#PEOPLE OF COLOR who only have like FOUR kids compared to your TWENTY??? okay bud

[timeisacephalopod]

I've seen, repeatedly, that every accusation is a confession from the political right and honestly nothing rings more true to that than the claim that university is liberal indoctrination and this is a problem for right wingers for reasons I can't identify when they have the Joshua Generation.

At least libs only indoctrinate adults who are paying thousands of dollars for it instead of literally breeding a billion kids they all homeschool and abuse the fuck out of with the hopes they'll all become Clarence Thomas and fuck America 18 different ways to Sunday. What an odd thing to even bitch about if they're ok with literally doing what they falsely accuse universities of except to literal children from birth to, if they had their way, death while also flailing around about "false accusations" like they aren't throwing them out as fast as they're having kids they force their other kids to raise while treating that abuse like a Funny Little Organization System. Kids are such blessings you know, that's why they don't even bother raising half of them and force their daughters to do all that work for them.

I'm actually surprised I don't see more people who left this lifestyle as adults who were raised into it speaking up about this stuff. There's more of it now, half these things were mentioned in the Shiney Happy People doc and I found out about the Joshua Generation from a podcast called Kitchen Table Cult that is hosted by 2 people who left similar beliefs to the Duggars but I'm honestly surprised it's not like. A huge thing in news everywhere but that's probably because this type of shit isn't even a blip on the map of all the fucked up things the political right does so often it's exhausting to keep up with let alone hold anyone accountable for. Too busy bitching that trans people shit and do so in public bathrooms sometimes. Priorities, you know. Think of the children, but not the ones being bred and abused to further their parents political ends.

[avengerscompound]

Until the End of the World - 1

Until the End of the World: A Captain America Fanfic

Masterlist PREVIOUS //

Buy me a ☕ Character Pairing:  Bucky Barnes x Steve Rogers x F!Reader

Word Count:  2429

Rating:  E

Warnings: None for chapter.  Smut, action, canon typical violence, pregnancy, and HYDRA trying to interfere with said pregnancy for the series.

Synopsis: Four years after Steve and Bucky got to the bottom of the HYDRA conspiracy that had led to you and your son being hunted for the first three years of his life, you, Bucky, and Steve have carved out a nice life together.  Things are calm and you feel like a family unit.  When Geo starts calling Bucky and Steve ‘dad’, a decision is made to try and add to your family.

Things aren’t as calm as they seem.  When your pregnancy hits the papers, HYDRA rears its head once again, and Steve and Bucky need to track you down to protect the family they had created.

Chapter 1

“Okay, Geo, I think you’re either going to love this or hate it,” you said as you strolled through the gates of Cinderella’s Castle.

This holiday had taken a long time to get to.  It had been almost four years since Geo had first asked to go to Disney World.  You, Bucky, and Steve had been saying you would do it, and making plans and then something would come up and someone would get called out and the plans would have to be reduced to taking him to Coney Island or if he was really lucky a trip out to Westchester to the Legoland Discovery Center which was his favorite.

It was Geo’s seventh birthday and for once neither Steve nor Bucky had been called away on some mission that they absolutely needed for.  Tony and Sam had been told under threat of death that they were to only call Steve if it was the end of the world and he was the only possible person who could stop it, and the three of you had taken Geo to Disney World.

Four years was a long time in a world that was as chaotic as Bucky found it, and yet thanks to cleaning up HYDRA and removing all records of either yours or Geo’s existence things had been calm.

Yes, there had been the usual Avengers shit.  It was hard and it took a toll on him to keep going out there fighting.  It was something he hated, but he did it because it needed to be done.  Besides, he had a lot to make up for, so he’d fight until he couldn’t anymore.

The difference was, now at the end of the day, he went home to you, Steve, and Geo.  He had been noticing himself relaxing more as each year passed, and more than that, he was enjoying life again and not just existing in a weird limbo where the best he could say was ‘at least they weren’t torturing him anymore’.  He loved being a boyfriend and while he would never say the word out loud, he had been thinking of himself as Geo’s dad, and he loved that too.

There had been no further attacks from anyone.  No one had ever been spotted watching you or Geo.  You weren’t being followed anymore.  It seemed to be over.  So you had relaxed too.  Geo had started school, and he was thriving in it.  He was a smart little kid who had been starved for a group of peers, and now he finally had some he was the happiest little kid.  He still had some attachment issues, not that Bucky could blame him for that.  You don’t grow up with that and not freak-out when your family is gone too long.  Still, he was a sweet, excitable little boy, who was now getting a chance to be a normal little boy.

You had gone back to school to get a master’s and Pepper had found you some administrative work that mostly just involved data entry and filing.  You were enjoying your studies and the difference in your tension levels compared to the day Bucky had met you was palpable.

Geo held your hand as the four of you made your way around the large carousel in the middle of Fantasy Land.  Bucky had never been to a Disney Park.  They didn’t exist when he was a kid and even if they had, there was no way his family could have afforded to go.  It wasn’t until he was a teenager that Silly Symphonies really came onto his radar and then Snow White was released.  Certainly, it didn’t have the pull for a whole amusement park.

It was cute even if it was a little crowded.  Tony had suggested getting special VIP treatment so that the four of you would be led through the park in underground tunnels and avoid the crowds.  You had worried if that meant that he didn’t get the full experience with the stores, and the parade and shops and people selling balloons in giant bunches.  Steve had said they’d try the old fashioned way and try to blend into the crowds. So they were decked out in Disney wear.  Steve had bought a t-shirt with Mickey Mouse on it that he’d once again bought a size too small.  Not that Bucky was complaining.  It hugged the muscles in his shoulders and pulled tight on his arms.   On Steve’s head, he had a gray ball cap with Disney World written on it in fat cursive letters.  Bucky had a black hoodie with a D on the chest and a ballcap with Star Wars written in all caps.  You looked particularly radiant in a red A-line dress with white spots that looked like something women were wearing back when Bucky was in his twenties.  You had a black hat on with a big round brim hiding you from the sun and the prying eyes of any strangers.

