#//might eventually write up some drabbles about it to more strongly connect things

[iinexorabile]

smth smth, this blogs muses have a main connected universe via their fandomless au's

[the-traveling-poet]

Hi darling! Just found your account and your writing is AMAZING 😭❤️ I wanted to ask a Levi x fem!reader where they are married and the reader is particularly nervous, which she never is, and at some point she lashes out at Levi? Lot of angst and fluff please! (Also if you could maintain the canonverse, no modern au)

Thank you so muchhh ❤️❤️❤️

Miscommunications 

Marriage was something you’d read so often about in your youth. It was a beautiful thing you hoped to one day experience. You longed for the day you find him; Mister Right. Luckily, you’d found him. Corporal Levi Ackerman. But marriage wouldn’t magically solve the way your two’s personalities sometimes clashed. To do that, you’d have to talk.

Pairing: Husband!Levi x SO!Reader

Warnings: Angst-to-fluff, language, marital issues, slightly suggestive comments, SFW, Married!Reader, Cannon-verse, slightly suggestive

Taglist: @21aurora If you want on the tag list for drabbles headcannons and one-shots, just DM me~ Also checkout my wattpad for more~

A/N: Ofc lovely! Thank you so much, that makes my day to hear 🤎 So sorry for the wait, life got in the way! As always, if this doesn’t fit your preference(a) I’ll happily rewrite.

Enjoy~

Married life was something you’d never imagined you could obtain. It had been a dream of yours since childhood; you’d always wanted to walk down the aisle towards the man of your dreams dressed in all white; just like in all the stories you’d grown up reading about.

But years later, while in the Survey Corps, you knew this simply just wasn’t possible.

Not only was death knocking on everyone’s door the moment the gates opened for their expeditions, but…there weren’t a lot of suitors.

You might not have been picky but…damn.

So after some time, you’d given up looking for or seeking out any kind of romantic relationship while the Corps were still around to defend the people of Paradis.

That is, until the day you happened to meet Levi.

What had first started out as forced comradeship on the battle field, soon turned to a mutual respect for one another as you worked side by side over the many weeks spent out in titan territory together. And from there, your connection to him blossomed into one of friendship, which eventually led to a not-so-secret crush on your end. Little did you know them, he had begun to recognize he felt the same way about you that you did about him. It took some time, but after awhile he finally accepted he couldn’t avoid his emotions any longer.

By the time he had gathered the courage to finally ask you out, you’d both been enlisted for over a year. But you couldn’t have been happier when he stuttered out the question to you.

“W-would you kind maybe…Grabbing some tea after this? Maybe…T-together?”

Your love had been a whirlwind of emotions; good moments and bad sprinkled in between every milestone you passed with him at your side. But ups and downs were to be expected in new relationships, you knew.

From the first time you held hands, to the first “I love you”s, to the first time his bedroom door locked behind you as he led you towards his bed. You’d been over the moon with joy though it all.

Despite all the love you had for him, there were days you questioned wether he fully trusted you or not. He was always so silent, so reserved. He’d opened up to you a great deal, but you knew there were still some things left unsaid on his part. While you respected his wishes to not speak his mind at all times as you did, it still left a corner of doubt in your mind some days.

Until the fateful day he dropped down onto one knee in front of you a year into your relationship, you’d begun to wonder if he even felt as strongly for you as you did him.

Immediately, all your worries melted away the moment you walked up that isle towards the alter, taking his hands in yours as a ring was slipped onto your finger.

Well, almost all worries.

There were times throughout your married life where you felt he was keeping things from you. Not an affair, you knew. You trusted him with everything you were, he would never do something so heinous.

What worries you, was how differently your emotions sometimes clashed. Where he was always so calm and poised, keeping his emotions to himself, you were always rather high strung and vocal about what you felt when you felt it. So undeniably, this caused some discomfort for your peace of mind.

As of late, you felt as though he constantly underestimated you. To keep you safe, perhaps, but didn’t he know by now you could handle yourself?

