#I still wanted Bills name to stay as Billie though

[bill-augatesm]

Real ones remember my Microapple yuri from October 2023

[wonderjanga]

I am not a Father

This is based off @elvesandlanterns’s report of this post.

When Flash, told Bruce and literally everyone else about the photo, Bruce immediately wanted to see it. Why? Because if he could see it, he might be able to identify who this Freddy character is. If he identifies this Freddy, he could identify Marvel’s civilian counterpart. So, that was just what he did, or rather made Tim do.

Robin!Tim: “Hey, Junior?”

Junior: “Yeah?”

Robin!Tim: “Can I see that photo of Marvel and your dad?”

Junior: “Uh… Why? Also, again, Freddy’s not my dad.”

Robin!Tim: “It’s pretty obvious he is, man.”

Junior: “No, it’s not. You also still haven’t answered why.”

Robin!Tim: “I wanna see it because I’m curious about baby Marvel and baby Freddy.”

Junior: “Neither of them are babies though?”

Robin!Tim: “I’ll give you twenty bucks if I can see the photo.”

Junior: “Deal.” *fishes it out of his pocket dimension and hands it to him before taking the twenty bucks from Tim*

It was just a quick look for whatever reason, right? Thats why Freddy thought nothing of it, especially when offered the twenty. They could have groceries for months with this bill! They might even be able to get a treat for themselves with it. Billy’s birthday was coming up, maybe he could get him a cake? Or some fast food? Or a present? Maybe the Bulletman action figure he saw Billy eyeing in a store window? He wanted to get him something, he knew that.

Anyways, Tim guiltily snapped a couple pictures, feeling bad about going behind his friends back, and then sent them to Bruce a few minutes after handing the photo back to Junior.

Bruce immediately got to work, trying to match a names to the faces. He ended up having to switch to paper files and break into the city hall in Fawcett because neither boy would come up in an online database. That’s how he found Frederick Christopher Freeman and William Joseph Batson. Born in 1932 and 1933 respectively. Both Orphans. Both were likely on the streets after being orphaned. No known death date which suggests they could be alive, though it’s unlikely considering they’d be in their nineties and the asbestos in this town would’ve gotten to them already.

Though, considering that Marvel is still alive and young, this could paint a not so nice picture. Could Fredrick have grown old and died while Marvel had stayed young? Is that why he had the look of horror when he was mentioned? Is Fredrick actually Junior’s father? They certainly do look similar. It would also make sense as to why Cap was raising Junior. If this was his friend’s kid, he probably wouldn’t want him on the streets. But then how does Junior have Marvel’s powers? Can Marvel give powers willy-nilly? So many questions yet no answers.

Thankfully, he came across a news channel clip of Marvel saying that his powers were genetic. Billy made that up on the spot, not that Bruce would know.

Okay? So they are related, but how? Does that mean Junior is Marvel and Fredrick’s child? Lord, was Flash actually right about Fredrick and Marvel dating at some point? Wait, but if Junior is actually their kid, how was he born? Surrogacy? William- it’s strange to call the Captain that- has a sister, but she was pronounced dead. As for Fredrick, he had a brother but that’s it. They could’ve gotten someone random maybe? But then how would the kid look like Fredrick but have the Captain’s powers, was it magic? Can you do that? Can you have a magic pregnancy?? Bruce is falling down the rabbit hole and he can’t stop himself.

Eventually, he just went up to the pair and asked them directly.

Junior and Marvel: *talking*

Batman: “Captain? Could I ask you something?

Marvel: “Of course! What is it?”

Batman: “I…” *looks at Freddy for like three seconds before looking back to Marvel*

Marvel: *smiling*

Batman: “Is Junior yours and Fredrick Freeman’s biological son?”

Bruce has never heard a louder silence in his life. A clueless confusion could slowly be seen crossing Marvel’s face.

Marvel: “Wha-”

Junior: “Yup.” *nods his head*

Marvel: *looks over to him with the same horrified expression*

Batman: “Now, Marvel, there’s no need to look like that.” *reaches up to put and hand on Marvel’s shoulder* “Here at the Justice League we accept members of any race, religion, color, or sexual orientation.”

With that Batman left Billy and Freddy there. Billy’s jaw was already dropped, and as soon as Batman was out of sight, Freddy’s jaw dropped too.

Later…

Billy: “I can’t believe you said that!”

Freddy: “Dude, would you have rather wanted to explain that we’re two kids who got powers and decided to fight crime?”

Billy: “…No.”

Freddy: “That’s what I thought. Now here, take this.” *hands Billy a Bulletman action figure*

Billy: “What?!” *jaw drops* “Freddy where’d you get this?!”

Freddy: “I bought it, duh.”

Billy: “This is awesome!” *hugs the life out of Freddy*

Btw for this to work, somehow no one knows about the time bubble.

[adhdbisexualramblings]

A-X-O-L-O-T-L

BOOK OF BILL SPOILERS‼️⚠️

Bill Cipher and the Axolotl (platonic)

Gravity Falls

“[The first moment] between Bill “Billy” Cipher and the Axolotl.”

I didn’t consider Bill and the Axolotl to be a relationship (platonic or not) that I would consider, but after the Book of Bill, it seems my eye has been opened. Enjoy. GIF credit goes to @/lilgyuu313 and @/animatedglittergraphics-n-more

The first time The Axolotl meets Bill, he is scared.

The big, watery, eye blinks up at the ethereal pink creature. The Axolotl ponders this new intrusion onto his domain with nonchalance. The poor thing looks battered and injured. He’s a shape from the Second Dimension, no doubt - a tiny triangle, terrified. Both of his fists clutch something close to his chest. He manages to hold it closer.

“Who are you? Where am I?”

Colors unnamed and sounds unheard flow through the web of this place. The Axolotl tilts his head with a mild smile.

“I am the Axolotl. You, little one, are in my realm.” His voice echoes, crooning like a whale call.

The triangle audibly whimpers and backs away, eye watering.

“…OK. Did I do something wrong?” He quietly asks.

The Axolotl processes the question and rifles through this young one’s memories. Awe, insistence, frustration, anger, nausea, searing pain, fear, pride, then nothing at all. His home dimension, and everyone there, gone.

“You died.” He says simply, waving away his actual question. The large eye blinks again.

“I did?” He whispers. The Axolotl nods. The triangle stays still before tears fall into the void. He hiccups, tiny body shaking. All he lets out is a broken “Oh.”

The Axolotl waits patiently for the tears to stop. They don’t.

“I could bring you back,” the Axolotl offers, as the first solution. This young one hadn’t even invoked his name, and yet he was here anyway; resurrection was the least he could do.

The Axolotl blinks with surprise when something - someone - tiny and warm buries itself in the front of his body. The triangle had shoved one of his dull sides into the Axolotl’s chest in search of some comfort, it seemed, and now his tears were sopping into his skin.

“I-“ he sobs, “I just wanted to show them up. I just - up- but-”

The Axolotl lets him cry. His gills sway. He brings a webbed foot to the triangle’s side to rub up and down.

“Just wanted to show them up - they didn’t see it, why didn’t they-” more tears seeped in, “my fire hurt! It shou-shouldn’t’ve - I thought-”

“I know,” he soothes. The triangle shivers. The Axolotl hums once and looks down. “What’s your name, little one?”

He barely gets anything out through tears, though he finally stammers out a name, “B-Billy-”

William, then. The Axolotl notices the hands still closed together, even as he sobs.

“Billy,” he gently asks, “what are you holding?”

Billy shoves himself away, stiffening and staring up at the Axolotl with terror for the first time.

“NO!” He yells and stumbles back, unused to the gravity of this place. He hiccups, “No! You won’t take it! Don’t take it!” He flashes an odd color, from bright yellow to an equally as bright and fierce red, for a few seconds before going back.

The ethereal being tilts his head, eyes drooping. Billy heaves as he cowers under him, his clear upset being tied to the Axolotl’s previous question.

“I am not going to take it,” whatever it was, “I was only curious.”

The triangle’s pupil looks down at his closed fists. He looks back at the Axolotl, thinks, and shuffles forward cautiously.

In his open palms is a speck of dust. An atom. Its shine flickers in and out weakly.

“It’s all I found.” Billy mutters, as if he needs to explain himself.

An entire dimension and that was all that was left? The Axolotl was surprised that anything survived at all. It considers the atom and looks back to a teary-eyed little triangle. Sorrow stirs in its body.

“…I see.”

Billy clamps his hands around it as soon as the Axolotl speaks. He glares, though it hardly looks angry.

“No touching.”

“I wasn’t,” he assures. His visitor doesn’t let up his suspicions and backs up. His elongated pupil flicks up his form and back down to look for signs of malevolence.

“…You know,” the Axolotl starts, pretending to contemplate the idea, “you can’t just carry that in your hands forever. It’s too fragile,”

Billy squints, confused as to where he’s going with this.

“Something like that has to be kept safe.”

“I know. ” He sounds annoyed and holds it tighter.

“Where are you going to keep it?”

He crinkles his eye in concentration, “…I dunno.”

The Axolotl smiles wider. It stretches across his face, “I may have an idea.”

Using some energy and matter, he waves a foot and makes an object. Billy watches with fascination.

“There you are.”

The black top hat floats in the space around, larger than its intended owner. Billy’s eye widens, then crinkles to resemble a grin.

“How did you do that?!” He snatches the hat with one hand to look it over. The Axolotl blinks, finding himself strangely fond of this equilateral.

Billy carefully places the speck into the hat and balances it on his head. It falls forward, getting frantically righted before it completely tips over.

“You’ll grow into it.” The Axolotl says with certainty. Billy laughs, glowing a little as he does so. Strange, the Axolotl thinks; shapes from the Second Dimension didn’t often glow. Or have fire powers, come to think of it. This was new and interesting.

“Billy, you said you wanted to show them up. Could you please elaborate on that?”

His ward stops playing with his gift and shuts down, hands wrapping around himself.

“They couldn’t see it,” he starts hesitantly, “only I could. Up and down, I don’t know how I knew what they were called. They…” he gets a faraway look in his eye, “hurt my eye. Mama made me take medicine. It made me feel icky.”

The Axolotl looks through his memories again, but there is very warped information regarding what he’s describing.

“I could make fire, too!” Billy gains a little pep as he talks, “And it didn’t hurt! See?”

A blue flame engulfs the triangle’s whole arm as he shows off. The fire disturbs the realm around it, hot and born through anger, despite the fact that it was being used to impress right now. The Axolotl is more curious than impressed.

“Careful you don’t hurt yourself,” he notices the darker yellow color on both Billy’s arms, almost like burn scars. Billy’s eye widens as he quickly shakes the fire off. He rubs tears out of his eye.

“Sorry. It starts to hurt after a while.”

“I can imagine. A tiny triangle like you handling all that fire by yourself?”

He glowers, “I am not tiny.”

The Axolotl nods sagely, “A big and impressive triangle handling all that fire, then.”

Billy adjusts his hat with a huff. He acts annoyed before blinking back into a shyer, closed-off, disposition.

“…You said I died?”

The Axolotl hums shortly, “You did. But I could bring you back.” It offers again.

Billy gently bobs up and down in the void. He turns his entire two-inch body around, fiddling with the rim of his hat. His large eye reflects the colors around them.

“…” he looks back to the Axolotl, tone bordering on begging, “Couldn’t I stay here with you?”

The Axolotl holds out a foot. Billy eyes it before slowly floating to his chest and snuggling against him, hand on his hat. The closer he gets to the Axolotl, the more fuzzy and woozy he feels.

“You would be unhappy here.” He croons. Billy closes his eye.

“But ‘m not. Right now.” He argues, heavily leaning into the Axolotl.

He would be, eventually. “This is not your domain, young one.”

“Hmm…Axolotl?”

“Yes?”

“Could I call you Axy?”

“If you wish to.” He feels his ward nod.

“I just wanted ‘em to see what I did. They were so sad…”

Billy sniffles, wiping his tears on the Axolotl. He perks up suddenly, resting both of his hands on the Axolotl’s chest as his eye gets a new spark in it. “Hey, Axy! Guess what you could do?! I just thought of it!”

He pulls away and accidentally trips over his own feet, landing on his face before hopping back up, hugging his fallen hat. The Axolotl chuckles.

“What’s that?”

“You can bring me back, right? You can bring my home back, too!”

The Axolotl’s smile slips. Billy keeps hopping and grinning, beyond ecstatic at his idea.

“…Ah,”

His ward notices his hesitation. Watching the triangle’s pupil shrink as he essentially wilts almost compels the Axolotl to lie.

“…Your dimension is completely gone, Billy,” it explains lightly, “the only reason I am able to bring you back at all is because you are here with me. Understand?”

Billy blinks up at him, arms hanging at his sides. His hands twitch.

“…That’s not fair…” he mutters. His eye unfocuses like it did before. The Axolotl tries to get a grip on the triangle’s emotions again to ease him. Billy shakes harder.

“That-”

He inhales sharply.

“That’s not fair. Why-” he stops to hiccup. His breaths speed up as his body color shifts from yellow to a second of blue to red.

“Why can’t anything be FAIR?!” His pupil changes to a bright white and he stomps his foot. His voice deepens to a growl. “Huh?! Why?

“They weren’t ‘fair!’ They hurt me on purpose!” His form grows larger, though it barely reaches the mass of the Axolotl’s, “And - and now they’re dead! ‘Cuz of me! That wasn’t fair! And now YOU can’t bring them back like I thought! Like I want! Why not?! I - I-”

Blue fire licks at the tips of his fingers before it spreads across his entire body with a woosh. It doesn’t touch the hat. He pants.

“I - I didn’t mean to. They just made me so mad! And-” the flames burn brighter, “and you! I don’t - what are you? Why are you helping? Why didn’t you he-help before?”

The Axolotl watches the fire die down a little, “I observe, little one. I can only help you directly when you’re in my domain.” He tries to keep his voice even and placating.

“Yeah?” He balls his hands into fists, “Some help you’re giving right now. I want my family!” Tears build up, each one meeting the fire with a sizzle as it evaporates. “I want my home.”

The Axolotl says something it wishes it, truly, didn’t have to.

“I’m sorry. These are your consequences. It is out of our hands.”

Billy’s fire extinguishes immediately. He snaps to his yellow color with a visible full-body jolt. His hands don’t unclench.

Consequences?

The Axolotl sees his ward’s eye squint with a newfound hatred.

“…I hate you.” He says it in the way only a child can admit. The Axolotl frowns. He doesn’t say anything in response, though Billy reacts as if he had.

“Take me back.” He demands, seething. The Axolotl tilts his head.

“You know that means your dimension will be gone forever.”

“SHUT UP!” He roars, catching on fire again, “You’re nothing but a hypocrite! Take me back. NOW.”

The Axolotl nods. “Of course.”

He ignores the triangle’s glare, “You will not remember your death or me tomorrow.”

“Good.”

“But it was a pleasure meeting you, Billy. I hope you know that.”

“I hope I never see you again.”

He sighs, “I know.”

He sends the young shape out of his domain, making his gift fire-resistant as he does. For both their sakes, it was best for this to be a one-time encounter.

