TY

You’re pulled from your thoughts with a gasp when the freezing ice cube presses against your navel before sliding south towards your pulsing heat. The water droplets glistening on your skin feel cool as the air greets them.

“Still feelin’ hot?” Shinji drawls, voice dripping with a teasing mischief that has your heart racing. He doesn’t remove the ice, though, drawing it slowly through your wet folds. Your hips jerk from the icy sensation as it melts onto your already dripping entrance.

You’re feeling fiery hot but for a different reason now, the cold from the ice doing little to counteract it. If anything, it's making you even more heated, desire burning deep in your core.

“Think I’m feelin’ thirsty now.” 

You want to bite back, 'you’re only feeling thirsty now?!’ But when he suddenly pulls away, it has you wondering what he's planning. You strain your ears to listen for him, heart pounding in your chest from anticipation as you wait. You hear ice clinking against glass, a gulp, followed by the glass rattling against a table.

Then, Shinji is on you once more, arms pulling your hips flush to his face. He kisses your cunt hungrily, licking through your folds. It’s with a start that you realize his tongue piercing is cold. Much colder than usual.

"I can never get enough of ya, doll. Taste so fuckin' good." He groans into you, tongue lapping at your delicious heat, the cold metal of his piercing chilling you through to your core. He swirls against your sweet spot, giving it the attention he knows will have you shaking and cuming in no time.

With nothing to look at, your other senses are heightened. The obscene sounds of his messy eating, coupled with his sultry moans, have your heart pounding in your chest. The tight grip his hands have on your thighs, keeping you in place and holding you wide open for him. The lingering taste of sweet lemonade from the hungry kisses he gave you earlier is still on your lips as they part open, unabashed moans spilling from them.

"Listen to yerself. My pretty girl, losin' herself to the pleasure of my tongue," he all but purrs.

If you could see him now, you'd find that foxy smirk pulling on his lips as they delve into you, face covered in your slick arousal, eyes half-lidded with sinful lust, and golden hair tips soaked and sticking together. Just the thought alone has you nearing the edge.

You’re so close, drowning in pleasure and crying out his name. Shinji stays persistent in his ministrations, and before you know it, you're tensing as the waves of white hot pleasure wash over you. He helps you ride it out, giving little kitten licks to your fluttering sex.

Shinji gives one final kiss to your sweet pussy before trailing more lovingly up your stomach and chest to finally reach your lips. A smug grin greets you when he delicately pulls off the blindfold covering your teary eyes.

“That was so... I can't believe you used the ice like that.” You huff, at a loss for words, mind still hazy from your orgasm.

“Yeah? Don’t pretend like ya didn’t like it, babe.” Comes his quick and cocky reply. He’s right, though. You really can’t deny how exhilarating the icy stimulation was.

“How about we switch things up some more, then?” You suggest, flipping positions with him so that you straddle his hips.

“Oh, yeah?”

“Mhm,” you hum, reaching for the cup of half-melted ice on the side table and taking a long drink. You make a show of sucking on an ice cube as you lower yourself to his hard length that's straining against his boxers, watching him keenly as you move to free him.

“The pendulum swings both ways, huh?” He comments shakily as you palm him. You reply with a cunning smirk before sucking him into your cold mouth, relishing in the sharp cries of pleasure he moans out.

What was once a cup of ice cubes is now a glass of warm water resting on the side table, long forgotten in the passion of the remaining summer night.

He pulls into the spot, jerking the gear shift into park. Rain hits the window as you look out at the basically empty parking lot.

"Knew a spot, huh?" You tease, making fun of his idea of a good place to chill.

"Yeah, yeah." He rolls his eyes with a smirk as he leans back.

Music faintly plays in the background as you toy with the hem of your jean shorts.

"I can't believe it started raining as soon as we pulled up." He says, trying to make small talk. Is he as nervous as you?

You feel tension. Sexual? You don't know, after all, you've never done anything like this before.

It feels like you're just waiting for him to kiss you. You shift in your seat like your body is waiting for something to happen.

Adrenaline pumps through your veins as you look up from your lap.

His seat is leaned back, enough for his long legs to comfortably relax. You can't help but notice the way his sleeves hug his biceps.

He's on his phone, changing the song.

He picks that artist he knows you love, looking to you for approval before setting his phone down.

"Trying to butter me up?" You joke, turning your body slightly to face him.

He chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck, "Maybe." His gaze his heavy.

The tension grows.

Your body tingles in anticipation, like it's second nature to crave his mouth on yours.

You smile, a small blush appearing on your face, "It's working." 

The rain picks up, hammering down on the roof of his car.

He sits up slightly, leaning on the console. He looks out the window before landing his gaze on you.

"Yeah?" He says, gaze flicking down to your lips and back up to your eyes.

His small smile fades into lust as he leans in more.

Your mouth twitches before his lips land on yours. The sensation is unfamiliar as his warm mouth moves over you.

He reaches his hand over, cupping your cheek gently. You tense before welcoming his touch.

You lean over the console as well, meeting him halfway. You grip the leather. The hand he has on your face is joined by the other.

You sigh into his mouth as your saliva mixes with his. He pulls back slightly, just enough to meet your eyes.

"What's wrong?" You ask, turning to him completely.

"I've never really done anything like this." He admits sheepishly, clearly embarrassed by his lack of experience.

You smile in relief, "I haven't either." 

You notice the way his posture relaxes, his Adam's apple bobs in his throat as he looks to your lips again.

You're the one to lean in this time, planting a small peck on his lips before kissing him again. He tastes like the caramel candy he snacked on earlier.

This time it's heavier, more passionate. His tongue runs along your lip, requesting access. 

You part your lips slightly as his tongue meets yours. They tangle and dance as you both cup each other's faces.

Your hand slides back to his hair, stroking the orange strands. His cologne fills your nose. He smells fresh and musky, like the morning after rain.

The tension is different now; it feels bold, like you both know what you want to happen, like you both know what's next.

You're soaked through your panties, throbbing around nothing as you rub against your denim shorts, seeking even the smallest bit of friction.

You feel out of breath as the kiss gets messier, more heated.

His hands cup your jaw on either side, and he pulls you closer with each swirl of his tongue.

Your senses are overwhelmed as your head spins and your heart beats faster.

When he separates his mouth from yours, a string of spit follows him. His hair is out of place, and his lips swollen.

His taste lingers in your mouth. You think you're probably looking the same, mouth tingling, and winded. You could look at him for hours.

He searches your face for any disapproval; he won't find any.

He tries to find the words to describe how he feels right now. He doesn't need to; you feel the same.

Before he can even try to reassure you that he doesn't expect anything, you climb over the console, straddling his lap.