One evening, you’d finally mustered up the mental strength to address this to him. He, of course, wanted you safe at all times. He loved you, he couldn’t bear to lose you. But you knew you hadn’t become a Captain by sheer luck. You knew what you were doing, and damnit if anyone thought you couldn’t do your job. But you were nervous. Nervous that maybe…Maybe, he was right?

“Levi,” you’d called out behind his office door, before swinging it open without invitation.

He looked exhausted, sitting behind his desk with a hand in his hair and a quill gripped tightly between his fingers.

“Y/N,” he greeted you absentmindedly, still focused on the document before him.

“Is this a bad time? Or…Can we talk for a moment?” You asked, keeping your voice and tone soft.

“Of course, I have time. Always do for you,” he sighed, but you noticed it was out of slight relief at being distracted from the work that laid before him. “What?”

Finding yourself softly smiling at his attention aimed your way, you shook your head to focus.

“I just wanted to ask…Do you trust me?”

He stared up at you for a long moment, his face unreadable.

“Are the MP’s shitty lackies? Of course I trust you,” he scoffed, attempting to overlook his off the wall joke in hopes of lightening your obviously nervous mood.

“Well, yeah, but…” You sighed. “You tend to shove those expedition folders away whenever I walk into the room. You don’t tell me everything that happens behind the closed doors of a meeting. I get you may not wanna worry me. And just…protect me…But we both know I’m capable. We both know I can handle things. I’m not a Captain for nothing.” You finally managed to scoff out.

Levi sighed, rubbing a hand down his brow.

“Can you? I know your strength outside the walls. But what if your emotional strength? If I told you about every happening within the walls I’ve been informed of, you might just shit yourself with worry.”

“Excuse me?” You scoffed, rolling your eyes. “I’m the wife of humanity’s strongest soldier. If I can handle you, I can handle anything.”

“Oh please, you cried alongside Hange when those damn titan experiments got killed. If you can’t even handle that, what makes you think you could handle the truths of how this world is run? Let me deal with that. You just focus on leading your squad and coming back alive from every expedition.”

His words sent a familiar spark of doubt through you. You knew you could handle yourself, but if Levi doubted you could…We’re you really as good as you thought you might be? Was your rank as Captain falsely given?

The anxiety of intrusive thoughts started to eat you alive, and before you knew it you were shaking in your boots with both fear and sudden anger.

As anxiety bubbled up in your gut, it started to cloud your mind as well as your eyes as they glossed over with unshed tears.

“I see,” you managed to blurt out. “Am I really just something fun for you to come back to after meetings and expeditions? Am I not qualified for the title you gave me as Captain? If my husband doesn’t even trust my emotional state, what use even am I?”

“Y/N, darling, you know that’s not what I meant-“ Levi started, sudden alarm in his eyes.

“No, Levi. You always speak your mind. Why wouldn’t you with me, your wife? Of course you’d give it to me straight.” You laughed humorlessly.

“If I’m really so worthless to my fucking job, why didn’t you just say so? Why did you promote me? Why did you marry me? Someone so incompetent��Yes I’m fucking worried! I’m worried about this next expedition. I don’t feel my squad is ready. I don’t feel I’m ready. But yknow what, fine.”

You turned in your heel, scared to have Levi see the tears you’d been holding in finally spilling free. Your heart beat frantically in your chest, and your shoulders ached as the anxiety finally won over.

It had been years since you’d had an anxiety attack, but this had been the straw to finally break the camel’s back.

“Y/N, wait-“ Levi tried to call out, but you were already halfway through the door.

“I need some air,” you muttered before hastily closing his office door behind you and making your way down the cobblestone halls.

═════════════════

By the time you sat alone on the roof of HQ, you’d begun to calm down. Physically, at least.

Deep down, you knew your husband meant well. And while you never liked to admit it, sometimes you needed reassurance. And his brash tone didn’t always do it for you.

But your respected it, nonetheless. Just as he respected you.

Even while knowing this, you sniffled and wiped at your runny nose. Maybe you were over thinking the whole thing…Or maybe you weren’t. What we’re you too believe? Love was complicated. It always had been.

The squeaking of door hinges broke through your thoughts. Wiping at your eye, you glanced over your shoulder and froze.

Levi strode towards your on the roof, his shoulders slumping in relief at finding you.