It was a little overwhelming.  There were a lot of people here, and Mainstreet had been bustling.  No one had noticed them to the degree that they’d come over to talk, but Bucky had noticed a few glances of confused recognition.  The kind people gave him when they knew they recognized him but couldn’t figure out where from.

They’d already stopped quite a few times.  Mostly to browse stores, but Geo had stopped to meet Pluto, bought a balloon that had a large clear balloon on the outside, with a smaller green Mickey head shaped balloon inside, and gotten  Mickey Mouse shaped pretzel which he still held the remnants of in his free hand.

The aim was to get him to rides with animatronics.  He obviously had much more sophisticated technology at home, but he’d been talking about wanting to see the animatronics at Disney since he was three.

You, Bucky, Steve, and Geo each wore a different colored wristband that let you into your hotel room and the park as well as let you fast pass on different rides and charge things to the room.  Geo kept lifting his green band to his ear and listening to it, and on a few occasions, he’d put his hand on each of the others like he was talking to them.  Last night he’d held them all in his hands and sat quietly running his fingers over them until Steve had said it was time to go to dinner.

Right now they didn’t need the bands.  You had been leading the group in the direction of ‘It’s a small world’ and you had insisted that you didn’t need a fast pass for that.  Bucky approached the colorful castle facade that acted as the entrance for the ride.  You went to lead everyone into the normal line but Geo tugged on your hand.  “This one,” he said pointing to the fast pass line.

“We didn’t get fast pass on this one, bud,” Steve attempted to reason but as the words came out of his mouth he seemed to realize what was going on and he sighed.  “Geo, did you add fast pass?”

“No,” Geo said.  “It just gave it to us.  It wants us to have fun.”

Bucky could see Steve trying not to laugh.  “It’s not exactly fair that we get skipped ahead on every line.”

“Dad…” Geo whined and stopped, covering his mouth.  He’d never called either Bucky or Steve that before and whining in the line at ‘it’s a small world’ appeared not to be where he’d intended to first try it out.

“Geo it’s…”  Steve started, but Geo quickly hid behind you.

“We’ll fast pass,” you said quickly trying to defuse the situation.  “Then we’ll talk about the fair way to use your powers later.”

Bucky shook himself out of the shock he felt and quickly followed on as you and Geo swiped your wrists over the fast past check-in and went down to the dock.  The line was non-existent so you and Geo were guided to the front of the boat and Bucky and Steve to the seat behind.

The song was already getting to him as the ride started and Steve turned to him looking slightly panicked.  “He’s never called me that before,” he whispered.

“I know,” Bucky said, taking Steve’s hand.  Truthfully, Bucky was a little jealous of Steve getting to hear that first.

“Should I say something, let him know that’s okay?”  Steve asked.

“You’re asking me?”  Bucky said.  “I don’t know.  He’s obviously embarrassed he did it.  Maybe you should just pretend it didn’t happen.”

Steve frowned and his hand tightened in Bucky’s hand.  Bucky wished he had the right thing to say.  That he could tell him they should all have a talk and Geo would be open to it and admit he wanted to call them both dad but he wasn’t sure that’s how it would play out.

In front of them, you were rubbing Geo’s back in soothing circles and whispering to him.  Bucky tried to hear what you were saying but the sound of the incessantly cheery song drowned out just about everything else.

Bucky really did not like this ride.

It felt like he’d been on it for half his life when Geo started looking agitated.  The boy suddenly banged his hand on the front of the boat.  “I hate it!”  He yelled and all at once the song stopped playing and the animatronic dolls all turned their attention to their boat.

“Geo,” you scolded.  “Cut it out.” 

“No!”  Geo shouted and the boat sped up, almost speeding along the tracks.  “I hate it in here!”

“Well, this ride just went from low level creepy to nightmare fuel,” Bucky muttered, making Steve smirk.

When the boat docked Geo scrambled out and you took after him as quickly as you could.  “Geo!”  You called.  “Don’t run off!”

Steve and Bucky followed and Bucky quickly caught up to the boy, picking him up even as he struggled and carrying him away from the ride and off to the side of the path away from people.  He put Geo on the ground in front of him and gestured to you and Steve to back off.

“G, what was that?  You know running off on your mom is not okay,” Bucky scolded.

Geo shook his head and rubbed his eyes with the backs of his hand like he was trying not to cry.

“Buddy, it’s me.  Come on,” Bucky said.

“The park wanted me to skip the line,” Geo huffed.  “And then I got in trouble.  It’s not my fault!”

“You’re not in trouble,” Bucky assured him.  “Talk to me, pal.”

“I hated it in there!”  Geo said, and broke down into tears.  He flopped into Bucky’s arms and Bucky hugged him close.

“Okay, it’s okay,” Bucky soothed.  “I didn’t like it either.  Maybe we need to figure out ways you can make it through something you don’t like doing.”

“The robots were empty.  Tony said it would be cool, but they were empty,” Geo sobbed.  “And they freaked me out and the music was horrible.”

“I know,” Bucky agreed.  “There will be more fun ones.  You like Coney Island right?”

“Yeah…” Geo sniffed.

“Well, there are coasters here too.  We can find ones you like,” he said.  “I promise.”

Geo pulled back and looked up into Bucky’s eyes.  The boy looked so much like you, but he could see things in him that he assumed came from his dad too.  “I didn’t mean to call Steve dad,” he whispered.  “It just slipped out.  Do you think he’ll be mad at me?”

“Oh no, Geo,” Bucky said.  “He won’t be mad.  You can call either of us dad if you want to.  But you don’t have to either.  It’s up to you.”