His eyes are wide as they look up at you, his hands hover over your hips like he's scared you'll disappear if he touches you.

You hold his face in your hands, touching his lips to yours again. His erection presses against you.

He's just as worked up as you.

He relaxes against you, melting into your touch as his hands finally find your hips.

Hands moving to his hard chest, you rub him through his shirt, feeling his abs under the fabric as they tense.

You feel drunk? High? Something. How can he make you feel this way? Like you're floating, you're addicted. 

He whispers against your lips as he rubs the end of your shirt, "Can I?"

You desperately nod, forehead against his as he removes your top. You help him, pulling it over your head, tossing it in the back seat.

He's at a loss for words when his eyes fall to your chest. Tits all proped up by your bra.

Letting out a shaking breath, he cups them as he runs his thumbs over the bud.

You grind against him, letting out a satisfied sigh at the sensation. 

"You're beautiful." He says, looking up at you with needy eyes, like you have any idea what's next.

Smiling, you look down at him, "You're turn." You joke.

He quickly pulls his shirt over his head, tossing it back where yours is now lying.

You stare at him before realizing the situation you're in. "Do you have any....." You ask, nodding down to his erection, unsure.

He looks at you in confusion before quickly catching on.

"Oh, yeah." He blurts, flinging open the center console.

A single condom is uncovered as he rustles through the compartment.

He holds it in front of him, between his fingers.

"You were expecting this?" You joke, fake upset in your tone.

"What, no?!" He panics, thinking you misunderstood his intentions. "Renji gave it to me as a joke." He admits, embarrassed.

"Well," You pretend to think, running your finger down the valley of his abs.

"Tell Renji I said thanks." You tease, lying back against the dash, you unbutton your pants, wiggling out of them.

He does the same, pulling his jeans down just enough to show his boxers, a wet stain on the thin fabric from his pre-cum.

He pulls his dick out of his boxers, and your eyes widen. He's big, not that you have anything to compare him to, but he's clearly well above average.

You lean forward, kissing his neck, as he fumbles with the rubber, his hands shaky.

He eventually slides it over his length, and you position yourself over him.

You're so wet you can hardly stand the lack of friction.

"Are you nervous?" He asks, staring into you, trying to get an idea of how you're actually feeling.

You let out a small laugh, "Yes," you plant your hands on his chest, "But I'm ready."

Satisfied with your reassurance, he holds himself under you.

You lower just enough for the head of his dick to breach your entrance. You let out a small gasp, sliding down a little more.

He hisses as you do so, head falling back onto the headrest.

"You okay?" He asks, voice slightly strained as he rubs your thigh.

"Yeah." You sigh, biting your lip. 

You adjust and slide down the rest of the way, a slight burning sensation bubbles into pleasure as you drench his cock.

Both of you gasp, unfamiliar with the sensation of him being balls deep inside of you.

"Oh god." You whisper in a shaky breath, digging your nails into his shoulders.

It feels like he hardens even more inside you when your sharp nails leave crescent-shaped imprints on his traps.

Your forehead falls against his as he guides your hips. You raise before sliding back down, swiveling your hips with each lift of them.

The sound of your cunt moving up and down his cock is slightly drowned out by the loud pellets of rain falling on the car.

You heave and moan as you fuck yourself on top of him.

Your eyes begin to water from the overwhelming pleasure, blurring your vision.

He notices the tears falling from your eyes, his brows furrow in confusion and worry.

"Am I hurting you?" He asks, hands softening their grip on you, his voice laced with concern.

"Shit ah- No," You whimper, "Feels so good." 

His face relaxes as he exhales, leaning back more, supporting some of your weight by pressing your back.

His hands trace all over your body, moving from your back to your waist, to your tits, and back to your hips, trying to cover as much ground as possible.

His chest rises and falls as he tries to catch his breath, but with each drop of your weight, it's knocked out of him again.

He's louder than he'd like to be. Small begs and groans, leaving his mouth.

You're so sensitive. More than ever before.

The only thing familiar about this feeling is the warmth bubbling up in your belly.

Sweat begins to form on both of you, but you don't care; all you can feel is the way he fills you.

He hits you in the right places, squeezing in your walls. You're so wet that it's not much of an effort to take him all in.

You ride him like a pro, bouncing up and down, your breath fans on his face as he pants.

As your climax nears, you slide down on him faster, breaths coming closer together.

"Touch me." You say, making his eyes snap open.

"I am touching you." He responds, gesturing to his hands on your waist, with slight confusion on his face.

You shake your head, grabbing his hand, bringing it over your clit, pressing his hand down.

"Here," You pant, "Touch me here." The pressure makes you jolt.

He understands, pressing hard on your clit, with the pad of his thumb.

You reach up, grabbing onto the seat behind him.

"Ngh-  so close." You moan, squeezing your eyes shut.

"Me too." He pants, mouth hanging open in shallow breaths.

He presses harder, moving his fingers in slow curls, gritting his teeth at the sight of your cunt swallowing him.

You climax, "Fuck Ichigo." You whine, soaking him even more, no doubt making a mess.

Waves of pleasure pulse through you as you shudder, feeling the way you soak him. He thrusts up, meeting your hips.

You whine, hands flying to his hair, tugging on the strands slightly.

The way you spasm around him pushes him over the edge, spilling into the rubber.

He groans, head falling as his eyes squeeze shut, and you both ride out your orgasms.

His thrusts slow as you relax on top of him, both of your chests rising and falling with your labored breaths.

The rain continues its assault on the top of his car as the music plays.

The silence between you is not uncomfortable; it's the silence of contentment. This feels right.

After you have both grounded yourself, you lean back, looking at him.

A delirious smile appears on his face. "That was amazing." He says, pushing your hair behind your ear.

"No kidding." You laugh back, face twisting into an apologetic grimace when you see the marks you left on his shoulders.

"Shit," You hiss, tracing them with your fingers gently, "Sorry about this."

"Oh, that's nothing," He smiles, looking at the marks, shrugging nonchalantly.

"My battle scars." He jokes, rubbing your hips.

"You act like you've had these before." You tease, moving your fingers to his sharp jaw.

"Nope," He says, licking his lips, moving towards you for a kiss. He leans in, but before his lips meet yours, he whispers against them.

Your thighs shake as you spread further, the ache in your hips unbearable. She doesn’t care. She cups your pussy with her whole palm, grinding down until you whimper.

“Tell me what I’m doing to you.”

You shake your head, eyes glassy. “I can’t—”

“You can. Say it.” She shoves two fingers deep inside, the intrusion sudden, forceful. You cry out, arching against her chest, nails scraping the sheets.

“You’re—ahh—fucking me—”

She laughs, lips grazing your ear. “Good girl. But that’s not all. Tell me everything. What’s my thumb doing?”

