Summary: Everyone at Belift Publishing knows Shin YN & Jo Hye Won are platonic soulmates. When Hye Won reveals she has a crush, YN decides she will do everything to give Hye Won her happily Ever After. Park Jay on the other hand likes someone and will do everything he can to make her his girlfriend.
This is basically a birthday present for the BIGGEST Kazhoon shipper Fei aka @shinkenprincess-oh, the person that made me think this ship was canon when I didnt even write it but here it is:
Word Count: 1,531.
To set the scene, following on from the WATN, Ynjay have gotten married.
Now, Yoongi is making his choice of people to take to his sub division, surprisingly he chooses Jay, Yunjin, Sunghoon and Kazuha. YN was staunchly against working under her brother.
It was a fight to get Kazuha to agree to move from the Belift offices to D2 Yoongi's offices on a different level.
Jay rightfully made the point that Kazuha was going to be turning up around YN anyway all the time.
He was promptly told to shut up and let the besties figure this out. In the end, YN did convince Kazuha to join D2.
Heeseung giving YN a ride home after they had stayed to work late, asked YN about why it was practically a battle to get Kazuha to join Yoongi.
YN explaining "Zuha for the chaotic diva she is, tends to undermine her hard work, she puts in the work but gets shy when she's praised for it"
"Yoongi oppa wanted her to be in his division from the beginning but with that bitch I wont name, Zuha denied but now she deserves to be appreciated by my oppa whose shes admired forever"
Heeseung nods his head, agreeing. This behaviour similar in his mind to Sunghoon.
Who would rather joke about his lack of work than have someone acknowledge that he even does work.
Now for all the pranks they pull, YN is the social butterfly meanwhile Kazuha is a creature of habit and comfort.
So moving to a new team, she sticks to Jay cause she knows him best, hes basically her brother at this point.
Many a time, YN or Yoongi have been called to either settle an argument or to stop Jayzuha from verbally taking some idiot down.
So despite working in the same office for years and now being in the same team, Kazuha and Sunghoon dont know each other that well.
This changes when Yoongi pairs them up, he's seen their individual work and thinks 2 minds are always better than one.
Both of them are excited but apprehensive, they know of each other but dont know each other.
Kazuha has a reputation for being YNs partner in crime but also one of the hardest workers in the office.
Meanwhile Sunghoons reputation is of a slacker that barely manages to get his work finished on time...
Which Kazuha on the first all nighter they pull asks him about.
"You know your rep when we still worked at Belift was the worst right?" Sunghoon stops typing to turn towards Kazuha and answers.
"Yeah, it started as a joke then I kinda just let it keep going because it let me do so much more in the background with people assuming I wont get things done" Sunghoon carries on typing but stops when he sees that Kazuha is just staring at him.
"I get that but your not hiding now, why?" Kazuha asks genuinely curious.
"I have no need to, Heeseung hyung got the promotion he deserved, I helped whoever I could then Yoongi sunbae picks me and Jay for his new team, theres a need to prove that Im a right fit here" Sunghon explains calmly, taking a piece of the Pizza they'd ordered.
Kazuha nods her head, she more than most gets this need to prove herself worthy of being in Yoongi's team.
"Well then Sunghoon let's prove ourselves together" Kazuha holds up her hand foa a high five, Sunghoon laughs but gives her a high five.
That's how the friendship between them starts. Kazuha doesn't stick only to Jay now, shes got Sunghoon too.
It get to the point that Jay is complaining to YN about how Kazuha has replaced him with Sunghoon.
"Babe, you complained when Zu was sticking to you and now your unhappy that shes sticking to Sunghoon?" YN said laughing when her husband just pouts at her no real response because she has a point.
Yunjin and Heeseung laugh at their antics but Yunjin points something out.
"Truthfully, Sunghoon and Kazuha get along great and it makes my job being Yoongi oppa's second so much easier. I just delegate to those 2 and they get shit done."
Jay groans when he sees the looks on Heeseung and YNs face.
"Oh youve done it now Yunjin, these 2 matchmakers are gonna make it happen" Jay says shaking his head.
"Hold on, Jay. We'll see them together and if we think its a good match only then will we try to matchmake" Heeseung says taking his glass to cheers with YN who quite frankly is set on the idea of getting Kazuha and Sunghoon together.
Heeseung however holds tru to his word and makes YN observe Kazhoon before she runs away with her ideas to get them together.
Seeing them together cements the idea. These two are basically a married couple without even dating.
They know each others coffee orders, which restaurants are each other's faves, when to take over and when to tell the other to take it down a notch.
YN finds it weird that Kazuha hasnt said anything to her about her feelings for Sunghoon when they are so obvious to everyone.
"So when do you plan on asking Sunghoon out, Zu boo?" YN asks just as Zuha takes a drink of her coke which causes her to spit it out.
Cleaning up the mess, YN gives her a look. Kazuha sighs and starts explaining.
"It was after we were paired together that I realised I had a crush on him and before I knew it, this crush did not in fact get crushed but turned into liking him" Kazuha explained.
"Fair enough boo, but why dont you ask him out. You've never been afraid to go after what you want before" YN says, leading Kazuha to sit on the couch comfortably from the table they had dinner at.
Kazuha plops down on the sofa and turns to YN.
"Just once I want to be the one that gets asked out, Im tired of always being the one to ask guys out, to take the first step. Is it too much to want him to ask me out first for once" Seeing her about to cry, YN gathers her best friend in a hug and let's her get out all that shes been hiding for the past few months.
Know armed with the knowledge of Kazuha's feelings. YN gets Yunjin to corner him about his feelings.
"You're in love with Kazuha, why arent you doing anything about it Sunghoon?" Yunjin bluntly asks, YN facepalms from under the table where shes hidden.
If only Heeseung wasnt out of office for meetings, she wouldve asked him to confront Sunghoon. While she loves Yunjin, shes not the gentle one and that is evidenced by the bluntness.
Sunghoon shocked at the question but answers.
"Im scared of getting rejected. I want to ask her out but I cant get over the fear of her saying shes not interested. We'd still have to work together regardless and I dont want to mess with our dynamic"
This makes YN get out from under the desk.
