my people skills are rusty

Key to the Garden

(Completed)

Dark!Wanda Maximoff x Fem!Reader, Dark Witch!Tony Stark x Fem!Reader, Dark Witch!Helmut Zemo x Fem!Reader, Dark Witch!Sam Wilson x Fem!Reader

Intro

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Part Seven

Part Eight

Part Nine

Part Ten

Part Eleven

Part Twelve

Part Thirteen

Part Fourteen

Part Fifteen

Cut Your Teeth

Dark!Steve Rogers x Fem!Reader, Fem OG Character x Fem!Reader

Intro

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Part Seven

Part Eight

Part Nine

Part Ten

Part Eleven

Seduce and Destroy

Dark!Thranduil x Fem!Reader

Intro

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Part Seven

Part Eight

Part Nine

Part Ten

Shallow Waters

(Completed)

Dark Biker!Tony Stark x Fem!Reader, Dark Biker!Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader, Dark Biker!Steve Rogers x Fem!Reader

Intro

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Part Seven

Part Eight

Part Nine

Part Ten

Part Eleven

Part Twelve

Part Thirteen

Part Fourteen

Part Fifteen

Part Sixteen

Part Seventeen

Part Eighteen

Part Nineteen

Part Twenty

Part Twenty One

Run Into Trouble

Dark!Bandit Tony Stark x Fem!Reader

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

In My Heart, In My Head

Fae!Bucky Barnes x Fem Fae!Reader, Dark Fae!Steve Rogers x Fem Fae!Reader

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Wicked Games

Dark!Tommy Shelby x Fem!Reader

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Part Seven

Part Eight

Part Nine

Part Ten

Part Eleven

Part Twelve

Part Thirteen

Part Fourteen

Lost In Your Current

Part Ten (other parts in mobile masterlist)

Drabbles

You wiped at the blood on your face seeping from the scratch on your cheek. It was dark and your sense of balance was thrown off by your terror. The darkness not doing you any favors either. You had run too close to a blackberry bush; the brambles tangling up in your clothes and clawing at your exposed skin.

Run if you want, my sweet. Just remember that I can hunt better than you hide.

A half sobbed escaped and you clutched at your head hearing his voice echo inside. He was able to get to you easily when he was as close as he was, the closest he had been in ages.

Crouching low, you willed your breathing to slow.

You needed to think.

It had been a long time since he had been on Midgard. When you had been hidden here, he had not considered to look. There was no chance in his mind they would take you to this world. This pathetic world in his mind ripe for reaping. Surely you would be better kept on Asgard with all the magic and power to keep you shielded from him.

Something had tipped him off.

Or someone.

If he caught you, he could easily snap the spell that subdued your hormones... release your abilities. And make you succumb to him again.

He gained power through having you and Asgardians repelled at the idea of him having any more power than he naturally possessed. If they had simply killed you, you would have eventually reincarnated, and shown back up on Asgard.

Exhaling, you slowly uncurled yourself. Standing up straighter, you kept a keen ear out, trying to discern your surroundings. The sounds of the forest filled your ears, cricking and chirping. An occasional hoot.

Venturing on, you tried to move quickly without making too much noise. There was another place you could hide that was better warded nearby. You had hoped you would never have to use it.

Passing the familiar rock formation, hope blossomed.

And then you skidded to a stop almost tumbling forward into the dirt. Your heart clenched seeing that familiar face again.

Loki stood there just before you on the path, blocking your way to safety. He looked worn, his robes splattered with blood. His eyes lit at seeing you, elation coursing. A sinister smile appeared on his lips, total amusement at seeing the horrified look on your own face. He had cut through the guards and the magic and tracked you here.

You stayed still, praying one of the ancient guards that had been placed at the homestead to protect you had managed to survive his brutal attack to get you back in his arms.

"How I've longed for this moment," he breathed. He took a step closer and you took a step back. He cocked his head to the side, and feigned empathy, "Darling, there's no need to be afraid. I know they filled your head with lies. About me. About us. And blocked you from adoring me anymore."

He stalked towards you as he spoke and you stepped back into a hole accidentally. Your arms flailed as you tried to catch your balance.

Loki's arms were suddenly around you, him closing the space with agility. He stopped you from falling and you placed your hands on his chest trying to push away frightened.

One of his hands came up to brush at your cheek and along your lips, his eyes swimming with desire.