You choke on your moan as her thumb circles your clit, ruthless, fast. “You’re—rubbing my clit—fuck—please—”

“Mmm, there we go. That’s my little slut. Say it all. Tell me how sloppy you are.”

“‘M'messy—s-so wet—”

Her fingers don’t leave your cunt, just pull out and slam back in, smacking your folds with every thrust. The wet sounds are loud, your arousal splattering down onto her thighs. Each thrust wrecks you further, her thumb crushing your clit until your moans rise higher, broken and desperate.

“Hours of this,” she taunts. “And you’re still begging. Still crying for more. Pathetic.”

When you look up at her, your eyes are glassy, your mouth parted, your expression torn between ruin and worship.

She only coos at you, cruelly sweet. “Aww, baby, what’s wrong?” she teases, fingers deep inside, spreading you open with an ache that makes your breath catch.

Tears streak down your cheeks, hot and wet. Your voice is broken when you plead: “Please—wait—slow down—”

You whimper, writhing against her chest, but she doesn’t let up. Her fingers fuck into you rougher, faster, the sound of your cunt squelching loud in the quiet room. You can’t stop staring down at her slick-coated fingers, at the way she buries them to the knuckle, dragging against that devastating spot that makes your belly clench tight. “Ahh—M’gonna cum—!” you gasp, nails digging into her wrist like a lifeline.

She only scoffs, thumb grinding harder against your swollen clit. “Again?” she taunts, lips curling into something wicked. “You just can’t stop… alright, pretty girl. Cum for me.”

“Come on, baby. Give it to me,” her voice is low, coaxing, and it drags you over the edge.

“Mhm—!” you nod frantically, trembling all over. Your body obeys before your mind can catch up. You break apart in her lap, thighs clenching, back arching. Liquid gushes out of you, spraying across her arm, soaking the sheets again.

“W-wait—ahh—shit,” you choke, eyes rolling back, body twitching as she keeps working you through it, greedy for every drop.

“Fuck,” she groans, watching your pussy gush. She slaps it again, makes you spurt again, trembling, whimpering. “Look at you, baby. All over me. You did so good.”

You pant, collapsing back into her chest, body twitching from aftershocks. You think maybe she’ll stop — but her hand is already moving again, greedy, fingers spreading your folds wide.

“W-wait—please—”

She ignores you, sliding back in, pounding deep, cruelly fast. Your cunt is raw, oversensitive, squelching with every thrust.

“You’re not done,” she purrs, voice edged with steel. “You’re gonna give me another. And another. Till I’m satisfied.”

Her fingers pump viciously, thumb crushing your clit, palm grinding against your bush. The pressure is unbearable — you sob, thrashing in her lap, but her arm bands around your waist, holding you still.

“You think it’s weird, don’t you?” she whispers in your ear, mocking. “The way I love keeping you like this. Spread open, leaking, ruined. I’ll tell you why.” She slams her fingers in deeper, curling up cruelly. “Because this is mine. This sloppy little cunt won’t stop dripping. All mine to use.”

Your moans are broken, high-pitched, desperate. “Mhmm—fuck— love you so much—”

She laughs, sharp and condescending. “Of course you do. Who else would fuck you this good? Who else would keep you cockdrunk on my fingers?”

You’re trembling, tears soaking her arm as another orgasm builds too fast, too brutal. You claw at her wrist like a lifeline, begging, “I can’t—I can’t—”

“Yes, you can. You’ll cum for me again.” She slaps your clit, hard, and you scream as you gush again, squirting across her hand, soaking her chest this time.

Your body shakes violently, limp with overstimulation. But she doesn’t stop. She drags her soaked fingers up and shoves them into your mouth, forcing them past your lips.

“Clean it up. Taste yourself.”

Your tongue curls around her fingers automatically, tears blurring your vision. She fucks your throat with them as she fucks your pussy with her other hand, relentless and greedy.

“Good girl,” she coos cruelly, watching drool spill down your chin. “Cry for me, sweetheart. Show me who you belong to.”

Her words coil around your spine, set your body on fire. You cum again, and again, clenching around her fingers, squirting until the sheets are drenched. You can barely breathe, tears and spit and slick making a mess of you.

Finally, finally, she slows — but only to stroke your swollen clit lazily, dragging out little twitches and whimpers from your raw body.

She kisses your temple sweetly, cruel contrast to the wreckage of your body. “There you go. My messy little thing. You did so good.”

“Now…” she purrs, settling you deeper into her lap, spreading your thighs wider still. Another kiss. Another stroke. Then she smirks, fingers already twitching with hunger. “I want you to do that again, sweetness,” she murmurs —and without waiting, her pace quickens, greedy, rough, ready to wring more out of you.

Your eyes roll back. Your mouth opens in a broken sob. And she starts again.

𝓟𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮 𝓢𝓾𝓹𝓹𝓸𝓻𝓽 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓒𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓼 𝓫𝔂 𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓵𝓸𝓰𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓰

Cheetah print line divider by @bbyg4rlhelps

Cheetah print heart divider by @dollywons

"Wake up... Petal, wake up..."

You sigh contently in your sleep, a smile coming to your lips. It's been so long since he last visited, your Samurai in a pink kimono. He comes to you often as you doze off, waking you up in paradise to make sweet love to you. But you've been so overworked, so stressed, so exhausted, that your nights have been restless and dreamless for weeks.

But tonight he's back! His warm hand gently shakes you by the shoulder and you tentatively open your eyes to find his handsome face inches from yours. But something is different... A patch covers one of his eyes, which still crinkle with the shadow of his cheeky smile. His jawline is covered in a fuller beard than the last time you dreamed of him and he seems to have put on a little weight. It doesn't take from his appeal, in fact, he's all the more attractive for it.

You titter happily but then immediately flinch when your partner rolls in his sleep.

What's going on? Partner is never there when you dream of the Samurai, you're free and single. Wait a second... something is off. It doesn’t really feel like you're dreaming, the details are much too sharp and your senses are still harassed by the many discomforts of reality - the clock ticking on your bedside table, your sore lower back, the harsh light from the street, the cold air entering through the now open window...

"I'm sorry to wake you, but I have a surprise for you." The Samurai's deep velvety voice rumbles pleasantly inside your chest.

There is no way you can be imagining all of this. You pinch your arm as hard as you can, twisting the skin until you feel a sharp twang of pain. But he's still there.

"Please don't do that." He whispers, stilling your hand.

"What... what's happening?" You can't begin to understand.

"Everything is fine, don't fret. I have a little something planned for us, if you wish to join me?"

"Join you? Wha- what?? Are you really here? Are you really... real? What are you? What's happening?"

