#Den-O All Stars

[tokusongs]

"Super Climax Jump", from Super Kamen Rider Den-O & Decade Neo Generations: The Onigashima Warship (2009). Performed by Den-O All Stars: Momotaros (Seki Toshihiko), Urataros (Yusa Koji), Kintaros (Terasoma Masaki), Ryutaros (Suzumura Kenichi), Teddy (Ono Daisuke), Owner (Ishimaru Kenjiro), Kamen Rider New Den-O/Nogami Kotaro (Sakurada Dori), Naomi (Akiyama Rina), Kohana (Matsumoto Tamaki).

[thaoworra]

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry Association recently released the poems that made it to the finalist stage for consideration for the 2024 Rhysling Awards for Short and Long Speculative Poems of the year. Congratulations to all of the nominees! This will be the 46th year these awards have been conferred!

Short Poems (50 finalists)

Attn: Prime Real Estate Opportunity!, Emily Ruth Verona, Under Her Eye: A Women in Horror Poetry Collection Volume II

The Beauty of Monsters, Angela Liu, Small Wonders 1

The Blight of Kezia, Patricia Gomes, HWA Poetry Showcase X

The Day We All Died, A Little, Lisa Timpf, Radon 5

Deadweight, Jack Cooper, Propel 7

Dear Mars, Susan L. Lin, The Sprawl Mag 1.2

Dispatches from the Dragon's Den, Mary Soon Lee, Star*Line 46.2

Dr. Jekyll, West Ambrose, Thin Veil Press December

First Eclipse: Chang-O and the Jade Hare, Emily Jiang, Uncanny 53

Five of Cups Considers Forgiveness, Ali Trotta, The Deadlands 31

Gods of the Garden, Steven Withrow, Spectral Realms 19

The Goth Girls' Gun Gang, Marisca Pichette, The Dread Machine 3.2

Guiding Star, Tim Jones, Remains to be Told: Dark Tales of Aotearoa, ed. Lee Murray (Clan Destine Press)

Hallucinations Gifted to Me by Heatstroke, Morgan L. Ventura, Banshee 15

hemiplegic migraine as willing human sacrifice, Ennis Rook Bashe, Eternal Haunted Summer Winter Solstice

Hi! I am your Cortical Update!, Mahaila Smith, Star*Line 46.3

How to Make the Animal Perfect?, Linda D. Addison, Weird Tales 100

I Dreamt They Cast a Trans Girl to Give Birth to the Demon, Jennessa Hester, HAD October

Invasive, Marcie Lynn Tentchoff, Polar Starlight 9

kan-da-ka, Nadaa Hussein, Apparition Lit 23

Language as a Form of Breath, Angel Leal, Apparition Lit October

The Lantern of September, Scott Couturier, Spectral Realms 19

Let Us Dream, Myna Chang, Small Wonders 3

The Magician's Foundling, Angel Leal, Heartlines Spec 2

The Man with the Stone Flute, Joshua St. Claire, Abyss & Apex 87

Mass-Market Affair, Casey Aimer, Star*Line 46.4

Mom's Surprise, Francis W. Alexander, Tales from the Moonlit Path June

A Murder of Crows, Alicia Hilton, Ice Queen 11

No One Now Remembers, Geoffrey Landis, Fantasy and Science Fiction Nov./Dec.

orion conquers the sky, Maria Zoccula, On Spec 33.2

Pines in the Wind, Karen Greenbaum-Maya, The Beautiful Leaves (Bamboo Dart Press)

The Poet Responds to an Invitation from the AI on the Moon, T.D. Walker, Radon Journal 5

A Prayer for the Surviving, Marisca Pichette, Haven Speculative 9

Pre-Nuptial, F. J. Bergmann, The Vampiricon (Mind's Eye Publications)

The Problem of Pain, Anna Cates, Eye on the Telescope 49

The Return of the Sauceress, F. J. Bergmann, The Flying Saucer Poetry Review February

Sea Change, David C. Kopaska-Merkel and Ann K. Schwader, Scifaikuest May

Seed of Power, Linda D. Addison, The Book of Witches ed. Jonathan Strahan (Harper Collins)

Sleeping Beauties, Carina Bissett, HWA Poetry Showcase X

Solar Punks, J. D. Harlock, The Dread Machine 3.1

Song of the Last Hour, Samuel A. Betiku, The Deadlands 22

Sphinx, Mary Soon Lee, Asimov's September/October

Storm Watchers (a drabbun), Terrie Leigh Relf, Space & Time

Sunflower Astronaut, Charlie Espinosa, Strange Horizons July

Three Hearts as One, G. O. Clark, Asimov's May/June

Troy, Carolyn Clink, Polar Starlight 12

Twenty-Fifth Wedding Anniversary, John Grey, Medusa's Kitchen September

Under World, Jacqueline West, Carmina Magazine September

Walking in the Starry World, John Philip Johnson, Orion's Belt May

Whispers in Ink, Angela Yuriko Smith, Whispers from Beyond (Crystal Lake Publishing)

Long Poems (25 finalists)

Archivist of a Lost World, Gerri Leen, Eccentric Orbits 4

As the witch burns, Marisca Pichette, Fantasy 87

Brigid the Poet, Adele Gardner, Eternal Haunted Summer Summer Solstice

Coding a Demi-griot (An Olivian Measure), Armoni “Monihymn” Boone, Fiyah 26

Cradling Fish, Laura Ma, Strange Horizons May

Dream Visions, Melissa Ridley Elmes, Eccentric Orbits 4

Eight Dwarfs on Planet X, Avra Margariti, Radon Journal 3

The Giants of Kandahar, Anna Cates, Abyss & Apex 88

How to Haunt a Northern Lake, Lora Gray, Uncanny 55

Impostor Syndrome, Robert Borski, Dreams and Nightmares 124

The Incessant Rain, Rhiannon Owens, Evermore 3

Interrogation About A Monster During Sleep Paralysis, Angela Liu, Strange Horizons November

Little Brown Changeling, Lauren Scharhag, Aphelion 283

A Mere Million Miles from Earth, John C. Mannone, Altered Reality April

Pilot, Akua Lezli Hope, Black Joy Unbound eds. Stephanie Andrea Allen & Lauren Cherelle (BLF Press)

Protocol, Jamie Simpher, Small Wonders 5

Sleep Dragon, Herb Kauderer, The Book of Sleep (Written Image Press)

Slow Dreaming, Herb Kauderer, The Book of Sleep (Written Image Press)

St. Sebastian Goes To Confession, West Ambrose, Mouthfeel 1

Value Measure, Joseph Halden and Rhonda Parrish, Dreams and Nightmares 125

A Weather of My Own Making, Nnadi Samuel, Silver Blade 56

Welcoming the New Girl, Beth Cato, Penumbric October

What You Find at the Center, Elizabeth R McClellan, Haven Spec Magazine 12

The Witch Makes Her To-Do List, Theodora Goss, Uncanny 50

The Year It Changed, David C. Kopaska-Merkel, Star*Line 46.4

Voting for the Rhysling Award begins July 1; a link to the ballot will be sent with the Rhysling Anthology, as well as with the July issue of Star*Line. More information on the Rhysling Award can be found here.

[mistydeyes]

𝓶𝓸𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓷 𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓯𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓶𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽

𝓲𝓶𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓼

𝓂𝓌 𝒾𝒾 𝑔𝑒𝓃𝑒𝓇𝒶𝓁

💌 if you want to peek at all of my writings

S E R I E S

"your prescription is ready for pick-up" - 141 x pharmacist!reader❤️

all of my works and our pharmacist reader

a panacea - 141 meets the cure to all their ailments

141 medical file - what the pharmacist sees when looking at 141′s files, accompanies “a panacea”

medically included dream - after a heroic action lands you on an operating table, your morphine drip has you experiencing some interesting dreams

sick day visit - you prided yourself on never getting sick but the day has finally come. as you’re resting in your quarters, a certain group pays you a visit :)

there is no cure for jealousy - what happens when a new recruit gets a little to flirtatious with the 141's favorite pharmacist?

first line treatments - before the sick days, counseling, and lunches together, you were only known as the newest pharmacist on base

pharmacist hcs!

keep your weapons hot and bodies hotter (18+) - stripper!141 x fem!reader (codename: Phoenix)❤️

hunk-o-mania 141 edition - feast your eyes on Delilah's Den's newest male dancers

playboy bunny phoenix edition - an unforeseen guest complicates the mission, now you have to get ready to act as the distraction on stage

the joys of civilian life - 141 x civilian!fem!reader

opposite occupations❤️ - while on leave, the boys each meet a civilian that makes their time deployed and defending their country worth it

take a walk in my shoes - the boys are home again! unfortunately, their significant other has to work but that doesn't mean they won't spend every moment in their presence

extra! the almost military wives gc - what the gf's talk about when the 141 isn't home

"the glance is often deceptive, not the nose" - 141, los vaqueros, könig, graves, laswell x reader what fragrances i think the boys would like on a significant other

part i (141 + alejandro)

part ii (rudy, könig, graves, laswell)

dancing with the enemy - 141 x undercover!fem!reader 141 is playing with fire when you are revealed to be an undercover enemy that's out to get them

family moments - 141 x fem!reader

little moments and little voices - precious moments you spend in your home with your husband and children :)

oh, darling, don’t you ever grow up - your husband leaves this world too early and now you have to pick up the pieces with your children

secrets and pointed fingers (requested!)❤️ - simon "ghost" riley

behind locked doors - when the 141 thinks you're the mole, they make sure to extract the information in whatever way possible

hollow apologies and avoiding glances - when you return back to base, everything is far from normal

half empty glasses and unchanging perspectives - you try to run away from the trauma at the pub but with a glass in hand, simon finds you

suppressed feelings of hatred - despite the 141 being gone from your sight, you still cannot cope with the past

miss americana - 141 x reader small relationship moments between the 141 and their american significant other

kyle "gaz" garrick edition

simon “ghost” riley edition

O N E - S H O T S

eyes for the stars - 141 x reader "hey siri, what do i do if my partner has a crush on a celebrity?" uh oh, see what happens when the boys get a little jealous of your celeb crush!

odd hobbies - 141 x reader everyone has their own hobbies, yours are just unique to 141’s perspective

have a drink - platonic! 141, los vaqueros x reader (codename: Brandy) everyone needs a break sometimes and you decide to treat the 141 and los vaqueros with your bartending skills

butterfly effect❤️ - 141 x fem!reader they say "a butterfly flaps its wings in the amazonian jungle, and subsequently a storm ravages half of europe." what once was a silly quote now has implications as one action leads to your death.

opposite of a meet cute❤️ - 141 x civilian!reader most people have a cute story as to how they met their significant other but yours is a little more eccentric

cold coffee and sloppy notes❤️ - 141 x student!reader the 141 helps you through the nuances of student life

V I S U A L S + R A N D O M

matching tattoos - 141 x reader what matching tattoos would you and the 141 get together?

high thoughts - you enjoy your time in amsterdam a little too well and make sure everyone knows it

bachelorettes parties and weddings - 141 x fem!fiancee!reader what would your bachelorette party and wedding be with the 141?

random things in pockets and bags❤️ SERIES - what does the 141 carry on them when they’re on leave?

pt i- kyle “gaz” garrick

pt ii - simon "ghost" riley

pt iii - johnny "soap" mactavish

pt iv - john price

P R O J E C T S

you are a work of fiction - 141 x reader what literary heroes would the 141 be

in a past life - it’s said everyone reincarnates after death, what life did the mw2 characters have before their current one?

E X P L A I N S my series of explaining the various timeline's of the games and characters

simon "ghost" riley's backstory

which modern warfare game should i play first?

𝓈𝒾𝓂𝑜𝓃 "𝑔𝒽𝑜𝓈𝓉" 𝓇𝒾𝓁𝑒𝓎

"your prescription is ready for pick-up" - ghost x pharmacist!reader

fake hypochondriac (sequel to “a panacea”) - ghost goes to extreme lengths to see his favorite pharmacist

tuberose and rose tinted glasses - ghost meets a perfumer in grasse, france - the capital of fragrance

simon riley’s backstory (a request) - simon’s tragic backstory with his family

r e q u e s t s 

a scarlet red dress - ghost x oc! ghost and riot share an intimate moment, all started when riot decides to dig out a red dress from her closet

ghost’s doppelgänger❤️ - 141, los vaqueros x fem!reader how does the 141 and los vaqueros react to you joining the team? their reactions are even better when you share an uncanny resemblance with ghost

an invasion of the scots❤️ - ghost x fem!reader worlds collide when you visit the base and you realize your dating the teammate of your cousin, johnny mactavish

tamer of dogs and ghost- ghost x fem!reader ghost has fallen in love with you, the army’s resident veterinarian and dog handler

a fiery love story - ghost x gn!reader simon thinks he has everything under control but it's actually you and your secret ability to control fire 

brazilian heat - ghost x fem!reader when the 141 finds themselves in brazil, you make a lasting impression on simon in a bar

a child's eye of the tiger - ghost x fem!reader simon comes home just in time to see your daughter kick ass at a jiu jitsu competition!

𝒿𝑜𝒽𝓃 𝓅𝓇𝒾𝒸𝑒

"your prescription is ready for pick-up" - price x pharmacist!reader

pain-killer fueled thoughts (sequel to “a panacea”) - price landed himself in the medic tent and his pain killers are making him tell the pharmacist his feelings.

𝒿𝑜𝒽𝓃𝓃𝓎 "𝓈𝑜𝒶𝓅" 𝓂𝒶𝒸𝓉𝒶𝓋𝒾𝓈𝒽

undercover and undiscovered feelings - soap x fem!reader it's bad enough your mission puts you under the spotlight, now you have to deal with your feelings for the scotsman too?

𝓀𝓎𝓁𝑒 "𝑔𝒶𝓏" 𝑔𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒾𝒸𝓀

choose your flowers, carefully - gaz x childhood love!reader

faint whispers of flowers SERIES - as you bundled the wild array of periwinkles, daffodils, yellow tulips, marigolds, zinnias, and phlox, you couldn’t help but think how something so beautiful can also has its own language.

follow gaz and his childhood friend through life as they tell you their story with flowers.

part I - periwinkles and daffodils

part II - yellow tulips

part III - marigolds and zinnias

part IV - phlox

extra content

building blocks and alphabet letters - gaz x fem!reader (established relationship) you never would’ve thought you would be married and have a daughter with the boy who was eating toy blocks in daycare. but here you are, reassuring your toddler that going to school isn’t the end of the world.

an undercover beach episode - gaz x fem!reader (codename: genesis) you're always paired with gaz for undercover missions but this time your uniform is a pair of bathing suits

r e q u e s t s

modern day nightingale - gaz x gn!nurse!reader an injury lands gaz in your care but despite the unfortunate meeting, you find yourself in a budding relationship. however this isn’t a fairytale romance and ends when he’s discharged without a word :(

dumb and in love - gaz x gn!civ!reader kyle may be the smartest one on the field, he’s a little dense when it comes to realizing you’re in love with him

we're the widows - kyle "gaz" garrick x reader kyle's secret girlfriend has an undercover alias: the major of a secret task force of women soldiers  

𝒶𝓁𝑒𝒿𝒶𝓃𝒹𝓇𝑜 𝓋𝒶𝓇𝑔𝒶𝓈

just the way you look tonight WIP - alejandro x afab!reader everyone thought you and alejandro would be married by now but alas you still don’t have a ring on your finger. however, after attending simon’s wedding, something changes for alejandro.

𝓅𝒽𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒾𝓅 𝑔𝓇𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓈

graves headcanons - phillip graves is two things 1. an asshole and 2. very american, here's some headcanons for this problematic man

r e q u e s t s

graves returns - graves x fem!reader you thought your husband was dead but now he's at your apartment after you were suppose to be off-the-grid

𝓇𝑒𝓆𝓊𝑒𝓈𝓉𝓈

medication mixup - 141 x reader the medic unknowingly prescribing you a penicillin has disastrous results due to your allergy

141’s dossier❤️ - see what the dossiers laswell gets at the end of mw 2019 looks like! + template

the scene life - 141 x fem!scene!reader with your eccentric style and love for raves, you show the 141 a peek into your life

running mascara PART I and PART II❤️ - 141 x fem!reader harsh words are said and you try your best to run away from the cause. however, everyone needs to face the issue eventually and now the 141 is left to pick up the pieces. initially part of my 1k celebration but i added a sequel as it was highly requested!

horror movie protagonist - 141, könig x gn!platonic!reader a common hazing ritual is to watch a gruesome horror movie but the 141 is a little put off when you watch it with a smile on your face

vidcon but uk edition - 141 x reader what would your life be with the 141 if you were a YouTuber?

tamer of dogs and men❤️ - simon "ghost" riley x vet!reader simon finds his heart in the army's vet captain

cabin fever - simon "ghost" riley x reader after a mission goes wrong, you and ghost are left to find warmth in a snowed out cabin

science and pheromones - simon "ghost" riley x male!reader the bunsen burner isn't the only thing that's heating up when you and ghost, your body guard, are left alone in the lab

a spice girl extra - 141 x reader when you show up at the pub, the boys are surprised at your choice of attire. it's like you walked out of the 2000's or something! PT II - when you take the boys to the club

an artist’s touch - 141 x platonic!reader how does the 141 react to you being an artist in your free time?

last name: riley❤️ - 141 (except ghost) x fem!reader flirtations and chaos ensues when you arrive on base and the 141 realizes your ghost’s cousin!

the final girl trope - 141 x gn!reader you have a past you keep hidden but once it comes to the surface, you entertain the 141 with your own horror movie plot

shutting down the patriarchy❤️ - 141 x gn!fem!reader after a long day, all you want to do is unwind but when two certain sergeants get in the way, you’re sure to shut them up

migraines and forehead kisses - 141 x fem!reader the 141 is willing to do the most for you when you come down with your frequent migraines

fear of small things - 141 x platonic!reader despite being a badass soldier, you have one enemy: insects

fit for a magazine cover - 141 x fem!reader all the eyes and cameras are on you when you walk the victoria secret fashion show runway

she's a rich girl - 141 x fem!reader you love to spoil the 141 and show them the more extravagant things in life

small bundle of fluff and joy❤️ - 141 x platonic!reader the 141 meets your tiny, furry companion

teratogenic injury❤️ - 141 x platonic!fem!reader when an injury takes you out, you're surprised to hear that you can no longer have children. the 141 is more surprised when you tell them it's a blessing in disguise

hacking with a grey hat - 141 x platonic!reader the 141 is at odds when they meet one of the most infamous hackers to date

a double life - 141 x fem!reader what happens when the 141 becomes a bit more patriotic in dating their CIA secret agent significant other?

mw2 x reader - my ongoing series of pairing y'all up and writing a short lil blurb about how you met and your relationship

P R O J E C T S

[clangenrising]

Month 15 - Newleaf

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join beneath the Stoneperch for a Clan meeting!” 

