#reckless behavior

Splash!

The prince flinched inside the overturned coach, pressing a hand against his mouth. His sister stared at him with wide eyes that matched his own shock as they listened to the conversation outside.

"A sorcerer?"

"Mm... yes. You are either incredibly brave, or incredibly loyal. I was here for royal blood, but you will serve me just as well."

"What are you---?"

Another splash.

The royals waited with bated breath, the rain falling on their upturned faces through the window of the coach door that was now the ceiling. But the only noise was the constant drumming of water.

The prince set his jaw and reached for the small knife hidden in a sheath on his thigh. Drawing it, he stabbed it into the canvas roof---now one of the sides of the fallen coach---and slowly, painstakingly, cut through the fabric.

The princess watched him, nervously clutching at her skirts. "Do you think he's...?"

She didn't finish the whispered question. The prince shook his head quickly.

No. The knight couldn't be dead.

He couldn't!

The prince finished tearing a slit wide enough to climb through and wasted no time scrambling from the coach. Thunder rumbled from far away as he splashed through the mud around the coach to find---

No one.

No knight, no mysterious sorcerer.

Only the knight's sword, left abandoned in a puddle.

The prince stared at it, heart thudding in his ears as loud as the thunder that had spooked the horses.

A touch, feather-light, on his arm startled him, and he found the princess, her dark eyes darting about the road, the churned-up earth, the sword on the ground. Her gaze landed on the coachman, who lay on his back close to the road. She quickly crossed the distance between them, kneeling at his side, ignoring how the mud stained her shoes and skirt.

The prince trailed after her, face heating. He hadn't even noticed the coachman.

"What happened?" The princess asked, forcing her hands into her lap to keep them from reaching for the broken leg. "Did you see where the knight went?"

The coachman opened his eyes and exhaled in relief. "Princess..." he said slowly, choosing his words carefully. "You're safe."

"But the knight is not," she prompted. "Can you tell me what happened?"

The coachman winced, though whether it was from pain or embarrassment, the prince couldn't tell. "Ah... truth be told, ma'am... the moment that... that sorcerer... appeared from thin air... I closed my eyes... an' pretended t'be dead."

The princess pursed her lips, clearly disappointed, but she nodded and stood, directing her attention to the fallen sword.

"Was that... was that wrong of me to do...?"

The prince glanced down at the coachman. The man's jaw was clenched in pain, though he tried his best to hide it.

"I do not think so," the prince answered, returning his knife to its hidden sheath. "I do not see what else you could have done. What do you remember about the sorcerer?"

"Mmm... they wore a red cloak... face was hidden...."

"Anything else?"

"No... sorry...."

"It's more than we knew a few minutes ago," the prince noted. He glanced at the princess, only to find her facing away from him, the knight's sword held loosely in her right hand, staring across the valley.

"Princess?"

She jumped as he came up beside her.

"What are we looking at?" He asked, drawing out the first word.

The princess slowly raised the hand grasping the sword. Water dripped from the blade as she pointed it to a grove of trees at the crest of the next hill. "The sorcerer took him there."

The prince squinted at the trees, then the ground, the earth bearing no tracks, then his sister. "How do you know that?"

"I just..." Her eyes darted to the sword. "I just do."

The prince swallowed, looking back to the grove. "If it is a sorcerer that took him, who knows what will happen?"

"Ritual, sacrifice, dark magic... the histories are vague," the princess murmured. She lowered the sword towards the ground. "He will die. Or worse."

The rain continued to fall around them. Lightning flashed somewhere beyond the next hill. Thunder rolled overhead a moment later.

"I'm going after him," the prince finally said.

"I'm going with you."

"Absolutely not!"

The princess fixed him with an unblinking stare. "I wasn't asking."

"I'm not putting you in danger---"

"The sorcerer was after us. They only took him because he intrigued them or something!"

"Exactly why I don't---"

"I'm the only reason you know he's there!"

"And, again, how do you know that?"

"Because the sword told me!" The princess stiffened, gritting her teeth.

The prince stared first at her, then the weapon. "His... sword... told you...."

"Yes," she snapped, "it did."

The prince pursed his lips. But if she was lying, she was doing a marvelous job at hiding it. He sighed. "Fine. But if I tell you to run, you run. Promise?"

She grinned. "Promise."

The prince glanced to the coachman, whose eyes were closed against the rain. "When the rest of the company catches up," he called, "tell them we went to the grove on the next hill."

The coachman managed a weak wave as they began the trek through the muddy plain.

As they walked, now soaked to the skin, hair plastered to their foreheads, the prince tried to plan. To put together what little he knew of this sorcerer and use it against them.