“I know I have a dad, but he died and I never knew him, but you and Steve are like my dads,” Geo reasoned.

“Yeah, we are,” Bucky agreed.  “We do all the normal dad things.”

“Like read me stories,” Geo said.

“And make you turn the TV off,” Bucky added.

“You don’t mind?”  Geo whispered.

Bucky smiled and shook his head.  “No,” he said.  “I promise.  It’d make me happy.  When I talk about you, I say ‘my kid’.”

“Do you?”  Geo asked, with a slightly disbelieving look in his eye.

“Yeah.  I do,” he said.  “And so does Steve.”

Geo seemed to mull this over for a little while and then looked over to where you were standing with Steve.  “How will you know who I’m talking to if I call you both dad?”

Bucky chuckled.  “Context probably,” Bucky said.  “But you could say Dad Steve or Dad Bucky if it’s unclear.  Or you could make up your own names for us.  Dad and Pop.  Papa.  Jeez … I dunno.  Whatever makes you feel good.”

Geo worried at his bottom lip and then nodded.  “Okay,” he said softly.  “... dad.”

“Do you want to talk to your mom and Steve about this too?”  Bucky said.  “Or do you want me to tell them I said no more messing with the rides or you're grounded and then you can just start calling Steve dad and not talk about it.”

“The second one,” Geo said.

“Okay,” Bucky said standing up and holding out his hand.  Geo linked his fingers with Bucky’s and they approached you and Steve together.

“I told Geo that if he messes with any more rides he’s grounded,” Bucky explained before either of you had a chance to say anything.  “He agreed that that was fair.”

“Okay,” you said, looking a little uncertain.  “G, there’s a ride around the corner that’s a haunted house.  It has more animatronics, but I think it’s supposed to be really cool.  Or we can go ride the teacups.  I bet Steve could make them spin super fast.”

“Teacups,” Geo said.  “And could I go on the carousel?”

“Yeah, bud, that will be fine,” you said.  “Then we’ll see about the time.  We have lunch booked.”

Geo held out his free hand to Steve.  “Come on, dad.”

Steve smiled and took Geo’s hand and you moved to Bucky’s other side and wrapped your arm around his waist.  Bucky slung his arm around your shoulder and the four of you set off in the direction of the carousel.  Steve looked at Bucky and grinned.  Bucky couldn’t help but smile either.  They were a family now, and even though they might not get the wedding, this somehow made it feel that little bit more official.

// NEXT

[themrsdeanwinchester]

Two Souls - Part 1

Welcome to my first mini series! I had originally planned on this being a one shot but I got attached while writing it and it’s a story that is very close to my heart. I decided why not turn it into my very first mini series! I say mini because I don’t plan on it being longer than four, five parts tops. But that could change. We will see how it goes. :) In this series, Dean has retired from hunting but still lives in the bunker with Sam.

I’m the only one who has read this, so if there are mistakes, I apologize. I read it and did my best to find all my errors. You can find more of my work here.

Pairing: Dean x female reader

Warnings: Fluff, Dean being adorable. Possible trigger warnings in future parts of the story.

Word Count: 3,866

Series Summary: Dean starts a job working as a mechanic as a locally owned auto shop. The owner’s daughter, who works at the shop, makes Dean’s heart ache from the moment he sets eyes on her. But, does she feel the same way? What will her dad think? When her life starts crumbling, is it Dean who will be there for her and help her pick up the pieces?

I would love feedback, please :) Also, please send me a message/ask if you'd like to be added to my tag list.

Dean pulled his Impala into a spot at David’s Auto Shop for his interview with the owner and office manager. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly as he looked at the shop bays, all seven of them full of cars. The shop was a busy one because it was popular with the locals. The owner, David, was well respected and had been in business for over twenty years. Dean was nervous that his resume wouldn’t impress the veteran mechanic since he had never worked for an auto shop before. 

He got out of the Impala and ran his hands down the front of his shirt, smoothing out the wrinkles. He had chosen his nicest plaid shirt, buttoned all the way up to the collar and tucked into his jeans. He had done his best to clean up his boots but they were still stained. 

Dean approached the shop, resume in hand. He grabbed the door, took another deep breath and stepped inside the shop. The phones were ringing off the hook, mechanics were running in and out of the door from the shop to grab keys, put paperwork on the counter and answer the phones.

A husky, tall man with broad shoulders walked through the door and set his gaze on Dean.

“How can I help you?” He asked.

“I’m here for an interview,” Dean said. He glanced at the man’s name patch. He was the owner.

“You must be Dean. I’m David.” He extended his left hand to Dean. Out of instinct, Dean reached out his right hand to shake David’s. Only to fumble and change to his left. David laughed. “I’m left handed. My handshake always throws everyone off. Go through that doorway,” David pointed to Dean’s right, “and the first door on your right is the office manager’s office. I’ll meet you in there. She’s expecting you.” 

Dean crossed the lobby and into the hallway. To his left was a hallway that lead to the shop and  a few feet ahead he could see the office manager’s door. As he approached it, he could hear music. To his delight, it was Led Zeppelin. When he entered the room, the woman looked up at him from the desk and his jaw slightly dropped. He hadn’t been expecting a woman as beautiful as she was. He stood there staring for a moment until she broke the silence.

“Hi. You must be Dean.” She stood up and walked around the desk. Dean couldn’t help but let his eyes travel up and down her body. She was wearing jeans that fit just right, hugging her curves in all of the right places and that flared slightly around her boots. She was wearing a plain black V-neck shirt with a mechanics shirt that matched David’s “I’m Y/N. It’s nice to meet you.” She extend her hand to Dean with a blinding smile on her face.

When Dean took her hand, he was surprised at how soft her skin was despite her very firm handshake. “Y-Yeah. Dean. Nice to meet you, too,” he stuttered.

