The River // Crimson X Reader

03 | Consequences

[Setting: Past/Flashback]

"HE'S CUTE BUT..." you trailed off, holding a hellhorse plushie to your chest. You were lying on your bed in a shared bedroom with your older sister, your legs dangling off the edge. Your sister sat beside you, her deeply bowed legs crossed over the other elegantly.

Crimson and his father left to go to their mansion somewhere in the town. Your father says it would be quite a while before they come back for the marriage ceremony. Something about "business involving unrepaid debts."

"But...?" She prodded.

You sat up. "He's just so stubborn," you said, tossing the plushie behind you on the pillows. You thought for a moment. "And stupid."

She laughed, reaching over to grab your plushie. "You'll warm up to him. Plus, you have a crush on him," she singsonged.

You waved her off but smiled.

"You and Crim are perfect for each other," she continued, pinching your cheek. "Like you guys are very short, very stubborn, oh, and very stubborn."

You pushed her shoulder, but she barely moved. "Didn't Ma say that opposites attract?"

She made a so-so gesture. "Yes, but sometimes parents are wrong for some things." She set down the plushie in your lap. "Especially about love."

You gave her a grin. "How would you know?"

She shrugged, smiling back. The freckles on her cheeks were prominent when she smiled, a feature you both shared. You never realized how much she looked like mother; half-lidded eyes, flowing black hair, and both of them loves to put a flower next to their horns. It's a wonder why she wasn't marrying Crimson.

"How come they didn't choose you?" You twirled the hellhorse's tail with your finger.

"I don't know."

"Hm," you hummed. "Dad said that I have to have a kid with him. Crimson."

Your sister inhaled deeply, gently holding your shoulder in comfort. You shifted uncomfortably. She thinks you didn't like the idea, but you kinda want that kind of future; a kid to look after, but you don't know if Crimson is the right Imp for that though.

"I did thought of a few names." You blushed. "If it's a boy or girl."

"Tell me. I'm sure they're wonderful."

You hesitated before answering. "Moxxie or Roxxie."

***

[Setting: Future]

"What the fuck, Crimson?!" You yelled, pulling your hand away. "You're just telling me this now?"

Crimson looked startled at your outburst, but his expression turned sour. "I thought you would understand."

The few people in the bar glanced at your booth but dared not to stare for too long.

You dragged your hands over your eyes, rubbing your temple. "That you want to fuck my sister? That's a bit far-fetched, don't you think? Why hasn't she told me?"  You murmured the last part.

"You can't have a child." The venom in Crimson's words made you flinch. "We needed to make arrangements." He dug into his suit and took out a blunt. 

"And you're okay with it?" Your voice grew louder. Your tail curled on itself as if holding itself back from throwing something at him. "Can't fucking believe you right now."

Crimson lit up his blunt and took a hit. He blew the smoke in your face.

You stifled a cough and got up, whispering. "I'm done with you."

"Sit back down."

You moved out of the booth, but he reached over, gripped your arm, and yanked you back down. The items on the tabletop cluttered as you fell back on your seat, his grip on you leaving a sore. 

"Listen here," Crimson growled. "You were never the ideal wife for me. You can't even give me a kid."

"You see me as your baby maker, huh?" You gripped the edge of your seat. "Well, that explains fucking everything."

Crimson leaned back, crossing his arms as he took another hit. "Your sister-"

You didn't know what you were thinking. You acted out of pure rage. You were standing up. The back of your hand burned as Crimson's blunt fell onto the ground. He was holding his cheek, looking up at you with fury. 

The Imps in the bar watched the commotion. 

"Don't you fucking dare talk about her!" You seethed, pointing a claw at him. "Knowing you, you forced her!"

You wanted to say more. To say how you thought he changed. You wanted to ask him if he loves you as you love him, but you began to see how you misplaced your feelings for him. You never hated anyone so much before.

You couldn't believe he used to be so loving. You scoffed.

You got out of the booth and left the bar, shoving anyone who was in your way. 

Crimson straightened himself, staring after you with narrowed eyes. With a snap of his fingers, a few sharks Imps got up from a nearby table and followed you.