could he? When your shared home will finally have something in it, to make it feel like a place that is filled with love, and, best of all, the little pieces of you. The ones he only saw when he would come over.
You hummed in acknowledgment, you looked around at the open space of your new home. "You know... with all this space," you pulled out your phone, scrolling through your playlists to the one you named 'Andy's radio station,' which was basically filled with all the songs he mentioned he liked. "I think it's a perfect time for you to show me those dancing skills" you wiggle your eyebrows at him
It earned you a huffed laugh from Andrew. That didn't stop him from following your lead in getting up. You placed your phone on the edge of the window. Pushing the shuffle button, you reach out for his hand, pulling him closer to you and away from your cups.
The song starts, you can't help but smile up at Andrew as you guide his hands to your waist. Your arms wrapped around his shoulders next. "I remember this song," you remembered the day you added it to your playlist.
You and he weren't officially together yet. But close, it was the night before you had officially asked you out on a date. Both of you were the last two at The Drop. Andrew was staying back to clean a little, and you didn't mind staying to keep him company.
You suggested playing some music. To your surprise, he requested some Sam Cooke. He's got some good taste.
You assumed he was in his head, or maybe really into the music, because you got closer, trying to see if it's something small you could do that he would let you help him with.
He just so happened to turn. The soap, yellow dish washing gloves moved quickly once he felt something... you bumped into him.
He felt like a damn house. The way he turned was so fast, you didn't have the chance to move out of his way, how here you were saved from falling by one of his arms wrapped around your mid back and the other at your waist?
You two were quiet, just staring in each other's eyes for a moment, the song still playing in the background. You broke away first, you excused yourself that night. While Andrew knew he was never coming back from that.
· · ─ ·🎧· ─ ·
'And let your arrow go,' 🎶
· · ─ ·🎧· ─ ·
The lyrics brought you back, you were swaying side to side with Andrew, he had placed his chin onto your head, "It's my favorite," he whispered, holding you closer. "Knew I had to stop being scared," now a gentle kiss to the top of your head.
· · ─ ·🎧· ─ ·
'Cupid, please hear my cries' 🎶
· · ─ ·🎧· ─ ·
"Scared?" You look up at him, he never told you that.
"Yea," he shrugged. Until he heard you call him that name. 'Andy', it sounded so sweet coming from your lips. "I didn't want to ruin anything." He finally admitted.
· · ─ ·🎧· ─ ·
'Now, I don't mean to bother you, but I'm in distress' 🎶
· · ─ ·🎧· ─ ·
"Can't imagine how you could," you brought your hands past his chest, slipping under his arms at his sides, pulling him in for a closer hug.
He stiffened, just for a moment. But he just couldn't help it. His softness is something he never means, he never thought he could be on the receiving end of. That stiffening was quickly snubbed out at your smaller, warm hand rub against his upper back. "Because you're an angel that can see the good in anyone."
· · ─ ·🎧· ─ ·
'There's a danger of me losing all of my happiness,' 🎶
· · ─ ·🎧· ─ ·
He pulled back just enough to look you in the eyes "like me."
It got quiet, but not a tense one. No, it was one of those where you like the words to hang for a little bit. You laid your cheek against his chest, letting his hands guide your swaying hips, his tempo was slow, fitting for the dim room, with a corner of warmth coming from the floor.
· · ─ ·🎧· ─ ·
'For I love a girl who doesn't know I exist, And this you can fix' 🎶
So, Cupid, draw back your bow, And let your arrow go' 🎶
· · ─ ·🎧· ─ ·
"Anyone with eyes should be able to see the good in you, not just me." Your words were honest, as your tone was gentle, hoping your words would actually get to him. Not like you would stop trying if they didn't.
Andrew didn't say anything, not much of a surprise. What a surprise, the sudden disappearance of Andrew's presence pressed against you. Being spun around into a little dip, he still didn't speak, his eyes just focused on you, so big but steady, filled with nothing but love and adoration. His lips found yours, silencing the shocked sounds you made.
"Lena is still sleeping, Honey," his voice cuts in heavy, breaking the kiss reluctantly. That didn't stop that sly smirk from showing itself on his face.
· · ─ ·🎧· ─ ·
'Now cupid, Don't you hear me, Calling you? I need you' 🎶
'Cupid' 🎶
'Don't fail me' 🎶
The song played out, slowly fading into the next...
