#If you can live in another's household you can manage others just fine

[brunchable]

How's retirement, Bucky? | Bucky Barnes x f!reader.

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x f!reader

Themes: Funny. Bucky trying to find things to do to kill time, while also being a menace to Y/N and the neighbours. Prequel to 'Ouch, My face.'

Summary: Bucky decides to retire and leave the super hero world behind, but now he doesn't know how to be normal citizen.

A/N: Just another scenario tha rudely popped into my head. . .

Bucky Barnes was retired.

It still felt strange, even after months of settling into a life of quiet mornings and unhurried afternoons. He had fought in wars, spent decades as an agent of chaos, and dedicated years to redemption and healing. Now, here he was—waking up whenever he pleased, making breakfast in a house that didn’t have bullet-proof glass windows or a panic room, and trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his day.

Today, like most others, started off simple enough: a run through the neighbourhood, a cup of coffee, and a lazy scan of the news. He’d even managed to fix the leaky faucet that had been bothering you for weeks, earning a soft kiss on the cheek as a reward.

But then… the day stretched on. There were no missions, no tactical planning, no world to save. Just the quiet ticking of the clock and the gentle hum of suburban life around him.

So, Bucky set his sights on something—or rather, someone—far more interesting: annoying you.

And thus began the saga of Bucky Barnes’ Retirement Phases.

Phase 1: The Handyman Hero Phase

Duration: One Month

Bucky started off strong, becoming the ultimate handyman of the household. Everything was fair game for improvement. Leaky faucets, creaky floorboards, wobbly shelves—if there was a screw to tighten, Bucky was on it like a well-oiled machine.

“Bucky, what are you doing?” you asked one morning, sipping your coffee as you watched him carefully measuring the distance between each picture frame on the living room wall.

“Making sure they’re exactly one inch apart,” he said without looking up, his voice deadly serious.

“Why?”

“Because last night, I noticed this one—” he pointed to a frame on the far left “—was slightly off-center, and it’s been bothering me ever since.”

You blinked. “Bucky, it’s fine.”

“It’s not fine, Y/N. It’s one and a quarter inch apart. Do you know what happens when things aren’t balanced?” He gave you a haunted look, as if you’d just suggested destabilizing the world order.

“Chaos,” you muttered.

“Exactly.”

Within weeks, Bucky had rebuilt half the house, repainted the walls (twice), and installed a state-of-the-art security system that even Tony Stark would envy. You came home one day to find the couch moved three inches to the left, the coffee table completely gone (“I dismantled it; we don’t need it”), and Bucky seriously contemplating whether the kitchen would look better with marble or granite countertops.

“Bucky,” you said slowly, trying to remain calm, “I’m begging you—stop fixing things.”

He blinked at you. “What do you want me to do then?”

You panicked. “Anything. Just—find a hobby!”

He gave a solemn nod, as if you’d just entrusted him with a new mission. “Okay. A hobby. Got it.”

You breathed a sigh of relief. If only you’d known what was coming next.

Phase 2: The Google Scholar Phase

Duration: Two Weeks

With his newfound free time, Bucky discovered the internet. And when Bucky Barnes discovers the internet, chaos ensues.

It started innocently enough. You’d come home to find him glued to his laptop, his brows furrowed in concentration.

“What are you doing?” you asked, setting down your bag.

“Research,” he said ominously, fingers flying over the keys.

“Research on… what?”

He glanced up, his eyes wide. “Did you know sharks have been around longer than trees?”

“Uh—”

“And that banana slugs can grow up to 9 inches long?” He leaned forward, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “There’s a whole website dedicated to weird animal facts. I’ve been reading for hours.”

And so, you were subjected to two weeks of nonstop trivia.

“Hey, Y/N!” he’d shout from the kitchen. “Did you know an octopus has three hearts?”

Or: “Did you know cows have best friends?”

And: “Do you want to hear about the deepest point in the ocean?”

“Not really—”

“It’s called the Mariana Trench, and it’s seven miles down!”

You tried banning Wikipedia, but he just switched to obscure forums. You blocked YouTube, and he found a random chicken fact blog. The worst part? He’d share his newfound knowledge with anyone who’d listen.

“I’m calling Sam,” you muttered one evening after hearing Bucky recite the entire history of the humble potato to the mailman. “You need social intervention.”

Phase 3: The Home Décor Perfectionist Phase

Duration: Two Exasperating Weeks

Denied access to his newfound internet pursuits, Bucky turned to interior design. You were caught off guard one Saturday morning when he asked, “What do you think of paisley?”

“What’s a paisley?”

“Pattern. I’m thinking of reupholstering the couch.”

“Bucky, no—”

Too late. Within days, every room was a different colour. You came home to find polka-dotted curtains in the bathroom, and he’d somehow managed to install a chandelier in the laundry room.

“Bucky, why is there a 10-foot mirror in the hallway?”

“It makes the space feel bigger.”

“Bucky, this is a two-bedroom house!”

He paused, squinting at the living room wall. “I think the polka dots need to go.”

You nearly wept with relief when he announced he was moving on to the garden.

Phase 4: The Amateur Detective Phase

Duration: One Overly Suspicious Month

After redecorating the entire house, Bucky set his sights on the neighborhood.

“Y/N, did you see that guy across the street?” he whispered one morning, peering through the blinds with a pair of binoculars.

“That’s Mr. Henderson. He’s eighty-five.”

“Yeah, and he’s up to something. No one goes to the mailbox that often.”

“Maybe he likes getting his mail?”

“I’m telling you, something’s not right.” He tapped the binoculars. “I’m gonna get to the bottom of it.”

And so began Operation: Neighborhood Watch. Every delivery truck was scrutinised. Every dog walker received a full background check. The poor Girl Scouts who came to sell cookies left looking slightly shell-shocked.

The Girl Scout Incident: When Bucky Barnes Met Thin Mints

The Girl Scout incident started out innocent enough—just a kid selling cookies to the neighborhood. But when Bucky Barnes answered the door, things took a turn.

It was a sunny Saturday morning. You were in the kitchen, enjoying a rare moment of peace, when you heard the doorbell ring. Before you could even get up to check, Bucky’s voice echoed from the living room.

“I got it!” he called out, already making his way to the front door.

Curious, you peeked around the corner just in time to see him open it. Standing on the porch was a sweet-looking little girl, no more than nine or ten, decked out in her green uniform, clutching a clipboard and flashing a bright, eager smile.

“Hi, mister!” she chirped, clearly undeterred by the stern look on Bucky’s face. “Would you like to buy some Girl Scout cookies today?”

You watched as Bucky’s expression softened just a bit, his head tilting to the side in confusion.

“Cookies?” he repeated, as if she’d just offered him nuclear launch codes.

“Yep!” She held up a laminated chart with pictures of the various cookies, pointing to each one with a tiny, rainbow-colored pen. “We have Thin Mints, Tagalongs, Samoas—uh, I mean, Caramel deLites—”

He squinted at the chart, clearly trying to make sense of it all. “Why would you need to sell cookies?”

You nearly face-palmed. Oh no.

The girl’s enthusiasm didn’t waver. “It’s a fundraiser! To support our troop activities and trips.”

“Fundraiser?” Bucky’s voice dropped suspiciously. “Who’s your troop leader?”

The girl blinked, a little taken aback. “Uh, Mrs. Patterson?”

“Uh-huh. And how many boxes of these so-called ‘cookies’ are you supposed to sell?”

Her smile wavered just a fraction. “Um, as many as possible?”

Bucky crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe. “And where does all this money go?”

“Bucky—” you tried to interrupt, stepping forward, but he held up a hand without looking back, eyes still locked on the bewildered Girl Scout.

“It goes to our troop!” she answered nervously, glancing down at her clipboard as if for reassurance. “For badges and supplies and—”

“Supplies,” Bucky echoed, his tone suddenly sharp. “What kind of supplies?”

“Uh… arts and crafts…?” she stammered, clearly starting to get uncomfortable.

“Arts and crafts?” He leaned in, dropping his voice to a low, conspiratorial whisper. “Or something else?”

You saw the poor girl’s eyes widen, her grip tightening on her clipboard as if she was contemplating using it as a shield.

“Bucky, stop,” you hissed, stepping forward to intervene. But he was on a roll now.

“Who gets the money, huh?” He narrowed his eyes, peering down at her like she was an enemy combatant. “Do you get it?

“Or does it go to some mysterious ‘troop leader’ who’s hiding behind a desk somewhere, raking in profits from innocent cookie sales?”

“M-Mister, it’s just cookies,” she squeaked, glancing nervously at the boxes stacked beside her. “We just wanna go camping this summer.”

“Camping?” he repeated slowly, as if tasting the word. “And what kind of ‘camping’ are we talking about here? Deep-woods recon training? SERE training?”

The girl blinked up at him, clearly having no idea what he was talking about.

“Bucky, she’s nine!” you practically shouted, rushing over to save the poor child from what was rapidly escalating into a full-blown interrogation.

“But Y/N, this could be—”

“It’s not a conspiracy, Bucky!” you snapped, turning to the girl and giving her what you hoped was a reassuring smile. “Sweetie, how much for a box of Thin Mints?”

“Uh… f-five dollars?” she stammered, still eyeing Bucky like he might suddenly sprout fangs.

You reached for your wallet, pulling out a ten-dollar bill and handing it to her. “Keep the change.”

“Thank you, ma’am!” she squeaked, stuffing the money into her pouch with trembling hands.

You shot Bucky a glare. “Apologize.”

He crossed his arms, looking mulish. “But—”

“Bucky.”

He let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. “Fine. Uh… sorry… for, um… asking about your troop leader and, uh… the money laundering?”

The girl blinked up at him, clearly not following.

“Bucky!” you hissed, elbowing him sharply.

“I mean, sorry for… for… being weird,” he mumbled, shoving his hands into his pockets.

The girl gave a hesitant nod, glancing back at her stack of cookies. “Um… would you like another box, mister?”

Bucky frowned thoughtfully. “Maybe. Which one’s the best?”

“Bucky—” you started, but he was already leaning down, listening intently as the girl launched into a detailed explanation of the flavour profiles of Samoas versus Tagalongs.

Twenty minutes later, Bucky was the proud owner of a dozen boxes of Girl Scout cookies, which the girl somehow managed to upsell him into buying. The look of relief on her face as she walked away was palpable.

You turned to Bucky, hands on your hips. “Really, Buck?”

“What?” he said defensively, clutching his armful of cookies. “I needed to make sure it was legit!”

“Uh-huh. And that’s why we now have enough cookies to feed an army?”

He shrugged, looking entirely too pleased with himself. “I guess I got carried away.”

“Just… try not to scare any more children, okay?”

“Hey, I was just being thorough,” he muttered, glancing down at the boxes. “Besides… these ‘Samoas’ are actually pretty good.”

You shook your head, laughing despite yourself. Because only Bucky Barnes could turn a simple cookie sale into a full-scale interrogation—and then end up buying out the entire stock.

“Whatever you say, Bucky. Whatever you say.”

He gave you a sheepish grin, holding up a box of Thin Mints. “Want one?”

“Sure,” you sighed, reaching out to grab a cookie. Because, at the end of the day, this was Bucky Barnes: ex-assassin, super-soldier, and now… terrifyingly dedicated Girl Scout cookie connoisseur.

The Girl Scout incident, unfortunately, didn’t mark the end of Bucky’s neighbourhood watch endeavours.

“Hey, Y/N, that’s the third day in a row Mrs. Higginson has gone jogging past our house,” Bucky muttered a few days later, scribbling furiously in his notebook.

You glanced over from your spot on the couch, raising an eyebrow. “Uh-huh,” you replied absently, already wondering if now would be a good time to text Steve for a little ‘rescue mission.’ “Maybe she likes jogging?”

“Nah,” he said, shaking his head. “It’s not natural. It’s a cover for something. Probably espionage.”

“Bucky, she’s seventy.”

“Exactly. No one that age moves like that. She’s gotta be a retired agent.”

“Or she’s trying to stay in shape?”

“Or she’s spying on us.” He narrowed his eyes, peering through the blinds. “Maybe she’s HYDRA.”

“Bucky, she brought us homemade banana bread last week.”

“Which tasted suspiciously good,” he muttered darkly, tapping his pen against his chin. “I’m keeping an eye on her.”

It didn’t stop there. He began obsessively tracking patterns—when neighbors took out their trash, when they left for work, who picked up their mail first thing in the morning. His conspiracy board rivaled the one you’d seen at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, complete with photos, string, and a suspiciously large map of the neighborhood.

“Y/N, I need to talk to you.”

You blinked, looking up from your book. “What’s up, Buck?”

He leaned in, his voice low and serious. “Did you know Mrs. Patterson’s dog peed on our lawn three times this week?”

“I—what?”

“And Mr. Thompson left his house twice yesterday. Twice.”

“…is that a crime?”

“Yes. Who leaves the house twice in one day? He’s clearly up to something.”

“Like… groceries?”

Bucky frowned. “No. Something bigger. I saw him walking to his car, get this—without any bags.”

“Maybe he forgot something?”

He shook his head, eyes narrowed. “It’s a diversion tactic. I’m keeping a close watch on him.”

“Please don’t tell me you’re stalking the neighbours.”

“Of course not!” He paused. “I’m… observing. For science.”

“For science?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, Buck. I’m putting my foot down,” you finally managed. “You need to stop this. The neighbours think we’re crazy. You’re scaring the kids and… the mailman won’t come to the door anymore.”

Bucky looked genuinely confused. “Why not?”

“Because you interrogated him about his route last week!”

“He was being shady!”

“He’s a mailman!”

There was a long pause as you stared each other down, Bucky looking defiant and you looking exhausted. Finally, you sighed and ran a hand through your hair.

“Buck… I know retirement is hard. But you need a new outlet. Maybe something a little less—”

“Paranoid?” he offered, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah. And a little less terrifying for the neighbours.”

He sighed deeply, like you’d just asked him to hang up his shield all over again. “I was just… trying to be useful.”

Your heart softened immediately. Because that was what it all boiled down to, wasn’t it? The man who’d spent his life fighting wars and doing battle against his own mind was now left trying to figure out how to fit into a world that no longer needed him to save it.

You walked over, placing your hands on his shoulders and giving him a soft smile. “You’re always useful, Buck. Even if you’re not interrogating the mailman about federal postal regulations or… spying on seventy-year-old retirees.”

He snorted, shaking his head. “I might’ve gone a little overboard, huh?”

“A little,” you agreed with a grin. “Maybe you should find something else to watch over.”

“Like what?” he asked, looking genuinely curious.

You bit your lip, thinking. “I don’t know… Maybe get a pet? You could… I don’t know, babysit a cat or something.”

Bucky blinked at you. Then his eyes lit up like you’d just handed him the Holy Grail of retirement activities.

“A cat,” he murmured slowly, as if testing the word. “A cat.”