He tries to shush you, noticing your partner grunt at the noise. "Quiet, petal, please. Will you come out with me? I'll explain everything, I swear."

It might be stupid but you trust him instinctively. This is still him, you know it deep inside your heart. You offer your hand and he takes it, helping you get up. Immediately he swipes an arm behing your knees and lifts you bridal style with absolutely no effort. You swallow your gasp when he swiftly jumps out of the window and lunges up into the sky, his pink haori billowing behind.

As if able to find purchase mid-air, he propells himself with long strides at incredible speed. The wind in your ears is deafening, and the thin gown you're wearing isn't enough to protect you from it. You nuzzle his broad chest, feeling a tingling anticipation before you glide your fingers through the thick layer of coarse hairs that cover his skin, and underneath, unyielding hard muscle. It feels so different, it feels so real.

You venture a glance down and realise the city lights are far behind you and you're now travelling through the countryside towards the nearby hills.

After barely another minute, he lands softly and helps to your feet in a little meadow surounded by tall, centenary trees that offer a perfect shelter from the world outside.

"Right... here we are." Shunsui smiles at you removing his straw hat. You'd forgotten how imposing he is, standing at an impressive 6'3", his massive shoulders make you look absolutely tiny. "Do you like it?"

The bright light of the moon reveals how stunning the place is, fireflies hoover over the fragrant wild flowers that take a desaturated silver tinge. Someone has placed a thick blanket in the middle of the grass, and a small wicker basket with what looks like a bottle of sake sticking out of it.

You look back at him in awe, and realise there is a wound running from his eyepatch to his ear, which is missing a good chunk. "What happened?" You ask, concerened, gently cupping his face.

"Oh... Gods, I've missed you..." he leans into your touch. "It's nothing, just a flesh wound."

You can tell he's lying. There is a deep sadness radiating from him that his goofy smile cannot hope to hide. Something or someone torn much more than a bit of ear away from him.

"Why don't we take a seat?" He offers, gesturing towards the blanket.

"Sure." You agree, not wanting to pry if he's not ready to share. "But... I'm still so confused."

"Oh, right... The truth is, this is very inappropriate. If anyone in the Gotei hears about what I'm doing, I'm toast." He laughs, helping you sit down. You frown, unsure what a Gotei is. "As you know, after our first encounter, I couldn't stop thinking about you." He sits cross-legged next to you. "I kept sneaking around trying to see you again. But you are too smart, you always caught me."

You can still remember the first time you saw him. You were walking down the street when something hit you from the shadows. It was late and dark and you couldn't really see what it was... but you remember the dread that wrapped around you, the cold sweat making your shirt stick to your back. And those empty, yellow eyes that shone behind a white mask... the ominous double jaws, dripping drool and blood approaching you... and right then, a pink samurai appeared out of thin air, swinging a sword and splitting the monster's head clean in two before it could devour you.

Your partner and the doctors thought it was all some hallucination born from your concussion. It had been a car that run you over... not some creepy creature. And there was no samurai when the emergency services arrived.

Yet from that moment on, you kept seeing your hero everywhere you went, like a handsome guardian angel. You tried to reach him, to offer him your thanks for saving your life, but he always vanished amongst the crowd.

And then... months later, the dreams started.

"So what are you? Some form of Yokai?" You wonder out loud.

"Yokai? I guess we never did talk much, did we? Something of the sort, I'm a Shinigami."

You can't believe your ears. "You are a god?"

"Oh, no, no... Nothing that fancy." He waves a dismissive hand. "I am a humble soul ripper. We purify the souls of the dead so they can go to the Soul Society."

"We?"

"There's lots of Shinigami like me."

"And the thing..." you gulp, an uneasiness spreading through you just thinking about it. "The thing that you saved me from?"

"That was a hollow. You don't need to worry about those, not while I'm here."

You hum, trying to make sense of all this information. "So why did I keep seeing you after... the incident?"

He smiles sheepishly. "Because I broke the rules. I couldn't get you off my mind, I needed to see you again. So I tried to quietly watch you from afar, but somehow you always found me."

"I could feel your presence somehow. I felt drawn to you."

"It's not allowed for Shinigami to interact with humans. Most can't even see us, but you have a high spiritual pressure."

"Spiritual pressure..." you repeat quietly to yourself. "What about the dreams? We, uh... interacted."

"Oh, yes, we did." He grins. "In my defence, interacting wasn't my intention. I merely wished to see you."

"No way!" You scoff, not buying the demure act. "You were flirting!"

"Flirting? Little old me? Never!" You laugh at the mock offended look he's giving you before he drops the act and sighs guiltily. "I'm only a man... and despite all my years, you are the most beautiful thing I've ever come across." You're used to his playful comments by now, but you still blush brightly. "I couldn't believe how quickly you responded to me, matching the desire I felt for you..." he murmurs, letting his hungry stare travel up your legs. "Even in the land of dreams it felt incredible to hold you in my arms. I really am the luckiest man alive."

You huff an insecure laugh. The fact that you're wearing what basically constitutes a sheer, frilly dress that stops mid thigh suddenly hits you, as does the fact that you are alone with him in the middle of nowhere. The way he's talking about you, making you feel like the most delectable person alive, is exactly what you crave from him, but knowing he's real and not just some self-indulgent fantasy makes it feel a hundred times more flattering.

"I was afraid you'd grown bored of me already, since I've not been able to reach you in weeks." He adds, a little dejectedly.

"No! I really look forward to seeing you, and I love... what we do..." you stutter a little, ashamed of admitting to it so eagerly. "But I thought it was just my imagination! A way of escapism from the dullness of day-to-day life. I didn't realise you were... real."

"I see... and is that a disappointing revelation?" His casual tone doesn't fool you, you can see the worry in his eyes.

"It's... not disappointing." You mutter, averting your gaze. "It's just that I... I'm married."

"I know, petal." He nods as he uncorks the bottle and pours some in a tiny cup. "I would understand it if you decided to end things. You must do what you must do."

"No!" You rush to explain. "I don't want to end this. I haven't felt this alive in... I don't even know! I don't think I've ever been half as happy in my life as I do when we are together."

His features brighten up immediately. "So, you still want me? You didn't keep me away intentionally?"

"Oh, god, no. I want you... I've just been so stressed I've not been sleeping much."

He smiles and nods in understanding, passing you the cup and getting one for himself. "I can relate to that, flower. I thought the higher up you get the less problems you deal with, but becoming Captain Commander has taught me a much bitter reality."

"You're in the military?"

"In a way." He smirks cryptically, sipping his drink.

"I still can't believe you're here..."

