Reserve

by sharedwithyou

Summary:

Warning: Thieves Guild spoilers

 

Brynjolf passes by just then, and you nudge him with your foot. He gives you an apologetic look. "Sorry lass, got something important to do."

But a fine wine is not meant to be paired with a pity party.

It is meant to be shared with pleasant company.

Rune takes another sip and swipes his tongue to finish off the excess.

He trains his eyes on you as he does so. He knows where you're thinking of going. He's thinking of going there too.

Notes:

It's a crime that you can't marry a thief in Skyrim. I shall rectify that with fanfiction.

Updates may be slow

WARNING: Thieves Guild spoilers

Also revenge on Bryn for brushing me off indefinitely for 600 hours back when I played on console w no mods

Enjoy, lovelies!

Xoxo Bucky

Chapter 1

"Something on your mind?"

"Nothing a drink can't fix." You chug a black-briar reserve like it was a stolen mead that you needed to destroy evidence of. And then another, exactly the same way.

Rune looks at you curiously. Everyone had seen your house in the city, and noted the diamond jewelry you wore. Nonetheless you weren't a squanderer by any means, and ever since Maven had gone mysteriously AWOL, production was down; reserves were in short supply, to say the least.

In fact there'd been a brawl over the remaining bottles in guild chests, and Sapphire had all but shanked Cynric in the scuffle.

Brynjolf, who usually left them to their own devices, was forced to intervene.

Everything was business as usual when you returned, though. You wouldn't even know about it if Delvin hadn't let it slip when you were giving him the details of your latest bedlam.

So it was surprising for Rune to see you hork down two bottles like it was nothing. He doesn't push it; thoughtful and soft-spoken as always.

You're defensive despite that. "I work hard, damnit. I deserve to splurge a little."

"You'll have no complaints from me," he reassures, and your prickly front dissipates.

You grunt and pull a third reserve from your bag. You pour half into a mug and thrust it at him. "Here."

He accepts and swirls it around, admiring the inky black hue. There were rumors, guesses really, about how they achieved the color. Charcoal, void salts: bone meal from a draugr death lord was his favorite. Upon taking a sip, he decided it was probably pure magic. He's quite sure he'd never had a drink this good.

You chuckle at the appreciative hum he makes. "Chilled first with ice wraith teeth, then with frost salts. Really boldens the flavor." You explain.

"Slaying dragons, operating an underground network, and you still have time to perfect liquor. "

"What's the point of it all if you can't enjoy yourself?"

He nods in agreement, and raises his mug to you. You tap your bottle against his mug, brushing your knuckles against his fingers during the motion. Muscled, as you'd expect from a thief. His lock picking might even rival Cynric.

He takes a sip and you watch the condensation pool under his lip. You reach forward and wick it off with your thumb gently. He eyes you inquisitively as you lick your thumb and chew on it in thought.

"Was there something in the rules previously about not getting involved with one other in the guild?"

"Not that I'm aware of." He's pretty sure where you're going with this, but reveals nothing.

"I'd think that a close knit group of daring individuals such as this would have sought company with each other at some point, even just out of curiosity."

He's not much of a gossiper, but words seem to make their way out whenever she was concerned. She never wore the amulet of articulation; she hardly needed it. "There are a few whispers of Tonilia and Vipir knowing each other in more than a friendly way, but nothing serious."

"And no one else? Nothing at all?" You press and he nods, more than a bit curious. You don't offer an explanation, and continue. "Have you ever thought about being with one of our own?"

He fiddles with his glove, not quite answering. "Haven't we all?"

"Oh I definitely have." You glug your half of the liquor and hold in a burp. "More than once. More often than I should admit, if I'm honest."

He grips his mug and lifts it to his lips. His voice is muffled by the rim of his cup. "We're thieves. Nothing honest about us."

Brynjolf passes by just then, and you nudge him with your foot. He gives you an apologetic look. "Sorry lass, got something important to do."

Everyone else calls you guild master or boss now. Sometimes sarcastically, sometimes begrudgingly, but the title remains.

Only Brynjolf has the nerve to call you something as borderline flippant as lass. You suppose it is as close to affectionate as a thief, no, he, can get.

Dismissive or not, his following words were always the same. And definitely flippant. Too busy, too many higher priority things, to chat.

He could've made himself guild leader, but he'd passed it on to you. You'd done an adequate job at the very least. Enough to warrant a conversation, you have no doubt. But he never had time for you anymore.

It wasn't a lie; he does many things for the guild. Some of which are necessary, all of which are great.

But you miss talking to him.

You also miss lying in the fields outside the stable, your head on his chest. You'd done a good job of hiding the truth about the two of you; so good a job that you'd almost question if it really happened.

But it wasn't just the night, high on skooma, when you'd pulled him into the vault, shut the door, and writhed in his lap until he came all over his trousers.

It was also your fingers in his hair, massaging his scalp as he kissed you in the bath.

It was him pulling a falmer arrow out of your thigh, licking the tear in your skin so he could clean the poison and ebb the sting.