“Good luck.”

~~~

BONUS:

“…” he looks back to the Axolotl, tone bordering on begging, “Couldn’t I stay here with you?”

The Axolotl hums, contemplating the idea.

“I don’t see why not. It gets lonely here, you know.”

[GOOD ENDING ACHIEVED]

[unamused-boss]

California Dreaming pt3

Billy Hargrove x Reader

Last part! Warning: Kinda short, but I still hope you love it!

Summary: Max and Billy could only agree on one thing in common.... and that was you. You were their neighbor when the lived in California and Billy had the biggest crush on you. Plus it helped that you babysat, more like hangout with, Max. You were his California dream. And sometimes dreams come true.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You couldn't stand the time you had away from Billy. Your best friend and boyfriend were gone all in one on the same day. You've been writing to Billy which is a plus. Turns out he joined the basketball team. He's been to every party thrown in town, but he says they're all a bust. Met a guy named Munson that gets him weed, but Billy quotes "It's nothing like the shit in Cali...". You can't help but laugh at his sarcastic tones through the letters.

You know he misses it here. He tells you in every letter the love that he holds for you, that nothing will change. He admitted to going on some dates with girl to get you off his mind. He felt guilty, he wanted your forgiveness even though you told him to try an move on to at least have fun. Billy said ,once again, in his letter that he wants no one else but you. Your eyes were something he missed most of all. He said that you had a light in them that he felt only he saw. You always giggled when it came to the gushy stuff in his letters. Billy was a flirt with girls but he was a romantic with you.

Since graduating high school early you've had a lot of time on your hands. You were still gonna walk at graduation, you just weren't going to do anything else. Cause by god you are getting that dumb piece of paper in front of everyone. It was a couple of days before the week up spring break but for you it was a regular working Wednesday. You currently work at some clothing store in the mall and oh so excitedly deal with mother's trying to get some sort of deal out of you.

The time was 5:00pm you are now pulling into your driveway of your house for the night. Happy that your got off early you notice your parents aren't home yet. You make your way down to the mailbox to check for anything. Which you find a bunch of letters piled onto one another. You begin to sift through it.

"Bill, Bill, Coupon, post card from Aunt Shelly, Bill...y." You stop at, what you thought was another bill but was actually, a letter from Billy. You rush up to your front door to be able to read the letter. Throwing everything onto the kitchen table an make your way to your room. You bounce on your bed at tear open the letter...

Hello Y/N, I hope you are happy with what you're doing. I just read your letter. God I wish I could graduate early to get this shit hole. Anyways, Max is doing good. She still with those little balls of snot for friends. Hopefully you wrote her, so she can stop asking me to check the mail for your letters. I miss you very much. Spring break is about to start, since the public pool opened I got a job there. Hopefully I can get enough money to be able to come an see you and to stay with you. You probably already know me, I'm not really good at this writing shit. But if it's for you, I'll do it. I love you, -Billy

You smiled down at the words on the paper.

"I love you too." You said down to the paper. That feeling came back again. The feeling of wanting to see him. You can't help it, you miss him so much. You go over to your landline in the kitchen to lunch in a number you have memorized by heart now.

"Santa Monica airport, what can I help you with today?" The droned out employee said.

"Hey, I wanna know if you have any direct flights to Hawkins Indiana?"

"Hold on, let me check..." You hear a faint typing for a few seconds.

"Anything?" You question.

"None to Hawkins but we have one to Indianapolis flying out this Friday at 5:00am." They said.

"Perfect!" You shouted. "How much?"

"That will be a hundred an thirty dollars..."

"I've got that!" You race around to your purse to fish out your debit card to pay for the ticket. You give them the info to send the ticket via email for you to print out. It would be thirty more dollar but you didn't care.

"Alright, thank you choosing Santa Monica airlines tod-." You didn't even let them finish. You hung up the phone right away to go pack an call off work for the next week or so. You couldn't stop giggling the whole time. Seeing Billy and Max is going to be the best thing to happen to you in the past few months. Then you hear your front door open and shut. Then you realized something...

"Hey mom, I gotta tell you something!" You shouted running out of your room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You were honestly shitting your pants the whole way to Hawkins from Santa Monica. You currently stand outside of Hawkins High School waiting for Billy. You slept during your flight over at 5 am but once you were on the ground you couldn't hold still. Your stuff is at the motel just outside of town for the next week.

You passionately waited for Billy to walk out of the school. You could see his car from a mile away. Plus with is reputation it wasn't hard to find out about him. You turned your wrist to look at your watch, 3:15 it read. the bell rang and school was out for spring break. Students passed by you, giving you weird looks.

"Who is that?" "Does Billy know them?" "Probably a desperate Ex." Were some of the things that were thrown around you. As if you couldn't hear the. 'Geez do these people know how to shut up...'

"Billy. Who's that?" An oddly pitchy voice said breaking you out of your thoughts.

Billy ripped his head around to you. You being the last person he would see by his car. The girl he, once had his arm around, was with was now forgotten. Billy thought he was gonna vomit at the sight of you.

"Shit.." You mutter.

"Holy fuck..." He said.

"Billy who is this?" The girl said once again getting annoyed. Billy turned back to her.

"Why are you still here?" He questioned. The girl now looked perplexed. She thought Billy was gonna take her out but now he wants nothing to do with her. Before she could say anything Billy spoke, "Go the hell away. Ya stupid cow..." He muttered the last part.

Billy walked up to you, star struck. He now had you trapped between him and the car with his hands on your hips. Holding you gently. You were smiling up at him.

"What are you doing here?" He asked.

"I wanted to see you." you said. "Is that so bad?" You teased him. When you both could call one another you would constantly tease him over the phone.

"No!" He answered quickly. "It's actually great, cause I was loosing my damn mind being away from you." You giggled at him. He his lips down to your temple, kissing you gently. To the students around you it was shocking to see Billy Hargrove be gentle with anybody. But to you this was your Billy.

"Y/N!!" A familiar voice shouted out to you. You turned to her direction to see Max running full speed to you. You part from Billy momentarily to hug Max.

"Hey MadMax!" You exclaimed. Even though Billy thought Max was a pain in the ass most of the time; he loved seeing you two together. He was happy that she got to see you.

"How long are you here for?" She questioned.

"I'm here for all of spring break." You smiled. They both looked at you dumb founded. You were gonna be with them for a week.

"Yes!" Billy said excitedly, pulling you into a hug. You laughed as he squeezed you.

"How about we go on a date tonight?" You asked him.

"Hell yeah!" He shouted. Crashing his lips onto yours. Desperation and love pouring into the moment. He missed your lips. How soft they were and smooth. He missed you so much.

"ew..." It was faint but you both knew it was from Max.

"Get in the car shit bird." Billy said.

"Hey be nice." You sternly said, mighty sapping his arm. He huffed at you, looking at you with soft eyes. The eye you fell in love with.

"Let's take Max home and we can go on our , much needed, date."

"You took the words right out of my mouth." Billy smiled.And that's how it went for the next week. You spent your time with Billy and Max, well more so Billy. Billy held you so close not wanting to let you go when you both cuddled. You met Max's friends and some more people around Hawkins with your small time there. You had some sleepovers with Max, trying to make up for lost time. Neil wouldn't do anything while you where here in town, so that meant a safe environment for Max and Billy even though it was for a week. You found the town cute, but you prefer Santa Monica.

Most of all, you and Billy got time alone. To be with each other in each others arms. Going on cute dates, walks, drives, everything. You became the envy of the town. The one that swooped Billy Hargrove off hid feet the spring break of 85'. He wouldn't have it any other way though. He would stay in this shithole town if it meant being with you.

When it came time for you to go home, it was full of tears and heart felt kisses. You didn't want to leave them again but you had to.

"Once I graduate I'll be back, I promise." You said.

When it came time for you to go home, it was full of tears and heart felt kisses. You didn't want to leave them again but you had to. 

"Once I graduate I'll be back, I promise." You said.

That promise was made two months ago. In those two months you also visited Billy three more times over the summer. In your last visit you brought him back home with you. To California. You got him far away from his pain. 

You both have an apartment near the beach, like you both wanted. You stared college; while Billy started work at a car restoration shop. Billy could surf everyday while you laid in the sun. You both loved each other even more with every day that passed.

A California dream come true.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I know its a cheesy ending but I hope you like it.

@capitanostella

@maackiimoo

@mystargirl-interlude

[k-marzolf]

Miss Radish

content warnings; bookshop owner!Billy, friendship/romantic, possessive behavior kinda, attachment issues, fluff, fem!reader,

word count; 522.

tagging; @terry2227 @kayhi808 @e-dubbc11 @firequeensposts @aoi-targaryen @bookloverfilmoholic @thejanecampaign @oops89 @tortilla-chips-and-allioli @milea @fireeyes-on-teller-dixon-grimes @danzer8705 @vaguekayla @snowkestrel @zz-kennedy @fictional-hooman @firexfate @rosaleenablack @idaofinfinity @cant-help-simping @littleblackcatinwonderland @disneyloverjaime

*+*+*+*+*+*+*

spicy & sweet.

You loved cozy mysteries, shoes on the floor at the foot of the chair, a rip in your nylons, and your nose buried in the cheesy novel. He’d never liked those books.

You had come every afternoon, like a stray cat looking for affection, and you’d clearly chosen Billy. “Wanna bite you, ‘cause I like you.” You said as though at a poetry recital, and digging through your purse, pulling out some lip balm, berry flavored as he brought you a cappuccino.

Billy flicked you on the forehead, giving you a danish with your coffee, amused. “You gonna be able to reach me, miss radish?” He asked, eying the said vegetable earrings dangling from your ears.

You sipped your drink, “Uh huh. I’ll have to just climb on a ladder, Mister Brussels Sprouts. You just gotta hold still for me.”

And he laughed at how you butchered his name with confidence, baring your teeth like a cat who bit the hand that fed you. “And if I don’t?”

“I’ll take the potion that says drink me, and grow big enough.” You said, fingers playing with the corner of the page.

He hummed, “Or shrink enough to where I can keep you in my pocket.” He said, booping your forehead, your skin damp from the drizzle outside.

And then he had to leave to get more coffee for a grumpy guy next door, you stuck your tongue out at the back of his head.

Billy scoffed, “I’m gonna pull on that tongue if you stick it out again.” He said after serving George. You only smiled, returning back to your book.

Thirty minutes later you set your empty cup down, pushing some money towards him. And had a Werther’s on top of the bills. A common gift from you, and you stumbled over your shoelaces, your legs shaking, and fell flat on your face, Crime at Copper Cove in your hand.

Billy grabbed your money and caramel candy, clicking his tongue. “What am I gonna do with you, miss radish?” He husked, pocketing your candy. He never ate them, and had a growing collection of them.

He helped you up, and you stumbled over your feet as he pulled you towards the stairs. “There’s a downpour. You can stay upstairs until it passes.” He wasn’t letting you ride your bike in this weather. Your heavy weight against him was comforting. A reminder of tenderness in the rain.

His apartment was bathed in a warm glow from the lamps as thunder rumbled, and you plopped down on his bed, kicking your converse off, making yourself at home, wiggling your toes.

“Oh, your bed is soft, Brussels Sprouts.” You said, laying back, and he combed through your tangled hair with his fingers, pulling your cardigan up around your shoulder.

You looked at him through hooded eyes, thighs pressed together and tempting him, before you flipped yourself over onto your stomach, yawning.

The image of your face buried in his pillows, your hair frizzy around your head, had him aching with want all afternoon as he finished his shift.

He wondered how he might keep you.

[chubbyreaderchan]

you made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter | Billy Hargrove x Reader

Warning: I write with a plus-sized reader in mind. Female reader. AU where Billy gets to be happy, no real plot, might need to actually come back to this but idk, I didn’t edit, and I was in my feelings for it. 

--

“What the fuck did I ever do to deserve this?” Billy asked.

His arms wrapped around her middle her head resting against his shoulder. He was dumb and a complete dickhead, he never saw what she had seen in him.  

“I say, "Can you believe it?" As we're lyin' on the couch”

“Everything,” she said softly. Her fingers danced over his hand, tracing each part of the worked flesh.

He was peaceful there, watching yet not quite paying attention to the news on the TV. It had been two years since they ran away from Hawkins, sure it was still in Indiana. But it was freedom.

Freedom from his father. Freedom from hers. No need to run and hide or sneak into bedroom windows to be with her. He just has to come home and call her name, though there were some fond memories.

A lot of firsts happened with her in his bedroom in his dad’s house. She was the first girl he’d let leave shit in his room and not immediately throw it in the trash.

“Flash forward, and we're takin' on the world together And there's a drawer of my things at your place”

“It wasn’t like you didn’t fight for me,” she teased.

Billy swallowed.

“We’re still fighting, sweetheart,” Billy replied.

“I know, I’m trying to get a manager position at the restaurant,”

Billy grunted, annoyed. He hated that she worked, sure, feminism or whatever, but he didn’t want her working. He lived for the idea of her staying at home, taking care of the house and kids or maybe some dogs. But he wasn’t done with his mechanic apprenticeship. It would be a minute before he was making good enough money for that. The thought of her taking on more hours stressed him out. He leaned forward, grabbing his pack of cigarettes and his lighter from the table. He lit the stick and took a puff blowing the smoke away from his girl.

“And we got bills to pay We got nothin' figured out”

Billy wrapped his free arm around her tighter, looking at her pretty face. She met his sleepy blue-eyed stare.

“I hate that shit,” he grumbled.

“Don’t worry, baby. I’d have dinner ready—”

“That’s not what I mean. I don’t like you working at all period,”

He flicked ash into the stolen hotel ash tray. Billy took a deep breath like she had shown him, he didn’t want to get pissed over something he couldn’t change immediately. They didn’t need to have a fight.

“Do you remember, we were sittin' there, by the water? You put your arm around me, for the first time You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter”

She leaned up and pressed a kiss into his soft lips, he kissed her back hand heavy on her spine pushing into the fiery kiss. His hands creeped up her belly in a comforting manner. He only pulled away for a breath of air, gently running his thumb on her shoulder.

“I still don’t get why you stay with me,” she said softly.

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“And I remember that fight, two-thirty am 'Cause everything was slipping right out of our hands I ran out, crying, and you followed me out into the street Braced myself for the goodbye, 'Cause that's all I've ever known Then, you took me by surprise

“I’d never leave you alone,”

He pressed a kiss against her head.

[randomfoggytiger]

"Mr. Mulder, I Know Something About You"

(Dedicated to @baronessblixen for her fascinating idea: Bill Scully giving Tom Colton and Ethan Minette binders bulging with dirt on one Fox Mulder. This took a slightly different path, though.)

*****

The first time Bill heard the name Fox Mulder was the day after his sister and her partner were sucked almost dry and hospitalized in Washington State for nearly two weeks. One fuzzy, panicked call from Tara and one fuzzier, harried call from his mom sketched in the slim details: Dana was on the mend, she’d been investigating a missing loggers’ case with her partner--

“What 'partner'? She’s in the field?” 

She had been, for months. He’d forgotten to ask at their father’s funeral, convinced that her height and lack of experience had kept her teaching at Quantico. 

“Dana's mentioned him once before, I think. You know how tight-lipped she is about her life.”  

“Mom, do I need to come home? Is she….”

“No, Bill-- but I’ll call you if she takes a turn for the worse.” 

So, Bill stayed on board; and Dana got better, and Tara celebrated over the phone, and Maggie remembered the name: Fox Mulder. 

*****

The second time Bill heard the name Fox Mulder were the days following his sister’s abduction. 

His mother talked of little else-- with Dana’s captor dead, any possible leads had died with him. There was nothing now but faith and hope.  

“But I believe Fox will call as soon as he finds her.” 

Fox. His sister, Tara had told him, still called him Mulder. Then again, Tara’s attention was currently wrapped up in calendars and planners and endless negatives. For that matter, his was, too; and what little time he had to think of family he thought of her, alone, counting the rising costs of their countless tries, alone, while he worked as often as he could to forget to cover those costs and forget his own loneliness. And his sister, somewhere, alone; and his mother back in Maryland, alone.

Dana and her former partner’s professional relationship wasn’t a top priority, or even a distant concern.  

**** 

The third time Bill heard the name Fox Mulder was after promising his eldest sister that Tara would try her fertility herbs. His wife was curled up on one side, quiet, and Melissa stuck her toes in his other side, slyly smiling.

“Now that that’s out of the way,” she concluded, setting aside the herb pouch and pinning him with her eyes, “why haven’t you given Dana a call? She hasn’t said it, but she’s been expecting one.” 

“Don’t start, Missy.” He’d have disengaged, too, but Tara’s head was pressing into his shoulder, a sure sign she was falling asleep. And sleep was precious these days, what with the hormone shots and regular appointments and never-ending stress. He’d promised to shoulder her stresses for nine more weeks; and whether this was a test or not, Bill Scully had and would never back down from his word. 

Melissa, opportunistic woman that she was, had banked on it, waiting for her sister-in-law’s “dozing” tea to kick in before launching the subject. “Billy, you know you want to talk to her. What’s the problem? I mean, she almost… we almost lost her. Why can’t you let whatever you’re holding onto--” 

“Miss--” he stopped, his voice startling them temporarily.

“You owe it to her, Bill. You two haven’t talked in months; and you both say it’s because of your work but really it’s because of your pride. You’re both so like Dad; but at least Dad was blind to what it did to us."

“And what about Dana? She's back on her feet and running right back to her autopsies and late nights. You can’t point a finger at me without three pointing right back at her. At least I try to be there for my family.” 

“You weren’t there when she was gone.” 

He swallowed, stung and angry. “And who was, Melissa? You?”

Her toes gripped his hip, guilty. “Fox.” 

*****

The fourth time Bill heard Fox Mulder’s name was during his sister’s not-so-secret battle with cancer. His mother called often to vent and cry, unable to share her worries and pain with her only living daughter and unwilling to burden Tara with more stress.  