Floodpaw sat up from his evening nap in surprise. “Wait, what?” 

“Oh, Stars,” Barleypaw rolled onto her paws beside him. “Is it now? I’m not ready!” 

Floodpaw looked up at Goldenstar where she stood on the stone above her den and found her smiling directly at him. It was definitely happening right now. He quickly ran a paw over his ears to tidy his messy fur. Barleypaw was organizing her feathers very particularly, making fretfull noises as she did. Floodpaw sighed and leaned over to straighten the ones behind her head for her. 

“You look great,” he soothed, “don’t worry about it.” 

“Mmm,” she whined, “if you say so.” 

“Look, Sparrowpaw’s already beat us down there,” he said, pointing to where their brother was waiting with perfect posture. 

“Okay, okay,” sighed Barleypaw. “I’m ready.” 

Together, they bounded down from the top of the warriors’ den to sit next to Sparrowpaw in the front of the crowd. He looked over at them and smiled and Floodpaw felt a sudden spike of nerves in his belly. It was really happening. After moons of hard work, he was going to be a warrior. The Clan was gathered around him and he could feel the pride swelling in the air. 

“Today,” Goldestar began, smiling ear to ear, “I am happy to say, we have a very special ceremony to hold, one I’m sure many of you have been eagerly awaiting.” Floodpaw squared his shoulders in an attempt to look noble. He had been expecting to get his name after the Battle with Razor but Russetfrond had insisted on the three of them completing their final assessments and Goldenstar had been unclear about whether or not they had passed. It was such a relief to finally know for certain that he was going to be a warrior. 

Goldenstar’s next words pulled his rising hopes crashing back down to earth. “Lake, would you step forward?” 

“What?” he couldn’t stop himself.

“Shh,” Barleypaw hissed. Lake bounced out of the crowd where she had been sitting with Fogpaw and Slatepaw and looked up at Goldenstar with big blue eyes. 

“Yes, ma’am?” she asked in her little voice. Floodpaw couldn’t help but smile despite his disappointment. The kid deserved this. 

“Do you still want to join the Clan like we talked about?” asked Goldenstar kindly. 

“Oh, yes!” purred Lake. “I wanna learn to do stuff like all the ‘Paws do!” A few cats laughed softly to themselves. Floodpaw rolled his eyes. 

“And did you want to change your name like we talked about?” 

“Mhm!”

“Then I welcome you as a member of RisingClan. From this day on, until you become an apprentice, you will be known as Lakekit. Welcome home.” 

“Lakekit! Lakekit!” cats cheered and Floodpaw joined in once or twice. 

Even Lakekit got in on the action. “Lakekit!” she beamed and then giggled to herself like it was the funniest thing she’d ever done. Even Goldenstar couldn’t stop herself from chuckling at that. 

“And with that,” Goldenstar said and Floodpaw wilted, “Our meeting is- Oh wait, that’s right!” She grinned mischievously as she said, “I knew I was forgetting something! Floodpaw, Barleypaw, Sparrowpaw, please step forward.” 

Floodpaw frowned, puffing up a bit as cats chuckled at the joke, but it was all in good fun. He shook it off and stepped forward with his littermates, taking a deep breath to once again pull himself into a more noble looking shape. Barleypaw brushed her tail against his leg, smiling at him, and then focused on Goldenstar. He glanced at Sparrowpaw but his brother was completely professional. 

Goldenstar’s smile turned warmer as she continued, “The three of you have worked hard to become excellent warriors and I couldn’t be more proud. You are the first apprentices to complete their training since the plague which is a promising sign. If you three are any indicator of how our Clan is growing, we are on the right track.” Floodpaw realized he was on the verge of tears. The energy in the air was intoxicatingly full of love and it resonated within him near overwhelmingly.

“Floodpaw, Barleypaw, Sparrowpaw,” Goldenstar said, “do you three promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?”

“I do,” they chorused, confident and sure. 

“Then by the powers of StarClan,” Goldenstar purred, “I give you your warrior names.” She leapt down from the Stoneperch to stand in front of them and said, “Floodpaw, you have proven yourself to be a capable fighter, eager to defend your Clanmates with the speed and force of a roaring flood. From this moment on, you will be known as Floodstrike. Your Clan honors your drive and welcomes you as a full warrior of RisingClan.” 

She leaned forward and rested her muzzle on his head, purring strongly, and Floodstrike leaned in to lick her shoulder, eyes lingering briefly on the scar now hiding in her neck fur. The Clan began to cheer his name. He stood back and lifted his head to look around at them, chest swelling with pride. He had done it. Finally, the warriors around him were his equals. It was almost too good to be true. 

“Barleypaw,” Goldenstar moved on once the chanting faded, “you have grown so much from the day you were apprenticed, becoming a confident and kind-hearted young warrior unafraid to challenge what she knows is wrong. For this reason, I give you the name Barleybee. Though you may seem small at times, you have a courageous sting that shouldn’t be underestimated. Your Clan honors you for your boldness and welcomes you as a full warrior of RisingClan.” 

Now she and Goldenstar repeated the ceremonial gesture as cats chanted her name. Yarrowshade’s voice cut through the noise with a rowdy string of celebratory whoops. Barleybee laughed and raised her tail as she beamed at him. Floodstrike bumped his shoulder against hers and she purred, bonking heads with him. 

“Sparrowpaw,” said Goldenstar, “you have always shown a dedication to a warrior's duties that any cat could admire, but I would like to highlight the way you have tempered that dedication with thoughtfulness and foresight. Like a bird in the wind, you have learned to lean into life’s challenges with a level head and so I bestow upon you the name Sparrowsway. Your Clan honors you for your tranquility and welcomes you as a full warrior of RisingClan.” 

She placed her muzzle on Sparrowsway’s head and as he leaned in to touch her shoulder, he said, “Thank you.” 

“Don’t mention it,” she whispered back as the Clan cheered. Then, to all the cats present, she declared, “As tradition dictates, our new warriors will spend tonight sitting a silent vigil where they are invited to meditate on their growth so far and the duties they have sworn themselves to from here on out. During this time, they are not to be disturbed, so get your congratulations out now.” She laughed a little bit and stepped back to let the rest of the Clan swarm in to speak with the new warriors. 

“Oh!” Oddstripe was the first one to reach them, emotion cracking his voice. “I’m so, so proud of you three!” He wrapped his arms around Sparrowsway’s neck and rubbed his cheeks on either side of his son’s face, causing Sparrowsway to wince with mild embarrassment. 

“Your name is so cool!” cried Fogpaw, pushing up close to Floodstrike’s chest. “I hope my name is that cool!”

“Yeah, right,” he laughed, putting a paw on her face and trying to shove her into the dirt. “You’re probably gonna be named Fogfart or something.” 

“Nuh uh!” Fogpaw laughed and wriggled out from under him. 

“Real mature,” chuckled Sparrowsway.

“I’m so proud of you, Barleygirl,” Yarrowshade bumped his head against hers gently. “I couldn’t have asked for a better apprentice.” 

“Or me a better mentor,” purred Barleybee softly. 

Oddstripe had moved on to pull Floodstrike into a tight hug. “My little man!” he cried, “You’ve grown so much.”

“C’mon, dad, don’t cry,” he laughed, blushing under the intense affection. 

“Hey, congrats!” called Branchbark from the second row of Clanmates. “You guys deserve it!”

“Yeah!” cheered Ospreymask, “Congrats, you three!” 

Russetfrond appeared beside Sparrowsway and gave him a crisp nod. “Well done.” 

“Thank you,” Sparrowsway said fervently. Floodstrike imagined that was Russetfrond’s version of Oddstripe’s hugs and tears. 

“Wowzers,” Lakekit practically inserted herself into the hug that Floodstrike’s father was smothering him in. “I didn’t realize you guys got new names when you grew up! Are you sad your names don’t match anymore?” 

Floodstrike laughed and ruffled her fur with a paw. “Nah, we’ll always match in the ways that matter.” 

Lakekit smiled and Oddstripe let out another, very emotional, “Oh!”

Eventually everyone came and congratulated them in some way, except Mystique who was still sulking in the elders’ den. As the crowd dwindled and faded, Goldenstar approached, Scorchplume lingering behind her, and bumped her forehead against Floodstrike’s. 

“Hope you didn’t mind my little joke,” she said. 

“I nearly died,” said Floodstrike. 

“He’s not lying,” Sparrowsway laughed. 

“Well, I’m glad you didn’t,” Goldenstar smiled. “You guys are going to be amazing warriors. Are you done mingling?”

“I think so,” said Barleybee. Sparrowsway nodded and Floodstrike shrugged. 

“Might as well be,” he said. 

“Alright,” nodded Goldenstar. “Go ahead and sit up on the Stoneperch for your vigil. From now until I come to gather you, you’re not supposed to speak a word unless there’s an emergency, understood?” 

“Understood,” Floodstrike said and his littermates stifled their laughter. 

“Hey!” Goldenstar feigned anger. “What did I just say?!” He laughed and sat back, paws up by his chest in surrender. Goldenstar dropped the joke with a fond smile and said, “Alright then. Good luck, you three.” 

Together, they climbed the Stoneperch and settled down side by side. The stars were just starting to peek over the eastern horizon. Floodstrike looked up at them and let out a deep, contented sigh. Things were going to be alright. The war was basically over and he was finally a warrior. The three siblings settled into a comfortable silence, watching over the camp as dusk turned into a cloudless, starry night.

[artbychromo]

(little comic + 1.7K words, inspired by chatting about timezones + @swbookerr's fics uwu)

To be honest, Ace had partly forgotten about the Den Den Mushi. It sat on its own little table outside the Spade Pirates’ galley, and the thing hadn’t been touched since Shanks gifted it to him a few weeks ago. It also hadn’t rung yet, and Ace wasn’t certain what was appropriate grounds for calling the Red Force, anyway. 

Maybe it was only meant for emergencies? That had been Ace’s assumption. Meaning, he was startled when the thing first let out its odd, burbling call around dusk one day. He ducked out of the kitchen—he’d been helping Deuce and Skull prepare that evening’s supper, but now the two of them peered after Ace from the doorway.

Heart in his throat, he lifted the receiver. 

Sounds of chaos blared out from the little creature. Ace’s pulse raced even faster. He wasn’t sure what to make of it, until finally, the cacophony resolved itself into songs and shouts—and above that, a slurred, cheerful drawl. 

“Angel! Hello, angel? Are you there, gorgeous?” 

Ace’s nerves transformed into appalled heat, sensing the start of Deuce’s laughter from behind him.

“Yeah, it’s me,” he managed. “Shanks, what’s going on?”

The other captain let out a meandering whoop. “I just missed you, baby! Wish I could see your smile so bad. How am I supposed to dance, when you’re not here in my arms-s-s-s—arm?” 

On his end, Ace wondered if the Den Den actually replicated the waft of alcohol, or if it was just his imagination. At least no one was in danger.

Shanks went on, “The boys here got me thinking about you—”

“More like,” a voice interjected, “he wouldn’t shut up about your ass.” 

Ace flushed, hearing Skull’s chuckles join Deuce’s. It only got worse when Shanks replied, “It’s a lovely ass, I’ll have you know.”

“I didn’t mean his literal ass, Captain, though I’m sure it’s wonderful—”

“It is! Abs-o-lute heaven!” 

“Shanks!” Ace yelled (cutting off the man’s claim of “To die for!”). Chancing a glance over his shoulder, Ace was chagrined to find Skull with a hand slapped over his mouth, trying to remain composed, while Deuce had fully given up on standing and was now doubled over against the galley wall. 

Before he dealt with them, Ace had to address the matter at hand. 

“Look, we’re a little busy here,” he said tightly. “Anything else you needed to say? Otherwise, I’m gonna have to talk to you later.”

After a moment without response save for some shuffling, Ace added a cautious, “That alright, old man?”

Finally, Shanks let out a dramatic sigh. “Stars, but I missed your voice.” The background noise from the other side grew muffled, as if he’d at last found a spot away from the hubbub of his crew. He went on, drawn-out and wistful: “I don’t mean to keep you, sweetheart. Just wanted you to know I was thinkin’ about you all day, and I’ll be dreamin’ about you all night.”

Ace cursed himself for flushing further. Turning away from the galley (and the growing sound of cackling), Ace mumbled, “You’re drunk as fuck, Shanks. …Don’t go falling overboard tonight, okay?” 

“In vino veritas, little flame,” Shanks said with dignity. Then, more groggily, “Or, in sake veritas?” 

Ace put his head in his hands, but couldn’t stop the wobbling, frantic smile pulling at his cheeks. 

“Gods. Good luck with your hangover.” Then, in a rushed breath—because this whole situation was bizarre and new, and his heart was racing, but he was also so, strangely happy—Ace said, “Love you.”

Actually, this situation might be too bizarre and new: Shanks was taken off-guard. Ace heard a swift intake of breath, and then in a flood of boozy admiration, he swore, “Oh, baby, I’ll sail to you tonight! The boys’ll listen—I’ll follow the moonlight off the water, we can be together by dawn—what do you say, angel? We could spend all day together, having just the filthiest, crazed-animal se—”

Ace hung up.

—

Ace sagged against the doorway of his quarters. Even though most of his crew had retired for the day, he could feel his insomnia acting up like a jitter in his limbs. He probably wouldn’t land a good night’s sleep no matter what he tried. 

The issue wasn’t helped by his swirling thoughts. For the sake of restocking supplies, the Spade Pirates had docked in a town with some heavy anti-pirate sentiment. Somehow, the crew hadn’t been particularly bothered. Ace, on the other hand, was on edge the whole time, tensing up whenever he felt anyone’s eyes lingering on him too long.

There was no way anyone knew the truth about him. Even so, he couldn’t help superimposing faces from the rundown taverns of Goa onto those of the locals. Ace could feel the old, familiar unease simmering in his veins, like everyone had just finished hiding a sneer from him; like a knife was waiting to catch him unaware at any turn. 

But he was on his ship, now. Safe. Ace took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair, yet the tension remained. A night like this one was better spent in the open air of the deck. He was just about to make his way out, when the Den Den Mushi reflected a hint of moonlight, catching his eye. 

After a moment of hesitation, Ace gathered the little thing in his arms, and took it with him to the bow of the ship. He stared contemplatively at where he’d set it on the rail. Since that first fiasco, he and Shanks had used the device a few times; their calls made it clear that he didn’t need to wait for some emergency. Still…

Watching starlight glint off the Den Den’s metal trim, he wondered what time it might be where Shanks was. The last time they’d talked, Shanks had been about half a day ahead of him. Who could say if they’d kept pace since then, though.

Stealing a glance at the crow’s nest—he was pretty sure Finamore was on shift tonight—Ace’s hand hovered over the receiver. His thoughts roiled. The tranquil rocking of the ship and the peaceful glow of the moon should have soothed him, but for some reason, they just made Ace more agitated.

He finally thought, Fuck it.

Ace waited, feeling suspended in time as the call went out. Then, he heard a click. 

“Mm… Hello?” 

Ace’s mind stalled. He was thrown off, watching the snail mimic a very sleepy Red-Haired Shanks. It was amusing at times to see the creature capture the other man’s expressions, but a little unsettling for this call; Ace directed his gaze out toward the ocean instead.

“Shanks?” he ventured. “Um. Morning?” 

There was a yawn. Then, “G’morning, little flame.” The cadence of Shanks’ voice was even slower than usual, syllables softly melding into each other. “To what do I owe the pleasure, sweetheart?”

Ace’s mouth quirked, impressed at the immediate smooth-talking. He was also, undeniably, taken in by the calming lilt of Shanks’ words. Ace twisted and untwisted a ringlet of the Den Den Mushi’s cord. 

“It’s nothin’ important, just… checking in.” Ace was unable to keep himself from adding, “What time is it there? I can call back later.” 

He heard a gentle sigh. 

“It’s never too early for you,” Shanks said. “A bit ahead of when I usually wake, but…” he hummed, exceedingly smug. “It’s cute, how you just can’t wait to hear my voice. So precious, baby.” 

Ace rolled his eyes toward the starry sky. “Yeah, I’m hangin’ up.”

Shanks let out a laugh. “Wait, now, come on. Tell me what’s on your mind.”

“It’s just… been a long day.” After a few moments of curling the cord tighter, Ace asked, “Actually, could you talk about your day? What’ve you been up to?” 

A thoughtful hum came over the line, followed by a snort. “You should’ve seen the damn mess Yasopp got us into yesterday. There we were, perusing a market, when the man starts haggling…”

Ace sighed. It was nice, listening to Shanks describe the people he’d run into, the locales he and his crew had explored. Really, it would’ve been nicer to be there at his side for it all, but… the timing wasn’t right. Not yet.