You'd asked him to do it again in the safety of an inn on the way back. He'd lavished the entrance of the wound with his tongue; then the entrance of your cunt. He hadn't let up until you'd drenched his face amid mewls and cries.

Then it was back to the baths where he'd soaped you up gently, whispering encouragements in your ear as he slid in and out of you until you were too worn out to walk.

He'd hired a carriage and you'd ridden back together, his hand on your knee and his arm around your shoulder, until you were both peacefully asleep.

As soon as he named you guild leader while looking at the crowd instead of at you, you'd known it was over.

Having him disinterestedly brush you off repeatedly was the frosting on the sweet roll.

It was good, then, that no one knew of the past between you. Nothing more depreciating than being slighted indefinitely by your second in command. Or to put it harshly, completely ignored by your subordinate. Forgotten by your former lover.

 

But a fine wine is not meant to be paired with a pity party.

 

It is meant to be shared with pleasant company.

Rune takes another sip and swipes his tongue to finish off the excess.

He trains his eyes on you as he does so. He knows where you're thinking of going. He's thinking of going there too.

You roll the bottle between your hands idly.

He takes his time finishing the reserve. Savoring the taste and the view when you purse your lips, pick up the bottle and start swirling your tongue in the opening and down the neck.

Etienne almost comes over to join you out of excitement at seeing you back after a month, but Niruin pulls him by the ear to the training room. In fact, the Cistern is now empty except you and Rune.

"You in town for long?" He asks after his tankard is empty.

"No, just going to lift a few things around town, then head out. Have to remind the citizens who is in charge."

He quirks a smile, remembering how you'd covertly placed potions into everyone's pockets before you left last time. Elgrim had to close his shop for a week to restock. "A few?"

"A few lifted and dropped elsewhere, anyway. Cause a little commotion, spice up Riften. The few I choose to keep, well who can say what a few really means. Not an exact number after all."

Last time you'd taken a few things from Grelka's stand, she'd interrogated half the town. Only gave up after the guards threatened to lock her up for holding a blade at Madesi's throat.

Rune considers letting the conversation drop; it's clear you're just passing through. When you press your knee against his under the table, he realizes you're here for a reason. Drinking with him for a purpose.

"I hear honeyside is a lovely place to live. I would love to see it sometime. When you're not too busy."

It's exactly what you needed him to say. Not too aggressive but definitely expressed interest.

"As a matter of fact, I have time right now. Follow me."

You lead him up the ladder, through the graveyard, and into your humble abode.

 

Rune had spent enough time in Riften to know a criminal could easily rise up political ranks. Leader of the Thieves Guild as Thane was hardly surprising. But seeing a housecarl puttering around your house definitely threw him for a loop.

"Honored to see you, my Thane."

You waved off her formalities and asked her about her family, before asking her to gather three nirnroot for you. She obliges easily; you hardly ask her to do anything, even when you are in town.

Whether you truly needed the ingredients or just wanted her out for a bit, he wasn't sure. The alchemy table seemed well-worn. Especially when he's pressed up against it. There will be potion residue all over his pants, and he's not stressed about it at all.

"How do you like Honeyside? Is it everything you expected?" You ask, your palms on his shoulders forcing him back further.

"Oh, definitely not." His fingers hover over the edge of the table, even as you wrap a leg around his waist and rub your clothed slit up and down his crotch.

"That so?"

"It's better than I ever could've imagined." His hands grip the table tightly as he starts grinding back. His cock is hard, pushing insistently between your lips.

"Touch me, Rune." You moan, and he cups your cheek with one hand, and your pussy with his other.

"Whatever you need, boss." He goes in for a kiss but you turn away shyly, so he kisses your neck instead. Gently, so it won't leave a mark that could bring unwanted attention.

"More," you urge breathlessly, so his kisses get rougher and he starts tracing patterns over your cunt.

You stifle a moan as his fingers travel up to your abdomen, under the waistband of your trousers, and down into your panties. He massages your clit gently, before slipping back up over your panties and continuing above the fabric.

"Rune," you whine, enjoying his fingers but wanting them against your skin where they should be instead of hindered by your undergarments.

"Forgive me. I want to see if I can make you cum like this." He speeds up, teasing your sensitive bud until you're crying out and squeezing desperately over nothing.

"Rune…" you whisper throatily and he shushes you, pressing kisses along your jaw.

"I'm not done yet, don't worry." He pulls your pants down slowly, and your soaked smalls after that. Finally, his fingers are touching your clit unhindered. You gasp and keen, still sensitive after your last orgasm.

"I want you," you murmur and he nibbles your shoulder.

"Soon, boss." It's not long before his fingers bring you to another climax, spasms rocking your body.

"Now?" You croak out breathlessly.

"Almost." He slips a finger inside you, making sure you can handle it. Then he adds another finger, and starts curling and curling them slowly.

"Faster," you beg, so he matches your pace as you start wildly thrusting towards him, wanting to be filled.

"Can you cum again, sweetheart?" The word slips out and his eyes widen, hoping you won't startle or smack him.

"Yes," you answer desperately, not reacting beyond chasing your orgasm.

"Go ahead, sweetheart." It sounds good to him, right, almost. And you're too distracted to care.