Fox had become a footnote of late, so consumed was he and Dana in their work. 

“Mom, how can you let Dana run herself down like that? She should be resting or looking into treatments-- anything rather than chasing after rag magazine cases half across the country!” 

“Bill, you know perfectly well not everyone can run to sea to escape their problems. Not even you.” 

*****

The fifth time Bill heard Fox Mulder’s name was after he’d met the man, watched him fill Dana’s head with insane theories about chips and government conspiracies, and backed off, awed, when Dana’s cancer miraculously went into remission. 

He was roaming the halls, searching for coffee to wash down the remainder of his rage at Fox Mulder’s red eyes and dazed expression when he noticed another government type walk stiffly towards the nurse’s desk, brusquely flash a badge, straighten his stiff spine and stiffer tie, and promptly demand to see “Fox Mulder.” 

“I know where he is,” Bill cut in, saving the nurse the hassle but still getting a glare for his trouble. “Bill Scully. How can I help you?”

“Yes-- I was sent to bring him back for questioning; and we’re expected in,” he looked significantly at his watch, “forty minutes. If you would take me to him--”

“Take Mulder where?” Bill snapped around to see Walter Skinner, A.D., striding over, eyebrows drawn and face grim.  

“Yes, Sir. Agent Mulder is being called in for--”

“The committee’s been disbanded until further notice, Agent Colton; and until I have those further orders, my agents are not to be bothered or contacted while they are in this hospital. Is that understood?” 

Bill watched the other man’s jaw lock, grind, and shift as it worked its stubborn way around, “Understood, Sir.” Then Agent Colton turned tail and fled, heels thudding down the tile on their thunderous path to the elevator. 

A.D. Skinner wasn’t done yet. “My apologies, Mr. Scully. That agent was out of line; and I'll see to it that your family isn't bothered again.” 

It was best to nod and let the A.D. think he was frustrated with the intrusion.

Mulder could have been mid-conversation or on his way out by now. Instead, he would still be on that bench long after the family had left for the night. 

He seemed the type. 

*****

The sixth time Bill heard Fox Mulder’s name was over another phone call, mere months before the birth of his child. 

“Bill Scully? You might not remember me, but my name’s Ethan, Ethan Minette, and Dana and I used to date back when, well rather, right after she was recruited by the FBI. She ever mention me? Yes? No? Anyway, not important. Calling about information you might possibly have on, lemme check… Fox? Mulder, yep, Fox Mulder. Dana’s partner? There was a case she was involved in recently, really gruesome, real Frankenstein abomination stuff; and Colton, Tom Colton? You know him? Dana’s friend? Anyway, we keep in touch, we’re related somewhat, you know? And he named you as a hot tip and I was wondering if you…. Yeah, yeah, I can wait.” 

He and Tara fought afterward: Tara, as big as a house, was ready to cave the roof in.

“Dana’s coming for the holidays, Bill! And you two will spend the week in stony silence avoiding each other and, and Maggie and I will have to try to keep the peace instead of celebrating our first Christmas as a growing family, and-- and how could you do that, Bill? After all Fox Mulder did for our family?” 

Bill was lacking even to his ears; and, after cooler heads prevailed, he dialed Ethan back up and insisted his name be kept out of the article. Ethan talked doubly fast, banging a pen up and down every other word for emphasis as he cajoled and steamed about losing necessary credibility; but, inevitably, gave in. 

“I’ll only do this because you’re Dana’s brother and she was a real sweetheart. But if I need to call you in future…?” 

“I don’t have any more information.”

Dana skipped most of Christmas, anyway. 

*****

The seventh time Bill heard Fox Mulder’s name was when he flew in for Emily Sim’s hearing. 

“I need him as a witness if I’m to have any chance getting custody of Emily,” Dana had stated carefully, meticulously avoiding eye contact as much as possible. Bill still caught her bewilderment and fear… and joy. 

“When’ll he get here?” 

“Tonight, tomorrow… he didn’t say when, just that he’d be here.” He caught her smile, too. 

“Dana…” Her head snapped up, and he paused. “We’ll be there.” 

“Bill, you don’t have to--”

“We’ll be there, Dana.” 

And they were. 

And so was Fox Mulder. 

Bill left with Tara, tired and emotional, and Maggie, displaced and confused, after exchanging silent, cursory greetings with his sister’s partner. While he slowly walked away, both women in tow, he heard a curt “Dana Scully and Fox Mulder” echo behind him. 

And, in spite of everything, he sent up a prayer for both.

*****

Thanks for reading~

Enjoy!

Tagging @today-in-fic

[the-cult-of-russo]

Just Beneath The Flames (Part 2)

Pairing: Billy Russo x Reader

Warnings: cursing, smut at some point probably lmao, zombie shit, typical canon violence. You know the drill.

A/N: I just wanna thank everyone for the love of this story so far! I love that you guys like it so much and I hope you continue to love it! 

—-----------------

The walk back to the camp was a lot less tense than the walk before. You were feeling a little more relaxed knowing that at least for the time being, you had one less problem to worry about. The men spoke in hushed tones to each other, looking like they were riding a slight high after all the violence. You really couldn't bring yourself to care though, not when they’d helped you with the assholes and also given you food. They may have just saved your life twice over. When you finally got back to the camp, Karen rushed over, whisking Frank away as she hugged him, clearly happy he was unscathed. Billy went over to who you now knew to be Micro and Curtis, now awake, as you just stood on the periphery of the camp, feeling very much like the outsider you were. You hovered uncertainly, waiting to be taken to the hunting store. You knew there was one around in the area but since you had no vehicle and it wasn't super close, you’d never ventured that far. You’d traveled around for far too long and you’d finally set up base. You didn't want to have to travel and get caught out there, especially when the assholes were still alive. You knew you’d have to move again eventually. The food would run out, the stores picked clean and probably another group of crazy people would turn up. It was just how it was now. But you liked where you were and you wanted to stay there as much as possible. It was hard traveling all the time, not taking any roots. It left you feeling unsettled and all over the place. 

“Hey, we haven't met yet. I’m Curtis,” the man smiled as he approached you. You hadn't met all of them yet although now you knew their names due to Frank. You hadn’t spoken to Micro’s wife or kids, not that you blamed them for keeping the weird stranger who had been planning to rob the camp from meeting the kids of the group. You wondered how hard that was. Having a group was stressful anyway, having others to look out for, to keep safe. But kids were a whole other ball game. They were more likely to make mistakes, being kids and all, and more likely to draw attention to themselves. You were glad your old group hadn't had kids, especially since everyone ended up dead. 

“I’m Y/N,” you said with a polite yet slightly awkward smile. He opened his mouth to say something but Frank came over so he gave you another smile before moving back over to the main camp.

“Alright, Bill’s gonna take you up to the hunting store,” he muttered with a nod. You’d hoped it would have been Frank or at least he’d have been there. It was a little easier to talk to him given he was the one doing most of the talking. Billy was just cold so you knew it would be uncomfortable. 

“Okay. When I’m done, I’m just gonna get him to drop me off near my camp,” you murmured, hitching your heavy backpack up a little. You wanted to make it clear you wouldn't be coming back, it almost felt rude to just vanish after going to the store without at least telling him. He nodded, looking thoughtful as he rubbed his chin a little.

“You sure I can’t convince you to join us?” he asked, giving you a tentative smile. You snorted and shook your head.

“Nah, I’m good. I wouldn't be averse to seeing you guys around again at some point though. Maybe we could look out for each other,” you replied softly, making him nod.

“Yeah, we could do that,” he smiled. You weren't quite sure what you could do for them if you were honest, maybe just tag along if they needed an extra person to help with something. You were mostly thinking of yourself, you had to in this world. It would be good to know you had a group of people to have your back if it came to it. 

“You want me to tell the other’s you’re leavin’?” he asked and you shook your head rapidly.

“No… I’m just a stranger, don’t need to make shit weird with a goodbye speech,” you snorted ruefully.

“I get that,” he chuckled, glancing over at the others for a moment. Karen was saying something to Billy who was putting his sniper away before checking his handgun.

“Well… It was good meetin’ you, Y/N,” Frank muttered when his eyes drifted back to you.

“You too,” you smiled. It was nice meeting people that didn’t want to kill you, it felt like a rare thing these days. He gave you a light tap on the arm, walking back over to everyone and talking to Billy briefly. Billy then sauntered over to you.

“Ready?” he asked, not sounding too happy about being the one to take you. You wondered if Karen had forced Frank to stay after him going out there and putting himself in danger like he had. 

“Yep,” you replied.

The ride in the black van was a little tense and uncomfortable. You knew he didn’t trust you, not that you blamed him. You didn’t fully trust him either. But the air was thick and you shifted in your seat, watching out the window as he drove. The world looked the same yet completely different. It was weird. It was still dark outside but the moon was full and bright. The only beauty left in the world.

“So… what d'you do before all this?” he asked after the longest silence in history. Your eyes moved from the window to him. He wasn't looking at you, looking out at the road, but at your silence, he glanced over at you. You wondered if the silence had been bothering him too.

“I was a veterinarian, not that it matters anymore,” you snorted sardonically. You’d loved your job with everything you had. You’d known from a young age you wanted to help animals.

“Nah, I don’t believe that shit,” he huffed, shaking his head.

“You don’t believe I was a vet?” you asked, sounding amused. He looked at you, a slight smirk on his face.

“Not that, that it doesn't matter anymore. Me and Frank, we were Marines. I’d say it helped quite a bit with the way shit went down. And Curtis was a medic, somethin’ pretty valuable now. I’m guessin’ being a vet… you got a lotta medical knowledge that helps too now,” he shrugged.

“Right… If your cat has a cough or your dog needs neutering, let me know,” you muttered with an eye roll and a snort.

“Nah, you know what I mean. You know some shit most of us don’t, probably even helped out with your old group ‘cause of it,” he mused, his dark eyes boring into you as he raised a brow. You looked away from him, eyes once again looking out of the window yet this time unfocused. You had tried to use some of your knowledge and training to help your old group, but that was the issue. Because no matter what you did, it didn't help and they wound up dead anyway. And while a part of you knew it was probably inevitable, that even a person with all the medical knowledge in the world probably couldn't have helped them, you couldn't help but feel like you failed them all. The drive once again became silent and tense, with Billy probably sensing your souring mood and deciding not to make further conversation. It didn't take too long after that though before you saw the row of stores, one of them being the hunting store. Billy didn’t park up front, not that you expected him to. Every move you made now had to be cautious, worrying about the living as well as the dead. Who knew what others resided in these parts none of you had met yet? 

He pulled around the back and once parked, you opened the door and hopped out, grabbing the knife from your thigh. Billy came around the van too as you both started walking around the stores to the front silently. The street was eerily quiet and you weren't sure it was a good thing. Right now it was, it meant you didn’t have to fight through a sea of the dead to get what you wanted. But the absence of any roamers on the street only made you worried that a herd was somewhere. They liked to do that you noticed, bunch up into a group. It made it dangerous when you saw a pack of them. It was harder to go around undetected and they were ruthless, they could tear down a house if the group was big enough. Billy ended up walking in front of you a little, his dark eyes sweeping around much like yours were and you wondered if he was having the same observations. You both stopped outside of the door for the hunting store and Billy, holding his knife too, tapped on the glass a few times. It was a trick you’d also picked up, to gauge what mess awaited you inside. There were a few groans and you tilted your head a little.

“What you think? Two or three?” Billy asked quietly, his eyes turning to you.

“Three I think. Two in the front, maybe one in the back,” you replied as you listened and tried to gauge where you were hearing the noise. Billy looked slightly impressed for less than a second before he nodded and opened the door, clicking on a flashlight in his other hand. Billy went to the right so you went left, straight at one of the dead who stumbled around a shelf. It was dark with no electricity, but your eyes were used to the darkness now, you’d adjusted to being able to see better than you had before the world fell apart. Billy’s flashlight was pretty bright too and it spilled over to your side of the store. You didn’t hesitate to shove your knife right through the dead one’s eye socket, pulling the knife out roughly as it stopped moving and making noise. It hit the floor with a heavy thud. At one point, you’d hated having to do this. Back when they still looked like people and weren't so badly decomposed. It was harder that way, to look at someone and think of who they used to be. To see a person. But most of them now looked like the monsters they were and you didn’t see any humanity when you looked at them. It was easier that way. When you looked over at the other side of the store, Billy was wiping his knife on the shirt of the dead guy on the floor. He stood back up, his eyes meeting yours for a moment as the last one still groaned. As you thought, it was coming from the back room.

“I got it,” he muttered, twirling his knife gracefully in his hand before he strolled off to the back room, most of the light going with him. 

You looked around, shoulders slumping a little now you were finally taking in the place. It was picked clean, nothing good or useful left. You felt disappointment settle like a stone in your stomach as you heaved a large sigh. You jumped when a sharp whistle pierced the air, your head whipping to the open back room door to see Billy. He gestured with his head to come over before he disappeared. Your first response was to bristle at being whistled at like that, like you were a dog. But you realized it seemed to be how the group communicated with each other and it was probably second nature to him. You walked over and walked inside, the backroom a little brighter with Billy's flashlight. Your eyes darted around the room, noticing the dead man on the floor before looking at some of the things in the back room. It wasn't full of supplies but it at least had something. Both you and Billy started to rifle through the boxes and you hoped you'd find what you were looking for. Billy let out a low whistle like he was impressed and when you looked over, he had a large machete in his hands. He unsheathed it, grin on his face as he looked at it. Both the blade and handle were black and it was pretty hefty looking. He chuckled, putting it back in the sheath before attaching it to his belt. You moved around closer to the back end of the room and stopped when you saw a box. There staring at you was a Hoyt Torrex XT Compound Hunting Bow. it wasn’t a fancy one by any means, more of a budget model, but you knew it was good and it would certainly do the job. You’d been without a bow close to a year now and with food getting harder and harder to get, you knew this would be the difference between being able to eat and starving to death. You grinned, all but ripping the bow out of the box and grabbing it, weighing it in your hand. It felt good, you almost felt like you’d got a lost limb back. You rummaged around more near the area, pleased to find a bunch of arrows. You could always make them if you needed to but they wouldn't be as precise as ones like these. You found a quiver nearby, putting the arrows into it and shouldering it. It would be a little annoying with your backpack which was currently left in the van, but you’d figure something out another time. You turned to Billy who was shoving stuff in his bag. You weren’t quite sure what and you didn't care too much either.

“I’m done,” you said, clutching the bow in your hand. He looked up after he zipped his bag, a slightly amused look on his face at the sight of you with a bow.

“Alright,” he nodded, slinging his backpack back on. You both made your way back to the front of the store, Billy cautiously looking out of the door before leaving entirely. You followed him back around to the van at the back of the store, putting the quiver by the bag in the footwell before climbing inside with the bow in your lap.

The drive started off silent once more as he started his journey back. You’d be getting dropped off just a little past halfway back from the store and you couldn't wait to just settle down and get some sleep. You were exhausted from all the drama of the night. 

“You know how to use that thing?” Billy asked with a condescending tone and a condescending smile to match.

“Yep,” you replied vaguely, giving him a wan smile. You could have told him you’d taken archery classes when you were younger, how your parents insisted you and your brother do it along with various extracurricular activities. That you’d been a natural in it and excelled. You couldn't be bothered though, especially with his tone. You still couldn't get a read on him, couldn't decide if you liked him much. He seemed decent enough but he was a little cocky and patronizing sometimes. He rolled his eyes at your answer as he kept on driving. When you got to a more familiar place, somehow recognizing the trees even though they all seemed to look the same, you looked over at him.

“You can just drop me off here,” you said softly. He slowed the van before it stopped and he had a weird look on his face as he looked at you.

“Your camp here?” he asked.

“Around abouts,” you shrugged. He scoffed, shaking his head with the smirk that seemed to permanently live on his face.

“So you know where our camp is but we can’t know where yours is?” he asked with slightly narrowed eyes.

“Basically. Knowing where I’m staying wasn’t part of the deal,” you smirked, opening the van door. You hopped out, grabbing your bag and putting it on one shoulder, the quiver over the other and your bow in your hand.

“See you around,” you said, giving him a rueful smile at his put-out face.

“Yeah…” he muttered, tilting his head. You shut the door and didn’t spare him another look as you walked off into the trees. It didn't take you too long before you felt relief seep into your bones when you spied the tree house. 

You weren't sure who built it out here or why and it wasn’t small either. It was pretty decently sized in a large thick tree. You’d stumbled on it by chance. You made your way over, carefully climbing up the rope and wood ladder, being mindful that your balance was a little off with all the weight you were carrying. Once in the treehouse, you pulled up the ladder like you always did so no one else could get inside while you were there. There was no door which meant the cold was still a problem. You hadn't had a winter here yet but you knew it would be coming soon. You weren't looking forward to it. It was roomy for a treehouse and you had a sleeping bag and pile of blankets in one corner. The other corner that usually housed your food was bare but you smiled to yourself as you emptied your very full bag, neatly stacking the cans and other items you’d gotten. You put the bow, your new pride and joy, just under the window with the arrows. You wanted to go hunting in the next few days. You’d never hunted animals before the turn, it kind of went against your whole thing about being a vet. But it was necessary now and you were always respectful to the animal, never made them suffer. Your body was drained and you lay down, wrapping yourself in your many blankets as you snuggled into them. You'd had a pretty decent night and it made you a little hopeful for the future. 