“Yes, a cat,” you repeated cautiously, wondering if you’d just unleashed some new kind of havoc on the house. “You could train it to… I don’t know, not scratch the furniture or something.”

“Or… I could train it to keep an eye on the pigeons,” he muttered to himself, looking thoughtful.

“Wait, what?”

But Bucky had already gone inside, the gears in his mind clearly turning. You shook your head, deciding to let him have this one. After all, how much trouble could he really get into with a cat?

Phase 5: The Pet Phase (aka Operation: Find a Feline Friend)

Duration: Ongoing, with Fur Everywhere

You didn’t think he’d take it seriously. Until you came home the next day to find Bucky sitting cross-legged on the living room floor, a small, white ball of fluff curled up in his lap.

“This is Alpine,” he announced proudly.

You stared at the kitten, then at Bucky, then back at the kitten. “Bucky, what… why…?”

“You said get a pet,” he said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “So I did.”

And that’s how Alpine, the grumpy old woman in a cat’s body, became part of your household. Bucky spent weeks trying to train him (“Sit, Alpine! Sit! … Okay, fine, just glare at me, that works too.”), set up elaborate obstacle courses (“Alpine, jump! No, don’t walk away—okay, you know what, just do your thing”), and spoiled her rotten with toys and treats.

With each phase, Bucky’s retirement became a new adventure. And while it drove you absolutely crazy at times, you couldn’t help but smile when you saw Bucky lying on the couch, Alpine curled up on his chest, both looking completely content.

“Retirement isn’t so bad, huh?” you teased one evening, curling up beside him.

He hummed thoughtfully, scratching behind Alpine’s ears. “I don’t know… I think I could use a new project.”

You groaned, but your groan turned into a laugh when he grinned at you, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Oh no,” you said, narrowing your eyes. “No more projects, Barnes. You’ve nearly redecorated us out of house and home, scared the mailman half to death, and—”

“Don’t forget the gourmet cookies,” he interjected with a cheeky smile.

You shot him a playful glare. “I’m trying to forget the cookies, thank you.”

“Aw, come on. I think I finally got the recipe down. I’ll just try one more—”

“No!” you practically shouted, your voice echoing through the living room. Alpine, unbothered, merely lifted her head, gave you both a disinterested look, and went back to napping.

Bucky chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay. No more cookies. No more redecorating. No more… scaring the Girl Scouts.”

“Or spying on the neighbors.”

“Or spying on the neighbors,” he agreed, still looking a little too amused for your liking.

You sighed, leaning back into the couch and resting your head on his shoulder. “You know, most people take up hobbies like gardening or painting in retirement.”

Bucky nodded thoughtfully. “Yeah, but those aren’t as exciting.”

“They’re not supposed to be exciting. They’re supposed to be calm. That’s the whole point of retirement, Buck.”

He glanced down at you, his gaze softening. “You really think I’m the ‘calm’ type, doll?”

You snorted. “No, not really. But it would be nice if, just once, I didn’t come home to find you plotting to build a moat around the house.”

“Moats are an excellent defense mechanism,” he said matter-of-factly. “But okay, I get it. I’ll tone it down.”

You gave him a skeptical look. “You promise?”

“Scout’s honor,” he said, holding up his right hand. The glint in his eye, however, told you he was already planning something new.

“Bucky…”

“What?” he asked, all innocence. “You don’t trust me?”

“Not for a second.”

He chuckled, then pressed a gentle kiss to your temple. “Alright, no more projects. I’ll just focus on Alpine. She’s a full-time job anyway.”

You glanced at the cat, who was now sprawled out like she owned the place. “You’ve turned her into a diva, you know.”

“He’s just refined,” Bucky said defensively. “He’s got standards.”

“Uh-huh. Like the way he refuses to eat unless you hand-feed her?”

“Refined,” Bucky insisted.

“And how she sleeps on your side of the bed and shoves you off with her tiny, evil paws?”

“Selective.”

“And how she sits on the counter staring at you like she’s plotting your demise?”

“Observant.”

You shook your head, laughing softly. “You’ve created a monster, Bucky.”

“Eh,” he said with a shrug, smirking down at you. “I’ve handled worse monsters. She’s a good one. Besides,” he added, scratching Alpine’s head fondly, “she’s family.”

Your heart softened at his words, and you smiled up at him. “Yeah, I guess she is.”

There was a comfortable silence as you both sat there, content in the peaceful moment.

Then Bucky cleared his throat, and you glanced up to see him shifting slightly, like he was working up the nerve to say something.

“So… I was thinking…” he began slowly.

“Bucky.”

“No, no, hear me out,” he said quickly, raising his hands as if to ward off your incoming refusal. “What if we… I dunno… made a baby?”

You blinked, certain you hadn’t heard him correctly. “What?”

“A baby,” he repeated, his voice steady, though there was a telltale blush creeping up his neck. “You know, a little human—our human. Someone we can train to take over the world… or at least keep me entertained.”

Your jaw dropped open. “You want to have a baby—because you’re bored?”

Bucky gave you a sheepish grin. “I mean, I was thinking it could be a good project… long-term investment… future troublemaker…”

“Bucky,” you interrupted, placing your hands on his shoulders and staring at him, bewildered. “Are you seriously suggesting having a child like it’s another DIY project?”

He shrugged, looking as nonchalant as ever, but his eyes were soft and serious. “Maybe. But I was also thinking it’d be nice to have something, or someone, that’s just… ours. A mix of you and me. Something that isn’t tied to the past, or fighting, or… all the other stuff.”

You stared at him, trying to wrap your mind around the sudden turn the conversation had taken. “You really want a baby, Bucky?”

He nodded slowly, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. “Yeah. I do. Don’t get me wrong, Alpine’s great and all, but…” He sighed, his smile turning tender. “I just think it’d be amazing to have something more. I’ve spent so much of my life taking orders or fighting ghosts. But starting a family with you? That’s something I get to build. Something that’s ours.”

You bit your lip, heart swelling at his words. Despite the completely unromantic way he’d suggested it, there was sincerity in his gaze, a yearning for something deeper than fixing leaky faucets or buying out the Girl Scouts’ entire cookie stock.

“And you think you’d be a good dad?” you teased, raising an eyebrow.

“Please,” he scoffed, pulling you closer and pressing a kiss to your forehead. “I’d be the best damn dad. I’d teach our kid how to throw a proper punch by age five, dismantle a toaster by six—”

You laughed, shaking your head. “So, what you’re saying is… you want to raise a tiny super-soldier?”

His grin widened. “Hell yeah.”

“Bucky, we are not turning our child into a mini-Winter Soldier.”

He pouted dramatically. “Not even a little bit?”

“Not even a little bit,” you affirmed with a chuckle. You leaned in, resting your forehead against his. “But… maybe we could talk about it. You know, actually talk. Not just… plan a tactical baby mission.”

Bucky’s eyes softened as he brushed his thumb along your cheek. “Yeah. We can talk about it.” He paused, then added with a mischievous glint, “After we practice a little more.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at your lips. “Oh my God, Bucky.”

“What?” he asked innocently, his grin widening. “Practice makes perfect, right?”

You shook your head, letting out a breathy laugh. “You’re incorrigible.”

“And you love me for it,” he murmured, leaning in to capture your lips in a soft, lingering kiss.

“Yeah,” you whispered when he pulled away, your heart fluttering in your chest. “I do.”

You glanced down at Alpine, who was still sprawled across Bucky’s lap, looking utterly uninterested in the conversation. A baby. You hadn’t really thought about it seriously before, but now that Bucky had put the idea in your head… you couldn’t help but wonder.

There was a brief pause as Bucky gazed at you, his expression growing thoughtful. “You know,” he began quietly, “after that whole Girl Scout cookie fiasco… I kinda started thinking… I’d really like to have a daughter.”

You blinked at him, surprised. “A daughter?”

“Yeah,” he murmured, his voice softening. “That kid was just so… brave, you know? Standing there, staring me down even though I was being a total idiot. It reminded me of you—fierce and unafraid. I couldn’t stop thinking… what if we had a daughter like that? Strong, smart, and completely capable of putting me in my place when I get out of line.”

You felt your heart clench at his words, his quiet admission making your chest ache. “You want a little girl because she’d keep you in check?”

“That,” he said, smiling softly, “and I think I’d like the challenge. I’ve spent so much of my life dealing with people who only saw me as a weapon. I just… want to prove that I can be something else. That I can be gentle… and kind… and love someone unconditionally. The way I love you.”

You reached up, cupping his face gently. “Bucky, you don’t have to prove anything to anyone.”

“I know,” he murmured, his gaze warm and intense. “But I still want to try. And I want to be the kind of dad who isn’t just a protector, but a friend. Someone who’d sit through endless tea parties and help her build pillow forts… and buy all the Girl Scout cookies she wants without scaring anyone.”

You laughed softly, tears stinging your eyes at the picture he painted. “You’d be a great dad, Bucky.”

“Yeah?” he asked, his voice low and hopeful.

“Yeah,” you whispered, smiling up at him.

There was another beat of silence before Bucky leaned in, his breath warm against your ear as he whispered, “So… when do we start?”

You felt your cheeks heat, a mix of laughter and surprise bubbling up in your chest. “Bucky!”

“What?” he asked, his smile as innocent as ever. “I’m just asking. I mean, you know I’m a man of action. Gotta have a timeline.”

“Oh my God,” you muttered, burying your face in your hands as Bucky laughed softly, his arms wrapping around you.

“Okay, okay,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to your hair. “No rush. We’ll take it one day at a time, sweetheart. But just know… I’m ready whenever you are.”

And somehow, you knew this next phase—whatever it looked like—was going to be the best one yet.

× × × ×

Ten months later

The soft glow of the nightlight bathed the nursery in a warm, golden hue, casting gentle shadows on the pale blue walls. The room was still, save for the quiet creak of the rocking chair as Bucky swayed back and forth, holding the tiniest bundle of joy in his strong, yet tender arms.

His daughter, barely a week old, was nestled against his chest, her small, delicate breaths in sync with the steady rhythm of his own. Her tiny fist curled around the fabric of his shirt, as if she knew just how safe and loved she was in her daddy's arms.

Bucky hummed quietly, the familiar melody of an old lullaby drifting into the air. It was a song his mother used to sing to him when he was no older than his sweet little girl was now. The words came softly, almost whispered, as if they were sacred—meant only for his daughter.

“Darling, you're my bloodYou have my heartbeatYou have my heartbeat, beating loud,”

His voice was gruff, yet softened by emotion as he sang, the gentle rocking lulling his daughter further into her peaceful slumber. His fingers brushed through her soft, downy hair as he looked down at her with nothing short of awe. How had he, of all people, gotten so lucky?

He had been through so much darkness in his life—seen and done things he would never be able to forget—but here, in this quiet moment, everything seemed to fade away. The world outside could wait. Right now, his whole universe was cradled in his arms, and for the first time in a long time, Bucky Barnes felt at peace.

Unbeknownst to him, you stood at the door, your heart swelling at the sight before you. You had come to check on them both, worried that Bucky might need help with the baby. But when you saw him there, rocking your little girl and singing so sweetly, you couldn’t bring yourself to interrupt.

A soft smile tugged at your lips as you leaned against the doorframe, content to watch the love of your life in this vulnerable, beautiful moment. 

Bucky was a natural, even if he didn’t believe it. You had seen the worry in his eyes when you first brought your daughter home—the fear that he wouldn’t be good enough, that he wouldn’t know what to do. But here he was, proving himself wrong in the most heart-melting way possible.

The lullaby continued, each note filled with so much love it made your eyes mist over.

"You are my lighthouseA peak of light from the dark cloudsI've lived under my whole life. . .And there's nothing I won't do for you."

Bucky’s voice cracked just a little on the last line, overcome with emotion as he gazed down at his daughter and carefully wiped his tears away. 

She had his eyes—bright and full of wonder, even when they were closed in slumber. He couldn’t help but trace the delicate features of her face with his gaze, committing every tiny detail to memory.

Finally, you couldn’t resist any longer. You stepped into the room quietly, not wanting to startle him. Bucky looked up, surprise flickering across his face when he saw you standing there. His expression softened when he realised you had been watching him.

“How long have you been standing there?” he asked, his voice low so as not to wake the baby.

“Long enough,” you replied, your smile widening as you walked over to him.

Bucky blushed, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. “I’m not exactly a professional.”

“I beg to differ, I think you’re the best dad in the world.” you whispered, leaning down to press a soft kiss to his temple. 

Bucky’s heart swelled at your words. He never imagined he would be here—sitting in a nursery, holding his newborn daughter while the love of his life stood beside him, calling him the best dad in the world. It still felt like a dream.

“She’s so small,” he murmured, looking back down at the baby. “So fragile. I didn’t think…I didn’t think I could love someone I barely knew this much.”

Your hand gently rested on his shoulder as you gazed down at your daughter. “You’ve got a big heart, James. I always knew you’d be amazing as a father.”

He glanced up at you, eyes soft and full of affection. “You’re the amazing one.”

You reached out to gently stroke the baby’s cheek, and Bucky leaned into your touch, feeling more complete than he ever thought possible.

“I never thought I’d have this,” he admitted after a long silence, his voice barely above a whisper. “A family. A reason to feel…whole again.”

You knelt down beside him, resting your head against his shoulder. “You deserve it, Bucky. You deserve all the happiness in the world.”

Bucky kissed the top of youe head, holding you close as he continued to rock your daughter. The world outside could be chaotic and unforgiving, but in this room, in this moment, everything was perfect.

× × × ×

Baby at six months

The house was peaceful, the late afternoon sun casting a warm glow through the windows. You were out running errands, leaving Bucky home with their now six-month-old daughter, who was currently kicking her chubby little legs and babbling on her playmat. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she reached for her favorite stuffed bear, the one Bucky had given her the day she was born.

Bucky sat beside her, legs crossed, watching her every move like she was the most fascinating thing on the planet. He leaned down, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. 

“You know, blossom,” he began, glancing over his shoulder dramatically as if checking to make sure Y/N wasn’t around. “Your mom thinks she’s the boss.”

Their daughter let out a high-pitched squeal, and Bucky grinned. 

“Right? Can you believe it?” he continued, keeping his voice low as if sharing the biggest secret in the world. “She thinks she’s in charge around here. But between you and me, we know the truth.”

His little girl giggled again, her tiny hands grasping at the air as if she was agreeing with him.

“See, you and I?” Bucky said, tapping his finger gently on her nose, “We’re a team. We know how to get things done. I mean, just look at us—surviving nap time, figuring out how to stack those weird little ring toys, and we don’t even need to look at the instructions. Meanwhile, your mom still thinks I can’t fold laundry properly.”

He paused for dramatic effect, raising his brows. “Can you believe that? Laundry. I fought in World War II, and she’s worried I’ll mess up the towels.”

His daughter let out a delighted shriek, her little legs kicking excitedly. Bucky reached over and tickled her belly gently, making her burst into even more giggles.

