#Ranch Family Au

[theoneeyedgoldenwolf]

Warmth at winter

Whumptober 2024, number 30: Recovery, Hospital bed

Summary: Time had very plentiful ways of helping his boys. And some of those diverse ways put his life into danger. One such situation happened during a very cold winter night…

CW: Overheating (sweating, dizziness, nausea, fainting, fatigue), worry, fear, panic, cursing

Notion: - Part of my Ranch Family AU, the Modern Linked Unvierse stories - Time has lost his right eye and has the scar over it but he does NOT yet have Fierce Deity's markings.

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It was the coldest winter Time had so far encountered. He wasn’t certain if he had had higher body temperature straight off after birth or if it was something the orphanage’s owners had caused. Either way, he was fully grateful of it. Yet, there was one bad thing that his situation caused.

The one eyed male couldn’t be certain of the temperature of his boys’ rooms. He couldn’t just put a thermometer into there to know unlike in the stables and Cucco house. Yet, at least in those places the animals could get warmth from each other if needed. Not to mention that Epona would definitely let him know if those places weren’t warm enough.

Yet, mostly the ranch’s owner was fine with his boys crashing in his room. He enjoyed of their company and loved to look after them. At first, when it had been one to few, he was actually capable of helping. Now, with seven of them, he couldn’t deny the fact of it being bit too much.

One by him was no trouble. There was more than enough of room to move away if the heat started to be too much. Two was still good. One to both side with the bed being wide enough to provide the space in case one started to be sweaty beneath the blanket. Three started to need actual getting away. Four persons around him began to make him feel tad trapped. It was still plausible of shifting the boys bit away without waking them up but still providing the needed warmth. With five the warmth rose quicker underneath the blanket than what he wanted to admit into. He needed to squirm out of the hold and pretty much sit on his pillow to let his own body temperature to cool down a bit. Six caused him to really gasp for air, fight to keep his movements careful enough so he wouldn’t wake up his boys and get out of the hold before already pulling his shirt off. Seven ended up being in such way that one to few of the boys woke up as he forced his way out of the hold while feeling sweaty, bit dizzy and slightly nauseous. Yet, he still was able to cool down and assure his boys of things being fine and that it just got bit too hot for him. He always returned to his earlier place, though. Yet, he didn’t go beneath the blanket anymore as he just laid over it to prevent getting too warm again. Eight…

Things had started easy and normally at that night. Each of Time’s boys as well as his older brother had been sleeping at their own rooms. He had tried to make sure everyone’s rooms were warm enough but, for a reason or another, his family just made their way into his room. Still, each of them knew they could come to wake him up or just take a place from the bed if they felt like it.

It started from Four. The shortest boy had woken up from a nightmare and felt in the need of company. While still half asleep, the youngster went into the first place he could think of: Time’s room. He just climbed up onto the bed and crawled over to his caretaker. Time, being light sleeper, woke up already into the opening of his door. He smiled fondly at his boy and just raised the blanket to let him into a hug.

Next to come over was Sky. Besides the shortest boy, he was another one whom easily got cold. The youngster yawned while clutching the stuffed bird toy before scrambling to the bed. Time carefully shifted so he wouldn’t awaken the earlier kid as he moved to his back. He wrapped his free arm around the nearly asleep being pilot-to-be and smiled as the youngster snuggled close to him.

Hyrule was bit surprise one to come over after all three had calmed down and the ranch’s owner was drifting back to sleep. Usually the last boy he had adopted went over to Legend’s room but sometimes, like on that night, he came over to Time’s. Maybe it was because the room was the warmest of the whole house or then just the different kind of feeling of safety he gave to his boys. Either way the kid already snuck beneath the blanket when he reached the bed and just crawled up to snuggle next to Sky and getting close to his caretaker while being between the two males.

Wild was another unexpected boy to come over. The master chef, as Time called him every now and then, loved to snuggle next to Twilight. Yet, the one eyed male knew he shared some similar situations with his third boy that the others couldn’t and hopefully never would. Nonetheless, the youngster stayed beneath the blanket while snuggling close to the one eyed male’s leg and holding tightly. Time wasn’t too happy of not seeing his boy so he checked on him by raising the blanket. At least that eased the excessive amount of heat for a moment.

It didn’t take long before Wind followed the boy whom had been brought to the Lon-Lon Ranch just about six months before him. Like Hyrule and Wild, he too snuck beneath the blanket as soon as he had a chance for it. The youngest youngster of Time’s family claimed the one eyed male’s other leg without second thought.

Time had a feeling that Legend had been tossing and turning in his own bed for a while before he finally decided to check on whom of his brothers had already claimed their caretaker. “Just get in. Almost everyone’s already here.” The ranch’s owner whispered quietly when his second boy stood bit uncertainly by his bed.

