#AU Sam's man-bun

[hexedwinchester]

Real Sam and Dean: terrifying motherfuckers

AU Sam and Dean: oh we made an oopsie 🤣

15x13 - Destiny’s Child

[opheliasam]

the fact that hunter corp au sam and dean were in a healthy rs . they just liked eo’s company .. hope they r having fun in brazil .

[amaranthhiding]

"This is ridiculous," Sam huffed, adjusting his scarf. "This team is highly dysfunctional. Who even is our squad leader? How are we supposed to save this world if none of you can agree on anything?" -- AU Sam in Empty Earth, chapter 20 I made a little something for AU Sam. For... no reason. coughs (Yes, I'm finally back to working on chapter 23 of Empty Earth, so that I can finally post 21 and 22 as well. Or, well, trying to work on it, despite life being life.)

I love these silly little AU hunters, and it's so much fun to write for them and expand on what little the canon has given them.

It's about time AU Sam got his first POV in this story!

[neonovember]

bucky barnes as a husband headcanon!

heavily inspired by my steve headcanons here, I wanna try my hand at writing more of james. he is the epitome of devotion, he falls first and falls hard.

this kind of takes part in an alternative au (think avengers are still together but its post the falcon and the winter soldier)

he is canonically good at cunnilingus

you think I’m joking? This man divulges into a rabid animal the second he gets close to your thighs. He is on his knees whilst your pressed up against the counter rubbing his face against your clothed crotch moaning and grinding in the air

he says if he could have gotten a taste of you while he was the winter soldier it would've required his brain and reversed the brainwashing

’to be alone with you’ - hozier is bucky’s song

like steve, he feels the isolation and ghost-like feeling of being lost in time. Brooklyn doesn't feel like home anymore, he constantly reaches for you, even in sleep because you are the thing he now belongs to.

you can never get used to how intense bucky just..stares at you. Every single moment of the day you'll just catch him watching you silently not saying a word. It wasn't creepy, no it had this protective almost darkness to it that was all consuming. At one of Tony’s parties, he’s watching you across the room with a glass in his hand or mysterious and shit. (probably thinking about when is a polite time to leave)

which is never because bucky just drags you both out of every gathering. Every goodbye is an Irish one

man bun bucky. That’s it.

lets you cut his hair when it gets to the point of covering his eyes. Sometimes his stubble too, thumb circling and grazes your thigh as you lean over him with a scalpel.

most of the team are still gobsmacked at how bucky justs..trusts you. Whether it be with a shaving, or jumping out of a corner. If any of the team tried to pull a knife on bucky he would probably (not) accidentally break their jaw

after missions all the Avengers know he’ll be offline for at least a couple days to be with you. What they don’t discuss is half of those days are fucking you bruised. He gets all pent up and irritated when he isn’t around you, it’s like you recalibrate his mood back to baseline regular bucky when he can finally sink into you.

doll, darlin’, honey

if you think steve is possessive…just exponentiate that to the power of 10 and you have husband bucky. Are we forgetting this man used to be the winter soldier? he's cute and adorable but also can be fucking horrifying. I’m talking blank face breaking a mans jaw cause he looked at you funny

very casual in his superhuman abilities to protect you. 

silky dulcet notes of etta james, the album sam had gifted you both playing as you cut up some root vegetables. It’s summer and the night is long and warm, and you and bucky are humming as you prepare dinner. You're twirling your hips, Bucky is leaning against the countertop, half trussing the chicken and the other watching you when he suddenly stops. You don't notice it at first, until he cocks his head to the side, kind of blinks and moves to turn the saucepan on low. You turn to him, and he grabs for one of the kitchen knives on the bench before reaching for you.

"there's someone in the backyard"

all nonchalant, like it had been a burrowing animal stuck under the floorboards. he motions for you to continue, turns up the record player a bit and walks into the backyard without a sound.

this man is touch starved, of course he is cock warming after. each and every time.

one of the things bucky loved about you is at ease he felt, he could talk to you and spill everything out in a way he never could with dr raynor or even steve.

there was a bit of distance from him when he first met you, he was awestruck, even more silent than he usually was. Just stared at you longingly, standing off to the side. he didn’t think he could be anything but feared, it genuinely got to the point where you thought he didn't like you or that you had done something wrong. when steve had told him this, he nearly died. no, i'd like to think he's heart stopped for a couple seconds seriously. than got up from fainting, took you aside, and kissed you against the back of sarah's backyard door on the fourth of july.

stations a few target practice posts in your backyard. teaches you how to shoot, chest pressed up against your back as he helps move your body in the right position. always make sure you know where the weapons are in the house

singing to records whilst he's cleaning said weapons at the table

takes you to all the places still standing he remembers in Brooklyn, you hold his hand and let him rest against your shoulder when the past gets caught in his throat.

Steve finds a place in the city with actual good music, where people actually dance, and it becomes your spot every Friday.

yeah, one thing bucky remembers would be his muscle memory of the dance floor, he’s goooood. Teaches you everything he knows in your kitchen of course, always ends up with you making out on top of each other though

dry humping like teenagers, bucky with his low hanging jeans, not wearing boxes and making a mess just from the taste of your mouth

actually, sometimes breaks down in tears when he realises you’re his wife. Like forever.

always thinking about you, what you're doing, if you've eaten. even if hes in the middle of recon you will be in the back of his mind.

leans over and loops his dog tags around your neck whenever he leaves for missions. kisses your eyelids when your sleeping and the fight calls him

the second time you and bucky visited Wakanda he had Shuri craft the ring to be fused into his vibranium finger..yeah I know.

bucky isn’t the extroverted talking type, but with you he is constantly just yapping..about anything and everything. Following you around the house like a puppy, coming to you for the answers about the new world and questions he always harboured even before the ice

bucky is hilarious, he's already an adonis, but he could laugh you of your pants

can’t bear fighting with you, he never yells. He just kind of goes quiet and takes a walk

you guys live in a house with a huge backyard and a wraparound porch

loves cooking, lets him turn his mind off sometimes and make you something hearty and warm. he has a frilly gingham patterned apron he wears and his curls are wrapped into a bun with your scrunchie. floor always ends up on his cheek, and you always end up on the kitchen bench with his mouth on you

night terrors had him sleeping in a sleeping bag next to the bed, he refused despite your attempts. Sometimes he'd wait till you fell asleep against him and make the heartbreaking quiet separation and sleep on the floor

sometimes likes to take of his arm around the house, especially sleeping. Keeps it near in case though, for you.

he’s thick everywhere…took an hour of foreplay minimum to get you ready for him. You both will never get used to each other, needing to take a moment of hushed gasps and groans when he first sinks in

the wedding was in Sams backyard in Delacroix, just Sam, Sarah, the kids and Yoshi and the team

fairylights wrapped around the spanish moss of hanging trees, soft jazz and hard liquor. Sarah’s seafood boil and a dance floor where bucky spends half the night with you there

dad!bucky on the other hand..now that is a different ballpark. wait no actually, just him when you're both expecting. let's not forgot when he stormed into the tower and broke through the office doors to ask why on earth tony had scheduled him a mission so close to the birth of your baby, tossing him his phone which was now crumbled heap of metal in the shape of his fists....(you were two weeks along)

[moonlightdistractions]

I recently re-read a few runedgirl fics, just aglow in nostalgia and how she can really gut a person with *feelings*. I get emotionally compromised. There's one I hadn't read before and it's the only ao3 link; a post Carry On one with an absolutely wrecked Sam sporting a wild man bun!

So here you go, some runedgirl wincest with lots of delicious wanting.

123 Alice Grim Lane - livejournal, 51,700, NC-17, canon before pilot then AU.

Sam Winchester changed his name before he got to Stanford. Samuel Wesson is a rising star at a California law firm. He and Jess have a neon blue hybrid with a bike rack on top, and a cozy red stucco house. Sam Wesson has everything he ever wanted, except for the one thing he knew he shouldn’t. Dean is still a Winchester, still a hunter, still in love with Sam and determined not to admit it. Years of avoiding each other have left Sam and Dean strangers. But when Sam’s luck changes and tragedy finds him, he turns in desperation to the older brother he walked away from years ago, hoping that the bond forged between them in childhood will prove strong enough to bring them back together.

Their Bruises on the Inside - livejournal, 21200 words, NC17, multiple pairings, outsider pov

Sam and Dean through the eyes of the people they meet while Sam is at Stanford – strangers, friends, lovers – as they make their way back to each other. Outsider pov for most of the story.

The Ties that Bind - AO3, 26842 words, that sweet spot between 15x19 and 15x20 to after the Barn Scene and beyond.

"The story of Sam and Dean Winchester doesn’t end that day in the barn. Sam keeps his promise to keep fighting, but with a Winchester twist. He uses the resources left to him by Rowena to become a powerful witch, with one goal"

City of Brotherly Love livejournal, 21400 words, NC17, de-aging spell, first time

No one is more surprised than Sam and Dean Winchester that they’ve managed to survive long enough to settle down. Sort of. Sam is maybe a little more okay with the whole aging thing than Dean, so when Sam is hit with a spell that makes him younger and younger until he’s about 20, Dean doesn’t cope well. When the same spell turns Dean into a twenty-year-old, both of them have to cope with all those forbidden feelings about each other that they never acted on at that age. If the de-aging spell is going to keep going until they don’t exist, which could happen in a matter of days, what’s stopping them from acting on those feelings now – especially when they look like that?

and the one I've reread the most:

The Year of Letting Go livejournal, 37,500 words, NC17, this one keeps building and even gives us a bit of powers!Sam

A hunt gone wrong leaves Dean Winchester barely alive, and helpless for the first time in his life. Can Dean let go of his need to be the big brother and let Sam help him heal, or will the complicated feelings both brothers have been hiding from each other pull them further apart than ever? As Dean’s deal comes due, both Sam and Dean will have to let go of their fears, or face losing each other forever.

livejournal tip: if the chapter link opens a new tab + it won't scroll, edit the url by inserting ?format=light extension after the .html - no spaces

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Backburner 5

Warnings: this fic will include elements, some dark, such noncon/dubcon, and other untagged triggers. Please take this into account before proceeding. It is up to curate your online consumption safely.

Summary: your boss is easy going until he’s not. 

Characters: Sam Wilson, this reader is known as Dizzie.

Author’s Note:Please feel free to leave some feedback, reblog, and jump into my asks. I’m always happy to discuss with you and riff on idea. As always, you are cherished and adored! Stay safe, be kind, and treat yourself💜

💼Part of the Bad Bosses AU💼

You sit in the passenger seat, legs locked, spine rigid, head straight. Sam drives without a care, singing along the Motown tune buzzing from the speakers. You stare at the traffic in dread, wincing each time he reaches to shift gears. 

As you get past the urban core, a sudden realisation dawns on you like a sheet of ice cocooning your body. You blink and take in the unfamiliar street. This isn’t the way to your place. You’ve been too stunned to even offer your address, or maybe you just assumed Sam knew it. 

“Diz, you’re not usually this quiet,” he turns down the music then moves his hand to the back of your seat, steering with one hand. “Whatsa matter, baby?” 

“Sam... sir,” you cross your legs. He quickly reacts and slaps his hand onto your knee. “I don’t live down here.” 

“I know, baby, I do,” he snickers and pulls your leg back down. “You roll up that skirt for me and let me have a peek.” He shifts and kneads along your thigh, “it’s been a long day.” 

“Sam,” you whimper, “please, this isn’t... you’re my boss.” 

“That’s right, Dizzie, that means you do what I say,” he tickles along the bottom of your skirt. 

You squeak and catch his hand before it can go higher, “I’m scared.” 

He chortles again. “Why’s that? Don’t tell me a girl like you’s a virgin. I just can’t believe that. Not wearing what you were on Friday.” 

“Sir!” 

“You keep calling me sir and I’ll just have to pull over,” he threatens. “Mmm, you make all those little noise when you’re on a man?” 

“Huh?” You gulp. 

“You know, when you’re thinking, you squeak and all that. You gonna do that on my dick?” 

You flinch and shove his hand off your lap. You look around desperately as the car keeps moving. What do you do? 

“If you were gonna run, you woulda done it back at the office so let’s stop play, honey bun,” he swerves the wheel to drive up a long drive. 

You press yourself to your seat and peer up at the large modern facade. It’s a nice house. That’s such a stupid thing to thin about in that moment but it’s easier than reality. You well cling to that cracked shield of denial until it’s in splinters. 

He jabs the button to flip the engine and the car quiets. He taps the button on his seat belt and it repels over his shoulder. He gets out as you remain strapped in the passengers’ side. 

He rounds the hood as you stay where you are. He opens the door and stares down at you. You can’t look at him. That will make it real. You don’t understand how he can do this. 

“Sam,” you say to the windshield, “you’re a nice guy. A good boss... why?” 

“Diz, I’m getting real tired of talking,” he huffs as his fingers tap above you on the car roof. “I just want you to think about something. When I tell HR you slipped your panties into my bag, do you think they’ll give you warning or fire you?” 

You hug yourself and peel your eyes away from the scenery. You pout up at him, “It was an accident.” 

“Was it? And now you’ve followed me home. When they check your phone tracking, oh, baby, they would put two and two together, wouldn’t they?” 

“But I wouldn’t-- why would I?” 

“It’s not about the truth, Diz.” He bends down to eye level, gripping the door as he does. “You don’t get this far in business being honest. You just gotta make people believe in you. You believe me, don’t you Diz?” 

Your lip quivers and his dark eyes fall onto the tremble. He pokes his tongue out and hums. You seal your mouth and swallow. Tears prick hotly as the heat flows through your body. 

“I’ve always been nice to you, Diz, even when everyone said you were stupid, huh?” He reaches to caress your cheek. “Because I know you’re not stupid.” He smirks, “you’re smart enough to get your ass up and walk into that house. Right now. Aren’t you?” 

You stare at him as the timber in his voice sinks like iron. You’ve never heard him like this. He’s never looked at you like that. 

You reach for the buckle and press down. The belt recoils and you focus on your body. Your insides are jittering. You turn your legs out and grasp onto the door as you stand. He stays close, crowding you. He puts his hand on your hip and guides you, closing the door with a snap. 