"You have got to be kidding me Park Sunghoon. The dynamic you idiots have right now is basically telling everyone about your feelings through your actions without telling each other" YN tells Sunghoon.
Who surprisingly isn't shocked to see her come out from under the desk.
Together they plan an elaborate way to ask Kazuha out. Its what she deserved and Shin YN will make sure her bestie gets the best.
Atleast thats what YN wants to do but Sunghoon gently requests (demands essentially through HeeJayYunjin) to let him handle this.
YN agrees by giving him a deadline to ask Kazuha out.
With a deadline, Sunghoon starts planning, he knows how he wants to ask Kazuha out and he will make sure it happens his way.
He works hard to convince Yoongi to let both him and Zuha have the same day off by promising to work over time for the next month.
Yoongi gives in but had Sjnghoon just asked, he wouldve signed off on the day off knowing it was for Kazuha and without YN filling him in but he saw the way Kazhoon looked at each other.
Sunghoon's plan was simple, turn up at Kazuha's flat, take her out for breakfast and then ask for the day to be their first date.
While the first part of his plan works, what he didnt expect was for Kazuha to demand she get a few hours to get ready for their date.
In which Jay the dutiful husband, collects Sunghoon from Kazuha's and drops YN off to help her get ready.
While at their house, Jay gives Sunghoon the names of places that he can get them into for dinner since he knows Sunghoon plans to take Kazuha to Lotte World.
A few hours later, YN calls Jay to bring Sunghoon back and finally let's them go on their date.
At the end of the day, Kazuha calls YN to gush about how amazing the date was and that Sunghoon wasted no time to ask her to be his girlfriend and they're officially together.
Happy birthday to my fangirl bestie, to many more years of you being the fabulous badass bitch that you are.
(Previous)
[txt] Yeowch.
[txt] Well, she sent it in the clergy groupchat we have.
[txt] Why’d Sam go after you? Thought you said during your confession this morning that they helped you or something.
[txt] I lied.
[txt] Which ruined all of Sam's “proof” of Thomas being a benevolent mastermind plotting to overthrow the Glornch.
[txt] THOMAS lol
[txt] Anyways I knew it was a bad move
[txt] But I didn't have a choice since they ruined my plan to drive a good sacrifice away
[txt] Because if it came out during torture I'd be joining him.
Pairing: Ransom Drysdale x mermaid!Reader (A Spin on The Little Mermaid #3)
Summary: As the rebellious Princess of the Mers, you wanted the best of both worlds. You chose to live your life with endless adventures on land while still being able to fulfill your duties to the crown. Ransom just happens to feature in many of your adventures.
Warnings: 18+ ONLY SMUT CONTENT. so much adult language, cocky Ransom, unprotected semi-public fucking in human form, anal, degradation, praise, squirting, overstimulation, spanking, choking, ANGST, dubcon breeding, unprotected monster fucking, FLUFF, soft boy Ransom
Word Count: 8.1k (One Shot)
A/N: I did not expect this to turn out this way. I set out to write something completely different for Ransom but here we are. Enjoy! You don't need to read the first two, but it is recommended so that you can have a more wholistic experience with the lore and how they all connect together.
Full Masterlist | Story Book Collection Masterlist
Autumn has to be your favorite season and you prefer to spend it on land. There was nothing like laying down on a beach lounger with the cool salty ocean breeze blowing wrapped in a knitted sweater and sipping on a hot drink. You sighed happily as you sank down further on your lounger, stretching your legs out and wiggling your toes. Your short skirt blew with the wind and tickled your thighs as you stared fondly at the crashing waves of your private beach property in Malibu. You mulled over your life and your Kingdom underwater as you often did on quiet nights like this.
The second choice.
Being the second child of the Queen of the Seas earned you a certain level of privilege. It came with the title of royalty, a precious princess to the kingdom. It came with the respect of your species and the protection of the warriors, but you were always the second choice. Thank the gods for that. You were more than happy to revert all of that responsibility over to your older half brother Steve.
An heir and a spare.
Crown Prince Steven was by all means the epitome of a future King, exemplary in combat and sharp in wit with a natural inclination for leadership. You were the spare. Just like your mother was for your Uncle Andy. Unlike your family, you disagreed with many Merfolk traditions and you were considered as different.
A wild card.
A brat.
Rebellious.
Difficult.
One important thing you disagreed with was the treatment of humans. You knew the significance and you understood that it was essential for survival, but you were always conflicted and you refused to directly participate. Still your love and loyalty for your kind was strong and you were still duty bound. So you delegated yourself to a task not many wanted but one where you found purpose in.
Gatekeeper.
That was what they called this role, held by only a few since it was established. Since the Merfolk population was limited, everyone had a part to play. Yours was to be the link between land and sea. Early on your ancestors realized that your people needed a way to navigate the human world, a way to ensure safety when on land and resources to use. You held your hand out in front of you, the precious stones and luxurious metals glittering with the soft light of your backyard.
Jewelry.
There was no shortage of riches from the sea, riches apparently that humans were willing to pay hefty amounts for. Your ancestors partnered with a poor fishing couple who were good of heart, but desperately struggling to feed their children. The agreement was that this family help the Merfolk on land and to keep their existence a secret in exchange for unlimited riches for generations to come and the protection of the Merfolk. From this partnership grew a global conglomerate that was now a household name for high end jewelry and ocean conservation.
The profit and influence from this company enabled your people to live and move comfortably on land. Your job was to maintain the relationship with your human partners and to ensure all Merfolk that came on land were well equipped and safe. They went to you first and you ensured safe passage for them.
You took a long sip from your drink, letting the warmth spread through your body with a satisfied hum. It has been a busy week for you with the launch of a new line of designs and a slew of promotional parties. There was still more work to be done so it was nice to have time to relax.
So deep in thought were you and in a comfortable cocoon that you didn’t realize a large shadow slowly drawing nearer behind you. If you were paying more attention, you would have heard the soft click as your back door opened. You would have heard the light padding of expensive loafers. You would have caught the scent of designer cologne.
