#callmeeunice

A/n - love this song by Matt Martians (⁠*⁠˘⁠︶⁠˘⁠*⁠)⁠.⁠｡⁠*⁠♡

Pair - HeianEra!Sukuna x F!Reader

Cw - suggestive, masturbation, mentions of sex...

You were nervous as hell but damn, did you need the money to get out of these barren lands. Your parents were long gone and you didn't have much money left from their passing to survive nowadays...

So, when you heard that Emperor Sukuna was having a big banquet in celebration of...whatever was going on in the heian palace, and performers were rewarded with silk fabrics, you didn't hesitate to volunteer as entertainment.

You'd heard of the whispers, of course. The statements that the emperor was a monster. An abomination made of 4 arms, 2 sets of eyes and 2 mouths. You'd even heard whispers that he tore his own concubines from limb to limb If they weren't up to par.

But that wouldn't happen to you. You'd just go, perform on your koto and remain unseen and ignored. Then, you'd take whatever materials they gave and you'd sell them, then you'd travel far, far away and live a quiet life.

Yes, that sounded nice.

So, on the night of the banquet, you were sat in the grand hall, wearing a pale grey kimono that used to be your mother's which was a bit too long at your feet, your hair pulled up and pinned.

Ever so often, you either dabbed at your neck with a handkerchief or tuned your koto. Nothing could go wrong tonight. You had to be perfect...

After what felt like forever, the doors opened and a young looking person entered, their hair white with blotches of red at each side, their eyes cool and seemingly bored.

"Your Highness," he announced, moving aside. "Emperor Sukuna."

At that, everyone rose with lightening speed and you did too, trying not to slip over your kimono. You bowed in sync with the others, nobody having the audacity to stand up again until the emperor was sat in his throne.

"All rise." His voice wrung out through the large room, everyone pulling themselves back up.

You'd never seen him before but the rumours were certainly true. He looked like a monster.

2 sets of dark red eyes, 4 arms and spiky salmon pink hair. His body was built of pure muscle and he sat tall on his throne, his silk garments exposing the muscle of his chest whilst thick black tattoo lines curled around bits of exposed skin.

Once his gaze snapped to yours, your eyes moved to the floor where your koto was, discreetly rubbing your clammy hands against your sides. You wouldn't mess up.

One by one, different performers went to the middle of the hall to perform for the emperor - dances, reciting poems and using instruments to try and appease him... But he looked bored, cutting them off mid performance before waving them aside.

Great. He seemed to be in some kind of pissy mood...

Finally, you were next in line. You took a quick breath and got up with your koto cradled against your chest. Each step felt like your ankles were being hugged by iron shackles.

Just don't mess up.

You bowed in front of him, low and polite like the others had before you sunk to your knees on the provided cushion positioning your koto on the low table before you began to play.

Your nerves calmed as you delved through the music, your fingers purely operating on auto pilot, your deft fingers plucking each plectrum.

As the music flooded the room, Sukuna's gaze settled on you, his eyes narrowed. He hadn't cared for the others and their performances, so why was he suddenly listening to you? A woman no less...

But, there was something about the way you played... The way you didn't think about each note... The precision and the way the notes bounced off each other so smooth and not rigid.

Before anyone knew it, you'd finished your song and glanced up. Sukuna felt an odd weight settle on his chest as he took in your face, damp with sweat and eyes somewhat nervous.

You stared for a bit too long before suddenly recalling the whole no eye contact rule, instead looking down at your koto.

After what felt like forever, Sukuna clapped. Everyone was as surprised as you were but then they all rushed to clap too, not wanting to seem like they were opposing him.

Flustered, you scrambled to your feet and bowed, ignoring the weight of all the stares and whispers. He probably just zoned out or something...

You moved out of the way and watched until the performances were all over and the rest of the banquet commenced. Halfway through your steamed rice, that same person who announced sukuna came over to you.

"Excuse me, miss. Can we speak in private?" They asked.

Swallowing your bite of food, you nodded and got up, following them down an isolated hall.

"The emperor has taken liking to you." They stated as you entered the gardens.

"Pardon?" You gasped, unsure if you heard right.

"He wants to employ you... As a private musician for his entertainment."

You were more than surprised but realised you were at a pathway where one was blocked, leaving you with not much choice. If you refused... You risked his ire... But if you stayed-

"you'll be compensated of course." They spoke up, passing you a piece of parchment.

Your eyes scanned over the earnings you'd be estimated at making and the amount almost knocked you off your feet.

"I'm in."

It had been a month since the emperors banquet and you slowly got used to him...slowly...

He wasn't as off putting anymore, but he still made you more nervous than anything in the world. When he requested you to play for him, it felt like to you, he was looking for an excuse to hurt you or scoff. But it only made you more determined not to mess up.

In your room, you practiced for hours and hours, ignoring your fingers as they screamed for respite with each pluck of a string. You weren't going to die here...

But, the benefits weren't bad at all either. You were fed, taken care of... Hell, the palace was huge. You had more kimonos than you could count and you even began learning the biwa along with other instruments.

However, Sukuna wasn't experiencing many benefits. Watching you glide around the palace wearing kimonos he specifically bought for you was painful.