But his thoughts kept turning to his sister. To the sword in her hand.

"The sword told me."

Sorcery. Pure and simple.

Illegal. Pure and simple.

But that was his sister.

He whistled a low whistle.  

"You know if you wanted to go out and have dinner, you should have picked a more reasonable hour to meet me."

Trying your best, you repressed a bittersweet laugh. Dinner did sound nice. Then the two of you could remotely feel like a normal couple. Only, you weren't a normal couple. You quickly changed the subject by raising your hands, one which held a wine bottle, and another which held two wine glasses and a wine key.  

"No worries, I have all the dinner we need right here."

Handing him the bottle, you saw his eyes light up in intrigue and excitement.  

Redd never asked you to spend money on him and neither did you, as the two of you knew damn well that these meetings had to leave a paperless trail. If anything suspicious showed up on your credit card statement, your parents were sure to find out and it would be bad news for the both of you. It also did his ego some good too, as there was no way he could ever do better than this fancy bottle of wine.  

You only started bringing a complimentary drink this past month, all usually from your family's cellar. Not that Redd was complaining or anything. You were already one hell of a main course, why not spice it up with a nice little appetizer?  

So what was it this time? A deep, mature Merlot? A fun, fruity Pinot Noir? Maybe it was one of those simple and bold Chardonnay he liked so much last time. He put out his cigarette before turning the bottle over and examining its label.  

"Ahh, you know, I've always wanted to try-"  The length of the name alone was enough to stop him mid-sentence. "Mmm, sorry sugar, I can't accept any gifts with names I can't pronounce."

You chuckled and moved next to him to see for yourself. As you took the bottle from his hands, you gave no protest when he pulled you closer with his hand at your waist. You grinned at the sight of the familiar label.

"It's Pinot Noir," you explained. "More specifically, a Maison Leroy, 1989."  

Redd couldn't help but feel his heart flutter at the sight of that mischievous twinkle in your eyes.  

"My parents are so going to hate me when they find out that this is gone."

Your own eyes met with his own, which held an expression that made your heart stop.  

"Rough day, huh?" He asked.  

"You know it, handsome," you whispered into his ear. A pleasant shiver ran down his spine.  

As you went off to prepare the drinks in the tiny kitchenette he had, Redd closed the door and leaned against it. Usually the pet names were more or less his sort of thing. But every once and a while you would throw in a few of your own and every damn time, it would always drive him crazy. Everything about you drove him crazy. Your soft hair. Your lively eyes. Your amazing body. Your beautiful smile.  

Watching you open the bottle with a little pop, he felt something stir within him. A want to hold you closer than ever before and never let go. A desire to wake up with you curled against him, instead of seeing you walk out the door. A need to share with you his heart, his soul, and his everything.  

But the two of you weren't in that kind of relationship now, were you?

Still deep in thought, Redd didn't even see that you were already carrying your drinks to the bedroom.

You looked back to his piercing, half-lidded gaze and, after interpreting it for a lustful one, flashed a sly grin in return.  

"Well come on then, I didn't come here to be drunk and alone tonight."