He turns you to walk towards the house. Your legs are jelly. You trip and he catches you before you can fall. You squeal as he spins you and scoops you up in his arms. Your skirt flips up and the air grazes your ass. You wriggle in his hold as he doesn’t miss a beat. 

“Don’t worry, baby, I got you,” he purrs as his dark eyes blaze ahead. “You’re always taking care of me, let me take care of you.” He looks down as you try to pull your skirt down your thighs. He bites his lip and growls, “bet you taste sweet like those smoothies, huh?” 

[txttabloid]

What are all your headcanon memory hopping forms?

I am glad you asked I am shaking violently with excitement.

Canon characters:

Uzi-Hooded Crow

Simple as it’s the one that looks the most like her plush/show form

N-Golden Retriever

Do I even need to explain

V-Serval

I feel she is more than just a regular domestic cat, a serval because of her long legs. The stripes on their back kinda look like DD markings especially around the legs. Also yellow

J-Goat

Mainly because I saw this one furry pic on Twitter that had her as a goat and it’d been canon to me ever since, also most people draw the F DD legs as hooves so perfect. I specifically give her a bell because it’s reminds me of the hc she’s always fidgeting or clicking a pen so the bell gives that fidget. Also for her little form being a lamb is very symbolic with the fact she follows the solver blindly and is ultimately lead to a slaughter for her loyalty. Also the action of goats head butting people is funny and J head butting people would be funny.

Cyn-Maned Wolf

Since maned wolves are like their own thing I thought it would be fitting to make her something that is mistaken for literally everything but itself, to show the trickery. Some people think they are kinda scary for their long limbs and look kind of uncanny, so perfect. Also with her being a predator that could easily hunt the main three/four.

Tessa-Jack russel

Super cute dogs who are kinda small and have a lot to say also sorts nippy so just like Tessa!

Nori-Raven

Big crow version

Yeva-Death Head moth

I wanted her to match her daughter, and the fact an image of a serval having a moth in its mouth is really cool.

Alice-White tailed deer

Do I even need to explain

Beau-leucistic white tailed dear fawn

Little guy. He so Bambi coded

Khan-Giant tortoise

This man is leathery in spirit don’t tell me he’s not, also Tortoise yknow all about shelter DOORS!. You see where I am going, if I could go back he could be fish but I am to far gone with the tortoise.

Teacher-Leopard Gecko

Probably would be eaten by a bird and sorts fly on the wall observer animal

Lizzy- Albino Domestic Bunny

I had this idea to make Lizzy have albinism for my WACA au so I could give her pink eyes and it has infected my whole hcs of her. Also Vizzy is very Bunny x Cat both think they’re in control here.

Thad-Hare

Big version of bun and siblings so perfect

Doll-death head moth

Cool asf moth also death absolutely Doll, plus it’s dark like her hair. I have the skull pattern is the replaced with a solver pattern because cool

Sam-sphynx cat

Bald!

Intern Mitchell/Doll’s dad-Maincoon

Specifically a all black one all human memory hopping forms are pure black to match the shadowy feel

[admirationandromantics]

Confidently Unconfident

Oh my lord, had to take so many breaks while writing this (wink wink), but I tried to add as much as possible from the request. I made it a little my own as well, but take it however you like. If you're unsure about what it's about, just read the request. For context, the group is at the lodge, au where the game never happened. Again, as I've done in the past, my blog is 18+!! Just putting that out there. So please, enjoy the story guys <3

Word count: 1,8k (unedited)

Jessica and sesbian lex occupy 100% of my thoughts (ovulation hits hard, we all know) I haven't seen any stories from you with this wonderful girl yet, maybe this will be the first...anyways, I really like to imagine Jess as a bisexual, more inclined towards men, and I got the idea of ​​​​a little story of Jessica's first time with an experienced girl :) I think it should be super cute! btw i think she would often ask "what should i do know? how was it? does it feel good?", and it would be just adorable! also, I think it's worth adding that in sex with a woman, Jess seems to me in the bottom position, when with a man, I think she more often takes the top! So after reader notices Jessica's concern and nervousness, she will say "don't worry, let me guide you, I'll show you"... THAT'S IT -anon

“Hey, Jess, are you okay?” Emily asks her, nudging her. I look over as I notice she’s pulled away from her trance, eyes leaving me and going to Emily, trying to explain herself. 

I’ve noticed how she looks at me, stolen glances when she thinks I’m not looking, wondering how it would be. I’ll not lie, I have thought about it myself, and it doesn’t take a genius to understand that she goes both ways. She has always had this quality about her, being super flirty is one of them, but never with girls. It’s like she’s intimidated by us, scared we’ll hurt her if she makes her move, coming out of her shell. Sometimes, I even look back at her, making sure she knows I caught her red handed. 

At the last parties, both of us have made a couple of getaways. Making out in the hallway, or finding another secluded area. It never went further than that though, always something getting in the way. It could be Emily, who wanted us both to check her make-up, Ashley or Sam who wanted to tell me something. Even sometimes Mike, who oddly wanted to drunkenly meet up with Jess. Every time we’ve been together and heard his voice, I always see her eyes rolling, sick and tired of the games he’s playing. I guess she really is over that small crush she had. 

As she looks up again, I nudge my head in the direction of one of the guest rooms in the lodge, hoping she catches the idea. A small smile creeps up on her face, a little too noticeable. If only the others knew what I was thinking. 

“I’m going to the bathroom” I declare, getting up with a loud groan. I walk up the stairs, stopping at the top to make sure she follows. 

“Does anyone have a blue eyeliner I can borrow?” 

“I do!” Jess shouts back, getting on her feet and making her way up. Her bubbly and eager nature doesn’t alert anyone, as she normally loves putting makeup on people. That’s one of the reasons Emily always wants her help. 

I walk to the first guest room that comes up, which luckily is mine. To be sure she sees, I leave the door a tad bit open, looking at myself in the mirror and fixing my hair. I really should’ve made sure my makeup was on point, especially if I was planning on seeing her like this. I lick my thumb, trying to straighten out my brow, making it look a bit more put together. 

“You look stunning tonight” her voice sounds from the opening. It’s followed by the door shutting and the sound of the lock clicking. I turn, meeting her gaze as she walks slowly over. She’s wearing a light blue, square neck top. Not too much cleavage, but still a significant amount. I almost can’t take my eyes off her, the outfit composed perfectly, her hair in a bun on the back of her head, small strands of hair hanging in front of her face, making it obvious that she hurried on her way here. 

None of us waste time, collapsing in each other’s touch, my hands going to her cheek and back, while hers rest behind my neck and on my waist. Just her touch alone makes me giddy, her small fingertips grabbing the hem of my top, using it to pull me further into her. She moves us slowly, guiding me backwards until my legs hit the bed, making me fall down on the mattress. She smiles, getting down on top of me as I shuffle us both to the middle so we have room to move. 

“I know what you’ve been thinking” I whisper between kisses, making her gasp as I grope her thigh. 

“Oh, really?” 

“Yeah” 

“Tell me what I’ve been thinking about then” she teases, pushing my back down again. My eyes widen a bit, a small smile on my lips. I’m surprised by her forwardness, and her eagerness to take control. 

“You’ve been thinking about me fucking the shit out of you. Using my mouth on you till morning, when your body is so overstimulated you can barely get up” I drag her top off, revealing a beautiful light gray lace bra. 

“You’re making it hard for me to keep my composure” she whispers, letting me sit up so she can drag my top over my head, throwing it on the floor. “Well, isn’t that the point?” 

“It would be, if that was my plan” 

I smile, feeling her lips work their way down my jaw and neck. 

“Then tell me, what have you been imagining?” 

She smirks, biting her lip as she slowly unbuttons my pants, dragging the zipper down. 

“Your moans and whines, getting you off and making you come on my tongue while you scream my name” 

“Fuck, Jess…” 

“Mhm, keep saying my name like that and I might have to work a little on myself as well” 

I lean back, feeling her hands drag the denim down and off my feet. Fucking hell, I can already feel my heat pooling, craving her touch more than I’ve ever done before. I sit still, feeling my legs almost shake from anticipation. Her hands go to my inner thighs, feeling the soft skin, leaving kisses all over before hooking them over her shoulders. I wait for a couple of seconds, upper body rising a bit to see her. 

She’s sitting there, eyes closed and taking a deep breath. I watch, she still hasn't noticed that I’m sitting up. She looks stressed, unsure. I lift my legs off her shoulders, making her awake from her trance, looking at me worriedly. I sit completely up, taking her hands in mine. 

“Hey, is something wrong?” 

“N-no, I just. I’ve never done this before” she whispers, voice suddenly vulnerable, the previous confidence gone. 

“You’ve never had sex before?” 

“With a girl, I mean” she explains, looking up, guilt coating her features. I try my best to give a comforting smile, hand going to her cheek, hoping to calm her nerves. 

“We’ve all been there, it’s scary. And there’s no stress, we can wait, we don’t have to do it-” I start, but she interrupts me, shaking her head vigorously. 

“No! I want to do this, I do, right now. I’m just, a little unsure about the process” 

“Want me to guide you, or go down on you first? I promise you, I’m not expecting anything major the first time, one usually needs to get to know the other before things start to get easier” 

“Ugh, just you saying all of that makes me want to do you so much more!” she whines, head falling in my lap from disappointment. I laugh, bringing her head up again and leaving a kiss on her lips. 

“I know I act all confident and stuff, but this is all so new to me” 

“I understand, everything was new for someone once, I get why you’re frustrated” I whisper, pulling back slightly, letting our noses brush against each other, both of us breathing heavily. 

“And I just want to make you feel good” 

“You will” 

“You don’t know that”

“Of course I do, you’ve already made me a dripping mess, every touch you give me, all the time sparks shoots through me. You have literally no idea how down bad I am for you” 

“You are?” 

“I am” 

A small smile creeps up on her lips, that knowing confidence starting to find its way back. She pushes me down again, starting to kiss my thighs again. My breathing quickens, lips parting as she bites my flesh, causing a loud moan to interrupt her attack. She looks quickly up at me, noticing my heaving chest and flushed face. Safe and satisfied, she leans down again, sucking and biting, getting closer and closer to my heat. 

Her hand ghosts over the soaked fabric, making my legs twitch. Fingers hook the underwear, dragging the piece off, exposing me to the cold lodge air. She watches in awe, tracing the wetness, curious and inexperienced. I almost chuckle from her hesitation, lifting my head to see her tilting her head to the side. 

“You good, Jess?” 

“Oh! Yeah, yeah I am, so… What do I do now?” 

“Think of when you’re pleasuring yourself, or what you want someone to do to you, or if you’re not the type to figure stuff out, I can just tell you what I like right n- oh fuck!” I suddenly gasp, her tongue licking over my click, the surprising sensation sending shivers through my body. I grab the sheets, trying to control my legs, forcing them apart so as to not squish her head. 

“Mhm, does it feel good?” she whispers, her breath sending hot small vibrations on me, making me bulk my hips to her for more. 

“Y-Yes, please keep going” I plead, already feeling myself get breathless, pulse in the hundreds as my chest goes up and down rapidly. She continues, fingers making their way to my folds, stroking the lips. 

“Do you want me to?” 

“Yes, Jessica” I manage to whimper out, my voice weak and muttered. The sound alone makes her confidence rise, feeling her lips smirk against me. She continues, beginning to such my clit, causing a wave of moans to leave my throat. She pushes two of her thin fingers inside me, going as deep as she can, still stimulating my nerves with her mouth. My back arch, head being thrown back on the sheets as I try to contain my volume, afraid the others will hear. 

She pulls out her fingers, using the time to experiment with her mouth, sticking her tongue inside me, eating me out while rubbing my throbbing area. I can’t help the whimpers that escape me, each of her touches contributing to the tension-filled knot in my stomach. My core builds up, getting hotter as my mind fries, everything becoming blurry. 

“Am I doing good?” she asks, stopping for a bliss moment before continuing. I try to muster out words, as if the sounds coming out of me isn’t a big indication of the answer. 

“Y-you’re doing so well, y-yes” 

She keeps up her rhythm, several types of stimulations as I draw near the edge, legs shaking around her as she rests one of her hands on my stomach. I finish all over her, immense pleasure shooting through my body as I relax, letting her help me ride it out. She pushes herself up, laying down beside me, licking her fingers dry before making them walk up my stomach and chest. 

“So, how was it?” 

“Do I need to answer?” I ask, breathless while still being a bit brain-fucked. 

“Mhm, you do” 

“I-I, fuck, I did not expect you to make me come the first time” 

“I guess I’m a quick learner” she smiles, leaning over me and capturing my lips in hers.

[followafallingstar]

How you meet Michael - Cordelia

Summary: On Michaels first day off since working with Dean and Sam he goes for a walk and sees you playing in the water with your sisters. When he noticed that you were staring at him he investigates and finds a new purpose to fight for. A soulmate.

Pairing: Michael/reader, Michael/witch

Disclaimer: soulmate au

Soulmate au: God created a soulmate for each one of his children. For angels finding their soulmate is one of the most honorable tasks they could achieve due to the amount of luck they must have since the soul of a human mate can be sent to earth at any time during the existence of humanity. But when an angel does meet their other half their loyalty to god switches to their mate, protecting them at all costs. Feelings such as love and lust are only acceptable and archivable for angels when they meet their soulmate and that only to the mate too so acts of unloyalty or cheating don’t exist in their world.

The sun was shining brightly, and the shimmering hues it created were being deflected into the ocean, giving it the beautiful blue color that resembled his wings. Massive, shiny, and paired in six, three on each side. Each one of them is bigger than the lower one. For humans invisible but for you strangely that wasn’t the case, not that you knew that you weren’t supposed to see them.

At first, you were sure he was a freak who didn’t know that Halloween is in October and not in late July but the more you watched the man the more you were sure he wasn’t normal. You asked your youngest sister “Goldie, do you see that?”. While your sister held her gaze in the same direction as you, she didn’t notice anything out of the blue. You frowned, sensing that the man wasn’t just walking around with wings for no reason. Just as you were to turn your back on him and shift your attention to the volleyball you have been playing with in the water, his eyes met yours.