Despite yourself, you shivered at him scenting you. And when he pushed your collar aside, instinctively you titled your head, exposing your mark more easily to him. He visibly shuddered, dipping his face down to hover by your ear.

"I'm going to set you free, my sweet. And take you home at long last."

Thomas had insisted you bid Ada goodbye in the dining room. You stood dumbly by the table after they left you. You were unsure if you should wait for him to return or if you were free to wander. Deciding on the former to be safe – considering you knew he was not thrilled about your outing, and he had only confined you to your room last night – you sat back down in front of your empty bowl.

Maisie came out of the kitchen and moved to begin clearing the dishes.

“Do you need anything else, miss?” she asked you, avoiding eye contact.

You shook your head, “No, thank you. It was lovely.”

She merely dipped her head in acknowledgment before continuing in her duties.

At least Thomas had not threatened to let her go like he had with Elsie.

<><><> 

The gravel crunched beneath Thomas’ feet as he came to a stop beside Ada’s car.

“I’d appreciate it if you’d check with me first before deciding to whisk Y/N off places,” Thomas told her. “She’s supposed to be resting if you’ve forgotten.”

“Good food is nourishing for the soul,” Ada retorted, opening her car door. “Plus, she should know Birmingham. Important place if she’s with you.”

She made to slip into the car and close the door. But Thomas shot his arm out, catching it to impede her progress. She gave him a vexed look and he remained stoic.

“I’m serious, Ada.”

Rolling her eyes, Ada said, “Right, fine, Tommy. I’ll ask you if I can come round and see if you deem it appropriate for her to get some fresh air.”

She tried to close the car door again, but he held firm. Sighing annoyed, she asked, “What?”

Thomas just stared down at her for a few moments before letting go of the door. “Drive safe, Ada.”

<><><> 

Thomas’ footsteps echoed as he came up the hall and you straightened up. He came up, stopping by your chair, staring down his nose at you. His expression was unreadable. Your lips parted, not knowing what to say to him now that you were alone or knowing if he wanted you to speak at all.

“Seems you can’t help but charm people. Not that I should be surprised. You entirely enticed me,” he started. He placed one hand on the table and the other on the back of your chair. He loomed, face coming close to your own and you instinctively leaned back. He asked tersely, “I heard Ada found you in your room?”

You nodded stiffly, heart beginning to pick up pace.

“I’m sure she was confused, hmm?”

Another nod.

“Whatever did you tell her to explain it, eh?”

You licked your lips uncomfortably, not breaking the intense eye contact he was holding with you.

“I didn’t tell her anything. When she saw I wasn’t sick like Maisie told her I was, she guessed I sleepwalk. Doors locked to keep me from wandering.”

The lie was coming easily. You prayed that Maisie had not indulged anything ese to him, like you telling her about Thomas anger.

In a second, you decided you could not risk it.

Stammering, you continued on, “Actually, that’s not entirely true. I did tell her I made you angry last night.” Thomas’ nostrils flared and you added quick, “And it played into the sleepwalking. I broke something important whilst doing it.”

Thomas searched your face intently, not speaking. You swallowed sharply, still forcing yourself to keep eye contact. Looking away would give you away.

“Well,” he drawled. “She seems to have bought it. If I know anything about me sister is she’s not quiet when something’s upset her.”

It took him a few more moments before he decided to pull away and you exhaled deeply. He moved around you, snatching up his cigarette box and lighter. Slipping one from the case, he leveled you with a look.

“I’m tense,” he told you. “You disobeying what I directly told you I didn’t want you to do… you running off when you knew I wanted you at home… me not knowing where you were… finding out you might’ve tried to ruin things between us by spinning yarns…” he ran his cigarette around his lips before lighting it. He exhaled slowly. “Apparently, that last didn’t  happen. Yet, tense, I still am. Because of your choices.”

He tossed his lighter and case back on the table, coming to stand behind your chair. His smoke wafted around you. Your breath hitched when his hand slipped down the front of your dress. He caressed gently, circling your nipple.

“I want an apology,” he said.

His hand traced up, ghosting along your collarbone to come up underneath your chin. He titled your head up to look up at him. He took a long drag, eyes running over your face.

“I—”

“No,” he shook his head. His thumb swiped along your bottom lip, a hungry glean in his eyes. He repeated, "No, I don't just want words. I want you to show me."

His thumb swiped again, poking in at the wetness of your mouth.