“Oh, yeah, I know you think it’s funny,” Bucky chuckled. “But trust me, your mom’s got some pretty high laundry standards. I tried to fold one towel, just one, and she came over with this look like I’d committed a crime. 'Bucky, that’s not how you fold them!' she said. And I’m standing there like, ‘It’s a towel, not a top-secret mission.’”

He leaned in closer, as if telling her something top-secret. “She doesn’t know this, but I might’ve folded them wrong on purpose so I wouldn’t have to do it anymore.”

His daughter cooed, her tiny hand reaching out to grab his finger, which she promptly brought to her mouth to chew on. Bucky let her, his heart melting at the sight. She was his little sidekick, always hanging on his every word, even if she didn’t fully understand yet.

“And don’t even get me started on the bedtime routine,” Bucky continued, shaking his head in mock exasperation. “Your mom’s got this whole plan—bath, story, lights out. Meanwhile, you and me? We’ve got a better plan. We chill, we rock, maybe sing a little. You get all cozy, and bam—out like a light.”

“Bababababa,” His daughter babbled something back at him, her little voice full of enthusiasm, and Bucky nodded seriously. 

“Exactly. That’s what I’ve been saying. We’ve got this figured out.”

He scooped her up from the mat and held her close, her head resting comfortably against his chest as he walked them over to the couch. He sat down, cradling her in his arms, and continued his lighthearted rant.

“And the thing is, she’s always right, which drives me crazy. Like, the other day, she told me you were gonna try to crawl soon. I thought, ‘Nah, she’s too young.’ But then what happens? Two days later, you’re scooting around like you’ve got places to be. I swear, your mom’s a psychic or something.”

Bucky gazed down at his daughter, who was now looking up at him with those wide blue eyes that never failed to melt his heart. She let out a happy gurgle, and Bucky chuckled softly, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead.

“You know I’m just kidding, right? Your mom’s the best. She takes care of both of us.” He sighed, feeling a rush of affection as he thought about Y/N. “Don’t tell her, but I’m pretty lucky to have her. She keeps me in line.”

Just then, the sound of the front door opening echoed through the house, and Bucky’s head shot up in mock panic.

“Uh-oh,” he whispered to his daughter, his eyes wide with exaggerated worry. “The boss is back. Don’t say anything.”

You appeared in the doorway, raising an eyebrow as you saw Bucky and the baby cozied up on the couch. “What are you two up to?” you asked, a knowing smile on your lips.

Bucky gave you his most innocent look, bouncing your daughter gently in his arms. “Oh, nothing. Just hanging out with my best girl here. Right, darling?”

The baby let out a little squeal, clearly delighted by the attention.

“Mmhmm,” You said, stepping closer and giving Bucky a playful look. “You haven’t been filling her head with nonsense, have you?”

“Me? Never,” Bucky replied, trying to keep a straight face. “We were just talking about how great you are. Isn’t that right, kiddo?”

Bianca, oblivious to the conversation, giggled and reached for you, and took her from Bucky’s arms and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Well, if she grows up thinking she’s in charge, I’ll know who to blame,” You teased, casting a glance at Bucky.

He grinned, leaning back on the couch. “Hey, she’s gotta learn from the best.”

You smiled, shaking your head in mock defeat. “You’re lucky she likes you so much.”

Bucky stood and wrapped his arms around you, resting his chin on your shoulder as you both looked down at your little girl, now happily nestled between you. “I’m lucky to have both of you,” he murmured softly, kissing the side of your head.

And in that moment, with his two favorite girls in his arms, Bucky couldn’t imagine a better kind of luck.

[krispycreamcake]

yeeees! Please go for the headcanon!!

From author: Was secretly wishing you'd send this 🙏🏼

If you killed someone in the Sakamaki household

Shu Sakamaki

🎻- Honestly just like every other brother, it heavily depends on who was killed

🎻- If it was Reiji, he'd be ecstatic, kind of

🎻- His relationship with Reiji is extremely strained and that's without him even knowing about him "killing" Edgar

🎻- He'd be impressed that you managed to kill someone like Reiji which initially makes him extremely wary of you

🎻- His immediate reaction to finding out would be disbelief but then escalate into one of satisfaction

🎻- He'd probably say something along the lines of "What would that woman think if she knew you died by the hands of a mere mortal, I wonder?" And cue insane laughter please

🎻- If it was someone less relevant to him, then I'd say he's the type of guy to not care until he actually sees the body dressed up and ready to be buried

🎻- Now I'm not saying he'll go into grieving or anything, but it'll actually hit him that his brother is in fact dead

🎻- Now for his reaction towards YOU

🎻- That's a completely different story

🎻- Like I said before, his reaction would differ and if you really did manage to kill Reiji, he'd be ever so grateful but he'd never say it. Ever.

🎻- He'd probably be curious though as to what drove you to killing him, or any of his brothers for that matter

🎻- He'd analyze the situation in his mind and pick out the flaws that led to their demise

🎻- Realistically he'd care but not for too long. Give him about less than a week to get accustomed and he'll be fine

🎻- He'd never underestimate you again though, he'll make sure of that

🎻- If it was Yui however, then that's a lot more complicated

🎻- If his relationship was well developed with her, you'd be dead, without a doubt

🎻- If he was still in his almostgivingafuckbutnotreally stage, he wouldn't care a lot

🎻- He'd be kinda irritated that you killed his prey though and then Karl would just send another troublesome woman to bother him

🎻- But like I said, if he really did start to warm up to Yui or was already warmed up, you'd be dead in an instant

Reiji Sakamaki

☕- Surprised and concerned

☕- This may honestly seem like a shock to some people but Reiji actually does care for his brothers and has stated that he enjoys living with them

☕- Going off of this information, we can assume he'd be at least a tiny bit distraught even if he doesn't convey it outwardly

☕- Like Shu, he'd want to know your motives and additionally, how you even managed to do such a thing

☕- He'd honestly miss their presence and picking up after them. He would probably cope in some weird ass way

☕- Maybe he'd start writing letters to them and keep them sealed away somewhere extremely safe

☕- Initially, his face would go 😨 and then you'd have to deal with him mourning

☕- He'd probably avoid you realistically until he has thoughts in an order

☕- This process can take either a day or a month depending

☕- God forbid it was Shu that was killed however

☕- Once again, cue insane laughter

☕- Seeing your lifelong rival die is something I'm sure is hard to process

☕- I'm not saying he wouldn't be relieved that his good for nothing brother died, especially since it meant he was now the oldest and had more opportunities opened up to him

☕- But as much as he does hate Shu, it's still his brother and at some point in their lives, they weren't rivals

☕- Now I'm not saying he'll be even slightly upset with his death but

☕- Actually let me backtrack a bit

☕- Imagine hating someone so much because all they do is show you up without having to do anything and in a second, they're gone

☕- Reiji would almost throw a tantrum

☕- Their relationship can be comparable to Joker and Batman in a sense

☕- Let me elaborate on that for a second

☕- Building your life around a certain person and making sure you come out on top no matter what

☕- Having the very reason that you're the person you are today, be ripped away from you is something that's always hard to process whether your relationship with them is negative or positive

☕- Reiji needs to feel the satisfaction of killing Shu so he can translate onto him the years of pent up rage and resentment and pain and hurt and jealousy

☕- Killing Shu would mean to Reiji that you took away the one thing he could've owned for himself without being overshadowed

☕- If you take away the very thing that makes Reiji, Reiji, then he'll lose the foundation for all his successes in life

☕- If you killed Yui however, obviously death

☕- I feel like I shouldn't have to say it each time, but expect to die in some twisted malevolent way

☕- Let's say he didn't have that bond with Yui, he'd still be pissed

☕- Probably lock you in the dungeon without food so you could "understand" the extent of your crimes

Ayato Sakamaki

🏆- Ok so I'm not sure how many people know this, but Ayato is the most sympathetic of his brothers, I'd go as far to say even empathetic

🏆- Now I'm not saying this makes him a morally good person and whatnot, or that he'll cry everyday and bring flowers to his brother's grave, no

🏆- We learn that Ayato is actually quite understanding and sympathetic when he states that he understands why Cordelia did certain things and even pitied her

🏆- With that in mind, it'd hurt him, a lot

🏆- We all know Ayato is one to wear his heart on his sleeve no matter wherever or whoever

🏆- He'll be outwardly upset but that doesn't mean he'll be seen mourning

🏆- To break it down, he's the type of person to stare at the empty seat in the dining room and can't help but realize that chair will always be empty

🏆- Or he'll realize that he'll live long enough to forget his brother's voice, sometimes stand in front their bedroom door, not saying anything and then walking off

🏆- He'll notice how the living room feels slightly bigger when there's family meetings and how he'll never get to shout at that person again

🏆- Due to him being conditioned to being number one, he'll have extremely mixed feelings

🏆- As a competitor, the game isn't fun without other opponents, even if it's a game you know you'll win because then you coming first means nothing

🏆- Dying or in this case, 'dropping out the race' would make Ayato stop running for once and look back at the other players

🏆- That's if it was someone he wasn't as close with

🏆- Now let's say you killed Laito for instance, he'd have quite a different reaction

🏆- He would actually mourn his brother but never let anyone see him

🏆- His relationship with Laito is complicated but not an enigma

🏆- He feels as if he owes Laito something from not being able to help him in his past

🏆- Knowing that he died meant that he failed as a brother

🏆- If you killed Laito out of self defence, he'd be upset that his brother was dead but not because you defended yourself

🏆- Like I said earlier, he's the most understanding and sympathetic

🏆- If he could go into the shoes of the woman who abused and made his life hell

🏆- He could understand why you did what you did

🏆- If however it wasn't out of self defence, like Reiji he'd need to take a while to compose himself

🏆- He'd wanna know why and how and then just sit on his bed not knowing what to feel

🏆- He'd be upset at you if that was the case and you'd probably have to work to regain his trust again(if you want it)

🏆- But like I said, still the most understanding, so he had a feeling you might pull something like this if you started getting pestered too often or showed signs that you weren't doing okay

🏆- And oh God if it was Yui, yeah you're not coming out alive and I know I've said this like 2 times already, but let me be clear

🏆- You will wish he killed you

🏆- Prey or not, taking something that belongs to Ayato is never ever a good idea

From author: Guys it's 2am, I'll upload the other brothers tomorrow I promise, just please don't kill my family. (Ps, I love you guys❤)

[ctheathy]

Popee the Performer General Headcanons

Popee x Reader

General+Fluff Headcanons

Author’s note: Friendly reminder that he is not a clown. He is the entire circus🤡

Popee/Reader [Romantic]

[Gender-neutral Darling|Female Darling|Male Darling]

Potential ⚠️TWs⚠️ :

Violence [Not directed torwards darling] • Popee being a sociopath • Jealousy • Implications that Kedah died again💀 • Abandonment issues

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Right. The violent sociopathic clown who wears a bunny suit, what could go wrong? Popee is known to be a naturally confident yet somewhat arrogant person. His self confidence knows no limits and he truly believes himself to be brilliant at everything he does. In his eyes, those little romance squabbles would have meant nothing but trouble and an absolute distraction for the practice of his talent. He’d want nothing to do with the entirety of ‘relationships’. At first.

That was until you decided to come along.

Right off the bat, Popee has little to no communication skills. Like, at all. He and the others have technically been continuing this lifestyle of isolation to the point their beliefs and attitudes are mainly distinct from the average household you may know about. He can and will get up in your face, chuckling while having a shit-eating grin plastered on his lips. And it’s most likely gonna take a while for him to understand, much less respect your mannerisms and ways of living. He could very much be considered a fine line between the characteristics of a said ‘tsundere’ and that of a ‘yandere’ with just how occasionally off-putting his mindset and behaviours can be. His mood swings can make it difficult to keep you with him, but it’s important you’ll remain patient and understanding for the time being.

He is kind of a mess when it comes to you, but he would never dare to show anyone that. Surprisingly for his case; due to his lack of contact with other human beings, he can grow incredibly flustered under certain circumstances. Doting on him or giving him the slightest bit affection when the others are around results in him pouting and throwing a temper tantrum. But the huge blush on his rosy cheeks honestly says everything, as he does truly appreciate your sweet demeanor and takes your attachment to him to heart. Despite Popee not being extremely fond of hugs and sudden closure, you always manage to surprise the others when he quite literally just allows you snuggle up against him, especially as bombs would have been flying around again if one of them even thought of, much less dared to do such things to him.

Whiny as hell. That’s it. That’s the entire paragraph. If he wants your attention, you better give it to him in a split second unless if you want him to go down yet another warpath and bombard the place in a blind rage. He’ll still make sure that none of his breakouts are directed towards you or even occur close to you though, as he genuinely couldn’t possibly live with himself knowing he harmed you during some pointless fit of anger of his. You genuinely are the only being that can keep the boy somewhat tame and peaceful.

To Kedamono, you quite literally are the one thing that keeps Popee from absolutely demolishing the entire circus, and he feels extremely appreciative and respectful towards you because of this. Speaking of the other performers, they all feel extraordinarily grateful when it comes to you because you have the magic ability to keep Popee somewhat in check. But they also definitely got the hint and know when to keep their distances from you, knowing his jealousy streak can go from bad to immense in an instant from some ... Let’s just say past experiences. If anyone even takes the risk to upset you in the slightest, they’ll be humbled by his dagger real quick. Popee already goes cuckoo when your behaviour shows signs of being upset, but if you somehow got physically harmed in one way or another? Haha ... The boy would go absolutely ballistic for your sake and destroy anything (or anyone for that matter) that managed to even witness the scene, much less towards those that even inclined on hurting you in the first place.

A merciless tease at heart, honestly nothing can stop this absolute menace. It’s gotten to the point where he’s just straight up bullying you to some extents because he has no clue on how to indicate his desire for your love. He’s going to be after you and pushing your buttons no matter what your responses towards it might be. He enjoys any kind of reaction he can get out of you, so you might as well just accept it as your daily schedule at this point. He knows you’re most likely the only one who can put up with his absolute bullsh1t and clearly uses this to his advantage. But somewhere deep down, in the back of his mind, he cannot help but feel a tinge of paranoia that you’ll eventually grow irritated or worse, even tired by his antics. It is no joke when I say that he is indescribably starved for attention and acknowledgement for his efforts and he will get that recognition through you. And due to this observation, he tends to grow accustomed and more loving to you over time. He’s still not going to be a snuggle bug, but he tends to ... Appreciate the thought behind the embrace a whole lot more and doesn’t just freak out as much when you sneak up to him for a hug. During those rare moments, he even grows to become more touchy himself. Gently stroking your cheek with his cat-like tail.

Speaking of his tail, it might as well be considered to have a mind of its own at some rate. It instinctively tends to behave on what Popee is experiencing on that current moment, mainly determined by his emotions. An example being when he’s specifically feeling like a little brat, he’d purposely walk over to wherever you are sitting and quite frankly just smack you directly in the face with his tail. But the tail can sometimes be an inconvenience to him too. If you’d go up and give him a peck on the cheek out in the open. He’d act like whatever you just did was the most inappropriate and gross thing in the world, but his excitedly wagging tail would betray him and silence the boy in an instant, leaving him to grow as red as a fire hydrant.