Something about the way he looked at you made you feel vulnerable as if he could read you like a book. And of course, you didn’t know, he could. His eyes wandered, to your dark eyes, your long black hair that was neatly up in a bun, the small silver necklace you wore that had a small star engraved in it, to your blue bikini that matched the color of the water you were in. His color.

His grace flutters and so does his wings. A small yet deep sensation erupts inside of the brown-haired archangel as he looks at you. Your stare didn’t go unnoticed by him, he wasn’t sure why you would give him your attention, maybe you had a sixth sense that could detect supernatural beings, maybe you just found his vessel attractive, or maybe you were that something that was missing.

He could just look into your mind but what would be the purpose of that if you were just a mortal, after all, a lower being? But the feeling didn’t vanish, the feeling of want and need that he felt for the first time since his creation, something he shouldn’t feel.

At first he just wanted to take a walk, take a good look at Earth, the creation his father loved so much. Free time wasn’t something he had a lot when working and living with Sam and Dean in the bunker but when he did have it he tried to spend it wisely. Even if time was something that he had plenty enough of, in the long run that is, as an immortal being.

His feet moved on their own, going down the marble stairs where he had been stopping and walking closer to the beach, his wings folded neatly behind him as he moved.

At the same time, your movement changed too, your eyebrows raised as he came closer. Maybe he was one of your customers at the shop yet that couldn’t be since you remember every single one of your customer's faces or spiritual power. You excused yourself from your sisters, walking out of the water to the nearby beach shop that sold drinks and snacks. As you are about to enter his voice interrupts your busy mind that was occupied with finding out who he could be.

“You are different,” he said. The way he spoke made you shiver, cold and calculated yet so soft. Turning around to him your eyes wander from his sapphire eyes to his wings again. His eyes were fixated on you and as he noticed that your gaze wandered to the space behind him, to his muscles that were his pride and joy the corners of his lips slowly turned up and he gave you his hand to shake.

“My name is Michael,” he said now in a much gentler tone, warm and friendly. You shook his hand, not knowing the future you have been setting for yourself with that move, and answered

“Call me Cora”.

[philtstone]

if you’re still taking prompts from that list, I’d love to see your take on the nemesis one for any of your modern AUs!

sorry it's not an EXISTING modern au but it is. a modern au. partially inspired by many many many things most significantly a post i literally cannot find again no matter how hard i look... also by anne from anne of green gables. anyway, this is mostly just vibes. and my own salad shirazi opinions. in that order.

In Arwen's house growing up family dinner was always a shared time of day, so it makes her glad that the small apartment her father moved into last year honours the same principle.

“It’s not that he irritates me,” eighteen year old Eowyn, fresh out of her first term of university and with her long gold hair in a tangled braid down her back, is explaining from the dinner table. “I hardly get irritated easily — it’s just that he’s so sweet and friendly all the time, I am sure he’s up to something.”

“Eowyn dear,” says her uncle. His attention is mostly absorbed by the newspaper in front of him. “If you might repeat that first part aloud, and reflect on it a bit.”

Eomer snorts from the sink. Gandalf had tasked him with washing the dishes — he had more or less nothing to contribute to meal making. Eowyn makes a face at him.

“I am good tempered. It’s just no one who’s normal is that nice. Certainly not a man.”

Gandalf, who’s in the midst of a very complex chess game with Arwen’s father, chuckles a bit. 

“Indeed?” Ada asks, with a wry smile. Eowyn blushes.

“Do not tease her, you men,” Arwen says, sweeping in to add hot water to the tea cups. The pale green flats of the fragrant tea leaves sent in express overseas mail by her maternal grandparents swirl in the kettle’s pour. Authentic green tea has a potency Arwen has not found in anything purchased around here. “You know she isn’t talking about you, and anyway, she’s right.” 

While Gandalf says, “Do tell us more, then,” charitably, Arwen returns to the small kitchen island. The rice is coming into its own in the cooker. Rice is always a comfort; it unites across cultures and races. Admittedly to this day Ada will prefer jasmine to basmati, no matter Arwen's own fascination with the latter. She sets about peeling two thick skinned cucumbers and dicing them, along with tomatoes from Mr Bilbo's garden, into a bowl. Then comes the shallot, and its lilac purple skin. Arwen has always loved the colour lilac. She has a nightgown a shade lighter than this onion, which her fiance sighs over dreamily every time it’s taken out.

Behind her Aragorn chops tarragon for the lentils, which are bubbling. He has embraced jasmine rice since childhood. His hair is tied out of his face and just barely escaping the doom of a man bun (Aragorn is too sincere about everything to accidentally look like the smarmiest versions of his countrymen) and he smells of fried onion and rose oil, like he often does when in this place. In matter of fact he smells like this kitchen is decorated: the multiple little knick knacks lining the sil, the old silver, the warm reds of the woven rug in the floor (one of an innumerable number kept in Iverworn’s house), and the cracked old laminate tiling – brown. There is some comfort in the idea that Gilraen's old apartment is still in the family. Only now, Ada has his little shrine in the den which doubles as his study, and a few more photographs have been added to the baby pictures lining the front hallway.

On the other end of the table Gimli and Legolas sort through Bilbo's rock collection while the old man gives running commentary on where he found each one. Arwen’s cousin is being educated on geology in the process. Frodo and Sam and the rest are still at school; Aragorn has volunteered to go pick them up in a half hour.

“This ought to go in the sedimentaries pile, Legolas. You see the distinctive layering – to really know we’d check for carbonate, but I’d say this is a solid limestone.”

“I don’t understand. Many of them have layers. That one with the crystal –”

“Running in parallel. Look, they’ve sedimented. It’s in the name, for Mahal’s sake. The geode, a sedimentary rock? Preposterous.”

“I found that one in Dale you know. It was, oh, twenty years ago or so now — I’d just had a pint with your dad, Gimli – you remember what he was like twenty years ago, wearing those garish red turbans (though they suited him well) – and when we came out on the street there it was by the lamp post, a little lump of a thing. I thought to myself, why, that looks just like Lobelia’s terrible laddoo – you haven’t tried them, but they’re glorified pebbles, with how dry and small she makes them – and then I turned it over and thought, where might a pretty piece of rock like this come from in the middle of such a town? But then, Dale is very metropolitan …“

Absently, Arwen begins humming to herself.

“Won’t someone put on some decent music?”

“Don’t look at us old men, Eomer. Haven’t the youth got a stereo system?”

“Oh, it's all Bluetooth now. Ah — I have your rook there, Elrond.”

“No he hasn’t; that’ll put his queen in jeopardy.”

“Keep your eyes on your lentils, Estel, my own function perfectly well. He’s been doing this since he was a boy.”

“Oh, yes, yes,” says Gandalf, with the wise knowing of someone who was there to witness such behaviour in person.

Between it all, everyone is somehow still managing to listen attentively to Eowyn as she expounds her theories and suspicions.

“He’s asked four times if we could study together after class. Four times. The next major exam we have is worth sixty perfect of the grade and I’m sure he saw me speaking with the professor last week because I was so determined to pass it. No one passes that exam, according to the third years –”

Arwen stirs the lentils and wonders if they ought to take a little bowl to the shrine.

“Perhaps he’s looking for a friend,” says Gandalf philosophically.

“Maybe he’s a creep, like Wormtongue was,” suggests Eomer darkly.

“He’s only starstruck by a girl in the engineering course,” says Bilbo, with a bit of (not unkind) humour in his voice. Then he reaches into his large duffel, which he lugged indoors with Aragorn and Eomer’s help, and extracts a box of fresh sweets for the table. These, Arwen hopes, are better than Lobelia’s – though she is sure they will be much too sweet for her own taste.  

“There are girls in engineering these days, old friend,” Gandalf interjects with a raised eyebrow, but Eowyn is not really paying attention to either of them.

“Last week at lab he gave me a book about zoological diseases I mentioned off hand almost a month ago,” she says with that earnest way she has. “That doesn’t have anything to do with engineering. Do you think he was trying to throw me off my game before our lab quiz?” 

It is very hard to keep a straight face at this inquiry, but Arwen – and many others present – manage it. “Have you considered that he might have just thought you’d like it?” asks Arwen.

“But that’s none of his business,” Eowyn says, as though this was obvious. 

“How did he know you liked it then?” asks her brother, baffled.

“We’ll — I told him,” says Eowyn. She flushes a bit. “But he initiated the conversation. We should have been talking about closed circuits.”

“Or nothing at all, apparently,” says Ada gravely.

“You don’t know him. He’s got a look in his eye. I can just tell.”

“Oh look, I’ve found him on Facebook.” 

And so Legolas has, and they all converge around his smartphone while Eowyn glares defiantly. 

“Faramir, is it? You know, he kind of looks like you, Estel.”

“Yeah – if you were much scrawnier and looked like a dweeby engineering student.”

“They look nothing alike,” says Eowyn hotly, crossing her arms – Arwen cannot help but catch Aragorn’s eye (he looks like he’s trying very hard not to laugh, not helped at all by Gandalf, who is looking right at him, and skillfully masking his own merriment besides) “and Aragorn would never be such a — a — a snake, anyway.”

Arwen agrees with this hypothetical assessment, at least. She rummages through the fridge and retrieves the fresh clutch of herbs she needs for her salad.

“But what has he done, Eowyn. The poor boy. There is a bit of dweebishness there, isn’t there … indeed …”

“Look at the last name; isn’t that Denethor’s boy?”

“Oh yes, that would explain it. Engineering? Of all things? I always thought he had a poet's soul when he was a kid.”

“I wonder how they’re doing – haven’t spoken to the man in an age, you know.”

“Denethor you mean?”

“Well, not since the incident with that poor tree in the synagogue’s front yard,” says Gandalf sadly. “You were there Aragorn, you remember –”

“Hmmm,” says Aragorn grimly.

“Well I told you,” interrupts Eowyn. “I haven’t got proof, just suspicions! He’s trying to psych me out of this program. But I tell you – I won’t let him!” 

Arwen wonders if perhaps Eowyn had grown up around sisters, she wouldn’t insist so very hard on sticking it out through a degree she is not really interested in. These ruminations are interrupted by a soft touch at Arwen's waist. “Hm?” she says.

“I’m off to pick up the kids,” Aragorn begins in a low voice (the assembly continues to chatter behind them). She smiles at him, then stops: for reasons unexplained he is suddenly offering her a horrified expression he usually only reserves for conservative Tik Tok mommy vloggers and occasions where Pippin is about to grievously injure himself on the park playset.  “... What are you doing?” he asks.

“Adding the mint,” she says serenely. 

“Fresh?” Like she must be mad.

“Doesn’t it have mint?” 

It is his grandmother's recipe, after all; silly man.

“Dried.”

“Your mother always said it had to be fresh.”

���Fresh dried mint,” he clarifies, gravely.

“Really Estel.”

“Take over the lentils.”

“That was your job — and you’ve got to pick up Frodo and his friends.”

“In ten minutes.”

“You’re going to ruin it. Mr I Can Subsist On A Can Of Beans.”

“I can subsist. That doesn't mean you can add fresh spearmint to a perfectly good salad. It tastes completely wrong.”

“Estel …” But Aragorn has already ducked beneath the counter to reach deep into the recesses of their spice cabinet and retrieve an extremely dusty repurposed jar of dried mint, now cradled in his brown hands. The half-peeled label is for sour cherry preserves, which Arwen is sure no one in this family has bought from a store since they discovered the tree in Ada’s backyard.

“This is hardly fresh,” Arwen says archly.

“I dried it last week,” he says, all innocence. His t-shirt is worn and ratty enough that its low collar shows off her old necklace. She can see the jade flower and her own name etched in the characters of her mothers language at the center.

She sighs. Kisses his cheek; takes the mint. “Go fetch Mr. Bilbo’s wards.”

“They’re going to make a mess of my car,” he says, as if he did not happily volunteer for this task.

“Your car is already a mess, my love.”

So he goes, grinning. Arwen adds the mint to the salad and renters the fray.

“Eowyn,” she says. “Perhaps the next time he asks to study, you might take him up on it. That way you can get close enough to catch him at his awful scheme.”

Eowyn's mouth widens in a ponderous oh, as if she had never thought of this. Arwen pats her shoulder comfortingly.

“Food will be ready in ten minutes,” she says. Ada is smiling at her — a true smile, not without its own edges of memory, but no longer the bittersweet thing of three years ago. Arwen smiles back.

[astoldbyaja]

Primal - Ch.29 ~AU Predator (Franchise)~

My phone was taken from me, and my wrists were zip tied. I continued looking out the window trying to catch a glimpse of some familiar area. But I could see only trees.

After lord knows how long, the lush green faded at the blink of an eyes as now I saw nothing but asphalt and large military tanks. The van finally came to a halt and the doors opened. Miles moved out and the man on my left got out, and with his hand on my forearm, I was pulled out. Now I got a look at the larger silver facility across from me surrounded by tall secure fencing. There were even cement posts surrounding this large place. I looked at the open gate that was now closing. I then looked at Miles trying to force some strength in my stare. If anything, he just looked amused.

“Where am I?” I asked. Miles smirked looking around the area.

“Oh, just a little boys club, I put together with only the best provided by Uncle Sam. I think you’re gonna be downright comfortable here. Bring her.” he demanded as he turned and began walking toward the building. The two men on either side of me began to push me aggressively toward the man. I followed behind the hulking man, entering this large facility.

There were different people walking about, some in suits and others in military uniforms. There were a few others in lab coats. I looked all over at the large screens implanted in the walls and couldn’t make out the different dialogues from the people that were speaking in it. There were three higher floors above this one. A group of women in white, with tight faces and hair in perfect buns approached Miles. The one in front, had bright red hair, and looked older than the rest. Behind them were three soldiers with large guns in their hands. I winced.

“Ah right on time,” Miles said before giving me a firm look, “these ladies here are going to escort you to our lab. There you will be quarantined, have blood drawn and have a full physical both annual and a well woman.”

My eyes widened at his last sentence.

“What? No, you can’t do that without my consen-AHHH!” I shrieked as I felt the back of his dry calloused hand strike my mouth. My body jerked back, and I thought I would fall to the ground, but one of the men who were in the van with me, caught me and kept me up right. I felt blood in my mouth and my eyes were just wide and on the ground. No one reacted, no one responded. Miles leaned into me, and I just looked down, shoulders pushed in to feel small, as small as I could feel.