"Stand."

You did as he said but when you turned to face him, he whipped you around unceremoniously and forced you over the dining table.

"Thomas--"

"Shhh, I said no words unless I ask," he interjected, pushing down at the small of your back. He put his cigarette out on one of the plates that Maisie had not cleaned up yet.

Thomas hooked a leg around yours, pulling your legs apart. Flipping your dress up, he grasped at your knickers, pulling them down your legs. You shivered when his finger ran along your sensitive lips, tracing your shape. A finger slipped past, caressing at your bud, and teasing to enter further.

Your face burned with the worry if one of the maids came back in or dared peek. Maisie still had things to do. But you tried to push it from your mind as Thomas added a second finger, curling, and working you up slowly.

Soft rasps left your lips as you rested your head on your arm, eyes squeezed tightly closed. Thomas' hand at your back flexed in and out as he fingered knuckle deep. You moaned as he circled your bud, fingers moving shallower and diving deeper again. Curling and brushing your sensitive spot deep inside.

You were empty suddenly and you heard him suck salaciously on his fingers.

"No... you can't hide your arousal from me," he groaned. "Spread your legs further, love." Doing as he commanded, you heard him releasing himself from his slacks, stroking with purpose. "Such a beautiful sight... only for me. Just for me..."

You hissed as he pushed past your wet folds, fingers digging into the hardwood table. Inch by inch he buried himself, pushing you more firmly into the table. He stalled fully seated inside, a shaky breath falling from his lips, before pulling out tantalizingly slow. Your body burned to follow him, not wanting to be empty.

And then he stilled with just his tip inside.

"Your apology, love..." He husked, barely rocking his hips as his hands came to grip at your hips. "Ride me. Show me how much you can't live without getting off on my cock."

<><><> 

The closer you got to London, the more difficult it was to not fidget and keep the anxiety at bay. John and Arthur were meeting you both and Johnny to help back and move your things. You were going to stay for a few nights as Thomas also had work to attend to.

Your feet were a sore from trying to break in your new shoes this past couple of weeks. And Thomas had been insatiable both in reveling in your dancing and savoring you in the bedroom. There had been some reprieve from the physical demands when he took you to the stables to help him with brushing his horses he had on the grounds. You had not plucked up the courage to ask him to teach you how to ride yet; after all, he had agreed with Cora’s reasoning that you might injure yourself and prevent yourself from dancing.

You did have a question gnawing away at you though that you wanted answered. And you were going to get it today. The anticipation of that stopped you from throwing open your door as soon as you recognized your neighborhood and trying to escape.

When you pulled up at the curb outside your flat, you asked more calmly than you felt, “Thomas, a moment? Alone?”

Thomas slid his gaze from you to the backseat. “Johnny.”

Johnny took the cue and got out of the back seat, leaving the two of you alone in the car.

Nervously, you looked upwards, trying to steady your breathing. Quietly, you asked, “Why Henry? Why have him work for you?”

“I told you why.”

“I don’t understand.” Thomas said nothing, leaving space for you to elaborate – he was good at that, getting people talking. “You hurt him. And now you brought him on. It doesn’t make sense to me, Thomas. You don’t like him.”

Thomas chuckled, “Don’t have to like someone to see their use.” That drew your attention to look at him. “In fact, not liking someone and having them indebted to you is a favorable situation to be in.”

“He didn’t do anything to you,” you said, trying to keep the tremor out of your voice.

“He’s got a piece of your heart. He’s done plenty to me,” Thomas remarked enviously. “And now that he’s no longer at the theater, well, I’m more inclined to be persuaded to allow you another show in the future. Can’t sneak behind me back now.”

“It was never like that.”

“And now it won’t ever be.”

Your jaw clenched, looking back out the window. He was continuing to separate you from the people who you were closest to, even though he had planned a dinner with Florence tonight. For appearances only. He had already sewn the seeds of a story that you were becoming a lush when he spoke to her on the phone. If she thought you impaired, cries for help could be easily dismissed as inebriation.

As if he could read your mind, he began speaking again. “For his safety, I’m sure you’ve figured it out already cause you’re clever as you are beautiful, but let’s not go trying to spread stories about me tonight, eh?”

Tears pricked and you said in a hoarse whisper, still not looking at him, “Of course not, Thomas.”

His hand grasped yours and you flinched. If he noticed, he did not show it.