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[voidandabyssal]

Heyyy sorry to annoy you with another ask but I really need this rn-

I stepped into a big shard of glass today because I am just silly like that /hj

Anyway,I wanted to know what will the skeletons react to there fem!s/o literally stepping on a piece of glass and trying to play it off as if she was alright-

Specific skelly boys:UT sans,HT sans,SF papyrus,SF sans,US sans,US papyrus

Have a nice day

the sillyness rlly hits hard, also I only did the first four, as per my requirements, sorry!

Sans:

his face drops completely when he sees your foot landing down on the glass

you and him were just joking around the kitchen, as usual

when you dropped a glass and it shattered completely.

he insists you sit down, though he's lowkey panicking a little from the blood

he'll never get used to the fact that humans just leak blood

eugh!

But he manages to lull you into sitting on the couch and quickly calls Toriel over

she's a much more experienced with human medical care

breathes a sigh of relief once your cleared to walk again

"thank the stars that's over, let's never get injured again"

Axe (HT sans):

you're not fooling him

sit back down!

he didn't spend years hunting down humans, learning what makes them tick just for his s/o to tell him she's fine when she's got a shard of glass sticking out of her!

he grabs you by the waist and plops you down on a chair

he yanks out the shard harder than intended and quickly feels guilty once he hears your yelp

he wraps your foot up and carries you to the couch

there, now you can't hurt yourself anymore :)

though you may be stuck on that couch for a while.

Axe needs some cuddles to feel better!

Mutt (SF Papyrus):

oh that's not good, that's really not good!

Blacks going to be so mad at the both of you

blood in his designer carpet and all

this time, it was Mutts fault.

you were both chasing each other around the house. Like some scarier version of tag

when Mutt corners you and you end up accidentally slipping and cutting yourself on the glass table

he feels so bad

Mutt just lifts you off the floor completely. He's not actually acknowledging anything you're saying he just panics

despite the tough front he puts on, Mutt never wants to hurt those he cares about

It scares him a little how easy it is to hurt you

Black (SF Sans)

"sit down"

"no, no, I'm fine, really!"

Black levels the most unimpressed look he can offer.

It quickly gets you settled back down onto the chair.

How you managed to injure yourself so quickly, he'll never know. He was gone for five minutes! How?!

Luckily Black came prepared, he knew, given that there was a human living with him now, that one day medical attention would be required

ergo, he bought a whole medkit to store inside one of the kitchen cabinets

It's a little overkill, but now the shard is out of your foot and its nice and tightly wrapped.

No infections in this household!

[balkanradfem]

click to read about me complaining about casual misogyny

So the male who lives in the house where I'm taking care of a woman with broken bones, started micromanaging me to affirm his control and authority over the household. it's extremely uncomfortable, as he's always looking at me and everything I do, just waiting for me to make a slight mistake, move a little too slowly, or not do something the way he thinks it should be done. Then he's immediately on it, telling me how I need to be doing it, sometimes when I'm already doing, or have done, what he's instructing me to do. It's often things he's never done himself, and has no idea how they should be done.

I had to put a stop to this when he started mansplaining to me how I need to be eating my pasta. I interrupted him in the middle of his rant and said 'Hey, I have an idea', he looked at me, affronted. 'How about I eat my food the way I want to?' He looked down angrily, and said 'Fine, but you're torturing yourself'.

A few seconds later, he also tried to force his wife to eat differently, and she snapped 'Like ___ said, let me eat my food the way I want to!'

And this was too much for the poor male, who has completely lost control over the household in that moment. 'You can't say anything to you two! Nobody can talk to you people!' he exclaimed in pain and rage, and then proceeded to give us the silent treatment. I chatted with him conversationally 'We're talking to you right now, but you don't like it, do you? It hurts your little feelings if we're not doing things your way, so sad for you'. Which only made him more mad, and in retaliation, he gave us the silent treatment. He didn't want to confirm if he wanted some wine with his meal or not. His wife asked him repeatedly, and already told me to bring it. He pretended not to see/hear us, and then I said 'See, you can't tell him anything', at which he suddenly snapped back into communication, and confirmed he did indeed, want wine.

He's been holding back his comments a bit more since then.

However, he's not the only problem! There's a frequent guest in the house, who comes there specifically to drink alcohol. I'm the help in the household, so I'm told every time, to bring him a glass. If I don't manage to escape the room quickly enough, I get nasty comments. One time I was sitting and politely ignoring him, when he prompted me to drink with him. I ignored him, and looked away, but he persisted and kept pestering me. I looked to the woman for help, but she didn't realize I was getting harassed, so I just waved my head and hoped to be left alone.

In the past, I would say 'I don't drink', but this did not help me at all, as the male would go 'aw come on, it wont hurt you, why not, don't be a killjoy, have some, just for me', and it would become even worse situation; I learned it best not to give them any feedback so they don't have anything to attack.

Another day, I was made to serve him a glass, and I was immediately on my way out of the room, but not quick enough! He laughed and said 'When I own a bar, you're gonna be my best waitress', and I'm not engaging, I'm leaving the room, but he doesn't quit. 'Isn't that right? Am I not telling the truth?' he keeps pressing, until I mutter 'I don't like that' and leave.

Then I went to complain to the woman I was caring for, about his harassment, and how much I hate it. She told me in confidence that he was often degrading and arrogant to her as well, but told me not to be mad about it, as he just 'is that way'. I told her that I'm not getting mad, I just don't ever want to be in his presence, and I want nothing to do with males who act this way, I don't want to be subjected to it no matter what. I told her to give me a sign when he heads into the room, so I can hide behind the doors. She did.

Next day, she informed me that she had a chat with him, and told him to never speak to me again, other than saying 'hi', and apparently he apologized for his comments, saying 'he didn't know it would upset me'. We'll see if it works out!

I feel like I am gathering a bit of solidarity with the woman; with me around, she doesn't have to rely on the males for anything. I've proven to be able to do anything they can, without ever harassing her or making her feel bad. So it makes sense to team with me and tell them off, something she hasn't done before, probably because she was without support. The household is finally being taken over by women.

[aphroditesswan]

Thanks!

So I have a black butler idea that you probably won't like cause it is sabciel BUT it's completely platonic like it's a father figure situation and not romantic at all

I was thinking about Ciel having a nightmare and waking up and screaming or something and sabastian helping him calm down and stuff? I'm really bad at explaining things

little person

ciel & sebastian

warnings: night terrors, sebaciel shippers dni i will actually starting rolling around on the floor if those nasty proshippers start following me 

summary: ciel has always woken up from nightmares, usually falling asleep just a couple minutes later, but this time was slightly different.

genre: hurt/comfort, fluff ish

notes: i honestly did not know how to write this but this pushed me out of my comfort zone n it was so fun ALSO SORRY IVE BEEN LATE TO GET TO REQUEST my personal life is extremely busy, especially with family and school but i have this and another fic coming in 🙏🙏 

Being the Earl Phantomhive wasn’t easy. The only (living) person who could speak from experience is of course the Young Earl, Ciel. He hadn’t much experience, but he was determined. 

Determined and had his own help. 

Restless nights were nothing to Ciel. Ever since his parent’s passing, waking up in a cold sweat is nothing new to him. In fact, he’s rather surprised if he manages to get a good nights rest. 

He’s tried everything you could think of. Counting sheep, glasses of warm milk and tea to relax him, going through immense activities throughout the day to tire him. These all do nothing but make him wish for the bed that he so dreads sleeping in every night and curses in the morning. 

Now was one of those nights. Thrashing, shaking, shivering, throwing around the blanket, tossing and turning in every way he could on the ginormous mattress in a room that didn’t belong to him a couple years prior. 

His late parents room was a drastic change from his own. 

It was certainly larger. Which meant more space. More cold, empty space that he never knew how to fill. Being head of the household wasn’t easy, you weren’t a child anymore, you had no reason to fill your desolate room with little toys and fun nicknacks from various corners of the world. 

This nightmare, this one particular nightmare, haunted him like no other. One where he watches his parents, his home, everything he’s ever known burn to the ground. He dreads this dream, he waits eagerly for his body to wake itself up like it usually should. But it never does. 

He continues to watch his home burn and collapse, the smoke from the flames going into his lungs and making it hard to breathe, even in the dream. He can feel himself choking, gasping for air, sweating and panicking with every crackle of the oversized fire engulfing his manor. 

Suddenly, his world started shaking. His body, the trees around him, the entire scenery in his dream. 

Then he woke up. Finally, he thought. He was sweating, the chill of his still cold and empty room not providing any aid to his already chilly state. But he felt a hand on his shoulder, a gentle one akin to his father’s. 

“Young Master,, are you alright? You seem a bit shaken up.” 

He looked over, squinting his eyes to see the figure of his butler looming over his bed with a candle where he sat. 

“I’m,, I’m fine Sebastian.” He whispered out, for a moment forgetting this was his own manor where he could do what he wanted and speak how he wished. 

“Come with me, Young Master.” Sebastian stood up straight, walking a bit then turning to face the boy, waiting for him to get up and follow suit. 

For some reason, he wanted to, and he did. He stood up and walked behind Sebastian, following his own butler all the way down his own stairs. Sometimes he couldn’t believe that this was all his, that all of this was now under his name, not his father’s or grandfather’s or even a distant uncle’s. This was all his. 

He found himself in the kitchen. Looking around, watching Sebastian pouring a glass of warm chamomile tea. 

“Sebastian you know that’s no use.” He scoffed, all of this just a waste of time to him. “Now My Lord, we might as well try.” 

The young earl took the cup reluctantly, drinking just a bit of it. He felt his butler just gazing at him, so he drank more out of pure awkwardness. Not because he wanted to, not because he butler had graciously added sugar to his tea, not because he had faith he wouldn’t go to sleep just to wake up to another nightmare, but because his butler annoyed him with the staring. 

“There. Are you satisfied?” “Are you?” That was unprompted. What did that even mean? Ciel took a minute, just staring down into the cup with the tea leaves. Supposedly, they could read your future. He didn’t see much, he wasn’t trained in that field. He had also never believed in superstitions, even though an entire being whose existence defies humanity was standing only 3 maybe 4 feet in front of him. 

“Yes Sebastian, I am. Now take me to bed.” He huffed, setting down the cup onto the counter. “Are you positive, young master?” “Don’t question me, Sebastian.”

“As you wish, my lord.” He walked Ciel up the stairs, following two to three steps behind him with a candle and standing by the door once he got to his room. 

“Good night, my lord.” “Good night, Sebastian.” Ciel laid down, turning away from the door where Sebastian stayed for a moment, only a moment, before placing the candle down on the dresser. He bowed, although Ciel couldn’t see it, and shut the door. Ciel listened for the footsteps, hearing the clicking of shoes descend the stairs. He sat up, looking at the candle through the corner of his eyes. He wondered how such a small flame, something so minuscule compared to his still small stature, could take away everything he had ever known. He was there when his parents had passed, and there will be someone to watch him die as well.

im so sorry my req have been taking so longgg i’ve been so busy with christmas shopping and finals and studying but consider this and another fic that’s coming out BEFORE CHRISTMAS as a present 🥲🙏

[yuriko-mukami]

Her Calamity Dark 04

Beta reader: @ruki-mukami-dl

Chapter Selection

Yuriko was washing rice while Yuuto stood right next to her, watching her every move. Sunlight sparkled from the droplets of water, reminding her how sweltered it was outside. It was slightly sweaty in the apartment, too, for it was only one room, and this tiny kitchen along with a bathroom. And right now, the kitchen felt even smaller than usual since Azusa had come with Yuriko. He was now working on the second counter with a vegetable-cutting task he had volunteered himself.

“It’s not difficult. You should use fresh water and then you just keep washing until the water stays clear.” Yuriko rolled the rice over again and again by her hand while staring at it. She wasn’t the best cook – and nothing compared to Ruki – but she knew how to make a few dishes. “Kareeraisu is a convenient choice because you will eat it for several days and the taste only gets thicker later. I made it often when… when I was still living with… Keisuke. That way I could focus on… hmm… other things because I didn’t need to make meals every day.”

“Makes sense…” Yuuto shrugged. “He should have cooked for you tho. It’s a parental duty.”

“Umh… Mom always said it was a woman’s duty to make sure the family gets to eat…” Yuriko shifted. Not that their mother had done that too often. Yuriko had tried to do all possible household chores while studying in middle school and high school. She had wanted to be good. But it hadn’t been enough.

“Dontcha go there…”

Yuriko lifted her head, glancing at Yuuto. “Eh?”

“I know that face. Dontcha let that happen. There’s nothin’ you could done differently. Our parents didn’t know how to raise kids, that’s for sure. So, dontcha let it get you. You gotta keep your head up high and move forward.” Yuuto ruffled Yuriko’s hair, making her blink heavily. She wouldn’t cry now.

“Yuuto…”

“Oi, no cryin’. You’re a tough vixen who can push through, not a pup.” Yuuto smiled, making even more of a mess of Yuriko’s hair. “Didcha hear me?”

“I… I… yes, of course.”  Yuriko nodded. She turned to look at the rice again and poured it into the rice cooker – the necessity she had told Yuuto should have. “Okay… now, we need to fry the pork and then simmer it with the vegetables.”

Yuuto pulled out a frying pan and tossed the meat on it. After setting the gas, Yuriko showed him how he should constantly move the meat with the cooking chopsticks so that it wouldn’t burn into the pan.

“How do you know all this?” Yuuto scratched his head. “I mean... you said our mother didn’t teach you much…”

“I read books. The library had some about cooking too.” Yuriko handed the chopsticks to Yuuto. “You should try it now. Haven’t you cooked anything before?”

“I know how to make an omuraisu.”

Yuriko tilted her head. “Eh? It’s super difficult to roll perfectly, I always end up breaking it. I bet you’ll manage the meat just fine then~” 

As Yuriko kept her eyes on the frying pan, Yuuto worked on the pork. She was pleased to see there weren’t any problems at all. She should send the recipe later to his phone, and then he could make this dish anytime he wished. Next time she would teach him another easy dish.

“I found a cheap laundry service nearby, so that’s settled too.” Yuuto continued frying the meat. “I just need a steady job…”

“You could… ask Karlheinz-sama…” Azusa commended from his duty.

“Absolutely not. I’m not gonna ask that je–”

Yuriko gasped, clapping her hand on her brother’s arm. “Yuuto! Don’t say it!”

“Fuck!” Yuuto tensed under Yuriko’s touch, and she let go of him. “Sorry… It’s just… damn those bloo– Vampires. I still don’t like them…”

“Azusa-kun is right here…” Yuriko whispered.