"Hmm... would this help?" He asks the question as he leans closer, his manly scent filling your chest with lust, and presses his mouth against yours in a gentle kiss. A myriad of tingly thrills spread through your body, you forget how to breathe, how to do anything but mold to his lazy rhythm, closing your eyes to focus on the touch of his lips. The kiss doesn't last nearly enough, but leaves you stunned all the same.

"Uh... um, yeah, erm... that helped. Thanks." You mumble, making him chuckle.

"Oh, it's about to start. Come over here." He leaves his now empty drink aside and lies down on his back, beckoning you to join him.

You do the same and, feeling more than a little nervous, nestle in the crook of his arm, which he wraps around you. "Look up. There!" He points excitedly at the sky.

A fast streak of light splits the night, and then another, and suddenly dozens of shooting stars begin to flash across the dark background of space.

"Oh, wow! A meteor shower!" You exclaim in awe.

The wonderful display goes on for long minutes. You lay there in his arms, hoping it'll never end, the heat radiating from his body not the only thing warming you up.

"Ah... they are so beautiful..." you exhale.

"They are nothing compared to you... All the stars in the universe couldn't rival your light."

You look up at him and when he turns to you your heart skips a beat. The temptation is too great, you move to kiss him, your hand on his cheek, and the moan that escapes his throat burning in your ears.

His hands roam freely over your body, finding your ass to knead and bring you closer to him. He drags one of your legs around his waist to give himself space to grind against your core. You rock your hips in turn, gasping when you feel his massive bulge.

Things were hot in your dreams, but never this hot.

He devours your mouth with a passion unknown, and you feel close just being humped like this.

When you can't take it anymore, he rolls you onto your back and begins to mouth his way down your neck, your collarbones, and as far as the neckline of your dressgown allows him.

You immediately slip it off and throw it carelessly aside, laying back down in time to see the hunger darken his eyes before his lips lavish your breasts. He groans against their soft flesh, large hands gently massaging them as he sucks your nipples into his greedy mouth.

The heat between your legs is now unbearable, you're drenched, rubbing against his clothed erection for a morsel of what's to come.

"Please..." you beg him breathlessly.

He moves on but not how you expected. Instead of pulling his cock free, he continues to descend down your belly, worshipping your every curve with soft kisses and nibbles until he's buried between your legs.

You let out a cry and arch your back the moment his scorching tongue glides between your folds, your hand darting to the back of his head. He spreads your thighs further apart, lapping your juices like a man dying of thirst. He eats you out like no one has before, responding to your very thoughts, following every subtle indication of your changing breaths, your shuddering gasps. His thick fingers come to prod at your entrance while his lips focus on your clit and the moment they enter you, barely an inch, you scream your release. He swallows every drop of your sweet nectar, guiding you through your powerful orgasm as you moan loudly, tears rolling down your face. And he doesn't stop kissing your thighs until you fully stop quivering.

"Ah... that was... oh, my god..." you pant, eyes still closed.

He chuckles merrily and sits on his haunches to remove his clothes.

When you finally come back down to earth and look at him, he's still there, lazily stroking his thick cock while taking in your beautiful form.

"You are absolutely breathtaking." He whispers.

His cock is flushed red and slick with precum, you can't help but wonder what he tastes like, how good his heavy shaft would feel sliding against your tongue. But he seems to have other ideas in mind. He leans over you, supporting his weight on his elbows and lines up with your entrance. You wrap your legs around his waist and hold your breath as he enters you, breaching you open slowly, his engorged cock stretching you in the most delicious way until you're full of him.

He looks almost pained with the restraint not to cum right there, and kissing you again he begins to move. You both groan in unison, the sensations overwhelming. The pressure in your lower belly grows fast, his cock hitting the perfect spot inside you as his movements turn faster. His hand flies to your ass, keeping you in place while he hammers into you, harder, faster, his grunts getting heavier.

"Ahh... ahh... Shun...Shunsui..." his name spills from your lips as you climax a second time. You don't remember ever being told what it was, but you know it all the same.

It's enough to push him over the edge. Fingers digging into your flesh, he stills and grunts, a gush of hot cum flooding your insides. He gives a few more forceful thrusts, packing more of his seed deep inside you before he collapses next to you, making sure to pull you on top of him, never breaking his embrace.

"Ahh... Kurotsuchi was right. The feeling is just as intense in this gigai."

"What?" You mutter groggily, still floating on a cloud of endorphins.

"Oh, never mind, flower. Just you close your eyes and rest." He presses a chaste kiss on your forehead, his hands petting your hair, drawing patterns on your back.

He waits until your heartbeat slows down and your breathing turns rhythmic. "I'm sorry..." he sighs to himself, thinking you alsleep. "Don't think I haven't tried, petal. I have. I know this is wrong. I know how hard this is for you, I don't have any right to come into your life and... But... I don't know how to exist without you." His whispers shatter your heart. If only he knew, if only he really knew how much you need him. "I don't know how to let go of you..."

"Then don't." You murmur back. "Don't leave me. Please."

He squeezes you tight in his arms, a silent promise. Neither of you says another word. Neither of you needs to.

You wake up at dawn, in your own bed. Next to you, your partner still snores.

But there is a comforting warmth inside you, a pleasant quietness in your heart and a joy that permeates your very soul.

Your window is open, drapes billowing despite the lack of a breeze, as if someone had just disturbed them.

And on your pillow

a pink lotus flower

that carries the faint scent of sake

and sandalwood.

Though worlds and destinies apart,

an invisible promise is written on ever petal,

a promise to care, love and cherish you

forever.

Something warm hit me in the face, and I blinked groggily into the sunshine filtering through the thin gauze of the curtains.

“Ugh…” I mumbled. “Turn it off.”

The light only got brighter, and I tried to scoot away from it, silk sheets slipping over my skin as I met more warmth nestled against my back.

There was a half-muttered grumble I couldn’t make out, and then an arm snaked around my waist, pulling me back against smooth, warm skin.

“Shinji…”

The man snuggling against my back made an adorably grouchy noise, voice still thick with sleep. “Nan ya? What?”

“Turn it off,” I said plaintively, refusing to open my eyes completely.

“Nn?”

“That,” I said, gesturing at the offending window. The long filmy drapes fluttered in a soft breeze.

He cleared his throat, voice still rasping a bit. “…you want me to turn off the sun?”

I made an equally grouchy noise, but it came out sounding less grumble and more purr.

“I’d do anything for you, but that might be a little beyond my capabilities, darlin’.” He sounded amused.

I sighed. “What time is it?”

“Who cares…” he mumbled, hand dipping lower to stroke my stomach, then the soft thatch of hair between my thighs.

“We should get up,” I said, and he buried his face in the curve of my shoulder, silky strands of golden blonde hair tickling me.

“Nnn.”

I steeled myself and started prying myself out of bed, getting about halfway before those long, lean arms caught me.