You whimper and fall over the edge, clenching and unclenching, sated and starving all at once.

"You're beautiful, you know."

"Even like this?" Sweating like a pig and eyes unfocused.

"Always, sweetheart." He finally unbuttons his bottoms and pulls them off. His dick is dripping, and almost painfully red.

"About damn time," you mutter, and he chuckles as he lifts you up to his chest and you wrap your legs around his waist. He guides his cock to your entrance.

"Ready, sweetheart?"

You nod vigorously and he presses in slowly.

Even wet as you are, you have to adjust. You gasp as he flexes involuntarily.

"Sorry, sweetheart. You feel so good."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." He pushes a little farther, and the burn makes you bite down on his shoulder. "Too fast? Sorry, it's been a while."

"You're fine," you assure earnestly. He pushes in even more and you squeeze tightly. "More than fine."

"You take me so well, sweetheart," he groans, hitting a sensitive spot when he's all the way in.

"Take me, Rune. Please."

"Yes ma'am." He starts moving, starting slow just barely out then straight back in. When you start coating him in slick from his talented movements, he starts pumping harder.

Your soft sounds of pleasure build up like the coil winding tight deep inside you.

He takes this as encouragement, entering you harder and harder each time, pulling all the way back and slamming back in.

"Yes, right there!" You wail, and he pounds into you with amazing controlled strength.

"I need you to cum on my cock, sweetheart."

"Mmk," you whisper, and unravel with a wordless sob.

"Thank you, sweetheart." Your cum has started dripping down, making a filthy squelching sound. You blush, and it spurs him on.

"I'm close." He's almost apologetic as you ride out your aftershocks.

"Fill me up, Rune." It might as well be an order the way he finishes, spilling into you with a grunt.

You sigh with tired pleasure and he walks over to a chair to put you down.

"Stay inside me a little longer," you beg, and he obeys, carrying you over to the bed and laying down with you straddling him tightly so he won't slip out.

"Boss, if you're worried about-"

"Oh, so I'm boss now?"

He lowers his eyes, not sure if he insulted you with that endearment.

You continue with a grin. "Don't worry, I take these contraceptive herbs. There won't be a little Rune running around anytime soon."

"Oh. Well, good."

You roll onto your side, his softening dick sliding out. "Thanks. I needed that."

"Anytime." He means that more than he's probably meant anything in his entire life.

"I'll see you when I get back, then." You grab a cloth, wiping away excess spend that's dripping out of you, and pull on a fresh pair of pants. "You can let yourself out. I trust you won't touch anything you shouldn't."

"How can I? The most valuable of it all is walking right out the door."

You duck your head and stay quiet. You leave with a little wave.

After you relocate Bersi's urn to the blacksmith shop , and Balimund's war axe to the Bee and Barb, you hit up the Jarl's room. When you've taken your fill of jewelry, you head back to the ratway to hock it off to Syndus.

There must be others besides himself who find him goodlooking because he smiles knowingly before he even takes in the new pants and tousled hair.

"What's that perfume you're wearing? Such a heady smell?"

"It will be the smell of your entrails if you don't wipe that smirk off your face."

You grab the septims as soon as he counts them out, and do your best not to fling the necklaces at him. The best you can do is an underhand toss. He should be glad you're not taking his eye out with a well thrown ruby.

You storm past everyone else so they'll think twice before saying something untoward. You make it almost to the ladder when you run headfirst into Brynjolf.

"Careful, lass."

You mumble under your breath and try to go around him.

"Everything alright?" He blocks the exit.

"Bloody terrific," you snap and shove him out of the way.

He grabs your wrist and spins you so he's holding you from behind. "Your hair is all knotted."

"Thanks for pointing that out," you grouse, but with barely any hostility.

"Let me help you."

"I don't want to cut it off," you warn, but he drops a kiss on your forehead with a laugh.

"No, lass, I'll help you wash it."

The whole cistern seems to be staring, but he puts an arm around your waist and ushers you through the Ragged Flagon and out the city gates.

 

You're silent the whole way, until he stops at a nearby lake.

"I remember this place."

"Yes, we caught an eel that time."

You whack him on the shoulder. "Eel, my ass."

"No, it didn't end up there, though I'm happy to help if you want it there this time."

You pout, remembering how he teased you when you moaned so loud mid-coitus and scared the salmon away.

*I know I've been busy," he starts, but you don't bother waiting. You take off your clothes and swim away.

Once you're in the warmer part of the lake, you pull your hair out of its bun and start working out the tangles. You get to one of the bigger knots and are tugging at it, cursing, when you're dragged under water.

You thrash to free yourself and kick away, trying to get away from the mud crab. There's a huge guffaw and you wipe the water out of your eyes to see Brynjolf smiling cheekily at you.

"Why you little-"

Your creative insult is cut short when he kisses you urgently, pulling the knot out with one hand and stroking your neck with the other.

"Forgive me, lass."

You sniff dismissively and swim away, but he catches up and pulls you into him, kissing you deeply.

"For neglecting you this long."

"Hmm," you drawl sarcastically, so he kisses you again, licking into your mouth and caressing your tongue.