“Don’t cry, love. Everything’ll be alright. Long as you follow what I know is best, I’ll continue giving you the world.”

<><><> 

“Oh, Y/N, I’ve missed you. You look so radiant,” Florence gushed, touching at your chandelier earrings Thomas had gifted you before coming on the trip.

“As usual,” Thomas stated, arm draped around you, lazily tracing circles on your shoulder.

He was so easily able to hide behind a mask; put up the air of a refined man who would not do the terrible things he had been doing.

A true politician.

“It’s too bad Henry could not join us,” Florence commented, ashing her cigarette. You kept your expression dispassionate. “It sounds like he is helping with quite a big project though, Thomas?”

“I hope he is not divulging things already,” Thomas returned, half joking. “One of the rules.”

Florence gave a laugh, “No, no, of course not. Just said it was ‘grand’ and if it’s enough to miss Y/N after you’ve kept her away for months to yourself, I’m just using context clues.”

“Well, to be fair, he was disappointed when I explained it to everyone but he’s smart. He gets how important it is. And he’s not against working late into the night, which is a work ethic I value.” He cleared his throat. “And important it is. Especially to me constituents in Birmingham.”

“That’s wonderful news,” Florence congratulated him.

“Anything new with you?” you cut in. You did not want to spend the limited amount of time you had with your friend discussing politics. She never cared for them.

Florence sat up straighter, shooting a quick, bashful look at Thomas, before saying, “Well… I may have met someone.”

“Oh?”

“Oh, don’t say it like that. I actually like this one for once,” Florence giggled. “He’s quite a bit older, but handsome...”

Nonchalantly, Thomas questioned, “Well off?”

“However did you guess?”

“There was a pause after handsome. Seemed the most plausible reason.”

“Are you insinuating I’m shallow?” Florence teased.

“Never. I would say level headed and forward thinking.”

“Well, he’s away on a business trip. He’s got a home in Scotland and for some reason, a lot of power in the local community. Something is going on, he didn’t explain much. But anyway, that is why he was not able to join us tonight.”

You smiled, “Scotland? I could never see a socialite like you being there.”

“It wouldn’t be always. And besides, getting ahead of ourselves. I know I said I liked him but we’ve only been on two dates.”

You reached across the table, squeezing her hand affectionately. “I’m excited for you.”

“Me too. And if I do end up becoming a ladyship in Scotland, I’ll of course invite you. And I’ll have to make a trip out to see you soon.”

“Yes, maybe,” you said, glancing at Thomas.

Thomas shrugged, “We will have to discuss when we are busy.” The food began to arrive at the table. “But, let’s focus on this for now. It looks like good choices.”

You had little hope any of those visits would come to fruition.

<><><> 

Thomas was treated like a king when the pair of you walked through the racecourse back in Birmingham. People groveled, blessing him for the deal to bring union support to a handful of businesses in Birmingham and tax breaks for the lower classes. The work he had finalized before leaving London had passed with a slight margin in parliament with some crossing the aisle to support the bill.

You kept up with his long strides, smiling at people who made eye contact with you. It was overwhelming. Thankfully, you were going to be inside, sitting at a table. At least to begin with. It would be quieter inside the dining area. Thomas led you to a large table near the back, more isolated from the others.

Upon seeing Ada and Polly, you gave them both a warm smile in greeting. They in turn greeted with a kiss on the cheek, sliding into the chairs opposite you and Thomas. The three of you acted normal, not sharing any more looks than necessary.

“Celebrity right here,” Arthur said excitedly, smacking Thomas on the shoulder before sitting down as well.

Thomas smirked in return, taking the drink that Arthur was holding out to him. A waiter came up behind Arthur with a tray full of drinks, placing them around the table.

“You’ve sure outdone yourself with the masses,” Polly agreed, smiling across the table at him with adoration. She was proud.

“Best part?” Arthur asked in an excited whisper, leaning in. He already knew that much you could tell and he was chomping at the bit to share.

The others, including you, leaned in because it was clear he wanted to be quieter. Arthur gestured at Thomas impatiently.

“Got the Walkers off the pier. They lost jurisdiction because they got rezoned,” Thomas revealed. “Courtesy of that rewriting in the bill.”

“You’re joking,” Polly said, barely holding back a gasp, while John and Finn let out low whistles.

You had no idea what they were talking about or why Polly was so enthralled.