It wasn’t until a hand clamped over your mouth that your body went on high alert. Your cup flew out of your hand and smashed against the wood of the deck, your screaming muffled by the hand. Your heart pounded frantically as you thrashed in an effort to be released. An amused chuckle halted your struggle and the smirking face that lowered to your view turned the fear to exasperated annoyance.
“Ransom, you fucking asshole!” you shrieked as you smacked his arm repeatedly. “You scared me!”
“You should have seen your face,” he laughed as he sat down beside you, pulling you onto his lap to kiss you breathless. “Your housekeeper let me in before she left.”
One hand was on the back of your head, keeping you in place as he continued to kiss you. You moaned as his tongue battled with yours, his forcefulness sending heat to your core immediately. His other hand was gripping your hip, moving you to press closer to his growing erection.
“You’re such a dick,” you mumbled, as he moved his mouth to your neck.
“You like this dick,” he chuckled, lifting you to properly straddle him and angling his hips to grind against you. “You miss this dick.”
He wasn’t wrong. He was a cocky dick but he gave good dick. Ever since you met him a couple of years ago at a party in Massachusetts, you couldn’t help but find his arrogant snarky personality entertaining. He was so brashly honest and uncaring of what other people thought of him that you found it oddly appealing as you traded witty comebacks back and forth. It helped that he also looked delicious and you just happened to need someone to warm your bed that night.
What was meant to be just a one night stand turned into a habitual no strings attached arrangement when three months later you saw each other again by chance at another party. You only got as far as the ballroom’s ornate bathroom that time and it took a while for your legs to be able to support you much to his smug satisfaction. From then on whenever you were in the same city, you sought each other out.
“You’re wet already, aren’t you?” he said as his hand slipped beneath your skirt, his thumb sneaking under your panties and swiping against your folds. “Dripping. I could probably just shove my cock in this pussy with no fight.”
“Ransom,” you whined, your hips moving in search of more friction.
“Impatient little brat. I’ve barely touched you and you’re already so desperate for my cock.”
“Fuck me or get the fuck out of my house, Ransom.”
He chuckled when your threats melted into sighs as he pushed his thumb inside you, shallowly fucking you in a way that was no where near enough. He loved to tease you. A big part of what turns him on about you is how you fight back, meeting his own demanding nature with your own stubborn one. Getting a win over each other was sometimes better than the orgasm that follows, but nothing compared to the image of having you an angry whimpering mess beneath him.
He pulled his thumb out and popped it in his mouth, making a show of twirling his tongue around your arousal that was coating his finger. He kept your gazes locked the whole time, noting how your breath hitched and your eyes darkened.
“Still the sweetest pussy I’ve ever tasted,” he hummed. “Quiet now, aren’t you?”
The small growl you let out amused him to no end and he wanted to keep riling you up, but the tightening in his pants was becoming urgent. He smacked your ass and dumped you back on the lounger before he stood.
“Hands and knees.”
You wanted to let out a sharp remark or roll your eyes at his commanding tone, anything to antagonize him but the sight of his big beautiful cock out made your mouth water. You maneuvered yourself around just as he asked, opening your mouth for him in anticipation.
“Good girl,” he said, running the tip of his cock lightly along your lips. “Show me how much of a whore you are for this cock.”
He slipped his cock into your mouth, easing in until his full length was hitting the back of your throat. He let out a long low groan, one hand firmly on the back of your head to keep you in place. His pace started slow until he was thrusting into your mouth with the sole purpose of using you for his pleasure.
“Fuck. That's right. Take that cock just how I taught you.”
You relaxed your throat and flattened your tongue, staring up at him to encourage him to be rougher with you. You can take it. You could always take him. Watching him lose himself in your mouth made your pussy clench, his eyes burning with lust and his jaw ticking. You rubbed your thighs together to ease the ache between your legs. You couldn’t help it. He just looked so good with that feral look in his blue eyes. Blue eyes that now flashed in anger down at you.
You felt his fingers dig into the back of your head as a resounding crack shocked you forward making you choke on his cock, your bottom stinging from two more quick slaps that followed. You yelped, the sound garbled and muffled as you were pressed close to his pelvis. His fingers forcing their way inside you with no warning.
“Greedy. Little. Brat.”
Each word was punctuated with a sharp jerk of his hips and a twist of his fingers inside you. Your slick was dripping down your thighs and soaking his hand, your pussy was pulsing and clenching. More. You needed more. Your hips began to wind and push against his hand earning you a dark chuckle from above you.
“You’re just such a desperate slut, aren’t you?” he said, his tone mocking you.
He groaned as you swallowed around him, your eyes meeting his and glinting with mischief. You knew how to press his buttons too. He pulled himself out of you suddenly and grabbed you by the neck to raise your face to his, spit shining around your mouth and chin.
“That how you wanna play today, princess?”
You smirked, the nickname carrying a certain irony given how Ransom didn’t know how accurate it actually was. You leaned your face closer and ran your hands up the soft texture of his sweater, fearlessly meeting his fury to nip on his plump bottom lip before slowly pulling back and winking devilishly at him.
The growl he let out sent a new wave of arousal through you, the electricity buzzing down your spine as he crashed his lips to yours in a messy kiss. You moaned against his mouth, gasping as he pushed you off him. He manhandled you until you were on all fours again with your ass up for him, ripping your skirt and panties off in one go. He kept your loose cable knit sweater on though, loving how soft you felt all over.
You jolted forward as you felt him spit on your cunt, spreading it around with your slick up to your puckered hole. His thumb slipped in with little resistance and your body sagged as you welcomed it.
“Ransom,” you whined.
He hummed. Toying with your back entrance as he rubbed the head of his cock against your soaking core. Your pussy wept and clenched, your whole body screaming to be stuffed. The moment the head of his cock breached you, all thoughts flew out of your mind except for the feel of his girth stretching your walls in a way no other man or merman has ever done for you.
“God, you’re tight,” he grunted as he bottomed out. “But you’re taking me so well, princess. Like you’re made to take this cock.”
“More. Harder, Ransom,” you moaned.
He tutted at you as he continued with his infuriatingly languid pace, one hand gripping your hip to keep you locked in place. The bruises will be a nice thing to wake up to tomorrow. His thumb in your ass kept pressing in, contributing to your pleasure but it still wasn’t enough.