“Shinji!”

He made a pleased noise over my giggles, nestling me back against his chest, breath leaving little spots of warmth down my neck.

“C’mon, let me up,” I begged, and his hand stole upwards to cup one of my breasts, thumb making gentle circles around the nipple until he’d earned a very unladylike moan from me.

“Go back t’sleep, darlin’. The sunshine can wait.”

“The sunshine is annoying,” I whined, trying to fend off his groping – well, not too much, just enough to register a token protest. He smelled like vetiver and amber and a few sweeter notes amid the earthy musk of his cologne.

God, I could inhale that smell until I’m drunk…

“The only sunshine I see is right here,” he teased, burying his face in my neck again to press kisses down it, golden strands of hair trailing over my skin with each soft exhale.

I struggled to free myself half-heartedly from the tangle of sheets and limbs, but Shinji was surprisingly quick for having just awoken, and each attempt was punished with more kisses. “S-stop…” I giggled helplessly.

“I don’t think you want me to,” he murmured between nibbles. “Do you?”

“Would it make any difference?” I asked dryly.

“Sunshine, if y’need to rise, then rise,” he said, smirking. “I certainly have.”

I snickered in spite of myself, then sat up, turning to look at him. Shinji was sprawled out comfortably on the king-sized bed, but the sheets had slipped rather precariously while he’d been teasing me, and a neatly trimmed thatch of light brown hair peeked over the draped silk.

“What are you doing?” I asked sternly.

He grinned unrepentantly. “Stopping. Since you asked.”

“Oh, I’m not done complaining yet,” I informed him archly, and he promptly snagged my waist again, dragging me back into his arms as I pretended to fend him off, laughing.

He gave a contented sigh. “Much better. But I’m still going to punish you for lyin’.”

“Try it, Mister Hirako.”

He gave me a peeved look, then tumbled me over, the top sheet slipping to the floor and exposing the rather noticeable interest he’d taken in me this morning.

You tip toed out of the room, careful not to stir the rascal. As you stepped outside and gradually slid the door shut, your back came in contact with something hard. You almost let out a yelp but managed to hold your tongue. 

You turned around and there he stood— the father of your rascal.

“Hey”, he said, a modest greeting after being away for a few days due to a mission.

“Shhhh”, you whispered, his raspy voice was sure to stir the little monster from his slumber.

You opened the sliding door just enough to peek through. The boy was still asleep and a sigh of relief escaped from the bottom of your lungs. He noticed your tense shoulders fall down as if an invisible boulder had been lifted off your upper back.

Taking a step back, you both ended up sitting outside on the porch. The wooden panels were creaky and you cringed from the slightest creak— a threat to your peace.

You sat beside him, the full moon casting mystic shadows. 

It had been a few days since you last saw him. ‘He must be pent up’, you thought to yourself. To test your theory, you reached over to pat his crotch and he allowed his bent knees to fall to the side to give you access. 

You undid his pants and pulled out his limp need. It didn't take much to reawaken the beast. Gentle but long strokes with a firm grip is all it took to ease the friction with the pouring precum. 

You didn't rush it. All the rustling would have created unwanted noise. Although, he was growing impatient, he behaved for the sake of your sanity. 

“You know…”, you seductively leaned closer to whisper into his ears to stir the pot “they said I have fully recovered and can have sex again”.

You would think the man short-circuited. How long had it been since his cock had a taste of that pussy? More than 6 months! The doctors put a sex ban while you were pregnant due to some complications. 

Thud.

You have no idea how and when you ended up flat on your back. He was hovering on top, the moon illuminating his demonic features and oh that sexy wide grin had your pussy clenching trapped air. 

“Shhhh”, you reminded him of the dilemma. 

“Don't ya shhh me”, he growled, his cock rubbing against the fabric protecting your crotch. He practically ripped through your clothes and tossed them aside. The glowing moonlight gave your postpartum body a beautiful glow. He found it irresistibly sexy.

You on the other hand felt very aware and embarrassed of your stretched out body— etched with stretch marks that would forever remind you of your complicated pregnancy. 

But that worry was soon forgotten— for now. 

He feasted like a sloppy beast with slurping and suckling sounds echoed between your legs. He had been starving for 6 months. Patiently starving might I add. The pussy tasted so ripe and sweet. Juices were practically overflowing and drowning him. 

“Slow…ugh…down ahhh”. It was too much and you quickly came undone.

You unfolded on his tongue but he quickly retracted his face from between your thighs and replaced the emptiness with his hard cock. 

He felt your tight walls cave and squeeze around his length as you rode the high waves of your overdue lengthy orgasm.

“Cum for me…more!”, he ordered and rubbed your clit vigoursly while fucking your throbbing pussy. 

It made you twitch and convulse beneath him like a fish dragged out of water . But you never once let out a moan. You wouldn't dare to break the silence.

Alas, the silence was already broken. The wet sounds from your pussy, heavy breathing and skin-on-skin slapping— all the background noise you had blissfully forgotten. Add the rhythmic creaking sound that came from below you, it was a miracle the child had not awakened. 

“Ken…pachi…please let's move..” you suggested once you recovered from your intense and mind numbing orgasm. 

Not a bad idea. He lifted you up in one big swoop while still connected and never once stopped fucking your slippery hole.  He carried you to the other side of the porch, far away from any eavesdropping. 

Creak. Creak. Slap. Slap. Creak. He wasn't subtle.

“Kenpachi…i can't hear anything”. The child was unattended and it worried you.

“What?” he pretended his ignorance and continued to make up for lost time.

You weren't tight anymore. Obviously, it made no difference to Kenpachi. His thick girth was always an uncomfortable fit. But now, your hole had perfectly moulded around him. 

“Kenp….” You stopped and noticed someone standing in front of your room. 

“Ikkaku’s got this”, Kenpachi mentioned and you quickly tightened around him.

“He is watching us!!” You felt insecure and grabbed your robes to cover your upper body. 

It's not like Ikkaku had never seen you naked. The man had walked in several times while you were intimate with the Captain. Actually, most of the squad members have walked in and witnessed your pussy getting destroyed by the Captain. Apparently, no one has ever heard of knocking or locking. 

“It's dark. He ain't seeing shit”, Kenpachi tried to reassure you.

“He can hear and smell!” 

“Yo Ikkaku. Plug your nose and cover your ears”. 

Annoyed, you smack his arm and snapped. “Kenpachi!”

“Who the loud one now?”, he grinned and began pounding you again without a warning. A gasp escaped your once sealed lips, and you quickly covered your mouth, no longer trusting it to stay quiet.

“Shut up and cum already!”, you mumbled behind your fingers. 