Still, Ace could imagine it. He laid his head in his arms, and let Shanks’ voice carry him over the water.

Finally, as Shanks murmured about dishes they could try “just a few islands over,” Ace felt his eyelids drooping. He gave himself a small shake.

The nighttime breeze was cooler now, biting against his skin. Ace noted the hazy ache of tiredness beneath his eyes; the rhythmic lap of the ocean and its vast, ceaseless waves. Domed above him, the crispness of the stars only added to his sense of the world being yawningly immense. It would have left him unsettled… if not for the sound of Shanks’ steady breathing over the line: a tiny, precious tether in the dark. 

Ace cleared his throat. 

“Thanks, Shanks.”

His conversation partner snickered. “Good rhyme.” 

“Yeah.” Ace smiled. “I mean it, though. For this, and… everything you’ve done. For being you.”

Ace hesitated, stomach churning at his trite words. The night’s darkness helped mute his embarrassment, though; same as the blush on his cheeks. 

“It means a lot,” he finished, voice soft.

There was a brief, yet heavy silence after that, like Shanks was lingering in the pause between one breath and the next. Finally, he murmured, “We’re lucky bastards, aren’t we? I mean—” He waited a moment, so Ace could finish chuckling. 

Then he said, “I’m grateful too. To have found you.”

Ace blinked, staring out into the moonlit night. All he could offer was an agreeing hum. 

After lingering in the contented silence a moment longer, Shanks finally gave a soft laugh, and said, “Guess you should give sleep another go.” 

“Ugh. Yeah.” Ace wiped a hand down his face, but turned toward the Den Den Mushi with a smile. “Alright. Love you.” 

“Love you too, little flame. Goodnight, Ace.” 

He grinned. “Good morning, Shanks.” 

Shanks’ laugh was just crackling out when Ace replaced the receiver. He heard enough, however, to be flooded with warmth on the way back to his quarters; and as he laid in bed, easily welcoming sleep.

[kipsels]

Cross-Pollination

Dan Heng x Stelle

ft. Dan Feng

There is a great level of expertise required to safely navigate the galaxy. There were things like wormholes and neutron stars and black holes that skewed charted courses, plus a bunch of other things Stelle didn’t really understand.

But what she did know was that when Himeko and Mr Yang started talking about the nuances of the Astral Express’s flight through space, her brain started to go all fuzzy like it had been filled with the static sound of white noise.

She regretted not listening to them more, sure. But even if she had she doubted it could have explained this.

A man who looked suspiciously like Dan Heng was standing in her bedroom, casually perusing his surroundings like he belonged there. Except Stelle was pretty sure he wasn’t Dan Heng, and he definitely did not belong there.

“Who are you?” She blurted out, unable to comprehend the fact that there was a strange Vidyadhara man staring back at her.

“I see someone has decided to redecorate The Express,” He said in lieu of an answer.

“Uh? Wha-?” She intelligently replied, her jaw lost somewhere on the floor from the shock.

Some small part in the back of her mind that wasn’t paralysed by the strange situation politely pointed out that his regal clothing looked like that of a high elder. Except he also wasn’t Bailu.

At least, she didn’t think that was Bailu.

She watched as he combed the lengths of his black hair behind one pointed ear, a small smile lighting up his handsome features.

“You must be a new member of The Nameless,” He said as he approached, picking up her limp hand from where it hung by her side. “My name is Dan Feng, I'm the High Elder of the Xianzhou Luofu. And… Baiheng’s friend.”

Dan Feng… High Elder of the Xianzhou Luofu….

Huh!?

Stelle gaped at him as he bowed low before her, his lips brushing against the back of her knuckles. She’d barely recovered when he straightened, his bright aquamarine eyes idly perusing her from head to toe.

What in the ever living space-time continuum was happening right now?

“And what is your name, my fair lady?”

“Uhh… Dan Heng?” Stelle called out loudly.

Dan Feng blinked at her, his eyebrows raising in surprise, “Your… name is Dan Heng?”

“N-no my name is Stelle– Wait, no! What am I doing? DAN HENG!?”

“Stelle,” He mused, unfazed by her flustered cries, “A beautiful name for a beautiful woman. I am disappointed Baiheng has not seen fit to introduce us beforehand.”

Stelle stumbled backwards, Dan Feng’s grip on her hand the only thing keeping her upright. Her mind raced as it tried to reconcile the fact that Dan Heng’s predecessor was standing before her, very real and very alive.

And very forward.

“Your scent, it’s rather beguiling… I’d like to get better acquainted with it,” He purred, and a squeak escaped Stelle’s mouth.

“Dan Heeennng!?”

“It’s Dan Feng, my dear.” He pulled her closer, Stelle’s hands coming up to press up against his firm chest to keep him away.

“Stelle? Is everything okay? I thought I heard you calling my n–”

Dan Heng appeared in the doorway of her bedroom, his eyes bulging out of his head in shock.

“You did not tell me there was another Vidyadhara male aboard this ship,” Den Feng spoke tersely, his arm wrapping around her waist.

“Save me,” Stelle mouthed silently to Dan Heng, who looked like his sleep paralysis demons had come to life before him.

The analogy was probably not all that far off.

Dan Heng shook himself out of his stupor, his hands raised as he cautiously approached. “How is this even possible? How are you even here?”

“I am here at the invitation of The Nameless, while you are…”

Dan Feng seemed to pause, his eyes running over Dan Heng in consideration. Time seemed to slow as he registered the mirror image reflecting back at him, the youth in Dan Heng’s features unable to hide the truth.

“A temporal paradox…” Stelle heard the two of them mutter in unison.

“I did not think I would ever be presented with the opportunity to look my own reincarnation in the eye, but such blessed opportunities should not be overlooked,” Dan Feng continued, his head tilting to the side in curiosity.

“Tell me, boy. Did I find a solution to the Vidyadhara’s plight in my time?”

Dan Heng’s eyes hardened, barely biting back a scowl. Stelle's heart panged with sympathy, unable to stop herself from reaching out to him for comfort, only to be tugged back into place by her High Elder captor.

“It could cause irreparable damage to tell you the future, you know that,” He growled.

Dan Feng’s eyebrow quirked, “So I failed.”

Dan Heng screwed his mouth shut, opting to simply glare at Dan Feng in silence.

Stelle remained frozen in place by the bizarre reality of the situation while wishing she’d taken more time to learn about the laws of physics.

“And you? Have you continued my endeavour?”

“I am not the High Elder. It’s not my problem.” Dan Heng bit back.

Stelle flushed as she felt Dan Feng’s chest press against her back, his hands stroking down the length of her forearms before threading his fingers through her own. Her stomach fluttered as he nosed at her hairline, breathing in her scent like a fine perfume.

“Then, if you are not willing to fulfil your duty to the Vidyadhara and seek the longevity of the draconic bloodline, I shall do it for you.”

Stelle squeaked.

Dan Heng gasped.

And Dan Feng pressed a lingering kiss to her temple, faint laughter brushing against her skin.

-Fin-

[shadowgast-recs-weekly]

Established Relationship Recs!

This week, we have ten recs for fics that feature Caleb and Essek in an established relationship! Check them out under the cut, and as always - comment or kudos if you like them!

I shine only with the light you gave me by SkyScribbles (4533, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: None

There are certain things that an Umavi's son should not do, if he wishes to avoid his mother's rage and the disgust of his Den. Dancing with a human is most certainly among them.

Reccer says: The tension between the Umavi and Essek is incredibly well written, and I really liked seeing the machinations involved. Verin's spin on it all, as well as the wizard's conversation during the dance itself, made me laugh.

put your sweet lips on my lips by LadyOrpheus (15750, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: Heat but not A/B/O

Essek has finally found someone he wants to share a heat with. Now if only his heat would get the memo

Reccer says: A+ smut, lovely characterization, and a rare non-omegaverse heat fic

where's the point in hurrying (when waiting feels so great) by mllekurtz (TheKnittingJedi) (4438, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

"You weren’t paying attention." That was Essek’s justification, delivered in a perfectly even and reasonable tone, when he entered Caleb’s study for the second time that evening, wearing nothing but jewellery.

Reccer says: A wonderful exchange of control between two wizards who love each other

memory in double exposure by hanap (11479, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Caleb and Essek had a falling out. Essek visits Jester several times before things get sorted.

Reccer says: Not only is the shadowgast heartbreakingly earnest, but Jester and Essek’s friendship is beautifully portrayed. The progression feels so natural, and the ending is so satisfactory after the build.

small works of cosmic scale by mousecookie (2547, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek is living incognito in Nicodranas and Caleb visits him after receiving an urgent message

Reccer says: It's cute and touching

Mitosis by queenbeetle (4325, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

caleb learns a new spell and essek is eager to push his limits.

Reccer says: SUPER hot!

Iridescent Hearts by onyxshinigami (4822, Mature) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Domestic Fic from Caleb's point of view. Essek is obviously up to something and Caleb is delighted with a little mystery. They have a home! They have 3 cats!

Reccer says: It's a light, fun read. A cute little mystery/surprise for both Caleb and the reader.

the firebird & the star by quinn_of_aebradore (293, General) Reccer's Content Notes: None

In the Empire, they tell a story. The Dynasty tells one as well, similar in nature. Reality is quite different.

Reccer says: I liked it!

dress me up, make it tight, i’m your doll by atlasarcana (15516, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Caleb has been creating a wardrobe of body jewelry for Essek. Essek volunteers to model as a mannequin

Reccer says: Interesting kink and Very hot

in guidance and tethered essence by Allinna (2868, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek tries to bake apple tarts.

Reccer says: It's super domestic and cute, plus the way the whole cooking process is (essek pov) unnecessarily academic is really fun!

Aeor is for Lovers is an 18+ Shadowgast Discord server. The above fanfic recommendations were pulled from our community for this weekly event. All fics, unless otherwise specified, will primarily feature Shadowgast. Have any questions about what this is? Check out the FAQ! Next week, we’ll be back with Clothing!

[shinjisdone]

Hi! If it's possible can I request a version of f!Mc and friends with Rook or Azul? (whichever is easier to write) I’m loving the series thank you for writing it! (o^ ^o)

Rook👏 it👏is👏. He may not be in my top 5 but there is SOMETHING about him. He is so predictable but for that the man goes full out. Literally wears his heart on his sleeve so much that there is no need to think about what he would ponder to himself/keep to himself. Nah. The guy has no filter, he just does and says it👏. Rook also holds nothing back and is kinda crazy?? And too much into his 'hunter' thing?? It's great for writing though, I can also go full out lol

Female!MC and Friends - Rook Hunt

Wohohohoho. Rook Hunt.

A true enigmatic yet predictable charmer from beginning to end.

He is awfully nice and kind despite his oddball behaviour. Loyal to a fault while knowing which side to choose. His view of 'beauty' proves itself to be more than just superficial.

He sees it in everyone equally. Including you...

When He Spends Helloween With You...

Oh boy. Hoooo boy! Someone tell wannabe Dracula that this is just cosplay!

Rook lives for the vampire act - so much so that he seems to become one. No other needed to bite and turn him - he has the passion for it all on his own.

Beginning from when dusk fell and stalking through the dorm and the makeshift graveyards, dancing under the stars as he hovers close and closer to all that appraoch him carelessly...while greeting them with his fangs...

It's quite ironic. Since he was always so keen on hunters, you'd think he'd rather hunt monsters than become one. Au contrair! Rook is open for all kinds of roles...

The guy sticks close and attempts to scare you with the classic Dracula stick - his shadow passing by the bushes, seeing a glimpse of his cape as he ever so slowly stalks behind you and hands goofily shooting up like in a cartoon.

"It is quite late for young ladies such as yourself to roam around..."

Rook. Please.

You are no Dracula, Alucard, Nosferatu - whatever it is, you ain't it.

Well, if you are able to say that. Perhaps it does spook you to have someone creep up from behind but seeing it's just Rook, you are sure to calm down.

He might ask for candy but is definitely the type to tend to give you sweets instead. Mademoiselle, you look terrifiyingly beautiful! (get it) Here, take these sweets!

However, will also ask you to give your best scare! A monster is only truly a monster when their heart is wicked, no? And wicked hearts terrifiy humans.

Will give a little laugh when you fail. Not out of mockery but, hey, you did try! Still, have some candy. Don't tell Vil.

Doesn't stop talking about Helloween. The makeshift horror, the beauty of the night, the calling of darkness, the mieschief when it comes to candy...he's really living it. Would like to have you enjoy the night as much as he does.

A haunted house? Oh my, how exciting! We cannot let such a moment not be seized! To the horrors!

Gracefully links his arm with yours. He is still a charmer as ever and insists that vampires are one of the most charming monsters out there. So he cannot disappoint you~

Winks as he takes your hand and guides you into the lion's den~ Fear not, this vampire shall protect you.

Treats you a bit as a damsel in distress mixed with his captive. Vampires are graceful and gentlemen but also...selfish. Lonely. Longing. Monsters.

Well, only if you are into vampires as well!

It's hard to imagine him getting scared but rather indulges in these spooks. Heartily laughing. Tres bìen! How wonderful this terror is! Everyone put such effort into everything!

Takes you under his cape. Does mademoiselle seek shelter in his magical cape?! Calm down Rook

Protects you but keeps reminding you that accepting his protection is accepting to become his~

Rook. Pls. Bro, come on.

When He...Proposes To A Ghost?!

GASP

ROOK WAS BORN FOR THIS.

No matter if alive or not, Rook will be sure to have everyone get the love they deserve!

A great romanticist. It is all so beautiful, all so magical. Like in a fairy tale! Oh, he'll gladly play prince charming!

And of course to be worthy for the great, dead princess, Rook will be sure to ask you to practice with him. You do not even need to do much! Just play the part and see if you'll fall in love with him.

Rook is something more, distinctively more than just a mere prince charming. His actions, his words, his gifts are something no royal would think of, the most lovesick fool would not think of! The play and the dozens upon dozens of poems he thinks of in a span of minutes and the flowers he so gently plucks the thorns off before offering them to you - you might actually fall for him!

Don't tell him that though. He might not stop.

It is...confusing for the heart. He treats you not like nobility, but like royalty, a red rose in a maze of daisies. The names he so fondly bestows you seem even more...longingly dreamy, as if the mere utter of your nickname feels like sculpting your perfect face. He shall say it perfectly with the utmost love as to not to insult you.

His dance movements are swift and light, his poems escape his lips like birds out of cages and even his gaze seems so....genuine?

This is what it makes it so hard. Rook is through and through genuine.

The most candid student you know and just like his openness, his kindness is abundant.

The princess MUST fall for him! There is no other perfect match!

"Oh, you think so? Mademoiselle, your praise delights me and makes my heart free like a bird! ...But, I'd rather stay here with you."

OMG OMG OMG HUUUH???!?!?!?!?!

WAIT WAIT WHAT DOES HE MEAN

When He...Hunts You Down...

Oh, my, oh my...what a predicament.

In this Beans Fest, it looks like Rook will be the monster and you the hunter...yet you do know that it really isn't the case, right?

Rook will always be the hunter. Of guards. Of monsters. Of your heart.

Try to trick him, try to find him. You are supposed to be the one playing the hero yet Rook takes the initiative like it is his instinct.

Finding you is his instinct.

He takes a certain glee and excitement while playing this wonderous game! Why, he cannot stop himself from chasing and challenging you!

Deep in his heart, the thought of you being his prey is exciting~

Go on, do your best!

Things do get...odd.

You often find yourself facing Rook several times in the forest all alone.

He appraoches you and exchanges words and tips...some of survival, some of how to hunt down his own teammates and their weaknesses.

You joke how this feels like a meeting between enemies...but more like between opposing phantom thieves or rivals in a game.

Magnifique! Exactly like that, sustain an energy just like that!

He'll play around but he does not really wish to defeat you...he kind of wants you to win. But alas, he might as well have his fun and meet up with you. A forbidden love between two opposing teams spiced up with excitment and a clear winner.

[fallenclan]

short darkpaw fic (dice anon)

There is something in the shadows of his vision. Darkpaw doesn’t know what it is. Palepaw hasn’t mentioned anything. She would have. Darkpaw knows his sister is observant, where it counts at least, and would say something.

They’d just gotten back from a fitful day of training at dawn, and it was about mid afternoon. Palepaw had been battle training nearby while Feathersight had quizzed him on herbs. The sky was beginning to rumble and darken, so the clan was slowly retreating indoors from patrols. Darkpaw stares down at his meal, untouched. The mouse’s eyes are unmoving. They stare into him.

(They stare. Those eyes will turn and he will shriek. He ate it’s meat–)

“Darkpaw, you gonna eat that?” Palepaw perks up from beside Sleepydawn’s old nest. The tom had recently been cleared from the medic’s den, as his scars had been deemed clear. Palepaw looks at him, brows slowly knitting in worry. Darkpaw hurries to speak.

“No, you can have it,” Darkpaw pauses, scrambling for an excuse, “I ate some juniper as a snack, didn’t realize we’d be back before nightfall.”

Palepaw blinks. “Are you o–”

Thunder splits the air. Palepaw bristles and practically leaps into the air. Darkpaw barks a heavy laugh. He sits up slightly from his spot on the floor. Palepaw, struggling to regain any composure, huffs.

“I thought it was a dog! You know, like with Sleepydawn and all!” Palepaw says, trying to cover for her surprise. Darkpaw’s laughing tapers off at that. Something in the back of his mind is screaming. He can’t hear its words, but something is wrong. Palepaw blinks and grins awkwardly, and returns to eating.

(A bird call screeches in his ears. He can’t hear it.)

Darkpaw begins to eat his mouse. Slowly, at first. Each bite is like he’s swimming in the rain. All his fur dragging him to the bottom.