“As I was saying. You will be quarantined and tested. And then later on you and I will have a talk.” he said. I didn’t reply. I just looked up at him feeling women, and they just turned and began to walk down the hall.

There was only silence as I was led to an elevator surrounded by these women and these soldiers. I didn’t know what to think at this moment. I was afraid. The woman with red hair slowly looked in my direction.

“What is your name?” she asked calmly, yet icily as well. I didn’t want to reply, but when I felt one of the men’s hands grip the back of my neck in warning, my entire body tightened up.

“Teleya Garrett.” I replied. The man’s gloved hand did not leave my neck. The woman began to write something down on the black iPad looking device she had.

“My name is Miriam. I am the Chief Scientist here at Zion.” she said. Zion? Is that the name of this facility? “Once we get off this elevator, you will be escorted to a room. You will strip and leave all of your clothes by the door. Once that is done, the room will scan you then decontaminate you with a mist. This will not hurt you or have any long-term effects. After that we will give you clothes to wear and you will be taken to another room, much like that of a doctor’s office. We will draw your labs that will tell us about your overall health and then one of our female gynecological staff will come and do your other tests. Once that is done, you will be taken to a room where you will speak with Col. Vallelonga. Do you understand the steps as I have explained them to you?”

I was tense, not because of the man’s hand on the back of my neck, but because of these tests. Who knows what they will find, and what they will do when they find out…

“Yes.” I replied.

“Do you have any questions?” she asked expertly. I just shook my head, and the man released my neck.

“No.” I replied. The elevator stopped and everyone moved out once more. The halls were wide and white and there were multiple rooms with sliding doors. Like Miriam said, came to a door, placed her hand on the large keypad, and the door slid open. She, and the other scientists stepped aside.

“Step in, remove your clothes and just stand in the middle of the room.” she said. I looked at her with raw emotions. Who would be seeing me naked? I looked at empty room and slowly stepped in. My heart was pounding hard in my chest, and I made nervous fists at my sides. There were no windows or mirrors of any kind.

“Teleya, remove your clothes and stand in the middle of the room.” Miriam’s voice now calls above me. There’s obviously an intercom somewhere. I was hesitant to move, too nervous and afraid to do anything. “Teleya if you are unable to remove your clothes yourself, a guard will have to come in and remove them for you. I do not want that to happen.”

I could hear the edge in her voice. There was something she did not want to say further. I knew I would have to do this. I closed my eyes and took a few even breaths before slowly removing my shirt, then my pants, and my shoes. My hands shook violently as I finally removed my bra, panties then my socks. I shuddered now feeling exposed for all the world to see.

“Please put the clothes near the front door then stand in the middle of the room.” Miriam responds from the ceiling. I do just that. The door opens and once again one of the young scientists come and take them. I was sure they were going to be taken somewhere to be tested.

They wanted Scorpion and are going to look for traces of him on me. What would happen when they find it? What will they do to me? I felt a cool mist sprinkling down on me and I looked up feeling the relaxing spray reach my curls.

They’re so thick, I can’t even feel this water on my scalp at all. I say it’s water, but I was sure it was something else. I hold my palms up so I can look at my hands to see if anything was happening. Everything looked okay. I felt okay. I looked down at the ground, not wanting to bring full attention to my stomach.

Are you okay, baby?

Who knows how far along I was, but obviously far enough if Scorpion could see it. The mist stopped after a few minutes and then door slid open again. I see Miriam enter and still more soldiers with her. I cover my breasts and my private area immediately, turning my back toward them. I didn’t want any part of me seen. Miriam stepped in and approached me, holding up what looked like a long white gown. She gave me a firm nod, and I just quickly grabbed the gown and put it on. It was your average hospital gown. But even still I did not trust it.

I was escorted back out and down the hall further. I could see rooms with clear walls into the other side. There were so many labs and people walk around, with clipboards and tubes. There were many metal, rectangular tables in all of these rooms.

I had no shoes on so the ground beneath me was freezing cold. We stopped yet again at another room, and when the doors opened, Miriam stepped aside again and motioned me inside. I walked inside and saw the room was similar to a doctor’s medical room. Although everything was white, there were still two chairs beside a large reclining chair with white paper across it.

There was a small desk area with a laptop on it and even cabinets and a sink were in the corner.

“Sit anywhere you like.”

I jumped noticing Miriam was behind me. I anxiously sat on the chair. Two soldiers remained at the door.

“I will do your physical. A nurse will come in to draw your labs.” she said. I just looked all over the place as my blood pressure was taken, then my heart and lungs and sides were listened to. She checked my throat, my ears, my eyes, and even tested my reflexes.

“Do you drink?” she asked. I shook my head.

“No.” I replied.

“Smoke?” she asked.

“No.”

“Take any recreational drugs?”

“No.”

“Hang around with any shady people?” she asked. I looked at her weirdly before shaking my head. She nodded and added notes to her tablet. She never touched the laptop, but she washed her hands a lot during this process. Something told me whatever information she put in her tablet would go elsewhere.

All the while, the soldiers just stared at me menacingly which made me even more nervous. I hoped they weren’t going to stay during the well woman exam.

Another of the scientists came in with a small tray. I was used to seeing that. There was a needle and some tubes on it. The woman approached with a nod.

“I’ll be drawing your labs.” she said. It wasn’t unpleasant, but I could tell she was trying to put on a brave face. I just nodded as she got her needle ready. “Which arm?” I stiffened feeling even more nervous now as I held up my right arm. She nodded.

“Make a fist please.”

I did just that. She gently tapped on the space in the open space of my forearm before disinfecting it. With a butterfly needle, she pressed in. It didn’t hurt thank God. I just watched my blood flow through the thin tube and then into the four vials. After that, she placed a cotton swab over the needle and pulled out. Once that was done she placed a bandage over the area.

“Thank you.” I replied lightly. I didn’t even know what I was really thanking her for. The woman didn’t react. She just glanced at me, before picking up her tray and disappearing out the door.

“Your cooperation has been noted. We will tell Col. Vallelonga this.” Miriam announced. Was that supposed to make me feel better?

“What will happen with these tests?” I asked. She looked down as if holding back her words.

“The colonel will explain if he feels the need.” she said.

The door opened and another woman came in, but she was not any of the women who I met at the lobby. She was tall, dark skinned with long braids half pulled up and the rest down. She had hazel eyes with black rimmed glasses. She wasn’t in the same white lab coat as Miriam.

“Hi Teleya, I’m Tika. I am the gynecologist who will do your well woman. And everyone else will step out.” she said with a hint of firmness as she looked around at everyone. Miriam didn’t see very happy with the clear command, but she nodded at the soldiers who stepped out of the lab with Miriam behind them. Now it was just the two of us. She pulled out a tablet of her own and began to tap on it. Then she put it away and looked at me sympathetically.

“I’m sorry this happened to you. I know you’re afraid and I know my words mean nothing, but I am a licensed gynecologist, and I am going to do my best to make you comfortable.” she said walking toward me only to pull out stirrups under the large chair. She took a step back.

“I’m sure you know what to do. But you won’t have to remove your gown.” she said. I winced as I slowly scooted my bottom to the edge of the chair.

“The colonel is testing my blood, my body, but only my reproductive area specifically. That’s odd.” I replied before leaning back against the paper. She nodded moving to sit down in a rolling chair.

“I’m sure odd doesn’t surprise you anymore.” she replied with a hint of positivity. I looked away in response now feeling even more exposed than before. This stranger was looking right at my everything! How could I believe her or anyone else here? I could feel something metal entering me. I shut my eyes at the pressure and told myself it’s the speculum. Tears swelled up in my eyes as I realized I don’t know what’s inside me. It has to be the speculum.

“Your vagina has some trauma… were you… assaulted?” Tika asked lowly.

“No.” I immediately said. I would not have any thoughts of Scorpion painted in such light even if she did not know he existed.

“There is some type of mucous like fluid inside. To ensure it’s not an infection, STI or STD of any kind, I will have to collect it.” Tika replied.

She sounded regretful in her words. Of course, she’d find Scorpion’s fluids inside me. We had just laid together last night. I felt tears slide down the side of my cheek. I could feel her fingers inside me, and she pressed down on my pelvis. My mind was drifting to Scorpion. I have only ever felt so humiliated when I was with Marcus. And then I remembered, Scorpion ripped his stomach open and tour his inside out of him. It was the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me. I felt the hopeful speculum come out and my gown was pulled back over my legs.

“You’re done. I will tell the colonel you have cooperated. All your results will go to him.” she said before standing up. I slowly sat up, still feeling violated from the moment the colonel hit me the moment the speculum left my body. Tika looked away with a wince before looking back at me. “Is there anything you would like me to put on this report that the colonel will see, that could help you get out of here safely?” she asked.

I was quiet for a long moment looking down at my ankles, the soul link was still wrapped around my ankle. I felt defeated for a moment, but looking at that soul link, the very fabric that bound me to a very strong warrior, gave me hope, gave me strength. I slowly looked up at the woman and now looked at her regrettably.

“I’m sorry for what’s going to happen to you.” I said lowly. She looked at me almost horrified before turning and exiting the room.

[lillywillow]

College Days

Summary: Your college life wasn’t anything like you expected

Written for: @the-slumberparty

Words: 3431

Squares Filled: I5- College, O2- College AU, G3- Video Games, I1, First Date

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Female Reader

Warnings: Drinking, mild language

To say you were nervous on your first day of college was an understatement. This big city campus was a far different world to the quiet country town you grew up in. Nervously, you made your way to the door rooms that were to be your home for the duration of your stay. You were about to open the door when someone beat you to it from the other side. The person who walked through was a tall, handsome blond man with kind blue eyes and a charming smile.

“Hi, you must be one of the new students. I’m Steve. I’m the RA of this dorm building. I’ll show you around.”

You introduced yourself and Steve took you through to the room you would be using. Steve left you for a few moments to let you settle in.

As you were getting unpacked, a young woman walked in and placed her stuff on the other bed.

“Hi, I’m Wanda. You must be my roommate,” she smiled, extending her hand to shake yours.

You shook her hand and introduced yourself, exchanging a few pleasantries before heading downstairs to the common room for orientation.

…

Steve explained everything you needed to know about dorm life, from rules and regulations to maps and any other useful information you might need to know. Once he was finished, you headed to the dining to where you could smell someone was cooking dinner. You headed into the kitchen to see if you could offer assistance to whoever was in there. Poking your head in, you spotted a curly haired male tending to some kind of sausages in a pan.

“Do you need a hand?” you asked.

The cook turned and smiled at you.

“Oh, hey. I’m pretty much set for cooking but you could help me dish them up. I’m Bruce, by the way.”

You once again introduced yourself and helped to put the sausages into the buns.

“What kind of hotdogs are these?” you questioned, noticing their odd colour.

“Tofu dogs. I’m vegan, you see. I know that most people don’t share my kind of diet but I wanted to share something with you guys, if that’s okay.”

Well, you did come to college for new experiences.

You helped Bruce bring out the tofu dogs with a few condiments and met with more of your dormmates. After a few more introductions, you all sat down to eat. As you took the first bite, you took a few minutes to assess the flavour. It was… not great. The texture was… interesting to say the least. There were a few moments of awkward silence before Sam stood up.

“Where’s the takeout menu?” he declared.

“Sam…” you began.

Okay, so it wasn’t the best tasting the you had but that didn’t mean putting Bruce down after he tried so hard.

“No, I can admit defeat. I confess, I must not have used a decent brand. Guys, order what you’d like. Dinner is on me tonight,” Bruce announced, handing out menus to a local takeout place.

And that was your first dinner in your new home.

…

The next morning, you got up bright and early, ready to start your new college life. Classes didn’t start until Monday but the weekend gave you a chance to find your way around the school and perhaps get to know your dormmates a little. As you made your way downstairs, you noticed a group of people in gym gear doing stretches.

“Hey, guys,” you greeted.

“Good morning, Y/N. We’re about to go for a jog. Would you like to join us?” Steve offered.

On the one hand, the thought of doing all that exercise first thing in the morning sounded like a nightmare. On the other hand, it might be a good opportunity to know the grounds a little better and get to know some of your dormmates a little better. You briefly considered your options before ultimately deciding to go with them. They waited for you to get ready before they headed off.

Steve, Bucky, Sam and Nat were much fitter than you were but went a little slower for your benefit. That was, until the boys started getting a little competitive. Then it became a contest between them on who could run circles around each other. Nat just rolled her eyes and kept her pace to match yours.

“Wow… they’re pretty fit… aren’t they?” you puffed.

“Don’t sell yourself short, Y/N. You’re doing a pretty good job at keeping up,” Nat smiled at you.

“Well… I try,” you tried to smile back and hoped it didn’t come out as a grimace.

“You should come to yoga with me. Classes start this Thursday,” she offered.

“I’ll think about it,” you replied, watching as Steve ran his third lap around with Bucky on his heels.

“Don’t say it!” Sam screamed.

“On your left,” Steve grinned.

…

After your jog, the group made their way back to the dorms.

“Hey,” Steve greeted.

“Hi!” you replied, taking a great big swig from your water bottle.

“You were pretty good out there,” he smiled.

“Thanks… nowhere as good as you though…”

“I’ve been doing this for quite some time… I would have liked to stay back to talk with you some more but I tend to get a little… competitive,” he admitted with a sheepish smile.

“Don’t worry about it. Nat kept me company,” you assured him.

“That’s good… Well, I would like to talk with you some time to see how you’re getting on. If you need anything, just knock on my door,” he softly smiled, heading up the stairs to take a shower.

You couldn’t help but smile to yourself. Steve was pretty cute and watching the way he climbed those stairs; you did notice he had a pretty nice butt… Was it possible he could be interested in you? Well, it was possible but the way he was nice to you could also just be a part of being the house RA. You would just have to wait and see.

…

The following Friday, you had completed your first week of classes. As you got home, you saw some of the others setting up some sort of drinking game.

“Guys, how many times do I have to tell you this is a no alcohol building?” Steve sighed.