“Come on, princess. You know what to say.”
“Fuck!” you screamed as he rolled his hips, reaching deeper inside you and building up that fire inside you just a bit more. “Just fuck me harder, you goddamn prick.”
“You know what I wanna hear,” he chuckled. Another roll of his hips and your legs were starting to quiver with the tension. “Say it.”
“Please,” you muttered under your breath.
The hand on your hip gripped tighter and his hips snapped sharply, the sound of your skin meeting drowned by your yelp. “Say it louder.”
You gritted your teeth, your stubborn head telling you to disobey. Your body was shaking now, teetering over the edge of an almost orgasm. Another sharp thrust, pushing hard into both your holes, had your resolve crumbling.
“Please, Ransom. Take me harder, please.”
You turned your head and caught the slow smirk curve on his face and the excitement of knowing rippled through you. All at once his pace changed drastically, pounding into you until you were practically falling through the lounger. You screamed your pleasure into the night, falling instantly into your first orgasm.
“Good girl,” he panted from behind you, his thrusts not slowing even as you continued convulsing beneath him. “Keep going.”
The smug bastard kept fucking you through to another rippling orgasm, his thumb joined now by another finger to prep you for what he wanted next. He bit down on his lip to stave off his own release, but your walls pulsing around him and your mewling was making it difficult. He grabbed you by the neck and pulled you up flush against him as he pulled out of you, your weakened body grateful for the support.
His cock was glistening with your cum, aiding in his entrance through your puckered hole. His hand around your throat tightened, just as tight as your walls around his cock. You felt his hot breath around your ear as he groaned in satisfaction. His other hand trailed down your overheated body to spear his fingers through your weeping core. The curses and pleading just kept spilling from your lips.
“This is how you like it. Right, princess?” he said as his fingers pushed and tapped relentlessly inside you, hitting that spongy spot that had your eyes rolling to the back of your head. “You like me stuffing both your holes where the neighbors could just look out their windows and see how much of a slut you are for me? Come on then, princess.”
His hands and cock worked in complete synchrony to deliver you to your ruin; digging, prodding, scissoring, pushing, pounding, and choking you just right. Your sweater drooped down your shoulder and his mouth took it as an invitation to latch on, biting and sucking his stamp of ownership over you. You could feel the coil impossibly tighten, already on the brink of snapping completely.
“Make a mess for me.”
You keened sharply as ecstasy consumed you, your vision exploding with fireworks and tears. Your whole body shook violently with pleasure as your release continuously drenched the once pristine white cushion beneath you, his hand rubbing and slapping now at your throbbing clit.
"Fuck. That's it," he groaned. "Goddamn, you feel good."
You could vaguely hear the string of profanities and praise he let out as he railed into your ass in time with the thundering in your ears. He pulled you back with a hard bite down on your shoulder as he emptied himself inside you with a feral roar.
For a while, no words were exchanged between you. There was only heavy panting, heartbeats that struggled to slow, and hands that roamed lazily. He turned your head to catch your lips in a slow kiss that made you shiver. It was the complete opposite of the manner he just took you, but was always welcome. He pulled out of you and drew you back to sit between his legs, his hands slipping beneath your sweater to palm at your breasts with interest.
“I didn’t know you were in town,” you said as you leaned further back against him.
“Charles Blackwood was having a birthday party in LA. Got bored.” He tweaked your nipple and your back arched. “Knew I’d have more fun here.”
“Not enough strippers for your taste?” you teased. “How long are you here for?”
“About a week,” he whispered against your ear, nibbling on your lobe and sneaking his tongue in. “Glad I caught you before your annual trip with your family. Can’t have you craving my cock for too long.”
“Just in time then. I leave in two weeks.” Your hand reached behind to card through his hair, pulling and scratching lightly at his scalp. He groaned and grinded his hips forward, his manhood starting to grow again. “Plenty of time for you to put your smart mouth to better use. I have some business meetings but I’m mostly free.”
“Oh, princess. Don’t make plans just yet.” He pulled your sweater over your head and tossed it aside, before he lifted you up into his arms and into your house. You laughed against his neck, your arms clinging to him. “I’m not even halfway done with you tonight.”
He caught sight of a few loose pearls on the lounger that he just assumed must have gotten knocked off from one of the pieces you were wearing. They hardly registered when he had your willing body pressed against his.
-------------------------
He didn’t leave until noon the next day, leaving you thoroughly sated and sore, but it would be a couple of days later when he came back. You were busy arranging your things for the meeting you needed to get to, checking the essentia paperwork to bring and shoving your belongings into your purse.
Ransom walked in like he owned the place and grinned at the business attire you were wearing that highlighted your body perfectly. You were beautiful in anything you wore, there was a fiery radiance to you and a presence that was captivating, but seeing you dressed like this made you look powerful and in charge. His cock was already hardening and he hasn’t even touched you yet. He couldn’t wait to rip it off you.
“Hey, princess. Busy today?” he smirked as he sauntered over to you.
He abruptly halted before he could reach you when another man came into the room, dressed similarly to you and frowning at the tie he was struggling with in his gloved hands. He was tall and wide, built like a brick wall with icy blue eyes and sharp bone structure. Ransom noted that his hair was still damp, an obvious sign that he got ready here.
He scowled when their eyes met, a sudden wave of possessiveness taking him by surprise when the other man stood far too closely to you for his liking. You were oblivious to the death stare match they were having, too busy thinking of the tasks needed to be accomplished today.
“Ransom this is Bucky. Bucky this is Ransom,” you casually introduced them, taking the tie from Bucky and fixing it for him hurriedly. The intimate yet familiar gesture made Ransom’s jaw clench. “Wait for me in the car, Buck. I’ll be with you in a minute.”
“Are you sure, princess?”
Ransom growled at the use of the term. That was his pet name for you. It infuriated him how you didn’t even react to another man calling you that. You were by no means exclusive with each other. You weren’t dating. You also made no promises that this arrangement would lead to anything else. It suited you both since you weren’t ones to be tied down, but neither of you had seen the other with someone else.
It was hypocritical of Ransom particularly since he was still upholding his reputation as a playboy and you weren’t exactly waiting around for the next time your paths crossed. That was the deal, but Ransom never did do well with sharing. You weren’t his, but for the first time since he met you he thought that maybe he wanted you to be.