Two days later and you were stalking through the woods silently, following a deer. When you’d started hunting for food with your old bow, you only ever found small game. Rabbits, squirrels, but never a deer. You were slightly nervous but you made sure your footfalls were as silent as can be so you didn't startle it, waiting for the right moment to strike. You knew it would be a lot of meat and you didn’t want to pass it up, but you also knew you didn’t have a way to preserve it and it would be far too much for just you. You thought about keeping what you could for yourself and giving the rest to Frank and his group. It wouldn’t last as long with the group having many people in it, but they’d get a good few meals out of it. Something more substantial than shitty canned foods and protein bars. The deer finally stopped and you held your breath, aiming your bow as you blew out slowly. You aimed for just below the halfway point in its chest, just behind its front leg. You knew that's where its heart and lungs were and you wanted this to be a clean and quick kill. Not only because you didn't want to go chasing it through the woods but because you didn't want the animal to needlessly suffer. 

“I’m sorry,” you whispered, the light voice carried off in the wind as you let your arrow fly. It struck just where you aimed as the deer ran off panicked as you knew it would. It didn't get far before it collapsed though, now lifeless. You took a shaky breath, a small frown on your face as you walked over to it. You really didn't get any joy out of doing this, it’s just how things were now. You bent down and took the arrow out carefully, wiping it on your pants before putting it back in your quiver. You stroked its soft fur for a moment as you silently thanked the animal. It wouldn't go to waste, it would feed you for a while and Frank’s camp would also benefit from it. You tied its front legs together before doing the same to the back, leaving some twine from the front to the back so you could carry it easier. It wasn’t a large deer but you knew it would be heavy. You grunted as you heaved it up, wearing it almost like a bag with the twine around your shoulder. The extra weight made you a little slower to get back to your camp but you hadn’t gone too far. Once you got back, you set to prepping the meat under the large tree your treehouse was in. You’d already set up a campfire down here for you to cook your food with, not wanting to set fire to the treehouse. 

You weren't sure what time it was when you were done, wasn't sure what time it was at all anymore other than day and night. But it was still light and you knew it was early when you’d gone out to hunt. You mused it was probably around afternoon-ish. You pulled some plastic bags from your backpack that had been sitting at the bottom of the tree. You’d found a roll of them once in a store and decided to take them. You did that a lot, finding random shit and taking it, not knowing when you’d use it. It had proved to be pretty handy. You put in the meat you’d prepped for Frank and his camp, it was a decent amount and depending on how they rationed it, it might last them a few days. You wanted to find a way to preserve meat naturally so it would last longer. It was getting colder these days which would help but it would still spoil far too quickly for your liking. It would be better if you could hunt in advance, knowing it would get harder in the winter. Back in your old group, Derek, an older man, had made jerky because it would last for a long time and it was easier to carry around with you. You thought you still remembered how to do it but it would be hard since it was getting closer to the winter months. Derek had done it naturally by hanging them in the sun and heat of the sweltering summer. You knew salt would help to preserve the meat but you hadn’t been able to find any in your trips to various stores. When you were done getting Frank’s meat ready, you put your own in a bag and then buried it to keep it cooler until you got back. It wasn't perfect but it would have to do. You also buried all the innards in a different hole to avoid drawing the dead to you with the smell. It took a while to get everything sorted and done and you wanted to head out before it got dark. You never really liked being out at night. While you’d adjusted to see better and had somewhat got used to this life, it was incredibly eerie out in the woods at night, especially if the dead were around and groaning in the distance. You put Frank’s meat in your bag, leaving your bow behind as you made sure you had your knife strapped to your thigh and then set out. The camp wasn't too far but far enough that you still felt nice and secluded. Despite going there only once, you remembered the path vividly. 

You heard them talking, although it wasn't too loud, as you weaved through the trees to the camp. You felt a little awkward just showing up like this but you knew they wouldn't be mad since you brought them food. It was just strange for you now, helping others, doing something nice. You’d only had yourself to worry about for so long and in a way you liked it that way after all the shit you’d been through. But a part of you missed the camaraderie of being with others, the safety it gave you in numbers. Just talking to another human and not yourself. Karen was the first to see you, jumping up from where she had been sitting next to Frank at the fire as she made a beeline for you.

“Y/N!” she beamed, making you feel even more awkward as she seemed so happy to see you. She almost looked like she was about to scoop you up in a hug but she seemed to think better of it. Maybe it was your incredibly tense posture. You hadn’t been able to help it.

“Hey,” you murmured awkwardly, a smile toying on your lips.

“It's so good to see you,” she grinned and you looked over at the fire when you saw movement. Frank was now coming your way as the others looked at you.

“Back so soon? Please tell me you're not bringin' bad news about another group,” he smirked wryly, making you snort. You slipped your backpack off your shoulder as you shook your head.

“No bad news but I did bring this,” you replied, pulling the meat-filled bag out of your bag. 

“What is it?” Micro piped up curiously from where he was sitting. While you weren't directly at the campfire, you were within hearing distance.

“Deer, caught it this morning,” you shrugged as Frank took the bag.

“You’ve gotta be fuckin’ kiddin’ me,” Billy huffed with a sour face, making you look at him.

“Don’t mind him, he’s just bitter ‘cause he hasn’t bagged a deer yet,” Frank snorted, making you smile as you looked away from Billy who was glowering at you.

“We really appreciate this,” Frank added, a meaningful look on his face. They didn’t seem like they were struggling for food too much but you knew just as well as they did that it didn’t last long. And for the harsher colder months where fresh meat would be harder to find, the canned goods were best saved for then.

“You didn’t need to do this, Y/N,” Karen murmured. She was smiling but she also looked a little guilty and you knew exactly what was going through her head.

“I can’t eat it all and it’ll just go to waste. Figured you guys could use it. Get some good protein in the kids that doesn't come from bars,” you said ruefully. 

“Thank you,” you turned to look at the sincere voice to see it came from Sarah, Micro’s wife and you nodded at her. You didn’t know how she did it, having kids in a world like this. 

“Do you want some cans or anything?” Frank asked, making a move to go over to where their food was in crates but you shook your head quickly, stopping him in his tracks.

“I’m good. This isn't a trade or anything… Just me being… a good neighbor, I guess,” you snorted and he chuckled at your words. 

“At least stay and eat with us,” Karen insisted, her eyes imploring.

“You don't have to do that, I’ve got meat back at my camp,” you protested, not really wanting to stick around too long. You felt like you connected with Karen and Frank in a way. The way you did when the world goes to hell in a handbasket and you didn't need to know people long before you knew you could count on them. But you still really didn't know the others and still weren't sure about Billy. It was a little uncomfortable for you to encroach on their eating time like this. 

“I don’t care, you're eating with us,” Karen said firmly, snatching the bag of meat from Frank before she strode over to the fire with purpose. Frank barked a laugh and shook his head fondly at her before giving you a look with a raised brow.

“The lady’s spoken, you ain’t goin’ anywhere,” he grinned. You started to wonder who was really in charge here. 

It was far more awkward to just leave now after Karen's declaration so you followed Frank to the fire area where everyone was dotted about. Some of the others smiled or nodded at you, not seemingly minding a stranger in their midst. You weren't quite sure where to sit but the only available spot was next to Billy who was sharpening his knife with some kind of rock. You took your backpack off, setting it on the floor before sitting down carefully. You’d purposely left some space between you and Billy so he didn’t feel like you were crowding him. Karen started cooking the meat and everyone seemed to be in good spirits. No one really spoke to you directly but the conversations seemed to be open to anyone as they all conversed with each other, you’d just chosen not to really engage. You just felt like an outsider. You were. 

“So, where'd you find the deer?” Billy asked after a long while. When you turned to glance at him, his dark eyes were already watching you.

“A little north of my camp,” you explained with a shrug. His lips quirked into an amused smirk, his eyes going back to his knife.

“Right… that’d be helpful if I knew where your camp was,” he drawled mockingly and you smirked to yourself.

“Can’t give away all my secrets, Billy,” you snorted. It made him chuckle and shake his head. He seemed the type to hate not knowing things and you weren't sure why you enjoyed annoying him a little. 

“How’s that bow treatin’ you?” he asked. You hadn't expected him to make idle conversation with you but you went along with it. It would make you look a lot less weird than you just sitting there silently and staring off into the fire. 

“It’s good. Not as good as my old bow, but it gets the job done,” you murmured, making his eyes turn to you again.

“What bow did you have?” he asked curiously. Your lips curled into a wry grin as you pointed to his that was resting against a tree not too far away. He looked over his shoulder at it before chuckling again.

“You tellin’ me you know how to handle that thing?” he asked, that patronizing tone back in his voice.

“Which one of us bagged a deer again?” you asked, brows raised in amusement. He rolled his eyes and sharpened his knife a little more aggressively. 

“Just ‘cause I ain’t found one yet doesn’t mean I can’t get one,” he muttered, sounding like a child and you bit your lower lip to hide your smirk.

“Mhm, sure. You do know how to track, right?” you asked condescendingly, making his head snap in your direction as he glared at you, his mouth slightly agape at your audacity. 

“Here you go,” Karen grinned, handing you the cooked meat on a paper plate. You took it with a grateful smile and then she handed Billy’s to him. The idea of some good meat seemed to take precedence over you mocking his skills as he grinned at Karen and wasted no time in shoveling the food in his mouth. Everyone gathered by the fire as they ate and made conversation. It was going well until someone decided to outright speak to you.

“So, Y/N, Billy told me you were a vet before all of this,” Curtis smiled warmly. You glanced up, mouth still full of food and you swallowed it down, feeling uncomfortable as all eyes turned to you.

“Uh… yeah,” you answered, giving him a polite smile back. You weren’t quite sure what else to say to that if you were honest. It was all in the past, a time long forgotten and none of it mattered anymore. 

“That's good, some good skills there. I bet they’ve come in handy for you since the turn,” he replied and you felt the bitter pang hit you right in the chest.

“If by coming in handy, you mean failing everyone I cared about then… sure,” you gave him a wan smile as you continued to eat, an uncomfortable silence settling over the group at your words and tone. You were thankful when Karen started conversation up again and the group slowly eased back into it. You couldn't help yourself though. You were sick of people presuming because you’d been a vet that you were some kind of healer now. You’d failed, numerous times by now. You didn’t need reminding over and over again. You ate your food and tried to keep out of conversation, but then it turned into the group discussing the lack of dead ones lurking around in the forest. You couldn't help but listen to the conversation as you licked your fingers, not letting anything go to waste.

“That’s a good thing though, right? I mean, if there’s less of them here then we should be safe,” Sarah said, looking mildly relieved as she looked between Frank and Micro who had been the main ones talking about it.

“Not really,” the words slipped out of your mouth before you could even help yourself. You were starting to think you wouldn't get invited to camp again after this for being such a Debbie Downer. All eyes looked at you once more and you shrunk in on yourself a little.

“What do you mean?” Sarah asked, a small frown on her face. You blew out a sigh with a shrug.

“It’s not usually a good sign that there’s not many around. The dead ones are like animals and sometimes, they travel in herds. I’ve seen some up to as large as a hundred. From my experience, when it seems quiet, not long after a big group shows up. You really don't wanna be caught up in that sh-... stuff,” you quickly changed shit for stuff simply because the kids were here too, both of them watching you with wide eyes at your words. You didn’t want to scare people but you knew they had to be safe. Not everyone had seen the dead travel in groups before, some people didn't even know they did. You’d rather warn them in case a herd burst through the area than turn up here one day to find them all dead. Sarah’s concerned face snapped to Frank then and he looked deep in thought before he looked at Billy.

“We need to keep an eye out, see if we can spot ‘em anywhere,” he muttered gravely and Billy nodded, looking a little tense and like he was thinking. You wiped your hands on your jeans, deciding you’d probably depressed them all enough for one day.

“Alright, I’m gonna head back before it gets dark,” you murmured, moving to stand up. Most people in the group started talking over each other, thanking you for bringing the deer and it was hard to keep up with who was saying what. 

“Want me to walk you back or anything?” Frank offered. It seemed like he felt indebted to you or something over the meat but you shook your head with a grateful smile.

“Nah, I’m good,” you said softly.

“Can’t give away your secrets, right?” Billy asked from where he was sitting. When you looked at him, he was giving you that patent amused smirk and you snorted. 

“I’ll see you guys around,” you smiled, grabbing your backpack and slinging it on. 

“Stay safe,” Karen insisted, a concerned smile on her face. 

“I’ll try,” you smirked wryly before turning your back and heading off. 

The walk back wasn’t far and far too quiet, it made you think of what you’d said at the campfire. You never thought you’d dread the days where the dead were scarce, but you knew it didn't always mean good things and it worried you. You were almost home when you rolled your eyes. The whole way home you’d had that weird feeling, the one you get when you know someone’s watching you. When the hair on the back of your neck prickles up. You knew it very well but you’d tried to ignore it thinking you were being paranoid, but when it didn’t go away, you realized you weren’t being paranoid at all.

“I know you’re there, Billy,” you snorted, stopping and turning around. There was pure silence for a beat and part of you started to wonder if you were wrong, but then he stepped out from behind a tree with a lazy smirk on his face like he wasn't even sorry for it.

“What gave it away?” he asked with an impish grin, brows raised.

“You’re not as stealthy as you might think,” you stated flatly. He looked like someone just smacked him in the face and it made you smirk to yourself.

“Excuse me? I was known for bein’ stealthy in the Marines, so don’t give me that shit,” he huffed indignantly. 

“Why are you following me?” you asked, raising a brow. He licked his lower lip looking somewhat amused as he shrugged.

“Wanted to make sure you got back okay,” he answered smoothly, his dark eyes pinning you in place.

“Something tells me that’s a load of shit,” you replied with a smirk and he chuckled, once again shrugging.

“Maybe I just wanted to see where you’re hidin’ out since you’re bein’ so secretive about it. I don’t like secrets,” he punctuated his words with a patronizing smile and you rolled your eyes heavenward.

“I’m not being secretive just because I like being alone,” you muttered.

“Right, well I-” his words cut off abruptly at the sound of groaning, but it wasn’t the sound of one or two dead ones. No, this was a chorus of groaning that suddenly made you feel like someone poured ice-cold water over you. It was like your earlier words had come back to bite you in the ass, like you’d summoned them here by simply talking about them. Both yours and Billy’s heads shot to the side of you, seeing the dead pouring through the trees towards you.

“Shit,” Billy hissed, turning around to head back the way he came. You knew what he was thinking, he was thinking about his people. But instead of making a fast retreat back, he was greeted with more of the dead and you felt your heartbeat skyrocket so much you heard it in your ears.

“We gotta go!” you insisted firmly, moving over to him.

“I can’t just fuckin’ leave! Frank-” he started arguing, his face looking frantic.

“You’ll lead them right to the camp, Billy,” you hissed urgently, seeing the dead getting closer and closer to you. He looked conflicted, eyes darting behind him to where his camp was, where a sea of the dead were cutting him right off from getting back to his people and then to you.

“If these guys came from that way…” his tone was laced with pain but you shook your head.

“They could have come from anywhere and turned up here, we need to go!” you commanded harshly. You didn’t want to leave him here like this but like hell you were waiting for the dead to be too close to get away from. He growled, shaking his head and you felt annoyance hit you like a mack truck. You grabbed his wrist and started tugging him in the direction of your treehouse. At least up there you’d be safe until they passed. While he didn’t seem happy about it, he let you tug him so you knew he saw some sense at least as he’d easily be able to break from your hold if he wanted. You both ran with the dead on your heels, you still gripping his wrists in case his stupidity won out until you got to your large tree. You shoved him towards the ladder and he didn't hesitate to go up it, you right behind him. The pair of you settled on the floor either side of the open doorway and you panted, trying to catch your breath as you looked out of it and quickly pulled the ladder up. The dead couldn’t climb but you weren’t taking any chances. The dead ambled their way past, their groans almost deafening you and making you wince. When you looked at Billy, he was staring outside too with a dark look on his face. You weren’t sure what to say to make him feel better. You meant it when you said they could have come from anywhere but they also could have come right through his camp. You weren't about to tell him everything was fine when it might not be, not with such certainty. You and Billy were both sitting in tense silence, the only sound in the treehouse coming from the roamers below as they walked by. You weren’t sure how many of them there were but it seemed never ending and unfortunately, a small group of them, maybe around seven, must have seen you go up as they lurked around the tree and didn’t follow the others. You blew out a breath and slumped against the wooden wall, knowing you were in for a wait, you just really hoped it wouldn't be for too long, mostly for Billy’s sake. 

Taglist: (if you’ve been asked to be tagged and aren’t here, it wouldn’t let me tag some people.)

@firexfate

@blanchedelioncourt

@ariesbutalibra

@sunshinedaisies-anddeath

@snowkestrel

@music-indie-tv

@idaofinfinity

@sweetserendipity65

@ramadiiiisme

@k-marzolf

@celestialams

@woowwwee

[lostgirlfandom]

The Right Partner

Pairing: Billy Russon x Female!Reader

Warnings: Smut and Angst. 18+ only. If you aren't 18 or older, don't read please.

Words: 1.8k