“Don’t like it, don’t watch,” Clint replied, continuing his set up.

Steve grumbled and headed up the stairs.

“Y/N, come join us!” Tony offered.

“I’ll just put my things away and I’ll be right down,” you assured him.

You went up the stairs to put away your stuff and noticed Wanda sitting on her bed reading.

“Hi, Wanda. They’re about to start playing a drinking game downstairs. Would you like to join us?”

“Thanks for the offer, but I can’t drink with my meds. You have fun though,” she smiled, returning to her book.

“Okay. I’ll let you know how it goes,” you smiled, heading back downstairs.

To your surprise, you saw Steve had returned and was sitting with the rest.

“Steve? I thought you weren’t going to play…” you stated.

“I decided that I should probably be here to supervise,” he replied, although he didn’t seem all that happy to be involved.

“That’s the spirit!” Tony grinned, patting him on the back.

You took your place and the game began. It started out as a game of Never Have I Ever which somehow morphed into a game of Truth or Dare. Tony by far had the most shots, followed by Natasha and Clint. You and Steve only took a few sips on occasion which probably prompted the change in games. They made up a rule that if you failed to complete an action, you had to take a shot.

“Okay, Y/N. Truth or dare?” Tony slurred.

“Uh… dare?” you sheepishly chose. Either way, you knew you were in trouble.

Tony grinned wickedly.

“You have chosen… poorly. I dare you to…”

Your heart hammered in your ribcage as you mentally prepared yourself to take the next shot.

“Kiss Steve!”

Steve’s face turned red and you felt butterflies in your stomach.

“Really, Tony?” Steve huffed.

“Yeah… You need a little action to remove that stick up your-”

“Tony!”

Tony raised his hands in defence and suddenly, all eyes were on you.

“Well? What’s it gonna be?” Tony asked.

“You don’t have to do anything… I won’t force you,” Steve muttered.

Was it the alcohol or did he actually sound a little disappointed?

“I’ll do it…”

The three others all whooped while Steve looked even more flustered. You walked over and draped your arms over Steve’s shoulders and he wrapped his arms around your waist.

“Last chance to back out,” he breathed, giving you some more time if you wanted.

You crashed your lips to his before you lost your nerve. His lips were warm and smooth against yours. Steve pulled you a little closer to his body. You had kissed a few people when you were dating in high school but this one… this one felt perfect. You were so lost in the kiss; you barely noticed the cheering from the others. Slowly, you and Steve pulled away from each other. Steve smiled warmly at you then blushed as the hollering continued.

“Alright, you lot. Game over. It’s late now, get to bed,” he ordered.

“Boo. Let’s keep playing,” Tony whined.

“No, no more drinking. Bed now.”

“I’ll help carry him. The drunk dead man lift is a two-man event,” Clint said, helping Steve pick up Tony off the floor.

You and Nat made your way back to your own rooms. Trying to be as quiet as possible, you made your way to your bed but unfortunately, you were a little tipsier than you thought and tripped over something, making a clatter.

“Y/N?” Wanda sleepily voiced.

“Sorry. Did I wake you?”

“It’s okay… did you have fun?” she yawned, sitting up.

“Yeah… I, um… I kissed Steve…” you admitted, feeling your face heat up.

“So… How was it?” she pried, starting to form a cheeky grin.

“It… it was nice…” you smiled, still remembering the warmth of his lips and his body.

“Are you going to go for it?”

“I don’t know… Steve has been pretty nice to me but what if that’s because it’s part of his job… still… I’m pretty sure I felt something when we kissed,” you dreamily sighed.

“You never know if you don’t try,” she encouraged.

Her words gave you thought as you prepared yourself for bed. It’s not like it would be a bad thing if you got in a relationship in college and Steve seemed a pretty nice guy… You would have to wait and see.

…

Over the next few weeks, you really got the hang of your college routine. For the first quarter, you were just feeling your way around to see courses you liked best before you could fully commit. You were also starting to make friends. In your Theoretical Astrophysics class with Professor Erik Selvig, you met Darcy Lewis. She was really smart and a lot of fun at parties. She was also a good friend; the kind of friend that made sure everyone was having a good time but more importantly, everybody got back safely (even if she was in a different dorm building than yours). Not that you went to a lot of parties. You much preferred staying home and talking with your new best friend Wanda. Not only was she your roommate but she was in your psychology class, working to get a doctorate. You also started hanging out with the others and getting to know them. They all noticed the sparks between you and Steve and either encouraged or playfully teased you both about it.

One afternoon, you were studying in your room when there was a knock on the door.

“Hey, Y/N. You busy?” Steve asked, poking his head through the door.

“Hi, Steve. No, I’m not busy. What’s up?” you asked.

“I’m falling behind in grading these papers for my TA job and I need a hand. Would you mind?”

“Sure…”

You stood up and made your way over to Steve’s room. The truth was, you were actually pretty tired from staying up late last night playing your favourite game Barbarians of Altron. The boss you faced was pretty tough so you and your guild fought hard until it was defeated. You really wanted to take a nap but you also thought this would be a great opportunity to spend some time with Steve.

“Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it,” he sheepishly smiled, handing you a stack of paper. “It’s pretty easy. All you have to do is follow the guide.”

You took your place next to Steve and set to work. At first, all that could be heard was the sound of shuffling paper and the scratching of pens. After a while, your thoughts got the better of you so you decided just to maybe get to know him a little better.

“How did you get so far behind? I know you’re the type of guy to get things done as soon as possible,” you pried.

“Oh, the boss battle went longer than I thought. Damn thing was hard to beat…” he sighed.

Some pieces started to fall into place in your mind.

“That wouldn’t happen to be the boss battle in Barbarians of Altron last night would it?”

“It was… how did you know?” he asked, feeling a little self-conscious.

“I was in the same one! I’m SheildMaiden94!”

“You’re ShieldMaiden94?! I’m TheNomad1914!”

“No way! Your strategies are legendary!” you beamed.

“Thanks! Although last night they weren’t working so well…”

“Oh, don’t worry about last night. That guy was a pain,” you assured him.

Steve grinned at you and continued working while he chatted while you did the same.

“So, how long have you been playing for?” you asked.

“Since high school. Bucky got me into it. He goes by WinterWolf_17. What about you?”

“Also, high school…”

The pair of you continued discussing your favourite battles and items while you graded and before you knew it, the task was completed.

“Thanks for all your help, Y/N. It really means a lot to me,” he smiled.

“You’re welcome. I look forward to the next raid,” you smiled back.

Steve grinned and escorted you back to your room. As you closed your door, you couldn’t help but smile. You had always admired your guildmate for his leadership skills and action in battle but knowing the man behind the character… felt like something was meant to be.

…

By the time winter came around, you and Steve had bonded over your love of Barbarians of Altron but that was only the start. You got to know more about one another. You told Steve that you had almost narrowed down your field of interest and you learned that Steve was taking a few art and history classes. He showed you some of his beautiful works from his life model studies.

Time had flown by so fast. Before you knew it, winter break had come. As much as you wanted to go home for the holidays, you just couldn’t afford to travel but you still called them to let them know how you were going. Most of your dormmates had gone home, except for Steve. He stayed behind to finish a project he was working on. Once you finished your phone-call, Steve came to check on you.

“Hey… how’s it going?” he gently asked, walking into your room after knocking.

“I’m okay… I just miss my family. This is my first time being away from them this time of year,” you sniffled, wiping away a few tears.

Steve came to sit next to you on your bed.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

You smiled softly at him and began telling him all about your family. Steve listened as you told him the traditions you would uphold and the antics certain family members would get into along with funny stories from years gone by and by the time you were finished, you were feeling a lot better.

“How about we go downstairs, make some hot chocolate and watch some classics?” Steve suggested.

That was how you spent that festive season; cuddled up to Steve watching holiday movies under a blanket and sipping hot chocolate. You felt so safe and warm in his arms.

…

After the holidays, you and Steve were closer than ever. Your conversations became deeper and more meaningful and every movie night, you would cuddle up together but it wasn’t until Valentine’s Day that things were made official. Steve had told you how much he admired female artists throughout history so before Valentine’s Day, you bought a book about them, covering everyone from Augusta Savage to Artemisia Gentileschi. Taking a deep breath in, you knocked on Steve’s door. He smiled and let you in.

“I’m so glad you came by,” he beamed.

“Well, I… I have something for you…”

You presented your neatly wrapped gift to him. Steve opened it, taking great care not to rip the paper and smiled when he saw the cover of the book.

“This is beautiful,” Steve marvelled, admiring the gorgeous artwork.

He smiled and flicked through a few pages before placing the book on his desk.

“I have something for you too,” he confessed, handing you his present.

You opened yours and were instantly in awe. It was a framed drawing of you and Steve as your characters for Barbarians of Altron, back-to-back and engaged in combat with some unknown enemy. You couldn’t help but smile at it.

“I love it, Steve. Thank you so much…”

“It… it’s not much… Y/N, I like you a lot and… well��� there’s a Frieda Kahlo exhibition happening in a gallery nearby and I was wondering if… you would like to go with me.”

“Like a date?”

“Yeah… That is, if you want it to be… I feel like we’ve gotten so close this term and I just… Am I misreading things?”

Steve was so cute when he was flustered. You decided to put him out of his misery and kissed his cheek.

“I’d love to go on a date with you, Steve,” you smiled.

Steve grinned and together, you worked out a time to go out.

…

The next night, you met up with Steve after Wanda and Nat helped you pick an outfit. Steve complemented you, making butterflies swarm in your stomach and held your hand as you headed to the gallery.

The exhibition was absolutely amazing. There were some of the artist’s works on display along with those of her husband, Diego Rivera, some of her beautiful dresses, photos and videos of the couple along with signs explaining the history of Mexico in Frieda’s time. The whole display was on loan to the gallery by a private collector. As you passed paintings, Steve went into detail about the brushstrokes, techniques and symbolism that went into a work of art. You weren’t entirely sure on everything he explained but you loved seeing the ways his face lit up when he was passionate about a subject.

After walking through the whole gallery, Steve bought you a Frieda inspired necklace made by a local artist at the gift shop before you grabbed dinner at a nearby café. As you ate, you discussed the exhibit and class life. Once you were finished, you walked back to the dorm.

“Thanks for taking out, tonight, Steve. I had a lot of fun,” you smiled.

“I’m glad,” he smiled back. “I was hoping I could take you out more… as my girlfriend that is…”

You crashed your lips against Steve’s. He was caught off guard at first but slowly kissed back. You could feel the love and passion in the kiss and when you pulled away to breathe, you both had dreamy smiles.

“I would love to be your girlfriend.”

Steve smiled and kissed you again, unaware you were being watched by your friends inside. Of course, they would give you a bit of a hard time but they were so happy you were finally together. You couldn’t wait to start the next stage of your college life with this wonderful, kind man who stole your heart from day one.

[thesugarclubs-blog]

Mirror Mirror - AU Bucky Barnes x OC

warnings: reverse snow white au, fairytale au, snow white Bucky & princess OC, pure fluff

word count: 9k

WP: https://www.wattpad.com/1381215967-mirror-mirror-florence

Masterlist

Once upon a time, in a kingdom far far away, nestled deep within the tall evergreen trees sat a small stone cottage.The roof was made of wood and straw with a garden of wild flowers lining the dirt pathway heading towards a large wooden front door. White smoke billowed from the chimney and the smell of fresh apple pie wafted through the forest with the faint sound whistling. 

A man spun by the open window, singing softly to himself as he moved the broom over the grey stone floor. James smiled softly as a small chickadee landed on his shoulder and whistled along with him. 

“Do you mind? I have to finish sweeping while dinner rests! The boys will be home from work soon,” he commented, using one hand to take the small bird onto his finger and set him onto the window sill. 

With a small shake of his head, James balanced the broom on his shoulder in order to scoop his long dark hair into a bun that rested on the back of his neck. He wiped the sweat from his forehead with the edge of his white tunic and moved over the dark ceramic pot hung over a smoldering fire. 

Looking into the pot James checked to make sure the stew was simmering nicely. Taking the long wooden spoon that rested to the side of the pot he stirred the stew around to make sure that none of it got stuck to the bottom and got burned. Taking out a little spoon from the pocket of his tunic James took a taste of the stew.

“Hmmm. Just perfect, I think it will be finished just in time for them when they come home” James smiled, turning to smile at the bird that was still resting on the window sill. It chirped in response.

"No," James shook his head, "there's enough salt this time."

The bird stomped on the sill, trilling into the air. 

"That's nonsense," he rolled his eyes and tasted the stew again, keeping his eyes on the bird who watched him. A long mocking birdsong filling the air as James brows pinched together. "Okay, it needs a little more salt."

The bird chirped again. “I know, I know.” James sighed, “You were right. I was wrong.” James agreed to his little friend in defeat as he turned around to place eight little bowls onto the big wooden table. 

As if he could tell, he heard his friends arguing from a distance.

Their familiar voices and playful bickering were unmistakable, and it brought a warm smile to James's face. It was a comforting sound, a testament to the strong bond they all shared–

“I can’t believe you ruined my favorite dungaree,” the door suddenly swung open, startling both James and the small bird who, huffing and puffing, flew out. “Your damn giant hands, Steven!” 

“C’mon, Tony! Don’t be dramatic, it’s not like I did it on purpose!”

"It might as well have been! Why did you pull me back so hard?" Tony whined.

James saw Sam hold back a laugh at his brothers' argument as they all slowly trickled in, to which James shot him a playful glare. 

"The rocks would have fallen over your giant head, otherwise!" Steve huffed in annoyance. He always meant well but his brother was not able to always see reason. Tony was as stubborn as the rocks of the mines they dug.

"Oh my god, will you two shut up? We get it," Clint rolled his eyes as he dropped his sack to the ground and moved around his bickering family. 

Sam strolled over to the fire, lifting the lid of the stew and took in a big whiff, "Leave them alone, they're always like this when they're hungry," 

James smacked the wooden spoon onto the back of his brothers and shook his head, "All of you go wash up first and then we can eat" 

The chaos that ensued everytime the family got home was one of James' favourite moments of his day. Sure, the quiet cottage was nice during the day when he needed to get things done but eventually it grew too quiet around him. Thoughts of the nights he'd spent alone in the forest before they took him in crept in from the edges of his mind but once his boys were safe at home, those memories disappeared once more, allowing a soft smile to tug at the edges of his lips.