But keeping you under his wing allowed him take care of you...

He was content in feeding you, keeping you around... Watching over you as you moved around your gilded cage.

But then things became serious...

You took over his dreams, thoughts and even his sex life.

He was currently in his chambers, bored out of his mind as his concubine, Yorozu, bounced on both of his cocks. The sight of her kimono slipping down her shoulders and her needy cunt full of him usually had him more turned on than ever, but it didn't anymore.

Instead, he saw you on top of him, your pretty hair undone, tears filling your gorgeous eyes as you whined about him being too big. Too much for a mere mortal.

So, without hesitating, he pushed Yorozu off and told her to leave which she did. She was smart enough not to object.

As soon as she was gone, he wrapped 2 of his many hands around each of his cocks, pumping himself hard and fast to the thought of you.

He imagined bending you into whatever position you were flexible enough to do, he pictured the faces you'd make as he sunk his cocks into you, the tears spilling down your cheeks, hot and salty as he filled you to the brim... He then thought of having you on his lap, the mouth on his stomach stretched wide as his second tongue bullied itself into your sweet pussy, lapping at every drop of slick that came out of you...

That image alone was enough to get him coming all over his hands and sheets like some virgin, his head tilted back as he groaned and hissed, forcing himself into overstimulation until he couldn't take it anymore.

You were a witch. You had to be...

He's never been this affected by a woman. A mere mortal.

The realisation was enough to make him bitter.

He'd either have to get rid of you or do something about it.

But, he knew he'd choose the latter.

"Cmon, baby, eyes on the camera." Satoru teased breathlessly, his cock still buried deep inside of your pussy which was currently spasming around his cock after your recent orgasm.

Your arms were over your eyes, shying away from the cameras that were propped up around the bedroom. You'd squirted 3 times now and after the haze of pleasure faded, you felt so shy.

But Satoru Gojo wasn't shy.

"Toru-" you gasped as he pinched your clit, mean and rough.

But, as the teasing bastard he was, he only smirked. "Show us that pretty face. We need a close up as you cum."

You whimpered in response but moved your arms from your flushed face, trying not to look at the cameras. Satoru offered a distraction, his hips rolling slowly until his fat tip was nudging against your sweet spot.

Your mouth slipped open, forming a cute 'O' shape as he picked up the pace.

"Satoru - fuck, I can't cum again-" you whined, trying to push at his incessant hips.

"Really?" He taunted, easily pinning your hands above your head. "But this sweet pussy wants to. She's sucking my cock in."

"Stop talking to my pussy -"

"How rude. She's so needy! How can I ignore her?" He chuckled, rubbing your clit with even more vigor.

At that, you could barely muster any strength as your orgasm crashed into you, making you cum so hard you were sure your soul left your body for the delicious 3 minutes in which your orgasm lasted.

After your shoot, you ended up finding out you did in fact leave your body since you fainted after you squirted for the 4th time in a row without a break.

"Aw, guess your pussy couldn't handle my cock." Satoru pouted as he dutifully cleaned you up.

You didn't hesitate as you delivered a kick to his face, ignoring his whines about his "perfect nose."

Even though he was irritating... You couldn't deny that he was definitely good on camera.

You were counting down the days until your next shoot... And so was he

Sukuna X f!reader

Mdni - sexual themes...

Not proofread

When your homegirl suggested going on a 2-man with a guy she met called Toji and his roommate, you really weren't expecting this. You weren't so onboard since she literally met him in some random alleyway after they shared a blunt, but she forced you after practically promising you to Toji's mystery roomie.

It started with you and your friend at Tojis apartment. It was a decent size and they didn't seem like total creeps. You entered the living room where he introduced you to Sukuna, his roommate.

To be completely honest, he was sexy. Dark brown eyes that looked like they had specks of red, messy salmon hair and that build - just looking at his bulging muscles that were being hugged by his tight shirt was enough to make you feel like you were ovulating.

Well, at least you weren't "taking one for the team".

After only one round of sake, your friend ended up going into Toji's room, leaving you with Sukuna which was really awkward at first until he bluntly invited you to his room, clearly not wanting to beat around the bush.

Well, you came here to get fucked. There was no doubt about that...so...you ended up following.

It wasn't long before you were face down and ass up on his bed, moaning into the pillows as Sukuna ploughed into you from behind like you'd offended him somehow.

"Shiit- wait," you whined out, muffled against his sheets. It felt too good. Way too fucking good.

The headboard was slamming against the wall over and over again, so hard that you could barely hear the noises coming from Toji's room.

"Wait? This slutty pussy doesn't sound like she wants to wait." He chuckled, a large hand coming to grope the fat of your ass.

You could only muster a weak whimper that sounded more like a light gurgle as you tried to swallow the saliva in your mouth, the pleasure leaving you completely dumb on his cock.

His hips only moved faster, one of his hands moving to brace against the headboard as he rutted into you, his fat tip slamming against your sweet spot over and over until you could barely handle it.

"S-S'kuna, i'm gonna cum!" You cried, back arching even deeper you were surprised you didn't snap in half.