“Nah. Gonna fuck you for hours and knock ya up again and again. I waited too long. Ain't gonna stop until you swollen with my cum”.

“KENPACHI!” you quickly cover his mouth now, his hips moving at a steady rhythm.

Ikkaku had long gone inside the room to remove himself from the awkward situation. He was the child’s guardian after all. And that child could one day use a sibling.

As promised, Kenpachi took that opportunity to fuck you for hours. 

He fucked you folded in half like a chair. He fucked you on all fours. He fucked you up against a pillar. He even fucked you while holding you in mid air.

His seed was dripping down your thighs like beads of rain painting the window after a heavy storm. You were spent. Not surprisingly, he wanted more. 

He unapologetically parted your legs and you quickly covered up your used and swollen hole. 

“I honestly don't have more space in there!” You were overflowing. 

“That ain't a problem. I can make space in there”, he licked the corner of his lips and buried his face between your bruised thighs once more.

War ravaged the kingdom. Men lied to each other, allies or enemies, women and children got picked off for the sake of the “greater good,” and nobles and commoners alike lost sleep at night, worried for what tomorrow would bring. At least, you thought, the nobles could still enjoy themselves in between battles - plenty of food and wine to go around while their common people starved. You didn't know whether to feel grateful to have sanctuary inside the castle or to despise those whom you lived inside the walls with, not a scrap to spare while innocents suffered. Perhaps you were just as awful as the nobles you served, having the audacity to complain when your circumstances were much brighter than most women your age - forced to marry and mate with awful men, or whore themselves out to them, or starve in the streets, all alone. Sure, you weren't a princess, and you were rather alone, but there were a lot worse lives for you to live than being her handmaiden.

“Do you think we will lose?” Your princess worried aloud, interrupting your rumination.

The castle had been taut with the threat of battle, rumors swirling of another army’s incoming attack. Your princess often woke in the night, squeaking and mewling at the hands of whichever particular anxiety haunted her that time. 

Spoiled as she was, she was just a girl, a girl who didn't have a choice in the cards she had been dealt either. As sweet as she was ignorant, you could never truly be cross with her. Protecting her gave your life purpose, however selfish the reasons. You guarded her youth, her purity, her sweetness, and her naivety in the way you always wished someone had done for you.  

“No, my lady. Your father’s men are strong and true, are they not?” 

Strong and true. They were hollow descriptors, something all people said about their armies to make themselves feel better. As you eased a brush through her hair, you injected strength and truth into your words, no matter how ironically dishonest, hoping to suffocate whatever anxiety harassed her now. Perhaps, for that, you were part of the larger problem - strong and true while you lied through your teeth, just as afraid as she. 

“My brother says,” she began, a start that indicated no happy end, “when kingdoms fall, they-” Her voice shook. You ceased your ministrations on her hair and turned her gently to face you. She swallowed hard, attempting, and failing, to properly stomach the thought she had. “They take the women.”

Her words procured images in your head of exactly what was meant by the word take, images she no doubt saw herself. Internally, you winced at the imaginary man reaching for her with a tainted hand, reaching for you. Outwardly, you didn’t have the heart to tell her that her awful brother was right, and there was that irony again. Strong and true. He could be cruel, but stronger and truer than you after all, it seemed.

“This kingdom will not fall,” you asserted sternly, defiant against all those who told her the evil truth, defiant against the evil truth itself. 

“I’m scared,” she admitted, tears beginning to well up in those kind eyes, ones that appeared so painfully frightened now. “My - my flower is still intact,” she rambled. “No man has ever seen me naked before, and sister says it hurts when-”

“Look at me,” you interrupted her spiraling, cradling her face in your hands. “I will not let anything happen to you. Your father and your mother will not let anything happen to you,” you promised, swallowing down the lump in your throat. “Do you understand?”

She took a deep breath, nodding, letting your words settle over her. You stroked her cheek softly and then let go, steering her back around to finish her hair, to hide your frown. It will hurt. I can’t let that happen.

“All done.” You set the brush on her dresser, fanning her hair over her shoulders. She turned to look at you again, and you forced a smile. “Beautiful.”

She didn’t bother returning one, looking down at her hands fiddling in her lap, an inner storm brewing. You ran your fingers through her hair, reminding her that anything she had to say was safe with you. 

“I hate to be around them at times like these,” she confessed. 

You nodded solemnly in agreement. There were monsters inside the walls as much as there were outside. Corner a beast, and you will discover its violent nature.  

“You are not alone.” These were words you truly meant as you offered her your arm to take. “Shall we go?”

✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎

Do you think we will lose? 

The princess’ clammy hand trembled in your own now. Along with the rest of the women and children of the castle, you cooped up in a corner tower room, guarded by a group of lower-ranked knights, a last ditch effort to protect you all from the battle that surged further and further in. The walls did not hold, and though the kingdom had not yet completely fallen, it seemed every nightmare, every worry, every worst fear of the princess’ began to trickle into reality. 

You continued to spew empty promises. We’ll win. Our army won’t let them reach us. We’re safest here. Your brothers, your father, your knights…strong and true, strong and true, strong and…It seemed with each lie that passed your lips, the situation worsened. The surrounding women flinched and gasped at every creak, every distant clash of swords, every blood-curling scream, all growing louder, closer, until the best solution was for you all to evacuate elsewhere. 

And soon after, it all became real, escalating quicker than you or anyone could keep up with. Flames consumed everything, metaphorically and literally. Nowhere was safe any longer. Every man, woman and child for themselves, only you refused to go running without continuing to defend your princess. Tears streamed freely down her face as she clutched at you for answers, her broken, fearful sobs clawing deep inside your heart, leaving no room for your own fear. The queen had busied herself with protecting her younger children. You had to remain here.

So you took her hand and the two of you ran, your steps thundering down the empty halls, towards where, you didn't know. You followed the quiet, hoping to avoid men, to bunker down somewhere else until the fighting ceased, hopefully in your army’s favor.

But there was danger at every turn, flames, destruction, ruin. You clung to the fleeting shadows with her, only to have to sprint off again at the sound of an enemy’s approach, another room, another path. She wailed so loudly and tripped over her own feet, her knees weak with fear. It was inevitable that you would be found when a horse came pounding your way, startled and raising its hooves while you threw yourself over her cowering form, begging the rider to take mercy. 

“Rise, girl.”

You recognized that cold, dispassionate voice, one of King Aizen’s best knights, and one of the better ones to be found by as well. You lifted your head, peering into the magnificent, green eyes of Ser Ulquiorra as he towered over you, looking bored.

Your princess recognized it too, scrambling to her feet, hope in her eyes. “Ser Ulquiorra!”

“You will come with me now,” he demanded with a sense of urgency, looking at the princess. 