David saved him by walking in the door. “I see you’ve met my daughter,” he said. “Turn the radio down.” He gestured to Y/N who turned the nob down to a whisper.

“Oh, I didn’t know she was your daughter,” Dean said. He looked back at Y/N who just smiled again.

“Shall we get started?” She suggested, taking a seat behind her desk again. 

Dean sat in a chair across from her and David sat next to Y/N. 

“So, Dean. It doesn’t look like you have ever worked as a mechanic before,” Y/N said, looking over his short resume. “But you say you’ve got a few decades of experience.” She looked up at Dean.

“No, I mean yes. Well, no I haven’t ever worked as a mechanic for a shop before but I do have a lot of experience. My dad taught me a lot and then I also learned as I went. I have rebuilt my car a few times. I do all of my own work on her. My other dad, well, my adopted dad, kind of, he owned a junk yard. I worked on a lot of cars at his place as well,” Dean explained. He took another deep breath and cursed himself for fumbling so much. 

Y/N and her dad nodded, exchanged a glance and Y/N smiled a little.

“I am mostly self taught as well,” David said to Dean. “Just classes in high school and college, mostly because it’s the only subjects I liked,” he chuckled. 

“It says you have been self employed all your life. Winchester Brothers. What did you do?” Y/N asked.

“My brother and I were in the business of... pest control.” Dean widened his eyes a little, realizing he didn’t actually know anything about exterminating bugs. He prayed they didn’t ask him details.

Again, the daughter and father duo nodded. Dean used the back of his hand to wipe the perspiration from his forehead. He hadn’t been this nervous about anything in awhile. It didn’t help that every time he looked at Y/N, his heart lurched as if it were reaching out to her.

“Dean,” David’s voice brought Dean back down to earth. “I like you. And I’m always right about people. You’ve got yourself a job. Y/N will get your shirt size and have a few made for you. I’ve got to get back out there. I’ve got an engine I need to finish a rebuild on by the end of the day.” David stood up, stumbled a little and groaned.

Y/N jumped jump. “Dad, why don’t you take it easy. I can finish the rebuild for you.”

Dean raised his eyebrows. She listened to Led Zeppelin, was beautiful, and could work on cars? He was impressed.

“I’m fine,” David snapped, causing Y/N to recoil and plop back down behind her desk. “Can you start tomorrow?” David directed at Dean.

“Yeah, definitely.”

“Great, see you at 7:30AM. We might have some old shop shirts you can wear until Y/N gets yours in. Have a good one.” With that, David lumbered out the door and disappeared.

Dean looked back at Y/N. Her eyes were glistening with tears but he could tell she was holding them back. “Are you okay?”

Y/N looked up, blinking back the tears. “Yes. I’m fine.” She cleared her throat. “What size are you, Dean?”

He loved the way she said his name. It was heavenly. “Large.”

“Okay. I’ll order you five shirts. Do you have a nickname you’d like on the name patch or is Dean ok?”

“Dean is fine. I don’t have a nickname.” Dean was now able to see the name patch on her shirt. It said Bud. “Is Bud your boyfriend?” He asked before his brain could tell his mouth stop.

Y/N looked down at her name patch. “Oh, no. My dad calls me Bud. Has ever since I was a kid. I have one or two with my actual name on it but the ones that say Bud are my favorite,” she explained as she stood up. “Come with me. I’ll get you a few shirts for the rest of the week. Your shirts should be in by next Monday.”

Dean followed Y/N out of her office and down the hallway. Next to a door labeled Parts there was a coat closest. Y/N rummaged through it looking for shirts. She handed him four.

“That’ll get through until Friday and Monday morning I should have yours in. Oh, what kind of car do you have?”

“67 Impala.”

Y/N eyes widened a little. “Can I see it?” Her voice was bubbling over with excitement. 

“Absolutely.”

Y/N followed Dean outside. “Wow,” she breathed. “She’s gorgeous. How long have you had her?”

“A couple decades,” Dean answered. He watched as her hand hovered over the hood. He could tell she wanted to touch it, run her hands along the shiny and warm metal. She curled her fingers and retracted her hand. “You can touch her,” Dean said through a small laugh.

Y/N turned to him, a smile on her face. She gently placed her hand on the hood, soaking up the beauty of the Impala. “I might have to talk to you into letting me drive her someday.”

Dean laughed. “Maybe. I barely let my brother drive her.”

“Fair enough. I won’t let anyone drive my truck.”

“What do you have?”

“66 Ford F100. Caribbean Turquoise. It was my dad’s first truck. I helped him rebuild it a few years ago.” She turned to face Dean. “Want to see it?” Her smile was so big, there was no way Dean could say no.

He followed Y/N around back and as soon as he turned the corner, he saw her truck. It stood out, the Caribbean Turquoise bright and shiny compared to the darker and more neutral toned cars around it.

“Oh, wow. It’s nice. How long did it take you guys to rebuild?” Dean peeked through the window. The interior was the same color, even the seat. The inside was immaculate.

“A few months. We had an advantage, owning a shop and all,” Y/N said, gesturing up at the building. She looked at the shop for a long time. Dean watched as she admired it and her eyes started to glisten again. “Well,” she broke the silence. She curled her index fingers under her eyes, pushing her eyes closed to soak up the tears. “We will see you in the morning, Dean. Have a good rest of your day.”

“Yeah, you too. See you tomorrow,” Dean said with a wave. He watched Y/N disappear around the building before making his way back to his Impala and driving away.

Three months into working for David’s shop, Dean had managed to learn a few things about Y/N. She loved classic rock, the Doors, 13th Floor Elevators and Zeppelin being her favorites. One of those three was always playing in her office. She was just as good as any one else in the shop at working on cars. She filled in when other mechanics called out or were on vacation. She also had a few of her own regulars who only would let her work on their cars. Her favorite color was Y/F/C and she loved rainy days. He also never once saw her wear a shirt with her actual name on it, only ones with Bud. 