"Not surprised," he grunted, moving a hand around your front to rub tight circles against your clit. "Can feel this pussy hugging onto me like there's no tomorrow-"

A few more tight circles and you finally came, your vision blurring white before tiny sparkles dotted behind your vision, leaving you a whiny, slobbering mess beneath him. Atop of you, Sukuna didn't let up, instead drilling his hips faster and harder as he chased his own orgasm, his momentum only faltering as he got closer.

"shit," he cursed, his hips slowing until he finally pulled out last second, finishing, spraying your back and ass with thick white ropes.

You finally slumped against his sheets, completely spent and exhausted, barely able to comprehend how hard you just came whilst Sukuna flopped beside you lazily.

Meanwhile, your friend was still in Toji's room, both of them still half dressed after they got distracted by your noises.

Seriously, you can't take this man anywhere.

It was your first anniversary with the man and you wanted a nice dinner, but he was already bitching about your outfit.

"you're not wearing that." He'd said, arms folded as he watched you get ready.

"why not?" You scowled. The dress was hot! Dark red, strapless and long with a slit down the side, showing off the smooth expense of your leg. You looked sexy.

"because you look easy."

You only rolled your eyes at him. When Sukuna came with fire, you doubled down too. You didn't care about his insecure ass, so you left in that same dress he wouldn't stop glaring at.

Toxic!Sukuna who was still acting all petty decided the best way to get you home quick was to embarrass you in public.

He made a show of ordering half the things off the menu for the both of you and chowing it down like he'd been starving for days, pasta sauce, bits of broccoli and cheese all over his face which was giving you and other customers more than the ick.

You'd have enough of him and ended up asking for the bill, paying it yourself out of worry that he'd only embarrass you more by having his card decline.

When you got back to your shared apartment, your arguments turned into light pushes and then hungry kisses, his hands tearing your dress off until it was torn in half on the floor.

Toxic!Sukuna who was laid back on the bed, groaning between your thighs as he ate you out, the lack of air allowing his blood to rush to another more important area that you were annoyingly ignoring.

He had you coming 3 times on his tongue before you clambered off, regaining your composure before pulling on a robe.

"Uh hello?" He called out to you, making you stop on your way to the ensuite.

"what?"

"you're seriously going to leave me hanging?" He asked, licking your slick from his lips.

The sight almost made you want to cave, but the embarrassment was worse.

"think of it as your punishment, Kuna." You hummed before slipping into the ensuite.

Toxic!Sukuna who stopped testing you in public soon after once you put him on a full month sex ban. But it was definitely deserved.

The reset - Knight!Toji x Princess!Reader

A/n = Double upload because i fucked up and put post privately and now i cannot schedule it :c - next chapter is friday <3

W/c = 2k

Part 3, —> part 5

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

You finally woke up in your bed, clean and dressed in one of your satin nightgowns, a stark contrast to your soiled clothes and clammy skin from earlier. After sitting up, your vision swam slightly before it settled on a woman who was sat near your bed, mixing something in a bowl. She looked pretty tired and had long dark brown hair and brown eyes. You’d seen her somewhere…

At your stirring, she finally looked up from her task and smiled, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “Your highness, you’re awake - I’m relieved.”

You thought for a long while before mumbling. “Shoko…right?”

“That’s me.” She smiled.

You somewhat recalled her from the forced tea time dates you used to have with Satoru when your kingdoms were talking business. The Gojo households personal doctor, Shoko Ieiri.

“Is Satoru here?” You managed, rubbing your forehead as an annoying headache settled in.

Shoko shook her head, bringing the bowl to your lips. “No. But, when he heard about how you fainted and wouldn’t wake up, he sent me straight away..”

Definitely sounded like Satoru. You sipped the warm concoction, your brow furrowing at the bitter taste, but you forced it down. As you drank, you mentally recalled the journey between your two kingdoms….around 3 days.

Once you were done, you rested back against your pillows. “How long have I been asleep?”

“4 days, your highness.” She answered which made you shoot up again.

“4 what?” You practically gaped.

Before Shoko could say anything, you scrambled out of the bed, cursing when you hit the hardwood floor.

“You shouldn’t be moving around so much.” Shoko frowned, making no move to get up as you tugged your robe on. “You’ll hurt yourself.

“I’ll rest later.” You told her, sliding into your slippers before quickly running out.

Multiple maids and house helps noticed you as you hurried down the halls, trying to halt you and take you back, but you brushed by them, trying not to fall over as you ran down the hundreds of steps in the castle.

Finally, you reached the lounge and found your mother and father inside, both surprised to see you.

“Sweetheart, what are you doing?” Your mother frowned, putting her tea back on it’s coaster. “We thought you’d be asleep for another day.”

“Forget that.” You said. “Where is Toji?” 

Your parents exchanged a glance, both seemingly irritated that he was the first thing you spoke to them about.

“He’s still being questioned.” Your father shrugged.

“I told you before! He’s innocent. I ran after my horse, slipped into the river and…” You trailed off, recalling that strange man.

Your parents looked at you curiously, but you kept a straight face. “And then I fainted in a cave…and managed to find my way back.”

“Even so, your head is still all jumbled!” Your mother tutted, coming over to you. She reached for your face, but you tugged away.