"You taste so sweet," he murmurs and your knees give out. He catches you easily and nuzzles you gently.

"I might forgive you, Brynjolf.

 

If… you help me get these knots out."

 

"Consider it done."

One by one he loosens them, kissing you every time you wince or twitch.

When your hair is finally free of tangles, he puts you on his back and paddles the two of you to shore.

 

Once you're back on land, you collect your things. You consider using your hood as a washcloth, but that feels almost disrespectful.

"Here." Brynjolf hands you a washcloth he clearly swiped on your way through the market.

You scrub away at the grime, stopping when you get to your pelvis.

"Need a little help?" Brynjolf asks with a wink and you shake your head quickly.

"I think that's a yes," he teases, walking over. When he sees you wiping gingerly though, he freezes. "Are you… "

"Sore? Yeah." He gives you an accusatory look and you look back at him defiantly.

"From-"

"Fucking? Yes." You scrub a little harder than necessary and the sudden pain makes you bite your lip hard, drawing blood.

"Clearly whoever it was didn't do a good job," he asserts darkly.

"You have no right-"

"Gods, woman, I thought we had something!"

"I did too, until you ignored me for three months!" You want to bark it, but it comes out weak.

"Well you were gone for one of them," he counters, but the anger has faded.

 

"Because I couldn't stand it after the first two."

 

You put your clothes back on, and walk away.

He runs over and pulls you by the shoulder.

"We're not finished here."

You breathe in deep.

 

"Fus, ro, dah."

 

You speak it as a dull toneless phrase. There's no power behind it, but as a shout it comes out harsh and booming nonetheless.

Brynjolf is hurled twenty meters back into the water with a huge splash.

"Yes. We are."

Chapter 2

Summary:

Things get spicier

Notes:

Yay an extra spicy chapter w a side of angst! Enjoy!

XOXO Bucky

"Hey boss, long time no see."

You lock the guild tribute chest back up and turn to greet Etienne.

"A little over a month. How've you been?*

"A month? It's been three!"

11 weeks and 5 days but who's counting. You toss him a silver amethyst ring you looted off a Thalmor who was unlucky enough to run into you out in the wild. You save something for him off every Thalmor you kill, to commemorate the time you found him at a certain dinner party.

According to him, through these souvenirs alone you've cumulatively given him three times the value of what he earns in a year. Either he's a poor thief, or a great brown noser.

"Thanks. It's good to see you. Surprised you left when Brynjolf finally admitted he was sweet on you. Could've just turned him down; you are the boss, after all."

"Is it true you killed a man on your last job?" Is your reply.

"No! I mean, yeah. But it was an accident!"

You give him a disapproving look.

"Old man was next to the stairs. Pushed past him in a hurry to get out and he took a tumble."

"Was that before or after you got caught?"

"After! Otherwise I would've been more careful." He tries to help his case, but digs himself into a deeper hole.

"So you failed to complete the shill, and then murdered a man during your ill-planned escape?*

"Well, yeah."

You sigh in disappointment, more for show than anything else. "Well you made it back. At least the escape worked in the end."

"Eh, kind of." He coughs sheepishly.

You don't press, but Cynric joins in.

"Rune paid off his bounty."

You raise a brow in interest. "That so?"

"Mhm. Now that he's given up on searching for his past, he has plenty of coin." Sapphire comes by and offers her input. "I knew he was good, but I didn't realize just how much he brings in. I'd steal it off him if I didn't respect him so much."

Of that, you have zero doubt. "So where is he?"

"In the training room. Practicing with the locks. Or more likely, he's resetting them. He's the only one besides Vex who can do it."

 

Sapphire turns out to be correct. With the different intervals of turning and prodding, Rune manages to reset the master lock. Picking them was much easier, you don't have the patience to do the opposite.

You lean against the wall and watch him test it, making sure it can't be picked easily. Three broken lockpicks later, he's satisfied.

You're still staring when he looks behind him.

"Oh. Hey boss."

"Hey yourself."

"How long have you been standing there?"

"Just admiring you. Even I can't reset that one." You look at him appreciatively.

He chuckles. "I'm flattered you admire my skill."

"And the view."

He looks away, coloring slightly. "So, uh, was there something you needed?"

"Actually I have something to give you. But not here. Come with me to Honeyside."

He flushes red as a snowberry, but smiles broadly.

"Lead the way."

 

Though he's seen it before, he still feels odd seeing you gossip with your housecarl chummily. Not that you ruled the Guild with an iron fist, but you asking about Iona's nephew's pet skeever with genuine interest was still surreal.

"Iona, dear, could you fetch me nirnroot again? Just two this time please."

"Right away ma'am."

Iona leaves quickly, with no reaction to your male suitor except a passing nod hello.

Having been shoved into an alchemy table last time, Rune is not quite sure how to approach. Would it be ok to make the first move? Or would it be subordination, punishable by expulsion.

He settles on a joke. "Two? I'll try to speed things up a bit this time."

You don't respond straightaway, and he curses himself for his blatant disrespect.