The Duet of Medieval and Modern Times AU Villain (Info Dump)
Warnings: Mentions of death, war, etc.
Short-ish?
Ender (goes by Tragedy) - A Skeleton Villain
Personality: He's an enigmatic figure who keeps the majority of his descriptions vague. He genuinely cares about people, but he has a criminal record. He was a pawn in someone else's game until he transformed himself into his own king. He has some morals that are hidden beneath the surface, and he refuses to talk about his past because it bothers him. He actively fought against the major kingdoms of the universe and he learned how to blend in on his own and fought and killed armies to protect a specific location and people. He is shown to feel some remorse for his crimes. He's looking for his sister.
Appearance: He's a skeleton monster with a tail. He's about 6'2" and he has murky red and purple eye light. He has a large scar on his right eye (red) that was very clear someone had hit his skull with a blunt object. (It's very wide and deep on top, but gets smaller down).
Kinktober Day 6: Dabi x Gn x Hawks (Keigo Tamaki) (Double Penatration)
Summary:
Your boyfriends wanted to try something new. They loved showing how much they cared for you by one pleasuring your hole while the other tends to your mouth. But they both wanted to feel your heat around them, so they knew exactly what to do.
Minors: DNI
Information: (F/M) favorite movie
Word Count:844
A/N: I'm going to start making these shorter so I can catch up! I hope you don't mind!
"Hey baby~" Keigo came up to you snaking his arms around your waist and pressing his face into your neck
You let out a chuckle as you run your fingers through your boyfriend's hair earning a hum of satisfaction from the male. It was a pretty calm and chill night. You were all watching a (F/M) and lounging on the couch with Keigo and Dabi, your other boyfriend when you started getting hungry. So, you made your way to the kitchen to make something for you three.
"What's going on in here?" another voice came from the kitchen entrance making you stop playing with Keigo's hair and turn to the new voice. You smiled as you saw Dabi make his way over to you. Once he reached you he grinned before lifting your chin and giving you a passionate kiss. You moaned as he explored and claimed your wet cavern slowly starting to get hard.
"You think you can forget about me baby bird?~" Keigo growled out rubbing his hardening cock against your ass, providing your hole occasionally
Dabi broke the kiss leaving a string of saliva connecting your mouths. He brushed his thumb over your bottom lip, watching it quiver slightly.
"Ya know big bird, we could try what we were talking about a few days ago" he said rubbing his boner against yours, smirking when he noticed your breath hitching.
"Yeah...yeah! I like the sound of that!" Hawks replied enthusiastically. He tightened his grip on your waist and picked you up and carried you out of the kitchen and into the living room Dabi not far behind. Hawks laid down on the couch with you still on top of him while Dabi sat over you.
"Do you want to do the honor's burnt bitch?" Dabi growled at the nickname earning a smirk from the bird, but he started to pull your boxer/briefs down and discarded them once they were off. The bother shared a look before nodding, they both trailed a hand to your mouth and put their fingers into it. Your tongue twirled around with the digits as they used their free hand to pleasure you. Dabi was softly stroking your thighs, his scarred hands feeling amazing they glided over the smooth skin.
Hawks was bitting and nibbling at your neck as he teased and played with your hardened buds. Once they both feel that their fingers were lubricated enough they took them out and grazed them over your puckered hole.
"W-wait guys! What a-are you planning?" you asked breathlessly
They both smirked before Hawks inserted his finger making you moan. Dabi cupped your face and kissed you, effectively silencing your lewd noises as Hawks worked with you. Once Keigo inserted three fingers he nodded at Dabi and the ravenette moved his hand to your now gaping hole and shoved two fingers inside.
"AHH~" you moaned as you felt their fingers spread you apart. They grazed over your prostate making you arch your back shaking as you orgasmed from the pleasure.
"Tsk tsk tsk, did we say you could do that baby bird?" Keigo asked kissing and licking your face
"I don't think we did~" Dabi grinned as he licked up the semen from your stomach
"You have to be punished baby bird~" they removed their hands from your hole creating a wet sound. Dabi was the first to align his cock with your hole and shove it in, causing you to see stars. After a while, you noticed that he hadn't moved, not even the slightest bit. You looked down in confusion and immediately your eyes widened. Hawks' cock was right next to Dabi's...'they both are going to fuck me at the same time!?' you shouted in your head. Sensing your dilemma Keigo kissed your neck
"Don't worry, you'll be able to take us both" Kei trusted sharply into you, causing all of you to moan and groan. With labored breaths, the two started moving in sync, piercing through your once tight hole as their cocks rubbed against each other battling for dominance. Your mind was blank as you were fucked senseless.