A throat cleared behind him and he looked down to find Thor standing there, his hands hidden behind his back and a knowing smile on his face. 

“Found another one for you,” he rumbled from beneath his thick blond beard and brought his clenched fist forwards.

James held out his hand and Thor deposited the heavy crystal into his palm. James almost squealed with excitement and leaned over to wrap his arms around Thor’s stout frame.

“Thank you Thor!” He breathed excitedly and hurried over to the window.

Finding a place on the frame for the clear crystal, James sighed happily as the sunlight refracted through it, casting rainbows across the opposite wall of the cottage.

Chairs scraped across James’ freshly cleaned floors as the seven of them finished washing up. They settled at the table, leaving the seat at the top for James. 

“This looks delicious,” Steve beamed, as James set down a steaming loaf of bread in the center and turned back to the stove to dish up more stew. 

“You think everything looks delicious, Steve,” Clint grunted, rolling his eyes. 

“Because it does, James is an excellent cook!” 

James grinned in thanks across the table where he was setting down a bowl in front of Natasha, her cheek smushed into her hand as her eyelids drooped. Tony nudged her gently with his elbow. 

“Look alive, Nat.” 

Nat shook her head quickly, swatting her hand out at Tony. “I’m awake, I was just resting my eyes a little. “The stew looks delicious as always. James,” Nat yawned as she leaned across the table and grabbed the knife by the bread and cut off a slice. 

“Can we please eat… I’m really hungry” Loki said, playing with his spoon looking down at his bowl of stew with a longing look in his eye.

"Go on then," James winked at him, knowing that if he didn't give the okay Loki would sit pouting. 

They all dug in without hesitation, the sounds of spoons scraping bowls and the soft satisfied moans filling the cottage. 

"Breathe Thor," Steve warned, as Thor inhaled his stew in four disgusting bites. "There's always more!"

“It’s so good, though!”, Thor said, his mouth full with stew. “I could bathe in this food.” 

“That’s disgusting.” Clint looked annoyed to his left, where Thor was seated with a big smile and remains of stew on his face.

“Language!” Steve pointed his finger at Clint happily. 

“That’s actually not a bad word, Steve.” James leaned in and whispered into Steve's ear.

“Oh,” he responded a little embarrassed but continued eating

With their bellies full and the cozy cottage illuminated by the soft glow of candles, the family's evening continued in a familiar rhythm. After dinner, they gathered around the hearth, where the flames crackled and danced in the stone fireplace.

James began to tell one of his incredible tales, weaving a world of knights and magical creatures, some forged from fantastic metal. He recited the story of heroes battling incredible evil as all seven brothers found themselves captured by the grand gestures of his wrists, the dramatic flair in his voice and even Nat that night took her time trailing off on her usual spot on the armchair.

As the night wore on, and the firelight flickered, they all felt the deep contentment that came from being surrounded by the love of family and the magic of their kingdom far, far away. The enchanting forest whispered its secrets in the moonlit night, a silent witness to their cherished moments, a testament to the extraordinary life they had created together.

***

The forest was peaceful and serene, the warmth of the morning light shining through the trees and bathed the path in an emerald-tinged glow. It was exactly what Florence needed.

Clicking her tongue and tugging on the reins, she urged her horse, Alpine, deeper into the verdant greenwood. She breathed deeply once, and then again, letting the tension drain from her shoulders. Long had she yearned to escape the confines of the castle and the burden of royal life.

She tilted her head slightly as a sound filtered through the trees, one she would not have expected to hear. A deep, resonant voice carried a melody so sweet it piqued her curiosity and, tugging on Alpine’s reigns once more, she guided her noble steed in the direction of the alluring voice.

As she ducked beneath branches, traveling further into the blanket of green, the voice grew louder, stronger with each note. 

Shielding her eyes from the sun as she came to a small clearing, Florence searched the area until she found the source of the voice. Crouched beside a hedgerow, plucking berries with careful thought, was quite possibly the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen. 

His dark hair glistened in the sun, loose and draping across one shoulder, giving her a glorious view of his stubbled cheek and sharp jaw. 

Florence slowed Alpine, staying hidden a little behind the trunk of an old oak as she watched the man work, filling a wicker basket by his feet.

She watched him picking through as he bent over searching through the grass and occasionally pulling something out and placing it into the wicker basket. He continued to sing as he worked. The birds in the trees seemed to know the tune that he was singing and began to join in. Soon the branches were filled with birds chirping along. 

Florence watched in amazement as she saw a rabbit hop into the clearing getting slowly closer to the man. The man noticed the rabbit and slowly held out his hand. 

“Why hello there. How are you doing today?” he asked as the rabbit came up and sniffed his hand.

A smile played on her lips, the grown man was barely contained beneath a white tunic and dark blue vest. His yellow trousers strained about his thighs in protest to his knelt position and his dark hair pushed back by a thick red ribbon. 

"Would you like to share?" He asked the rabbit, who seemed to curl into his touch.

The small rabbit seemed to respond to his words, moving towards the basket and plucking out a few of the berries that sat nestled into the whicker, pulling another soft chuckle from the mans plump lips. 

"Not to many," she heard him say, shooing the small creature lightly, "These have to make pies for the boys and you know how they can eat" 

The boys Florence thought, tilting her head to the side. Were there more mysteriously good looking men trasping around this far into the forest? Maybe that had been her problem. Only being presented to men in the kingdom instead of looking farther out. Not that she herself has been looking, but her father always made it seem like she needed someone to take care of her. 

Urging Alpine slowly forward, the dark haired princess made her way out into the grass, clearing her throat softly so as to not startle the man before her, "Hey!" Florence called, "what are you doing out here?" she asked, curiously.

The man looked up sharply and the little gray rabbit darted in between his feet, peering around one of his shapely calves with a curious expression, it’s whiskers twitching nervously.

“It’s alright, Rocket. I’m sure this lady means no harm,” the man reassured, although he eyed the sword fastened to Florence’s hip with no small amount of suspicion.

“I am simply collecting berries and plums, Lady. They make the best pies and my family does tend to need a lot of feeding,” he replied, his voice rumbling deliciously through the clearing.

"You live in the woods, you and your family?" Florence asked, tilting her head curiously. The man nods, eying her with a wary gaze still despite his soft, confident words to the creature at his feet. 

"Yes, a little cottage not far from here. My family, brothers and sister, they work down at the mine."

Florence nodded, a gentle smile on her lips, as she studied the man. There was no denying she wanted to know more about him, to learn what else made his blue eyes shine the way they did as he spoke to the rabbit. 

"What's your name?" 

"You ask a lot of questions," the man replied, his tone teasing as he stood to his feet, "why should I tell you?"

“Well normally when someone asks you your name the polite thing to do is to tell them.  At least that’s what I’ve been taught” Florence responds stepping a little further into the clearing. Alpine followed closely behind her lightly nudging her shoulder.

The man chuckled a little and smiled, the smile reaching his eyes and his nose scrunching up a bit.

Florence couldn't help but smile at his own. 

"I tell you what," he leaned down to pick up the basket of berries and folded his hands over the handle as he squared his shoulders, "I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours." 

It was then she noticed how broad he was. His shoulders were wide with arms that would put any other woodsman to shame. The front of his tunic seemed to strain over his chest as he stood watching her with curious lake blue eyes. Alpine huffed behind her, nudging his nose into her back forcing a soft chuckle to leave her lips. 

"I suppose that seems fair." She smiled, "you first." 

The man tilted his head back and laughed, "I may have been raised in the woods, but I'm not a complete fool. Ladies first," he waved his hand out in front of him, gesturing for her to go. 

"A baker and a gentleman," she quirked a brow. 

"I do more than bake Sunshine." He grinned cheekily.

Florence tried to bite back the smirk that tugged at her lips, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms over her chest, "Down boy," she cocked her eyebrow, "I'm Florence. Your turn." 

"Florence" the man repeated, tilting his head to the side, his blue eyes scanning over her features, "I'm James, but my family calls me Bucky"

The small rabbit appeared once more, tapping it's small paw onto James' leg, causing him to glance down and huff, "And this is Rocket"

Florence beamed even wider and crouched down, holding her hand out and rubbing her fingers together.

“Greetings Rocket, it’s an honor to meet such a fine looking rabbit as yourself.”

The rabbit hopped  over to Florence’s outstretched hand and touched his little nose tentatively to the tips of her fingers. 

A huff from behind her elicited a chuckle from James and she looked up to see him leaning over and whispering in Alpine’s ear whilst stroking a large yet gentle hand down the horse’s neck. 

“I apologize,” she began. “This is…”

“Alpine, yes, I know. And apparently you two haven’t eaten since dawn.” James raised an amused eyebrow at her dumbfounded expression.

“Well, it seems you’re already acquainted with my hungry friend.”

Alpine huffed again, head butting gently against James’ hand. 

“Yes, yes. I’m getting there,” he laughed. “Florence, would you be so kind as to join me for lunch?” 

Florence met James’ gaze, a smile spreading across her lips. She was sure she was taught something about strangers as a child but when one was as endearing and handsome as James, well… 

“That depends,” she replied, “will I get to taste this delicious sounding pie you’re going to make?”

James grinned at her in response. “Of course” he said 

“Our cottage is just through the trees back here. My family are down the mines at the moment, but they will be back soon for some food. They are a bit of a rowdy bunch just letting you know.” James said turning around and walking across the clearing with rocket hopping along beside him. 

Before Florence could respond Alpine began to follow behind James with a slight spring in his step. It hit Florence then what James had known her horse’s name and that they hadn’t eaten sine dawn.

“Wait… can you actually talk to animals!?” She called racing to catch up with James. “Like understand what they are saying?”

“Yeah…you can’t?” James asked, a frown forming on his face that turned into a light grin. Even though he was being sarcastic, Florence had to admit that his smile was addicting. 

“How?” Now she was the one smiling as she caught up with James, Alpine, and Rocket. 

James shrugged in response, “I don’t know, actually. I like to believe it’s a gift. I feel some kind of trust between us like I have a special bond with animals. It’s hard to explain.” 

Florence nodded as she understood. “So you are a crazy person?” she said, making James stop. He looked at her like she said something wrong, but then he burst out into laughter.

"Crazy about sweet berries maybe," He smiled at her, running his hand along Alpine's neck, "but mostly sane in every other way." 

"Mostly?" 

James smirked, "I live with seven siblings, would you be completely sane?" 

Florence's eyes bugged wide, "Seven!? How do you get anything done?" 

"They spend most of their days down at the mines, gives me some quiet time during the daylight." James said with a beaming smile, "It's my responsibility to take care of them and there's a great pride in growing and cooking delicious food for the ones you care for."

“That’s a nice sentiment, how you care for your family,” Florence could see how much he loved his family with all his being. That love radiated from him every time he mentioned his family. 

They fell into a lovely silence as they walked towards his home. Her stomach grumbling loudly enough for it to be heard across the forest.

“Hungry?” James says laughing at her and her stomach. “Luckily for you, we’re here.”

As the small stone cottage came into view, Florence allowed herself to pause and take in the scene before her. The contrast between her palace and the house nested in the trees before her took her back just for a moment. A sense of peace and comfort washed over her and a small smile found its way onto her lips. 

"So eight of you live here?" She questioned, following James' lead up the pathway. 

James hummed and nodded, chuckling lightly, "It's a bit tight but we make it work. Honestly, there's no other place I'd rather be" 

Florence took in a small breath of the fresh pine air, and hooked Alpines reins over the wooden hitching post that sat to the left of the front door. Aside from the woodland creatures, she found herself wondering if they had many visitors or horses hidden somewhere. Maybe it was a habit of his bringing women he met in the woods back to his cottage, claiming he had pie and a deep love for his family. 

"It's cozy and sweet," she smiled once more, following him through the lard wooden door.

The main room of the cottage was a refreshingly cool contrast against the heat of the morning sun and Florence sighed deeply. It smelled of pine, soap, and…home.

There was a large wooden table with eight chairs around it, right easy chairs surrounded a large stone hearth, and a wooden staircase led up to what Florence assumed was a second floor.

She gasped in delight at the twinkling rainbows that were cast across the back wall of the room and she found herself lifting her arms and twirling slowly around. Laughing in delight as the spectrums danced across her skin she halted as Alpine let out a deep whinny.

“Don’t be mean, Alpine,” James admonished quietly. “Everyone needs moments of joy in their life.”

He quieted the rambunctious horse by reaching over to the vegetable bin and pulling out a carrot. He offered it to an eager Alpine, who snapped it up with a huff of thanks.

"Yes, Alpine, don't be mean," Florence repeated, coming to a halt and standing with her hands on her hips. She heard James chuckle softly behind her and flashed him a beaming smile over her shoulder. 

"Make yourself at home," James offered, gesturing to a cosy looking armchair in the corner. It looked well-loved, like the rest of the cottage, rough around the edges but so well cared for. 

Florence made a beeline for the seat, sinking into the soft cushion as she watched James separate and wash the freshly picked fruit.

He moved through the small cooking area gracefully, like he'd danced his way through it a million times before and she got the feeling that he probably had. Every once in a while those blue eyes glanced up at her with a soft smile when he found she was watching and it only spread the soft thrum of butterflies in her chest throughout her limbs. 

"I don't see many women ride through these woods alone," he blurted after a few moments, "matter of fact, I don't see any women ride through these woods." 

Florence smiled, "So there's no secret lair teeming with damsels in distress you've saved?" 

James huffed out a laugh and shook his head as he moved on to inspecting a batch of plums, "Even if there was, you think I'd give away my secrets?" 

"Crazy and possibly murderous," She grinned, "I've hit gold with you."

She could see the faintest blush spread across his cheeks and beneath his stubble at her remark.

"I don't know 'bout gold, but I'd like to believe that I'm good company," he told her with a hint of shyness in his tone. She watched as he put together a plate of berries and plums and turned to walk in her direction and extended it to her.

"At least before I lure you to my secret lair, m'lady," he ended with a mischievous smirk and a wink thrown her way.