As soon as Bucky was out the door, Ransom’s furious expression was on you and his low snarl froze you on the spot. “Who the fuck was that?”
“What the hell is your problem? I told you that was Bucky.”
“Who the hell is Bucky?” he growled in your face. “Who is he to you, princess?”
You were surprised by this unexpected outburst and the venom in his use of the pet name made you flinch, but you weren’t one to back down. This princess bows to no one. You lifted your chin and met his gaze unflinchingly as the realization began to dawn on you.
Ransom was jealous.
Bucky was a Queen's Guard who regularly would check up on you and the other Merfolk onshore. This time around he also escorted a few of your people to you and helped send them on their way. This afternoon he was accompanying you to meet with the human family you were bonded with. He was also your older brother’s closest friend, a mainstay in your life since childhood. Ransom had no reason to be jealous of him, but you were in no mood to pander to his childish behaviour.
“He’s a family friend.”
“I can see just how friendly you two are,” he scoffed.
“What if we are?” you challenged him. “That’s none of your business.”
“Like hell it isn’t! Are you really that much of a cock hungry whore that you can’t even go two days without looking for something to fill your cunt?”
The crack of your hand as it met his cheek threw the room into a tense silence. Your chest rose and fell heavily as you struggled to control your indignation, hot tears stinging your eyes. Never had anyone spoken to you this way. Never had Ransom used those words on you with malice and you hated to admit to yourself that it hurt you more than you expected.
“You don’t get to talk to me like that. You don’t get to make me feel bad when you’re not exactly discreet about your conquests,” you shot back, mirroring the rage that was evident on his face. “You don’t get to judge me when your bullshit is splashed across gossip blogs on a regular basis. You even went viral for your dick pic on Instagram. Good for you.”
“You. Vicious. Little. Bitch.”
You sneered at how the veins on his neck were popping with each punctuated word. He was shaking with barely restrained fury, his fists clenched at his sides and a small bleeding cut on his cheek from the ring you wore on your hand that struck him. Good. If you weren’t so furious, you would have thought that anger just made him more attractive.
“You do not own me,” you spat, taking a confident step toward him. “Now if you’re quite done with your temper tantrum, I have a meeting to get to. You can wait here for me to come back in a few hours and we can talk when you’ve calmed down. ”
“You must be insane to think I’d wait here for you like some puppy.”
“Fine. Then don’t.” You threw your hands in the air in dismissal. “Don’t let the door hit you on the ass on your way out.”
You grabbed your things and marched toward the door. You looked at him one last time, your face turning oddly sad before you fixed it to one of icy indifference.
“Goodbye, Ransom.”
The door slammed behind you with a finality that echoed in the now empty room where he still stood. He wasn’t sure which was more bruised, his cheek or his pride.
-------------------------
You expected Ransom to not be there when you got back, but it still stung when you came home to an empty house. Out of all the many properties your kind owned on land this mansion was your favorite which was why you chose this as your permanent residence. Built and decorated with the thought that it was an extension of the sea, with its open spacious interiors in a coastal design and a backyard with a large pool that led to the private beach. It always felt comfortable and welcoming to you. It felt like home.
Now as your heels clicked on the wood floors, you feel for the first time how empty it was. Even as you opened more lights and drew back curtains, the large house still felt cold and you felt it seep into your chest. Your free spirited lifestyle ensured endless parties, countless interactions with humans, a freedom to travel as you wished, work that was a passion for you, and a string of lovers. You had the best of both worlds and the privilege to enjoy it to the fullest. You could hardly say that you were alone, but now somehow you felt lonely. Your chosen independence, just earlier filled with gratification, now left you feeling unfulfilled.
Was it really all because of Ransom?
The answer came almost two weeks later. Two weeks of constantly checking your phone for any calls or messages only to be disappointed because both of you were too prideful to reach out first. You suspected that he would have already gone home when a week went by and there was still no sign of him. The internet gossip blog you stumbled on confirmed it. You would deny to anyone who asked that you were looking for news about him. He was back in Massachusetts with a new girl on his arm at another party. It hurt. That you couldn't deny.
Yes. It was all because of Ransom.
A life of fun and endless possibilities, but with no one to share it with. It never bothered you before, but Ransom's absence from your life had more of an impact than you anticipated. He made you laugh with his ranting about his insufferable family. He complimented you on your new designs, always sending a quick congratulatory message on each new launch. He even challenged your decisions in business matters you had shared. He wasn't romantic but he had a habit of bringing you his favorite biscuits when he came to visit. He would say it was because you had subpar taste in after sex snacks, but he always ended up feeding you most of it and licking the crumbs from your lips. The sex itself was not just mind blowing, but he had opened you up to more exploration.
Despite how little time you actually spent together, you realize now how comfortable you were with him. You realize just how much you enjoyed his company, that you actually looked forward to it. You realize now that you surprisingly trusted that spoiled overgrown child of a man.
And you realize now that you were in love with him.
You groaned and cussed at yourself. It was absurd. You knew how stupid it was. It was also equally idiotic to have postponed your trip back to your kingdom in the disillusioned hope that he might still call you. Your spirit was waning and your body was terribly weakened, your magic struggling to maintain your human form.
You stripped off your clothes and elegantly dove into the pool, reaching deep before you twirled and a soft glow enveloped you. You sighed in relief as your legs morphed into your tail, the pain you had been feeling the last few days lifting temporarily and yet your chest still felt heavy with the last conversation you had with Ransom. You took your time circling the depths of your expansive swimming pool, allowing yourself to recover as much as it could but at this point you had no choice now but to leave tonight.
Merfolk power came from the sea and prolonged separation weakened you. Your annual trips back to your kingdom were born out of necessity, a way to recharge your magic and strength where Mer magic was the strongest for you to be able to return to shore again. If you don’t go tonight, your magic will dissolve and your body will waste away.
You will die.
However, this time you were as reluctant to leave as you were to come back. What would be the point of coming back? There was suddenly no more joy in your life here and truthfully you don’t think you can take seeing more news of Ransom or risk running into him. Perhaps it was time to talk to your mother. Perhaps it was time to find a different purpose for you.