“It is okay… Yuriko-chan… I know that… Christina, Justin and Melissa… will always… love me…” 

Yuuto mumbled something, but Yuriko poked him between his ribs and left him alone with the frying pan, roaming toward Azusa. She had always wondered who these three friends of his were, for she had never seen them but Azusa had mentioned them often. Since he had been kind enough to bring her here, she should make an effort to get to know him better.

Leaning her bottom on the kitchen drawers, Yuriko smiled at the Vampire. “Say… Azusa-kun… umh… about Christina-san, Justin-san and Melissa-san…”

“Yes, Yuriko-chan?” Suddenly sparkly eyes glanced at the young Kitsune woman. Azusa held the knife firmly in one of his hands while nicely cut carrots occupied the chopping board with pieces of onion. There was still one potato waiting to be worked on.

“These friends of yours… Can I meet them one day?” Yuriko tilted her head, and her curls tickled her cheek. 

If there had been sparkles in Azusa’s eyes before, now they truly lit up as if he had been waiting for this question all along. To Yuriko’s surprise, he put the knife away and started to roll up his sleeve, revealing his slender arm full of faded… Were those scars?

Azusa drew his finger along his arm. “This here is Justin…” He glanced at Yuriko and continued. “This is Christina… and this…” Azusa gasped. “Melissa… is… almost gone… I must do… something…”

Before Yuriko had time to react, Azusa had grabbed the kitchen knife again, running the blade over the barely visible scar. Crimson elixir poured on his white skin.

“Oh my gosh! Azusa-kun!”

“Fuck! Stop that shit!” Yuuto was on Yuriko’s side within a second, snatching Azusa by his wrist and forcing his hand up. Azusa fought back.

“Please… Yuuto-san… stab me…”

“Fuckin’ hell I’d do that! Now, gimme the damn knife!” Yuuto’s words made Azusa release his grip of the knife that Yuuto caught.

Yuriko whimpered, pushing closer. “Yuuto, please, don’t!”

“Huh? I ain’t gonna stab him!” Yuuto pressed the knife into Yuriko’s hands without letting go of Azusa. “What the hell is wrong with you?! You ain’t doin’ such shit in front of Sis, you hear me?!”

“Squeeze… harder… Yuuto-san…” Azusa sounded almost happy, making Yuuto’s eyes widen as Yuriko simply stared at the view. “Ruki said… I can’t ask… Yuriko-chan… but he didn’t say… I can’t ask you… to hurt me.”

Swallowing, Yuriko tossed the knife on the cutting board and took support from the counter. She didn’t understand what was going on with Azusa. Why had he cut his own arm? That must have hurt so badly, and now there was blood slithering down his arm, soaking his shirt. This was terrible. Yuriko clenched her fingers against the edge of the counter as the kitchen swayed before her. She was gasping for air, almost panting. She didn’t want to lose yet another family member. Azusa shouldn’t cut himself; he could hit a critical place and then… and then…

“Fuck! Sis! Breathe!” Yuuto snatched Yuriko by her upper arms, swinging her slightly.

“Is… she enjoying so much… that she is… out of breath?” Azusa’s face appeared closer. Two pairs of eyes stared at Yuriko, one worried, the other curious. 

“I… I… can’t lose more people…” Yuriko trembled. Yuuto pulled her closer, enveloping her with his arms. For a while, there was complete silence in the kitchen as he stroked her back, swaying her back and forth.

“No one’s gonna leave you… It was just an accident.” Yuuto’s speech was mumbling against Yuriko’s hair.

“Yuuto-san… the meat…” Azusa said behind the siblings.

“FUCK!” Yuuto released Yuriko and dashed toward the stove, lifting the pan from it, and shutting down the gas. The smell of burning danced in the air when Yuriko tried to steady her breathing. 

“Yuriko-chan…” Azusa touched on Yuriko’s shoulder.

Blinking tears from her eyes, Yuriko gaped. Azusa’s skin would heal… He wouldn’t go away because of a single wound. He was a Vampire after all; there was no reason to worry. Everything was alright. They were all safe.

“You okay?” Yuuto patted Yuriko’s head and waited until she nodded. “Listen, Sis. I’m gonna need your help. You know how to do this… So, it’s your task now to finish that dish. I’m gonna patch Azusa up in the meantime. Can you cook?”

Yuriko nodded again. “I… I… can.”

“Cool.” Yuuto grinned, turning around, and taking hold of Azusa’s arm. “You, with me.” Without further explanation, he walked the Vampire toward the bathroom. Yuriko was left alone in the kitchen, and it took a moment before she could cut the potato and start cooking again.

Yuriko poked her portion with the spoon. The atmosphere had changed after Azusa’s incident. It was clear that the Vampire wasn’t truly happy that Yuuto had wrapped a new bandage around his arm, securing the fresh wound under it. Yuriko wondered if she should tell Ruki about this later… but he probably already knew that Azusa might do something like this. At least it had sounded like that if Azusa wasn’t allowed to ask her to stab him.

Who would think such a thing beforehand without a reason? Yes, Ruki must already be aware that something like this could happen.

Shaking her head, Yuriko finally tasted the meal. Spices tickled on her tongue. She had added a bit too much but couldn’t be helped now.

“Yuuto-san… do you have… shichimi or chili?” Azusa looked at the Kitsune as if nothing had been up earlier.

Yuriko gaped. “But… but… there’s so much spice already…”

Azusa shook his head. “I could… add some more…” 

���Haa… just a moment.” Yuuto rose from the table and went to get the chili. He placed the tiny jar in front of Azusa who gladly took it. It was almost disturbing how much of it he poured over his rice and curry sauce. 

Yuriko turned her head and decided it was time to sail to the safer waters. Hopefully safer. “Yuuto… say… were you the only one with the white hair in the village?”

Yuuto was just about to push the spoon into his mouth but now lowered his hand. “Yeah. Why?”

“Umh… I wonder what they look like as foxes then?”

“Usually, the color of their fur is close to their hair. Like you and me.” Yuuto tasted the food and smiled. “Damn, this is good! You really know how to cook.”

“It’s just a simple dish.” Yuriko waved her hand hastily but couldn’t hide her smile. Still, her mind was wandering. “Are… are there other white foxes then?”

Yuuto shrugged. “Within the Yako, white’s a rare color. It occurs at times, like in our family apparently. It’s more common with the Zenko but even many of them have other fur colors too.”

“The Zenko?”

“The Kitsune in the Human World. All they do is cause trouble, so stay away from them. They kidnap the Yako children… I was in a rescue party at some point for gettin’ them back.” Yuuto frowned and explained how the Yako already had problems because the Vampires hunted their females and then the Zenko had made the situation even worse by taking some young vixens. It had been a constant fight and Yuuto had worked to get them back a few years ago. “But then Grandpa told me not to go to the Human World anymore. I did other jobs after that.”

Yuriko nodded. So, the fox she had seen could have been a Zenko. But the fox had only watched. And Yuriko was constantly with the Mukamis. So, there was no reason to worry about this matter, right?

Eating her food, Yuriko listened to the talk. Something felt off but she couldn’t quite put her finger into it. Maybe it was just because there was so much new information. Half a year ago she hadn’t known anything about the Kitsune aside from the folklore tales and now living as one had become her reality. Yet, all this talk about the Yako and the Zenko only sounded confusing. 

“Umh… why… the Yako are living in the Demon World and the Zenko in the Human World?” Yuriko pondered between spoonfuls of rice. “I mean… they are all Kitsune. Why fight? They could just get along and live in peace.”

“The Zenko took over the Kitsune Realms in ancient times and chased the Yako out there. The Founders gave the Yako a new realm, so that’s why…”

“Eh? Shin and Carla-san did that?” Yuriko blinked. “Just when…?”

“Dunno. But it was probably their parents… I mean, those jerks are surely ancient but not that ancient.” Yuuto emptied his plate, starting to fill it again with rice and sauce. “Anyway, the First Bloods were away for the longest time. I only saw them comin’ this year. Suddenly, they walked in and said they’d renew the old vows. Whatever that means. It didn’t change a shit for me. But Grandpa was all ‘Carla-sama’, ‘Shin-sama’, beggin’ for their attention… disgustin’. For me, they’re the same blood-suckin’ scum as —”

“Yuuto!” Yuriko glared at Yuuto and then glanced at Azusa, but the Vampire was focused on eating his portion in silence and didn’t seem even to listen to the siblings’ conversation. “Yuuto… Shin is my friend and he helped me to save you. He made Grandpa give your star pearl back. We… we should be grateful.”

“Yeah… yeah…” Yuuto sighed. “You surely have been busy making such friends. Vampires, Founders… What else?”

“Umh… zombies but humans too.” Yuriko pushed the last spoonful into her mouth. This could be a good chance to mention Nalia. “Actually… one of my friends would like to meet you.”

“Huh? Why?” Yuuto frowned again. “I don’t have time for silly little teen vixens.”

“Hmph, my friends aren’t silly little teen vixens!” Yuriko shoved her plate aside and started to search for her phone. “Besides, you have all the time. And she isn’t a teen or even a fox. She’s a nice human.” 

Yuriko put her phone on the table and tapped Nalia’s picture on the screen, turning the phone to face Yuuto. “She’s around your age and I can assure you she’s good company. She is looking for friends, so…” 

“Haa… dunno… I shouldn’t mess up with people. Humans. There’s enough shit goin’ on without.” Yuuto shrugged but picked up the phone, staring at the photo. “Red hair and green eyes, huh? She’s a foreigner, right?”

“Mhm. Her last name is Wagner, so yes, I think she is.” Yuriko realized that she still hadn’t asked where Nalia was from. She totally should do that —

“Nalia-san… is probably from… Germany then…” Azusa said, smiling over his plate. “Wagner is… a German name.”

“See? Nalia is a pretty human lady from Germany, and she’s interested in meeting you.” Yuriko beamed at Yuuto, wondering how Azusa knew about German names. He didn’t strike her as a person who had knowledge like that, more like Ruki could have said it. But maybe there was more in Azusa than met the eye.

“Dunno…” Yuuto sighed, starting to eat his second portion.

Yuriko leaned in, putting on the best pleading face she could manage. She stared at Yuuto with wide eyes and smiled. “Please? It would make me happy.”

“Haa… You ain’t throwin’ me with such lil’ sis’ stuff! Not a fair game!” But no matter how annoyed Yuuto tried to look, a chuckle escaped him. He lifted his free hand and ruffled Yuriko’s hair. “Fine, I’ll meet her. Tell her to come to that park nearby.”

When Yuriko had put her shoes back on and was ready to step out of Yuuto’s apartment, he grabbed her arm and nodded toward the door. “You sure it’s okay to go alone with him?” 

Glancing at the door, Yuriko frowned. Azusa was waiting for her behind it, but she was aware that he could hear them. She placed her hand over Yuuto’s and pushed to remove it from her arm. “I’m sure… don’t worry, Yuuto. I have lived with them for a while now. Neither of them is hurting me or anything like that.”

“He seems… unstable.” Yuuto sighed. “Look, I’ve seen shitty things. Some people just lose it if too much happens. Dontcha be too near to him when… Haa… if things start to go south.”

“Really, Yuuto?” Yuriko placed her hands on her hips and stared at her brother. “You… you and me… have gone through lots of bad stuff too. We… should get others a chance to prove themselves before judging.”

“He pretty much proved himself today…” Yuuto turned his gaze to the wall. “You’re much more stubborn than a little sister should be. You should listen to me more.”

“I… I… start to listen when you… umh… start to make sense.” Yuriko wanted to kick something. As much as she enjoyed having a brother, she wished that Yuuto didn’t butt in her decisions constantly. It had been enough that she had tried to be good for mother and fath– Keisuke. That hadn’t mattered in the least. Now, she would do as she wished. She would keep the happiness that had been handed to her. Even if she needed to fight for it.

“Hmph, vixens should always do as foxes are telling them…”

This again? Yuriko glared at Yuuto. That was the stupidest reason he could come up with, especially since he had learned it from their relatives who had kept him against his will in the Demon World for years.

“Maybe you should reconsider that. You wanted out of there… Now, you should play by the rules of this realm.” Why couldn’t Yuuto understand? Yuriko had imagined how they would do fun things together, how she would finally have a family member who supported her… but she had gotten an overly protective douchebag of a brother who couldn’t accept how she was living her life. “I… I… will go now. I’ll visit you again later. Maybe with Ruki that time. See you later, Yuuto.”

This time Yuriko was allowed to step out. She pressed the door shut behind her and took a deep breath. The sweltering and moist afternoon air slithered into her lungs while enveloping every inch of her skin, making her feel instantly sweaty. It hadn’t been this bad last summer… or any summer before but this year the heat was really a bother.

The walk through the city did not feel any better since the sun was scorching from above. Yuriko was relieved when they finally stepped into the park which had at least some shadows. She hurried under the trees. Maybe they should have used the limousine, but she had insisted on walking since she wasn’t allowed to go jogging in the woods while Ruki was away.

“Are you… sad, Yuriko-chan?” Azusa’s words took Yuriko aback. She glanced at the Vampire next to her, shaking her head.

“Umh… no, Azusa-kun. I simply wish that Yuuto would see how good people you all are.”

“Good… people…?” It almost looked like Azusa couldn’t quite understand what Yuriko meant. “But… are you… missing Ruki now?”

Yuriko turned her gaze to the path they were walking. Going through here would take them into the forest but perhaps that was for the best. Surely, it was less sweaty there. “I’m looking forward to him coming home, yes. And I hope everything is alright with Karlheinz-sama.”

“The Vampire king?!” The voice bounced behind the trees at the same time as a white-grey head peeked out. Amber-yellow eyes pierced Yuriko but they seemed friendly.

Within seconds, Azusa had moved in front of Yuriko. A young man stepped out, scratching his head, and laughing like he was nervous. He was only a little taller than Yuriko. She was pretty sure they must be around the same age. But the most interesting detail arrived when the wind shifted and made the scent of the man waft toward Yuriko and Azusa.

A Kitsune. Without a doubt. He smelled like Yuuto, yet a bit different. In a similar manner, the Vampires had a distinguished scent but each of them was still unique. 

Yuuto said that white fur is rare for the Yako… So, does it mean that this man is… What was the other name? Yuriko shifted, trying to see better behind Azusa.

“You are… a fox person…” Azusa lifted his hand to prevent Yuriko from dashing in front of him. 

“Yeah, I surely am.” The Kitsune grinned, flashing his canines, and ruffled his hair. “The cutest fox in the city… Though… Now, I’m not sure anymore. You have such a cutie there~”

“Emh… How do you know that I am…?” Yuriko placed her hand on Azusa’s shoulder but stayed put.

“Easy! My brother and I saw you in the cafe before… and that smell of yours. Though, there’s so much Vampire in it too.” The Kitsune stopped for a moment, moving a bit closer. “Now, it makes sense. You sure hang out with these Vampires a lot. Such a cool vixen you are! I hope the blond one didn’t give you real trouble… For a moment I wanted to jump in there but Toshi-nii said it would be too dangerous…”

Just how much did this young man talk? Yuriko tried to keep at his pace and absorb every word. Suddenly, it dawned on her. The two white-haired men in the cafe and later in the street when she had talked with Kou! 