“Let me see him. What’s the big deal in that?” You questioned.

After what felt like forever, your parents relented and you didn’t even get dressed properly before you hurried down to the dungeons with your father begrudgingly trailing behind you. After what felt like forever, the winding staircase came to an end and your cream walls were replaced with dark brick and dim lighting, the stale smell of the dungeons a lot stronger now that you weren’t flooded with adrenaline.

You got to the huge double doors and the guards relaxed once they saw your father. He mutely nodded and they opened the doors, allowing you to enter. Without hesitation, you did and easily navigated Toji’s cell, your heartbeat faltering once you saw him sat against a stone stable, his wrists bound by thick iron shackles. He was shirtless and hunched over the table, his shaggy hair covering his eyes.

“Toji…” You breathed quietly, ignoring your father and his guard behind you as you rushed over, kneeling by the table to brush his hair from his face.

He let out a deep groan as he stirred and it was then that you noticed the lashings on his back, his skin stained with blood. Angry red lines were strewn across his muscles, a few already in the process of healing whilst others almost looked infected.

Turning to your father, you didn’t bother hiding the disgust in your voice. “Why did you do this?”

However, instead of an answer, your father’s lip merely twitched, throwing a key at the floor before he left with his guard, leaving you with Toji. You  turned back to your guard and rubbed his arm, slowly rousing him from whatever slumber he was in.

His forest green eyes locked onto yours and you felt bad for waking him when you saw the heavy bags under his eyes.

“I’m sorry-” You stammered out, cursing yourself for the way your eyes watered. “This is my fault.”

He didn’t say anything, so you directed your attention to his shackles, quickly moving to grab the discarded key from earlier to unlock the heavy things. It took a while, but you finally got them off of him, allowing Toji to rub at his wrists which were pretty bruised.

“Are you alright?” Toji asked, his question making you laugh in surprise.

“How can you ask me something like that when you were locked up down here for so long?”

“I failed to keep you safe. I…couldn’t find you.” He admitted, sounding a lot more hollow than you remembered.

What did they do to him down here?

“Nevermind…” You whispered, moving a hand to cup his cheek, his skin rough against your palm. You weren’t sure where this boldness came from and Toji was visibly surprised too…but, the thought of him being hurt because of your foolishness was something you couldn’t allow. “We’ll get you healed up.”

He narrowed his brows but remained in your hold. “With what supplies.”

At that, you smiled faintly. “I know someone.”

•---------•

By the time you had dressed up, Toji had been fully seen to and attended by Shoko, his upper half covered in soft bandage wrapping, the doctor in question nowhere to be seen.

You had ordered for a bedroom nearby to your quarters to be cleaned out for Toji to reside, your parents not wanting to argue after they saw how pissed you were. You were sat at the small round dining table in his room, a spread of lunch dishes between you both. 

It was hard to eat, especially with the sight of his injuries. It wasn’t grotesque to you…it just angered you to the point where you weren’t hungry despite being asleep for so long.

“I can put on a shirt, your highness.” Toji’s suggestion brought you from your swirling thoughts.

“Excuse me?”

“You look disturbed. I don’t want to ruin your appetite.” He nodded to the wrappings which had you quickly shaking your head. 

“No!” You said a bit too sharply. “I mean - I’m fine. I just…still feel terrible. You were tortured because of me.”

“It was still my fault.”

“Stop.” You hissed before sighing, rubbing your temples. “Just…don’t fight me on this.”

“I’ll stop on one condition.”

“And that is?”

“Eat.” He nodded to the spread with his utensils. “I can’t eat this all myself…besides, you’ve…been too kind already.”

“I’ll eat on one condition too.”

“And that is?” He echoed your earlier words.

“Feed me.”

And that was how you found yourself with your chair pulled up to Toji’s side, your mouth being filled every few seconds with warm porridge and fruit, your cheeks blazing hot.

“I…wasn’t serious.” You managed to muster after finishing a bite.

“Well, you seem to be enjoying this.” He replied, moving to rub the napkin against the side of your lip.

“I-I’m not-”

Toji managed to shut you up by shoving another spoonful of food - this time some fluffy scrambled eggs - into your mouth. You glared at that, but he acted as if this was totally the norm. So, you decided to repay the favor and grabbed a handful of strawberry cake, ignoring the mess on your fingers.

“What are you-”

You cut Toji off by shoving it into his face, most of the sweet dessert ending up on his pants.

“Whoops.” You hummed, bringing your fingers to your mouth to lick off some of the cream. “I just wanted to help.”

Toji stared at you for a long while and then at his lap before he moved a big hand to the back of your neck, pulling you closer to him until your noses were mere millimeters away. 

“Then shouldn’t a responsible princess take responsibility for the mess she made?” He questioned, his gaze flicking to his pants before returning to your eyes.

Your eyes betrayed you and stole a look at his pants, trying to ignore the obvious bulge you saw beneath his stained pants.

“You-”

The doors suddenly opened and you stood abruptly, your chair falling over. Thankfully, it was just Shoko who looked as nonchalant as ever, barely questioning your proximity to Toji.

“I just wanted to drop this off.” She raised a woven bag, the contents clinking together inside. “They’re the medicines for his injuries.”