"Sh-Shit! You feel so good my l-little flame~" Dabi said grunting deeply
"Y-yeah, such a g-good hole~" the two both sped up their thrusts. With their dicks rubbing together and your walls clamping on them they came deep inside of you with a loud moan. You came again, vision fading in and out. You could feel the two pull out with a pop as you felt their cum leaking out of you.
"That took a lot out of me" Kei huffed exhausted
"Hmm" Dabi grunted as he plopped down on top of you. You all shut your eyes reflecting on how that was possibly the best sex you've ever had. Dabi wrapped his arms around your frame and started to doze off. Kei buried his face in your neck as his breathing became slower and more even. The movie and need for food have been long since forgotten as you all drifted into a deep sleep.
A/N Thank you all for reading! Have a great day/night my little Otaku's
I just finished number 9! It’s time to reveal the idol. Drum roll, please!
(Drums intensity) The idol is....
Jisoo!!
I chose to write about you two both being new students at a school and falling in love. I lost track a bit on this one because I was interrupted when I was really in the zone, but I’m still posting it! Enjoy😉
——
Where do I go again?
Of course. Lost on the first day of school. It was so typical, but at this point you didn’t care at all. Glancing down nervously at your schedule, it said room 105. Too bad you didn’t know where any of the halls were.
Very anxiously you searched around the whole area. Through many, many hallways and sections of the school, and yet you hadn’t had found it. You believed that you’d never find it.
Especially when the bell rung for first period. Then your nervousness practically shot through the roof. Panicked, you began to run around like a headless chicken.
Where?! Where’s 101...?!
Throughout your panicking, you felt your eyes tear up. This couldn’t be happening. You’d only ever seen it in movies or shows. Why did it have to now? Today?!
“Ugh...where do I—“
You felt a push against your back and immediately fell to the ground.
“Ah!”
You closed your eyes off of instinct as you felt yourself hit the hard floor. Really? Of course bad things were happening today.
“Hey, watch where you’re....”
You glanced up at who “pushed” you. It seemed as though she had no intention to harm you. She looked just as surprised.
“Ah! I’m so sorry.” The brunette hurriedly fixed her uniform and held out a hand to you. “Do you need help?”
You couldn’t speak. It was as if an angel had come to save you. She was...
Beautiful.
“U-Um, thanks...” You got up and brushed off your clothes. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going. It’s my first day here, and—“
The brunette gasped. “It’s mine as well! It looks like we’re in the same boat. What’s your name?” She smiled gently at you.
Your face tinged as you managed to stutter, “Y-Y/N.”
“What a nice name. I’m Jisoo.”
Jisoo, huh...
“So,” she began. “What’s your first class?”
“Oh, that.” You leaned down and picked up your schedule. “Geography, room 101. You?”
Jisoo’s eyes widened as she glanced down at her schedule, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. “Once again, mine as well!” She laughed, folding the piece of paper. “What a coincidence. We should probably get going.”
You nodded, observing her as you two walked to class. It seemed as if she already knew where the hallway was. Maybe she arrived early just to mesmerize the layout of the school. Impressive.
The next few days were amazing. You both had the same schedule and very similar interests. It was almost as if this were to make up for a horrible first day.
You also found yourself crushing on Jisoo. She was great at everything she did. A jack-of-all-trades, if you will. She was lucky to be that way. Smart, beautiful, kind....
And tomorrow would be the day you told her everything.
Your plan was to meet her after school and take her to the cherry blossom tree at the back. You’d then tell her how you felt. Hopefully you wouldn’t be rejected...
———
“Jisoo!” You yelled as you ran towards her. The beauty turned around, smiling when she saw you. “Ah, Y/N! What’s up?”
“Ah...well, I was wondering if you wanted to go with me. Just...somewhere.”
You felt a lump form in your throat when she nodded and took your hand. It felt surreal. But you had to do this. Even if she didn’t feel the same way, you knew that you would have to say it eventually.
When you two arrived, Jisoo’s eyes filled with excitement upon seeing the cherry tree. She walked over to it and placed her hand on it. “So it is here...I’ve never seen it! How’d you find it?”