“Y/N, darling. You worried me,” he whispered as he made his way over to you and took a seat on the stone roof.

You both stayed silent for a moment, before it was too much for you to bear.

“Look, I’m sorry for taking my worries out on you.”

“No. Stop.” He shushed you softly. “I could have worded what I meant better…”

“No! No, it’s fine…I shouldn’t be so soft,” you cut him off with a sigh.

“Damnit woman, you’re so impatient.” Levi chuckled softly, putting an arm around your shoulders and holding you closer to him.

“Just listen for a moment? Yeah?” He whispered against your ear, causing you to shudder slightly at the familiar intimate action, but you nodded in understanding as you decided to keep quiet.

“Thank you,” he whispered before he continued. “Look, I know I’m not the best with words, darling. I try for you, I really do. But I suppose I could do better. You have my heart. Every piece of it. You occupy every thought in my mind, every day.” He rushed out, yet kept his soft and even tone.

“I love you. And I trust you. I always have, and I always will. I don’t keep things from you due to lack of faith. I just…” He paused with a deep sigh.

“I love you,” he repeated softly. “If I could bring you total peace and comfort, I would without a second thought. So with the circumstances we’re in, I try to do just that. I’m not trying to hide anything from you. I just want your life to be as stress free as possible, despite our fucking jobs. And if that means leaving information out while explaining plans to you, then so be it. But…I can see how it’s stressing you out, too.”

You listened on in amazed silence, finally seeing his side of things. Taking your sudden muteness as a sign to continue, he went on.

“I love you. That’s why I married you. I don’t want you to be as stressed as I am. I want to keep you away from those burdens. To protect you, yes. But…You’re all I have left. I want to keep that peace reserved. For the both of us. And I’m sorry I came across so…Brash? Harsh? Disinterested? Just please…Know that I love you, and I meant no ill will.”

He finished his long winded speech with a deep inhale and exhale, then remained silent. You’d never heard him speak that much in one sitting before, despite all your time together.

It touched you, deeply, inside your heart. How he was willing to do something like this for you; opening up and showing you all that he thought about. All he kept locked away in his mind and heart.

You felt yourself tearing up again, but this time out of relief and joy. Leaning your head against his shoulder, you put your arms around him as best you could in this position.

“Again, I’m sorry I blew up. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you, even if i misunderstood your intentions. I love you too, more than anything. And I want that peace, too. I want it more than anything…But I want to be included by you. To be with you. No matter how hard it may be right now, or however hard it may get in the future; I just want to be with you through it all. To have you lean on me like I lean on you.”

“I’m sorry, love,” he whispered, resting his head atop yours. “I should have thought of it like that, and respected how differently we handle things. Mentally, and emotionally.”

He lifted his head off yours, and tilted your chin up with his hand to meet his sincere gaze.

“Tell you what; I’ll tell you everything I’m informed, if you promise to not doubt yourself so much.”

“Doubt myself?” you asked with a sniffle.

“Yes, you doubt yourself. I heard it today, just as you did. And I’ve seen it, before now. You’re not worthless, and you’re not weak. We both know I married one hell of a courageous and capable woman,” he winked playfully at you, causing you to giggle despite your raging emotions.

“So I’m not just something fun for you to return home to?” you teased him back.

“Well, you’re one hell of a temptress. And your damn good to me in bed. But no. I love you for you. For how strong you are. How resilient you are. How you can speak your mind so easily…I envy that, yknow? I love you, my darling Y/N.” He sighed, giving you a half smile as he tilted his face down to yours.

Catching the look in his eye, you allowed yourself to fully relax in his arms and lean into him, parting your lips slightly to capture his in a loving embrace.

He hummed softly in relieved pleasure against your lips, tilting his face down to deepen your passionate kiss. By the time you both needed to part for air, he had a rare smirk on his face.

“You’re one hell of a woman, you know that? Why would I ever distrust you? How could you think such a thing with such a beautiful ring on your finger?”

“Oh shut it, shorty,” you chuckled, shoving his shoulder playfully.