Christmas time had rolled around and the company holiday party was on a Saturday night at a local pizza parlor. Everyone was allowed to bring their families or partner with them and Dean was anxiously waiting to see it Y/N would bring anyone with her. He’d never heard her talk about anyone at work. Never even saw her take a phone call to anyone but customers or vendors. No one stopped by to see her either. Just customers.

In the back seat of the Impala Dean had a gift for Y/N. It was a scarf in her favorite color. He had picked a scarf because sometimes, when he’d stop by her office to say good morning, she had the collar of her shirt pulled up. He asked her why and she said it was always cold in her office in the winter time. It was practical but also thoughtful. 

Dean walked into the pizza parlor. It was nice and warm inside so he shrugged off his jacket and straightened out his plaid shirt. He surveyed the room until he saw some of his co-workers, including David, in the very back. They all threw their heads back in laughter. Beer pitchers were empty on the table but not for long. Soon he saw Y/N walking over, gripping the handles of four beer pitchers, two in each hand. She spread them out across the table before turning towards the door. Her eyes landed on Dean and she smiled. She waved enthusiastically at him and made her way through the crowd.

“Dean!” She said, throwing her arms around him for a hug. Dean smiled, the smell of her shampoo tickling his nose. “Pizza and beer at the table already. I’ll grab you a cold glass.”

“Oh, no. It’s alright, I’ll go get it,” Dean protested.

“I’m going back up there to grab my dad another soda, I’ll grab it. Join everyone else.” She smiled and walked away towards the counter. He watched her go, her steps a little jagged from the beer she’d been drinking. He smiled to himself and approached the table.

Everyone greeted Dean cheerfully. He was introduced to everyone’s guests they had brought with them and he did his best to keep up with everyone’s names and which kids belonged with which couple. A beer was set down in front of him. He looked up to find Y/N standing above him. He smiled and thanked her. She sat down in the empty seat next to him with her own beer.

“I got us special ones. It’s actually my favorite from a local brewery. I hope you like IPAs.” She put the glass to her lips, taking a generous drink. “Try it!” She smiled at Dean, making his heart flutter. 

He complied, his eyes growing large. “This is really good!”

“Told ya,” she smirked. “Pizza?” Y/N put two big slices of pizza on a plate and sat it down in front of Dean before he could answer. She then helped herself to some as well. Dean couldn’t help but smile. A girl who liked pizza and beer. There she goes, he thought, checking more things off my list. A list he didn’t even realize he had until he’d met her.

As the night wore on, people started leaving. A few of the kids had crawled into the laps of their parents and fallen asleep. Their group got thinner and thinner until it was just Dean, Y/N and her dad.

“I’m heading home, Bud.” He hugged her and kissed her cheek. “Dean, thanks for coming.” He reached out to shake Dean’s hand.

“Thank you for having me.”

“Can you make sure, Y/N gets home okay? She walked here and it’s kind of late.” David eyed his daughter who was sipping on another beer.

“Definitely, sir.” 

As everyone left, Dean turned to Y/N. “Are you ready to head home?”

“I guess…” Y/N trailed off. She was lost in thought for a second. She downed the rest of her beer. “Alright, let’s go.” She stood up and lurched towards Dean, putting her hands onto his chest to catch herself. Dean instinctively wrapped his hands around her biceps.

“Whoa there,” he chuckled.

“Sorry. I am definitely a little bit buzzed.” Y/N laughed, her cheeks growing red.

“Don’t be sorry,” Dean assured her.

Dean lead Y/N out to his Impala and opened the door for her. He let her get in on her own, his hand close by just in case she needed it. 

“Oh! I’m honored to get a ride in Dean Winchester’s Impala,” she remarked. She looked up at him from the passenger seat, an enormous grin on her face. Dean couldn’t help but think she looked perfect in the passenger seat, as if she was always meant to be its passenger.

A few minutes later, Dean pulled up in front of Y/N’s house. It was a modest home in a nice neighborhood. All of the homes were older, built in the 50’s. Y/N’s was light green with a white porch and steps. Her F100 was parked in the drive way. It was the only car there, Dean observed.

“Do you want to come inside?” Y/N’s invitation caught Dean off guard.

“We won’t wake anyone up?” Dean posed the question carefully. He was prying for an answer, but didn’t want to be too obvious that he was trying to figure out if she was taken or not.

“Nope. This is my place. Just me. Party of one.” She smiled, her eyes slightly glassy.

Dean hesitated a moment. He got his answer but since Y/N had been drinking, he didn’t want her or her dad to get the wrong idea about him taking her home and ending up inside her house. He did want to give her the gift he’d gotten her though. “Okay. I have a gift for you.”

Y/N’s eyes lit up. “Really? I actually have something for you, too,” she said quietly.

Dean smiled and his heart, again, leaped forward, always in the direction of Y/N. “Let’s get inside, it’s getting cold.” Dean got out of his Impala, grabbed the gift box from behind his seat, and then walked around to open Y/N’s door. He held out his hand to assist her. She took it, squeezing his slightly as she hoisted herself out of the car. 

He followed her up to the door, she fumbled with her keys, first using the wrong one. “Oops, that’s my dad’s. They look the same as mine. Here it is!” The door creaked as she opened it. She stepped in side. “Welcome to my humble little home.” She gestured for Dean to come inside.

Y/N’s house had all hardwood flooring and was accented with Y/F/C, her favorite, and smelled like cinnamon. She walked over to the small Christmas tree she had in the corner and turned its lights on. The lights were white and the ornaments were all different kinds. There was no theme to her tree, just random ornaments she liked, ones that reminded her of people, places, and things. She grabbed one of the presents from under the tree. 

“Let’s sit on the couch and open them together.” She made her way to her couch and plopped down. She patted the cushion beside her, beckoning Dean to sit with her.