You twirled you’re hair a bit. “I just know a few things.”
“Wow...” She seemed impressed. She faced you and smiled sweetly. That didn’t help.
“Um...Jisoo?”
“Hm?” She tilted her head a bit. “What’s up?”
“Well...” You looked up at her and began to speak. “You know, ever since the day we’ve met I’ve felt a connection with you. One that I don’t feel with many other people. You just...you’re so sweet and kind and really know how to understand people...”
Jisoo’s eyes widened.
“I just...wanted to tell you that...” You stepped forward and grabbed her hand.
“I’m in love with you.”
Jisoo’s gaze went from your hands to you. She looked shocked. But the shock immediately turned into a loving gaze.
“Y/N...”
As a few petals fell from the tree, Jisoo gently placed a hand on you face and kissed you. A light breeze blew, and the petals were scattered around.
Sebastian was pulled from sleep a little too quickly for his liking.
He hissed softly, hearing a nasty cough come from the boy next to him, following a thick sniffle.
He peeked an eye open, seeing Ciel sitting up, coughing once more, hearing him catch his breath. He sat up slowly, brows furrowed, hair an atrocious mess. “Ciel? Are you alright?” He asked worriedly, knowing that the coughing could result in an unwanted asthma attack.
Ciel shook his head, grabbing a tissue from the bedside table, before wiping at his runny nose. He felt miserable. His muscles felt achy, as if he had a long, hard workout the night before. His shaking frame slowly stood up, stumbling to the connected bathroom. Sebastian saw how uneasy Ciel was walking, so he bolted up to help him.
“Woah, woah. Easy there. What’s the matter? Are you feeling sick?” He asked the younger, an arm wrapped around his waist as he walked him to the bathroom. All Ciel did was nod, letting out a snippy “Obviously,” before coughing harshly once more, and gagging as a result. His blue eyes were puffy, and his cheeks were insanely pale. He walked unsteadily to the toilet, dropping down in front of it with another productive cough.
He shoved Sebastian off his back with a rough hand, feeling smothered. He shut his eyes as he leaned over the toilet bowl. “I don’t feel well.” Is all he stated through gritted teeth, breathing shallow. He knew that if he took a deep breath, a coughing fit would ensue, and he’d throw up quicker than he anticipated.
The heat radiating off of his body caused sweat to form on his neck and chest, his nightshirt sticking to his body. He took in a sharp breath, which lead to another hacking fit, followed by a loud gag. He quietly vomited into the toilet, gripping his stomach. The soothing hand of Sebastian rubbed up and down his back as fluids dripped from his nose and lips. A couple tears from his blue eyes fell down his cheeks.
This isn’t how he wanted to spend his long weekend. He did not see this coming.
Sebastian flushed the toilet, before dampening a cloth with cold water. He crouched next to Ciel, wiping at his mouth and nose softly. “That was quite the fit, wasn’t it?” He cooed softly, avoiding the teasing and prodding for another time. The older man didn’t get sick as often as Ciel, luckily, so he was always there to take care of him.
Ciel let Sebastian clean up his face, eyes drooping slightly. He hurt everywhere. His head throbbed from the gagging, he felt congested, and he could feel the mucus buildup in his throat. His stomach felt empty and tender. It didn’t necessarily hurt, since the vomiting was from his harsh coughing.
“Do you think you’ll be sick again?” Sebastian asked, and he was answered with a soft shrug. “Let’s get you comfy again. I’ll get a trash can and a couple other things for you. Couch or bed?” He continued, knowing that Ciel was probably getting frustrated with all his rambling and questions.
Ciel appreciated the worry coming from his boyfriend, but god, he was irritated. “Couch.” He said, knowing that he would probably just be carried down the stairs. Sebastian nodded, slowly lifting Ciel, helping him lock his legs around his waist. He slowly carried him down the stairs, making his way to the beautifully designed lounge.
Sebastian set him on the couch, popping out the leg rest. “I’m going to go grab a few things. Just stay put.” He spoke, keeping his voice gentle. He left Ciel on the couch, heading back up the stairs to retrieve a wastebasket, a change of clothes, some cold medicine, tissues, and a thin blanket. He came back, setting the things down, before making a second trip to the kitchen for a glass of water and a banana. He returned to Ciel, who let out a weak cough.