You stood at the big windows that showed the whole of Hell’s Kitchen from your apartment that you shared with your fiancé. Or that you use to share with him.

Your arms crossed in front of your stomach as you took in a shuddering breath. Closing your eyes, feeling the dryness and swollen from crying for the last couple of hours. Since the Homeland Security agent left. Since Dinah left.

“I’m sorry, Y/N. I didn’t know he was taken. I didn’t know that you existed till after the fact.” Dinah’s face was pained and pinched up for a split second before schooling into a hard mask.

You thought of what she said… About how her and Bill slept together. How Bill cheated.

Your eyes watered again but you clenched them shut. Bowing your head as you heard the front door open.

“Baby! You home?” You heard Billy call from the entrance area. Probably toeing off his shoes and taking his jacket off. “Did you want to order in tonight? We could get your favorite? It’s been a while since we’ve both been…” His voice trailed off from the living room now. Seeing the duffle that was packed with your things. “Off.” He finished. “Baby?” He spoke slowly and cautiously.

Taking a deep breath and hardening your face and heart to try and face him as you lifted a hand to wipe your face of tears. Turning, you walked into the living room from the bed room.

“Hey, you going somewhere? Is something wrong?” He asked after seeing your red blotched face from crying, eyes still swollen.

“Yeah…” You rasped out but your voice broke at the end of the word. You swallowed and licked your lips. “Yeah, I’m gonna go stay with my sister/brother/friend.”

“Did something happen?” He grew worried as he walked up to you and put his hands on your upper arms. You closed your eyes and pulled yourself from his touch. His brow pinched up as he watched you. He grew even more worried. “Hey, talk to me.” He softly told you as he moved his head to get you to look in his eyes.

“I can’t stay here. Not now.” You opened your eyes and looked him in the eyes. You saw the confusion and worry grow in his gaze. “I know, Billy.” His brow frowned even more as he shook his head in confusion. “I know about Dinah.”

His body froze as you spoke her name. His eyes widened and his arms dropped to his sides. A deep frown set onto his face, along with guilt and regret coated his eyes. “Y/N-”

You didn’t let him finish. “Why? After everything, Bill. I’ve been with you since we were teenagers and you…” You took in a deep breath. Harshly, you clenched your eyes shut again. Blocking out the stabbing feeling in your chest as your stomach clenches, having the feeling of an oncoming panic attack. “You just… You just decide to throw that out… and for what reason? For some women? Was I, was I not enough, huh?” You spouted out.

Your words stabbed him, making him rush to answer you. “No, baby, no. That’s not it at all.” He shut his eyes as he knew he had to tell you why he did what he did. About Cerberus. About the mission. So, he did.

He told you the whole thing. Even the fact that Rawlins held his fate and reputation over his head from his involvement with the mission. He didn’t want any part of whatever Rawlins had going on but the man had most of the money in Anvil and also has proof that Billy had a hand in killing that Homeland Security agent even though Billy didn’t know who it was.

You and Billy now sat on the couch after the long explanation from him about what was going on. “He told me to sleep with her.” He whispered. He stared out in front of him as he fiddled with his fingers. “If I didn’t…” His face scrunched up in pain and his eyes watered. You bit the inside of your lip; this was the first time that he’s come close to crying since he started explaining. “If I didn’t… he would have killed you.” His voice cracked and he rasped out to you. He turned to you and a tear fell down his cheek. “He would have killed you and I would rather have you alive and hating me than you not being here at all.” He finally let out a sob and clenched his jaw.

“Oh Baby.” You spoke out softly as you watched his head bow down. You reached out and put a hand at the back of his head and pulled him to you as you kissed his forehead.

“I’m sorry.” He clutched the fabric of your shirt and leaned more into you as he sobbed into your shirt. “I’m sorry, Y/N.”

You didn’t say anything for a moment, letting him get all his emotions out before you spoke up. “I get it… I understand, Billy. I do. And we will get through this. I’ll be here.”

He sighed in relief as he reached up to cup your face and then pulled you into a desperate kiss. It screamed relief and love and hope. You pressed back just as desperate and clutched onto his sides.

He wrapped his arms around your waist and then leaned back while pulling you onto his lap to straddle him. His hands left a burn as it trailed up your shirt and gripped the skin on your sides and back. Making you shudder as you softly rocked against him.

Your breaths mingled before he breathed out. “I love you… so fucking much.”

Ripping off your shirt, you gasped and pulled his off as he went about getting your bra off. Trailing his lips down to your neck, he pressed open mouth kisses on the side of your neck. Biting down in a spot, making you gasp out a moan and throw your head back. Your hands gripped his shoulders as he marked your neck and chest with love bites, pressing kisses and licking them as he did so.

His hands scratched down your back as he took a nipple into his mouth, sucking gently and licking at the nub as his hands went down into your leggings and panties and squeezed your ass harshly. He moaned as he felt your skin against his hands and you riding against him.

You felt the hardness against your core as you grinding down onto him. He surprised you by moving so he had you pressed into the couch. Detaching himself for a moment to lean up and then pull your leggings up and off you along with your panties. He leaned back down and kissed over your chest and stomach. His hand trailing down to rub at your entrance. You clenched around nothing as you felt yourself get wetter, as you were already becoming a little slick from the grinding. He bit his lip and leaned up to watch your face as he rubbed your entrance and clit.

Your mouth made an ‘o’ shape as you moaned out and locked eyes with him. “So wet for me, baby. Such a good girl.” He leaned down and kissed you passionately as he continued to rub your pussy till you were slick and ready for his fingers. He pressed his middle finger into your entrance slowly, making sure you aren’t uncomfortable as he went all the way in to the knuckle.

He then slowly thrust his finger in and out for a few strokes before adding another finger, softly curling them. You moaned as you closed your eyes and took in the sensations. His lips and touch, making your stomach clench as you enjoyed the feelings. He made sure you were slick and ready for him as he took his fingers out and then rubbed your entrance, lips and clit with his wet fingers.

He then hurriedly leaned back and undid his belt and pants and pushing them down with his underwear. His cock springing up and hitting his abdomen before bouncing back down. You watched him and licked your lips. He didn’t even pull off his pants all the way, just enough to pull his cock out.

He leaned down and kissed you again, tangling your tongues together as he rubbed his shaft over your lower lips, getting himself slick. He moaned into your mouth as he felt how wet you were with his cock, making him leak pre-cum. He teased at your entrance with a few thrusts of his hips, making you both moan and gasp.

Finally, he reached down and guided himself so his tip is at your entrance and pressed into you. You gave a whining moan as he stretched you out as he slowly entered to the hilt. “Always so tight for me, baby.” He rasped out as he felt your walls clench around him. His cock pulsed slightly as your walls gripped him tightly.

Before long, he started to thrust his cock in and out of your pussy. Slowly picking up the pace as you both gripped at each other’s skin and biting at shoulders and chest.

Sweat started to coat your bodies, making it hard for you to grip at his back, making you dig your nails into his skin. He hissed but moaned as you dug your nails into him. He leaned up and pulled your legs up as he started to thrust faster. He bit at your calf as he watched you come undone at the new angle. Your hands moved down to his thighs as you clenched around him.

“Getting… Getting close, Billy.” You moaned out as you clenched around him again. He groaned as he felt you tighten around him.

“Cum, baby. Cum for me” He demanded you. You looked up at him as you clenched down around him and came hard from the buildup and the demanding tone, he gave you.

He gasped and groaned as he felt you cum around his cock, feeling your pussy become soaked and creamy from the orgasm. His hips jerked and his rhythm stuttered as his balls clenched up and he came just after you. Filling you up as you moaned and became extra stimulated at the feeling of him cumming in you. He let your legs go as he leaned down between them and kissed you as his cock twitched in you.

Both of you breathing heavily and coated with sweat, but he didn’t move from you as he laid down over you. Making you wrap your arms around him. He didn’t move, even when he softened inside you but just laid there.

Your hearts started to slow down along with your breathing. You were quiet as your fingers trailed over his back as his hand pushed under your body to hold you.

And you stayed like that for a while before you both had to get up to shower.

But you both were peaceful and ready to face whatever came your way.

[madraleen]

Moriarty the Patriot - Ryōsuke Takeuchi & Hikaru Miyoshi Volume 6-Chapter 64 "It's not you, it's me" turned to "ASJFSDF": A Commentary

[tldr; i got so very bored reading the anime-covered parts, but once new things were introduced, i got excited again.]

-v6 is anime territory, i have nothing to comment.

-i'm halfway through volume 8. really, i have nothing to say, all this is anime territory, i know it. i want to get to the new stuff.

-william is such a sweet professor tho

-*chokes* "HEY PROFESSOR DID I PASS YOUR TEST"?! SHERLOCK YOU DIRTY MINX

-i see sherlock and william are adopting a son (bill)

-sherlock's cigarette fell off his mouth when william told him to survive "sherlock," and you know what, relatable 

-i'm speed reading, i just want to get the anime stuff over with. i feel like i'm not experiencing anything new story-wise or visually-wise and i'm losing interest.

-i wonder how guilt-ridden "i can't forgive myself/i want to die" william gets by in the remaining six volumes.

-i really do like that louis who's so william-obsessed betrays william to protect him.

-sherlock's apology to john, peak apology.

-i like william's reasoning "i wanted to get rid of the devils, i became a devil to do it, therefore i have to get rid of myself too." makes it grounded and convincing

-william visited sherlock to tell him to kill him and they're two seconds away from blushing and confessing their love. john playing matchmaker without knowing it

-bold of liam to assume that with this kind of letter sherlock wouldn't move heaven and earth to save him. profiling-sherlock: 0-1.

-i'm excited again. anxious even, even though we're still on the bridge, familiar territory

-sherlock making his wedding vows as liam hangs down the bridge

-"sherly"

-"when did you guys get together?" "well, we were falling down this bridge into the thames to certain death and..."

-that hair tho. damn, sherlock! don't ever tie that hair again, what

-SHERLOCK LOOKS SO GOOD WITH THE LONG LOOSE HAIR I CAN'T GET OVER IT

-louis must be dying inside wanting to know if his brother is alive too

-goddamn sherlock's face is so soft when he realizes william is on the bed next to him after he comes to

-sherlock getting worried and protective over his damn man, he's giving it his all here, i wish william were conscious and seeing this

-who is this american ray of sunshine?

-ah i see, billy the kid. the third william-related name in the manga.

-the US department of justice saved them, i see

-MY GOD, SHERLOCK'S FACE, HE'S SO SOFT FOR WILLIAM

-oooh, i can't wait until louis tells us how he actually feels

-i can hear you/see you speaking, sherlock, but the words don't register, all i see is the mermaid hair. THAT HAIR

-awww louis is thanking sherlock for saving liam and staying with him <3

-yes, fred, i hope we can ALL see him soon. (*william)

-it's nice seeing louis being his own person, making decisions, doing action stuff, it's cool. he does look so much like liam sometimes, but also very different

-louis ffs, all you have to do is yell at moran "BROTHER IS ALIVE."

-THANK YOU for clarifying that, moran's hand is prosthetic, okay.

-all these reunions and partnerships are so heartwarming

-WELCOME BACK TO THE FOLD, MORAN!

-now i feel bad about little william, that's such a high pedestal to be put on by albert.

-interesting how albert sees ~the original sin as his, not william's.

-albert's pov is very interesting. it's nice to see him get so introspective

-ffs william, just get into the goddamn tower and save this older brother of yours from this anguish

-oh bb william, how are you? are you doing well?

-albert: “hello, brother, i'm glad you're alive, but whoa you must be suffering living in this world with your sins, huh?” *facepalm* this is probably not the welcome william expected. not even william.

-this is so sweet, the william-albert discussion. it's so honest and heartfelt and they are so deeply connected and care for one another

-idk, i love it when characters go from "i intend to die" to "i intend to live on." 

-i like how it's "i needed this time to reflect and understand, otherwise atonement would be meaningless," it explains the three year gap and gives everything weight.

-YES, REDEEM YOURSELVES TOGETHER, DO IT TOGETHER WILLIAM AND ALBERT NII-SAN, WELCOME BACK TO THE FOLD LIL WILLIAM

-oh lil bb william burying his face in his big brother's chest, my heart

-dude this is a beautiful reunion, well done

-yes, let's go to louis :)

-sherlock sent a letter to john to let him know he was alive?? how considerate!

-the sherlock-john-miss hudson is also a sweet reunion

-WE'RE ALL HAVING DINNER WITH THE MORIARTYS? A MEETING OF THE FAMS?! ASKLFSDGNJ THAT'S TOO MUCH EXCITEMENT

[retnym]

WORLD TOUR- .15 the end... kinda

the end.... kinda

After we got settled into the hotel rooms, they decided Tom and I got to share our own room, and Gustav and Jo got their own too. Then Georg and Bill have their own as well. Tom already changed into pajamas just sweatpants and a wife-beater tank top. His dreads were also down. He looked so focused on his phone as well. I just wanted to kiss all over his face. 

“I’m going to go check on your brother.” I tell him, fixing my tank top that I just changed into.  “Why?” He glances up from his device, I stare at him for a moment. “Did you not notice how he was acting earlier?” I asked him, his face scrunches as he tries to remember what she’s talking about. “He was quiet, I guess.” He shrugs, I roll my eyes and scoff. 

“What is going on with you two?” I throw my hands up, just deciding on leaving the room instead of dealing with his jealousy he obviously has towards his twin brother for absolutely no reason at fucking all. I go down to Georg and Bill’s room, knocking a few times, hearing the talking stop and then footsteps make their way to the door. The door swings open to be Georg with a sweet smile on his face. “Want to talk to Bill?” I just nod my head. “Room’s all yours.” He welcomes me in then leaves himself. 

“Hey, Billy!” I grin, plopping down on the bed across from his, he glances at me but goes back to his phone. Just like his fucking brother. “Okay, I feel the tension.” I whistle out, getting back up and sitting next to him. “Can you please talk to me?” I pleaded with him, he sighs, putting his phone down. Still, he doesn’t even glance my way at all. 

“[Name], how long was it going on for?” He questions me and my breathing hitches and I nervously giggle. “Remember when I found out Jace cheated on me?” His head quickly turns at me, almost snapping his neck if he did it any faster. “Why didn’t you tell me?” He got up on his knees and grabbing my shoulders slightly shaking me back and forth. 

“We agreed to keep it a secret, why we’re you being so quiet earlier though?” I took his hands from my shoulders, getting on my knees and he frowns. “I felt guilty for making Tom jealous.” He tells me and I raise my eyebrow. “It’s not like you did it on purpose.” He stayed silent and I gasped.

“No, no, listen! Listen before you think anything.” He shushes me, laughing to himself a little bit. 

“I didn’t know you guys we’re a thing so I was trying everything to get him to ask you out.” He explains and I sit there for a moment before breaking out into a small fit of laughter. “Well, thank you. It did push a conversation we’ve been needing to have.” I pulled him into a hug causing us to fall back on the bed. I roll to his side and we lay there as we continue to talk. 

“He’s in a mood now though.” I snicker, thinking of my boyfriend who obviously is still jealous for no reason. “Really?” Bill shakes his head. 

“Yeah, should we go mess with him?” I smile, “Duh, let’s go.” We both scurry off the bed, rushing out of the hotel room. Once we got to the door of my shared room I struggle to put the key in, he starts laughing and once I finally get it we squeezed into the door together. “Tom Kaulitz!” I smile, both of us jumping on the bed and causing the dreadhead to drop his phone trying to get us to calm down. “Tommy!” I smile falling onto him making him grunt but catch me either way, holding me in his arms to stop me from getting up. 

Bill laughs and jumps onto both of us. “We should get everyone and watch a movie.” I huff, trying to catch my breath. “I’ll get them.” Bill says, pushing on both of us to get up. 

He didn’t even talk to Tom like I was hoping we would’ve been able to do. 

They’re brothers so I shouldn’t step into something like that.

I look up at Tom who was already looking down at me. “You’re pretty,” I whisper, he makes a face that almost looks like he was offended. “What?” I laugh, he just rolls his eyes. “You’re stupid.” He kisses me. “Well, that’s rude.” I shove his face away from mine.

OKAY I'm going to be honest I was getting really bored of this story and I still am and i was looking back on the story and I don't like how it is turning out. I stopped planning out the chapters and it just got super messy. I'm kind of giving up on this story because I can't go back and just rewrite it how I want to. So what I am going to do is make a different story, plan this out better and start writing it. Also I'm going to be honest I just went through some really heavy shit these past few days. I've still been writing but since I am not home I don't have my notebooks I usually write ideas for chapters and plan it out. SO I'm making a new story tonight and planning that all and hoping to have that out in a few hours. Thank you for supporting this story and liking it even though personally I think it is not the best and I'm sorry I got really sucky on posting regularly. usually authors on wattpad do that all the fucking time but I want to get better at it. So it doesn't happen again fr.

[lihikainanea]

just a thought I've been contemplating lately regarding height difference but how would Bill and Tiger manage in the shower??? do they ever shower together or have they compromised on shared baths? because I KNOW Bill would hog all the water (not because he's an ass bless him but because he literally towers over tiny Tiger and the water never reaches her) and she'd complain she was cold constantly. and I also think of how Tiger would want to maybe wash Billy's hair to relax him and make him feel good maybe like after a flight or something but she didn't think this through so then when the moment comes she realises she can't even reach him 😂😂

I, not so low-key, LOVE this idea nani.

I'm uh, not tall so I don't really have an issue with showers anywhere in the world. But my experience has been most parts of North America are home to the whole shower/tub situation, where in most places its one in the same--there's a tub, you stand in it, and there's also a shower spout that's high but not like, Bill high. And in Scandinavia they're a fan of the whole wet-bathroom idea--IE, all of the bathroom is a shower and everything gets soaked. Admittedly, I was very confused at this concept upon my first voyage into Scandinavia via the Thon hotel in Lillestrøm, Norway. I put my towels on the toilet like I do in any hotel bathroom, put my change of clothes there too, and by the time I was done my shower everything was...soaked.

I was vexed.

But now I'm kind of used to it and I actually ADORE the idea of a wet bathroom because it's just so easy to clean and just makes so much sense. And of course, as in most places in Scandinavia, things are just...a little higher up. Because the population is taller.