And just like that, every anxiety you might have had about the upcoming expedition, and about yourself as a person, vanished the moment his lips founds your again for a heated kiss on the roof of HQ.

Your evening might have started with anxiety, but it was sure to end in a reassuring passion only known by the two of you.

[the-insomniac-emporium]

I love your writing.

if it's not too much trouble may i make a request? I'm thinking the Dimitrescu women meeting and/or courting a fellow immortal.

the circumstances of the immortal's powers and possession of immorality are entirely up to you. I just like the idea of them meeting someone they could literally spend forever with...because they deserve it ❤

I wasn't sure if you wanted a story or headcanons? I went with HCs, here, but if you wanted more of a drabble or whatever just lemme know and I'll write something like that.

Also, I got excited and carried away so this has the whole Dimitrescu family, plus shorter ones for both Mother Miranda and Donna. Admittedly Alcina's is also a little on the shorter side? I tried to write everything that came to mind, but I am kinda tired right now, sorry. Might reblog this and add some more later.

(Under read-more for length)

Cassandra:

Tries (and fails) to hide her excitement. Mortality is one of the bigger things that has made her keep her distance to others, at least in the past. Every Maiden she’s ever been the slightest bit smitten with, up until this point, has been incredibly fragile. Seeing as she’s not exactly the softest person, one can easily imagine why that would be a turn off for her. But now that’s no longer a problem!

On the other had… having an immortal partner gives Cassandra pause. Why? Because what if they breakup? Normally, she can just, ahem, “dispose” of any exes (regardless of how much it hurts) so she doesn’t have to see them/deal with them anymore. If that’s not an option, she’ll definitely take longer than usual to do anything about her feelings. She wants to be sure, 100%, before she gets in over her head. Chances are she won’t hold back for as long as she wants though.

Likely to have a loud, messy confession. She’ll have been avoiding you for a few days, always ducking out of whatever rooms you enter, leaving you both hurt and confused. After enlisting the help of her sisters, you’ll be able to corner her outside. She’ll tell you, under no uncertain circumstances, to leave her alone. But you’ll refuse, demanding an explanation.

“I thought we had something. I thought you cared,” you’ll snap, eyes watering. “If that’s changed… if I was wrong, just tell me. I’ll leave and I’ll never come back.” Cue thunder and raining (because tropes) and Cassandra dramatically pulling you into a kiss, holding you so tightly you think you might bruise. Then she’s demanding that you stay, refusing to apologize but making it clear just how much she does care.

Being immortal, you’re not as defenseless as some of Cassandra’s past interests. Naturally, she doesn’t get quite as protective as she normally would. She’ll still have your back no matter what, ready to fight by your side against any foe, and will probably consider doing so a “fun bonding activity”. Oh, some lycans are encroaching on Dimitrescu territory? Time to go destroy them, as a power couple!

Despite having all the time in the world, Cassandra won’t change much of her actual courting behavior, nor the rate at which things advance. She’s still gonna get handsy fairly early on, still gonna “rah!” at you in the hallways, and still going to struggle with her jealousy.

Immortality Compatibility: I can see Cassandra going for another vampire (or vampire adjacent) creature, or someone demonic. She likes her lovers a bit rough, with some nice bite to their personalities. If you’ve got sharp teeth, or claws, or glowing eyes? Oh boy, she’s gonna be making heart eyes at you all the time.

Bela:

If your immortality isn’t immediately obvious, Bela is over the moon with joy when she finds out. Her eyes will go wide for a moment, before she tries to seem calm (so as to not freak you out), but her heart is pounding. This is what she’s been hoping for. As much as Mother Miranda has done for her family, there’s no guarantee that she’d be willing to give more. Even if Miranda granted Bela’s lover her “gift”, there was no telling what the results would be, or if the lover would survive. Now that there’s no need for such a transformation, it’s far easier for Bela to imagine herself in love (and eventually be in love).

Slow-burn romance over a decade or longer, oops. Doesn’t even necessarily mean to take things so slowly, just doesn’t feel a need to rush things, preferring that they develop organically. With both of you having unlimited time, you’re both used to working on a very large timescale. Maidens watching the two of you probably place bets on how long it’ll take you to hold hands for the first time. Everyone knows it’s coming, but no matter how much Cassandra and Daniela complain, Bela refuses to jump into things. By the time the two of you are officially together, you’re probably madly in love with each other.