“I see.” You coughed, already moving halfway across the room. “Well, I’m full, so, I’ll just…” You nodded awkwardly to the door before slipping out.

What were you thinking? He’s your knight, not some prince you can freely joke with. Something like that shouldn’t happen again. Never. Ever.

•---------•

However, it seemed that Toji didn’t share the same sentiment. After your incident at breakfast, it felt like he got bolder.

When you went for rides - now accompanied by more castle guards due to your fathers irritating restrictions - he’d subtly position himself closer, he’d look at you longer, use any excuse to graze against you…it was frustrating.

You weren’t ashamed of his status…but, you were promised to Naoya…An ‘upstanding’ and ‘righteous’ candidate who’d take care of you for the rest of your life…

No. That couldn’t happen…Even if you didn’t end up with Toji, you’d rather cut out your tongue before you let Naoya keep you in his castle and make you bear his children.

Just the thought of being bedded by such a man —

“Your highness, are you ready to return to the castle?” One of your castle guards asked.

“Oh,” You mumbled, noticing that once again, you’d been zoning out. The sun was slowly beginning to set. “Yes, let’s make haste.”

Soon, you were on your horse, riding back into the castle and passing through one of the quaint villages. Usually, it was quiet - a few children coming over to greet you, a wave to the baker who personally made your birthday cakes, or just enjoying the ambience - but today, there was more hustle and bustle.

“What’s going on?” You asked as your guards situated themselves closer to your horse as they navigated the crowd.

“The starlight festival.” One of the guards answered, making you nod.

The starlight festival was exactly as it sounded. A festival that celebrated the stars. Whenever the night rolled around, the whole kingdom would stay awake to watch the sky for shooting stars, drink, eat and dance. Odd. Usually, your parents would be talking about it up until the date, however, they’ve been quiet.

“Will you be going, Toji?” You asked before thinking, your cheeks warming a bit as a few guards glanced at you.

Your knight stared at you for a moment before speaking. “Wherever you go, I’ll be there, your highness.” He replied with ease, his heavy gaze warming your body up despite the light chill in the air.

“I see.” You managed to mumble, facing ahead as you approached the bridge to your kingdom.

A deep part of you was happy you’d go with Toji. You loved the festival! You could take him around to different places, try foods…and with all the commotion, you’d likely go unnoticed as usual…and you wouldn’t need to worry about Naoya.

It was a perfect idea..

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

The reset - Knight!Toji x Princess!Reader

a/n = Thank u for all the love on the series <3

W/c = 1.6k

Part 2, <current>, part 4

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

It had been a few days since your little sparring session with Toji. You did a few more sessions, but this time, he kept his distance which was somewhat relieving but also disappointing. You had resorted to thinking about the moment when you were alone in your bedroom, secretly getting off beneath the silk sheets.

You weren’t sure when exactly you began to think of Toji this way. Hell, it had only been a few months since Naoya returned to his kingdom after leaving his best knight…but, you couldn’t help it. Besides, you weren’t the only one. You literally had to remind your lady’s maids and staff that you were there when they were ogling Toji - Not that you weren’t doing the same, but they looked a bit too long for your liking…

Currently, you were on your horse, a beautiful snow white Palfrey, gifted to you by King Gojo on your coming of age party, riding deep into the forests with Toji behind you. He was a good size and reliable. He suggested you both trained outside in a ‘real’ setting. Whatever that meant.

But, you weren’t too fussed. You loved riding your horse, and wearing pants was a nice change compared to the tight gowns you’d grown accustomed to.

“How much further?” You asked as Toji rode his horse up next to yours, his black destrier shaking it’s head a bit.

“We’re here.” He nodded to a plain where shreds of sunlight lit up the dusty patches of grass.

It was pretty secluded. Trees for miles and the faint sound of a stream nearby somewhere. It felt…nice. Calmer.

“How’d you find this spot?” You asked, getting off your horse before letting him go and graze whilst Toji did the same.

“I didn’t. I was just hoping we’d find a plain area.” He shrugged, tugging off his cloak to expose the muscular length of his arms that were being hugged by the tightest black shirt you’d seen.

“I see…” you mumbled before doing the same with your own cloak, exposing the linen shirt you had underneath.

“Ready?” He asked, unsheathing his sword.

You mirrored his movements. “Of course I am.”

And once again, your swords met, the incessant clanging and occasional grunts from both of you filling the warm air.

•---------•

“You have to be kidding!” You groaned as you felt the first 2 droplets.

First, Toji managed to disarm and tackle you yet again, and now you felt the droplets of rain. Not just rain though - thunder. One thing about your precious horse was that he hated the sounds of the sky coming down.

So, once you tried to rein him in, he quickly ran into the forest. Before Toji could suggest anything, you quickly took off after your horse, hurrying off to try and catch him. It was dumb, obviously. There was no way you were outrunning a thousand pound horse on foot, but you wanted to try.

But, once you realised how stupid this idea was and finally stopped to head back, your boot slid against some wet mud, sending you all the way down a bank and right into the water. The change from a mere chill to icy cold water put shock through you and momentarily, you were stunned before your body forced adrenaline to pump hot through you. Fighting your best against the raging current, you pushed your head above the water, coughing up water before you desperately swam over to the bank, your numb hands searching for anything to grab onto.