In any case, Bill likes the whole Scandinavian shower situation because he just never seems to have a problem--his head gets under the spout. In North America, though? Oh dear. Half of him gets showered, the other half remains dry. His head towers over the shower spout and he just stands there and frowns at it.

Bill complains endlessly about the shower situation in North America.

And like, my girl tiger--tiger has no problems. Tiger is not of giant proportions. She handles it just fine in North America, and after a little getting used to the shower situation and soaking wet bathroom in Scandinavia--she has that nailed down too.

But maybe....maybe this is on one of their road trips? Oh, be still my heart. All dingy, no-name motels and small towns. It's a beat up mustang convertible in small towns across the southern US. It's no-name hotels, it's diners, it's open road and long sunsets. And maybe they've been driving all day, gummy candy piled high in tiger's lap while Bill has his RayBans on, one hand on the stick shift, all the windows open. Bruce Springsteen is blasting and tiger is singing along (horribly). She's full of dodgy corndogs from the last gas stop, Bill's fingers are still stained neon orange from Doritos, and every once in awhile she shoves a gummy bear in his mouth. They have no idea where they're gong, and it doesn't matter.

But after hours of driving they pull into some weird town and find a motel for the night. He stops off at a liquor store and tiger gets some scotch. They get some peanuts from the vending machine in the parking lot, and the parking lot is right outside their door. It's sticky hot, humid, the dead of summer and the hum of cicadas and the buzz of the bug zapper break the silence.

Maybe they've both had a rough go of it lately, maybe neither of them have. Maybe Bill's off and between shoots and tiger can work from anywhere, maybe it's cold where they last stayed, maybe it was too busy with too many lights--maybe it was everything and nothing, maybe they busted wanted to reconnect with each other, and this is the best way they know how.

Dinner is whatever they can scrounge up. Pub fare from a local dive. Whatever they can find in the hot section of the local gas stop, even if it looks like those hot dogs have been turning on that hot plate for a year. They fill their bellies and their souls, laughing at the terrible karaoke and knocking back even more terrible spirits on ice. When they get back to the motel they sit out on rickety plastic chairs, knocking back scotch that burns and easing the sting with the salt of the peanuts. They talk about everything--how they feel, who they are, who they've become, them, the us of it--and nothing at all. And when Bill finally fans the neck of his t-shirt, exhales loudly, tiger smiles.

"Bit sticky ain't it?" she asks.

Bill widens his eyes, fans himself.

"You look like a sweat hog triple-dipped in Crisco and strung up on a grease pole," she smirks.

Bill eyes her, quirks a brow.

"What?' she asks innocently, "I always say that."

Bill stares at her, takes a swig of his scotch without breaking eye contact.

"I heard our waitress say it," she finally mumbles. Bill snorts.

"C'mon," she stands, pulling on his arm, "Shower. Bed."

Bill knocks back the rest of his scotch and lets her pull him up.

"Bold of you to assume I fit into either of those things," he whispers mischievously, stealing a kiss. Tiger just smirks.

"Bold of you to assume I don't have years of experience shoving you into all kinds of places you don't fit, big bird."

She pulls him down into a heated kiss and he tastes of cheap whisky and smoke. He moans into it but before he can grab hold of her for more she breaks free, tugs him into the dingy room. He steals as many kisses as he can while she gets him out of his pants, tugs his t-shirt over his head. She starts the shower, testing the water as he pulls impatiently at her clothes, and then she ducks under the stream of water and pulls him in with her.

It's laughable, really. He has to duck under the shower rod and his head nearly hits the ceiling, the shower nozzle only hitting halfway down his chest. She stifles a giggle and he glares playfully.

"This is fun," he deadpans.

"Come on bud," she giggles, "Come down here, I'll wash your hair."

He tries crouching but the space really is just too small and he really is just too big, so after a bit of shifting he finally just ends upon his knees in the tub while tiger grabs the shampoo.

But y'know...on his knees, he's really at the perfect height. And her hands are in his hair anyway, and he's feeling a might bit mischievous, so maybe he just places a suckling kiss on her lower belly...and then another one...and then before she can yank him back, he dives forward and swipes his tongue through her folds.

"Bill," she tries to admonish, but it comes out as more of a pleasured sigh. She runs her hands through his hair, lathering it up, and while she's rather defenseless--he does it again.

"Stop," she says meekly, but her legs are going to jello and her hands are kind of tugging him forward, grasping at his hair. So he grabs one of her legs, loops it onto his shoulder.

"Hold on tight kid," he purrs.

"Billy no," she whimpers.

"Hush," he tuts her, "Just trying to make us both fit in here. This is the only way."

[ladylooch]

Letters in Your Last Name - Chapter 15

A/N: I also kinda hate GMBG for what he did to us, Sam. I KNOW okay. I kNOWWWWWW about the cap hell okay. But still. FiFi should have retired a Wild player and I will never forgive Billy for taking that from us.

Word Count: 3.5k

Warnings: Angsty (this is really a theme in these chapters RN), Swearing, lil smidge of smutty themes.

Things are decidedly NOT okay.

I listen intently, standing in my brother’s kitchen 6 weeks later as he describes his conversation earlier this morning with Wild General Manager, Bill Guerin.

“I believe what he’s saying. They thought I would squeak through waivers because I’m still rehabbing. Unfortunately, Edmonton has a lot of goalie uncertainty, so they decided to grab me.” My brother takes off his Wild hat and runs a hand through his hair. Yep, no longer a Minnesota Wild player, my brother will now be an Edmonton Oiler for at least the remainder of this season.

“How… are you even going to get into Canada?” I wonder when I find my voice after the initial shock wears off. “Canada is not letting in international travelers.”

“Well, I’ll be considered a business traveler. The team is working on getting my visa approved. Then I’ll be able to cross the border. What sucks is I still have to quarantine for 14 days. I can’t seem to get around that hurdle.” He mutters in annoyance. Understandably so considering COVID is what created his heart condition in the first place.

“When are you leaving?”

“As soon as I can get packed. I’m going to start driving up as far as I can.”

“You’re driving!?” I gasp. From here to the Canadian border is at least 5 hours in good driving conditions. From there, it’s another 15 hours to Edmonton

“It’s the only way at this point. Air travel is limited between here and Canada and I can’t book a flight until I have my visa.”

“This is such crap.” I snap, pushing away from the island.

“It is what it is, Sam. We can’t change it.” He sighs, coming around to give me a hug. I hug him back tightly and close my eyes, feeling the sadness take over my body. “Felicia is going to need your help while I’m gone. We decided her and the kids are going to stay here for now. The quarantine requirements are tough and we don’t know if the kids can handle a hotel that long.”

“Okay. Of course, I’ll be around for her.”

“Thank you.” He gives me one more tight squeeze before he releases me. “Alright, I have to finish packing and then I’m hitting the road.” I nod in response. “See you when I see you.”

“Bye, Al.” I sigh. We have certainly lived apart for several years previous to Alex joining the Wild, but this goodbye feels harder than any of those did. I swallow the lump in my throat and look down at my phone buzzing on the counter. It’s Kevin. I click ignore because I can’t talk to him right now. I’ll lose it. And I don’t want to do that in my brother’s house when he already has enough stress.

Felicia joins me in the kitchen as Kevin’s text comes through.

I’m home. Where are you?

I type in a quick response. With Alex and Felicia. Go ahead and eat without me. I’m going to be awhile.

“This sucks.” Felicia greets me with a hug. I rub her back comfortingly when we step apart.

“Yeah… I’m here for you though. Just let me know what you need.”

“I will. My mind is so scattered right now that I can’t think of what that is yet. But I’ll let you know. Thank you.” She sighs and grabs her cup of now cold coffee from the island.

“Did you talk to the kids?” I ask her.

“We did. Sawyer is beside himself, but I don’t think Serena really knows what is happening.” We share a sad look and I have to drop my gaze so she doesn’t see the tears forming in my eyes.

It’s going to be a rough day.

A few hours later, I make my way back to mine and Kevin’s apartment in Minneapolis. The whole drive I’m going through the motions until I pull into my spot in our garage next to Kevin’s car. I release a heavy sigh and resist the urge to break down into tears. In the grand scheme of things, this is not the end of the world. But it’s certainly heavy and hard.

“Hey.” Kevin jumps up from the couch when I enter our apartment. “I heard about Al at practice.” He is crossing the room to me and takes note of the scowl on my face. I’m seemingly going through the stages of grief as I take note of the hostility I feel burning in my chest. I want someone to blame and considering Billy Guerin put my brother on waivers, he seems like a great person to start with.

“Fuck Billy.” I scowl at Kevin.

“Okay, get it out now.” He encourages me. “Definitely don’t say that to his face if you see him at the game later.”

“I’ll tell him to his face. I don’t care!” I snap at him, throwing my purse on the counter. “Like what the fuck!? An international team change in the middle of a global pandemic when he has a young family!?”

“Babe, Billy doesn’t have control over who picks him up off waivers… He was trying to move him to Iowa so he could continue to rehab. Al hasn’t even played this year. It probably seemed unrealistic that a team would take a gamble like that.

“Whatever. It’s still his fault.” I cross my arms over my chest, hating that Kevin is being so reasonable about this.

“Are you okay?” Kevin asks after a moment of silence.

“No!” I squawk before bursting into tears.

He comes around the counter and wraps me into his arms. I squeeze myself to him, digging my fingers into his back as I cry. This sucks. There are no other words to describe it. It just does.

“I’m sorry, babe. If you want to stay home tonight, I understand.” He murmurs. The Wild play the Kings at the Xcel at 7:00pm. Going there and knowing my brother has no part in this team anymore will be difficult. But, I’m not just Alex’s sister anymore. I’m Kevin’s girlfriend and he deserves my support.

“No, it’s fine. I’ll go.” I nod, pulling away and wiping my tears off my face.

“Okay… But promise me you’ll avoid Billy.” He looks into my green eyes, his brown orbs serious. He sees the fire in them and his expression turns a little nervous. “I’m serious, Sam.”

“I know, Kevin.” I snip at him. “I’m not a fucking idiot.” I start to walk away from him, heading into our bedroom for some alone, self-wallowing. “And don’t tell me what to do.” I mumble over my shoulder at him.

Kevin’s hand comes to his mouth and I can tell he is trying to stifle a laugh at how childish I’m being. He purses his lips and nods his head at me in understanding.

“Don’t.” I seethe at him, watching his brown eyes dance in amusement. “I’m really upset.”

“I know, but it’s kinda sexy watching you get all mad.” He finally releases the laugh, unable to hold it in any longer. He licks his lip as his eyes dip to my chest, taking in my flushed skin.

“I’m not going to have sex with you! My brother just got moved to a different team. For fuck’s sake, Kevin.”

“Okay. I mean, I’m disappointed, but I understand.”

“You have two hands attached to your body that can help you out.” I narrow my eyes at him.

“Sure.” He nods to me, crossing the room to where I am- his hands still stuffed into his pockets, his shoulders all casually relaxed. He licks his lip as he looks down at me. “But when you want me as a distraction, I’ll be out here… ready for you.” He leans down and places his lips against mine. His tongue is suggestive as it slides against my bottom lip and it takes everything in me to stay rigid. “Five minutes maybe?” He challenges as he pulls a breath away from me to look into my eyes. He sees right through my fake resistance.

“Just for that smart comment, it’ll be 10.”

“I’m a patient guy.” He grins at me, patting my butt lightly before crossing the room to the couch. _ _ _

Walking into the Xcel Energy Center without Felicia this evening was terrible. There is no other way to describe it. I felt the urge to burst into tears when I shuffled inside, but I barely made puck drop, so I was encouraged to press forward and get to the Family Suite. When I entered, the other girls were so sweet, giving hugs and gentle reassurances of the shitty situation to me. I made it through all of those and only cried when Lauren wrapped me in a hug.

“Sometimes, this league sucks.” She assures me as we sit next to each other in the seating area about half way through the first period.

“It’s just been a tough few months with them and now this is kind of the icing on the crap cake.” I mutter, crossing my legs and arms tightly to shield myself from the uncomfortableness of it.

“Absolutely. It’s been tough for you too. I’m here if you need to talk or vent or cry.”

“Thanks, Laur. I know… I think tonight I’d rather just focus on Kevin.” I give her a sad smile and she nods her head in understanding.

We turn our attention to the ice where the Wild are already ahead 1-0. The puck is in the Minnesota end and I cringe as I see Kaapo Kahkonen sprawling on the ice after being crashed into by a few players from both teams. The net is wide open as the puck comes to the blue line. But Kevin is there. He executes a perfect poke check before he is dashing down the ice on a breakaway. Three Kings players rush after him, but Kevin is too fast. He is down the right side boards, creating just the right amount of space, before he cuts into the center of the slot. He pulls the puck to his forehand and a quick shot snaps the twine behind Jonathan Quick.

“YES!” I scream, jumping to my feet and clapping with the rest of the arena. Kevin celebrates and grins as his teammates mob him. I watch his face on the Jumbotron and feel some of the sadness in my heart ease away.

The first period ends with the Wild ahead 3-0. I feel we can all breathe a little easier. The Kings are a pretty lackluster team these days and the confidence of another Wild win is building in the arena. I avoid mingling with the other girls at intermission and instead stay silent in my seat. I send Felicia a quick text to check in and she assures me that all is well in the Stalock household.

The second period begins and the rest of the girls return to their seats. I take the opportunity to grab a snack- a handful of pretzels- along with an alcoholic beverage. Soon, I settle back into my seat with my cider and watch as Kevin returns to the ice for a face-off in the Minnesota zone. The play begins with the puck bouncing back to center ice. Kevin takes off in pursuit quickly, zeroing in on the defenseman as he turns to grab the puck. Kevin lifts his stick as both players turn towards the corner. At the last moment, Kevin pushes to guide the defensemen into the boards, but the King’s player catches an awkward edge and goes flying into the boards face first, crumpling up from the momentum. Kevin falls into the boards too and the resulting image is awkward and concerning.

“Oh my god!” I exclaim, my hands coming to cover my face. I watch as the teams begin to pile up to fight and Kevin becomes consumed by the hockey players on the ice. The King’s player, Matt Roy, has crumpled to the ice, but thankfully he seems to be able to move. I close my eyes and say a quick thanks to the Hockey Gods before turning my attention back to the pile where Kevin is. Eventually, the player that has Kevin in a headlock is taken care of by Jared Spurgeon. Kevin immediately turns from the scrum and goes to Roy who is still down on the ice. The ref is pushing Kevin away insistently to the penalty box. As he skates away, Kevin keeps looking back in obvious concern.

“Ugh Kevin…” Lauren grimaces at me. “Yikes.”

It takes a few minute for the training department for the Kings to get Roy off the ice. Every second feels like minutes as they talk with him, heads down seeing to the extent of how serious this is. Thankfully, within a few more minutes, Roy is up, skating off on his own power. I clap graciously in response and turn my attention to the penalty box where Kevin is waiting. The refs are still discussing on the ice what to do. They break apart and the Wild penalty box opens for Kevin to skate out to the bench. Game misconduct.

I look at the large scoreboard hanging from the ceiling, seeing there is still well over half the second period to go before the game is over. Kevin disappears to the Wild locker room and the game begins again without him.

“That might turn into more than just this game.” I mutter to Lauren. “I hope Roy is okay.” My finger nail comes to my mouth and I chew on it uncertainly. My legs begin to bounce nervously and I just want to see Kevin. He’s never been ejected from a game before, but my understanding is he will stay in the locker room for the remainder of the game. I purposefully do not reach out to him as I want to be respectful of whatever else he may need to do now that he is off. I’m sure there are a few conversations to be had.

The rest of the game is a blur of motion. The Wild end up winning the game 5-3, but it hardly feels like a win to me. I’m too worried about Kevin. I’m not sure what to expect when I do see him.

As we head down to the elevators, Lauren and I chat with Shyla.

“Poor Kev. That was tough to watch.” Shyla says as we enter the elevator.

“Yeah.” I respond, folding my arms across my chest. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he is facing a suspension.”

“Probably.” Lauren agrees with me. “Timing sucks too because he’s been playing lights out.”

“I know.” I sigh, running a frustrating hand through my hair. “We will just have to see.”

When we reach the ground floor, the elevator doors open and I step out, surprised to see Kevin waiting for me in the hall. I slow my pace and stop next to him, waving to Lauren and Shyla.

“Chin up, Kev.” Lauren squeezes Kevin’s arm as she walks by him. He gives her a smile that looks more like pursed lips than anything else.

“Not ideal.” I say when Kevin’s eyes meet mine. He responds by pushing himself off the wall and starting towards the player’s parking lot. At this point, congratulating him on the goal seems like a moot point.

“Nope.” I hear him mutter from in front of me.

“What’s going to happen?” I ask when I catch up to him, lacing my arm through his. He doesn’t pull away but he also doesn’t attempt to get closer to me.

“I’ll probably have a hearing with the league tomorrow. At least that’s what Dean and Billy think. They said they would let me know when they hear.”

“Ugh.” I grunt out, pursing my lips in displeasure. Can this day get any worse? I glance at his face and it’s set in a hard, unforgiving frown. “Don’t beat yourself up.” I say to him, watching as his brown eyes darken. “Hey. It was an accident.” I pull him to a stop and he pulls away sharply before running a frustrated hand through his hair.

“Sam, I just want to get home. Can we not talk about this right now?” He starts to walk again. I follow him silently, knowing it’s best if I back off. The sound of my boots hitting the pavement claps back to us as we walk to where Kevin’s Audi is. We get inside and Kevin begins to drive us home. I slowly pull my seatbelt over me as we exit the parking ramp, heading back towards Minneapolis. We take I-94 for most of the way until we exit to wind our way back to our building.

“I didn’t mean to hit him like that.” Kevin finally whispers to me as we wait for a red light in downtown.

“I know, baby.” The tension inside of me dissipates at his words and I reach out to touch his cheek. My heart hurts for him as I watch the internal struggle rage just below the surface. “Hockey’s an unpredictable game. And sometimes it’s dangerous.”

“I thought he would go into the boards sideways, so I pushed.”

“I know. He lost an edge, Kev. It happens.”

“What if he isn’t okay?” He wonders, turning with fear in his gorgeous eyes.

“Honey, he skated off on his own. That leaves a lot of hope that he will be.” I rub his cheek with my thumb. “You’re a good man. It was an accident.”

He turns away from me and begins to drive when the light flips to green. We are silent the rest of the way to our building. I don’t know what to say to make it better, so I don’t even try. I hold his thigh in comfort so he doesn’t feel alone.