More protective than Cassandra, if only because she knows just how rare you are. Immortal or not, you likely still have a weakness, and Bela will do everything in her power to make sure no one else knows what it is. If applicable, she will also ensure she has a countermeasure readily available. For example: If you were weak to fire, she’d make sure that the castle keeps extinguishers handy, just in case. Though they should probably already do that. Not that the Dimitrescu family cares much for OSHA compliance.

Somehow grows more in love with you with every passing year, and makes sure that you know this. Whether you’ve been together for one year or one century (because in this house we ignore canon), she’s always performing little acts of love, giving constant reminders of how strongly she feels. Gifts, special dates, book recommendations, etc.

Immortality Compatibility: Bela seems like the type to go for someone with a calming presence, and perhaps somewhat of a contrast to herself. I can picture her with someone somewhat angelic, or druidic, someone very in tune with nature. She’d love to feed deer with you and relax in the forest! Or lay against a tree by your side, listening to you talk about various microorganisms for hours at a time.

Daniela:

Practically tackles you when she finds out/connects the dots. This is just like one of her romance novels, where a lonely (attractive as fuck) immortal spends years in isolation before finally meeting the love of their life, who they get to spend the rest of eternity with. Absolutely ecstatic about the whole situation. Won’t stop kissing you and pulling you close, rambling about how great it’s gonna be to spend your lives together. Honestly? Kind of overwhelming. You might have to remind her a few times that you don’t have to rush into things, considering you have all the time in the world.

Introduces you to people as her “super cool/rad immortal life partner”. Genuinely cannot bring herself to not brag about you. If her sisters haven’t found someone like you yet, you can bet that Daniela will tease them about it all the time (much to their annoyance). If Momma Alcina doesn’t, though? Dani will keep her thoughts to herself, thank you very much (being grounded at her age does not impress the s/o).

Tries not to show it, but she’s actually very nervous. You’re immortal! You’ve probably seen a lot of shit (she certainly has)! Worries about keeping you interested in her, though she would never admit it. This tends to lead to her performing ridiculous acts to showcase her affection, regardless of the cost or, like, whether or not you’d even enjoy whatever she has planned. In order to counter her anxiety, you’ll want to reassure her whenever you can, and give her plenty of “I love you”s.

Strikes a decent balance between Cassandra’s nonchalant attitude and Bela’s protectiveness. Will defend you if you need it, playing up the romantic aspect, but also entirely willing to hide behind you in a scary situation.

Immortality Compatibility: Having probably read Twilight… Dani would date a werewolf, as long as they weren’t the smelly kind. Also interested in a sort of “magical”/elemental type, especially if their powers are influenced by emotions. In other words, if someone flirts with her in front of you, and your response is to subconsciously light your hands/the other person on fire? She thinks that’s hot, pun intended.

Alcina:

“Oh? Interesting,” she’d say, smiling softly (and trying to ignore the heat rushing to her face). Similarly to Cassandra, she’d try to play it off, not wanting to seem too excited. And, well, she’s not as excited as any of her daughters are. After all, she’s had more time than them to “get used” to the idea of outliving any potential romantic interests. So, she’s not exactly desperate for a relationship, even with someone she could spend an eternity with.

That being said, if she is romantically interested in them, she’s very relieved. Outliving a loved one can be incredibly traumatizing (fuck you c*pcom, you know what you did), and knowing that you’re safe (or at least safer than most) brings her no small amount of comfort.

Also, just glad to have another person close to her age around. Her daughters are somewhat stuck as young adults, and I imagine Alcina would want someone who gained immortality a little later in life, such as herself, as opposed to, ya know, reminding her of her children. That probably goes without saying. Hopefully.

More so than her daughters, Alcina would change her level of protectiveness depending on her s/o’s power level. If you’re a shapeshifter who can also turn into a big ass dragon? Then she’s not going to coddle you. If you’re immortal but still vulnerable, then she’s going to do her best to keep you safe, even going so far as to enlist the assistance of her daughters. “If you see a single Maiden growing mistletoe, or bringing some in from the village, let me know immediately,” or something like that, depending on your weakness.