As soon as he sat down, Y/N shoved his gift from her into his lap. “Open it! I’m terrible at keeping secrets when it comes to gifts.” The grin on her face was bigger than he’d ever seen it before. 

He chuckled as he unwrapped the box and pulled the lid off. Inside was a few things. First was a nice, heavy duty travel coffee mug with his name on it. “So the guys at the shop know it’s yours” Y/N said through a laugh. One time, Dean and another mechanic had gotten their coffees mixed up. The other mechanic liked his coffee extremely creamy and sweet, Dean liked his black. Y/N had witness them both spit out each others coffee all over the shop floor. Next was a picture of Dean’s Impala in front of David’s shop. It was from a low angle, the car taking up the foreground with the shop’s sign hovering over it. There were raindrops on the Impala and the sky above was dark and angry. He looked at it in awe. It was a beautifully crafted shot.

“I thought it was a neat picture,” Y/N said quietly with a shrug.

“Did you take this?” Dean turned to her, awestruck. She nodded her head, a small, closed mouth smile on her face. “I love it. It’s… it’s a really beautiful shot. Thank you.”

“I’m glad you like it.” Y/N smiled. “There’s one more thing in there.”

At the bottom of the box was a black mechanics jacket with Dean’s name on it. He pulled it out and turned it around to reveal the shop’s name on the back.

“That one is from my dad and me. Only he and I have one. And now you,” Y/N half whispered.

Dean turned to her, overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity she, and her dad, had shown him. They took a chance hiring him and now, they were giving him a jacket, something that clearly held a special meaning for the two of them. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. We’re so happy to have you be part of the shop family.”

They sat in silence for a moment, Dean taking in his gifts and Y/N watching him. He gently placed his gifts back into his box before handing Y/N hers.

“Now I feel like I should have gotten you a little more…” Dean trailed off.

“No,” Y/N said, dragging out the O’s, and waving Dean’s remark off with her hand. She pulled the bow off of the decorative box and popped the lid off. She pulled out the Y/F/C scarf Dean had picked out. She ran her hands over it, taking in how soft the fabric was. She wrapped it around her neck and looked up at Dean. “You remembered my favorite color.”

“Of course,” Dean said through a grin, his voice hushed. “Now you won’t be so cold in your office in the mornings.”

“Thank you, Dean. I love it.” Y/N pulled the ends of the scarf forward, taking in the details and feeling the warmth around her neck.

She looked up at him, and held his gaze for a moment. Then, she closed the gap between them to place a soft kiss on his lips. As she pulled away, Dean took a deep breath. He’d been wanting to kiss her for months and he didn’t want to stop now.

“It’s late. I should get going.” Dean stood up, gathering up his gift box.

Y/N followed suit, still wearing her scarf as she walked Dean to her door. He stepped out onto the porch and spun around to face her. She was holding onto the door, letting it support her. But not because she had been drinking, no. It was for a different reason. It was because kissing Dean had taken her breath away and made her knees weak. Her hands were trembling and she needed to steady herself, not wanting him to notice what he’d done to her, what he’d been doing to her since they had met in her office months prior. She had been pining for Dean, but she was so sure he had a significant other. There was no way a man as handsome, kind, funny, caring, and… her list went on. But there as no way, so she thought, that a man like Dean was single. 

“Do you want to go out to dinner with me tomorrow night?” Dean’s question pulled Y/N from her thoughts.

“I’d love that.” Her answer was quick, zero hesitation, and Dean noticed.

“Pick you up at 6?”

“I’ll be ready. Casual or fancy?” Y/N questioned.

“Which one would you like?” 

“Casual.”

“Casual it is, sweetheart.” Dean smiled, wished her good night and almost skipped back to his Impala.

Y/N waved to Dean in his car and closed the door, locking it tight behind her. She leaned back against it, letting out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. She had a date, for the first time years. And, it was with the man of her dreams.

Tags: @akshi8278​, @notan-applepielife​

There is a pinned post with my Masterlist on my blog. Thank you for reading! 

[thefracturedmosaic]

Finality

mentions: @divergent-lines @neiablackwood @savianblackwood

Beggars and Priest

“Hm, the druid that was attacked?” The old man scoffed. “First you come in asking for a friend, now you're asking about the elf that everyone wants to know about?” He waved Madivh off. “Go somewhere else bud, I’m done answering questions. If you aren’t staying, I’m not interested.” 

What a tough old man. Madivh grumbled to himself as he made his way towards the large gates of the city. They seemed whiter and more intimidating than he last remembered, and the forest outside seemed darker and clustered tightly together. He was certain the forest had been more open and inviting years before.

How am I going to find a druid in a forest? I don’t know how nature magic works and what if he’s turned himself into a bird, or a deer? 

He stepped beyond the city outskirts. Already the smell of the ocean’s breeze seemed like a distant memory. In its place heavy soil and soft smells graced him. 

Dammit, if I only had a necklace and a raven, I could maybe use them to scout---

He slowed to an immediate stop. Bird? Why didn’t Nairus just fly off? Why did he walk out of the Cathedral, and then walk out of the city towards the forest? 

The answers to those questions weren’t important, but the revelation of the questions themselves was. Madivh spun on his heels. If Nairus wasn’t using his druid forms to move about, then, he would have to walk back through those gates. If he sat and waited with a good vantage point, Nairus would eventually come back. 

Joy was an understatement of what he was truly feeling. 

There was a chance Nairus wasn’t planning to come back, and if that was the case, then it was pointless even looking in Elwynn. There was no way Madivh would be able to find and track down a druid in its own home. Pointless some would say. He had a better chance finding leads in Stormwind about Mey then tracking down Nairus and asking him if he seen her. 

I give it a week. If he doesn’t walk through those gates in a week, I’ll look somewhere else. 