When we arrive at our building, we head directly to the elevators. Once inside, Kevin blows out a heavy sigh, closes his eyes while leaning against the wall. I purse my lips and look at him. It’s going to be a rough night and likely a couple of days as we navigate both this and Alex’s departure.

“I’m here.” I say quietly to him.

“I know.” He responds. The elevator dings and he walks out without me. I pause for a moment and then follow him down the hall. He opens the door and holds it open for me as we step inside. I shrug off my jacket as Kevin walks down the hall to our bedroom, presumably to change.

While he is in there, I take out a wine glass and give myself a healthy pour of Pinot Noir. I savor the first sip as it coats my mouth and slides down my throat. I take another healthy gulp as Kevin returns to the living room. He plops silently down on the couch and flips the TV on. The sounds of ESPN enter our apartment. Slowly, I move towards him, coming around the couch and standing in front of him. I push him back against the cushions gently and straddle him. My hands run to his shoulders then up to his neck to hold his cheeks in my hands. He melts instantly into my touch.

“This sucks.” I affirm to him, watching his face contort briefly into discomfort. “You can’t let it change you though. You know who you are. You know what type of player you are. Don’t listen to what anyone else has to say about what happened. You know your truth.” He nods in response and I pull him into my chest. His arms wrap desperately around my body as he buries his face deeper into my breasts. I hold him to me with one hand on the back of his head and the other across his shoulders. I gently rest my cheek against his head as well, wanting him to feel held and understood. We stay like that for several minutes.

“How do you always know what to say?” He mumbles to me.

“Tonight, it’s the wine.” I respond with a smile. He sighs out a laugh and nuzzles his nose against my breasts. His head rises and I pull back to look at his face. His features look more relaxed but there is still an edge of sadness to him.

“Thank you.” He tells me.

“I could suck your dick if that would help.” I suggest to lighten the mood. He sighs and runs his hands along my thighs.

“I love your mouth.” He pauses and looks at my lips. “But, for now, just come here.” He pats the seat next to him, so I flip to my side, snuggling into him. He slides his hand around me and dips into my jeans, groping my bare butt. I give him a look and he shrugs innocently.

I know exactly where the rest of this night is going.

[disastersareajoy]

Alrighty

WHO AND WHAT I WRITE FOR!!

Do yourself and me the favor of reading this before sending in asks or requests.

Speaking of requests, mine are currently OPEN!

You can find the request status here at all times so you know if you can send one in or if you should wait.

You can find my main Masterlist here.

I'll add anything I write to it so that's the place to go for an overview of my works.

What I DON'T write.

Incest

Bestiality

Pregnancy (Pregnancy is 1. possibly triggering for me and 2. something I have absolutely no experience in. Breeding kink is more than okay though)

Non-Con (CNC is all good, but not outright Non-Con)

Scat and/or urine

Anything involving minors.

What I DO write!

Smut and fluff are my go-to but feel free to throw angst, humor and anything else you can think of at me! I'll gladly try and do it justice. I really want to get better at writing horror, gore and spooky shit so if you have ideas or requests in that area, definitely send them in!

I myself am genderfluid and am completely good with writing Male, GN and Female readers! I am most familiar with the AFAB experience.

Trans readers are also always welcome, and I do have a bit of personal experience in that area. Same with queerness in the sexuality sense - Gay, Bi, Lesbian, Poly and everything else is totally fine by me to write about, either for a reader or a character.

I'm a very kinky fucker and I encourage you all to let your kinks run rampant in my ask box, my comments or tags, as long as you pay attention to my "do not write" list because those things also shouldn't be mentioned in any of those areas.

Gladly send me any type of asks! I'd love to interact with you, geek out about a character or movie together, or give advice (where I can). I want to be a positive presence and will reply in kind.

We support sex work of any kind in this household and any hate for sex workers will not be tolerated. Same as any hate towards marginalized groups - Be that homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, racism or anything else. Please just shut up and stay away from my blog. Thanks.

Characters I write for!!

Slashers

Stu Macher 🪱 (Scream)

Billy Loomis 🪱 (Scream)

Danny Johnson/Jed Olson 🪱 (DBD)

Lester Sinclair 🪱 (House of Wax)

Bo Sinclair (House of Wax)

Vincent Sinclair (House of Wax)

Thomas Hewitt 🪱 (TCM The Beginning)

Bubba Sawyer 🪱 (TCM)

Buddy Swanson (Stage Fright)

Brahms (The Boy)

Bille Lenz 🪱 (Black Christmas, 1974 only)

The Driller Killer 🪱 (Slumber Party Massacre)

Non-Slasher Characters

Simon "Ghost" Riley (CoD) 🪱

John "Soap" MacTavish (CoD)

König (CoD) 🪱

Eddie Brock & Venom (Venom) 🪱

🪱 - Yes please for the love of god ask me about this character

These are all the characters that I am familiar with and feel confident enough to write for at the moment. This list will definitely get more names added over time as I play around with characters and get a better feel for them. Feel free to ask me about characters that aren't on this list (with some context where they're from) and I can still give you first impressions should I not know them at all. But who knows maybe you'll ask me about a character I'm still unsure about that I will end up rambling about!

Here's some characters you can gladly ramble to me about or ask me stuff about

The Lost Boys! 🪱 (All four of them obviously)

Any other Ghostfaces (including the recent movies)

Sidney Prescott

Tatum Riley

Randy Meeks

Freddy Krueger

Leslie Vernon

Jason Voorhees 🪱

Michael Myers

Ash Williams

The Grabber

General info

Father Paul Hill (Midnight Mass) 🪱

Billy Butcher (The Boys) 🪱

Black Noir (The Boys) 🪱

I don't only write, I also draw! I might post some drawings here and I might not, but I thought I'd mention it just in case.

English isn't my first language so I am aware that there will probably be some mistakes along the way. If you see one, please let me know and I will see to it that I get it fixed. I also have to ask that you aren't mean about it. Mistakes happen and I will not be made to feel bad or be talked down to over a typo, grammatical error or any other type of mistake.

If you send in an ask or a request; Be patient! Sometimes it takes me a bit of time to get into the right mindset to write, and to write confidently. I also have a life outside of this blog which will always take first priority. So if your request or ask hasn't been answered yet, know that I will get to it. And if you send in a request while mine are closed I'll simply let you know, no judgment or anger.

I hope you enjoy my writing, my rambles and anything else I might post.

See ya!

- S. / Disaster <3

[legends-of-time]

The Journey of Living at Downton

Chapter 22: Early August 1920 Continuation

Masterlist

Downton is in mourning. Everyone is dressed in black and Sybil's funeral has brought upon a new wave of sadness to those within the house.

They are gathered in the Drawing room. Emma is sitting with Tom, their hands intertwined as she watches Billy, worried. He has barely spoken, barely eaten ever since Sybil passed and although Emma is struggling too, she wishes she could take away his pain. They are best friends and he doesn't deserve to lose his wife.

"I know we all sound like parrots, Billy," Emma catches Matthew saying, "but I really would like to help if I can. And so would Mary, Emma and Tom."

"My wife is dead. I am past help, but thank you." Bill quietly replies.

Lord Grantham enters the Drawing room, addressing Lady Grantham, "The Southesks looked for you to say goodbye."

She gives him a short answer, "I was here," before turning away from him. Emma sighs. Lady Grantham still blames him for Sybil's death.

Isobel stands and Emma, Mary, Tom and Edith stand with her. "I hope you'll let me know if there's anything I can do. Anything at all."

"Thank you," Mary murmurs.

The Dowager stands. "I'll come with you. Save him getting the car out twice."

"You're both very welcome to stay for some dinner." Lord Grantham says.

"I don't think so." His mother replies. "Grief makes one so terribly tired." She turns to her daughter-in-law and bends down to give her a kiss on the cheek. "Goodbye, my dear. Now that it's over, try to get some rest." She glances over to Billy before kissing her granddaughters and Emma, which she's surprised by, goodbye.

Lord Grantham sits in the chair next to his wife as the woman speaks, "Is it over? When one loses a child, is it ever really over?"

——

"I spoke with Lady Grantham this morning; she wants me to call her Cora now. Shall I call Lord Grantham Robert?" Emma jokes as she walks with Billy in the grounds the next day. She had insisted he needed some air.

"She said the same to me." Billy quietly replies.

There's a lull in the conversation as Emma tries to find something else to say. "What will you name her?"

"Sybil." He answers.

Emma smiles. "A way to remember her. It's lovely."

"Lord Grantham doesn't seem to think so. He says it will be too painful." Billy explains.

"Oh, who cares what he thinks?" Emma dismisses. "I think it's a brilliant idea. Little Sybil can remember her mother and so can we. She deserves to be remembered."

"Indeed she does. She was a better person than I will ever be. I just hope her daughter can be too." Billy confesses.

"Billy, with you as a father, that little girl will be just fine." She comforts.

"Thank you, for being here. You make me feel less, empty, Emma." He admits. "I guess that comes with being best friends."

"Of course, Billy. I love you, you know that. You're like a brother to me." Emma sombrely thinks over the other brother that she lost.

Billy pauses, stopping his stroll. "I was thinking about staying in Downton for a while. Sybil deserves to be with her family."

Emma nods. "Tom wants to move to Liverpool." She blurts.

"What do you want?"

"I want to be happy, and if that's in Liverpool then so be it," Emma replies.

——

Later on in the day, Emma takes Ivy on a walk into the Village when she hears someone calling her.

"Emma, Mrs Branson!" Emma stops and turns to see Ethel of all people running up to her and carrying a basket and handbag in each hand.

"Oh! Ethel?" Emma splutters. "I didn't know you were back." The last time she had seen the woman was the day she came charging into the Dinning room with Charlie on her hip. Emma wonders where he is now though she wonders whether she should ask when she sees the sad look on Ethel's face when she looks at Ivy.

"I work for Mrs Crawley now at Crawley House," Ethel explains.

"Oh, I hadn't heard."

"She's been ever so kind to me and I'd hate her to suffer for it. You see, she's hired me as cook-housekeeper, but to be honest, my cooking's a little rusty." Ethel explains. "I wonder if I could ask for your advice?"

Emma blinks at her in surprise. "Well, I..."

"She's giving a lunch party, to help Her Ladyship in her sorrow." Ethel hurriedly continues. "I know she'll tell me to keep it simple, but I'd like to surprise her with something really nice."

"Well, that's lovely to hear but I'm not the greatest cook. I could ask Mrs Patmore for you, if you would like?" Emma offers.

Ethel smiles gratefully. "She just needs to help me prepare a few dishes. Just tell me how to make them, I'll do the work."

"Right, of course." Emma nods and continues on her way.

——

Emma returns to Downton; she drops off Ivy at the Nursery and heads downstairs to the Kitchen. She hadn't liked Ethel when she was here but considering everything, Emma feels like she should help her.

She steps into the Kitchen to find Daisy and a girl she doesn't know.

Emma feels awkward when she walks in. Daisy gives a small polite smile though looks slightly startled while the unknown girl, Ivy the Kitchen maid she assumes, stares at her wide eyed.

"Um, hi Daisy." Emma greets. "I am looking for Mrs Patmore. Do you know where she is?"

"I'm here." Emma turns to see the woman she is looking for. "How can I help you, Mrs Branson?"

"Ah, Mrs Patmore. I was wondering if I could talk with you for a moment." Emma says.

"All right then." She turns to the two girls. "Right off you go." They quickly leave the room. Mrs Patmore looks at Emma expectantly.

"Well, I saw Ethel this morning, she works at Crawley house now." Emma begins.

"I had heard."

"Well, apparently Mrs Crawley is hosting a luncheon for Her Ladyship and she wants help with making some meals and I suggested I'd ask for your help," Emma explains.

Mrs Patmore looks uncomfortable. "Look, I don't mean to be rude or personal, Ethel, but Mr Carson has made it very clear that none of the servants should go anywhere near Ethel."

Emma frowns, confused. "Why not?" She asks.

"She has a tarnished reputation. She's had certain... dealings with other people. Improper." Mrs Patmore whispers, looking around anxiously. Emma finds it kind of funny.

Emma realises what she means. Ethel has previously worked as a prostitute and now Crawley house is 'tarnished' because of this. Oh, Ethel.

This doesn't deter Emma as she recalls what Sybil would do. "But surely, you're not afraid she'll corrupt you, are you?" She argues.

"I am not!" Mrs Patmore huffs.

"Then why should Mrs Crawley be punished for showing Ethel kindness?" Mrs Patmore sighs reluctantly and Emma knows she's given in.

"I'll go to her before dinner." Mrs Patmore tells her.

Emma beams, thanks her and walks out of the Kitchen to go back upstairs.

"Mrs Branson! You're a sight for sore eyes." Emma turns to see Thomas walking up to her with Jimmy and Alfred walking behind him.

"You too, Mr Barrow," Emma smirks at him. She can see the two footmen are surprised by this.

"What are you doing down here?" Thomas asks with a smile.

"None of your business." Emma retorts with a grin. "Now I best be going." She turns to the two footmen. "Alfred. Jimmy." Then turns to Thomas. "Mr Barrow."

She goes up the stairs, sniggering to herself. Emma can hear Jimmy go, "What was that?" as she reaches the top.

——

Lord Grantham had invited Mr Travis for dinner to discuss baby Sybil's christening.

Emma walks into the Library with Tom, Mary and Matthew, dressed for dinner to find Isobel in there with Cora and the Dowager.

"Hello, Mother. What brings you here?" Matthew asks.

Isobel goes to answer but the Dowager speaks instead, "She's just invited Cora and Edith and Mary and Emma to come to luncheon on Thursday." Oh, Emma didn't know she had been invited as well.

"Oh, how kind," Mary says to her mother-in-law. "Thank you."

"Isobel?" Emma turns to see Lord Grantham walk in with Edith and Billy trailing behind him. "Have you come for dinner?"

"Oh, no. I'm dressed quite wrongly and I know you have a guest." Isobel replies. Emma thinks she's perfectly fine but these people's customs do not say so.

"I doubt Mr Travis has much of an eye for fashion." The Dowager remarks.

"Oh, do stay. We need cheering up." Emma insists.

——

There was pleasant conversation at dinner when discussing the details of baby Sybil's christening but the conversation then moved on to Ivy having been christened a Catholic.

"But isn't there something rather un-English about the Roman Church?" Mr Travis remarks. On his left are Cora, Matthew, then Edith, Tom, the Dowager, Robert (she had decided she might as well call him Robert; he hadn't pulled a face yet), Mary, Emma, Isobel and Billy.

"Since I am an Irishman, that's not likely to bother me." Tom counters.

"I cannot feel bells and incense, and all the rest of that pagan falderal is pleasing to God." Mr Travis continues.

"I see."

"So, is He not pleased by the population of France or Italy?" Billy challenges.

"Not as pleased as He is by the worship of the Anglicans, no." Mr Travis answers tensely.

"South America? Portugal? Have they missed the mark, too?" Edith adds.

"I do not mean to sound harsh. I'm sure there are many individuals from those lands who please Him."

"And the Russians? And the Spanish?" Mary pushes.

"There must be many good Spaniards."

"And we haven't even started on the non-Christians. There's the whole Indian subcontinent, to begin with." Matthew speaks.

"Doesn't the bible say 'love thy neighbour'? Shouldn't that include all denominations? Shouldn't that include everyone, even if their beliefs don't align with yours?" Emma adds.

"Yes, but—"

"And the British Empire. Does He approve of that?" Isobel questions.

"If you mean does He approve of the expansion of the Christian message, then, yes, I think He does." Mr Travis answers.

"And so do I." Robert defends.

"But isn't it erasing other's beliefs just because they do not agree with yours?" Emma challenges.

"Poor Mr Travis. You're all ganging up on him." Robert scolds them before she can continue.

"Well, you and Granny are ganging up against Tom and Emma," Mary argues.

"Not me." Her grandmother counters. "The Dowager Duchess of Norfolk is a dear friend. And she's more Catholic than the Pope."

"I doubt Tom even asked Emma how she felt about the baby being baptised into a different tribe than her own." Robert remarks. At any other time, Emma would have been pleased he has come to her defiance.

Emma wants to say that her father's side was catholic so is she though she does not practice so their daughter isn't in a different tribe but remembers she isn't supposed to remember them.

"It was my suggestion I have you know." Emma retorts. Robert grumbles.

——

Matthew's POV

Tom, Billy and Matthew walk around the grounds. Matthew had wanted to show the two men his ideas and it did no harm to get Billy out of the house. They observe one of the farms.

"It's badly run and it makes no sense to manage it separately," Matthew complains. He wishes his father-in-law would understand.

"What about the tenant?" Billy asks.

"We'd look after him."

"He's growing barley and wheat. I'd say he'd do better with sheep." Tom tells them as he looks around the farm.

"Exactly. We'd merge the grazing. How do you know that?" Matthew questions him in surprise. They all stop.

"How do you," Billy counters, "after spending all your growing years in Manchester?"

Matthew huffs out a laugh at his brother-in-law's response. He has a point. "I've been on a steep learning curve since arriving at Downton."

"My grandfather was a tenant farmer in Galway, with black-faced sheep," Tom explains.

"So, there's a country boy inside the revolutionary," Billy remarks. They begin walking again.

"Not much of one."

"You both must hate it here." Matthew frowns at the man sympathetically. He must greatly dislike not being able to provide for his young family.

"No, I don't hate it," Tom replies, shaking his head. "But I don't belong here either."

"I feel the same," Billy adds. The three of them stop their walking.

"What will you do?" Matthew asks. He does not know what else to say.

"I've thought of Liverpool. There might be something for me there." Tom explains.

"How does Emma feel about this?"

Tom smiles softly. "She wants me to be happy."

"Billy? Where are you to go?" Matthew asks, turning to his brother-in-law when realising he had not answered.

Billy shrugs. "I do not know. The jobs I've looked at so far are out of the county."

"And the baby?"

"I'll hire a woman or get a cousin to take care of her. I don't know. But what else can I do?" Billy replies. Matthew gives him a sympathetic smile. Poor chap.

"You could leave her here. Emma would be thrilled." Tom suggests.

"No. I'll not be separated from her. She's all I have left of her mother." Billy declares before walking on.

End of Matthew's POV

——

Isobel sits at the head of the table while Cora and the Dowager sit on either side of her while Emma, Mary and Edith sit on seats further down.

"This was very good." Cora compliments as they finish up the course.

"It was. It really was." Isobel replies in disbelief.

"Don't sound so surprised." The Dowager remarks.

"I am surprised. I owe Ethel an apology. I've underestimated her." Isobel says. Emma smiles, pleased her plan had worked.

"I sometimes wonder if I should learn to cook." Edith contemplates.

"Why?" Mary asks in a very Mary way.

"You never know. It might come in handy one day." Edith replies, not letting her sister put her off. "And I've got to do something."

"What did you say to that editor who wanted you to write for him?" Isobel asks her. Emma looks to Edith in interest.

"I haven't said anything yet. It's probably too late now, anyway." Edith answers despondently.

"Surely not if he was serious." Emma insists. Edith gives her a small smile.