To Redd, those words only confirmed what he already knew, that you were only here for a good time.  

~~~

One of the first lessons your parents taught you, as their only child and heir to one of the world's richest corporations, was to be very selective of who to trust. It wasn't until recently that you realized that anyone who gave that advice were the ones that should be distrusted the most.  

How ironic.  

It seemed like from that point on your entire life was defined by irony. You were the most alone when you were surrounded by your family. The deadbeat apartment of a stranger’s was more like home than the pristine mansion that you grew up in. Your most treasured memories were held within the cheap fabrics of a futon. And as you sat on top of the lap of a criminal, next to a half-empty bottle of wine, you swore you've never felt more safe than when he wrapped his arms around your waist.  

Your own arms have found the perfect spot on Redd's shoulders. It brought his face nice and close to your own, which not only made kissing his lips easy, but also his jaw and neck as well. Hot breaths tickled the inside of your ear, causing you to giggle uncontrollably.  

"Redd, you're so drunk," you said as you rested your forehead against his own. Your own words were just as jumbled as the nonsense you heard before. "Whaddjiya say?"

Looking at his flushed face, you watched as his lips curled into a lazy grin as he hummed. His eyes were half lidded and full of adoration. Being this close together, you were sure he could hear how fast your heart was beating.

You didn't even know Redd for very long, or really knew him at all for that matter, and yet with one look he was able to send your heart racing. Well, you knew he was an artist, not only well adept in the visual arts but the art of conning as well. But that never bothered you. You've known some family members who've done far worse, scamming people out of their own pride and disgust for the poor. Redd only scammed because he needed to, and that made him the most honest person that you've ever met.  

And the best part was that you could actually be yourself around him. Without the judgmental gaze of your family or their friends, there were no rules, no worries, no box to be squeezed into. It was just you and Redd, and he has never judged you once for it.  

He pecked your nose with a gentle kiss.  

"I said, ya look beautiful darling, being all dressed up like that and all."

Even after two full glasses, you still felt a new wave of heat rushing into your cheeks. You gave a small, strained smile before locking lips with him once again. The kiss, slow and full of longing.  

At first you liked seeing Redd a little bit drunk. He would get a little more cuddlier, and a little bit more direct with his flirting. With that, it was like you could pretend for just a few moments that you were more than just a hookup. But now it just made your heart throb as you were reminded of the events that brought you here in the first place.  

Pushing those feelings down a familiar one rose up on top. Cupping his face with your hands, you deepened the kiss as you adjusted yourself to sit right on top of his growing erection. As you moved your hips back and forth, Redd moaned underneath you. He moved his hands from your waist, down to grip you from behind, pushing you into him more. After breaking away, the two of you shared a moment of reprieve, as your breaths came out in short pants. You grinned a devilish smile before speaking.  

“While I’m glad you like the outfit, I was hoping you could rip it off me, sport.”

Redd flashed his canines, displaying a sinful glee of his own.  

“Feeling anything in particular today?” He asked.  

You leaned in and whispered hoarsely into his ear. “Just surprise me.”

A low growl came out of Redd's mouth as he pushed you down on top of the futon, making you giggle. You’ve seen Redd’s body on top of you like this dozens of times. But this time, there was a nervous fluttering inside you as his fingers skillfully undressed you. At first you just chalked it up to the excitement of having sex with him.  

But the butterfly sensation remained even as he deeply kissed you. His hands caressed your body, its touch was gentle, leaving every square inch aflame. When your eyes locked with his, the nerves came back stronger than ever, and deep down you knew the real answer. It left only one question in your mind:  

Was it possible to be in love with someone you barely knew?  

~~~

By now, Redd already knew all of your sexual preferences. Usually you liked it a little on the rough side, some days more than others, depending on how stressed out you were. On the occasion when you were in a really good mood, you'd like something more on the teasing side. Him on the other hand, well, he wouldn't say he really had a preference. He always enjoyed sex with you. It wasn't every day where he met someone who's stamina rivaled his own, and the challenge that provided was something Redd was always down for.  

But this time, your request was to "just surprise you," and at that moment he knew he wanted to do something new and different. While you were the same smart, confident and snarky person who walked into the bar and captured his interest months ago, things just felt different now.

Even though you never outright said much about yourself, you never really had to. Whatever you left unsaid you would say it ten times louder with your actions. He knew you came from good money, even your more modest clothes were well over how much he made in a year. But you've never acted like any other booshi he's known. No empty promises and pity looks, no flashy speech to protect your ego and to talk down scum like him. You didn't even bat an eye when he told you how he makes most of his money. In fact, he's never met anyone who yelled "fuck the rich" as loudly or as proudly as you.  

The two of you were kindred spirits. Left bitter by the betrayal of the world and yet still managed to find each other. Tonight was the night where he'd show you that, using his whole body to do it.  

At the end, only breathless gasps were uttered between you. Both of your cheeks were colored red, despite the alcohol having already left your systems. Your backs were leaned against the only pillow that he owned. You were the first one to speak.  

"I don't know if it was the Leroy that did it this time, but that was probably the best sex I've ever had."

Redd swung his arm around your shoulder and pulled you close. He looked at you with a prideful grin.  

"Oh yeah? Care to explain?"

That would have been the second time he's seen you blush like that tonight, like a spark of kitsunebi. Its beauty flashed briefly before disappearing once again, a trick in the light. Your eyes had trouble meeting his gaze. They constantly flitted back and forth between him and your lap as you struggled to find the words.

"If felt..."

Were you embarrassed? You, the one that openly admitted and pursued your alcoholic tendencies. You, the one who, after wrecking a bar because one sleaze couldn't take a hint, nonchalantly left a six figure check into the manager's hand and walked away. You, the one that shamelessly banged as many people as paintings he's forged. Unbelievable. Redd's smile only widened as he witnessed your tongue-tied condition. Eventually you sighed in defeat and turned away. Your answer was just barely above a whisper.

"...I don't know, just different. But in a good way."