Thus, Madivh sat himself on the far edge of the outer walls of Stormwind. He watched the road as time passed. His attention focused on people’s garb, their height, and their race. Elves weren’t as commonplace as he thought they might be compared to all the different races he actually seen walking through the gates and out of them. If there were no obvious elves, Madivh let his attention drift elsewhere. When there were, he looked for green hair, and if they did, looked to see if they were druids. 

He was equally surprised to see that not many druids walked through the gates, but there had been plenty that had flown over. 

The roads and skies weren’t always busy though. During those quiet times, he practiced his magic control. Madivh used the natural shade of the trees, rocks, and the stone wall to focus the shadows to shift and come in closer around him. Basic, easy lessons he had learned as a kid, self-taught as he was, it came naturally. The magic obeyed, but the body rejected the magic. The shadows burned, or tickled, or provided some sort of discomfort. 

He lasted only a short hour the first day of messing with the magic. The rest of his time, he spent messing with the dagger and seeing how much muscle memory was actually in this body versus what he actually wanted. 

The second day was much like the first. Though, he came earlier than the day before and for the first several hours before noon he was welcomed to the sight of different faces. There were men coming back to the city for lunch covered in soot or dirt, the guardsman switched out shortly after noon for fresh faces, and there had been countless merchants that had walked by. Adding to the list, there was a group of patrol men who entered and left the city within a span of three hours, and about six different groups of mercenaries and adventurers departing. As the sun began to set, Madivh watched the same merchants leave with empty wagons, new merchants with wagons full, and the mercenaries returning with gloomy expressions on their faces and one less head to count for.

Sometime during that day, Madivh had let his mind wander about himself, or more precisely, who the body he was living in was. Who had been the man Jacorek had kidnapped, or had he been dead beforehand and Jacorek had simply looted the corpse? He hoped for the latter. A dead man walking was easier to explain as a coincidence of look-a-likes then if the man was considered missing and family was seeking him. 

Maybe the man was a wanted criminal and perhaps he should look into the matter in case someone came knocking with an arrest warrant. 

On the third day, Madivh had finally grasped his own magic long enough that he was able to cover himself in shadows for a solid minute before the control weakened and vanished. He grumbled to himself about how he could have held such magic for days, and had, for almost twenty-four hours once. He was strangely back to ground zero. The frustration showed itself as he practiced throwing his dagger at a nearby tree.  

As night began to settle, Madivh moved closer to the gate to get a better look at the people coming and going. 

He had decided sometime that day that it was possible that Nairus was coming to the city at night, and so far, he hadn’t stayed at his post past nightfall. Guards were always more aware of things at night, but now that he could use shadow magic a little easier, he planned on at least keeping his presence from being sensed if he couldn’t hold the magic fully to hide himself. 

What had solidified his decision was the final change of shift among the guardsman. Humans had been chosen for the night shift this turn; it had been elves and worgen the last several nights before.

Madivh was surprised by the amount of people who were returning to the city at night. There had been one or two merchants who were overwhelmed with relief to see the city, another hardened group of mercenaries who looked exhausted from the day, but not overly upset about their lack of success. Groups left as well, groups dressed in dark clothing who pushed their horses into a gallop as soon as they exited the city gates. 

There were lots of different colorful individuals as well. However, only one stood out that night. It was a lone man. A man with dark hair, a pair of swords, and leather enforcements. 

Madivh blood ran cold at the sight of him. Jacorek. But as his attention focused intently, he saw odd things on the man’s presence, and a lack of things as well. For instance, there were goggles the man had on him, and Madivh had never seen Jacorek wear such things. Another was that the man carried himself more like a typical civilian after a long day’s work, Jacorek had always carried himself with the confidence of a man who owned the world. 

The fourth day was a continuation of the third. Nairus had not shown up even at the strike of midnight. Madivh sniffled, eyes growing heavy, but he was determined. He was going to turn this into an all day event. Nairus would show up at some point, he felt it deep in his bones, perhaps, maybe, later in the night, he concluded. 

Madivh woke up to the sounds of hoofbeats. He jumped technically, having not realized he had fallen asleep. The light around him had grown softer and the skies were beginning to grow a deep reddish pink hue above. 

For fel’s sake. 

The hoofbeats were that of a large group of military men leaving the city. Still they were filling out and heading deep into the forest. A group of at least twenty lines of men, five in each row. 

Madivh frowned at the sight, before settling back into his spot, his dagger slipping back into its case.

Sunrise began to creep over the edges of the forest. The cool night air was churning into a heavier weight. Today would be overly hot. Maybe rain would be on its way? And maybe he should stop looking for Nairus. Four days and not a hint of any druid coming in or out of the forest. Maybe he was wrong with his deduction and Nairus had taken his druidic forms and was flying overhead. Or maybe he was right the first time and Nairus simply wasn’t planning on returning to the city.

“Nairus, is that you?” The name snapped Madivh out of his lull and focused on an elf dressed in robes, head covered, he was at the gates. Slipping by his notice while he thought of giving up. 

A guardsman had stopped the druid. 

“Morning, how are you fairing, Narji?”

The guardsman gave a short laugh. “Better, better. I heard that you got attacked, are you okay? What happened?”

There came a brief silence before Nairus waved his hand. “I did, but I’m well. I appreciate your concern,” he said a moment later. “I took a few days to collect myself, but I’ll be back at my station. Please, if you're still having issues come back and see me. I’ll be happy to help in any way I can.”

This did not sound like Nairus, but the voice was the same deep undertone. 

Madivh moved, gathering his bag and jogged his way into the edges of the forest. He quickly kept his pace, jumping over a few pieces of sticks before he jumped the fence line back on the path. He brushed himself down quickly, finding a loose leaf stuck in his shirt and pulled it out as he moved towards the gate. 