Your head popped up out of the surface, sighing heavily and staring forlornly at the night sky. You would miss the sky. It was one of your favorite things about the shore. You could spend hours just watching the colors change from the dusky sunrise to the clear blue to the stormy grays to the fiery sunsets. Your favorite was the bright blue of morning, filled with the choice of a day of adventures ahead or lazy musings. The possibilities were endless with the morning sky. It would now remind you painfully of Ransom, but you were decided. You’ve had a good run on shore. You’ve lived your life as you pleased without the burden of your title holding you back.
It was time to be a proper princess for your kingdom.
“So this is your secret.”
Your eyes widened as you turned toward the voice, your tail automatically carrying you to the edge to hide yourself. It was no use though. He had already seen everything and as you stared up at him, you couldn’t help the thrill of seeing him again or the wistful smile that curved your lips that you were quick to tamp down.
“Ransom.”
“You’re a mermaid.”
Your face dropped and your eyes turned downcast, trying hard to avoid his gaze as if it could hide your secret from him. As if it were shameful. When Ransom stepped out onto your backyard, he could hardly make sense of what he was seeing. He must be high, but as he watched you swim so gracefully beneath the surface he became more and more mesmerized by your movements. He was hypnotized by how the color of your tail shone with the subtle lights of your home and the gentle silver of the moon. It made the flaming hues of your lower half stand out more, like a bursting sunset of red and gold. He was caught by your beauty the moment he first saw you, but this was different.
You were enchanting.
You had enchanted him from the start and he now knew why. It explained how he was so magnetically drawn to you. How you had kept his attention where all else had failed. How you kept creeping into his mind when you were apart. How he craved you. It told him that it was never a choice, he would never have been able to resist you even if he wanted to.
He really never wanted to.
He almost thought it unfair. You were magical and he was human. He was a lost cause from the start, but while it explained much it didn’t cover everything. It didn’t explain why he relished your laughter or admired your work ethic. It didn’t explain why he genuinely liked to hear your stories. It didn’t explain how he could be comfortable enough to be honest with you. It didn’t explain the possessive surge he felt that day you fought or what made him say those words that were meant to hurt you.
In a move that was wholly out of character for him, he bent down to capture your chin in his hand and turn your gaze back to him. His other hand traced the elaborate gold band that circled your head with countless rare pearls and precious gems that dripped down to your hair.
A princess.
“You’re an actual princess too, aren’t you? That’s why that brooding asshole called you that last time,” he chuckled, the sound fraying your nerves. You weren’t sure whether he was mocking you or he was genuinely amused, but you couldn’t seem to look away. Not when for two weeks you wanted nothing more than to see him.
“You know there are rumors that the secret silent partner in your company is actually a Mafia clan,” he laughed loudly this time. “I guess swimming with the fishes has a different meaning to you.”
Your lips twitched in a barely contained smile before your head tilted to the side in confusion. “You don’t seem too surprised.”
“It makes sense,” he shrugged dismissively.
You barked your laughter, the nerves you were feeling earlier suddenly expelled with each breath and the lingering anger from your last interaction pushed aside for the time being. You shook your head, but leaned over the edge and craned your neck upwards to keep his eyes. His gorgeous aqua eyes that you now realized didn’t hold what you normally would expect from someone faced with what was known only as myth. There was no ill intent, fear, or disgust. They were cocky and playful just like Ransom always was with you. What was new was what was unexpectedly lining it.
Affection.
“I fail to see what part of this makes any type of fucking sense, Ransom,” you smiled as you flicked your fins up to the surface to emphasize your point.
For a moment he was transfixed with how your tail was lazily swishing before he looked back at you and there was that affection again that was making your face heat up. “The secrecy. How you don’t keep a public profile despite making the big decisions in the company. You actually own the damn company, don’t you?”
You nodded sheepishly and he chuckled again. His fingers travelled lightly along one string of pearls that decorated your head. “That also explains why you happen to be the only ones able to sell these kinds of pearls. They’re so rare. You can’t tell me how they’re made right?”
“Maybe. Someday. It’s a secret of the Mers,” you grinned cheekily. His smile grew at the thought that there was a someday, that he hadn’t already completely ruined things with you. “Still doesn’t explain how easily you’re accepting all of this though.”
“You forget that Harlan is a novelist and I grew up around his incessant rambling about literature,” he scoffed and rolled his eyes at the thought of his family. “Every design you put out has a little story about Merfolk. I thought it was a cool gimmick at first, but something about it always struck me as intimate. Like it was personal. You wrote them yourself, didn’t you?”
“I did,” you admitted quietly. You bit your lip nervously as you braced yourself to ask a more difficult question. “You honestly don’t find all this too strange?”
“Are you kidding me?” he laughed loudly. “My girlfriend’s a fucking mermaid!”
You felt your face heat up again at the sudden declaration. He’s called you many things, but he’s never called you that. Neither of you have ever acknowledged whatever you had as anything more than convenient fucking.
Still, why did it make your heart flutter?
“Wow. Got you speechless for once and I didn’t even need to choke you with my cock this time,” he snickered, enjoying the flustered look on your face and bringing his face closer to yours. So close that your noses were brushing and you could feel his long lashes on your wet cheeks.
“What? You don’t like being called my girlfriend, princess?”
“Ransom, I -”
“Marry me.”
You were stunned speechless and your instinct told you to recoil. It told you to run, but Ransom caught your wrist before you could retreat from him.
“You can’t be serious, Ransom,” you shook your head.
“Oh I’m completely serious, princess.”
“You’re fucking insane! You can’t possibly think that’s a good idea.”
He leaned away from you, dropping your hand as he stood to his full height. Your eyes widened when you saw him slowly strip his clothes. He threw them unceremoniously on the day beds, keeping eye contact with you and smirking at how your expression was somewhere between confused and aroused at the sight of him completely naked.
“Let me show you how good of an idea it is.”
It must be the fatigue of your power fading that you didn’t react fast enough when he dove into the water and dragged you under. The next thing you know, Ransom had you caged in his arms and his lips were on yours. You yelped against his mouth when you felt him pull at one nipple until it went hard beneath his touch. He flashed you another smug look before he stole another kiss and propelled you both up to the surface.