Florence couldn't help the huff of  delighted laughter that left her at that, relishing in the light feeling filling her as she shared a light banter with James. Even more so when he laughed sweetly along with her with a red tinge still tinting his cheeks. 

“Oh, so this isn’t your secret lair, then?” Florence couldn’t help going along with this playful banter. She didn’t really believe that a person like him, that had the ability to speak with animals, would do something bad to her. Unless, you know, he used said ability to ask the animals to be part of his craziness and lure damsels in distress to his lair. 

“Now, why would I lead a lady into this cozy cottage where my family lives only to murder her?” James had a twinkle in his eyes while he said that.

With a light chuckle, Florence shrugged and shook her head, "I'm note sure, you're the criminal mastermind here, not me" she joked, popping a berry into her mouth. 

James' laugh echoed out through the cottage as he moved back through the kitchen to assemble the pie he kept bragging about. Silence fell over them once more, her hazel eyes watched him worked, taking note of a small red cardinal that sat perched in the window. 

"She's just a guest," she heard him mutter before the bird chirped back at him, "you can go now, Redwing," he muttered once more, moving his gaze over towards her as drifting sunlight caught his ocean blue eyes.

“Where do you hail from, Florence?” James asked, breaking her out of her reverie.

“I, umm, I live on the far edge of the forest,” she replied hesitantly, and James’ eyes narrowed slightly before he smiled at her once more.

“Then you must definitely be hungry, having traveled so far,” he said, and with a courtly swoop, placed a plate before her piled with bread, cheese and some of the berries.  “We’ll have to wit a little longer for the pie,” he admitted, although the enticing scents of warm berries and sweet pastry were already creeping through the cottage.

“Thank you,” she said, gratefully, and pushed the plate between them in an offer to share.

She took some of the bread and placed a piece of cheese on top of it. Taking a bite she sighed. “Hmmm, this bread is amazing. Probably some of the best I’ve ever had. Did you also bake this?” She asked, taking another bite of the food. The bread was light and fluffy and the crust had a satisfying crunch to it. 

“Thank you, yes I also baked the bread. Since we live quite deep in the forrest I make a lot of our food. We rarely head to any of the surrounding villages… when we do it’s mainly for delivering what my brothers and sister collect from the mines. I mostly stay here though” James said, taking a seat across from her and picking up a plum from the plate and taking bite out of it.

"What were you doing so deep in the forest anyway?" He questioned, as he examined the purple fruit in his hand. 

With a soft hum, Florence shrugged unsure on how to actually answer that question without giving away her status. The truth was she wasn't built for the life her father wanted for her. She wanted to do more than sit around and look pretty when she knew the kingdom across the dark forest was suffering. The king would tell her how dangerous it was in the woods and how that kingdom had fallen under evil rule when the prince disappeared, yet still, deep within herself, Florence knew there had to be a way for her to fix it. 

She sucked in a deep breath and shook her head once, realizing she had been lost in thought, " I just went out for a morning ride. Alpine needed to stretch his legs and riding around our village wasn't really cutting it, so we went a little farther than expected but it seems to have worked out for us," she smiled, taking another bite of the bread.

“I think not just for you,” James said, a soft blush painting his cheeks.

They stared at each other a moment before James cleared his throat and looked bashfully away.

“I…I need to check the pie,” he stammered, rising from the table and heading over to the oven as he wrapped a cloth around his hand for protection.

When he opened the door a waft of spiced heat filled the room and even Alpibne whickered from his place at the window.

“Be patient, big fella,” James laughed.  “It’s still too hot, even for you.”

Florence watched in admiration as James placed the large pie dish on the table and cut two slices and then a third small sliver, which he put onto plates.  He collected an earthenware jug from which he poured a generous helping of cream over the two lives and then set the third plate at the window.

“Blow on it first,” he instructed and Alpine did so, huffing on his little treat so dramatically that Florence feared he would blow it clean off the plate.

At a nod from James, the horse snaffled down the pie and James then joined Florence at the table, still chuckling at the horse’s antics.  He slid one plate in front of Florence and then handed her a spoon.  She took a generous scoop, making sure to blow on the steaming mouthful although not quite as dramatically as Alpine and then placed it in her mouth.

She took a bite and let out a satisfied moan. “Oh my… this pie is amazing” she said before digging back into the pie.  She heard James chuckle as he watched her eat her slice of pie. 

“So what about you? Where are you and your family from or have you always lived in the woods?” She asked looking up at him after eating a good portion of her slice. She noticed how he stilled at her question before slowly putting his spoon down his eyes darting to look out the window.

“I-”. James sighed, “I’m sure you don’t want to hear that.” He slowly shook his head and looked down at the wooden floor.

“I do,” Florence said, slowly taking James’ hand into hers. She didn’t want to overstep a line, but she could also feel that James needed some sort of comfort.

“Okay,” he smiled softly. “I was younger when I came here. I don’t know much about that night it all happened, but…one day, a man brought me into the woods. We walked until the sun had set. I didn’t know who sent him, and at that time, I didn’t know why, but the older I got, I knew his purpose. He was out here to end my life.” James paused before he continued, “He couldn’t do it, so he left me to die in the woods. I survived day and night before finding this little cottage. At first, I thought it was an old empty house, but then I met these six boys and one girl, and it almost felt like all of this happened for a reason. Because if that man hadn’t let me live, I wouldn’t have found my family.” He smiled as he looked around the cottage, his eyes stopping at the eight chairs around the kitchen table.

“Oh, James,” Florence mumbled. She didn’t know what to say other than ‘I’m sorry’ but those words cannot convey anything other than emptiness. Because how do you express that you are sorry that the person didn’t die-that they survived- a situation like that? 

“It’s okay,” James whispered, as if knowing what she wanted to say.

“Do you know who sent that man? Florence asks with determination in her voice, as if she might go this instant and punish the person that tried to take away a soul as pure as his.

James looks away from her, but she catches the sadness in his eyes. It’s a sadness so deep that it tugged at her heart, “I don’t know. It’s heartbreaking to think that there is a person out there that has the type of hatred to want another person to just take away like that.” 

Florence knew he was struggling to come to terms with that because this man, who clearly is the most fairest person she has ever encountered, has lived through unimaginable things and, despite everything, still wants to believe that there is still some goodness in this world.

A comfortable silence fell through the cabin as the two of them sat there, in the confessions. The afternoon sun brought a certain glow through the crystal and illuminated everything in it's path. James' company mixed with the fresh pine air drifting in with the breeze was a new experience for Florence. She could stay in this moment, in this place forever if she was given the option. To not have to return to the confinds of the palace walls was secretly what she'd wanted for a long time. 

Florence cleared her throat and moved to stand up, catching the orange glow in her hazel eyes as the sinking sun brought her attention to how late it had gotten. "I should go," she said quickly, bringing her plate into the kitchen. 

James followed her movements, and grabbed her hand lightly before she could make it out the door, "Wait, will I see you again?" 

With a small sigh and a soft smile, she looked up to meet his eyes as she nodded, "Tomorrow. In the clearing we met in this morning," 

The man nodded in response and brought the back of her hand up to his lips, kissing it gently, "Tomorrow it is," 

With that, Florence made her way out to Alpine and untied his reins, mounting him quickly. She glanced back at the handsome man leaning in the doorway of the stone cottage before kicking Alpine into a gallop through the trees on their way back to the palace.

The next morning Florence rushed out of the great hall and down to the kitchens with her mouth still stuffed full of bread.  She threw some food and a ceramic bottle of ale into a sack and almost ran to the stables.

“Woah there, Princess, where are you going in such a hurry?” The Head Steward asked as she nearly ran him down.

“Iiiiiit’s such a nice day I thought I’d take Alpine for a ride,” she squeaked breathlessly, bouncing impatiently on her heels.

“You have duties to attend to, your Highness,” he admonished, but the Princess pretended not to hear him as she bolted off.

She felt a little guilty for pushing Alpine as hard as she did in her eagerness to reach the clearing where she had met James the day before.  She knew she was early but there was still a pang of disappointment when she arrived and James was nowhere to be seen.  There was a little red bird however, who looked remarkably like the one she’d seen the day before.  Feeling a little foolish she cocked her head and spoke.

“Redwing?” She asked and almost laughed in relief when the bird twittered and hopped over to her.

“Hi, hello, I, ummmm, I don’t know if you remember me from yesterday but I’ve come to see James.  Is he around?”

The bird looked at her and tilted its head this way and that but made no response.

“You know, James?  Tall, blue eyes, sings, bakes? Ummm, oh, he said his family called him Bucky?”

At the last the bird let out a series of whistles, bobbed up and down a few times, before taking off in what Florence thought she remembered as the way to the cottage.  It wasn’t long before she heard footsteps and a melodious humming hurrying along the path.

James looked up at the sound of her approaching, the brightest smile blooming across his face, eyes glistening in the sun.

“There you are!” He called cheerily, tucking the handle of his basket into the crook of his elbow. “I was starting to think you weren’t going to show.” 

His words were laced with a chuckle and he bound towards her as Florence stepped forward to meet him. 

“What delights have you been picking today?” She asked, peering into his basket. 

“I noticed there are boysenberries growing on the bramble through the clearing,” James explained, “I was just about to finish up with this hedgerow of raspberries before you arrived.” 

James offered up the basket and Florence plucked a raspberry from the wicker, popping it into her mouth with a delighted hum. 

“Well, I would love to help,” she replied softly, “I don’t forage much but it seems like a lovely way to spend the afternoon.”

“I’ll show you how to find the best berries then. Just follow me” he smiled leading the way down a narrow path that was lined with boysenberry bushes. 

“So what you need to do is look for the berries that are dark purple and fall right into your hand when you gently tug at them. I always pick from the middle branches of the bush because the top branches are for the birds and the bottom branches are for the rabbits. And I always make sure to leave enough for any other animals that might come by.” James smiled at her showing extremely how to pluck the most scrumptious berries.

“That’s very thoughtful of you. I don’t think anyone would think about leaving some for the animals,” she said with a hint of wonder in her voice, while plucking the berries just as James taught her. 

It felt natural to do this with him, something that she could see herself doing for a long time to come. 

Out of the corner of her eye, she can see James sneaking some berries into his mouth. James catches her looking at him savoring the delightful flavor of the berries and chuckles, “Do you want to try them? They’re good, I swear.”

“Don’t mind if I do, kind sir,” Florence picked up some berries from the basket and popped one into her mouth. Relishing the flavor of the berry, she goes to pick up more from the basket when the basket is suddenly taken away from her. 

“Woah, there. Don’t eat all of them now. Leave some for later!” James chuckled.

Florence laughed and tossed another berry in her mouth with a playful smirk, "I can't help it! You introduced me to these," she commented, earning her another deep chuckle from James. 

"Go try the bushes over there, I've got these ones," He pointed to a space a few feet away from where they were standing. 

Her smile remained on her lips as she nodded, taking one of his spare baskets and heading to where he told her. There was something about his presence that brought a certain feeling of peace and happiness to her soul. She was beginning to understand what it felt like to have someone genuine in her life. 

It was nice, picking berries in silence. Doing some manual labor and taking her day into her own hands instead of strolls through the garden or sitting in the throne room for meetings. The quiet chatter of James' voice drifted through the breeze and floated through her ears. For the amount of animals that were around and who James liked to speak too, it didn't even cross her mind to look over and see what it was. There was a higher pitched second voice that softly mixed with it, but Florence assumed she was either going fully crazy or it was a mockingbird playing off a conversation it had heard. 

"Hey look at this!" James called, pulling over her attention to a rip purple plum that flew through the air as he tossed it and caught it again in his fingers. 

Florence hummed and her eyebrows kissed together, "I didn't know there were plum trees around this clearing?" 

"There's not! Some nice woman gave it to me," He smiled sweetly.

“Nice woman?  What nice woman?” Florence asked with suspicion, having never seen another soul in these woods before, not even James.

“She seemed like a nice old lady,” he shrugged, tossing the plum into the air once more.  “I mean, she only found one plum and she gave it to me because she said I looked like the kind of person who would appreciate it.  I gave her some boysenberries in return!” He protested, as if Florence would think *he* was the one taking advantage.

“James, I don’t think you should eat that,” she said carefully, making her way across the clearing towards him.

“I don’t see why not,” he countered.  “It looks so ripe and juicy and…” his voice tailed off as he looked at the plum.  

His eyes grew wider, seeming to glow with an eerie hue, and he stared at the plum as if mesmerised.  He ran his tongue over his bottom lip and began to bring the plum towards his mouth.  Florence felt as if she were wading through molasses as she tired to reach him.

“No, James, don’t-“ 

It was too late.  James brought the plum to his lips and took a large bite.  Florence watched as his lips curved up into a satisfied smile and a rivulet of juice made its way down his scruff-covered chin.  His eyes crinkled in delight then they widened in surprise.

Florence could do nothing as James’ jaw fell slack and his arm dropped to his side, lax fingers spilling the plum from his hand.  His knees buckled and he collapsed to the ground, his eyes rolling back in his head before closing.  The plum rolled insidiously across the space between them and knocked against Florence’s foot before she finally freed herself from the thrall she was under and launched herself across the clearing towards the fallen man she had come to care for so much.

"James? James!" Florence panicked, heart thudding hard against her ribcage as she fell to her knees beside him. "Please, please. James, can you hear me?" 

She brushed her fingers delicately over his cheek, sweeping tendrils of chestnut hair from his face. Timed seemed to slow as she sat beside him in the grass, covering James with gentle touches and murmuring softly in an attempt to rouse him. She didn't know how long it had been before she heard a rustle, the thump of tiny feet on solid ground and she looked up to see Rocket, snuffling around the plum. 

"Oh, Rocket, no! Don't touch that!" She cried, and the small rabbit peered up at her, nose twitching as he made a small timid sound at the sight of his friend sprawled out on the ground. He hopped over, burrowing in close to James' side. "I'm so sorry, Rocket, the plum -- it must have been poisoned. Do- do you know the way to his cottage? Maybe his family could help?"