And in the library too. But it wasn’t this man… So… probably this Toshi-san he mentioned…

“Yuriko-chan… we must go…” Azusa took Yuriko’s arm and started to pull her along the path, making sure he was in between her and the Kitsune.

“But… but… He seems like a good person!” Yuriko glanced back. 

“I am a cute person!” The man waved his hand. “Kozima Toru is the name! I’m happy to meet a new vixen in the city, but I can see you’re busy now. Let’s talk more later~ Maybe after the mating season is over!”

Kozima Toru? Yuriko glanced back again but the Kitsune had disappeared. The name didn’t ring any bells to her but at least it wasn’t Nakamura, her grandpa’s family name. Perhaps her grandfather had not sent this man after her. Men. The first time, there had been two of them.  But then… They were tailing her on their own? That didn’t seem alright either, and Yuriko was sure Ruki wouldn’t like the news. Yet, she also knew it was better to tell him when he would come back home. Keeping secrets wouldn’t do any good, right?

[innerpalaces]

The Life of a Cannon Fodder Mother-in-Law - 12

Chapter 12: The Deceived Mother-in-Law 12

It's impossible to marry her.

From the beginning, Qi Zhengming never thought about marrying Cheng Rumeng, who was born into a minor family.

Especially in the past few years, Liu Huixin has been considerate at home and outside. Because of her, he never had to worry about money. She had a cheerful personality and is not difficult to get along with. Of course, her temperament has changed like crazy recently, and it's really hard to get along with her. But in his opinion, this is only temporary. As long as she can be coaxed, life at home will be the same as before.

If he wanted to marry Cheng Rumeng... he would have to divorce his wife first. He couldn't bear the reputation of abandoning his wife. Besides, Cheng Rumeng could do nothing but serve others. Not to mention that she can't support a family, even if it's just interacting with relatives and friends, she probably can't handle it. To put it bluntly, Cheng Rumeng is not knowledgeable enough and is too petty to be the mistress of a prominent household.

Of course, Cheng Rumeng is only in her early thirties, looks young, and is not stupid. If she is determined to learn, she will be able to master it quickly. Master Zhang is willing to marry her, probably because he has such intentions, or he may have found a capable manager and does not expect anything from his wife at all.

But Qi Zhengming already has a capable wife at home, so why should he bother?

Seeing that he didn't say anything, Cheng Rumeng couldn't help but feel disappointed even though she had guessed his answer a long time ago. She sighed: "Since you can't marry me, don't stop me from getting married!"

was livid: "Rumeng, don't think it's so good to get married. It's not easy to be the mistress of a house. Master Zhang fell in love with you at first sight. In the final analysis, he was attracted by your beauty. If he can be so easily attracted to you, he can also easily be attracted to others. When the time comes, he will bring back beauties every few days, then what will you do? At your age, you can't have children, and you have no one to rely on in the Zhang Mansion. Even if I wanted to help you, I won't be able to. You could just continue to live here. You don't have to worry about food, clothing, housing, and transportation. What's not good about it?"

It was fine before, but ever since Liu Huixin suspected the two of them, Cheng Rumeng's every word and action has been watched, and she is not as comfortable as before. Three to five days are fine, but if she stays like this for the rest of her life, how will she live?

Now there is hope to get rid of all this and be a proper madam openly. Even a fool knows what to choose.

"I'm tired of sneaking around." Cheng Rumeng said seriously: "Master Zhang is a good person. Please don't stop me. It's a good way to part ways."

Qi Zhengming frowned darkly: "Is he that good?"

"Yes!" Cheng Rumeng said indifferently: "He can give me things openly. Every time he comes back from an outing, he sends a gift. But what about you?"

Qi Zhengming was speechless. The two have been involved with each other privately for many years, and he was hesitant about giving things away for fear of being suspected. The most he gave was money, but he didn't give too much. He himself didn't have much money...but he still  felt he didn't owe her anything.

In his opinion, Cheng Rumeng was a little ungrateful!

Qi Zhengming was annoyed and didn't want to lower himself to keep her. He asked: "Rumeng, have you really thought it through?"

Cheng Rumeng nodded.

Qi Zhengming's chest was blocked and he turned and left.

Cheng Rumeng opened her mouth, but didn't call him back in the end. She didn't want to get married, but Master Zhang was really generous. If she missed him, probably no one would care about her so much again.

After Qi Zhengming left, Cheng Rumeng stood in the yard in a daze, but there was another knock on the door. The maid went to open the door and brought in two more trays.

The tray was covered with cloth, and two pieces of silk were vaguely visible. Cheng Rumeng collected her thoughts and went forward to open them. They were indeed two rolls of silk, one pink and one purple. Just looking at the material, you could tell that the price was not cheap.

Although Cheng Rumeng was depressed, she couldn't help but curl her lips.

"Madam, where should I put it?"

Cheng Rumeng rubbed it for a long time and said, "Put it in my room and ask the embroiderer to come over. I will make new clothes and wear them to enjoy the maple leaves in a few days."

On the other side, after Zhao Zhenyan returned to the house, the couple restored their previous intimacy, as if Liu Chanchan had never appeared.

In the evening of that day, Liu Yuniang was about to take a rest when suddenly a steward came to report: "The young master just left the house in a hurry."

Liu Yuniang asked casually: "Why?"

"It seems that he went to the Liu residence." The steward didn't come to interrupt at any time and for any reason. He only came at this time because he thought this matter was important.

"Oh?" Liu Yuniang became interested and put on her clothes again: "Go and invite the young madam, let's go and have a look together."

The Liu family lived in an inconspicuous yard in a small alley. Liu Huixin had traveled there several times in her life, so Liu Yuniang naturally knew the way. After getting off the carriage, there were neighbors poking their heads out, as if something strange had happened.

The maid went to knock on the door.

The woman who opened the door was about forty years old, with gray hair. She was crying and sobbing, and immediately knelt down when she saw Liu Yuniang: "Madam... you may think that my daughter's life is worthless, but in my eyes, that is my flesh and blood, my biological daughter! You are also a mother... Please pity me and take her back to be a maid! Please... Please..."

The crying was so tragic, and the sincere love for her daughter was beyond words, which made anyone who heard it feel sad.

It was the same in her previous life. Liu Huixin came and gave a hundred taels of silver to convince the Liu family to marry off their daughter to someone else, but Liu Chanchan turned around and tried to commit suicide. Mother Liu also said something like this at the time. Liu Huixin was soft-hearted, and Qi Hechen couldn't bear the responsibility of a lost life, so Liu Chanchan finally entered the house.

Zhao Zhenyan's face was livid, and when she was about to refuse, Qi Hechen from under the eaves spoke first: "Mom, I want to marry her." Zhao Zhenyan glared at him angrily: "I don't allow it!" "Yan'er, she almost died." Qi Hechen wiped his face and pointed at the house: "You will know when you take a look." Zhao Zhenyan didn't want to go and look, and said in a deep voice: "I still won't agree!" Qi Hechen looked serious: "Aren't you afraid she'll die?" "No!" Zhao Zhenyan said stubbornly: "She shouldn't have been greedy for a married man. It wasn't me who let her die."

"Yan'er!" Qi Hechen said sternly, his eyes full of disappointment: "I didn't expect you to be so cruel. That's a human life. How can you be so contemptuous?" Zhao Zhenyan cried angrily: "Qi Hechen, if you didn't provoke her, how could she seek death? Even if she goes to the underworld, you can't blame me for this." At this point, she glanced at the mother-in-law beside her and immediately seemed to have found backing: "Mother, please be the judge!" Liu Yuniang stood aside and watched the Liu family crying and the young couple quarreling. Suddenly she heard Zhao Zhenyan calling her, and said calmly: "It is difficult for an upright official to judge household affairs. I'm a woman, but I don't have the ability to judge right from wrong." Zhao Zhenyan was unwilling to give in: "Mother, as I said before, I won't stop Hechen from taking a concubine, but it can't be like this..." She pointed to the room and said, "She seeks death at every turn. If she relied on this to enter the house today, it will only get worse in the future. If we take a concubine, at least we need one who is obedient and doesn't make trouble..." Seeing that Zhao Zhenyan still refused to agree, Qi Hechen said rudely: "Yan'er, I have made up my mind." He strode up to Mother Liu, stretched out his hand to help her up, took off a jade pendant from his waist, and put it in her hand: "This is the engagement gift. The sedan chair will come to pick her up in two days." Mother Liu cried with joy: "I thank Young Master Qi for his kindness on behalf of my daughter."

 Zhao Zhenyan felt her eyes hurt and couldn't help saying, "Husband, these are all their calculations, and you still go along with them so obediently..." "Shut up!" Qi Hechen said angrily: "If you had gone in to take a look at Chanchan, you wouldn't have said such things."

Liu Yuniang had just taken the time to take a look. Liu Chanchan's face was pale and she had indeed suffered. But she thought that what Zhao Zhenyan said was not wrong. As her name suggests, Liu Chanchan is a very difficult person. After the matter was settled, everyone was happy except Zhao Zhenyan who was so angry that she burst into tears. From the beginning to the end, Liu Yuniang never said anything about taking concubines. Before leaving, the Liu family thanked her profusely and treated her extremely politely. In her previous life, Liu Huixin was not treated like this, which made her feel like a nobody. Although the Liu family did not openly mock her, Liu Chanchan secretly hated her and later caused her a lot of trouble. When she got back to the carriage, Zhao Zhenyan was so angry that she stamped her feet. Seeing Liu Yuniang's expression was the same as usual, she couldn't help but ask, "Mother, don't you care?" "Hechen is not a child. I can't interfere too much in his affairs." Liu Yuniang got on the carriage by herself, not caring whether she got on or not. Now, Zhao Zhenyan, who was already angry, saw that her mother-in-law didn't even try to comfort her, so she turned around and went straight back to the Zhao family. Qi Hechen saw that the situation was bad, and chased after her to coax her.

Liu Yuniang didn't know what the two said in private. Anyway, Zhao Zhenyan, who had just returned to her natal home for a short stay, finally returned to the Qi Mansion. Two days later, Liu Chanchan entered the mansion. Qi Hechen was very busy these days, coaxing here and there. Even when he picked up a book to study, he was so upset that he couldn't read it at all. On the other side, Cheng Rumeng and Master Zhang had become increasingly close, and there was affection in every gesture. The two got engaged and made an appointment to go to the countryside to enjoy the maple trees. After Liu Yuniang heard about it, she specially ordered a carriage to be prepared and followed them to the countryside. Not long after, they "encountered" each other by chance in the maple forest. Liu Yuniang stepped forward with a smile and looked Cheng Rumeng's over with a smile: "What a coincidence." Cheng Rumeng was a little shy. Compared with the guilty conscience before, she felt particularly virtuous now. Savoring this calmness, she believed more and more that she had made the right choice. She smiled and nodded: "Huixin, what a coincidence." She glanced at where Liu Yuniang had come from: "Didn't Hechen's father accompany you?" Liu Yuniang waved her hand: "We are an old couple, what need is there for him to accompany me?" As she spoke, her eyes fell on her clothes: "I knew that this light purple material would look good on you." Upon hearing this, Cheng Rumeng was slightly stunned and looked down. She asked, "Is this material a gift from you?" Liu Yuniang raised her eyebrows and said, "Who else?" The person who brought the material didn't say who the sender was, so Cheng Rumeng assumed that it was from Master Zhang. Thinking of this, she suddenly had a bad premonition in her heart: "What about that jewelry before?" Liu Yuniang glanced sideways at her and said with a smile: "You and Master are busy getting to know each other, so naturally you have to have a few sets of jewelry that you can show off. Do you like them?" Cheng Rumeng: "..." She turned her head and looked at Master Zhang beside her, with thousands of words stuck in her throat.

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[zombiedumbie]

05. OH, HOME, LET COME HOME

'Wolf brought another strange kid home' masterlist.

based on Law's light novel, Shachi and Penguin's past, 1st person pov.

It took four days for them to wake up.

During that time, onnanoko and I took care of them, and the three of us took turns with household chores under Law's command, to continue helping Wolf while keeping an eye on the boys. I found it impressive how he could manage things.

"They were the boys who were messing with me in the forest", I told her as we cleaned them, the day before they woke up, and she asked me why I was helping them. I didn't understand why she asked that, so I just replied, "just because" and continued, too tired to understand the reason behind her question.

When they woke up, all of us were tired but happy to see them conscious. I could see how Law seemed concerned about the two of them. He often talked about the boy with the cap, who, despite still being weak due to the hole in his stomach, would be fine as long as we took care of him.

He was the first to wake up, an hour or two before his friend. Onnanoko hid at the top of the stairs. He seemed bothered by his injury, but he could speak calmly. He kept looking at me in a strange way and always turned his face when I looked back at him.

But Law mainly talked about the boy with the cap that had 'Penguin' written on it and his arm. Sometimes at night, he stayed awake in the living room, looking at him with concern. Law was worried about his arm, I didn't understand why, but he explained to me that such surgery was very complicated, and it wasn't just about putting his arm back in place; there were several things he needed to sew in the exact right place for him to be able to use his arm again. I stayed with him in the living room during those nights.

Then 'Penguin' woke up, onnanoko climbed a few more steps, and Law seemed even tenser. Wolf stopped right at the door, arms crossed while he watched us, and the other boy bit his lips nervously.

"I'm going to remove your bandages. See if you can move your arm and fingers", Law said, cutting his bandages with scissors.

"O-Okay..." He replied, terrified. Even onnanoko approached a bit closer, watching everything while peering through the wall of the staircase.

He sighed, looking at his arm with fear. I saw his muscle contract, and then he moved his little finger, followed by the ring finger, the middle finger, index finger, and thumb. Surprised, he raised his arm and bent his elbow, moving his forearm.

Everyone in the room breathed a sigh of relief. I was so happy to see him able to move his arm that I hugged him without even thinking, and he was crying, sniffing while I hugged him tightly. The boy with the cap was crying too. Both of them seemed relieved to be well. I could hardly hold back my tears watching them happy and thanking Law.

"Thank you, thank you so much!" 'Penguin' said, bowing his head when I let go.

"Oh man, I was so scared! I thought it was a lost case... But I'm alive, thanks to you!" The boy with the cap said between tears and a huge smile on his face. He still looked pale and weak, but he was happy. I restrained my desire to hug him too.

It took almost a week, but they were almost fully recovered. Law said they seemed very aware of what had happened. Wolf and I helped 'Penguin' with his recovery, Law explained that he needed to move his arm due to the surgery and the time he spent immobile. Onnanoko also wanted to help, but her fear seemed to overwhelm her, especially when she had to face two new people.

The best she could do was to be in the same room with them without hiding, but she cooked and helped us with some things so that we could assist them. Wolf frequently grumbled, complained and sniffed, making faces, but Law said that was how he showed he was happy, so he hadn't kicked them out yet.

