Snatch (Ban x reader lemon)

A Nice Bath

While sitting there quietly, I take this time to study the room. The place is filled with worn wooden tables, and the bar in the back is lined with wooden stools. Even though they're roughly crafted, it suits the place well.

I span the rest of the room and notice a staircase to the left of the bar. What could be up there? An inn? Thinking about it, a bed sounds amazing right now. A soft mattress. A warm blanket. I would be out before my head touches the pillow. In fact, my eyes are already heavy from the thought.

"Ahem," Ban calls my attention, "You tired?"

"What?"

"Did you even sleep last night?" His brow arches.

"Why?" I sit up a little straighter.

"You look like shit."

"Thanks," I can't argue with him. I know my hair's not as smooth as I'd like it to be, I'm still sweaty from hiking through the wilderness, and I've got to smell just as bad as I look.

"What'd you do, sleep on a rock?"

"Well... not exactly," despite my irritation, I can't help but be embarrassed to admit I can't afford a room.

After a bit of silence, Ban says, "Why don't you take a nap upstairs?"

"Are you serious?" This feels incredibly out of character for this man's reputation.

"Just go before I change my mind," he looks away in annoyance and waves me off. Eager to leave his intimidating presence, I proceed upstairs. When I get to the second floor there's two doors. One is locked so I try the other... a gasp escapes my lips as I notice a silver-haired woman sleeping in a nest of blankets.

Not this room then.

The woman stirs, so I close the door with a soft 'click' and swiftly climb the stairs. 

When I get to the top there's a single bedroom. It's messier than the last, but at least it's empty. It's not exactly roomy, and there's a bar cabinet right next to the bed. Not surprising considering this is a tavern.

Winded from the quick flight up, I drop my bag and take a deep breath as I resign to the bed. It's just as cozy as I'd imagined. Wasting no more time, I lay down on my stomach and sigh in contentment. The cool comforter blissfully caresses my skin as my head sinks into the plush pillows. My eyes begin to close... Ah, but I can't truly relax with my stench of sweat ruining the cleanliness of the sheets.

Lifting my head, I look around for a bathroom. There's a cracked door across the room, so I saunter over and push it open. Just like the bedroom, it's a mess. Towels strewn across the room and soaps laid carelessly about. There must not be guests often enough to merit a spruce up. I tidy a bit before starting the bath, finding the threshold just before the water becomes scalding, but hot enough to melt tension away. Undressing earnestly, I throw my clothes in a pile to the corner and step into the tub. As it slowly fills, I lower myself into the inch of warm water and close my eyes. My mind goes blank as I focus on the flowing sensation against my skin, gradually enveloping me in a soothing embrace. 

When the bath fills, I turn off the faucet and sink down into the steamy water. My ever-rigid muscles instantly ease, and I can feel exhaustion settling in my bones as I close my eyes. A hot bath doesn't come cheap to a wandering stranger. I'll enjoy it while it lasts.

Another sigh leaves my lips before I slowly descend into sleep.

I dream of Clara and her sweet laugh. Her smile warms my heart, and I can't hold back my own.

We're in a tavern, and I'm drinking myself into another stupor. As always, she's by my side keeping me out of trouble. I ask for another ale despite Clara's pleas, but as I lean on the bar for support I slip and fall into a man sitting close by.