You're quiet not out of displeasure, though, but looking for the right words to say. He's halfway through crafting a heartfelt apology when you start.

 

"I found this diary in a shipwreck up north. There's a diagram of some markings on the last page that seem similar to the ones your rune bears.

I think it may have belonged to your parents."

 

His jaw drops so wide a dartwing could fly in.

"I hesitate to give it to you because the contents are rather distressing. If indeed this was written by your parents, then they had a tragic and bloody past that did not end well. I myself had a hard time reading it. In fact, had I a choice to go back I'd rather forego the knowledge. The choice is up to you.

But I think you should have this."

You hand over the waterlogged journal and he looks at it with both excitement and apprehension.

Then he frowns at you gravely.

You feel your heart sink.

"Rune…"

"You should not have done this."

You grasp for words to defend yourself.

"This was my burden to bear. I do not wish to waste your valuable time on my personal pursuits such as this."

You relax and poke his shoulder playfully. "Only I decide who and what I waste my time on. I chose to explore the sunken treasures along the Solitude shore. You just happened to benefit from it."

He chuckles with relief. "You have my gratitude, boss."

"I can lend you the room if you want to read the journal. It's heavy stuff; it would be nice for you to have some privacy."

He leans forward and grasps your hand. "You've done more than enough, guild master."

You tighten your hand around his and walk closer to him.

"Now, Iona has probably found her first nirnroot by now. We'd better get a move on."

He looks at you carefully. "You still want-"

"To blow your mind? Absolutely." You drop to your knees, put his hand on the back of your head and unbutton his pants.

He stiffens, in more ways than one, and bends down to help you up. "You've done so much for me already. I should be thanking you."

You pull his dick out and give it a languid lick. "You know what I want you to do?" You ask coyly and he nods with a shudder.

"Look me in the eyes as you fuck my mouth."

He groans out a yes and weaves his fingers through your hair.

He thrusts evenly and gently as you suck thoroughly on every inch of his cock.

He bucks his hips more than once, pulling back each time he does so, so he doesn't hit the back of your throat. When he finally speeds up, you feel his precum trickling down your throat and moan loudly.

You lick and suck and scrape your teeth ever so lightly, and he groans out that he's nearly there. You wrap your lips tightly around the base of his cock so he'll cum in your mouth, but he pulls out hard at the last second and cups his hand over his cock, filling his fist so much it gushes out.

He sits down on the nearest chair and exhales deeply.

"Why'd you pull out?" You ask him breathlessly.

"I knew it was going to be a lot. Didn't want you to choke."

You marvel at his thoughtfulness. You're struck by a sudden realization. "Does that mean you haven't… "

"Taken care of myself? No. It's been a long eleven weeks."

"And 5 days," you point out sassily. Then your tone softens. "You've been waiting for me?"

He looks down at his feet, embarrassed. "Yes. I wasn't going to ask for a repeat performance or anything like that. I was just… hopeful."

You look away, uncomfortable all of a sudden.

"I, uh…" You're at a loss for words.

"I overstepped. My apologies." He hurriedly stuffs his still-hard dick into his pants, barely able to get them closed.

"I'd be a poor host if I let you leave without helping you clean up."

He ducks his head with a soft chuckle.

You grab a clean dishrag off the shelf, and dip it in a soapy bucket of water on the floor. Positively serendipitous that Iona chose today to tidy up.

He reaches forward for it but you pull back and click your tongue. "You'll let me help, won't you?"

He relents and you scrub his hand as clean as you can, considering the copious amount of cum in it.

"I think that's as good as it's going to get," he says apologetically.

You drop his hand and lug the bucket of water over.

"Just rinse it off in here."

"Thank you." He goes about it almost bashfully which strikes you as funny considering he had no problem cumming between your legs last time.

You leave him to it and turn your attention to the chest of stolen goods you've collected over these months. Now that certain shopkeepers were lax about buying your stolen goods, you could finally start making real money.

A bunch of loud schlicking sounds takes your focus.

You turn and see Rune scrubbing at his dick with intense precision.

"You trying for round two there?"

This time he flushes crimson. "I just hate the feeling of walking around with-"

"Relax, I'm just joshing." You walk back to him and hold out your hand.

He hesitates, before handing you the rag with a cautious look.

You give him an innocent smile and clean him off thoroughly without any capers.

"Much obliged." He tucks his softened dick into his pants.

You tilt your head at him, trying to figure him out. Truth is, he's kind of a challenging read.

He hovers, not ready to leave. You tilt your head towards a chair but he stays standing.

"You left for three months. Was it because of this?"

"Washing your cock?"

He rubs the back of his head. "You know what I mean."

You shake your head with a laugh. "We're fine, Rune."

"Right. Well, I'm glad you're back." He turns to go.

 

"You're not even going to try for a kiss this time? You pulled out in time, so there shouldn't be any-"

 

He picks you up and presses his lips against yours urgently. Before you can move your tongue into his mouth, he's gone, leaving you with the words:

"Don't leave so long this time."

 

When you step through the gate to the docks, you see Brynjolf sitting at the bow of the nearest fishing boat, waiting. You hadn't seen him in the Cistern; guess he's been out here the whole time.