(Deeper and deeper and deeper and deeper…)

His teeth dig into the meat. He feels something slick coat his tongue as he tears. He chews slowly. The siblings say nothing as Darkpaw focuses on eating. He feels his pelt grow hot suddenly. His eyes raise to Palepaw, who is now gone. Darkpaw blinks in surprise. Had Palepaw finished her meal?

Darkpaw leans down to take another bite.

(The bird calls.)

Darkpaw leans away. Palepaw reenters the den, grinning. He lifts his head to gaze at his sister. A shadow shifts on the edge of his vision. Fat and blood coat his tongue. He looks away and pushes his unfinished meal forward to Palepaw. She tilts her head, urging Darkpaw to speak.

He’s not sure he can without vomiting.

(Dogs bark in the corners of his mind. What is that call?)

Palepaw gazes at him a moment longer before shrugging and practically tearing into the prey. He’d always had a smaller stomach than her.

(Those eyes witnessed him. He ate of it’s meat.)

Darkpaw takes a deep breath and stands up, making his way to the medic den’s water pool. He places his paw in it to shift the water around. He then leans down to drink the rippling waves. The fat slides down his throat and the blood washes away. His mouth feels cleaner. He stares at his reflection a moment longer. The sky lights up with flashes of light, followed by a thick and heavy rumble. He can hear Levi yelp from the clearing, followed by Littleleaf’s light laughter. Darkpaw stares into his eyes.

(Palepaw has always joked that his face looked like the sky. His eyes, the stars. His face, the moon.)

Darkpaw leans closer and dips his head into the pool. The world goes quiet as he pins his ears and opens his eyes. It stings his nose. Darkpaw watches the reflection of the cavern dance along the floor of the pool. Clarity fills his mind. His mouth opens slightly to drink some of the water.

He feels his lungs constrict for a moment, and he lifts his head out from the pool. He hears Feathersight yelp from the back of the cave at the noise. Darkpaw shakes his head and quickly darts away before Feathersight or Bristleheart can touch him.

Palepaw’s sitting with Littleleaf and Levi as they sit at the entrance to the cavern. Darkpaw slowly makes his way over, before pausing in the clearing. His fur feels hot. Darkpaw feels as though every cat in the clearing is turning their heads to stare. Their eyes burning his pelt and making his chest rattle with terror.

(Why are you afraid? They are your clan.)

Darkpaw turns and runs abruptly. Rain begins to slam into the cave. Darkpaw’s head is filled with static and noise. He thinks he hears a kitten crying for an ‘Icekit.’ Darkpaw shakes his head and practically dives for his nest. Thunder cracks, and Darkpaw thinks that the mountain is going to slip.

It’s going to come apart and crush him under the rubble. His entire life will be gone and he’ll be panting as he crawls from the wreckage, the only one alive at the end of it. Lightning flashes in the sky.

Darkpaw blinks. None of that is going to happen. His family is safe.

He closes his eyes tight, and forces himself to pretend to sleep. He hears Palepaw come up to him after a long while, each step hesitant.

“Are you alrig–... oh, you’re asleep.” Palepaw’s voice drifts in. Darkpaw’s heart speeds up. She needs to run, the cave is collapsing. “Okay, sweet dreams, Darkpaw…” He hears her begin to walk away, before pausing, presumably by the entrance. Darkpaw forces his breathing to level out, and she begins to walk away.

He falls asleep.

At first, it’s just dogs. There are hounds. They chase and weave around the forest he calls home. The stones he’d seen Palepaw mark as borders have turned obsolete as he runs. He is frantic, as the stones flash by his eyes. He feels like his chest is going to explode from the pressure. He feels heat on his heels, and adrenaline pumps into him.

Then, the hymns begin. Screeches and songs burst from the trees above him.

(He doesn’t know what type of bird it is.)

Slobber drips from the dogs’ lips as they close in. Darkpaw feels his identity come back to his brain and he feels ill at the thought. The songs turn from wordless things, into screams. Words fill his head and ears. Those dogs feel less like hounds and more like cats.

Feathers pour from the skies above, black and shining.

(LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN. SEE. LISTEN AND WATCH AND SEE.)

He awakes slowly, eyes blinking open in the dull light of the cavern. His body trembles with fear and knowledge. He doesn’t yet understand. Darkpaw notices Palepaw beside him, and blinks at her. At that, memories flood back, and his throat chokes out a strangled gasp at the revelation.

The birdsong was a raven’s call. His eyes are the stars, and his face is the moon.

(He ate of it's meat.)

 - 🎲 This sunday's moon struck me. with lightning. i love fucked up cats so much. also the whole mountain thing is a thing i deal with so i projected it onto Darkpaw. yayy i wrote this in a haze of 30 minutes, so forgive any errors you find please! <3

(beetle note: THAT WAS SO FAST. ANBD ITS SO GOOD!!!!!!! allegories about meat and blood and cannibalism <333 keep up the fantastic work, dice)

[itwasthereaminuteago]

|| Star-Crossed ||

Pairing: Frank Castle x Female reader

W/c 13.3k

Tags/warnings: Romeo & Juliet style gangster forbidden love Punisher/Daredevil AU, super-protective Matt, Jack Murdock is alive and well, some pretty old fashioned chauvinistic values, violence and injury, (protected and unprotected) p in v sex, oral (f rec), *spoiler* (kids in the future).

Author's note: Aaaaah it's finally done! I started this in December 2022 and I've had to leave and come back to it several times trying to work out how I wanted it to go. Huge big massive thanks to @mindidjarin , @the-fox-den and @theradioactivespidergwen for all the beta help! 

If you enjoyed it, let me know!

Epilogue

The Italians and the Irish. The Castigliones and the Murdocks. Two mob families that have been feuding for generations. One mired in dealing arms and the other in throwing deadly punches with them - running illicit underground fight clubs and loan sharking. 

Matthew Murdock was one of the best fighters in the entire city; after all he was the boxer Battlin' Jack Murdock's son. 'The Devil O' Hell's Kitchen' they called him. 

And he was your big brother.

He would certainly have some choice words for you if he knew where and who you were with right now.

"Princess, fuck, you're somethin' else y'know that?" 

Your body felt flushed with heat and bliss as you collapsed in Frank Castiglione's lap in the back seat of his car, laughing as his stubbled jaw tickles you when he kisses up and down your neck, like he's still hungry for you. 

"You say that every time Frank," you smile as you push yourself up off him, tutting as he ties up the condom and throws it out the fogged window before cleaning himself up.

Sometimes you have to pinch yourself to remind yourself that you aren’t dreaming. When the man that was so terrifying they gave him the nickname of 'The Punisher' was between your thighs, or you were between his, life felt like a fever dream. 

"I'll buy us a villa in the Lakes. You'd fuckin' love it there sweetheart, I just know it. You'll wake up and enjoy your morning coffee on the bedroom balcony overlooking the water. I'll treat you so goddamn right…"

The scene he painted with his words was so clear in your mind and yet- "Frank we can't -"

"Baby, you deserve more than what I can give you in a half hour in the back of my car."

You pretend not to hear, adjusting your dress to look a little more decent.

"Look me in the eyes and tell me this is enough for you.”

You sigh softly. You didn't need to see that puppy dog look of his to know life wasn’t fair.

"No Frankie, you know it's not, but I can't be with you like that… my father and Matty would kill you if I ran away to Italy with you!"

He tucks some of your disheveled hair behind your ear. "So you're just gonna keep leading me along like this, huh? I wanna be with you baby. I want you."

"Frankie I want you too, but they'll get suspicious if I spend any more time out and about. My da and brother think I'm taking a dance class right now."

He half snorts with laughter. "Yeah well when we 'dance' you do got some smokin' hot moves sweetheart; but I don't want you showin' them ones to anyone else."

"As if I would." You say with mock indignation. "Anyway, it's a good enough cover for why I'm always so worn out when I get home!"

Frank just smirks. "Let me at least take you dancing for real. Tell the old man you're going out with your girlfriends one night."

You roll your eyes. "Aye and if one of my da's men sees me out with you? You’ll be dead and I'll at least be locked up with a flippin' chastity belt forevermore after that!"

"Baby," He pleads and his words hit you in the heart and gut, "I've gotta be with you. We gotta find a way to make this work."

You push up off of him, frowning slightly. "The only way it could work is if you go straight. Get out of the family business and be respectable. Then maybe my da would at least listen to us instead of reaching for his gun."

He just laughs. "Me? Respectable? Well I wouldn't be able to give you trinkets like this if I was makin' a 'respectable' living now, could I?"

He produces a gold necklace from his waistcoat pocket and places it in your open palm, smiling at your surprise. It's a fine dainty sparkling chain with a little heart hanging from it. You turn the heart over and your breath catches in your throat as you read the small engraved letters 'FC' in flowing script.

You feel giddy. "Oh Frankie…" 

"Now you have my heart, sugar."

You want to scream out. Why did you have to go and fall in love with a boy from a crime family? Why did it have to be a Castiglione? It went against everything your two families stood for. Why did everything have to be so damn complicated?!

You lean forward to kiss him, fingers smoothing down his lapels. "Frank, I… I love it, but you know I can't wear it…" 

He nods, resigned. "Yeah, sure." It feels like you've just kicked a puppy. You lift up your heel and slip it into your shoe for safekeeping.

"But I'll keep it with me, always."

He at least manages a smile and you kiss him again, chiding him as he sneaks his hands in places that'd make a priest blush.

"I've gotta go…"

"Ten more minutes, five even! Please babygirl, I'll make it worth your while." He pleads so prettily for the son of one of the cities' biggest mobsters and you very nearly crumble.

You extricate yourself from his grasp, trying to stay focused. If you got home late there would be questions. Your family was very protective of you. "You always make it worth my while Frankie."

"Dancing. This Friday. Wear one of your pretty dresses… mm, and don't bother with the panties."

"Frank!" 

He hands you your coat, his lips pressed into a smile that you want to kiss off his face. "Can't blame me for tryin'. Fuck, I'm missin' you already." 

"I'll seeya. Be careful." You say opening the car door and looking around to check the coast is clear before scooching out. 

"Friday, yeah?" He calls after you hopefully.

You turn and flash him a grin as your heels clack away down the alleyway. "Friday."

~

"How was yer dancin'?"

You just about manage to stop yourself from jumping six feet up in the air as Matthew appeared seemingly out of nowhere as you closed the front door behind you.

"Oh excitin' and tirin', as usual." You reply, hanging up your coat and placing your keys on the sideboard.

"Where's da?" You ask, noting that his coat was missing from its usual place.

"Out. He's meetin' some new guy. One of' the big fight brokers from the other side o' town. He can fix us up with some top names, reckons we can make some real good money."

"Why aren't you with him, Matty? You bein' the best one an all…"

"Yeah I'm goin'. Wanted to make sure you got home okay first. You've been getting back later 'n later each time yer out. Da was worried. An I was too."

You laugh. "Oh Matty, you're so damn sweet,  but I'm fine as you can well see. Us girls just love to gab on after, you know that."

He didn't look convinced but he nods all the same and that's when you see the blood drip down from behind his ear.

"Matthew yer bleedin'! I didn't know you had a fight tonight?" Your hands reach for his shoulders to keep him still as you have a closer look and then guide him towards the bathroom.

He shrugs. "Wasn't somethin' I planned exactly, one of the fuckin' Castiglione lads showed up at the gym. 

"What? Who was it?" 

It couldn't have been Frank, there was no way, but that didn't stop your heart creeping up your throat.

"One o' the younguns, just shit talkin' and tryin' to stir up trouble. Managed to clip me before I booted his arse down the street. Christ, I'd love a real excuse to fuckin' kill the lot of em…"

You stay silent, focusing your attention on gently cleaning the small cut and sticking a plaster over it.

"There. It's only a wee one, thankfully."

"Sis, yer a doll. Always lookin' out fer me." He pecks you on the cheek before grabbing his own coat and heading out. "We'll be back afore eleven. Stay inside okay?"

"Alright Matty, see you later."

~

It felt like you had been waiting months by the time Friday finally rolled around. You met the girls, Karen, Marci and Dinah at the dancehall, trying your best to pay attention and stay engaged in conversation but you found yourself constantly scanning the bar for him.

You freeze as you feel a hand on your waist and you whip around with your fist raised, ready to clock the slimeball who had dared to touch you. 

"Woah, sweetheart!" Frank raises his hands in submission and chuckles as your expression changes from pissed to adoring in a fraction of a second.

"Frankie." You purr as he slides his arm further around your waist and takes your softening fist in his hand.

"If you're done with the fightin', may I have this dance?" He asks, leading you onto the crowded dance floor. 

You nod and flash him a smile, trying to calm your excitement and allow yourself to melt into the solid mass of him, as you drift further away from your group of friends. "Missed you Frankie…" 

He pulls you even closer and you can feel the heat of him through the thin fabric of your dress.

"Missed you more. You look so gorgeous darlin'," he says. He dances with you for a while, and oh, he's got all the moves - spinning you around and dipping you for several songs before he's guiding you towards a quiet corner away from prying eyes. You giggle as he noses your ear and kisses your neck, and when you meet his hungry mouth his fingertips dance up the outside of your bare thigh making you shiver.

"Someone might see!" You warn. You should break away, but you're eager for his touch and he knows it.

"Don't care. I need a taste baby. Been thinkin' bout you all week. Can you feel that?" He asks, and it's a dumb question because he's rock hard against you and it's driving you insane. Your mouth goes dry as he takes your hand and holds it over the front of his pants. "That's what you do to me princess, fuck… that's what you do."

You glance around, your nerves on fire with the excitement of getting caught but no-one is paying the two of you any mind. 

"What about the bathrooms?" you pant into his mouth as he kisses you breathless again.

He grins, trying to hold in his groan as you squeeze his clothed cock in your hand. "What about 'em sweet girl?" He teases, knowing full well what you're implying.

As soon as the stall door's locked you pounce and it throws him for a loop. He's usually the one to take control but he'll be damned if he won't let you get what you want. You place both of his hands underneath your skirt right on your bare ass and you swear you could get addicted to seeing the expression that appears on his face as he realises you've honoured his request and you're not wearing a shred of underwear. 

He squeezes your warm flesh as you unbuckle his belt and open his pants, taking his thick cock in your hand and giving him a few firm strokes. You slip your hand into his pocket and find what you're looking for, tearing open the packet hurriedly and rolling the condom onto him before you hike up your leg and urge him to pull you up. 

It's a struggle for you both not to moan at the sensation as he sinks inside you. He turns you both so your back's against the stall, wrapping your legs around him and bracing his own legs wider so he can fuck you the way you crave. 

You hear people coming into the toilets, laughing and chatting but it's no big deal, it's the kind of place that young lovers meet to spend some 'quality time' together, and you two were no different. You'd asked your friends to let you know, unlikely as it was, if any of your family appeared, so you felt as if this was the closest to having a relaxed intimate time with Frank as you could get.

You're at eye level with him as he thrusts into you against the stall, you love being able to see his face when he's inside you and watch him try to hold it together when he comes apart. 

"Frankie," you moan, "oh fuck… feels so good!" 

He kisses you again and it's so possessive you almost lose it, his hand reaches up to grip the top of the stall to give him more leverage to drive into you deeper and harder. 

"Princess, you're a fuckin' dream. Touch yourself baby, make it feel good, that's right baby, let me feel it too."

You do as he says, unable to curb your impassioned cries as it takes almost no time at all to near the peak of your pleasure. 

"F-fuck Frank- ohh god-!"

He curls in against you, his breath hot and heavy, letting go as he feels you spasm around him with the last few desperate thrusts. 

"Marry me." He pants, still holding you tightly up against the stall door.

It takes a few seconds for the post orgasmic fog to clear from your brain so that you can process the words you think you just heard coming out of Frank's mouth.

"W-what?"

"Marry me darlin'.  I'm askin' you to make me an honest man. Will you?" 

"In the toilets? While you're still inside me?!" 

He chuckles. "Hell, I know it ain't Paris, I just… I love you."

You beam from ear to ear, laughing too. Suddenly it doesn't matter where you are, you're just overflowing with unfiltered glee at his words.

"Oh Frank, I love you too!" his lips meet yours over and over, raining kisses all over your face until you're both laughing so hard you have to slip out of his embrace.

"You uh, haven't given me an answer, sweetheart..."

You can't help your sigh as you press your palm to the side of his face. "I told you before baby, a miracle would have to happen for us to be married. I want to, Frankie, I really do more than anything but I just don't see how." 

He kisses you on the forehead before he cleans up and helps you fix your hair and dress. "Yeah, I know." He sighs.

~

You practically hop, skip and jump up the stairs when you get home, so elated with Frank's admission of love for you that the prospect of never being able to actually marry him couldn't even drag your mood down. Matt comes around the bottom of the staircase to see what all the noise was about.

"A good night then, love?" 

"Oh Matty, it was just perfect!"

He smiles wide. "Glad to hear it pet, love seein' you so happy."

You were dancing around so much that you failed to notice the necklace Frank had given you fall out of your shoe and land on one of the stairs.

But Matt noticed it. You'd disappeared into your room by the time he'd picked it up intending to give it back to you. But then he ran his thumb over the charm again and again, gritting his teeth harder each time he read the engraving. He couldn't believe it. 

He tried to stop the rage he felt rising from his gut, but this wouldn't stand, that was for sure. His little sister would not and could not ever be associated with that Castiglione scum. Matt's hands instinctively curled into fists. He was going to hunt down that son of a bitch and after he was done with him he knew he would never be going near you again.