“Marry me,” he said the moment you broke air, crowding you against the edge of the pool. His hands roaming all across your body, exploring the new texture of your skin. “God, you’re so hot like this.”
“Ransom,” you gasped as his mouth moved to suck and nip along your throat, your neck instinctively dropping back to give him more access. “You don’t know what you’re asking for.”
He groaned as he felt your hands card through his hair and pull at the strands, unable to resist the attraction that was always so strong between you. He held you in place by your ass and pressed his throbbing erection against you. He bit hard into the sensitive juncture at the base of your neck and smiled against the newly forming bruise when he felt your fins curl around his leg to bring him closer. You could take any form and he would still know how to make your body sing for him.
“I don’t know about that. I think I like the idea of being a prince,” he laughed, his breath tickling your ear and sending shivers across your skin. “Marry me.”
His hands travelled lower, trailing fire all over your body as he groped at your breasts and gripped at your curves. His fingers soon reached below your pelvis and you would think that he had experience with mermaid anatomy by how fast he found your veiled entrance. It was your sharp inhale though and the way your fingers dug into his back that gave you away when he brushed against your core. He slipped his fingers past the pliant part of your tail and straight into your pulsating core.
“Fuck,” he growled. It was so different, somehow even more wet and tighter than you usually were. “I can’t wait to stick my cock in there, princess. Marry me.”
You moaned his name and shook your head even as his fingers were making your hips move in search of more. “We can’t.”
You keened when he found that spot inside you that had your resolve hanging by a thread. You tried to hang on to your reasoning. You tried to remind yourself that neither of you were the marrying type. Neither of you were the commitment type. You were both selfish and self-indulgent.
His free hand came around your throat, forcing you to look at him as he unraveled you with his fingers. You saw the determined set of his jaw and the burning desire in his eyes. He wanted you.
Every version of you.
“That’s it. Don’t you want me as your prince?” he teased as his pace quickened until he felt you were on the brink of climax. “Marry me, princess. Let go for me now.”
You came hard, your voice carrying like a melody through your freefall. Ransom was dead set on your ruin and convincing you to be with him. He needed to show you how good you were together. His painfully hard cock swiftly replaced his fingers and he felt like he was going to cum on the spot by just how you felt. It was out of this world. You were still mid orgasm and it was driving him into a frenzy how your walls were pulsing around him.
“I didn’t think your cunt could get any better. Goddamn.”
“Ransom,” you panted, nearing delirium now from pleasure. “Fuck me please. I need it. Please, I need it.”
The growl he let out was animalistic as he hammered into you, your mouths fusing and your tongues battled in between incoherent chanting of each other’s names. You were absolutely lost in each other, the water violently splashing from your crude movements. It wasn’t long before you were teetering over the edge again, one sharp snap of his hips sending you spiralling into bliss.
“You feel fucking amazing,” he grunted, his pace starting to falter as he neared his own end. “I’m gonna fill you up, princess. If you don’t wanna be my wife right now then you can be the mother of my brats first.”
You clenched around him at the thought and his hips stuttered. A small voice in the back of your mind warned you. If he came inside you right now in this form and in your vulnerable state, he would surely succeed in his task.
“Ransom, you can’t,” you protested weakly, still reeling from your climax and already building toward another.
“I can, princess,” he chuckled darkly as he continued to rail hard into you. “And I will. You want this too. I’m making you mine.”
The authority in his voice threw you into your next release, your walls milking him for all he would offer and pulling him into his own finish. He kissed you hard as he continued to pump his seed inside you, making sure every drop was pushed deep.
His lips slowly parted from yours, but he didn’t go far. He rested his forehead against yours, his twitching cock still nestled inside you, and his hands cupping your face with an unexpected tenderness that was mirrored in his eyes.
“Marry me.”
Through the jumbled mess of your thoughts, you scrambled again for your reasoning. You both were spoiled and wanted it all. You both valued your independence and freedom to have fun as you wished. You both walked away from each other during that fight. You both hurt each other. As if reading your mind, he rubbed his thumbs over your cheeks to calm your protests before he spoke.
“After the fight, I spent a lot of time thinking. I was ready to just bury myself in the next pussy I see and forget all about you,” he started gently. “Then I found out we were all getting cut off from my grandfather’s will. All I am is my money and without that who am I? I went into a dark place, princess.”
You saw him struggle with his words and your heart softened at this rare show of vulnerability. He’s never shown this side of him to you. Whatever he shared with you was always with his brand of humor and sarcasm. You suspected that he never showed it to anyone. You appreciated how difficult this was for him to open up to you. Your hands ran soothingly along his arms, a silent encouragement for him to continue.
“I was going to do something that I would have regretted. I was going to do something that would have destroyed me completely. All for money. All for the pride of a Thrombey,” he swallowed, pausing for a moment to steady himself. He would never be able to fully put into words what you pulled him back from doing. What you stopped him from becoming. “But one thing kept holding me back from going through with it.”
“Me?” you asked quietly.
“Yes, princess,” he gave you a small smile and kissed the tip of your nose. “I’m sorry I said those things to you. I regret them. I didn’t mean a single word. You were the first person I wanted to talk to after I found out about the will. You were the only person I wanted to see. You still are. That’s when I knew.”
“Knew what?”
“That I love you, you fucking idiot,” he chuckled. “I was fully willing to say to hell with my family and the money. None of what I thought was important before is anymore. Not after you.”
Your hands slid to loop around his neck and tangle themselves in his wet hair, smiling at the thought that just before he came you had the exact same epiphany that he had. What mattered then didn’t matter anymore. Not if you weren’t together. You had changed each other and neither of you even knew it was happening.
“So, Ransom Drysdale, the trust fund playboy.” You laughed as he rolled his eyes at your teasing. “You love me?”
“I just said that!”
“Well I wanna hear it again!”
“God, you’re so high maintenance,” he groaned in mock exhaustion though there was no venom in his tone, only an indulgent smirk on his lips.
“That’s rich coming from you,” you snorted.
“We’re not even married yet and you’re already nagging at me.”
“Excuse me?!”