“Those fuckers have been a thorn in our side since we tried to open up business,” Thomas continued. “Course, we can talk about this more when we are more in private. But wanted to share the good news.”

He raised his glass and the others did the same, you quickly following suit despite the confusion. Glasses tapped and long drinks were taken.

“I thought you’d given up on that route,” Polly admitted. “They do something in particular to piss you off enough to find another way through to gut them?”

Thomas reached over, grasping your hand and caressing affectionately. “Actually, more fired up by letters we kept receiving from a certain someone using their voice to better their country. And talking about rich people always putting up obstacles for the less fortunate.”

“You never said you were into politics,” Polly directed at you, looking surprised.

“I—I mean, I’m not—?” you tried to say.

“Just because you aren’t elected doesn’t mean you can’t have influence,” Thomas interrupted you. He locked eyes with you, giving you a smile. “Look at what you did to me. Inspired me with newfound determination with your words. Persistent words I might add. And showing up in person at parliament. Seeing you so determined… you’ve helped me to benefit the entire family. Refocused me, love.”

You shifted in your seat and gave him a quick squeeze back. You did not know what else to say other than, “Glad to hear I could help.”

He leaned over, giving you a quick kiss. He dropped your hand and cupped your chin tenderly.

“You always do.”

He let go, moving to take another drink. You caught Polly’s eyes across the table. Her eyes were moving between the two of you, looking like she was pondering something. She picked up her own glass as well, taking a healthy drink.

“Tommy, you mind if I take Y/N with me to the ladies room?” Ada asked, picking up her purse.

Thomas eyed her for a few moments before chuckling, “Why can’t ladies ever go to the toliet by themselves?”

“We like company,” Ada answered.

“In the loo?” Finn snorted. She glared at him across the table, which only made him laugh with Isaiah.

Ada glanced back at Thomas and he dismissed her. She stood and nodded for you to come with. You went to grab your purse but Thomas stopped you.

“I’ve got it. Unless you need something from it?” he said. You shook your head and let your hand drop. He patted it and said, “Don’t worry, I won’t let anyone steal it.”

Ada led you away through the restaurant silently. The sounds faded away as you got closer to the toilet. Instead of leading you directly into the room though, she took a left down the hall leading you towards a more isolated area.

When it was just the two of you, she stopped, turning back to face you.

“How do you feel about Liverpool?” she asked clipped.

Your brow pinched, “I’ve never been?”

She gave you a knowing look, and it dawned on you what she was asking. You looked around quickly, making sure the two of you were still alone. No wonder she had led you away from the toilet and from everyone else.

“I… I don’t know anyone there I could stay with.”

“I go there sometimes for family business. I know the city pretty well. The good parts and the bad parts. I could easily find accommodations.”

“But… if there are Peaky Blinders in Liverpool, wouldn’t that mean I would always have to be on guard to not be spotted?”

“It’s not like Birmingham,” Ada tried to reassure you. “Or London for that matter. And it’s big enough that it would be easier to hide than trying to go to the countryside. You would be able to find work. I’m assuming you would need to eventually to have cash?”

You had brought your money from London, but Thomas had locked it away in his safe the moment you had returned to Arrow House. Claiming to keep it safe from the staff but you knew it was to make sure you did not have access to cash.

“Or immediately. Thomas put mine in his safe,” you admitted embarrassed.

“Jesus,” Ada muttered. She blew a raspberry and said, “I have some. Thomas covers mine but he leaves me some for spending money. And Aunt Polly should be able to help. At least enough to get you the train ticket and lodging for a while. You’d need to go when I’m not due to be there to avoid that being obvious. And we’ll need a little time to find you a reputable place.”

“I’m not picky.”

“Well, I will be. I’m not going to drop you off in some slum or with some menacing landlord,” Ada stated firmly.

You swallowed sharply, looking down at the ground. You inhaled shakily. Thinking of going to Liverpool and escaping was starting to make your head spin.

“Hey,” Ada said softly.

“I just wish I could go home.”

Sympathetically, Ada said, “I know.”

“I’m losing everything. I won’t ever be able to dance again,” you sniffled.

Ada reached out, grasping your hand gently. “I’m sorry.”

You wiped at your eyes carefully, trying not to smear your eye makeup. That would be a dead giveaway when you got back to the table. You must not have done a good job because Ada told you, “Hey, let’s go to the toilet. Freshen up before we head back.”

Nodding, you let her lead the way.