The small rabbit seemed to nod his head at Florence in understanding. “Perfect, now all I have to do is figure out how to get him there.” Florence said standing back up. Alpine came up behind her and nudged at James’s side then looked over at Florence. The horse then knelt down and rested on the forrest floor next to James and turned his head to her. 

“Alright Alpine, let’s see if we can make this work” she said grabbing James under the shoulders and slowly lifted him up and draped him over her horse. Once she was sure he was on properly she stood back up and Alpine followed suit. Taking hold of Alpines’ reins in one hand and holding James in place with the other she looked down at Rocket.

“Ok, Rocket lead the way” she said and the rabbit began to hop into the forrest. Florence followed quickly behind hopping that someone would be at the cottage when she got there. Rocket seemed to understand the urgency of the situation because the little rabbit was moving fast through the wood. It was not long before the cottage came into view and she could hear people talking from inside.

The closer she got to the house, the more scared she became because, what would she tell them? 

She didn't want them to think badly of her. From how he spoke of his family, they mean the world to him and she had hoped to meet them under better circumstances. Becaise she knew, deep down, that James had come to matter to her far more than she could have expected in the short span of time they had known each other.

With her heart in her throat, she came to a stop in front if the cottage door and knocked once. The chatter inside immediately stopped and steps thuded on the floor before opening the door.

"Hello– oh I'm sorry.." her voice trailed off as she saw who opened the door. A dwarf. Much shorter than she'd expected given James stature, small in size with kind eyes starring at her expectantly before drifting off behind her and widening comically at the man laying on her horse' back. 

"James! What's happend to him?" He rushed out the door to his brother before the sound of many more steps came barreling down the door at his raising voice.

"What have you done to him?!" He shouted angrily at Florence, making her both frightened to respond but angry with how she was being treated.

"Nothing! It wasn't me!!" Florence tried to assure them men before her, with slight frustration in her voice, "we were berry picking and James said this nice old woman gave him a plum! I tried to tell him not to eat it but he went into this trance and then he just, collapsed." 

His family moved around Alpine and managed to get James down, carrying him with the seven of them into the small cottage. Florence wasn't sure if she should follow them or if they still assumed it was her fault. Maybe it had been. The ominous red glow in the middle of the plum should have made her work harder to stop him from taking a bite. Or maybe she should have just looked over when she heard him talking and she would have seen who it was. There had to have been something she missed.

"James!" The blonde man called, kneeling down beside his brother and putting his ear close to his face, "he's breathing," he assured his siblings before glancing up at the doorway where Florence now stood, "what did this woman look like?" 

"I - I don't know, I just heard him talking to someone, but I thought it was one of his creatures so I didn't think to look," Florence breathed, pulling her lip between her teeth and looking down at the concrete floor, "But I did see a flash of red hair when she walked away," she pointed out. 

The redhead female looked at her brothers, "Wanda. We should have known she'd find him one day. But he should have been more careful,"

“We told him again and again about talking to strangers,” a shorter, blond-haired, dwarf grumbled, casting a disparaging eye over Florence.

“Easy Clint, she brought him back to us. She didn’t need to do that,” the first dwarf replied, stroking a hand through James’ hair.

“Who is Wanda?” Florence asked, subconsciously clutching at the hilt of her sword in a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by the seven dwarves before her.

“You’re up Steve,” Clint grumbled, folding his arms in a huff as the dwarf that held James cleared his throat.

“Wanda is James’ step-mother. She married his father when James was but a babe and, as he grew, she became convinced that he would take the crown from her.”

“She’s achoo a witch!”

“Aye Tony, I was getting to that,” Steve said, offering his brother his handkerchief.

“She knows that as long as James lives then her power will weaken. When he was but a boy she commanded her huntsman to bring him into the forest and take his heart!”

“That’s horrendous!” Florence exclaimed, her hand reaching out to cup James’ cheek, a gesture not lost on any of his found siblings.

“The huntsman took one look at him and couldn’t go through with it. He abandoned James in the forest knowing we would find him and take him in,” Steve finished.

“But now she’s found him and tried to finish the job!” Another, dark-haired, brother cried.

Florence couldn’t stop the tears that tracked down her cheeks.

Never had her heart ached so much for someone. She glanced down at James, serene and soft in his sleep-like state. Florence didn’t understand how this had happened to someone like him, James was so kind and gentle, how anyone could try to harm him the way the— 

“Wait, did you say crown? He’s… he’s royalty?” 

Tony nodded, “his father was the king. James should have been next in line to the throne if Wanda hadn’t… well, you heard the story.”

Florence could do nothing but stare at them all, shocked by this new revelation. 

The silence was broken by a soft trill sounded from the windowsill, and Florence turned to see Redwing, perched on the wood with several other birds. Behind them, a doe and her fawn peered into the cottage, while Rocket sat solemnly in the doorway. 

“They care about him,” Florence whispered, “he made a life for himself out here.”

“We all care about him,” James’ sister stepped forward, a yawn stretching out her words, “he’s our brother.” 

Florence nodded, steadfast as she swept the last of her drying tears from her cheeks. There had to be a way to wake James, surely.

Florence looked from James’s family gathered around him where they laid him on the table to the assortment of animals all peering in to see their friend and back to James. The story his family just told him sinking in… James was the missing Prince from the Kingdom from the other side of the forest. Hadn’t she just been thinking that there was a way that she could fix that? Somehow, whether it be fate or destiny or her horse she had stumbled on said Prince. 

Looking down at James who seemed to be in a deep sleep she took a deep breath. “There has to be something that we can do. There is always a way to reverse magic… maybe, if I ride back to the palace I can bring back our healer. He knows some magic… maybe he can help” Florence said looking back to his family.

“Palace achoo you live in a palace?”  The one called Tony asked 

“Yes… My father is the King of the Kingdom on the other side of the forest. And if James is really the Prince from the other Kingdom then it is our duty to help save him. His Kingdom has diminished since he disappeared. I’ll go right away” Florence replied about to head out the door, but before she felt she turned back around to James and knelt over him.

“I’ll ride as fast as I can James, I promise” she whispered in his ear before placing a soft kiss on his lips. She stood back up and headed back towards the front door his family stepping to the side to let her through all watching her silently.

Her heart felt heavy in her chest as she went to climb atop her horse, the family and the animal's hopeful gazes following her every step.

Florence didn't know for sure if her family's healer could help James, the Queen's sorcery being much more powerful and darker than anything they'd ever heard of. 

It was fueled by hatred and greed.

She couldn't imagine anyone wanting to hurt people– especially James, so willingly. 

He was the last person she'd ever wish harm to. So sweet and kind and caring. And selfishly, from the moment of brief contact their lips had moments ago, his lips so soft and plump under her own. She wished to have the opportunity to kiss them again and again.

She would do everything in her power to help him, and maybe, to return him home. If he wishes so. 

Alpine hooves were heavy as they began to move, stopping abruptly and just as she was about to question why, a few shocked gasps could be heard before the birds birched on the cottage window started chirping excitedly.

The birds began to fly in circles around her head and Florence had to resist the urge to bat them away. She dug in her heels and to move Alpine onward but he remained stubbornly in place.

“Come on, boy, we need to go. We have to help him!” She demanded, her voice cracking.

“Princess!” A voice cried. “Come quickly!”

She turned to see Steven beckoning her madly from the door of the cottage and she leapt from her horse and hurried towards him.

“What’s the matter?!” She cried, worried that the witch had found a way to deliver James some greater torment.

Florence entered the cottage once more but halted abruptly as she took in the scene before her. James was propped up on his elbow, one hand rubbing across his forehead, his brows drawn down in a frown.

Like a magnet his eyes found hers and his face erupted into a smile so joyful that Florence could do nothing else but return it.

“You’re here!” He exclaimed, though his voice was hoarse.

“Of course I’m here,” she replied, striding over to his makeshift bed on the table. “I was only leaving in search of help.”

“Please don’t leave,” he whispered, reaching his hand out towards her.

She grasped it and he pulled her closer, managing to drag himself upright.

“I don’t understand.”Florence murmured. “You were under a spell so strong…”

“It was you!” One of the dwarves replied.

“Loki is right, Princess,” Natasha confirmed with a yawn.

“Princess?” James mumbled, not able to tear his eyes away from Florence’s face.

“Aye,” Loki said with a dopey grin. “You woke him with your kiss.”

“ I did not,” Florence protested, but could not help the way her eyes flickered down to James’ lips and back, nor the way he gazed back at her with such emotion.

“Only true love’s kiss can break a witch’s curse,” blushed Thor.

“I am not sure of the truth in that statement,” James muttered as his arm wrapped around Florence’s waist, “but I would very much like to test the theory.”

Florence  flushed a deep red as he leaned upwards but at the last minute she turned her head to the seven pairs of eyes that stared intently at them.

“Turn around at least!” She exclaimed, and with some shoving and jostling, the seven dwarves turned their backs to at least give some semblance of privacy.

“Where were we, your Highness,” Florence smiled, turning back towards James.

“From what I heard that title belongs to you,” he replied, leaning ever closer.

“There are still some tales to tell,” she whispered against his mouth as their lips finally met in a sweet, soft kiss.

[tenderhooked]

For the ask game (if this is still going) because I absolutely love everything you write - 🌧️❄️

oh this is so sweet thank you <3 and yes it is ABSOLUTELY STILL GOING. psa: if you see i've reblogged an ask game but you see it days later.... you are welcome to send me an ask anyway. i love doing them! send me them! i will answer them (maybe weeks later but EVENTUALLY i will). anyways!...

❄️ Share a snippet from a WIP of your choosing.

But he doesn’t even have a chance to worry ’bout that, because he’s just lifting his hand to knock when the door swings open and the boy on the other side—decidedly not Colin—says, gravely, “You.” “Me,” says Ted cheerfully. “Man, we could open our very own Hudson Street Orphanage up in here, huh? Only without all the blatant child labor law violations.” Trent comes out from the right-side alcove that leads to the kitchen—hey, whaddya know, Ted’s got one just like it—and stops behind the boy, tying his hair up into a neat little bun. His scarf of the day is a pleated grey-and-silver number that complements the pale pink notes of his Material Girl t-shirt. “Hello, Mr. Lasso,” he says. “Isaac, this is Ted Lasso, the new neighbor. Mr. Lasso, this is Isaac, Colin’s friend.” “Best friend,” Colin corrects, shaking his head at Ted as he emerges from the left-side alcove with a soccer—football, dang it, already clutched to his chest. “Da hasn’t got any friends so he dunno the difference.”

from the football kiddos au! ted meets colin's best friend isaac and colin continues to bully (affectionate) his da trent.

🌧️ Share something angsty from your WIP.

Practice is shit, again. No more faces get busted, but Jamie’s pretty sure that’s only because he manages to gain possession of the ball exactly once and almost immediately gives it up in a clever side-tackle from Sam that he’d never let get the best of him usually. At lunch he puts in his airpods and goes to run the treadmill, hard and fast, deep bass thudding in his ears like that’ll be enough to scare off the jittery sensation crawling beneath his bones, the unending sense that he’s falling off the edge of that great big cliff into the darkness. No one comes to disturb him, but during afternoon practice he can tell that he’s beginning to get on their nerves.

from the mom city fix-it! jamie truly is Going Through It. poor babe. it'll get better... eventually.

thank you for the asks!! <3

for this ask game!

[sarah-dipitous]

Hellsite Nostalgia Tour 2023 Day 80

It’s a Terrible Life

“It’s a Terrible Life”

Plot Description: what if the Winchesters weren’t hunters? In an alternate life, Dean is a corporate man who enjoys health drinks & Sam is in tech support

Would I Survive the First Five Minutes??: sure. I can survive *checks notes* going to work

There are some episodes where, for the first thirty eight to forty minutes, I really really wonder why we’re exploring this when the LITERAL APOCALYPSE IS SO NEAR. This is one of them.

Hey. Hey!! I recognize that guy!! And I know he’s an angel…so the surprise later will be much much less

Mmmm, so Sammy is having dreams about their real life

Obsessed. So. Sam and Dean do not know each other in this au but they work for the same company. And after having his confusion mistaken for hitting on Dean, Sam asks if he can ask Dean a question. What’s the question? “What do you think of ghosts?” That person would be on my mind intermittently FOREVER

Hey. Paul. My guy, what the fuck??? It’s one day’s work, you don’t have to LITERALLY KILL YOURSELF OVER IT

Omg…this is honestly how companies believe we react to mistakes. Utter panic…over the loss of profits for the company

They can’t help but be mystery solvers

“What if there’s something…not natural?!” Lol

God…they’re such nerds (affectionate). In one conversation they went from sort of glaring at each other across the scenes of the deaths of these other two guys in tech support to wholeheartedly and excitedly wanting to go solve a mystery together. They’re brothers, your honor. In every universe

Omg they found the Ghostfacers site YESSSSS!!!!! And they’re gonna use their INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS TO GHOST HUNT!!!! Beautiful

Mmmm, wonderful. What a great time to have to hear about the 2008/2009 recession…………….love that for me

So, somehow the Winchesters still exist in this? Because the Ghostfacers keep bringing them up and calling them douchebags. I love that they have their own merch, branded salt and lighters. Chef kiss. I love this show. It’s so dumb and bad lol

Ohhhhhhhh, I’d never be going in an elevator again. Like, there’s getting stuck on an elevator, and then there’s FUCKING TURBULENCE FOLLOWED BY WATCHING THE SECURITY GUARD WHO CAUGHT YOU SNOOPING GET CUT IN HALF HAMBURGER BUN STYLE….no. I’ll take the stairs forever or only go in one floor buildings, thank you very much.

I could watch Jensen swing the fire poker like a baseball bat all fucking day and never get bored

Uuuugggghhhh, but y’all were having such fun. You were so proud of yourselves for taking out that ghost. You know that this is what you’re supposed to be doing. Saving people. Hunting things. The family business

Sam’s going all Office Space on that phone.

Mmmmmmmm…heaven’s REALLY trying to keep Dean in place, huh? I don’t TRUST Zachariah, but he’s not completely wrong

“Been On My Mind…”: No time this episode. 9

[deadboydoodling]

Sam Witchester Winchester as a witch.  Sam Winchester Bingo Square #3 - Witch/Familiar! Sam  @samwinchesterbingo | Masterpost