He crashed his lips to yours, laughing as he kissed you breathless and his stomach fluttering in amusement at how you were smacking his chest in annoyance. Exactly this. He wanted exactly this for the rest of his life.
With you.
“We’re getting married next week. I don’t want any of my family to come. They can all eat shit. We’re eloping.”
“I didn’t say yes, you asshole.”
He scoffed and pinned you with a raised eyebrow. “You’re really an idiot if you think it was ever a choice.”
The laugh faded from your lips as you remembered the journey you needed to make and by the look on his face, he seemed to realize the same thing. He also realized now that the truth of your nature was revealed that it must mean more than just a yearly family trip.
“You have to leave,” he said sadly, suddenly deflated. “When?”
“Tonight. I’m too weak to stay on land for much longer. I need to go back.”
“Then marry me right fucking now. I want to know you’re going to come back,” he swallowed, vulnerability again flashing in his eyes but now coupled with his stubborn firmness. “I need to know you’re coming back to me.”
“How?”
“I don’t give a shit how,” he smirked as he fiddled with his hand, slipping off the signet ring that he always wore on his pinky.
You couldn’t help giggling as he struggled to somehow fasten it on your crown, carefully making sure that his ring was secure and prominent among the many adornments. It was just so ridiculous and yet it made your heart swell with joy and your eyes fill with tears.
“There. We’re married now.”
You beamed at him and from the opposite side of his ring, you broke off a winding piece of gold and fastened it around his pinky. You lifted his hand up to your face, closing your eyes as tears streaked down your cheek to land on the makeshift ring. You closed your hands over it for a moment and when again revealed, Ransom was shocked to see a pearl now attached to it.
“We’re married now. I love you too.”
He crashed his lips to yours, overwhelmed by the love and awe that he was feeling for you. You were his now. It didn’t matter to him if it was real or made up. It just mattered that you were his and he was yours. You would return and when you did, he was going to marry you in every conceivable ceremony there was in this world and yours.
Bless, Bless
This unity once wished
A joining of land and sea
Finally achieved
Not a choice of one or the other
But of both to prosper
You both smiled as you parted, the blessing of the ancients anchoring you in permanence with each other. You knew for sure now that you would return and his parting words made you all the more eager to do so.
It had almost been two weeks since Sam ominously told Theodore that he was his second choice for… something. And he may have brushed it off if it wasn’t for Cyrus’s slip up when he questioned them.
…In hindsight making a show of worrying by asking every Glornist about what Sam specifically told not to worry about was childish. And petty. And a complete waste of time. Yet…
It reignited his concern for the most normal— and surprisingly sweet— Glornist. For the very traits that made him likable were the reasons why he was the Glornch’s deepest shame. Even Shep had killed a Gropist. So Theodore had been dropping by Thomas’ office to watch him walk out at quitting time. A surefire way to check that he hadn’t been sacrificed overnight.
This wasn’t the first time he had done this. But it was the first time he was consistent. In hindsight, being spotted was inevitable when he walked past and glanced over every day. Even if he had tucked his bowtie into his pocket.
Once Thomas caught on, Theodore switched to going up to greet him, ask how he was doing, patiently listen to small talk, and leave. That was the plan today. Except he came through during lunch break instead.
Theodore looked through the jumble of office drones filing until he found his mark. Then he speed walked until he caught up and matched Thomas’ pace next to him.
“Hello,” Theodore flatly said with a low energy wave. “Still alive?”
(Previous)
"..Hmph." Cyrus scoffed. Looks like his workaround didn't turn out the way he expected.
"Please do think about what I said to you, though. Goodbye." Defeated, he bowed and watched Teddy as he left the library.
Theodore briefly paused before continuing on his way. Oh he will... only because Cyrus made him wonder if this was something he should genuinely worry about.
...Now, who would be the first choice? Perhaps he should go check on Thomas when he got the chance. Or should he first ask Revenard Mike if this was worth concerning himself with?
(Previous)
"Very well then." They then paused for a brief moment before they turned over to Teddy with a flat but somewhat ominous expression.
"Just know that you will be able to figure out my answer soon."
Theodore flatly stared at them before getting up to put his book away. Then he walked out of the library, but not before looking back to say,
"Thank you. I pray I wasted your time as much as you wasted mine."
(Previous)
Cyrus was about to ask what he meant until he remembered the poll Teddy made earlier and started to think to himself.
After a few seconds of thinking, he thought of something and smirked a little. Oh, Teddy is definitely going to like this one for sure.. He thought about it more and more before he realized: He wasn't supposed to tell anyone about Sam's plan.
Cyrus was sure his answer would most certainly give their plan away, too, since it was so obviously tied to it. And all to an acolyte barely knew, no less...
Not wanting to upset Sam and not wanting Teddy to leave this conversation without anything of note, Cyrus ultimately scrapped sharing their answer and instead thought up of a workaround. A pretty good one at that.
"..My apologies for taking too long." They suddenly spoke and bowed somewhat apologetically to Teddy as they did.
"Unfortunately, I cannot provide you a proper answer to your question right now."
While Cyrus was thinking Theodore rested his head on his hand. Then when they apologized with a bow he bowed his head in return.
"No need to worry. Nobody cou-" Wait a second... Theodore abruptly cut himself off and straightened up before echoing their last words,
"Right now?"
Did that imply that they could answer later? Which meant... Cyrus knew exactly what was going on, didn't he?
Ever since Sam had called Teddy their "second choice" it had been lingering on his mind. It certainly couldn't be second choice for something pleasant considering their mutual animosity.
Between that and her staunchly demanding that he drop it he had a bad feeling about this...
But it was just for a cruel yet ultimately harmless prank, wasn't it? Normal everyday Glornist antics. Most of the severe options were too personal to have a backup choice.
So here he was, taking a reading break from spitefully bothering the entire Glornch with petty nonsense. As in, asking everyone about it juuuuust so Sam would hear about him doing exactly what she said not to.
If Sam didn't try to order him around he would have been content with dropping it. But they did, so Teddy will make a mountain out of a molehill until they learn a lesson.
When Cyrus entered the library Teddy looked up, and put his book down as he prepared to check one more off the list.