~

When you come out of the shower and dress, the house is deadly quiet. You knew your dad was likely down at the gym training with the boys, but you called out for Matt, eager to hear about his next fixture. You loved your brother like no one else. After your mum was gone you were brought even closer together, most days you were never apart and even when he started fighting he'd always have the time to teach you some technique and even let you cut loose on him at the gym after school. He was so very protective of you when you started seeing boys, none of them were ever good enough for you and if he had his way you'd probably die a spinster. 

"Matty?" His jacket was still on the peg. Then a glint on the sideboard caught your eye. The necklace.

Oh no. 

Fuck, it must have fallen out earlier and he'd found it. You picked it up, brushing your thumb over Frank's initials. Your heart dropped like a stone as you knew what Matt was likely to do.

When you reach the warehouses down at the waterfront, you could already hear the commotion. A large circle of people stood near one of the huge open loading doors, mostly Castiglione men and some women, shouting and gesturing towards the center. You run up, forcing your way through the crowd to find the cause. 

Your eyes find Frank first. He'd look so fine if this was any other situation. The muscles on his chest and arms rippled as he stripped down to his vest. He was wrapping his hands with cloth as a few of his clan around him amped him up with whoops and hollers.

Opposite him stood your brother, still in his regular clothes with his shirt sleeves rolled up.

Your stomach lurched with a rioting combination of butterflies and bile. 

They were going to fight.

"No!" You shout, pushing your way past the crowd and running between them. You're not sure which one of them you were yelling at, your heart tearing itself in two with the prospect of what was about to happen.

"Go home wee girl," Matt barks, and Frank catches your eye. 

"He's right for once baby, get out of here. You don't need to watch me beat his ass."

"Frankie, no! Just let me talk to him, you don't have to do this, you don't need to fight!" You wheel around to face your brother. Your blood. 

"Please Matty, you don't understand! Stop," your eyes burn with the tears that threaten to flow. "Please don't, you can't… I love him!" 

You try pushing him back but it has little effect. He keeps on staring past you in the direction of Frank, his head tilting minutely as he listens to him tie off the last of the wrap and clap his hands together, testing them.

"I think I understand enough. An' I'll be talkin' to ya later, that's for fuckin' sure, now get on home!" Matt growls.

You shiver, feeling sick with anger and the sheer frustration that the two men you love with all your heart were going to fight because of you. It wasn't heroic, it wasn't romantic, it was raw and ugly and you wished you could do something to stop them.

"You wanna set rules?" Frank asks.

Matt almost snorts with laughter. "Rules? Rules?! Don't think ya know the meanin' o' the word seein' as you've had yer greasy mitts on my fuckin' sister!"

Frank wasn't going to publicly shame you by telling him that it was you who had come to him. No, if there was ever a hope for the two of you he'd play this clean and right by your family like you wanted.

"Fine." He nods, smacking his fists together and starting to circle his opponent. "C'mon then Murdock, if you wanna do it this way, ding-ding. Let's go."

They drew up fast to each other and it was Frank who threw the first punch. Matt easily ducked it, dodging to the side and countering with his own punch that you couldn't see land through your tears; but it hit its mark as you hear that sick sound that you would usually relish when you watched the betting fights. But not today. 

You run back home in a daze, unable to think of anything other than what if Matt kills him, and what will your father do to the two of you if he doesn't? 

Tears continue to blind you and your heart is a dull, burning weight in your chest as you reach the front door. You can hear the TV on in the living room so you run upstairs avoiding the inevitable questions. You throw yourself on your bed and cry into your pillow until you finally hear the front door slam. 

The voices of your father and Matthew are muffled at first and then your da is shouting. You cower as you expect him to come crashing through your door but it doesn't happen. A little while later there's a soft knocking at your door and Matt's voice floats through. "Little dove…  c'mon lass, it's over."

You let out a loud sob, the horror of what he might have done washing over you, he'd never killed anyone before but… 

"I hate you!" You push yourself up for long enough to scream through the door before burying your face in your bed covers again; pained heaving breaths wracking through your body as you cry your heart out.

He comes in and sits down on the edge of your bed as you turn away towards the wall. "You'll love me again soon enough. I've saved you a life o' heartbreak angel. He knows he won't be comin' near you again."

He sounds stuffed up, like his nose might be broken. Good. The words do little to stem the flood of anger you feel but now you know Frank is alive at least. "You can't stop me from seeing him, and you sure as hell can't control who I love!" 

Matt smooths his hand over your arm but you jerk away from his touch.

"Here, shush now, you want Da rippin ya a new one? I've only just managed to calm 'im down cause he's none too happy about the situation. You're a smart girl, you know this can't be. A Murdock and a Castiglione?" Matt spat the name like the taste of it in his mouth disgusted him. "It's bloody ridiculous! There's never been a time we've not been dead set against each other. And ya better not have been tellin' him any of our business… Da will go properly spare then."

"I’ve never told him anything! I don’t care about the stupid business because I'm in love with him Matty! I love Frank and none of you can change that."

Matt sighs deeply, his voice hardens. "That's enough now! You'll get over him eventually. There are plenty of better men out there that deserve ya anyways. I won't hear any more about it, an neither will Da. It's finished."

He makes you feel like a child and you can't stop your tears. You cry softly, your blanket damp and crumpled from gripping it so hard. 

Matt gets up. "We'll see ya downstairs for tea."

The door closes, and you feel more alone than ever before.

When you finally drag yourself downstairs to eat something your mouth drops open as you see Matt's face. Your earlier suspicions were correct, Frank had managed to break his nose, he had more than a couple of cuts on his brows too that Da had stitched for him, and from the way he moved around the table you could tell he was decently bruised. The fact that Frankie had gone down swinging was little comfort when it was your own kin hurt.

You ate in silence. Neither you nor your father were ready to look each other in the eye, nevermind speak. On the way to your room you looked for the necklace but it was gone. 

You cried yourself to sleep.

~

You spent most of the day alone in your room. Your father came in to check on you, but as soon as you opened your mouth to talk about Frank, he shook his head, slammed the door and left you angry and resentful all over again.

At night you found your bedroom window locked but that wasn’t going to put a stop to your plans. Using a hair grip and a lot of determination, you jimmied it open and climbed out and down the fire escape. Nelson's was where you were headed, they owned almost the entire meatpacking district and their main shop wasn't far from the house. Everyone went there so you knew you might be able to find out about Frank. 

The bell tinkled as you entered and Foggy was just closing up. But as soon as he saw it was you, he pulled off his apron and leapt over the counter to wrap his arms around you.

"Oh honey!"

"You heard?"

"You're surprised?" He asks as he leads you to the back of the shop so you're not seen. "It's pretty much all anyone's talking about. Actually thought your old man would have you locked in."

"Yeah well, so did he…"

Foggy laughs at that. He's Matt's best friend and practically family to you, and out of all of them he's the one that doesn't treat you like you're still a kid. You could trust him not to grass you up for sneaking out.

"Foggy, please tell me, have you heard anything about Frank, is he okay?"

"Well your bro didn't pull his punches…  He's pretty banged up from what I've heard, and uh, he’s in the infirmary. That much I do know."

Your heart feels like it's banging against your ribs and your stomach twists into a tight knot. "Oh my god, Foggy it's that bad? Wh- I need to- I need to see him!"

Foggy places his hands gently on your shoulders trying his best to calm you down. "Hey, it's okay. As far as I know it was just a precaution for concussion. Um, and for stitches, cracked ribs, and stuff. I know it's not what you wanna hear, but it coulda been a hell of a lot worse."

You swallow past the huge lump that's formed in your throat thinking about some of your brother's unluckier past opponents. "Yeah…"

He sits you down, gesturing at the makeshift bar beside him. "Tea, or…?"

"Something stronger, Fog." 

Foggy sighs and uncaps a half full bottle of scotch. He pours two glasses, and you quickly down the scotch, not caring about how rough it is or how much it burns. 

"You know I don't judge but geez, what have you gotten yourself into?"

You grip the glass tightly and wait for Foggy to give you another finger of scotch before answering. "He's so good to me, Foggy.. Nobody sees it and no one understands. They're just blinded by this fucking age old rivalry between our families. it's insane! I love him, he loves me and I don’t know why everyone can't just mind their goddamn business? Why can't we just be together?!"

He sighs again, deeper and more fraught this time. "The thing is, this is much bigger than love hon. This… it could trigger another war. You think your pop is pissed at you? I don't even wanna imagine what Don Castiglione is gonna do to his son even after what Matt's done to him over this. Your families don't cross, and when they do blood is always spilled!" 

Your brows knit together, face falling at the thought of how Frank might be punished, how he'd be kept from seeing you too. "Foggy, I need to see him. I know you must have contacts, you can help us meet without anyone knowing… please? Please can you do this for me?"

Foggy paces nervously. He loves you so much, would do near anything for you but…

He runs his hand slowly down his face. "Look, you just can't be seen near Frank at all, okay? You can't risk that and neither can I. But I do know someone; a nurse actually. She's a good friend and I might be able to get a note to him for you through her. But that's it, okay?" 

He wheezes at the surprising force as you fling your arms around him and he gives you a small smile as you hug him tightly in gratitude. 

"Thank you, Foggy!"

~

"There's our big cock-for-brains! How're the ribs, Francesco?"

Frank winces as he shifts on the couch to sit up as Billy swaggers in and throws himself down beside him.

"Better, asshole." he grumbles back.

Billy smirks. "Oh! Last time I checked I wasn't secretly fucking a Murdock but I'm the asshole? Heh, yeah that's a good one."

Frank doesn't even dignify his comment with a response but Billy keeps going.

"So, is she nasty? I'll bet she is. Does she fuck as well as that brother of hers fights? Actually, thinkin' about it she does seem to spend a lot of time with him-".

Billy gags as Frank suddenly grabs him around the throat, ignoring the dull pain in his body as he pushes him hard into the seat, choking.

"C-christ Frankie relax, I take it back! Fuck, I don't mean it, I just needed to know how serious you are about this girl!"

Frank lets him go with a growl. "You're fuckin' lucky you got such a pretty face Bill. If you were anyone else I woulda messed it up. 'Course I'm serious."

"Yeah, yeah I can see that," he half laughs, coughing and rubbing at his throat. "Well, you better have this then." He hands Frank a folded up piece of paper.

Frank's eyes light up as they flit over your words, but then he scrubs his hand over his face shaking his head, his worries sinking in.

"What is it?"

"Shit, she thinks it's her fault that we were found out. Shouldn't have given her that damn necklace… should have been more careful… fuck!" He pushes himself up with a groan and starts pacing the room, the muscle in his jaw twitching and ticking as he thinks.

"I've fucked this up. I need to see her."

Billy's expression turns to concern. "Frankie, you love this girl, right?"

The intensity of Frank's look gives him the only answer he needs.

"Maybe you should just lay low for a while. The last thing you wanna do is potentially stir more shit up and get both of you in an even worse way. Just keep your head down, focus on the work, and then… who knows? Hell might freeze over."

Frank hates the idea of you thinking he's abandoned you, it guts him, but he knows Billy's right. He has to keep his distance for now. 

Fuck, he misses you.

~

A week goes by after you gave Foggy the note. And then another… and another. He can't possibly have given up on you, surely? But hope of ever seeing him again in the way that you did before starts fading quickly along with your anger at your brother. You had blamed him for everything, for perpetuating the rivalry, for telling your father, for putting Frank off you. You cried until you felt as though you had no tears left to cry.  

Matt tries his utmost to distract you from your moroseness, dragging you along to his fight fixtures that you used to love watching. But every one of his opponents that he beats just makes you think of Frank. 

There had been word of a huge arms shipment arriving at the docks later that week. Your father, uncles, and cousins spent most of their time planning on how they would get their hands on it before the Castiglione's could. It was a major job and a big risk, but if they could pull it off, it'd mean they could start selling weapons on the side and make even more money. You tried to talk your da out of it, piling up all the reasons he shouldn't get involved. But if there was anyone he was gonna take family business advice from, it was not going to be you.

"Matty I don't like this. We’ve got enough fingers in pies surely? We're doing alright, why is he so keen on going ahead with this job?"

Matt bounced gently against the ropes of the ring. "He wants to get one up on the Castiglione's, angel.  He won' let your little dalliance hold shame over us, he wants everyone to know who's boss."

Shame. The word made you grit your teeth till your jaw hurt, you were sick of this. Your father was a proud man, too proud sometimes. Nothing about it felt right but neither Matt nor your da would give your concerns the time of day. 

When the big night arrived you were ordered to stay behind, meet up with your girlfriends and go dancing or see a movie or something. Stay out of trouble.

Like hell. 

You carried on as if you were happy to stay home, but as soon as Matt and your da left to meet the others at the warehouse you followed a little way behind. You couldn't shake off the bad feeling that was slithering up your spine.

~

Frank smacked the cartridge back into the handgun he had just finished cleaning and laid it down on the massive table along with a gleaming array of other weapons. 

"Ragazzo, you ready?" Billy's voice drew him out of his silent brooding.

"Yeah, yeah. Gear up and we'll head to the docks. M'just itchin' for somebody to step out of line." Frank growls, slipping his gun in the back of his pants.

Billy throws him a grin and secretes his own arsenal of firearms and knives about his body. "Y'know, I kinda hope they do, I just love to watch you work, Frankie."

~

It was late when the boat docked. The Murdocks had intercepted it on its way in further down the river, overturned the guards and crew and steamed in ready for when the Castiglione's would inevitably be waiting for their delivery. You knew a couple of your cousins were stationed around the yard, lurking in the shadows of the huge containers just like you were. You knew how to stay hidden and move like a shadow when you needed to. Once a Murdock…

You see the Don's men arrive right on time, none the wiser as to what has happened until the gangplank is lowered and it's your da that steps out, flanked by two of his heavily armed henchmen. You couldn't see your brother.

"What the fuck is this?" Don Castiglione spits. He is every inch the gangster, tall, broad and extremely intimidating. You'd never seen him this close before but you could now see a bit of him in Frank.

"You Irish mutts think you can just take what's mine, huh? I'm insulted!  You should stay in your own little game Murdock. Take my advice, the guns do not suit you.

His men move forward and your da holds up a hand. "Now fellas, we don't wan any bloodshed tonight. If ye take a look around you'll find yer outnumbered n' outgunned. So, if ye will jist step aside we'll be loadin' these up in our trucks and'll get out of yer way and we'll hear no more about it, right?"

You see the rest of the Castigliones gradually appearing from out of the woodwork, and then you see him. Your heart sighs with relief that he's okay as far as you could make out. The glint of his piece shines in the moonlight as he moves to stand near the Don, who whispers something to him.

"Francesco, you are going to make good on your… mistake, and bring me my guns, capiche?"

They stand stock still for a long moment as Frank stares him down before they both suddenly spin on their heels as a deep voice like burnt gravel cuts the silence; effectively  interrupting the confrontation.

"Gentlemen. I believe I can resolve this rather… delicate situation that we have here…" 

It's Wilson Fisk. The fucking Kingpin. 

The metallic clack of weapons all around being raised and aimed at the newcomer echoes around the yard. However, the huge figure and his men remain unperturbed. 

"Mr Murdock," he continued calmly, "if you would please step aside, I will take what is mine."

Your blood runs cold. You knew your da would never back down. He was stubborn and tenacious and had definitely passed that trait on to you and Matt. Damn his fucking pride, you wanted to run out between them. Where the hell was Matty?

Just as you predicted your da stood his ground, finger hovering near the trigger.

"Y'think yer the fatcat around here don't ya, son? Well, I'm 'fraid to say that yer jist plain fat. Now run along an' let us men finish our business eh?"

Time slowed to a crawl. It was like everything was running through a sea of molasses. A shadow leaps over the railing of the boat onto the dock, it's running towards Fisk's men, Frank runs too as you see too late as Fisk's right-hand man raising his gun at your father. The shadow plows right into the second man who had also brought out his weapon, tackling him down to the asphalt. Several shots ring out like cracks of thunder and you scream as all you can see is your father dropping to the ground, there are more gunshots and then it's all over as quickly as it had begun. Your eyes frantically search the scene trying to understand what had just happened. 

Fisk is gone; disappeared into thin air along with one of his men. The other of Fisk’s henchmen was lying in a pool of blood at Matt's feet, one or both of the families had shot and killed him. You run out as you see your father being helped to his feet by Matt. They are alive and unhurt and you thank whatever gods would listen. 

It's then you see another body lying limp in front of them.

"No….no no no!" You hurtle across the yard towards it, Billy Russo and the Don are heading exactly the same direction. 

Towards Frank.

"Jesus Christ girl, what are you doing here?!" Matt rages at you. You fall to your knees as Billy turns Frank over onto his back, feeling for a pulse and listening for a breath; any sign that he is still alive.

Your father's voice is muddied in the background as the two families crowd around the scene. "H-He… that boy saved my life… he saved ma fuckin' life!" 

Blood seeps from Frank's stomach onto the ground.

"Frankie no, no don't die! Don't you fucking die! You hear me?!" Tears flood down your face as you grab his hand and squeeze. Billy puts pressure on the wound, slapping his face a couple of times trying to get him conscious. "C'mon bro, c'mon wake up for me! Wake up!" 

A van screeches up nearby and the Don orders his men to lift Frank and put him into the back. You climb in beside him, ignoring their protestations and grateful for Billy who snaps at them in finality. "She's coming with us.."

Matt runs up to the van after making sure your da is taken care of. "No… c'mon we need to get gone. You shouldn't even be here!"

"He saved our da, is that not worth anything?" You sob at him as Billy climbs in with you.

"Leave her be." Billy says. He slides the door shut and Matt's left standing as the van speeds off into the night.

~

Frank suddenly draws a wheezing breath as you hold onto his hand in the back of the van.

"Oh thank fuck. Frank! Frank, can you hear me?" Billy practically yells at him, ripping up his shirt and pressing it to the bullet wound as Frank gasps and groans in pain.