He reached out and gently grabbed your chin, turning your face back to him. Your faces were close enough for a kiss. But really, he just wanted to get a good look at that flustered face, and damn did you look adorable. He could just stare at it all day.  

The words came tumbling out of him before he even knew it.  

"Is it crazy that I might be in love with you?"

For just an instant, he saw it. That look of dread, that face that someone made when everything went wrong. It left as quickly as it came because soon enough your hungry lips crashed into him, and he was reminded of the first night you were together. The kiss was forceful, not once giving him time to breathe. Before he knew it, you had him pushed against the wall with an arm on either side of his face. In the next second you had released your hold on his lips and looked down at him with half-lidded eyes.

"Yes," was your only response before crashing in on him again.  

Well, that certainly wasn't the answer he was expecting. He remained stiff and motionless underneath you, unsure how to respond. But the feeling of you on top of him was tempting, to just melt into your touch was too easy. He kissed you back. That look that he thought he saw earlier was probably just his imagination, and what you probably meant to say was that you liked crazy people. Good thing they called him Crazy Redd.

When you bit down on his lower lip, it sent small tingles of electrifying excitement between you two and he pulled you closer. It just felt so right to have you in his arms, he was sure you felt it too. Why else would you be on top of him right after he told you he loved you? As you traced teasing kisses down his stomach he could tell you were asking for a second round. His expectant gaze being the only confirmation you needed to keep going. Any fears he had before ceased to exist once he looked into your eyes, full of passion and confidence. He loved you, and deep down, he knew you loved him too.

Right?

Hearing Redd's soft snores next to you was your cue to start getting dressed. You tried your best to be quick and it wasn't because you were about to be late for work. Grabbing all of your things, including the Leroy, you head towards the door. But before you reached for the doorknob, you dared to turn back at Redd’s sleeping body.  

Even though you've seen his peaceful face countless time, every time, even now, it still felt like it was the first. You felt your heart swell along with the gentle rise and fall of his chest as you walked closer. Looking down, you tried your best to memorize every square inch of his serene face, its slender shape, a cute, twitchy nose, high cheekbones and thin eyebrows, You were even close enough to place a kiss right between those eyebrows. It wasn’t like he was going to wake up, especially after last night. Just a sweet little kiss goodbye before you ever saw him again.  

You breath hitched and you pulled yourself away from his face, suddenly remembering yourself. As you made your way back to the door, you tilted your head back, taking a few gulps of last night’s wine. You urged yourself forward. Redd’s face wouldn’t look so sweet if you stayed any longer. You imagined his fine eyebrows, strained as they knit together in anguish, his bright eyes now simmering embers, and his lips sealed tight into an uncharacteristic frown. Stealing one last glance at the Redd behind you was like comparing day and night. You were doing yourself a favor by having your last memory of Redd’s face be this one, and not the one you’ve been fearing all night.

Finishing up the last of the wine, you left the apartment as the memory Redd's confession last night replayed in your head. If Redd was crazy for just loving you, you had to be downright mental to be driving away like this.

As you bit your lip and clenched your shaking hands onto the steering wheel, you deeply wished the ache in your chest would go away. You wished he didn’t confess to you tonight, of all nights. You wished you didn't go to that party with your family before coming here. You wished you had the choice to just be happy, because in just a few months you were going to marry someone you could never love. The only one you did love you've just left alone in his futon, and you were never going to see him ever again.  

After getting on the highway, you weren't sure whether to feel surprised, agitated or indifferent when you felt hot tears prickle at the corners of your eyes. You swallowed a hard lump in your throat. Unfortunately you’ve just finished whatever alcohol you had on you and your Vicodin was in the other car. Your only condolence was the fact that there was always more time to cry in the shower after you got home.

——————————————————————————

Kitsunebi-also commonly known as foxfire. Used in folklore as a means to lead travelers astray

Ohhhhh booyyyyyyy. I told ya’ll this one was going to be a doozy. 

But also, wow! My first (kind of) songfic! I decided to leave out the lyrics throughout the fic, it just messed up with the flow too much. Especially since I added so much background info, the reader here is just half a step away from being a full fledged oc XD

If you liked reading things like these, I’d recommend Friends with Benefits (a Hetalia fic), by YourHero213 on Wattpad. (It actually has a happy ending lol)

If you’re looking for something with more substance, more unrequited feelings and more romantic tension, I’d highly recommend I’m a Fool to Want You (a Hazbin Hotel fic) by DisneyFanatic2364. I’ve linked the one on AO3, but it’s on fanfction.net as well. 

Both of these writers are a big inspiration for my own writing. So I hope you can show them some love too!

Let me know what you guys think, constructive criticism is especially welcome here :D