Law decided to ask them what had happened now that they were better.

"First, you two brats, what are your names?! I can't stand calling you 'cap' and 'Penguin' anymore!" Wolf said, getting up. "I am Wolf, the genius inventor Wolf! That's how you should call me, with a lot of respect!" Law chuckled and crossed his arms.

"Pay no mind to him; he's just an old man who makes a lot of junk", I heard onnanoko stifling a laugh, Wolf looked at the two of them, incredulous.

"Shut up, brat! And don't butt into the conversation when you're not called!"

"If you say so..." And then the two of them made the same face and turned away, red. Onnanoko and I laughed at them while the two boys watched in confusion.

They talked amongst themselves before introducing themselves, 'cap' was Shachi, and 'Penguin' was... well, Penguin.

"Shachi and Penguin, huh. You can start by telling us how you got hurt", Wolf asked, and I was surprised by how calm his voice was.

So the two explained. They were living in a tent in the forest, and on the day of the accident, while they were cooking meat, a wild boar hit Shachi in the stomach. Penguin tried to hit it with a bomb, but it exploded shortly after he threw it. Penguin said he had stolen the bomb from the town, when Wolf was curious about why they had one.

"I understand. You shouldn't be stealing, but I can see why you'd want to protect yourselves from wild beasts", he replied, sipping his tea. We all fell silent for a few moments, and then Law spoke, as if he read my mind.

"Where are your parents?" We all fell silent, waiting for one of them to answer.

Their parents had died in a minor tsunami six months ago. Because of that, they had to live with Shachi's uncles, who made them commit petty thefts and smuggle weapons through the city. We were all upset about everything, and onnanoko hugged my arm, hiding her face in my shoulder, and I could feel her tears wetting my fur. So I placed a hand on her head while listening to them.

"We were never treated as people. To them, we were just slaves. So we ran away. But we had nowhere to go and no way to make money, so we built a tent in the forest and tried to live a real life there... but... I don't even know what the point of living is", Penguin began to cry, and I felt very sad for the two of them.

Wolf and Law exchanged looks as the two boys cried in front of us. I could only feel very sad after hearing what they had been through. If I had known that earlier, I could have shared my food with them when we first met. Onnanoko just left and went back to her room without saying anything.

"If you hadn't saved us, we would have died in the forest. Thank you so much! And..." Shachi turned to me, and I opened my eyes a bit wider, confused. "Polar Bear... you took care of us all this time. Feeding us, helping with our rehabilitation... there are no words to express our gratitude!"

My cheeks burned when Shachi said that, and I didn't understand why he was thanking me. I had just done what needed to be done! But I worried about his effort in moving and talking so much while crying. I stretched both hands in front of my body, waving them to try to show them that they didn't need to do that.

"You... You don't have to thank me. It's natural to help someone who's injured, isn't it?" I tried to reassure him.

"It's more than that! We hit you. Kicked you, punched you. Being kind to someone who did that is more than 'natural'!" Shachi replied, and I felt embarrassed. It didn't matter anymore, after all, they still needed help, and I could help them.

Before I realized it, the two of them were bowing their heads in front of me. "Polar Bear... No, Bepo... Thank you for helping us. We are so, so sorry for taking our anger out on you!" I remained silent for a while, not knowing how to respond so that they understood that it was already in the past.

"You... Don't worry about that! I have no problem helping you!" I replied the best way I could think, but they continued to bow their heads, crying. I looked at Law and Wolf in despair, hoping they would help me with this.

Fortunately, Law finally spoke up.

"Say, you two..." And then, Law invited them to stay with us. My face lit up with the idea; I smiled enthusiastically at the two of them. But then I heard Wolf complaining.

"Did you forget that this house is mine?!" But then Law ignored him.

"Besides, Bepo and onnanoko are already part of my team," and my whole world brightened, and I practically jumped toward Law.

"Really?! This is the first time I've heard that!" I replied excitedly; I couldn't wait to tell that to onnanoko! "Aye, aye!"

"Please, let us stay here!" Penguin and Shachi begged in unison, then Wolf grumbled before complaining again.

"Hey, brats! I don't think I can do anything about it. I'll let you stay here. But make no mistake! I'm not your guardian, and I don't want to be!" He scolded, waving his arms like crazy while speaking. "I won't be part of your family, let alone your friend! The only relationship I need is to give and receive! Alright?!" I saw Law raise his eyebrows when he mentioned family; he probably thought about onnanoko but chose to remain silent.

"You need a place to live, and I need extra hands to help with household chores and my inventions! A fair exchange! As soon as the injured are healed, I'll put all of you to work in the city so you can experience real work! Any questions?!"

We didn't say anything. I thought it was fair, after all, he was letting us live with him in exchange for help.

Wolf's face turned red, and then he left, sniffing and stomping his feet with force. I was excited to have more people living with us, but I worried about the girl, Law told me to leave her alone, as the story of the two boys might have been too heavy for her.

[aita-blorbos]

aita for failing?

i (19f) am… i think you'd call it a nun? i mostly live in the mountains with my stepmother. that's not really relevant to the story, what you need to know about is my sister D.

D was in college at the time. we didn't really talk much after i failed to help her escape her terrible family -- we live in different households -- back when we were 14. (she did manage to get out in the end, but i was too scared to be there for her, and i think she's kind of held a grudge against me ever since.)

anyway, D was a college student, and for reasons that aren't relevant here she was trying to get this necklace back from another college student P (21m) who she said had fallen madly in love with her. my sister's really good at charming people so this wasn't news to me, but P was refusing to give her back her necklace because D had initially shoved it onto him and said something about it being a sign of their eternal love for each other, and P had taken that really seriously.

i can't stress enough how much D had to get this necklace back. it was a matter of life and death for her -- not sentimentally but for actual, legal reasons. she was desperate. and i know how D can spiral when she's desperate, so i reached out. we're twins, after all. i told her i could pretend to be her, date P for a few days, ask him nicely for the necklace and everything would be fine!

well, i underestimated P. he was madly in love with her. he wore the necklace everywhere, never taking it off even to sleep, and when i found him again he'd just come back from theater class, almost glowing as he talked to his slightly-less-spiky-haired friend about the brightness of D's smile and showing him how pretty the necklace was. if i were actually D i might have had a conniption right then and there.

instead i asked him out on a date.

and -- i tried. i really did. i asked him every day if he could please give the necklace back, told him i could give him a new one -- said it was important to me, even tried guilt-tripping him the way D taught me and said he was hurting me, at which point he looked so incredibly wounded and might actually have given the necklace back but i couldn't stand him looking like that, like i had broken his heart just with those words.

it wasn't P's fault just like it wasn't D's, you have to understand. he was the best boyfriend i could ever ask for. he took me into the city and didn't laugh at the awe i couldn't conceal, because i really do love the mountains but i've never experienced the festivals and music and life of the urban jungle. he got me chocolates even when it wasn't valentine's and i didn't tell him i'm allergic, but i think he figured it out because he got me flowers the next day, and he hugged me when i surprised him with the best chocolate i could find in the supermarket.

he was just -- wonderful. and i took it for granted. i asked about the necklace but i never pushed, i didn't take the threat to D's life seriously enough…

she must have realized, after so long. she must have figured i was useless, and she must have been so scared and i didn't help just like that time five years ago -- i failed to get her necklace back for six whole months

P wasn't hurt, at least. but someone else was -- D pushed him into a power line and he was electrocuted, and P was framed for it and D went to court to testify, but the attorney for the defense figured everything out (except for my involvement -- she thought D really had been dating P that whole time) and D was

well, she's in jail now. and they're deciding on when to schedule the execution.

i went back to the temple in the mountains. i couldn't tell P anything, obviously, and visiting D was… too much of a reminder of everything i'd failed at.

if i'd gotten her necklace back everything would have been fine. but now my sister is all but dead because of me. and that poor boy. and feenie…

[glorious-spoon]

in the night we trust [9-1-1 | Buck/Eddie | 2/3]

Rating: Explicit Wordcount: ~ 6000 this chapter / ~12000 total Warnings: None Other tags: Porn with plot; Sharing a bed; Idiots in love; First kiss; First time; Feelings realization (eventually) Summary: Eddie and Buck start sleeping together when they’re all stuck at Buck’s place during lockdown. It still takes them almost three years to notice that they’re in love.

Chapter Two on AO3

So this thing with Buck is an unexpected bright spot in what has otherwise been a monumentally shitty couple of months, but that doesn’t change the fact that they have in fact been monumentally shitty. He hasn’t seen his son in person since March. That’s the longest he’s gone doing fatherhood through the medium of screens since he got out of the military, and the fact that it’s absolutely and entirely for Christopher’s safety doesn’t actually do much to quell his miserable guilt about it.

Chris seems to be doing well, at least. Maybe he’s just used to it, which doesn’t make Eddie feel any less guilty, but—he’s happy. He’s enjoying his classes. Pepa, who is working from home these days, has gotten him into a few new telenovelas and he’s been earnestly recapping the plots of to Eddie on their nightly Zoom calls while Eddie listens, enraptured, trying not to let his heart squeeze too much that he’s not right there on the couch with Chris, absorbed in the melodrama.

“When are you going to come home, Dad?” Chris asks, like he always does, and Eddie’s chest does another one of those miserable little squeezes.

“Soon, bud. Soon, I promise. How’s everything over there?”

“It’s good, but I miss you.”

“I miss you too,” Eddie says, and means it with his entire heart. “Is Tía Pepa there? Can I talk to her?”

His aunt looks tired when Chris hands the tablet off to her—worn down a little, like she hasn’t been putting in her usual effort at getting all done up these days, with no one to see her. Just another thing about the world that has turned strange these past months.

“We’re fine, we’re fine,” she says when he asks, waving him off with an impatient flick of her hands. “How have you been? Have you been eating properly?”

Eddie laughs. “As well as I do at home, at least. Better, probably.”

That much isn’t a lie. Buck is no Bobby, but he has managed to expand his repertoire well beyond the box meals that make up the bulk of Eddie’s home cooking. Chim is only slightly less hopeless than Eddie, but Hen’s a good cook, and they’ve been splitting up the household chores accordingly. Eddie eats better these days; he also does a lot more dishes.

“And how is that? Living with Buck?”

“Uh,” Eddie says, and to his mortification, heat flares in his cheeks. He’s out on the balcony for some measure of privacy, his back to the sliding door that opens onto Buck’s bedroom, the mattress just visible beyond. “It’s, uh, it’s been really good. Buck’s been a really great host.”

Continue on AO3

[imaginefan]

Reveal

Darryl Morris X Fem!Reader

Word Count: 749

Requested: Anon

Request: Please write a story about reader exposing her magic to save Daryll and that is how he finds out about the magical world. Reader is a friend of the Halliwell but she also has feelings for Daryll.

“So he helps you but he doesn’t know that you’re witches?” You asked as you looked at the Halliwells, they nodded and you shrugged “okay.” You had known the Halliwell sisters since you were little, your parents moved away when you were younger but you managed to keep in contact so when you moved back now that you were older, you were finally able to properly reconnect with them. They were telling you about all of the people that knew about them and the ones that helped them as well. They had just started talking about Darryl, a police officer that was leaving at the time that you had arrived. You briefly greeted him before he left to go back to the station.

“We’ve been able to hide it so far.” Phoebe nodded. “You’ve been lucky then.” You smiled, you knew how hard it was to keep the secret from people close to you, you’d been doing it since you were a teenager. “Very.” Piper nodded, “we need to be more careful around him.” “Noted.” You nodded. “Well enough about that boring stuff, let’s go get food, you can see Piper’s bar too.” Phoebe said as she linked arms with you. “You have a bar?” You asked. “Yeah, I’ve got to head down there to open up soon, so you guys go for dinner and I’ll meet you at the bar afterwards.” She suggested and you nodded. “Fine but then we’ll have to get breakfast sometime.” You informed her and she nodded. “Sure.” She confirmed.

You had been there for a couple of months when you ended up out one night, you don’t know what Darryl was doing out so late but you noticed that there was a demon following him, you tried to get to him before it could do anything but you realised that the only way you could save him was to use your powers, the only thing that stopped you was that he would be able to see you. “(Y/N) get away from here!” He ordered waving you away, the demon turned to you and you knew that there was no other option, you lifted you hand allowing your powers to take care of the demon in front of you. “W-what?” Darryl walked over to you and looked over your face and body “are you okay?” “Yeah I’m fine.” You nodded and he looked at you and then the space where the demon had been. “What was that? What happened to it?” He asked. “It was a demon and I got rid of it.” You answered, you couldn’t bring yourself to say that you killed it, not when he didn’t understand the world that you lived in. “You got rid of it?” He asked. “I… You have to promise to hear me out.” You said and he nodded waiting for you to talk, you hesitated for a moment before continuing to explain everything to him, you left out the part about the Halliwells being witches too, that was for them to tell. “Are you messing with me?” He asked. “Why would I be messing with you? You asked. “You saw what I just did, you saw it but in case you need another example.” You opened your palm to show the small flame that appeared in your hand. “You really meant that?” He asked. “Look you don’t have to talk to me right now, I’ll give you some time but if you still want to be friends then you know where I live.” You said, you turned and walked away and honestly it worried you that he didn’t stop you but you knew that you needed to give him time. You hoped that you hadn’t ruined everything without at least telling him how you felt about him.

You went straight to the Halliwell household to tell them what happened “So you told him everything?” Phoebe asked. “I told him everything about me.” You answered “he doesn’t know anything about you.” “How did he take it?” Piper asked. “He didn’t run screaming.” You shrugged “other than that, there wasn’t really a reaction.” “Oh honey we’re sorry.” They each hugged you as Phoebe took your hand. “Stay here tonight, at least if that demon comes looking for you, we’ll be here too.” You knew that she just wanted you to stay because you were sad but you didn’t have it in your to fight so you let her lead you to your room for the night.

Requests and general question!

[ocshenanigans]

A little bit about Siete since I'm bored hehe <3

Lemme know if you wanna learn about any other ocs! ^^

1. Water. If a friend teases them for being boring they might order a black coffee. And then water it down because they like it really weak. (Has very few fucks about what others think. Doesn't think of food and drink as much more than something to keep you going)

2. When their depression is bad, they don't really do much self care stuff and over-exercise. When it's a bit better, they just do the basics: showering, brushing their teeth, wearing clean clothes, that kind of thing. They don't have hair so no need to maintain it. They also keep a decent exercise routine and regularly play with their dogs.

3. They have their needs taken care of and live very comfortably, but they don't really get disposable income (They're still a minor). They would steal what they wanted anyways so no need. The most expensive thing they own (other than their pets asdfjkl-) is their very nice knife. They make sure it stays in good condition. (They also did actually buy that!)

4. They have a lot of scars. Most of their childhood was spent either in an abusive household or as a child solider so there's very few parts of them that aren't scarred. They don't care except for the ones on their back.

Don't ask about those.