"Y-you holdin' my hand Russo?" He croaks, and you give it a squeeze, leaning over him so he can see you.

Your eyes briefly flick up to meet those of the Don, who has been silent the whole time.

"Frankie, you're okay." You tell your lover.  "They're taking you to a doctor.  You're gonna be okay." 

"Darlin'," he tries to sit up, starting to cough and you hold him down. "What you doin' he-" he coughs again and Billy helps keep him still.

"Shh, yeah I'm here, just don't move, don't move." You try not to think about how much red there is pouring out of him and onto your hands.

"Fuck… fuck it hurts- your dad, he okay?"

You stroke your fingers through his hair and try to smile. "Yes, oh god Frank, yes he's fine, he's fine! Now shh, don't speak, just hold on for me alright? You're gonna be okay, it won't be long.

You share a worried glance with Billy and hope that it's not far now.

Billy barrels through the A&E doors ahead of you and the Don's men who are carrying Frank.

"We need help here! Where's Claire? Get me Claire Temple!" he growls, taking an empty gurney from a nearby orderly and helping get Frank on it as he drifts in and out of consciousness.

A woman in scrubs very quickly appears from the triage area and immediately takes control. 

"Okay… we got a gunshot wound, anything else you wanna tell me? Was he conscious before now?" she asks you. A flash of recognition passes between you both, you had seen her patch Matt up after his fights a few times.

"No, no nothing else, yeah he was talking just a moment ago. He's lost a lot of blood on the way, can you help him, please?!" You plead.

"We'll do our best.  Please wait here."

Billy pulls you along as you both follow after the crash team taking Frank through the double doors, but Claire stops him short after she lets Frank's father go through with them.

"Hey, we're family too!" He protests.

"There's too many of you to let into the room, please, just wait here. Someone will update you as soon as we can. Right now, our main priority is to get him stabilised. Please, let us do our job."

The two of you reluctantly move over to the seating area as the other men go back outside to the van. Billy paces as you sit chewing your nails down to the quick.

"What you said…"

"What?" Billy asked.

"'We're family'." You say, catching his eye.

He stops his pacing, looking at you with sincerity. "If you're important to Frank, you're important to me. It's that simple."

You give him a small nod, returning to biting your nails and waiting with worry. 

Billy sits down beside you. "I'm sure he'll pull through. The fucker is hard to kill." he smiles and you return it, thankful that he's here.

"Yeah, he's gotta be alright."

~

After a few hours, Claire comes through the doors and you and Billy quickly get to your feet.

"He's stable. We were able to take the bullet out. It nicked an artery on the way in, but thankfully it missed his vital organs. We did have to give him a transfusion as he had lost a lot of blood. But, he's been stitched up and resting comfortably.”

"Oh my god," you felt the leaden weight lift off your shoulders slightly. "Claire, I can't thank you enough… Can we see him?" 

She nods. “You can. Just know that’s going to be groggy from the drugs we gave him. But I’m sure he’ll still appreciate the company.” You and Billy thank Claire before going into Frank’s room. 

He was groggy as Claire had warned you, but he returned the soft squeeze of your hand as you knelt down beside the bed. "Frankie, I'm so glad you're alright!"

"See, told you he was hard to kill." Billy said, patting Frank on the leg and smiling at him.

Frank chuckles, wincing slightly. "Yeah, you're not gettin' rid of me that easily. Baby, I'm sorry I got you into trouble. It's all my fault." He's looking into your eyes as he speaks, his hand reaching weakly for your face and you feel the bite of tears returning.

"Hey now, don't you cry over me darlin', I'll be alright. Everything's gonna be just fine, you didn't do nothin' wrong."

You sniff and laugh a little, stroking his hand that's cupping your cheek and wiping away your tears. "I'm the one that's supposed to be saying that! I missed you…"

"I missed you too. Not that I don't appreciate it, but you shouldn't be here. You should be with your family. With Fisk back on the scene it's dangerous baby, for all of us. What were you even doin' down at the docks?"

"I just had a bad feeling…" you interlace your fingers through his. "...but because of you my father is alive and well. I'm right where I need to be."

You're suddenly aware of an imposing presence as the Don entered the room. The man's even bigger than you had thought on seeing him up close. 

"Ah, so finally I get to meet the bella ragazza causing all of the trouble? The little bird that has my Francesco's heart, hm?"

Frank rolls his eyes. "Papa…"

You step forward. "I- I'm sorry Don Castiglione, I really didn't mean to-"

He takes your hand kissing the back of it briefly. "You make my boy happy, and so I am happy. So good to finally meet you, however I wish it were under better circumstances."

You swallow your nervousness down, nodding, actually surprised with how easy going he seems in private. "Thank you sir, it's great to meet you too."

"We are taking Francesco home tomorrow to recuperate, why don't you come and stay at the house with us? We have many rooms and I am certain he will recover faster if his love is nearby, hm?"

You're unsure what to say to such a generous offer, but Frank answers for you. "She'd love to papa."

You nod politely, still a little intimidated by the Don. "I would, but only if you're sure."

"It would be my pleasure, my dear."

Frank kisses the back of your hand. "Alright, I hate to say it but you better scoot, sweet thing. There's some shit we need to sort out…"

You sigh, not even being shot could stop the 'big men' from having their secret meetings. You bid the Don thanks and goodnight and catch Billy at the door. "Please will you make sure that he rests tonight and he doesn't do anything too stupid?"

Billy just chuckles, "you know that's an impossible ask, right?" He pulls you into a quick but surprisingly heartfelt hug as you stand up. "But I'll do my best bella nemica.

Frank can't help laughing softly at the nickname, groaning at the pain as it makes his stitches pull. "Oh that's a good one Bill, I'm stealin' that. You take care darlin', love you so much."

"I love you Frankie, I'll see you tomorrow!"

~

As you walk out into the hospital foyer you find your father waiting for you.

"Da, I…"

He pulls you into his arms, squeezing you so tight and you hug him back, relieved. "You shouldn't have been there tonight…"

You slump against him, the exhaustion from everything that happened suddenly hitting you like a truck. "I know, I'm sorry. I had to come, I was worried about you both. I'm so glad you're alright."

"Is he… okay?" 

You're surprised he cares at all about Frank but you nod. "Yeah, I've just seen him, he'll be fine. Where's Matty?"

"Out with boys patrollin', makin sure the streets are safe. Listen pet, I'm reckonin' we need to meet with the Castigliones to try an' organise some kind of truce. If Fisk is back and makin' a play to control the Kitchen we're gonna need more people an' it makes sense to join our forces."

You stare at him, your eyes wide not daring to believe. "Tell me you're serious. Please tell me you mean that da."

"That boy saved ma life, little dove. An it's war now, this changes things."

"But you've always hated them! Is Fisk really such bad news that you'd forget everything you drilled into me and ally with them?" 

"Darlin, ye have no idea…"

When you get back home you spend most of the night into the early morning talking with your father. He asks so many questions about Frank. He asks about his family and about your relationship, and you answer what you can. In turn you grill him about Fisk, and he paints a dour and terrifying picture. You understand now why he'd go back on his previous vow.

"I need ya to arrange a meetin' with the Don.  D'ya think you can talk to yer lad about it pet?"

"Uhuh, actually he offered me a room there so I could spend some time with Frank while he recovers… but I know what you're going to say so-"

He cuts you off. "Ye knew I was goin' to tell ye that ah think ye should go?" 

Your jaw almost hits the floor in disbelief. "You do?"

"Aye, you'll be safe enough there. Don's got a lotta men, an' that Russo I know is a good shot."

"Matty won't be happy." 

"No, but don't you worry 'bout that, I'll see to 'im."

You look into your father's eyes, and you can see he's asking for your help. You were scared. Kingpin had taken control of the shipment after everyone had scattered and who knew what else he had up his sleeve or when he'd choose to strike next. 

But this… this might just be the way to bring him down. If he knew anything about Hell's Kitchen, he'd never suspect an alliance like this. Fuck, even you would never had imagined it could be possible. 

The next morning you pack a bag, call a cab and go over what you're going to say to the Don when you get there. Matt must have stayed at the gym last night and you don't get a chance to speak with him. In a way you're almost glad as he'd probably chew you a new one for doing this.

The cab pulls up on the huge gravel drive and four well-armed guys in fine fitting suits give you a thorough once over and check your bag when you get out. 

"Hey! Keep your paws to yourselves, you animals. She's good." You are so relieved to hear Billy's voice, and he flashes you his charming smile while guiding you towards the imposing front door. 

"We figured Francesco would be safer here. The doc at the hospital wasn't keen on that idea, but what can they do?" He takes you straight inside. "You are here to help me look after the lil shit, aren't you?"

You follow him down the marble floored hallway, your eyes flitting around taking in the rather opulent but classic decor. "Of course, and who wouldn't rather recuperate at home if it's like this, holy crap!"

Billy smirks as he opens a door and ushers you inside the plush room.

You were so pleased to see Frank's smile. "Am I glad to see you again, sweetness." He tells you.

You bound across the floor to the huge bed that your beau is resting in. You're relieved that he looks so much better. You hold his face in your hands and are happy to see that he's back to a healthy colour. You pepper gentle kisses all over him, letting him know how happy you are that he’s better. Billy leaves you both to it and you're grateful to have some time alone with Frank. And so it seems, is he. 

"Frankie, you look good, how are you feeling today?" you ask, squealing in surprise when he pulls you into the bed to lie beside him. 

"Careful baby!" You exclaim before he's capturing your lips, not caring about the pain in the side of his gut if he gets to taste and feel you again. That wild want is there in his eyes when you break away and it's hard for you to resist giving in to it when his hands begin to roam over you.

"God I've missed you, missed having you…"

You huff at him. "Frank, you know I'd want nothing more… but you've got to rest, you've been shot for Christ's sake!!"

"Yeah, yeah I know," he says, the corner of his mouth pulling up mischievously. "but there's still some things I can do…" 

You feel the heat in your face even as you shake your head at the audacity of him. He never gives up, yet another thing you love about him.

"Just be serious for a minute.  My da’s asked if you can arrange a meeting between your father and him. He thinks our families should work together to stop Fisk."

He stops messing with you as he considers it. "Well shit, ain't the worst idea. And you agree?"

"I do. It makes sense, and it's the last thing Fisk would expect.

Frank mulls it over for a moment and then calls for Billy. "Hey man, can you get my dad in? Think we've got a proposal for him."

You're suddenly nervous for a different reason, hurriedly standing and smoothing down your clothes as the door opens. Frank reaches for your hand and gives it a gentle squeeze.

"Hey, don't you worry baby." He reassures you under his breath. "Just tell him what you told me."

When you relate your own father's thoughts to the Don you're surprised when he doesn't interrupt, instead listening intently.

"...and where might the meeting happen?" He asks with interest.

"I think I know a place."

~

Foggy's in good spirits when you drop in to the shop. He’s glad that you’re okay, but his pleasant mood doesn't last when he hears what you've got to ask him.

“You want me to have The Murdocks and Castigliones under the same roof? Are you kidding me?”

"But your place is neutral ground, Foggy! There won't be any trouble I promise you."

He paces around frantically. "No trouble?! You can't promise me that!"

You fiddle with the snack display by the counter. "Look, I know it's a lot to ask, but if we can stop Fisk from becoming a permanent fixture everyone will be better off. Please Foggy, for the sake of the Kitchen." He stops his frantic pacing and pins you with a worried look.

“Fine. But if anyone gets shot, remind yourself I told you this was a bad idea.”

~

A couple of weeks later you found that Foggy wasn't exactly wrong in what he had told you. With the heads of both families and their closest lieutenants gathered in the large space of the Nelson's back room, the air quickly grew thick with tension. Matt arrived first with your father; stopping in his tracks as soon as he sensed you. You hadn't seen each other since that night at the docks.

"Matty-" you start. "alrigh' dove." he replies, only giving you a curt nod as he makes his way to the end of the long table. You sigh. This was going to be a long night.

When Frank comes in Matt stands quickly, his chair shrieking along the floor with his fists bunched at his sides. The Castigliones bristle, fingers itching and ready to reach for weapons. The tension was ramping up fast and it felt as though the meeting was about to fail even before it could begin.

"Ahh there he is. The golden boy. Fuckin’ cunt of the hour." Matt snaps.

"'The hell…?" Frank starts.

You found yourself getting to your feet.

"Christ Matt, will you just behave? Frank saved our da's life, does that mean nothing to you?"

"Aye it goes a way, but does he think he's better than us? That you're safer with him, with them, than us? Was that why you didn't come home, pet? Was this all his fuckin' idea too?!"

You'd never seen Matt this upset and angry before. You had to calm him down before something irreversible kicked off between the families. Frank shot you a concerned look but didn't interfere; knowing that anything he said could make things even worse. You pull Matty aside, whisper-yelling at him.

"Hey, listen to me Matt. Me staying at the Don's was da's idea, and getting everyone together was his too! Did you not know that?" You hiss.

Matt huffs. "No. I just thought that…" he paces before running a hand down your arm. "we're the ones that keep ya safe, love, yer family. Not them. It just feels like-" he stops himself, unable to fully admit his jealousy.

You urge him to continue, you don't want there to be bad blood between the two of you, especially now.

"I worry about ya dove. I know ya say ya love 'im, I just don' wanna see y'get hurt. When you're wit me, you're safe, y'can't get hurt. You know I love you too."

His expression is so honest it makes your heart burn.

"Matty, I love you so much, and I know you're just looking out for me but please, you've got to let me live my life for myself. I'm a grown woman now. You don't need to keep protecting me from everything!"

He sighs with resignation and you squeeze his arm.

"I know you're not sure about Frank but he really does love me, and I don't believe that he'd ever hurt me intentionally. And this? This is the best shot we've got at Fisk, you know that. Please don't throw this away Matt, do it for the Kitchen if not for me!"

He softens as you plead, "I'll do it for both of youse."

You kiss him on the cheek and whisper a sincere thank you before returning to the table where discussion is already underway. You walk over to stand beside Frank and kiss him swiftly. He's a little surprised that you'd make your relationship so public with the current situation as it is.

"S'everythin' okay princess?" He asks nervously as you place your hand in his, and let out a thankful sigh along with a shitload of tension.

"Everything's grand, Frankie." You say with a genuine smile. "Let's get this started."

The heads of the families agreed that they needed to find out what resources Fisk had, how many men and how much firepower he possessed before they made their move. It was proposed that members from each side should scout it out, and ultimately it was decided that Matthew and Frank would go.

As you watched Frank slip his pistol into his holster and give you a wink, you were reminded of the day you had first laid eyes on him. It felt like a lifetime ago even though it had been just over a year since you'd walked to the store with Matty, and Frank and Billy had been in there.

"Well that's my day ruined. Can't breathe in this town without runnin' into a Murdock, or two." Billy had remarked, looking you up and down with dark eyes and a devilish smile.

Matt stiffened, moving in front of you, jaw and fists clenched. "Y'know this is our territory Russo, so get lost or I'll help ya find your way out..."

However, your attention had been on Billy's companion, who you would later find out was the Don's son. His face was set hard, but he had warm brown eyes, and a big boxer's nose that drew your gaze. When they had left the store Frank had looked back over his shoulder, the faintest smile on his lips as he threw a wink your way and you found your face heating up.

Now they were heading into dangerous territory working together. Your heart was in your mouth as they both finished kitting up, arming themselves to the teeth just in case shit happened to go south.

"Please be careful." You say to Matt, your words somewhere between a prayer and a blessing.

"M'always careful, love." He replies before he lets Frank talk to you.

He brings your hand up to his lips and kisses the back of it as he looks into your eyes with a serious expression. "You promise me you'll go straight on home, yeah? Don't want you on these streets tonight baby."

You stroke the side of his face and bring your forehead to touch against his, breathing him in. "I promise. And promise me you'll look after each other."

Both men nod and then head for the door and you and your father head for home.

~

Matt stops Frank with his arm as he listens to check that the way is clear for them.

"Alrigh', we're good." He confirms after a couple of beats.

"Reckon we can get a read on em from up on that roof there, it covers most of their exits." Frank suggests, and Matt nods and follows. When they're situated, hunkered down side by side behind a low wall, Frank feels the oppression of something waiting to be said. The muscle in his jaw ticks as he clenches it and he can't stand it anymore.

"C'mon man, can we just get this over with? Say what you gotta say, I know you wanna. I can take it."

Matt swallows his pride and turns to his former foe after taking a pensive breath.

"Yeah, you're right, I have got somethin' t'say to ya. M'sorry. I was wrong about ya an I've been a right shitebag to you an ma sister all this time. But, there's a right thing to be done an' I'm hopin' tha we can move on?"

That wasn't what Frank had expected at all, a swift one-two knocking his brain around in his skull, but it felt like a dark cloud was lifting and he actually started to smile.

"I know you're just lookin' out for her Murdock, I get it, and I really appreciate you sayin' that. Might not have seemed like it but I've got a lot of respect for your family after meetin' that girl."

Matt nods. "Feelin's mutual. I shoulda just trusted her in the first place but y'know what's she's like, always gettin' hersel' into trouble."

Frank chuckles quietly. "Don't I know it."

They keep watch for a few more hours, noting the comings and goings of Fisk's men. After clocking where the weapons are stored, they manage to sneak in and get a good idea of what kind of firepower they have before reporting back.

The two long feuding families of Hell's Kitchen drive the Kingpin out of their territory in a spectacular blaze of fire and fists. He certainly didn't expect the Murdocks and Castigliones to team up and take back what was theirs; which was a huge advantage for the families. When Frank and your brother returned triumphant you leapt into Frank's arms, kissing him over and over and until he was almost begging for air.

When word spread of the victory everyone headed to Josie's to celebrate, but Frank knew his fight wasn't quite over. There was something else he had to do.