After what felt like forever, you found purchase on the grassy bank and tried to uselessly pull yourself up before the bank suddenly swept you up yet again, dragging you further down the river and to….what looked like a bunch of rough-edged rocks. Fuck.

Your heart beat even faster now as you swam harder and harder, ignoring the uncomfortable feeling of your legs going numb. You wouldn’t die here. You weren’t going to pass out and have your parents see your cold, dead body.

So, you stopped swimming and instead looked around for anything. Anything at all that could help. But there was nothing…nothing in sight. Finally, you noticed the rocks coming closer and decided to use them to help instead. Once the current pushed you close enough, you moved to lay on your back, digging your feet into the rock to brace the impact. Ignoring the jolt that stung your feet, you pushed your body weight around so you were now back to wading.

Using the rocks to guide your movements, you made your way, slowly, over to the grassy bank once more, finding purchase on the soggy grass before forcing your upper half up and out of the water.

“Cold, cold, cold - so fucking cold.” You whispered to yourself, the adrenaline finally beginning to wear off, your skin colder than ice.

You wanted to desperately make your way back up the bank, but your energy was close to nothing. So, it wasn’t surprising when your knees hit the floor and the world turned to darkness.

•---------•

When you woke up again, you weren’t in the comfort of your fluffy bed…no, you were on rock. Hard rock….but it was warm.

After pinching your thigh and enduring the stinging throb to ensure it wasn’t a freaky dream, you slowly sat up and noticed a fire crackling nearby, your body covered in a cloak. It wasn’t black like Toji’s…this was dark green.

Just as the panic set, a voice came from behind you.

“And she’s awake.”

Once you turned your head, you saw a man. Tall…but he didn’t look like he was from around here at all. Thin brows, a thin, stubbly moustache and piercing dark eyes, framed by his cropped dark hair.

“Who are you?” You asked, shooting up to your feet before stumbling. 

“Calm down, your highness.” He tutted, raising his hands in a placating gesture.

“You know I’m a princess?” You asked warily, already feeling off about this whole ordeal. That made you trust him a lot less. He could be a bandit looking to sell you off - or worse, a hitman…

“Of course. You’re a public figure.” He stated casually, moving past you to tend to the fire.

Subtly, you moved a hand to your hip, cursing lowly when you realised you’d lost your sword. It was probably from your little dip in the river…or your fall.

“You…helped me…” You concluded after lightly patting down your body. You didn’t feel different. Just shaken. Good …

The man only hummed and poked the fire a bit before glancing back at you. “I’d make use of the cloak if I were you.”

A quick glance down allowed you to notice that your clothes were still soaked through, including your linen shirt which was clinging to your chest, exposing the dark color of your bra.

“Point made.” You muttered, ignoring your hot cheeks as you bent down to quickly wrap his cloak around you.

As a wave of silence passed, you used the time to look around the…cave. Yeah, that’s what you were in. It was somewhat spacious and there were a lot of…crates.

“What’s in these?” You asked, your curiosity getting the best of you.

“Goods.”

“Goods?” 

“That’s what I said, didn't I?”

You rolled your eyes but moved closer to the fire he was tending. He didn’t look like he’d harm you…but you were still on guard.

“And what do you do?”

“I’m a mercenary.” He answered with ease.

You inwardly tensed at that. You were in an isolated cave with a mercenary…totally not a big deal.

Forcing your nerves aside, you asked. “How long have I been here?

“The whole night.”

At that, you began to panic again. A whole night? Toji must’ve returned by now, right? The kingdom and your parents would be a mess!

“I need to get out of here.” You said, quickly moving to the entrance of the cave, wincing as the bright sun momentarily blinded you. “Are we north? South?”

“Just follow the stream until you get to a bridge. It’s the one that takes you right into your comfy castle.” He nodded.

Well, that was…simple enough…

Without looking back, you slipped out of the cave and followed his instructions until you got back to the bridge. He was definitely odd for a mercenary…you just hoped you wouldn’t run into him again.

•---------•

When you got back to the castle, your parents asked you millions of questions, but you weren’t trying to answer them. Of course, you gave your dry replies, but that was the most they’d get as you stuffed your face with porridge, fruit and boiled eggs. It had been a whole day since you ate!

“Did that guard Naoya sent do anything?” Your father asked, making you choke on an egg.

“What?”

“He returned without you, so we had him questioned.” Your mother explained briefly, making you feel a trickle of dread.

In your hunger, you completely forgot about Toji. Fuck.

“Where is he now?” You asked, pushing away your half finished breakfast.

After your mother muttered out the answer, you hurried out and down the steps to the dungeons, your heart pounding so fast it could compete with the adrenaline you felt when you fell into the river.

Finally, you got to the large doors, guarded by 2 of your kingdom's knights.

“Let me through.” You hissed once they stubbornly stayed in your way.

“We cannot, your highness. We are under strict order from the king to prevent anyone but him from entry.” One of them answered which only irritated you more.