Nairus was ahead, already on the bridge into the city. As long as he kept him in sight, he could follow him until Nairus  stopped or reached his destination. Hopefully somewhere he could just blend in and approach him. Now that Nairus was before him, he wasn’t too sure if he should confront him. Maybe it was better to pretend he didn’t know Nairus. 

There have been a lot of maybe’s the last few days.

The guards were chattering as Madivh walked by. They spoke about the Shadowlands and how the guardsman, Narji,  had gone in the first wave and what had happened and when he awoke Nairus had been his tending healer.

Nairus led him through the trade district. He walked smoothly and casually, seemingly in no rush to go anywhere, but thanks to Nairus elongated legs, Madivh had to act like he was on a mission to go somewhere but didn’t want to make a scene by running.

Ah I wish I could stealth. He thought as a couple of people eyed him curiously in the early morning hours with barely ten people on the streets.

They went through a tunnel and entered the canals making their way over a bridge and began their way towards the harbor. A curious destination. 

As they rounded a corner, Nairus out of sight, Madivh kept himself in check and continued the stride he was on. When he rounded the corner, he was greeted with a seven foot tall elf looming over him.

“Is there something you need?” Nairus asked.

Jeez, he let his beard grow out. Came his first thought through the moment’s panic. “Ah, no, why?”

Nairus sighed. “You’ve been following me since you spotted me at the gates. “ Before Madivh could argue the point, which he had one in mind, Nairus pointed to his glowing amber eyes. “I can see perfectly in the morning light.” 

He felt himself pale for a moment before scoffing. “Okay, fine, you caught me.” Madivh raised his hands in defeat, taking a step back. “Yes, I actually had a question for you.”

“Then why not ask me beforehand?” Nairus said slowly, a hint of suspicion crossing his tone.

A nervous smile touched his lips. “Well, I wasn’t too sure how you handle hearing that I came back to life and was wondering if you’ve seen Mey?” 

A long, uncomfortable silence followed. Madivh glanced around, but there was not a soul out on this part of the street. He seemed to have failed in noticing such an obvious issue, he should have stayed further back, maybe even detoured when he realized they were heading towards the harbor.

When Nairus finally spoke, his voice was heavy, “Who are you?”

“Madivh,” He said with a quick smile. “Though I don’t quite look it. There’s some sort of resemblance, I promise, if you look closely enough.” 

Nairus went silent for a moment before he shook his head. “I’ll explain to you shortly. My memory isn’t as good as it should be right now. There is a section of my past I do not remember. How do you know Meyorin?” 

Meyorin? It sounded weird hearing her full name being stated. 

“Husband?” Madivh questioned. “What do you mean you don’t remember?” 

“Husband?” Nairus' shock was plain in his voice. “You?”

Madivh frowned. “Okay, close friend. Better for you? Why don’t you remember the name Madivh?”

Nairus seemed to relax, though it was hard to tell in facial expression, but the druid's shoulders seemed to fall. “The name does ring a familiar tone, I assure you,” he said, “But, I’m sorry. I am not at liberty to tell you anything about Meyorin. She was a patient of mine and--”

Madivh waved him off. “You don’t believe me. I understand. I heard you were attacked, I sympathise really. Listen. Nairus. We were friends, in a way, well we knew each other for a long time in human years. Either way, I’m not pulling your leg. The same person that brought Mey back is the same person that brought me back. I know she’s having trouble and I want to help her. Our son was kidnapped and being used against her, I want to make sure everything is fine. So I need to find her.”

It felt good to get what he had been feeling off his chest. He felt better.

Naiurs was strangely quiet. That good feeling was chased away and he found himself frowning again. 

“I see,” Nairus began. “Well, you don’t need to worry about that anymore. I-I do not know where she is, but I can tell you she rescued the person she was looking for. Whether that was your son or not, I couldn’t quite say.”

Really? “Silver-hair, half elf, ya?” Madivh found his temper taking him, but he didn’t necessarily care to bottle it.

Nairus went quiet again before nodding. “Yes.” He sounded a bit surprised. Then he leaned forward a tad. “Really? You two are mates?”

Madivh rolled his eyes. “Praise be, let's move on from that ya? Remember how I said I was brought back? I’m much older than I look. Different too.”

Nairus seemed to contemplate that statement before nodding. “I’m not lying either way. I don’t know where she is. After I was attacked, she gave chase and I haven’t seen her since. All I know is she’s safe right now, somewhere.”

The news was not what he wanted to hear. Four days. Four days of sitting outside these walls just to be mocked and no information. “You know anyone that could help? Maybe tell me who attacked you?” He figured it was Jacorek, but if what Nairus said was true and he didn’t remember him, would he remember Jacorek?

Nairus shook his head. “No to both questions. She only came to me when she was injured and when she brought the boy with her. We didn’t really talk. I’m sorry.”

The politeness seemed to draw a thin line of irritation. It was fake. Nairus still didn’t believe him, and for that, didn’t trust him. He could be lying, or telling the truth. Nairus had always been cunning in that department and it was impossible to tell which it was.

“Perfect. Well then, I’ll keep looking. If by chance I need to talk to you again, where can I find you?”

Nairus straightened and looked over his shoulder. “I’m a battle medic for the military stationed here at the moment.” He paused momentarily before giving a light shrug. “If she contacts me again, I’ll let her know you’re looking for her.” 

Madivh gave a brief smile. “Appreciated, and,” he said, looking the druid over for a moment. “Sorry for what happened. And thank you,” he added as the twins came to mind. “Thank you for what you’ve done. Even if you don’t remember, maybe it's better that way. Nonetheless, thank you.” He gave a half-hearted wave as he turned and began walking away. 

Nairus didn’t say anything nor did he move straight away. 

I knew finding her would be difficult, but god's blood Mey, why are you practically impossible to find even a hint of you anywhere? 

She had to have a presence here in the city. He just needed to find it. Too find the one straw that could lead him to her.