He's feeling like he knows real fear for the first time in a long while as he approaches Jack Murdock in the bar. He's got just one aim. One question.

Jack nods at him as he comes over, signaling the bartender to pour them a couple of whiskeys.

"Alright lad? We did good, eh?"

"Yeah, that we did. You, uh, know why I'm here?"

"Aye son, I know. C'mon then, out with it." Jack says to him.

Frank's mouth nervously forces a smile and he takes a deep breath before he begins.

"Sir, I'm sure by now you know just how much I care for your daughter, and if you don't, well… thing is I love her. Love her with all my soul and with your blessin', I want to ask her to spend the rest of our lives together.."

Your da raises an eyebrow. "Oh aye, is that so? An' would ya do right by her? 'Cos ya know if y'don't you'll have the whole clan comin down on ye like hellfire?"

"I know that and I will. She's my life now sir, couldn't love no one else more."

"Alright boy, but y'know we'll be watchin' ya."

He grins and raises his glass to Frank's own. "Well y'have my blessin', and I've no doubt she'll be happy wit ye."

Frank breathes out a solid sigh of relief and can't wait to tell you, to ask you to be his forever.

When he does it's a little bit more romantic than a toilet stall in the dancehall. He picks you up in his car the next evening. He's got the top down and is waiting next to the open passenger door as you step out of your house. You take his breath away every single time he sees you but tonight it's different, you no longer have to hide your love for each other. He takes your hand, takes all of you in, your dress, your hair, your beautiful smile. He knows he's a lucky man.

"Where are we going to baby?" You ask, but he only smiles and tells you to hold tight. You're curled around his arm the whole way as he drives you both to the hills outside of the city.

When he pulls up at a quiet parking spot you get out and can see the twinkle of the city lights below mirroring that of the starry sky. When you turn around to show your excitement he's pulling a hamper and blankets out of the trunk.

"Oh Frankie, this is so gorgeous! Thank you so much!" You squeal as you help lay out a blanket and he digs out some delicious treats, glasses, and a bottle of wine.

"Gorgeous spot for my gorgeous girl."

He opens the bottle then fills your glass and his own, and you raise them to clink and take a sip. He watches you looking out at the view, a mild breeze weaving through your hair. You're just sitting there and he almost can't believe how head over heels he is for you. Things could have turned out so differently but he's eternally grateful that they didn't.

When you turn to him you can't help but giggle at the insanely adoring way he's looking at you.

"What is it?" You smile, taking a bite from a plump red cherry.

Frank brings his hand up to the side of your face, his thumb passing lightly over your lips as you look up at him with your big eyes.

"God, I just…"

You tilt your head in curiosity as he reaches into the hamper for something, producing a small black box which he opens in front of you on bended knee. It's his mother's ring, a delicate and twisting precious metal band set with a small sparkling diamond glinting up at you.

"Oh Frank…" you gasp, any other words are lost in your surprise but he carries on.

"I love you baby, so goddamn much. And I know I asked you before but I'm askin' you now, proper. Your da gave me his blessing and I'm hopin' that you will too… please say yes darlin' and marry me? I've wanted to be yours since the first damn time I saw you. What do you say? Talk to me baby, don't leave me hangin' like this!"

Your hands come up to frame his face and you kiss him over and over and over as you answer an excited 'yes!' between every one. He's laughing with a smile so big as you hold out your hand for him to gently take the ring and slip it on your finger where it fits perfectly.

You kiss him again, this time it's slow and lingering on the lips and he wraps you up in his embrace as he deepens it, laying you down on the blanket underneath him. Your fingers slide into his hair and his hands squeeze the roundness of your ass eager to feel each other as your kisses become more heated and desperate.

Your eyes meet. "I'm yours forever now, Frank, make me feel like it."

He wastes no time answering your request, running his hands over your body, nipping and kissing at your earlobe and just below as he caresses your breast, and you push your hips up against his moaning with pleasure. You slip a hand down to feel his hardening cock through his pants, frantically scrabbling to loosen his belt and free him as he curls his fingers around the waistband of your panties pulling them down, his lips almost never leaving your skin.

"Baby, baby… mm, goddamn you're so perfect for me." He murmurs and you let the night sky hear just how good he makes you feel as he slides his fingers through your slick folds, teasing at your clit with light strokes.

"Yeah, you like that, huh? That what you need?"

"Frank please, I can't wait! Just- I need you…" you plead, pressing your body up against him and stroking your soft hands up and down his erection to make sure he gets the message.

"Oh shiiiit… alright sweetheart, shh-shh. I got you, I got you…" he whispers against your skin as he pushes his pants down and your silky dress up, quickly rolling on a condom. He moans along with you as he finally sheaths his thick length inside where you need him the most. both of you gasp at the feeling. You claw at his shirt, pull him as close as you can when he starts to rock into you. Every thrust of his hips has you desperate for the next, you want him so deep so that you can feel him for days after this and you tell him so, driving him crazy and making him fuck you even harder.

"Anythin' you want, I'll give you anythin' love, just wanna see your pretty face when you come for me."

He wraps a strong hand under your thigh, pulling it up making you moan out again at the new delicious angle, arching underneath him as he draws back almost all the way out and then fills you back up again, taking you so easily to the edge of an earth shattering climax. His hand comes up to cradle your face, watching you, seeing the love he feels for you reflected in your beautiful eyes.

"Frankie, you're gonna make me-" As you approach the precipice, the only thing in your mind is that he's yours and you are his.

He seals his mouth over yours, tongue teasing against your own, your whimpers muted as he does all he can to make you fall apart, to pulse and clench around him, your vision whiting out with only this blissful sensation spreading through your body and the sound of his voice in your ears while he talks you through it.

"Yeah baby, that's it my sweet girl… god I love you so fucking much-"

You cry out to the stars as you share in this intimate moment, showering each other in endless, breathless declarations of love.

.

.

Epilogue

[redamancy-writes]

Hi babes ❤ Hope you're having a great weekend or week.

How are you doing 🫶🫣

Idk if this request should be headcanon or maybe a short fic. You can choose ᰔ

Lost boys with female s/O who is a werewolf, specifically she is based off the excint dire wolf )(huge wolves). She has the attitude of clawdeen (yes, monster high if you seen it) and she is seen very sassy. I also wonder how Micheal and Star would react to her? (If you write for them! You dit have to!! I just thought it would be cool 🫠) . A fluff and romantic fic

Anyways have great day/night!! Please take your time 😙❤

Hello love bug! I'm doing well, and I hope you are too. I chose to do a blend of headcanon/short-fic. I'm so sorry this took so long, but I hope you enjoy!

The boys ofc were smitten.

You kept up with them- not only with wit and sass, but with your speed and strength. 

They never had to worry about hurting you, or you getting hurt while on your hunts or out for late night shenanigans. 

Now others on the other hand, not so smitten. 

You were talented, confident, but fiercely loyal to a fault

When Star was welcomed into the group, at first you were hesitant, until the boys treated her like a sibling- then you quickly fell in line. 

Your loyalties lay in the hands of your friends and family, and only those two groups could see you vulnerable, soft, and gentle without your usual snark and bite. 

Now Michael-

Michael, Michael, Michael

You two never got along- why?

Well, when Michael was pinning after Star, he was quite…. Prickly with David. 

And when he attempted to fight David, well it took all of your willpower not to let your claws fly, eyes going gold as you felt Dwayne grip your hand. 

That night you forced all the boys into resting in your makeshift den with you rather than sleeping in their usual spot on the ceiling. 

After Max made it apparent that Michael was supposed to become a part of the family, along with his brother and mother, you were seething. 

That bastard who threatened your family now was going to be a part of it? No way

So while you couldn’t necessarily wolf out on the guy, you didn’t hold back your sassy comments or sarcastic side comments around Michael. 

The Boys made it seem all like inside jokes, so Michael was none the wiser- but you knew one thing for sure, should Michael mess up or cause any strife in your family group, he ensured a long and painful death for himself. 

“You alright, doll?” David asked in a low murmur as Michael and Star took off for cotton-candy down the Boardwalk. His arm was wrapped around you and his leather-clad fingers were rubbing circles on your arm. 

“Mm,” You hummed in the back of your throat, rolling your eyes as you pressed against him. 

“I don’t like him,” You murmured back as he pressed a kiss to your jaw. 

“That’s the obvious, sweet cheeks,” Paul chimed in from his spot sitting on the wooden railing of the Boardwalk, admiring the way the colored lights danced on your skin tone. 

“Not just as a person,” You clarified, looking around to try and get your eyes on Star, disliking that she was out of sight. “In my gut, I can tell something’s going to go wrong with this, and I don’t know what.” 

“Oh?” Dwayne knew your instincts were stronger than others, especially about people’s intentions. 

“Should we bring it up to Max?” David questioned, hand now lazily dragging up and down your arm. 

“Hmmm…” Your anxiety lessened as Star came back into the picture with Michael. 

“Not for now, but I say keep an eye on him,” You said in a low tone, turning your head to kiss David, relishing in the feeling of his cool leather glove against your warm cheek.

“Aye aye, captain,” Marko grinned, gripping your free hand in his to kiss your knuckles. 

Tag-list: @icefrozendeadlyqueen

[julesthequirky]

Misha and Characters

Brat: Series; In order to adjust her behaviour and attitude, Y/N is sent to John’s and whilst she’s there, John’s sons, Sam and Dean take a liking to her.

Call Me Master: Oneshot; A helping hand turns into an ownership of a lifetime. PWP. (Castiel x Reader)

No Alpha of Mine: A/B/O Series; Reader denies the connection with her Alpha. (Castiel x Reader)

The Last Omega: A/B/O Oneshot; Reader is an Omega on the run from a ruthless leader. (Castiel x Reader

The Big Empty: Angst oneshot; Reader enters The Big Empty to save her favourite angel (Castiel x Reader

Grace: Fluff, light angst, oneshot; Castiel home alone with a baby. (Castiel x Reader)

Murphy's Law: Drabble, high angst; Things turn bad during a hunt. (Castiel x Reader)

Right Alpha, Wrong World: A/B/O oneshot; Running back to the rift the Omega reader has an uncanny meeting in the forest. (Castiel x Reader)

Suptober 2019: Short episodic drabbles including Castiel and reader in a will they, won't they? relationship. No smut, no angst (maybe). 

Owned By Sin: Smut, Mini-series: Whilst occupying Castiel’s vessel, Lucifer plays on a weakness of yours. They don’t call him the original tempter for nothing… (Casifer x Reader)

Part One. Part Two

Last Christmas: One shot, very violent and gory; Reader is unaware of her friend's true identity as Christmas becomes closer. (Casmodeus x Reader)

Lead Me Into Temptation: Smut, Series; Reader has a crush on her neighbour. (Misha x Reader)

Daddy's Brat: BDSM- hardcore smut, series; Misha and reader have a DDLG relationship.

Homewrecker: High angst, series; Reader makes a mistake, is cast out and disowned and sleeping rough. (Misha x Reader)

Forget Me Not: Mini-series: Reader wakes up after hitting her head, as her character on Supernatural. (Misha x Reader)

Part One. Part Two. Part Three.

Crazy In Love: Angst, drama, series; Reader is charged with the abduction of Misha but the case doesn’t seem to be all that black and white.

All Her Stars Broken and Stripes Worn Through, It's the Red, White and Whiskey Blues: EXTREME ANGST, series; Reader had a mental breakdown and quickly became estranged from her husband, Misha. Every day is a fight when there’s no reason to live any more.

The Alpha's Intent: A/B/O oneshot; PWP in the den. With sweaty Misha.

Kisses Have Consequences: Angst, series; A heated kiss between friends is shared causing the beginning of all their problems. (Misha x Reader)

Classroom Humiliation: Explicit oneshot; Reader gets humiliated in class. (Misha x Reader)

[herbs-and-poultices]

It was fun last year, as far as I know no-one has tried to have me burned for heresy, I could use a fun diversion right about now, and I haven't yet run out of ballads. So here is this year's:

Vaguely Whumptober-Themed Anthology of Folk Songs from the British Isles / Transatlantic Tradition: Part 1

(What’s a random American gal with no English/Scottish/Irish heritage doing listening mostly to songs like these? Blame my parents for raising me on murder ballads and ceilidh tunes.)

1) If only we could hold on: White Squall (X)

A Folk Revival (20th c) composition from closer to home.

I clung there to the stanchions and I felt my face go pale As he crawled hand over hand along the rail I could feel her keeling over with the fury of the blow I watched the rail go under then, so terrible and slow Then like some great dog she shook herself and roared upright again Far overside, I heard him call my name

2) You got away with the crime while the knife's in my back: Dowie Dens of Yarrow (X X)

An old traditional ballad.

A humble ploughman braves mortal combat with nine high-born rivals for the hand of the lady he loves. He wins, only for her brother to stab him in the back. Literally

3) Wrongfully Arrested: Long Black Veil (X) / Over the Hills (X)

An American country ballad and a Celtic rock/metal ballad (covered on hurdy-gurdy!!) which share enough similarities to have come from the same centuries-old traditional ballad. They are both actually original compositions, but the genres owe much to the old tradition.

Ten years ago, on a cold, dark night Someone was killed 'neath the town hall light There were few at the scene, but they all agreed That the slayer who ran looked a lot like me

4) Hallucinations (visions): MacCrimmon's Lament (X)

A haunting tune from the 1745 Jacobite Rising. Stretching the prompt a bit, but for a good cause ;)

A lament for the death of the piper Donald Bán MacCrimmon, sole casualty of the Rout of Moy. It is said that the tune was composed by Donald Bán himself following a premonition of his own death. Lyrics were written later, in Gaelic, Scots, and English.

5) Healing Salve: Witch of the West-Mer-Land (X X)

A Folk Revival (20th c) composition with much the feel of an old trad ballad.

A mortally wounded knight seeks the aid of an enchantress, who tends his wounds with a combination of herbs and magic, saving his life.

6) It's not (my) blood: The Douglas Tragedy (X)

An old traditional ballad.

He lichted doon tae tak’ a drink o’ the water that ran sae clear An’ doon the stream ran his hairt’s blood, and sair she began tae fear 'Rise up, rise up, Lord William,' she said, 'for I fear ye are slain' '’Tis naethin’ but the shadow of my scarlet coat that shines in the water sae plain'

This is the type of family strife / star-crossed lovers ballad that ends badly for all involved. And I do mean all.

7) It's us or them: Henry Martin (X)

An old traditional ballad.

A desperate young man's first attempt at piracy does not go as hoped, when his quarry refuses to surrender. After hours of fighting, he ultimately sinks his would-be prize outright -- perhaps as the only way to save his own ship and crew.

8) Forced to Stay Awake: Captain Coulston (X)

A broadside (19th c) emigrant ballad.

He said my boys do not go down, you need not think on sleep For in a few hours more we shall be slumbering in the deep For a pirate ship is coming down upon the western sea To rob us of our property going to Amerikay

9) Obsession | Frame me up on the wall, just to keep me out of trouble: Lily of the West (X X)

A broadside (19th c) murder ballad with versions on both sides of the Atlantic.

An unreasonably jealous young man with a deadly weapon and a remarkable inability to take responsibility for his own actions. What could possibly go wrong.

10) Blow to the head: Follow Me Up To Carlow (X)

An Irish rebel song. I would be remiss if I didn't include at least one.

White is sick and Grey has fled, now for black Fitz William's head We'll send it over dripping red to Lizzy and her ladies

11) Loneliness | No trace: Lament of the Fisherman's Wife (X)

A Folk Revival (20th c) composition, but a tale as old as time.

Now she has come down to condemn that wild ocean For the murderous loss of her man His boat sailed out on Wednesday morning And it's feared she's gone down with all hands

12) Starvation: The New York Trader (X)

A broadside (19th c) - or possibly older traditional - emigrant ballad.

Our cruel captain as we did find Left half of our provisions behind Our cruel captain, you'll understand Meant to starve us all before we reached the land

13) Multiple whumpees | "Death will do us part": Lord Thomas and Fair Elender (X X)

An old traditional ballad found on both sides of the Atlantic.

At his parents' urging, a young man marries for wealth rather than love. (Or the conventional racist beauty standards of the time -- elements of this tale are very dated.) The wedding ends in a murder and a murder-suicide.

14) Hunting Gear: Van Dieman's Land (X)

A transportation ballad. Gotta have one of those too.

Come all you gallant poachers that ramble void of care That walk out on a moonlight night with your dog, your gun and snare The harmless hare and pheasant you have at your command Not thinking of your last career out on Van Diemen’s Land

15) Painful Hug: Young Hunting (X) / Love Henry (X)

An old traditional ballad with versions on both sides of the Atlantic.

Another jealous murder, with a twist.

He bent down o’er his saddle bow To kiss her ruby cheek, But she took out a little pen-knife And wounded him full deep

[peculiarbeauty]

not to be gay on main but i am going to be gay on main. it's positivity post time !!! i just wanted to shout out a couple amazing people who have become ultra close to me ( or were ultra close in the past and we reconnected hehe ) this is just a few names, i don't have time unfortunately to write a message for everyone on the dash but please please know that you are special to me if you are a follower. this is never in a particular order.

@seachant - NINI i love you. you are such a breath of fresh air. genuinely a twinkling star that just happened to fall in my vicinity. lucky me tbh. thank you for giving me the chance to be friends with you and write on multiple different blogs with you. writing with your ariel here was such a DREAM of mine. i remember seeing your blog around and just adoring it. we did write previously when i wrote in the fandom but we never became close pals like we are now. seeing your posts makes my day. i'm really happy we are friends.