“He’s innocent!” You scoffed almost incredulously, your burst of energy finally draining as your parents came hurrying down the steps after you.

In the back of your head, you heard your parents asking you something before you fell to the floor yet again, their voices becoming muffled before they were squashed completely.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

- Overstimulated Toji

- Ovulation week

- 'Steel & Silk' series - preview, part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7, part 8, part 9, part 10

a/n = Hope u all enjoy <3

w/c = 1.9k

Chapter warnings = drugging

Part 4, part 6

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

You were irritated. Rightfully, so. Your parents gave you the ‘rundown’ on how things were going to go according to whatever plan they made in their head.

Toji was currently watching you throw a fit. Your bed was in disarray, pillows and your sheets falling off the sides whilst you punched a pillow.

“Excuse my language, your highness, but will you finally explain why you’re throwing shit around?” Toji yawned as you threw the pillow aside.

“My parents aren’t letting me attend the festival!” You scoffed, getting up to pace. “And instead, they’re forcing me to stay here with Naoya.” You spat his name with so much disgust that it had Toji surprised. “No offense.”

He merely hummed for you to continue and you did. “Something about ‘bonding’ and ‘safety’.”

“They want to keep you safe.”

You wanted to laugh at that. You alone with Naoya? Alone? Yeah, that wasn’t keeping you safe. It was throwing you to the wolves.

“I wish to be alone.” You managed to muster, moving to sit back down.

“Princess,” Toji began to move closer to you.

“I’m not asking.”

Toji faltered at your tone and you felt his eyes on you for a long minute before he moved to the door, a sour taste resting in your mouth. 

“Wait.” 

Toji paused, not looking back at you.

“You’re off duty for the festival. You should experience it.” 

Toji only nodded before he left, leaving you to your thoughts. You weren’t deliberately shutting him out. You just needed…space…

For 2 long decades, nothing you wanted was your own. Your parents chose everything - what you ate, what you wore, what instruments you had to perfect and even who you were going to marry! You felt like a hypocrite most of the time. A lot of people had less…but, you couldn’t live like this.

So, you began to formulate a plan.

You weren’t going to be pushed around much longer…You forbid it.

•---------•

“You’re staring.”

“So?” Toji raised a brow as you both moved through the forest, leading both of your horses along.

Even you could admit that you looked suspicious. Just an hour ago, you were sulking and ordering him to leave you alone, and a while later, you came out, dressed in long silk skirts and a blouse, your face no longer flushed and an old basket and a book in hand. Thankfully, you both snuck through the kitchen exit, allowing you to go unnoticed by your parents and their forced guard.

Even the innocent “I want to go looking for plants” statement didn’t move the confusion from his handsome face.

“So, I’d appreciate it if you stopped.” You sighed, looking around the bushes until you spotted the lettuce you were looking for. “a-hah.”

“Forgive me if I don’t believe you suddenly want to go plant picking.” Toji replied, watching as you crouched in the grass to wriggle the plant out of the ground.

“Believe what you wish.”

After a bit more pulling, you managed to get the stubborn thing out of the ground and shoved it into your basket.

“Now…just one more thing.” You mumbled, venturing deeper whilst Toji shadowed you from behind.

“And that is?”

“Datura.”

Toji frowned. “I’m not familiar.”

“Makes sense. It favors warmer environments. But, if you help me find it, I’ll owe you a favor.” You bargained, showing him the faded image of the plant in your book.

Toji moved closer and studied the flowering plant on the worn paper whilst you tried not to make it obvious that you were inhaling his scent - pine and vanilla soap…yummy.

Finally, he tilted his head. “Looks familiar….” he began before his suspicion arose. “What do you need it for?”

“Oh! I’m planning on making a salad.” You smiled. “After seeing those poor chickens in the castle’s kitchen…I want to try and make healthier choices.”

Before he could question it, you moved on. “So, you said it’s familiar? Have you seen it around here?”

“No…but, when we were riding through the village, I noticed a few…” He admitted.

“Why didn’t you speak before?” You huffed, quickly moving to your palfrey.

Toji moved quickly, his hand moving to the small of your back to help you mount. You fought against the warmth in your cheeks, reminding yourself that he was merely helping because it was harder to mount in these shoes. Yes, that was it…

Nonetheless, you return to the village area, ignoring the awkward silence between you both. It was still pretty busy, villagers walking around, some hanging up makeshift stars and lanterns in preparation for the festival.

“Sorry.” Toji’s voice came from beside you as you rode past. “Seeing the decorations…”

Ah, he was still thinking about your earlier fit. How…cute.

“Oh,” You frowned softly, looking at your reins. “Forget it…I’ve come to terms with it. Besides, what good will sulking do?”

He watched you for a moment longer before leading his horse over to the outskirts of the village to which you followed. 

“There.” He nodded to where a few sprouted from the cracked concrete.

You smiled to yourself and quickly got off your horse, trying not to flush at how you almost tripped. You finally got over to the plant and used your handkerchief to carefully pluck a few. 4 should do the trick…

After putting them in your basket, you rose and turned to Toji. 

“Toji…how did you spot the flowers?”

“Good eyesight. Got it from my old man.” He grunted, looking up at the clear sky. “Is that everything on your checklist?”