"Matthew tells me Robert was against it," Isobel says. Emma tries to stop herself from rolling her eyes. Cora's next remark shows she's not alone in her irritation with the man.

"What difference does that make?"

"Oh, really, my dear, shh." The Dowager says in surprise.

"We're all family. I'm not letting the side down. I'm just saying that Robert frequently makes decisions based on values that have no relevance anymore." Cora argues.

"Do you think I should do it?" Edith asks after a brief but awkward silence.

"I wouldn't countermand your father," Isobel replies.

"Then why bring it up?" The Dowager remarks.

"Well, I do. And so does Matthew." Mary says.

Suddenly Robert Crawley bursts into the room with a furious look on his face. Emma jumps in her seat in surprise.

"And so does Matthew what? What else has Matthew decided for my family?" Robert spits out.

"Robert!" Isobel greets, standing up.

"Don't worry. I don't need to be fed. We're going. All of you. Now." Robert replies.

"What are you talking about?" His wife asks. It's the most civil Emma has heard her when Robert is involved.

"Do you know who has prepared this luncheon for you?" Robert questions.

"Yes. Ethel. Our former housemaid." Cora answers in disbelief.

"Who bore a bastard child!"

"W-what?" His mother stammers. Emma herself is surprised by his statement as she was not expecting it to come out of his mouth.

"Robert, Ethel has rebuilt her life." Cora retorts.

"Has she? Do you know what she has built it into?" Robert remarks.

"What do you mean?" Mary asks.

"I think Cousin Robert is referring to Ethel's work as a prostitute." Isobel calmly answers. They all, except Robert and Emma, turn to look at her in surprise. Isobel continues staring at Robert.

"Well, of course, you know, these days servants are very hard to find." The Dowager remarks. Emma knows she'll laugh about that statement one day but right now, with Robert angrily staring them down, she knows this isn't the time.

"I don't think you understand the difficulties she's had to face." Isobel begins.

"Robert, Ethel had a child and the fact that she had to turn to such a life says more about the world we live in than it does about her," Emma adds.

"I couldn't care less how she earns her living! Good luck to her! What I care about is that Isobel has exposed my family to scandal." Robert bellows.

"But who would know?" Isobel questions.

"I can't tell you how people find out these things, but they do. Your gardener, your Kitchen maid..." Robert immediately stops talking when Ethel walks in with the pudding on a tray. Ethel pauses in surprise then places the tray on the side table.

"I suppose she has an appropriate costume for every activity." Emma hears the Dowager murmur.

"We're leaving." Robert states.

"Is this because of me, Milord?" Ethel timidly asks, clinging the tray to her front now the pudding sits on the table.

"No, it's because of His Lordship. And we are not leaving." Cora replies. "Is that a Charlotte Russe? How delicious."

"I hope it's tasty, Milady. Mrs Patmore and Mrs Branson gave me some help."

Emma shifts uncomfortably when she feels Robert's stormy gaze on her.

"I'm glad to know that both of them have good hearts, and do not judge," Cora says, looking directly at her husband, challenging him.

"Is anyone coming?" Robert asks. Everyone continues sitting, not moving.

"It seems a pity to miss such a good pudding." The Dowager pipes up.

Robert turns and slams the door behind him as he leaves. Emma sighs in relief now that he's gone.

——

Emma notes that evening that Robert is not in the Drawing room after dinner.

She joins Tom, Matthew and Mary when they go up to the Nursery. They walk in to find Billy there, cradling baby Sybil.

Emma walks in first, giving him a smile before walking over to pick up her own daughter. She's awake and gurgling. Tom reaches over to stroke her cheek.

"How is she doing?" Matthew asks Billy.

"She's blooming," Billy replies, handing over his daughter to his sister-in-law. Emma smiles as she watches Matthew place a hand on baby Sybil's head. She knows the two seem to be beginning to worry about conceiving though Emma knows they have loads of time before it becomes a real concern.

——

The next day Emma is walking the grounds with Edith and Mary when Anna comes running up to them with a beaming smile on her face, a piece of paper clutched in her hand.

"Milady! It's arrived! It's here! I wanted you to be the first to know." Anna cries gleefully.

"Know what? What's arrived?" Mary asks.

"He's done it! Mr Murray's done it! He's got her to make a statement! Witnessed and everything!" Anna explains.

A smile breaks on Emma's face. "So, when will Mr Bates be set free?" She asks.

Anna looks down at the letter. "It will take a few weeks, for the formalities." She reads. "But he'll be released. Mr Murray's quite clear about that. So, Mr Bates is coming home."

"Oh, I am so, so happy for you." Mary cheers.

"I know you are."

"Have you told Papa?" Edith asks.

"Not yet, Milady."

"Oh, do. Please do. He's very low just now. And it will be wonderful for him to hear something good." Mary says.

They all hurry back to the house, beaming. Finally, something good!

——

They enter the house through the front door and enter the Library through the entryway there. Robert stands by his desk, looking forlorn.

"I'm ever so sorry to interrupt, Milord," Anna greets, "but Mrs Bartlett has given a statement that'll clear him." She reads from the letter. "At least, Mr Murray says 'it will make the verdict unsafe'. So, Mr Bates is coming back to Downton."

"Isn't it marvellous?" Mary adds.

"Yes. That is absolutely marvellous." Robert agrees with a smile. "Do you want to telephone Murray? If you do, tell Carson. He'll manage it for you." He walks away.

"Why? Are you going out?" Edith asks.

"Your grandmother has asked us to call." Us? Him and Cora? Emma wonders if the Dowager has a plan. "But I'll hear what he says later. I really am so very glad."

He leaves and they get to work with getting Anna on the phone with Mr Murray.

——

A/N: Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

[slasherhaven]

Slashers reaction to the reader referring to them as their boyfriend/partner to other people for the first time?

The Slashers reacting to their S/O referring to them as their Boyfriend/Girlfriend to other people for the first time:

Thomas Hewitt

It was no secret that you and Tommy were together, always by each other’s side, acting lovesick. 

Luda May wasn’t shy about voicing your relationship, already referring to you as Thomas’ partner and to Thomas as your boyfriend, she already had her mind set on a future of weddings and grandbabies. 

Her talk had always made the two of you flustered and embarrassed, neither of you really confirming her claims of your relationship.

You had been down at the gas station with Luda May and Thomas, she had asked Thomas to come to help move some crates and you had already been there to help her watch the place.

A group of travellers had pulled in, getting some gas and stocking up on snacks.

Being a friendly and trustworthy face, you were sent out to greet them and ask if they needed assistance. Thomas had been lifting another crate and had looked over to you, always protective over you, especially when it came to strangers. Eventually one of the men had commented on Tommy’s staring as he worked, scoffing to himself.

“Oh, that’s Tommy, my boyfriend. He’s just a little protective, you never know the type you might run into ‘round here” you reassured them with a smile, fully knowing that it was the Hewitt family that nobody wanted to run into around here.

Of course, Thomas overheard you, and your declaration instantly made him blush, quickly busying himself with his work again.

He’s overjoyed though, hearing you refer to him as your boyfriend, sounding so proud of him, he loved you so much and each day you convinced him that you felt the same. He also likes that these strangers know that you’re together.

Michael Myers

You were seeing some friends and Michael had gotten bored, heading out to find you and continue with his usual stalker shenanigans since he seems to enjoy stalking you when he’s bored and you’ve left him at home. He saw you talking to some of your friends, you were saying goodbye.

They had tried to get you to stay a little longer but you had smiled, telling them that you had to get home to your boyfriend. Of course they had demanded to finally meet this mysterious boyfriend but you shook your head at them before heading home, where Michael would already be when you arrived.

So, you had been referring to him as your boyfriend to your friends for a little while...he isn’t going to bring it up, he’ll act like he never heard it, like he was at home this whole time.

He won’t say anything but he ponders it for a moment, if that’s how you want to refer to him...he’s more than okay with that. Maybe more okay with it than he would admit to himself.

Jason Voorhees

You had gone on a walk through the woods and had wandered into the old camp. You hadn’t been aware of intruders but accidently stumbled upon a group of trespassers who had just arrived and where getting bags out of their car.

The group had turned to you, surprised but friendly. You, on the other hand, panicked a little, knowing you shouldn’t interact with them too much. Jason would be coming to deal with them some time soon. 

“Uh sorry...I was just looking for my boyfriend...bye!” you practically ran off, back towards the cabin, knowing that Jason would want you to be somewhere safe and out of the way. 

Jason had seen it all from his hidden spot in the trees. At first he had been worried when you stumbled upon the group, worried that you would get hurt or something.

But his heart fluttered when he heard you referring to him as your boyfriend, liking the way it sounded and how it made him feel.

You had been staying with him for a while now and the two of you had become close, certainly entering a more romantic relationship. But that was the first time you had used the title, and you had done so with so much ease.

Yes, he was your boyfriend, and he adored you.

Brahms Heelshire

You and Brahms were certainly dating, at least he definitely thought so and believed that you did too.

The delivery boy had come with your most recent grocery delivery, and you had answered the door. 

The two of you were chatting for a while, slowly irritating Brahms, who was sure that the delivery boy had a thing for you.

You had never really thought the delivery boy liked you but he was getting friendlier lately and you knew how much it bothered Brahms, so you had just casually slipped in some talk about your boyfriend (not mentioning Brahms’ name of course), just to get the point across to both of them.

The delivery boy had always been friendly and that had always made Brahms a little jealous but now that the man knows that you have a boyfriend, Brahms feel more confident that he won’t try anything and it makes him just a little less jealous.

Brahms is looking pretty smug when you close the front door and he comes to greet you, you barely have the chance to roll your eyes at him before he’s pulling you into a kiss. 

You can’t help but smile fondly at how proud and happy he seems with his new title.

Bo Sinclair

You and Bo had been getting closer, what you had definitely wasn’t ‘casual’ but neither of you had really talked about it. Bo didn’t like talking about that kind of stuff and you didn’t want to bring it up and put him in a bad mood. 

It was fine...until a group of visitors arrived in Ambrose.

It wouldn’t be the first time that a woman had flirted with Bo and he had allowed it, even flirted back to lull the strangers into a false sense of security. This would be the first time it made you jealous and you had every right to feel that way.

The flirtatious woman had laid it on fairly thick, Bo had only chuckled but hadn’t really returned the flirtations. You appreciated that but you still wished he would just tell her to stop or be a little less encouraging. You understood, you just didn’t like it.

Bo was looking at their car while you went to tell the group what was going on, telling them that ‘your boyfriend was just checking their car and should be done soon, he’s very good at his job’. You saw how the woman pulled a face at that, which satisfied you at least a little.

Bo had already been on his way over and had overheard how you had referred to him, making him smirk to him, both because of the title but also because of your jealousy. 

Now, he just had to mess with you.

He walked over, announcing that their car needed a new fan-belt as he wrapped an arm around your waist and pulled you into his side.

You knew that he was being extra obvious in front of the woman, probably more to mess with you than anything, and you knew that he was going to tease you for this later on...but at least he was showing off your relationship in front of these strangers.

Vincent Sinclair 

When visitors to Ambrose came by, Vincent would watch from a distance (especially when it came to you, just to make sure you were safe). 

He’d listen to conversation he could catch, and he was currently listening to you speaking with the group about their car that they needed help with.

“Sure, I’ll just get my boyfriend, Vincent, to go pick up your car” you told the group politely with a smile.

Vincent was taken back by how you referred to him as your boyfriend, and how you did it so causally. He wondered if you knew he was listening, that he could hear you.

Obviously the two of you had gotten very close as of late, sharing more than a couple romantic moments, but you had never brought up the topic.

It’s fair to say that Vincent is a little flustered when he next sees you but you had truly made his day, made his week even.

Lester Sinclair

You were in Ambrose when a pair of strangers walked into the garage, telling you that their car broke down and some guy gave them a lift into down, saying that his brother owned the garage. 

“I’m guessing it was my boyfriend who gave you a ride” you chuckled fondly, obviously knowing that it was Lester but keeping up some sort of act. 

“Yeah, he did” Lester beamed proudly as he walked into the garage behind the pair. 

You blushed a little, getting a little flustered by getting caught referring to him as your boyfriend, not that he seemed to mind.

When he heard the way you referred to him, it just put a huge smile on his face. He kind of knew that he was your boyfriend but this was the first time you had actually said it.

He greeted you warmly, pulling you into a hug and kissing your cheek, still beaming. It was sweet really. If Bo had seen, he probably would have gagged.

Bubba Sawyer

The brothers had been bickering and arguing, which was nothing new. Of course, you had started to defend Bubba, since he was pretty unconfrontational.

Drayton had scoffed and complained about you defending Bubba. 

You had just responded with “well, he is my boyfriend”, without even thinking about it.

Nobody else (other than Bubba) was surprised by the word ‘boyfriend’. Just rolling their eyes at you and continuing with their bickering.

Bubba had the biggest smile on his face.

He accepts his new position as your boyfriend instantly. Yes, he is your boyfriend and he loves you so much.

He just gets a little giddy and wants to give and receive a lot of affection from you after that.

Billy Lenz 

You had been on the phone with a friend. They had invited you out for the evening but you had politely declined, telling them that you were spending the night in with your boyfriend.

Of course, Billy had been listening in on the conversation, and as soon as you referred to him as your boyfriend he was grinning like an idiot.

It was more than obvious that the two of you were in fact dating, you just hadn’t put a name on it and Billy hadn’t really thought to do so. He felt like you had just made the relationship official, but he was more giddy at the thought of other people knowing that he was your boyfriend, that you would talk about him so fondly to your friends.

As soon as you put the phone down, Billy is on you, wrapping you up in his embrace, making you giggle as you returned the gesture, wondering what had gotten into him.

“I’m your boyfriend” he stated proudly, grinning from ear to ear before peppering your face with kisses, making you giggle again.

“Yes you are” you agreed fondly, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

Asa Emory (The Collector)

You were at Asa’s home when you got a phone call from a friend, asking if you wanted to hang out that evening but you already had plans with Asa. And that’s what you told them.

“Sorry, I’m spending the evening with my boyfriend” you told them, smiling when they complained about not having met your boyfriend yet.

As soon as you hung up, Asa appeared next to you, holding out a drink for you. You couldn’t help but get a little flustered, knowing he had heard and also knowing that you hadn’t really defined your relationship like that yet.

“You could have told me” was all he really responded with as he sat down beside you. Clearly not minding the way you referred to him.

Asa isn’t an idiot, he knew that’s where your relationship was, he just hadn’t brought up the conversation yet. Now it seemed like it didn’t have too, and that was good to know.

Jesse Cromeans (Chromeskull)

You had decided to visit Jesse at his office, which he had told you that you could do whenever you pleased. When you arrive and were asking for him and the location of his office, you were met by a woman who seemed pretty hostile about your presence.

You definitely didn’t want to cause any trouble at Jesse’s work but she was being rude and you were getting tired, you just wanted to visit Jesse for lunch. 

“Look, I’m just here to visit my boyfriend, I’ll just call him and let him know I’m here” you sighed, about to give up as you pulled your phone out of your pocket.

Luckily, Jesse had just been passing through the reception and had witnessed the end of your conversation. Smirking to himself when you referred to him as your boyfriend.

He approached before you could unlock your phone, tucking it away again as you smiled up at him. 

Jesse nods to the woman, placing a hand on your back before guiding you up to his office.

Once you’re alone, he will playfully question you about how you had referred to him. After messing with you a bit and making you a little flustered, he reassures you that it’s perfectly fine. He is happy to call himself your boyfriend and to call you his partner.

From then on, everyone knows who you are and that Jesse is your boyfriend. You won’t be stopped or questioned again, don’t worry.

Otis Driftwood

You and Otis had gone to a nearby bar together, just to get out of the house and have a little fun. You had wandered over to the bar without him and when Otis looked over, he saw some guy flirting with you.

Jealousy and protectiveness (maybe some possessiveness) had Otis marching over to the two of you. 

“Uh, yeah sorry, I have a boyfriend” he heard you tell the man, shifting away from him in discomfort. You glanced around and relaxed when you saw Otis approaching. “There he is!” you smiled brightly, you were quick to push yourself away from the bar and meet Otis.

He instantly wrapped an arm around you and pulled you close to him, protectively and possessively as he glared the man down.

Damn right, he’s your boyfriend. And he’ll make sure everyone here knows it.

You had never actually called him that before, never actually made whatever the two of you had official. But now you had, that’s all he had to know.

Baby Firefly

You and Baby had gone out to a bar to have a few drinks and probably cause some trouble. She was dancing even though nobody else was, just her, having a great time, as you watched on adoringly.

Some guy and come up beside you and asked who she was. 

With a grin, you had proudly exclaimed “that’s my girlfriend!” 

Of course, Baby had heard you and smiled about it to herself.

Once she finished dancing, she returned to you and the same guy moved closer, introducing himself to her and asking for her to introduce herself in return. 

“I’m their fucking girlfriend” Baby stated proudly with a grin of her own, wrapping her arms around you as if to get her point across even more.

Yautja (Predator)

Of course introducing your family or your friends to your current partner (or ‘mate’, as he would call you) wasn’t really an option at the moment. But you had mentioned that you were seeing someone.

You were on the phone to a friend when they started asking about this mysterious person you had been seeing.

So, finally you told them to give your boyfriend some privacy, the two of you laughing before ending the call.

He had been referring to you as his mate for a while now and you assumed that was the same level, if not even more serious, than the title of boyfriend, so you figured it was okay.

And your mate thought so too. He knew what ‘boyfriend’ meant since you explained human dating to him, so when he heard, he knew what you meant and it just filled him with pride, knowing that you definitely felt the same as him.