Since Ciel didn’t take liquid medicine, they had tablets he could swallow. Sebastian put two in his hand, along with the glass of water. He made sure Ciel had a decent grip, before turning away to grab his new change of clothes.
Ciel took the medicine with no fuss, before setting the glass of water on the side table. His body trembled gently, but also had a gleam of sweat. Sebastian began to unbutton his damp, sweaty shirt, replacing it with a clean one. He left the front unbuttoned, knowing it might get a little too hot for Ciel.
Sebastian set the tissues and banana on the side table next to the water. He lay the thin blanket over Ciels lower waist, hearing soft breaths come out of his mouth, since his nose was a little to stuffy to breathe out of. He placed the cold rag on his forehead, leaving a kiss in his hair.
Ciel coughed again, clearing his throat loudly. He looked and sounded miserable. The boy patted the spot next to him on the couch, silently asking Sebastian to sit next to him. Of course, his lover did so without hesitation after shutting the blinds.
Sebastian hated when Ciel was sick, he missed his attitude that was too big for his little body, his constant questions, and his positively alluring smile whenever he sweet talks him. He heard a quiet whimper come from Ciel, before feeling a tight grip on his larger hand. He squeezed back, leaving a soft kiss on his knuckle.
Ciel felt his eyelids begin to flutter close, and he sighed softly, resting his head on Sebastian’s shoulder. He coughed again, before spitting into the wastebasket next to the couch. He leaned back where he was, relaxing once again. He drifted off slowly, breathes turning as heavy as they were last night.
-
Ciel was woken up by a coughing fit about two hours later. He instantly felt the coldness to his left, feeling that Sebastian wasn’t there. He coughed into his fist, worry instantly filling his body, until hearing the water running upstairs from the shower. He turned his head, eyes falling on the glass of water awaiting next to him. He took a small sip, feeling it soothe his irritated throat.
He wished Sebastian would’ve told him he was going to go shower, as clingy as it sounds. He didn’t want to be alone for more than five minutes while he was sick. A frown tugged at his lips, and he fought the urge to cry out for the man upstairs. He patiently waited for Sebastian to come back to him, distracting himself with lightly snacking on the banana that was left for him earlier.
After another 10 minutes, he heard footsteps that care from the stairwell. He looked up, seeing Sebastian dressed in comfortable clothes, hair wet and pushed back. A smile filled Sebastian’s lips, noticing that Ciel was finally awake. “Oh, you’re awake! I’m sorry I didn’t wake you up when I went to shower, I figured you’d still be asleep when I came back down.” He said, heading back over to the boy on the couch.
Ciel jutted his lower lip out innocently, setting his bland snack back on the table. “I’m glad you ate a little something. How’re you feeling..?” Sebastian asked, intertwining his fingers with Ciels youthful ones. It took him a moment to reply, as he shifted to see if his body still ached as much as it did earlier. “A little better from the medicine...” Ciel whispered, lips dry and tongue white. His nose wasn’t running, but was still incredibly stuffy. He was a mouth breather for the time being. He always took breathing through his nose for granted.
Sebastian used the back of his hand to feel Ciels forehead. “You’re still a little warm, as expected... I’m glad you feel a bit better, Sweetheart.” He spoke, which made Ciel melt on the inside. Sebastian sat back down next to him, wrapping an arm around his waist. “Would you like to go back to sleep?” He asked, already knowing what the response would be. His boyfriend looked more than exhausted.
Ciel nodded, head falling to the side again as he leaned against Sebastian’s chest. He gripped at the front of his shirt, legs resting over his longer ones. He nestled closely, feeling a large hand rub up and down his thigh. His eyes closed again, the smothering feeling finally disappearing for the day. He wasn’t sweating as much as he was.
After a few minutes of resting their eyes, Ciel and Sebastian fell asleep together, with the younger curled into his chest, and Sebastian watching over him carefully.
I have a new short story on my website. If your fan of horror, fantasy, or isolated towns with dark pasts then you’ll like The Horn Curse.
A quick Summary: There’s a town in the forest with no roads leading in or out. The people their are simple farmers, family men, and worshipers of the harvest god. Life is good for the people, living in a safe haven from the demonic woods. Until a centuries old curse returns once again and puts many young children’s lives in danger. One of the cursed, a girl named Gertrude, is determined to find a way to reverse it. All the while a mysterious figure, a large man with inhuman abilities only known as the horned man is reeking havoc but she will quickly learn, everything is not as it seems.