"Side exit? Bold choice."

You're tempted to shout him into the water again; clearly the last one didn't take.

You lean against the wall and give him a once over. As usual he looks effortlessly dashing. "Brynjolf. Shouldn't you be attending to important matters?"

"What's more important than greeting the Guild Master after eleven weeks and five days?"

Master? That's new. You shrug boredly. "Who's counting?"

"I was. After I'd fished myself out of the lake. Had to walk back dripping like a melting icicle."

You want to laugh at the mental image. "Well you've greeted me. Off you go, then."

He jumps off the boat and corners you in three long strides. "You think I'd let you leave just like that?"

"Let me? You have some nerve-"

He presses a finger against your lips and nuzzles your nose. "I missed you."

You bite down on his finger and he curses, but doesn't yank his finger back. "Feel better, lass? Or are you going to keep pretending to be mad?"

Again with the lass. You push him off and walk past.

A second later your shoved face-first back into the wall. "Get off me," you growl, but Brynjolf merely leans against you and nibbles on the shell of your ear.

"Tell you what, lass. Give me forty five seconds. If you're not wet by then, I'll let you go."

"Again with the let?! I'm not some pet you old feeble f-" your insult is interrupted by a gasp when he unbuckles your armor expertly and slips a hand under it to knead one of your breasts gently.

"Feeble? I'm not the one whose legs give out every time someone fondles me the slightest way."

"Really? You're not?"

He's unable to respond as you slip your fingers down his waistband and trace the underside of his cock, scraping the skin the way you know he loves.

"Maybe we're both weak, Brynjolf. Turn me around so I can kiss you."

"Tempting, but I want to take you like this. I need to take you like this." As he says the word 'need' he yanks down your trousers and panties, and starts playing with your clit.

"Thanks for that. Now all of Riften can see my ass."

"No they won't. This ass is mine alone." You feel a glow and see your hands disappear, as well as the rest of you.

"Since when do you dabble in magic?" You manage to keep a casual tone, fighting every urge to mewl as he teases your clit mercilessly, pinching your nipple in bursts with his other hand.

"Since I decided I wanted to fuck you out in the open." He says in between moans, not even resisting as you start palming his cock leisurely.

"Kind of defeats the purpose then, doesn't it?" You're twitching and definitely wet, but you keep your voice level.

"Not at all. They can still hear us. Loud and clear." He releases your nipple, instead pulling open your labia and running his finger around it. He lets out a groan when he feels how wet you are.

"You're a bastard." You huff out, tightening your fist and jerking him roughly.

"And you're dripping." He coats his finger and plunges it inside you. You can't help but clench down on it and you feel his goddamn smirk against your ear as he licks it. "And it's well after forty five seconds. I win."

"Don't test me, Brynjolf. You'll regret it." Your legs are shaking now, but you'll be damned if you cum first. You tighten your grip and speed up, feeling him start to leak into it.

"No I don't think I will." He adds another finger and starts moving, stroking deep inside you.

"Will too." Is the best response you can muster.

"Will not." He's not faring any better.

You continue your competition, but having wound yourself up earlier with Rune, you're at a big disadvantage.

 

And just thinking about him right now is making you bite your cheek in order to stay grounded.

 

You feel yourself clenching harder and faster, and as much as Brynjolf is grunting, you know you're going to lose.

 

Then you hear his victorious little laugh and feel a different heat filling you.

 

While most people find angry sex tantalizing, you're not going to get off on this prick, pun intended.

You're also a thief, and therefore not a fair player.

Your sounds become more unabashed as you raise your voice to match his volume. You feel him start to fuck into your hand, your speed no longer fast enough for him.

You cry out and let go of his dick, bracing your palms against the wall and angling your ass up so he can get easier access. "I can't hold on, Brynjolf!"

"You like it, don't you? Getting fucked in front of everyone?"

"Yes!" You cry again and he pulls the hand off your clit, spanking you hard.

"You're my little slut, aren't you?"

"Yes!" You are definitely not a fan of spanking or this particular brand of dirty talk, but you know it's getting him off and that's what matters.

"You want to cum like this?"

"Please, no, I want you inside." He laughs darkly and spanks you again, harder. Then he shoves another two fingers into you and you cry out once more, involuntarily this time. You practically feel his look of superiority radiating onto your neck as he stretches you mercilessly without waiting for you to adjust.

"Beg for it. Louder."

"Please!" You start grinding against him, and his hand reaches up to grab your throat. He squeezes tight, choking you, releasing it only so you can cater to his vanity.

"Please what, lass?" The arrogance in his voice is getting overwhelmed by lust.

You gurgle, pretending like you're too far gone to answer, and you feel him rutting between your cheeks; his desperation for release almost overtaking his need to make you submit.

"You're mine, lass. Say it!"

"Yours!" You pretend to start bawling, and it drives him over the edge.

He shoves his dick inside you and pumps, once, twice.

As he empties into you with a shout, you cry out on top of your lungs.

 

"MERCER!"

 

He freezes and you clench down on him, making sure to squeeze out every last ounce of his cum so he's forced to connect this moment with the feeling of incredible pleasure.