The sound of more hooves approached. The scent of blood and smoke filled your nostrils. It hung in the air like a veil of darkness, hell on earth, a not so gentle reminder of where you were, who you were. There was room on his horse for only one more. 

The princess looked to you. “But (Y/N)-” 

“Now,” Ulquiorra asserted while you unanimously assured, “go on. It’s okay. He will protect you.” 

You forced a smile at her while bile twisted in your stomach and crept up your throat. You doubted the approaching rumble of footsteps and hooves were other knights in your army. You couldn't outrun a horse. This was goodbye, for now or forever. 

You grabbed the princess, frozen with fear, and pushed her towards the horse, practically lifting her on while Ulquiorra pulled her up. As soon as she grabbed hold of him, he spurred the creature into motion without so much as another glance in your direction, even the princess too afraid to look back at you. It happened so fast, the words caught in your throat, never to come out. Goodbye. Stay safe. The words no one would say to you. 

The handmaiden. No one worth protecting. That’s what you were. That’s what you’d always be. 

You couldn't afford to stand around and wallow in sorrow, not with the enemy approaching, but where to go? You could hardly breathe. You wanted to scream and kick and cry, much like the princess had, but instead, you wiped the sweat from your face and you ran. Your muscles ached and lungs screamed, so unused to being used like this. They threatened to quit on you, and as you ducked around corners and frantically searched for another shadow to hide in, you knew you didn't have much longer before your body would force you to quit. 

The stench of death overwhelmed you when you rounded that corner, too late to go anywhere else. There were three of them, and as soon as they saw you, a woman, they pounced. You ran as fast as you could, and it frightened you more than anything else how easily they caught up to you. Faster, stronger, crueler, there was never any chance for you as they yanked you back by your arm so hard, you expected it to rip right out of its socket. 

“No, please!” Your pleas instinctively came out even though you knew better than to try to reason with hungry men. 

The same way your feet could hardly carry you away from them in time, your limbs could hardly resist their own. As hard as you pushed and kicked, your muscles wouldn't budge against theirs. 

They laughed as they ripped your dress, the cloth on your shoulder toppling down, nearly exposing your breast. One wrong move, and it would come out. You remembered your princess’ words then, no man has ever seen me naked before. You twisted from them as tears began to stream freely down your face, afraid to have them see, to be vulnerable to them. I’m afraid too, you thought. I’m so afraid, and I have no one to protect me, no one to help me now. This is going to happen and I can’t stop it. They’d never even know your name. And the kingdom you served, should it survive, they’d replace you in a day. Who were you? No one, you reminded yourself. Worthless.

They threw you onto your back, there in the dirt. One man held down your arms, while each of the other two took a leg, holding them apart. 

“Not to worry,” the man above you mocked, ugly and reeking. “I’ll take my time with you, pretty thing. Slide it in real gentle.” He looked to the other two. “Hold her still,” he gave the order, devoid of any emotion, words and a voice that would haunt you from here on, if you made it to tomorrow.

You sobbed loudly, uncontrollably, as you squeezed your eyes shut tightly, unable to take the sight of your own ruin. As a foreign hand slid up your thigh, traveling closer and closer to your most intimate areas, you flinched and trembled, wanting to vomit at the sickening sensation. You didn't open your eyes to find out why it suddenly pulled away, not until you heard its owner cry out in pain at the same time as the unmistakable sound of a sword piercing flesh. 

“One.”

You opened your eyes just in time to see his lifeless body thud down beside you. So much happened at once, a flash of armor in your colors, brilliant, blazing, blue hair freed from its helmet, the cool slice of blades being drawn. You hadn't realized that you'd been released, not until the predators were lunging past you towards the new threat. 

He laughed, excited at the chance to fight, even outnumbered. Sword clashed against sword in a blur, two against one. You jolted upwards, attempting to crawl away and put distance between yourself and the scuffle. With a final, pained shout and dull thump against the dirt, another man fell. 

“Two.”

You reached a fence and pulled yourself to sit up, spinning around, your back scraping wood, just in time to see the final man kicked to the ground with a pathetic yelp. Hold her still. He sounded so different then than he did now, sweating, murmuring and muttering, squealing like a pig as he backed into an opposite corner. The knight in your colors chuckled meanly, leisurely strolling towards his downed figure, cutting off any avenue for escape. 

The man raised his trembling hands, terror in his eyes. So brave when he had cronies at his side to help him overpower a girl, so cowardly in the face of someone his own size. “P - please!”

“What was that you said to her?” The blue-haired knight taunted. “Something about sliding it in real gentle?”

The man’s eyes widened with realization. “No, no! Please!” He screeched. 

“Like this?” The knight pushed the blade into the man’s gut, slowly and steadily, sadistically, not budging at the sound of skin and muscle tearing, of blood spilling, of his shouts and shallow breaths and gurgling, the last ones he’d take. 

His pained screams seemed to echo in the night, another sound that would likely haunt your days, but you couldn't look away. You watched as he died slowly, as the knight grinned viciously, not stopping until his sword was in to the hilt, till blood gushed from the man’s mouth, till his eyes stared nowhere in particular and his body fell limp. 

In one strong pull, the knight yanked the sword from the man’s stomach, rising and wiping the blood off on his sleeves callously. He froze and straightened, as if just now remembering that you were still there, before slowly turning to look at you over his shoulder. 

Men, especially those inside these walls, could be cruel, to their own wives even. You witnessed the way this one fought, the way this one killed, and it had you speculating on the nature of his personality, worrying for your safety in his presence. Especially with the way his brows furrowed harshly and his bright, blue eyes glowered at you, his free hand twitching at his side as if claws were itching to come out, you sensed danger, alarms going off in your mind, warning you to pick up and run to the next place to make another attempt for the shadows. Everything about him screamed predator, the ferocity with which he killed, the crazed look in his eyes, his sadistic tendencies and his angry aura, and you feared to become his next prey. 

He faced you fully, taking a step closer. “You,” he growled, coming closer, faster, like a lion about to pounce. 

Your body, weak with exhaustion and torment, hardly wanted to function or move. You reached for the wooden plank above you, attempting to pull yourself up and away, on a futile mission to escape, again. 

A rough hand wrapped around your ankle, dragging you back across the dirt, tearing and soiling your dress further. You cried out, mentally preparing for the worst again. Try as you might, the lamb could never outrun or overpower the lion. It was nature. It was life. The nameless lamb, one amongst dozens, devoured by the mighty lion. 

And as you were flipped onto your back again, tears still fresh in your eyes, like a good lamb, you awaited the slaughter. You may not have been a knight, but this was your own war. A handmaiden, a lamb, no worth, no name, nothing to be but a sacrifice for the gods or a meal for the lion. 

✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎✴︎