Immortality Compatibility: Definitely would want someone in a situation similar to herself, having once been truly human, only to be “elevated” by something. Bonus points if you’re another disciple of Miranda, double bonus points if Miranda specifically “made” you to be Alcina’s boo/honey/darling/dear.

Bonus! Mother Miranda:

Oh god finally someone who won’t leave her (can’t leave her). No one can take you away from her, and that’s a relief that she’s been craving for over a century. Even if romance isn’t high on her priority list, she welcomes it with open arms, glad to have someone by her side through all of life’s chaos.

Admittedly slow to trust at first, probably just using you as a tool at first. But prove yourself enough, show that your devotion is more than just misdirected self-interest, and she’ll start to warm up to you. Forming a real relationship would likely take a couple decades, similar to with Bela. Once you are together, however, the two of you are inseparable in all matters.

You’d be her #1 follower, most trusted adviser, and the only person allowed to understand 100% of her thoughts and motives. While Miranda wouldn’t allow you to be seen as the same level as her (sorry), you’d still be a legend among the villagers. To them, you’re Mother Miranda’s champion, the epitome of a devoted follower that they all aspire to emulate. Not that they know the two of you are a couple, though.

Immortality Compatibility: No gimmicks, no cheap tricks, she wants (and respects) a fellow scientist, someone who clawed their way through adversity and forged themselves into something indestructible. Double the interest if you did so for a similar cause to her own, as she would appreciate your ability to relate to her suffering.

Bonus! Donna:

Someone to play with! FOREVER! No more losing people she cares about, no more accidentally breaking people, no more people scrambling to leave. Now that she has you, she can finally spend some quality time with another (living?) person. Honestly her dolls (or at least Angie) are just as excited as she is. Regardless of her relations with the other three Lords, Donna much prefers the company of a lover.

For real though she’s shy as hell and you might not even realize who’s pulling the strings until you’ve been in her house for over a year. She’d probably use her powers to trap you inside, at least at first, though they’d be nice hallucinations. You’d have to treat the dolls nicely, especially Angie, before she’d let you interact with her.

Eventually you’d be allowed to leave, and you’d be given a key to return whenever you wanted to. Assuming that you do, in fact, come back, the two of you would have a very, very slow romance, if only because of Donna’s anxiety. Hand holding makes both of your faces turn beet red, seriously.

Immortality Compatibility: *chanting* GHOST GIRLFRIEND GHOST GIRLFRIEND POLTERGEIST PARTNER POLTERGEIST PARTNER WOOHOO! Something with a flexible, only-sometimes-tangible form, who absolutely could have left at any time but didn’t because they wanted to stay.

[fanfic-scribbles]

20. Costumes

A/N: Sooo…maybe this is the beginning of a bunch of connected drabbles because when I was absently planning out what I might be able to do for the prompts I got a little story thread going. Ahead: some angst, some drama, and eventually some well-earned fluff. Also, I hope you like this one, but if not then stay tuned, I will do better. No joke I tried to write this two other times. I think I threw out about 2k words before I even wrote this beast >.>; Also also: thanks to the lovely people enjoying this/reblogging/liking/commenting. I’m still getting the hang of messaging on Tumblr but I’ll try to reply when/if I can. Writing these every day takes a large chunk of my time, so please forgive my lack of social graces <3

Words: 1758

Warnings: Crowley crushing on Reader. Use of a princess nickname but in a way that doesn’t necessarily denote the reader’s gender. (I hope. I’m trying real hard and will continue to do so.) Pining for Cas and mentions thereof but no actual Cas (gasp).

  “Phantom of the Opera” has lied to you.

So has “Labyrinth.”

Masquerade parties are dull as shit.

Case in point: you have found, through the under-appreciated art (Dean) of eavesdropping that this party is at least a third, if not half, attended by supernatural creatures, while the remainder are trust-fund (figurative) zombies. This should be an interesting fact, maybe a little anxiety-making, but you’re so fucking bored that you almost wish a vamp would jump you. At least then you’d get to do something other than itch under your mask, but no.