“Yeah.” You concluded, deciding not to push it.

You weren’t slow. You knew you and your guards hadn’t come here yesterday on the way back…Toji was keeping a secret from you.

•---------•

A week passed and you were dreading the night of the starlight festival. You still felt that it wasn’t fair…especially as you watched as Prince Naoya walked up to you in the main hall.

“My princess.” He smirked, bowing to you.

Your nudge from your mother made you aware of yourself and you dipped into a shallow curtsey that he didn’t register. Egotistical asshole.

“Naoya…It’s wonderful to see you again.” You smiled. “I hope that tonight we are able to…become closer.”

His smirk stretched wide and vile as his gaze skittered over your figure before he reluctantly met your gaze. “I’m looking forward to it too.”

Your mother cleared her throat before instructing a maid to take Naoya to his quarters. Once he was out of sight, she finally regarded you.

“Just make sure you don’t cause too much trouble tonight. I’m glad you’re finally making an effort with your husband.” She smiled.

“Fiance.” You corrected flatly.

“Same thing, really.” She tutted before leaving you alone in the hall - with exception of the reduced amount of guards.

Like Toji, most were given the night off for the festival.

You didn’t know you’d miss his presence this much. No matter where you looked, you couldn’t find his addicting green eyes or his cocky smirk…

It was fine…just survive the night.

•---------•

“You’re gorgeous.” Naoya complimented, his big arm around you and tugging you closer.

“You’ve said that 5 times now.” You deadpanned, glancing at the large clock in the lounge.

It was already 10PM. The festival would be in full effect now…And yet, you were still here with Naoya who refused to sleep even though most of the maids were in their quarters. Most of the foods set out for you both were still out, the fireplace roaring. You were too overstimulated for this.

“My prince, it isn’t appropriate for us to be…so close.” You mumbled, trying to pry his hand from your shoulder. “We aren’t married yet.”

“But we are engaged…shouldn’t I get a taste of my future bride?” He hummed, moving a hand to rest on your thigh.

You wanted to vomit at that, but forced a smile. “Before that…I am feeling quite thirsty.”

You managed to slip free and leaned forward to reach the light blue china teapot, pouring some rose tea for yourself whilst ignoring the feeling of Naoya’s eyes that lingered on your backside. Pervert.

You then turned to him. “Speaking of tea, my prince…I was out looking for plants for you…I wanted to brew you a special tea from scratch.”

You picked up the white teapot and poured the tea into his cup, the creamy amber-green catching his attention. 

“I hope you like it, my prince.” You hummed, grabbing the two cups. “I made this specially for you.”

“I see..” He murmured, clearly off guard.

“Naoya…” You giggled playfully, tugging his arm a bit which made the tea slosh. “Don’t tell me that you believe i’d poison you? That’s beneath me, my prince.”

Noticing his brow twitch, you guessed you’d have to be more honest.

“Fine. Watch me.” You sighed, taking the cup from his grip.

You took a reasonable sip and swallowed it in front of him.

“See? Harmless.” You huffed. “I just don’t like the blend as much…Which was why I was hoping my future husband could help me..” You trailed off, moving a hand up his chest. “You’ll do that, right?”

Naoya finally relented now that his ego was stroked and ended up finishing the whole glass. “Well, my princess, I can say that it does taste amazing. What’s in it?”

“Oh, just some herbs and flowers I found around the kingdom. It’s amazing how tea is so…versatile.” You ranted.

Naoya cut you off. “Well, since I helped my fiance out, shouldn’t I get a reward?”

Forcing a laugh, you lightly hit his chest. “Naoya, you’re being naughty…I haven’t been with a man before.”

As expected, his eyes practically lit up. Naoya was the type to be swayed by the pure wife shit. You knew from the day you met him.

“Well, how about a kiss? We should practice for our wedding night.”

Moving to pour him more tea, you huffed. “I’ve never been kissed either, my prince…” You admitted, trying to act coy.

Thankfully, Naoya continued to drink and you continued to rebuff, avoiding the subject for a painful 30 minutes until you excused yourself to the bathroom chambers.

When you finally returned, you weren’t surprised to find Naoya sprawled out on the couch, completely knocked out whilst tea stained the floor.

Finally…

Who would’ve thought Datura and wild lettuce could have such a sedative effect…

To test it out, you moved closer to your betrothed and raised a hand, unleashing a rough slap against his dumb face. When he didn’t stir, you knew he was too far gone to wake up anytime soon. And that was if he woke up. With how much you mixed into the tea, you were sure it bordered on toxic…but that was where your backup came in.

Quickly, you moved to your fathers study and managed to get his liquor cabinet open, taking two bottles before moving to the kitchen. Corking them open, you flipped both over and emptied the alcohol into the sink, leaving one somewhat full before you returned to the lounge.

After setting them up on the coffee table, you took a few steps back to survey your work.

Perfect.

Naoya just got a little too drunk during your whole ‘date’, so after he passed out down here, you returned to your room, not wanting to disturb your maids so late…

If he died, it would be due to alcohol poisoning…you’d get rid of your poor betrothed.

But, you couldn’t celebrate just yet. You had a festival to attend.