He pulls out of you, limp, and you pull your panties and pants up.

 

"Nobody tells me when I can go."

 

You're still invisible so he can't see your sneer, but you can't see his look of what you assume is dismay and disgust. So it's probably an even trade.

 

"I'm no one's."

 

You breathe out, slowing time, and leave without a look back.

Notes:

Is it hot in here *fans self*

It sucks there's no quest to find Rune's history for him. Took some liberties, might do a spinoff where lovely and Rune go on an adventure to look for it

Thanks for reading! Have a great rest of the week lovelies!

 

XOXO Bucky

Chapter 3

Summary:

The End

Notes:

Welcome lovelies to the last chapter! This was a short series and it was super fun to write! Hope it's fun to read too!

XOXO Bucky

"The Guild Master graces me with a visit? Must be my lucky day."

You roll your eyes good-naturedly; Vex had an attitude about everything, and you've grown to almost like it. Almost.

"Finished that sweep job in Solitude."

"Guess you'll be wanting your pay. Here." Nobody could count septims quite as fast as her. You'd think she kept pouches of pre-sorted coins if you didn't have an eye for quick fingers. But you couldn't be a proper good Guild Master unless you could catch each member mid-pickpocket.

You pocket the gold and sit down next to Delvin.

"By the way, Brynjolf is looking for ypu."

"Mhm." You take the tankard he pushes at you and take a long draw.

"Reserve. Chilled with wraith teeth, frost salts, and an ice spike."

It's even better than your formula, and you give him an approving nod. "Ice spike?"

"Herluin. Casted soon as we heard you'd returned. Good thing you stopped here first, or he would've had to cast it again."

You savor another swallow, then set your mug down firmly.

 

"What do you want, Mallory?"

 

"Something's up with your second in command. Figured you'd know what. Maybe you had a hand in it, maybe not; that's not for me to judge, and I don't care to know anyway. Just need you to fix it."

You sigh and lean back in your chair. "I just got back, Delvin."

"Normally I'd tell you to do whatever you want, but I'm with him on this one." Vex almost never makes conversation, but she's joining in for once.

Shit.

"Is he screwing up jobs?"

"Worse."

You gape at him. What could be worse? Even murder counts as screwing up a job. "How?!"

"He's hitting everyone. And too frequently. Our alliances are threatening to cut us off. The stalls have been closed out of fear of bankruptcy. It's a delicate balance. Too large an apex predator and the whole ecosystem shuts down."

"Ok, ok." You didn't want Delvin to launch into another speech about economics. Last time Rune had to slip him a paralysis potion to shut him up. And he just kept going after the seven seconds were up. "I'll handle it."

"Good." He raises his ale to you, but you're sulky and ignore it. You carry the tankard away, drinking moodily as you enter the Cistern.

 

"Back so soon?" Etienne waves at you, flashing the ring you'd gifted him last time.

"Too soon?" You remark dryly and he shakes his head adamantly.

"We need you more than ever, boss. No one else can talk sense into Brynjolf."

You give him a sceptical look. "Has anyone even tried?"

Brynjolf wasn't exactly intimidating, but he had an aura of wisdom and experience that most were reluctant to broach.

"Well, Sapphire. Gave him a well rehearsed speech, which he shrugged off." The fierce one of the bunch. You'd be sure to give her an extra cut for the effort.

"That's it?"

He smiles sheepishly. "We knew you'd be able to handle it."

You hold in a long-suffering groan. "Where is he?"

"Well he left, soon as we got word you'd arrived in Riften."

You narrow your eyes. "And nobody stopped him?!"

There's a deafening silence. Most of the members had gathered around you by now, but none spoke up.

You want to launch into a lecture but you need to save your energy to deal with an unhinged ex.

You leave them with a warning as you stalk to the ladder.

"I want the training chests filled and reset by the time I'm back. With good loot. No iron weapons. Or else."

 

Once you're outside, you survey the market. You hadn't looked earlier, since you'd wanted to take a load off in the Flagon. Which had worked out oh so great.

The stalls really are closed. Balimund is working the forge, but there are no pieces on display.

He looks up and smiles when you approach.

"How's the forge holding up?"

"It's loving the fire salts you brought." He continues working the metal until he's at a good stopping point. "So how can I help you today?"

"What's the news around town?"

His face darkens and he lowers his voice. "Damn Thieves Guild got their grubby hands everywhere. Nobody's open because they're afraid of getting emptied out. I'm only out here because no one will rob us while I'm working with molten steel."

Brynjolf probably could, but you're definitely not bringing that up. "I'll keep an eye out for suspicious behavior."

"Speaking of which, I thought I saw a hooded fellow loitering by your house. Was gone by the time I got close enough to check though."

You squeeze his shoulder in thanks and head to Honeyside.

 

If anyone could pick the lock to your house, it would be Brynjolf. You creep in, eyes scanning every corner and hiding spot.

"Honored to see you, my Thane." Iona wasn't even surprised when she walked into the room and saw you crouched behind a chair.

You beckon her closer. "I think someone was in here earlier. Besides you."