Your eyes skim over the crowd. You see Dean charming the hell out of two young socialites and the top of Sam’s head, but not who he’s talking to. You sit at a tall table and absently swirl the wine in your glass. It’s probably fine but at a party with such mixed clientele, you don’t tend to take chances with food and drink. Especially considering the people currently throwing the party…

“It is covered by angel warding,” Cas said.

“But this guy’s house is where those things came from?” Dean said, looking at the map.

“Did you not hear what I just said?” Cas was edging toward anger.

“That just means we need to check it out even more,” Dean said. “Rich asshole collecting monsters? Why?”

“Private zoo, apparently,” Sam cut in, tapping away on his laptop. “Charlie hacked into his emails, financial records…she’s still sifting through the info but get this: Hugo and Alex Ellison are brothers, inherited a fortune and are basically socialites. They throw parties and show off their money.”

Hugo and Alex haven’t been apart all night. They have a little posse up on a dais and they seem too concerned with their immediate little world to care about the party at large. Unfortunately, security is fairly tight so you also can’t get close enough to see what kind of monsters they are, or if they’re witches. Maybe demons. Because rando rich dudes don’t know the kind of things that make Cas sulk and pace outside.

You puff out some air. Can’t get to the high and mighty revelers, can’t go check a few of the ‘pets’ they brought along, can’t shoot silver into that handsy fucking dog that walked by you earlier. This is turning out to be a total waste of time and you’re about ready to throw in the towel and make a break for it.

You rest your elbow on the table and your head in the palm of your hand. You wish Cas could be here. Not really for protection, because you can handle yourself, but you think he would have looked good. Uncomfortable, but good. A nice fitted suit and bright blue eyes piercing out of an old, ornate mask. You smile at the thought.

Though, hell, even if you couldn’t have Cas looking all dapper, Gabriel would have been nice to have around. Say what you will about him, the guy knows how to make his own fun. Instead, you’re sitting at a table with a very drunk, pretty young redhead who looks like she’s either going to make an important existential observation or get sick all over the table. Both seem pretty repugnant to you right now but at least if she throws up you don’t have to fake politeness to excuse yourself.

“Hey…heeeeeey.” She smiles like she’s only just realized you’re there and you fake a smile back. “Have you seen the ami-al- the an-i-m-a-l-sss?” She giggles. “They’re wild.”

“I’ve heard about them.” Apparently some people –mostly drunk humans, and pretty boys and girls at that– have been chosen to go see the small selection the Ellisons have brought to the event. You’ve been hearing all sorts of animal parts and have sort of tuned it out.

“I only got to see, like, two before I got tossed out.” She pouts and holds up her silver bracelet. “I accidently…well, “accidentally” fell into that cutie Hugo. He fuh-reaked. How was I supposed to know he’s deathly allergic to silver?!”

Hugo is possibly a shifter. That’s interesting, and more than you’ve gotten otherwise. Huh. Satisfied with that tidbit, you smile politely and eye the crowd again for Sam and Dean. This might be enough to get you out of here.

“Hey.” She leans in closer and licks her lips as she eyes you. “What’d’you say we go slip off these masks…and maybe a little bit more?”

“No thank you,” you say and slide out of your seat. The woman, though, has a strong grip on your hand. Too strong, in your opinion, for someone who looks drunk enough to be a floppy noodle. She keeps her hand on yours and comes around the table to sidle up next to you. “Come on, Hunter,” she whispers and flashes her fangs at you. “We could have some fun, and you smell delectable…”

“Oh sweetheart, don’t lose your head,” you say with the sweetest smile you can muster. She snarls. “No sense of humor. Sorry, but that’s why it won't work out between us.”

She grips your hand tighter. “Eating the human guests is strongly discouraged but I bet I wouldn’t be–”

“Oh, hello Love.”

Can this night get worse? you ask yourself and for once you aren’t worried about jinxing yourself. The Monster Zoo somehow getting loose and running amok would actually improve things, in your opinion. You look at Crowley and his bodyguards but your exasperation only serves to make him smile wider. Of course.