They want to get a tattoo when they are old enough. They haven't settled on a design (bc I haven't either) but it'll be representative of how far they've come.

5. They don't cry. Crying would show weakness. (It was late at night into their dog's fur because of the flashbacks from their time as a soldier)

6. Well they are one of many clones of another OC, Aggy. If you count all the fellow clones, they'd be a middle child. But they, like the other clones, were sent to a random AU and was raised as an only child.

7. Good quality secondhand boots or sneakers, or no shoes at all. Whatever is easiest to run and fight in

8. They sleep in a simple twin sized bed pushed into a corner. They typically sleep squished between their two dogs or cuddled around them both. Sometimes they fall asleep on their beanbag. Their room is very simple and utilitarian other than that beanbag.

9. They don't really understand the point of holidays. Their new family has tried to explain but they still don't get why everyone likes them so much.

Halloween is kinda amusing though.

10. They have to have their knife on them at all times or they will panic. They prefer to have their dogs with them but can manage fine without them. Anything else is optional.

So my problem with most ‘get to know your character’ questioneers is that they’re full of questions that just aren’t that important (what color eyes do they have) too hard to answer right away (what is their greatest fear) or are just impossible to answer (what is their favorite movie.)  Like no one has one single favorite movie. And even if they do the answer changes.

If I’m doing this exercise, I want 7-10 questions to get the character feeling real in my head. So I thought I’d share the ones that get me (and my students) good results: 

What is the character’s go-to drink order? (this one gets into how do they like to be publicly perceived, because there is always some level of theatricality to ordering drinks at a bar/resturant)

What is their grooming routine? (how do they treat themselves in private)

What was their most expensive purchase/where does their disposable income go? (Gets you thinking about socio-economic class, values, and how they spend their leisure time)

Do they have any scars or tattoos? (good way to get into literal backstory) 

What was the last time they cried, and under what circumstances? (Good way to get some *emotional* backstory in.) 

Are they an oldest, middle, youngest or only child? (This one might be a me thing, because I LOVE writing/reading about family dynamics, but knowing what kinds of things were ‘normal’ for them growing up is important.)

Describe the shoes they’re wearing. (This is a big catch all, gets into money, taste, practicality, level of wear, level of repair, literally what kind of shoes they require to live their life.)

Describe the place where they sleep. (ie what does their safe space look like. How much (or how little) care / decoration / personal touch goes into it.)

What is their favorite holiday? (How do they relate to their culture/outside world. Also fun is least favorite holiday.) 

What objects do they always carry around with them? (What do they need for their normal, day-to-day routine? What does ‘normal’ even look like for them.) 

[purplesurveys]

1832

What do you want more than anything else? A weekend. I haven't had one in over a month...and I probably won't have another one until May.

Do you have to cross any bridges on your way home? Yes, just one but it's also really short and takes like 10 seconds to drive through if there's no traffic lol. 10-15 minutes if there is traffic.

What type of phone do you have? I have an iPhone 13 Pro.

Have you ever tried coconut water? No. Beyond coconut milk in curries, I hate coconut in any other capacity. I just find it kinda nasty.

Are you able to keep a lid on your temper? I definitely try my best. Having such a crucial leadership role at work helps with the temper management because I know I can't bitch whenever I want anymore, in the same way I used to be able to. I lead the entire department now, and any move I make will almost always be watched by my team. Can't go about being a bad, grouchy influence at this point.

What colour are the blankets on your bed? It's blue.

What was the last thing you said aloud? "Ugh," when I realized I needed to pick up something the moment I landed on my bed.

Is there anybody who makes you feel empowered? Not really. I can do that for myself.

Does your house have a basement? Nope.

How many online accounts do you have? Or have you lost count? I don't keep track.

Which Asian country would you like to visit the most? I'd honestly just go back to Thailand.

Are you the type to hold grudges? Yes.

What was the last video game you played? Mario Kart 8.

What’s your favourite flavour of vitamin water? I've never tried vitamin water.

Are there any bands/artists that get you all emotional? Certain songs of theirs, sure; but not the actual artists.

What do you think about double stuff oreos? I've never tried but tbh I'm just fine with the normal ones.

Are you happy in your own skin? Sure, I can say that.

Have you ever been to a convention? (comic, Youtube, etc.) Just once, for YouTubers.

Do you have any disgusting habits? I'm sure most people have at least one.

Can you get your favourite fruit all year around, or is it seasonal? I don't have a favorite fruit.

What brand are most of the electronics in your household? I want to say Apple? When both my parents switched to iPhones and my sister got a work Mac from her current company I think it tipped the scales once and for all for Apple hahaha.

Is any part of your body hurting right now? My back, because when is it not in pain hahaha.

What’s your favourite aunt or uncle’s first name? Anna.

Do you prefer your tea with or without milk? I don't drink tea.

What sound makes you cringe? When utensils scrape against a plate in an angle that'll make it have this nasty screech sound.

Have you ever smoked a cigarette? I have.

If so, do you still smoke? Nah.

What do you think about androgynous names? I really like them for girls.

Do you see yourself getting married one day? Not in the cards.

Do you get sick often? I don't. The one exception was the time last year when I got sick two months in a row...first time it ever happened and I was genuinely shocked because I came from never ever getting sick to getting shot down by a fever two months straight.

Who was the last person you invited into your home? Angela, Hans, Reena for my birthday last year.

Are you of legal drinking age in the country you live in? For the last 8 years.

How old were your parents when they got engaged? Not sure exactly which year they got engaged, but I would guess it was when they were 24-25.

Are your parents still together? Yup.

What flavour was the last ice cream you ate? Vanilla.

Are you health conscious? No.

Have you ever done a first aid course? I haven't.

If so, would you be prepared to perform CPR if necessary? I honestly wouldn't be; I need a CPR refresher.

Are you for or against gay marriage? I'm going with the correct answer, which is being for.

Do you have any friends who bat for the other team? They would not be my friends in the first place.

Have you ever written a letter to a politician? Nope.

Are there any songs that get stuck in your head very easily? Chasing That Feeling by TXT is insanely good.

[originalpackersandmoversblog]

The Top 8 Great Ways to Deal With Complex Moving Items

As of late, your Bangalore to Delhi move with the packers and movers in Bangalore got settled and as you've for a long time needed, this time as well, you are employing movers for fractional migration administrations, for example just for those merchandise that you view as trying to deal with. Because you have a tight budget and must be frugal with the costs that come with it, you have considered doing the rest of the housework on your own.

Fine, in that case, we would suggest that you expand your research and investigate some useful cost-saving moving tips and tricks to keep the moving assignment within your budget. But before we get into the content of this blog, we just want to talk about the inventory process for your move.

Because you won't be able to make a good packing plan for your move unless you know which household items you are willing to move, cataloging would be an essential part of the move.

Note: It is obvious that you have accumulated a lot of stuff if you have lived in your current home for a long time, and it is also obvious that not all of your current household items would not be suitable for moving. It's possible that there will be broken, mismatched, damaged, old, or unusable items. These things ought to be painstakingly gone through and afterward stacked up according to their utility.

Keep: Everything in your kitchen, study, bedroom, and other common areas—things that are essential to your daily life and housing—as well as all of the useful items in your home should be carefully considered prior to the move and packed for the move.

Donate: Donating household goods that you don't want to sell because they won't make you any money due to their condition is an option. But make sure the things you give away can be used by other people or have some value to them in their lives.

Sell: Things that albeit not helpful to you yet could be of worth to another person. Anything that can be used again by someone else—not by you—may be offered for sale. In advance of the move, you can hold a backyard sale or sell any unused but gently used items to stores.

Discard: Things that are in bad shape and you don't want to move to your new house. Before the move, get rid of any odd, broken, or out of place items.

With that out of the way, let's move on to the moving tips for handling complicated household items:

• Pack kitchen supplies securely: Let's begin with the packing of the kitchen items due to two factors: a) their intricate design and often unique shape; and b) the fact that handling them on their own could be challenging. Therefore, exercise caution and make use of the appropriate sizes and types of boxes, such as double-walled boxes, cushion foam, stretch wrap, plastic sheets, and so on.

• Purchase sturdy packing for the delicate items: Bubble cushioning, corrugated boxes, special dish packing boxes, cardboard boxes, plastic stretch wrap, and other similar materials – In short, you should put together everything you need to manage your collection of fragile items. Take it easy on the process and pay attention to the steps you take to avoid accidentally breaking something.

• Give appliances preparation time: We all have a variety of large and small appliances that seem to be difficult to move. We can, however, manage our range of kitchen or household appliances with the right steps, the right tools, enough time, and patience. However, we would suggest that you leave that to the experts because they will simply do it better.

• Use your imagination when packing clothes: There are a lot of helpful tips for packing your clothes on the internet. If the professionals aren't going to pack it for you, you can pack it yourself if you want to save time and effort. Just pack it in a simple way. Choose packing methods that save space so that your boxes don't get too heavy.

• Make use of any cardboard boxes you have: For the purpose of the packing process, the professionals will bring the required number of moving cartons with them, but you can order them online or from the market if you prefer. You can also make use of the boxes you have kept from online and other market purchases at your place.

• Fill each storage box or bag with items: Pack your items using all of the storage bags and containers at your location. If you want to keep your moving costs down, don't use up the space in your suitcases and other luggage bags. Keep in mind, assuming you go through the current stockpiling choices from your family, you will get a good deal on your turn.

• Cushion items that are delicate: The padding ought to be thick and of high quality for delicate items. T-shirts, bed sheets, towels, wraps, tissue paper, discarded clothing, and other soft household materials can all be utilized. if you are packing decorative items or showpieces. Use dedicated boxes for crockery.

• Protect all electronic things well: Things like computers, televisions, music players, and other electronic devices should be adequately prepared for the move. Before you begin, ensure that the item's cables and cords have been removed and that the data has been backed up. Wrap the item securely with furniture blankets and foam sheets. Ensure accurate labeling so that packages of goods can be easily tracked after the move.

We hope that this collection of packing tips and additional moving advice was of some use to you. For the remaining moving assistance, you should talk to your Bangalore-based team of hired movers and packers to ensure that you remain prepared throughout the move!

[9thbutterfly]

So.

(It's long. I'm sorry. But I really want your thoughts.)

If you'd asked me a year and a half ago how the rest of my life would go, I would have told you: (barring any personal or economic catastrophes)keep running my plant nursery, eventually buy it off the guy I was renting it from, raise plants and apprentices and my own child in those greenhouses, be an integral part of the village as a supplier of plants and jobs...

(I mean. I was constantly at the brink of burnout, so I don't know if it would have been possible. But I loved it. It was very much a vocation, not just a job.)

And then all of that was yanked away as the guy I was renting from (who was also my former boss, and - I thought - friend) decided to not extend my contract and give the business to his daughter instead - who had never worked there, or in another plant nursery.

Anyway.

I ran through many scenarios for my future then, from buying land and starting up my own business, to just giving the fuck up and working at the nearest grocery store. Eventually I settled for a middle ground and got a job at a nearby privately owned garden centre.

And it was okay, I got along great with most colleagues, the hours and the pay were fine, but it still left me unsatisfied.

Gonna copy something I wrote Elsewhere On The Internet because I can't be arsed to write it again.

When I was still employed at my previous workplace, I didn't actually think about this. But I was an essential part of a small team, doing an important part to keep the business running and the village supplied with plants.

Then, obviously, I was running the nursery myself, and needed to make enough money to live on and to pay my rent so that Former Boss and his wife could live on that, too.

But more than that, I was providing jobs to several other people and thus the money for their lives, too (and some of them might have had a difficult time finding a different job), and an education for my apprentice, both of which felt far more meaningful than just making money.

And I don't have any of that now, I'm just one of many, and if I was gone tomorrow, I don't think they would struggle.

And partly it's also the customers and the things we sell. At my previous workplace, selling vegetable plants was selling future food, and flowers as a part of a well-maintained household, if that makes sense. At my current place, it feels more like selling plants as a lifestyle product, for lack of a better word. Flowers that look good right now, but not necessarily in two weeks, a tomato plant or two because that's the thing you do these days, but not twenty to can a year's supply of tomato sauce...

I don't know. It just feels pointless, like if the whole business disappeared, barely anyone's life would be affected in a major way.

That alone wouldn't make me look for something else. But a few weeks ago I finally managed to corner my boss (who is mostly at the other location, so I don't see him much) and ask about winter. I always knew I would be unemployed for a while (I did the same with my employees, because there just isn't much to do in the winter.)

What I didn't expect was FOUR MONTHS. What I didn't expect was that unemployment money has gone down so much that I now get less than ten-ish years ago before getting my master education with accompanying pay rise. So it doesn't come even close to covering my expenses.

(Also he kept hiring more people, so I sometimes couldn't even work my scheduled hours because there simply WAS no work, let alone build up overtime that I could use up to stay employed a bit longer.) I would get a confirmation that he intends to re-hire me, so the unemployment agency should leave me alone, and not force me to look for jobs)

So.

Do I

(and this is where I am looking for your thoughts)

- live off my savings for four months and give myself time to further recover from my borderline burnout? (I have noticed that I feel significantly better than at the beginning of the year, and I was looking forward to having time off and getting to all the projects I never have time for. Especially stuff that would hopefully improve my life in the long run.)

- find something with very few hours so I can collect unemployment in addition to it (technically possible, but I would need a note from my employer that they do not need me for more hours. Also, most of those jobs are only Saturdays, and do I really want to work every Saturday from now until end of February? On the other hand, I would still get some free time, I would have enough money, and I would feel less guilty about quitting that job to go back to my current one.)

- look for something seasonal in retail until Christmas? (Would still give me January and February off, but then I still would have too little money for those months, and I would rather have time off before Christmas rather than after.)

- look for something else in horticulture (still no work in winter, probably, and a longer drive)

- say fuck it and look for something else entirely (what can I even do? Retail, I guess. Childcare seems kind of interesting but pay is abysmal, so it's not really an option. If I end up hating it I can always go back to my current job in spring. And if it's just okay, well... I have "just okay" now. I mean, yeah, I love working with plants, but most of what I do is just unloading carts that come from the production facility, and being on the register. I could do that while not suffering in the heat and the cold and the rain. On the other hand, I would not see the sun very much... On the other other hand, with my finger that hurts like a bitch in the cold, working outside is becoming increasingly difficult.

If I start another job soon, and stay there, I would have built up more vacation time when summer rolls around, and we have a Situation that might require it (basically our kid probably won't have a spot at daycare between late May and September). And I could take time off in spring! I could have time to actually sell stuff at plant markets! And we have other reasons to want more stability, which I don't want to get into here. Stability that I thought I would have at my current job, but obviously don't have.

But it also feels like giving up, after all the time I have put into becoming good at horticulture. (And money, too, for the master classes.)

I don't know. Writing it down like this, the last one looks like the best option. But I still feel so conflicted.

Kind of want to talk to you guys about my job situation, kind of have no energy to write about it...