Could u write #65 the small kiss to big kiss one for IsabelxArthur?
Finally getting around to finishing these prompts! Sorry it’s taken so long. I suppose this could be considered a continuation to this one! (Continuation and resolution!)
Also, putting under a read more because WOW DID THIS GET LONG.
@rdr-oc-appreciation @ineedpeetalikehekneadsbread
When Isabel didn’t return to Shady Belle after three days, Arthur began to worry. At first, it was a slight niggle at the back of his mind. An itch he couldn’t scratch. By the fifth day, that itch was more pronounced. Pain, like a headache, pounding over his left eye. He tried to ignore it and go about business. Isabel was capable. He didn’t need to worry.
When it surpassed a week, the worry was more a constant dread. A dread that clawed at his mind and made swipes at his stomach. Each time he heard horses hooves, he ran to see if it was her and he hated the disappointment and nauseating worry that washed over him when it wasn’t.
He made up his mind to go and find her himself. Things were… strange between them when he saw her in Saint Denis. Strange and… strained. He knew why. He knew almost as soon as she was gone from his sight. He kissed her after the O’Driscoll attack on Shady Belle. He kissed her, and she kissed him back. And then… then, he spent his time avoiding her like a coward. Not wanting to confront what he had done, and how he felt towards her. So he fled from her and his feelings, and straight into Mary.
Of course, Isabel had seen them. The earnest conversation at the trolley car - what must she have thought when she saw them? More over, what must she have thought when Arthur snapped at her questions. Questions that were natural and normal. This was exactly the reason he avoided her. He would only hurt her, after all. That was all he was good at. All he was good for. He could hurt, and kill, and rob. He was a killer. There was no softness in him. Whatever Isabel saw in him was something Arthur could not see in himself. She deserved better than him. So did Mary, for that matter, but he was selfish. Wanting and pining for them both. Making promises to Mary. Promises he could never keep. After all, if the bank job went off without any trouble, could he really see himself settling down? Would Mary honestly want that?
Arthur didn’t know.
The more he thought about it, the more confused and twisted his mind became. He tried to think forward. Isabel was his main concern at that moment. Isabel. Her whereabouts. Her safety.
He left without a word as he often did and began the long ride to Big Valley. He hoped to be able to pick up Isabel’s trail when he was in the right area and perhaps ask a few travelers if they’d seen her if he met any on the way.
Riding through the night, passed through Strawberry just after dawn and crossed into Big Valley. In Strawberry Arthur asked the only person he thought Isabel might do business with if he’d seen her; the butcher. A portly man, chopping up venison with a meat cleaver, he did two things.
First, confirmed that he had seen and done business with Isabel recently. And second, recently turned out to only be two days before. Isabel was alive, and hunting - which was good. The nagging worry Arthur was experiencing retreated somewhat with that knowledge.
Out in the open, he followed tracks of deer herds, easing hunting for someone of Isabel’s experience. The herds of deer led him to familiar snare traps that Isabel made for catching rabbits and other small game. From there, he was able to observe broken twigs, and disturbed leaf litter in among trees and thick bushes some larger animals used for grazing. After that, it was just a case of finding the most likely place Isabel was to camp. Somewhere safe, hidden, off the main track. Away from prying eyes, but also from potential predators.
He found Isabel’s camp after an hour of so. Set up in what remained of a moonshiners distillery, she was protected from view and from the elements in a copse of trees. Her tent was simple, and disguised with tree fronds helping it blend into the foliage around it.
Arthur hitched Juno to a nearby tree and went to investigate the site. There were pelts rolled and bundled together inside Isabel’s tent, and a few herbs all bound with string in bunches. What remained of the fire from the night before was all ash and dust. Arthur had no other choice but to sit, and wait. He knew if he left she was likely to return while he was out looking for her.
While he waited, he found himself beginning to dread seeing Isabel again. He would have to explain so much to her. Explain, and apologize. He didn’t want to think what she must have thought of him now. Kissing her like that, only to avoid her. And then for her to see him with Mary. In their conversation so intense and earnest… It was no wonder Isabel was off with him when he came across her shortly after seeing Mary off at the trolley station. It was no wonder she snapped at him and would barely look at him.
If the roles were reversed…
Arthur didn’t want to think about it.