@dragetunge - MY DEAREST KRIS. we've been through a couple rocky roads together now but we stick together. it's really nice to talk to you. you are the reason i got into httyd. so thank you for that. i wouldn't have took the time if it wasnt for you and I REALLY NEEDED TO. you are essentially the dragon enthusiast of tumblr. i mean that like. literally. when i think of dragon enthusiasts i think of you. fgckjkfg I LOVE YOU SO MUCH KRIS. i cant wait to actually show you my island on dreamlight when it is a fully decked out like yours.

@solehr - sef, i miss you. i cant wait for you to come back and see that i wrote this for you kffdjdf i cannot forget you on this list. you and nini were the first disney blogs to welcome me. thank you for being my friend and allowing me to send you that ghibli movie dkffdj it's been such a pleasure knowing you. i hope for many more memories together. :)

@swevene - DEAREST KELSEY .. my belovedddd. i love our convos even when we are busy for an extended period of time. you check on me every so often and its really an honor to consider you a friend. thank you for being there, i really appreciate it. i hope we have many more memories !!! your beast is so important to my belle, i have to tell you. <3

@oudachi - aka my favorite ark .. in all locations of your blogs .. i could tag literally all of them rn but im not going to dkfjdf we joke about how we always come back together over the years. it doesn't really ??? matter how long we don't talk bc fate brings us back. our first meeting was back in 2015 and i remember you were the realest person i had ever met on this site. that has not changed. i think that more folks should understand how brilliant you are .. not only as a writer , but as a friend. you never leave people out. i've been left out before and it's a very terrible feeling. thank you for allowing me into your circle again after a bit of time of not talking. we picked up like it was such a short time of us not chatting like we were bffs again. i can't begin to tell you how grateful i am. seeing you thrive as well OH MAN .. i love that.

@chainmemories - toma, at this point it has to be obvious but when i came back .. you were the first to show me great excitement. making a blog after an extended leave on the site is a scary thing. it is like walking into the lion's den tbh dkfjfk plus there were a ton of big changes to tumblr so i didn't know where to start. it was scary. you wrote cuphead at this time. i've grown to really love cuphead and many other things because of you. playing mario party at least weekly is such a GENUINE pleasure. you make me feel like i have a place in the community. i can't begin to tell you how grateful i am that you are here and backing me up. i also hope that you know you are this shining star of every community you go into. there is not a community you haven't touched that you haven't left your mark on. of course my precious toma is the sunshine protag lover .. but he is also the sunshine protag in my opinion. i don't take criticism. I LOVE YOU.

@ghostbustingreen - spooky, I LOVE YOU. being in the posse with toma and you has been so so wonderful. i am grateful i get to talk to you on the daily about our interests. seeing you write our fav green plumber is wonderful YES YES. every muse you capture is brilliant though. i love writing with you on multiple of your blogs. simbaaaaaaaa. P.S. i am sorry for our latest party shindig where i continued to take the star away from you. i hope you can forgive me. i really hope our group goes strong for a long time because you guys always make me feel so much better.

@dnangelic - HI FAVVVV. thanks for putting up with me changing blogs on you so many times and still deciding to follow me and look forward to my muses. we are SO BACK on haru tbh. i love writing with you. you have such a grasp on your muse and i don't even know him that well. i wish i knew MORE tbh. the things that we have written though are truly precious and i look forward to future threads. i look forward to your responses truly. thanks for being my friend and also always hyping me up.

@matryochka - i cannot forget my favorite hype queen. dottie, you and i met in dc. you decided to follow me on my other blogs and genuinely messaged me when i was inactive there saying pretty much where tf are u dfkdjkfd WHICH I LOVE THAT. i wish more people would show interest in mutuals they care about that way. im trying to recruit you into our disney princess line up . it'll happen i know it. please know i love you so much. our little conversations are everything to me.

@jokethur - jess .. my beloved. also a hype queen and someone i met in dc. i love you. we don't talk too much rn but you are forever important to me. our conversations got me through some really dark points in my life and i can't begin to say how grateful i am for that. i hope that we have many more memories of chatting. always know i am here and ready to chat. we could stop talking for months and pick up just like that. that's how strong our friendship is <333 i love you. AND GIVE DIX A KISS FOR ME.

@pearlcure - DIORRRR my beloved. being your friend is a true genuine pleasure. IT IS PREDESTINED WE MET. we write the best girls out there. good for us. i love our convos and i love how real you are about everything. your graphics, writing, everything ABOUT YOU is amazing. im grateful we are friends and i hope for many more years together !!

@story-magic - AKA ALL OF YOUR BLOGS HERE AS WELL .. but my darling sleepy. i call you sleepy. i know that you have a name but you will forever by my favorite sleepy sloth. you keep things fair for us in the game. if i ever get down on my luck in party, you try to even the odds for me. i am so so grateful to be your friend. i know i don't tell you enough over discord and the like and you leave me a bunch of cute messages to make my day, but BEING YOUR FRIEND IS A TRUE PLEASURE i've gotta tell ya. i'm really happy we are so close !!! <3 i hope for many more memories.

@0brighta - big shoutout to you, ettie. <3 i know we arent super close but you putting me in your little shoutout post made me really feel so grateful. your blog is this shining, brilliant star. i mean that. like, DANG. shine bright like a diamond. i see that people love you and there is a reason for this believe me - you are so pure. so good natured. i wish more people were like you with their mutuals. letting people know that they matter is something a lot of people do not do tbh. you do that. thank you. <3

@naru-uzumaki - NOODLES .. we are back in action after such a long time of not talking. you and i were close back in 2016 i think?? somewhere close to there. when i saw your blog pop back up in my recommended, I LITERALLY RAN TO FOLLOW because i missed you so much. you are still this positive radiant little sun on the dash .. much like your muse. i am bias absolutely but. your writing and your heart for our favorite ramen lover is such a pleasure to witness. never ever change please. <3

[small-sinclair]

Hey! I saw you posted the A/B/O prompt list, so I bring you

“I got into some trouble today. I sort of punched an Alpha in the face when he touched me. Long story short, there’s a couple of officers at the door who would like to talk to you about getting control of your Omega.”

With Bo Sinclair, he obviously is all like “I’ll teach them a lesson!” To the officers but as soon as that door shuts it’s praise and kisses to the reader (reader can be gn)

Thank you for being my first ask! :D Never wrote for an a/b/o prompt, but I think this turned out well!

Alpha!Bo x gn!y/n

Tw: hints of sexual assault, strong words, mentions of past abuser

Tarts and Swears

"Let me talk to him? Please--"

"Those Sinclair boys should keep you on a leash."

As much as you wanted to snap at the officer, you knew that you were in more trouble than you wanted. It's not your fault that you're in this mess! Clearly, the other Alpha knew you were claimed by the ungodly amount of marks on your neck and shoulders. Shit, everyone could see them when you were in town to get fresh fruits for that fruit tart you promised to make for Bo and Vincent! You always bragged about it, and, because he's such a star, you were able to go to town to get the items for the tart. You made sure to were a cute shoulder flare shirt with strawberries on it (Bo's favorite fruit), and a list with everything you need. Yes, you never leave Ambrose without Lester, but you promised Bo you'll be careful! You promised...

Now, you're coming home in the back of a cop car with your bike tied to the roof, knee scrapped, and your favorite shoulder shirt dirtied and ripped. It'll take more than Dawn soap and a good wash to get the mud stains out. But the worst part? You didn't even get the chance to buy anything for the tarts!

"Just let me talk to him," you said in a sigh. "I think it'll be best if he hears it from me." You felt so defeated as you stepped out of the back of the squad car, the bruised Alpha stepping out of his truck. Gods, what a sleaze ball. He was the one that cornered you and tried to--

Swallowing hard, you raised a hand to the door and opened to go inside, officers following in along with the Alpha.

"Bo?" You called, noticing the T.V. on in the den and the smell of something spicy in the kitchen. Vincent must be cooking chili tonight. "Honeycomb?"

From above, boots patter on the wood and a shadow cast down the steps, getting closer and closer, until your Alpha stopped halfway on the landing. Though you've seen him many time ins his work uniform, seeing the sleeves tied at his hips and white, greased stain shirt underneath made his sweaty curls glow like a halo made from mud and oil. Confused eyes glossed over the two officers then the blue eyes lit in flames when he saw the unknown Alpha in his living room. You thought you heard a low growl coming from him, but it might be the wooden steps as he stomped down, fists falling tightly until his knuckles turned white. You could feel the other Alpha smirk at this, his ego growing bigger by the minute.

You left your spot and stood between the officers and Bo, your hands slipping onto his chest. You could smell the anger boiling over as his eyes snapped down at you then at the officers. Over his shoulder, you saw Vincent stick his head around the corner. He leaned against the doorway to watch the show (or step in if things get out of control).

You cleared your throat and said nervously, “I got into some trouble today."

Bo scuffed. He might've as well punched you. "I can fuckin' see 'at."

"I sort of punched an Alpha in the face when he touched me." You breathed out, touching his arm. You felt his energy shift as when he noticed your hurt knee and torn shirt. Before he could get a word in, you said, "Long story short, there’s a couple of officers at the door who would like to talk to you about getting control of your Omega.”

Vincent stiffened as soon as he smelt the scent of the other Alpha on you, and he could see where his hands were. He clinched his jaw tightly as his lone eyes glared at the man, who was being guarded by the two officers. Bo caught on as if he could read Vincent's thoughts, and, oh, how he hated the smell.

Icy blue eyes look up from you to the officers. "'S true, Andrew?"

"Unfortunately, yes," Andrew (the one on the right, the smaller one with no wedding ring) answered. "Dustin says he got hurt by 'em. Gotta control 'em, Sinclair."

Bo bit his lower lip and looked at his brother, who was gripping his sweatshirt a little too tight. "Yer tellin' me 'at my little darlin'," he pushed you to the side as gently as he could, but he was firm, "hurt him? Are we talkin' 'bout the same Omega, right?" He then gestures to you in disbelief. "I mean, look at 'em! Pool noodles for arms and damn chicken legs. Wha' happened? They barked at ya wrong?" Bo didn't mean to laugh, but it was just so damn funny to him! How could a little thing like you do any harm? He could tell there was a lie somewhere, but this is an Alpha's world, and an Omega's word means nothing.

"Just want an apology, Sinclair," the Alpha--Dustin--said. "'At's all I want."

"Ya ain't getting it," Bo answered, crossing his arms. "I only smell you on 'em." Then he took a deep breath, narrowing your scent in the air. It traveled around the officers to Dustin's bruised cheek. You did a beautiful right hook, but he didn't show his pride for you. "Not the other way around."

Andrew shifted his weight, uncomfortable with all of this. This was wrong, all of it! He's known Bo since kindergarten, and they shared snacks and math test answers throughout high school! Yeah, he and his twin are a bit out there, but who wasn't it? He promised to be lawful and right for all, and here he was. This was eating him from the inside out, and you almost felt sorry for him.

But if he wants to stay in the den, stay in the little pack who took him in no matter the methods, he has to follow the rules like a good dog. A good boy... just like his mother told him when he learned about this world. "You can say it an' not mean it?"

"Andrew--"

"Arron, we're 'n someone else's home askin' fer an apology fer something that-- the Omega had every right to hit 'im! An' ya know 'at!" Look at that... Andrew found his voice for the first time.

You look between him and the others, Bo stepping in front of you as if there was going to be blood shed. You closed your eyes as you gripped the back of Bo's shirt, letting out a low whine just for him to hear. You wanted this to be over and done with. Yo knew you'll be locked forever and never be left free. You'll be chained to the floor as punishment like by the Alpha before. The things your Alpha before did to you was enough to make Bo's stomach flip.

Bo's shoulder straightened. "Andrew," he said firmly. "Don't worry. I'll teach 'em a lesson on manners." Your heart shattered. But... but you were so good. He saw what happened! Shit, he could smell it from two miles away! "As fer you," he nodded at Dustin, "git off my lan' an' never look back."

Dustin rolled his eyes. "Then keep that thing on a leash."

Bo bit down hard on his teeth as he watched the officers leave. "Vincent," Bo said, his voice making you jump. "Go get y/n's bike off the car."

As Vincent past him, he stopped and looked between you and Bo, who gave a silent nod on not letting Dustin leave this town. He wanted him alive. Breathing. Just so he could take all of that away.

Andrew was the last to leave, his green eyes cast down at the wooden floors. "'M sorry, Bo."

"It'll be fine," Bo answered. He stayed firm but... "I hope ya fin' yer path, Andy."

Andrew swallowed the lump in his throat. "Thank you, Alpha." he closed the door behind him, leaving you and Bo alone.

The house never felt so silent until now, and you wait for him to start yelling, to call you careless and a disappointment, asking you if you knew better or not. You wait for the sting of a hand to cross your face like the Alpha before him did, and you flinched when he turned to face you. His shadow towered over you like raves over the dead, and you might as well be dead. You had a good run at being alive in this town. You've been running on barrow time in a town known for time limits. As you felt a hand lift your head, you didn't realize you were crying as you looked at your Alpha.

"Y/n?" It was just you and Bo... why do you feel like eyes are watching your next moves. "Sweetie-belle, did he push ya? Hurt ya?"

You found yourself nodding. "I-I was so scared, Bo," you didn't mean to sound so pathetic, cringing at your own voice. "I-I said no but he didn't--" You finally broke as you feel into his chest. His arms wrapped around you protectively, tight and warm. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, Bo--!"

"Shh, shh, darlin'," he whispered, rubbing your back in gentle circles. "Ya did good. You stood yer' ground an' fought back jus' how Vince and I taught ya." He kissed the crown of your head. "You did so well."

"But-but the tarts--"

"Those can wait another day, yeah?" He finished. He had you look up at him, a hand brushing the tears away. "Ya did so well with standing your ground." You never seen how warm a smile could be until you met Bo Sinclair. How safe and protected you were when he and Vincent are around. "'M so proud of you, y/n." He lowered his head and stole a gentle kiss from your lips, tasting faint cigarette and mint.

He searched your eyes, his ocean blue eyes mixing with a bright hazel nut and gold. He kissed you again, deepening it this time, holding you as if you were going to fade from his arms like dust if he ever let go. He should've been more careful with you, more protective and went with you. Seeing you hurt, knees scrapped and perfect skin damaged was enough to drive him, but to hear you apologize through tears as if it was your fault? Ambrose has seen blood shed before, but it'll see Hell cracking underneath the church floors after he's done with Dustin. Putting you on a leash? Where does this prick get off?

And I bet he ever ruined your favorite shirt, y/n, he thought bitterly to himself.

He pulls away from your lips and let you nuzzle into his neck. "I swear, darlin', you'll never see him again." His grip tights around you. "I swear to you."

[pahtoosh]

lap, please

[image ID: the center is a picture of lee bodecker on a dark blue background with white dots representing stars above his head. on the left is an image of a barn and on the right is a photo taken from the inside of a car pointing at a field of grass. /.end ID]

masterlist

summer celebration masterlist

18+

wc: ~550 words

warnings: i keep trying to write a southern accent and i will not stop

a/n: i don't really like road trips !! don't tell daddy lee though, i will happily go on one with him

pairing: lee bodecker x gn!little!reader

summary: you get pouty on a ride home with lee.

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆ ⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆ ⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾

You squirmed in your seat, pouting and staring at Lee. This was the longest road trip you had ever been on. 

Your daddy planned the perfect day today. He woke you up early and surprised you with the news of a day trip for just the two of you. He took you to the apple orchard where you picked some fruit and ate apple turnovers for breakfast. Then, it was to the farm where you petted goats and baby chicks. By late afternoon he had taken you to the tulip farm and asked a nice couple to take photos of you on Lee’s film camera. 

Everything was perfect. Until the ride home when some unexpected traffic added another two hours to your commute. You’d had such a wonderful day and you didn’t want to seem ungrateful or make your daddy upset by being bratty. But it was way past your bedtime and all you wanted was to rest your head in Lee’s plush lap and fall asleep with your face against his soft belly. 

You let out another whine. 

“I know, baby. Daddy’s sorry but I can’t drive with ya on my lap. It’s not safe, sweetheart.” He offered you his right hand to hold.

You accepted it gladly, kissing the back of Lee’s hand. 

“How ‘bout we get your mind off a’ this mess, huh? What’d ya like seen’ today?”

“Mmm. I like the goats and the duckies.”

“Yeah? That was pretty funny when of ‘em got distracted by a frog an’ broke the line.”

You giggled. “Yeah, and den all the duckies keep walking and he almost got lost! He have to walked so fast he almost fell down.”

Lee spared a look at you then returned his eyes to the road. “Did ya like them apple pastries from the orchard?”

You nodded. “They was so yummy! The bestest breakfast ever! Can we make them at home, Daddy?”

“Your daddy’s not much of a baker, baby.” He sensed your disappointment and recovered quickly. “Well, I might have a coupla’ my ma’s old recipe cards in a cabinet. There’s gotta be an apple turnover recipe in there somewhere. And we already got the best apples in the state, so just tell Daddy what else ya need from him o’ the store.”

“Yay! Yay! Thank you, Daddy.” 

“Anything’ for you, sweetheart.” Lee was grinning now. He couldn’t see your face because he was focused on the road, but he could feel your happiness radiating from you. 

“You help me make the tarts?”

He squeezed your hand. “Sure will. There’s lots a’ steps I can help ya with. Like cuttin’ up the apples. Little babies like you have no business around sharp tools.”

You hummed in agreement and daydreamed about the pastries you and Lee would make. Now feeling less sad, you looked out the window and yawned. 

“Gettin’ tired over there?”

You shook your head but you were already starting to nod off. 

Lee chuckled when he got a glimpse of you fighting off sleep. “Go on and rest your head on the winda’ baby. I’ll wake ya when we get home.”

You grunted but did as he said. You fell asleep still holding your daddy’s hand with the rumble of the car and his gentle squeezes lulling you to sleep.