"Oh, he still is. Your friend Rune. Came by half an hour ago."

You give her a strange look and she immediately fumbles over her words.

"My deepest apologies. He dropped by to leave a message with me, saying you were on your way back. I , ehm, asked him to stay, thinking it would be a nice surprise since you trusted him enough to let him come in twice. I've never, never! Let anyone else in before. I swear on my life. I-"

"It's alright, Iona. I trust your judgement." You say in a calming voice, and she stops babbling.
"Go find me some nirnroot. Four this time, as penance."

"At once, my Thane." She hurries to the door. "Oh I filled a bucket with soapy water again, in case- nevermind I must be off!"

So she'd left it out on purpose last time. You hold in an amused grin and make your way to the kitchen.

Rune is sitting by the cooking spit, and stands up when you enter.

"Boss-"

You hold up a hand and he stops speaking. He looks like he's waiting to be told off or forcefully ejected.

You run your eyes up and down him for a minute, and he stays still, waiting.

You open your mouth and shut it, a few times, like you need to say something but can't quite find the right words.

He's obediently silent as you toy with him.

Finally, you take pity on him. Or yourself.

 

"I could just eat you up."

 

His cheek tinge pink, but his eyes brighten like magelight.

"Come here."

He walks up, wordless still, and gazes at you with longing, keeping his hands by his sides.

"Go on, do what you came here to do."

He startles, and backs up. He speaks up quickly.

"That's not why I'm here!"

"Rune…"

"I mean it! I just wanted to tell you Brynjolf has been spending time at a nearby lake. I knew he'd leave as soon as you arrived, so I was going to leave word with housecarl and follow him. Figured it would be better to tell her than one of the other members."

"You figured right."

He looks at his feet. "When she insisted on inviting me in, I caved. The way she acted I thought maybe she knew something I didn't. About how you felt about- nevermind that. I can show you on the map where Brynjolf has been going. Or I can take you there."

You take a second to gather up your most commanding tone.

"Look at me."

He complies with a face full of guilt.

"You are the only person besides Iona who I've allowed inside my house."

He wants to look away in shame, but you'd given him an order and he will obey.

 

"From now on, I expect you to be here waiting when I come home."

 

He gawks at you, dumbfounded. "Beg your pardon?"

You close the distance so you're toe to toe, nose to nose.

 

"You. Here." You yank at one of the many buckles criss crossed over his chest. "Without this."

 

His flabbergasted face melts into a beam brighter than the sun.

"As you wish, boss."

You kiss him softly and whisper against his lips.

"You better be naked when I come back."

 

When you arrive at the lake you see Brynjolf sitting by the water's edge, staring at the ripples.

He doesn't look up when you approach.

"Who told?"

You sit next to him and stare into the water as well.

"I know one of them has been following me. Could never make out who, though."

You smile ruefully. "Soon they'll surpass us. It's the way."

"Is that what happened to me, then? Surpassed in your eyes?"

You continue looking at the lake. "Do you always bankrupt Riften when you get dumped?"

"Never happened before."

You laugh dryly. "Of course not."

"I'd also like to point out that you didn't just dump me, you blurted out a murderer's name during sex."

You spread your fingers through the blades of grass and tug at the roots. "If it makes you feel better, it was on purpose, to piss you off."

His voice hardens. "No, not to piss me off.

 

You wanted to hurt me.

 

And it wasn't just a murderer, it was the man who almost single handedly destroyed the Guild and everything I worked my whole life for."

You scoff, pulling up a clump of dirt. "Whole life? Pretty sure you joined at fifteen, the earliest."

"Fifteen and a half, thank you."

He lapses into silence, and you do nothing to break it.

You watch the dirt slowly sift through your fingers to settle back onto the ground. At once unchanged, yet never the same.

It feels like hours when he speaks again. Or is it seconds? Nothing is certain when it involves him.

"I don't think I've ever told anyone how old I am. How old I was when I joined. Not even Gallus or Karliah."

"Lucky me, then."

"It's not luck though. You guessed, correctly. Easily."

You finally turn to look at him.

 

"That's how you've always been. Reading me, knowing me, so effortlessly. As a criminal, a conman, it's unheard of. And completely terrifying."

 

You feel tears prickling behind your eyes. "It was easy because I was in love with you."

At last, he turns and meets your gaze.

 

"That was the only thing you couldn't see. That I loved you too. I still do."

 

You laugh shakily, holding the tears in. "You hid it too well."

His laugh matches yours, and you can almost see a shimmer in his eyes. Or maybe it's just the reflection of your own.

"I'm sorry, lass. For keeping it from you. For pushing you away. And for putting the guild in danger."

You blink hard, and manage to keep the tears from spilling. "You'll make up for it. Put things right for the guild."

His chuckle barely makes it out his throat. "If only I could make it up to you."

You sigh softly. "You don't have to."

"Tell me what I can do."

You press a kiss to his cheek with the parting words.

 

"Let me go."

Notes:

Sweet and angsty, my fav! Thanks for reading lovelies! Have a great week! I'm looking forward to writing more Rune love in the future!

XOXO Bucky