He busied himself by pacing and pushing his hands through his hair over and over again, trying to smooth it down and neaten it. He didn’t keep a mirror on him, but could only imagine what a state he looked after riding all night. Juno watched him from where she was hitched. She was judging him, just as he was judging himself.
By mid-afternoon was when Arthur heard the sounds of hoof beats approaching the copse and the campsite within. His hand lingered by the holster at his hip through sheer instinct, but relaxed when he saw the head of Valkyrie pushing through the trees, and Isabel at her side, leading her.
Shocked filtered through Isabel’s expression when she saw him, and she dropped Valkyrie’s reins. A quick glance over her, Arthur saw she was dirty, and sweaty, but looked uninjured.
Isabel walked further into the clearing. There was a tug in Arthur’s chest, like a chord trying to yank him towards her.
“You…” Isabel’s brows furrowed, “you’re here.”
“Yeah.”
“…Why?”
Because I owe you an explanation. Because I was worried about you. Because I care about you. Because you deserve better than this.
Of all the things Arthur wanted to say, he could not give air to them. Instead, he stood without speaking, the silence building and the tension between them growing heavier, and heavier until it was like a crushing weight above him. He wanted to explain, but the words… He could never find the right words!
“Because…” Arthur said, cracking the silence like ice on a lake. Instinct took over. He couldn’t say what he wanted. Not yet at least, but perhaps he could show her. Try and put across through actions what he struggled to say with words.
He closed the space between them in a few strides, took Isabel’s face between his hands, and pressed a kiss to her mouth. Light, not forceful, or demanding, but enough that it could be considered a kiss. A small kiss. A brief kiss. A kiss Arthur pulled away from with a stomach churning uncertainty roaring about in his head. What if that only made things worse?
Releasing Isabel’s face, he lowered his hands, but not his eyes. He held her gaze, trying to see and understand the emotions filtering through her. She looked… surprised, that he expected. But beyond that… Beyond the initial shock of his being there, and his brief kiss… He couldn’t work out what else she was feeling, or thinking. Arthur wasn’t entirely sure what he was thinking either, beyond the desire to kiss her again. A desire only made stronger by how close she was, and by how her lips were slightly parted.
Moving more slowly this time, Arthur curved one large hand around Isabel’s waist, and slid the other up over her neck to cup her jaw. He tilted her head back, ran his thumb along her jaw bone and released a long breath through his nose. He inched closer, tilting his head to one side so they didn’t bump noses. He waited for Isabel to refuse, to push him away or tell him ‘no’. But no refusal came. No sound. No struggle. Nothing, except the sound of her breath quickening.
Arthur kissed her for a second time. Slightly harder than before, and spurred on by the subtle movement of Isabel’s lips against his. He slipped his hand back into her hair and drew her body closer to his, letting his hand slide down to her hip. Isabel held him by the upper arms. Her mouth opened a fraction, and Arthur was lost in an instant. One of her hands was suddenly enmeshed within his hair, her other was on his chest, fingers curled into the cloth of his shirt. Arthur was sure if there had been a desk or dresser, he would have pushed her against it, but as there was nothing to use as support, they stood. Embraced, kissing, exchanging tiny parts of themselves with every second their connection lengthened.
He hoped she understood. He hoped she knew this was real. He was choosing her. Mary was the past. She was his past, but not his present, not his future. Deep down, he knew that. Deep down, Mary knew it, too. It would never have worked between them. It didn’t then, it wouldn’t now. But this… this… connection he had with Isabel… Maybe it was possible for something to come of this. Something to happen with this. If it wasn’t too late. If he hadn’t screwed it up already.
Cradling Isabel’s face in his hands, Arthur broke the kiss. They were both breathing hard, and he saw a deep flush in Isabel’s cheeks. The kind of flush he’d seen before, when she’d laughed herself to tears.
“I missed you,” Arthur whispered, his voice hoarse. “I ain’t the most articulate, but I wanna explain somethings to you.”
Isabel nodded, opening her eyes and peering up at him, “okay.”
WOW THIS IS SO MUCH LONGER THAN I ANTICIPATED. I’M SORRY. ALSO WHY ARE ENDINGS SO GODSDAMNED HARD?!
I hope this is okay Nonny. Sorry it’s taken me so long to get it filled. Thank you for prompting me. <3Let me know what you think~?I have to go to bed now because I’m working and like a chump, offered to cover the Sunday shift. Blegh.