“I’m sorry, love, but we’re busy,” Vampirella says.

“I wasn’t talking to you, leech,” Crowley says and looks at her with derision. He flits his hand. “Shoo.”

She growls, but leaves in a huff. You rub your now-sore hand but Crowley quickly steals it and purrs your name before pressing a kiss to it. “I always knew you’d clean up nicely.”

You always tried to be cordial in your dealings with the King of Hell but right now his flirtations are even more annoying than usual. “Crowley.”

“And what is my favorite little hunter doing in a place like this?” Crowley says and takes a seat next to you. You remain standing and keep skimming for Sam or Dean because fuck where are they?

“Just enjoying the atmosphere. And you?”

“Oh, accepting an invitation from a friend. Mingling. Networking. Saving a hunter from a vampire.” He smiles smugly at you. “You’re welcome, by the way.”

You narrow your eyes. “I can handle a–”

“My love I know you can, however, half the crowd is some form of “monster” themselves and the other half hasn’t even had a papercut.” Crowley sips his wine. “All of them are decidedly not on your side should you come back covered in blood.”

You roll your eyes. He has a point. Damn it. “Then thanks. For saving my outfit,” you grumble.

“You’re welcome. You do look quite fetching in it. Now, since you and I are both here and bored out of our respective skulls, fancy a dance?”

“Actually, I was just about to leave. Nice seeing you,” you say as you finally see Sam and Dean. Just as you take a step though you see that they’re being cornered by intimidating guys in suits. Who may or may not be human. Though…why go human when you can get stupidly strong demons or vampires to do the job for you? Your stomach drops.

“Moose and Squirrel have done it again, have they?” Crowley puts an arm around your waist. “You know…I could get them out of here.”

You glance at him. “In exchange for?”

“Oh, I love it when you get right to business,” Crowley says and overacts a shudder. Ew. “I’ll get your boys and you out. In exchange, you will be my date for the remainder of this dreadful party.”

The suited men (or somethings) are trying to drag Sam and Dean away. “For the rest of the party I will be your date. In return Sam, Dean, and I leave here, alive, our souls intact.”

“Let’s seal the deal then,” Crowley says. You try not to think too hard about it when you…ergh…kiss Crowley. It’s just business, it’s just business and God damn it Dean and Sam Winchester you two fucking owe me.

You pull away (and look away from Crowley’s self-satisfaction) and in the next second you’re in between the guards and Sam and Dean.

“Crowley?” Dean says and Sam hisses your name. You sigh and turn to them while Crowley schmoozes with the guards.

“I have to stay for a little while, but you two are leaving,” you whisper.

“The hell you are!” Dean says.

“Well, sort of. It is part of the deal she made to clean up your little mess,” Crowley says and wraps his arm back around you. “You can go hang out at Denny’s with your giraffe as far as I care. Your partner will be out at midnight.”

“Not a fucking ch–” Dean disappears mid-rant, as does Sam, and you jolt. The teleportation thing is something you never get used to.

“They’re with dear Castiel. Shall we have that dance now?” Crowley says and lifts a hand. You brace yourself for the next few hours, and accept it.

The party picks up a little bit and Crowley seems to enjoy having you on his arm, which is a weird thing that you can’t quite figure out, but you go along with it because that’s the deal. He also doesn’t seem to mind you’re otherwise crappy company, and you try to tune out when he talks about souls and deals, though he doesn’t make any while you’re around. You’re grateful for that, because you don’t want to make him get pissed and void the deal.

You’re feeling fairly tired by the last dance but all you can think of is getting home and crawling into bed. And of Cas. Crowley leads the dancing and you wonder what it would be like to dance with Cas. You’d have to figure out how to teach him but this seems easy enough. Cas in his suit and mask, holding your hand. Cas moving with you, moving closer to you…

“Such a shame, Cinderella; your carriage is about to be a pumpkin,” Crowley murmurs and kisses you, deeply. There’s no deal, no joke, and just as suddenly as it starts it stops and you find yourself outside on the street in a lightly drizzling rain, your flimsy coat over your shoulders, wondering what the fuck just happened.