“Who’s missing?” Legend inquired while taking a place from Hyrule’s other side while being careful of lower being Wild. He kept Time as a pillow while wrapping his arms around the younger male in front of him. He yawned and snuggled close to Hyrule with a small smile on his face.

“Twilight and Wars.” Time answered quietly even though he wasn’t certain if his boy heard him anymore. Yet, Legend just gave almost unnoticeable nod of understanding. “Sleep well my boys.” The one eyed male whispered with a fond smile while closing his eye and just relaxing again.

Twilight came over quite soon after Legend had calmed down and fallen asleep. “You good?” He inquired after he noticed Time having opened his eye and looking at him.

“All’s fine.” Time replied while at the moment feeling calm and well. The fact of having raised the blanket for Legend and let some of the warmth out had eased thing off. He hoped it was enough for the rest of the night. “Come on, Cub. Take a place.” He half suggested, half requested.

The first adopted son of the ranch’s owner hesitated for a second before he nodded and moved to Four’s side. He didn’t go beneath the blanket as he hugged the shortest brother of his from behind. At the same time, unintentionally, he got the youngster to be much closer to their caretaker. And, sadly, getting the blanket tad tight from the given side. Yet, Time hoped they were close enough to the morning to worry about that.

Wars had woken up to the almost constant sound of walking at the hallway. He had lived in barracks and such for quite a while so it shouldn’t have been something to awaken him. Yet, the ranch was something he really wanted to protect and hence he needed to know whom was walking at there. He had learned to recognize the seven boys’ footsteps during the few past months he had so far spend at the Lon-Lon Ranch.

Once the last boy of his little brother had snuck into the one eyed male’s room, the ex-Captain finally got up from his bed and moved to Time’s doorway. “You look comfy like that, little brother.” He commented fondly.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Time half queried while glancing at each of his boys and bit lifting the blanket too to check on the hidden ones. “I got my family right by me here.” He continued before grinning. “At least, I would have if you’d actually come over and take a place too.” He pointed out while giving something between a pout and puppy-dog-eyes to his older brother.

Wars chuckled softly and shook his head. “Alright, I get the hint.” He mused while taking a place from behind Sky. Like Twilight, he didn’t go beneath the blanket. He just snuggled close to his little brother’s fifth boy and wrapped one arm around the five years younger male’s chest. “Goodnight, Sprite.” He whispered fondly.

“Night, Wars.” Time mumbled happily while smiling as he fell asleep. Yet, he woke up only couple of hours later while feeling sweaty and too hot. His boys had moved even closer into the given warmth and tightened their hold around him. At first he just concentrated into his breathing while hoping for the situation to pass. Unfortunately, that wasn’t going to happen as his body temperature just kept rising underneath the blanket.

“Boys… Let go…” The one eyed male called and started to try and wiggle free. Sadly, that only got the seven boys of his to hold on stronger. He cursed and fought more while calling out to them. Yet, his voice was bit too weak and the youngsters and his older brother too deep asleep.

The sweating was followed by dizziness which caused the ranch’s owner to stop struggling. He fought to keep his breathing under control while trying to force his temperature down. Obviously, such wasn’t going to work like that. Slowly he started to rather gasp for air than breathe normally.

Time whined and trembled when the nausea struck. His attempts to move were weak and restricted by the seven around him. Even his brother’s arm felt like a rhino was sitting on his chest. He fought to stay conscious as the situation got worse. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a way for him to break free, wake the others up or get himself cooled down anymore. He quietly pleaded for help before darkness fell around him.

Wars woke up with a start only about five minutes later. He froze to his place when he felt and heard the labored sound of breathing. The cold dread and terror struck him and he recognized the feeling in a second. He hated how many times he had had that specific feeling back at the orphanage. And yet, he also was so very grateful of it as it had helped him to save his brother each and every time.

“Sprite?” He called out while quickly pushing himself up and being careful of where he put his hand. He inwardly cursed at the time his eyes took to get used to the darkness around him. “SPRITE!” He screamed out the moment the situation struck him. “Sprite, wake up!” He shouted and started to shake the unconscious little brother of his while bit slapping him but neither worked.

“Damn it, damn it, damn it!” The ex-Captain growled while realizing how sweaty and hot his brother’s skin felt. “Sky, Hyrule, sorry about this!” He half apologized, half growled out while forcing the duo off of his brother.

The duo gasped and yelped when the blanket was snatched away. “Hey!” Hyrule half shouted before gasping again as Wars forced him and Sky even more away from Time.

“Sprite! Sprite, damn it, wake up!” Wars kept half barking, half begging while doing his best to apologize to his brother’s boys as he forced them away. He yanked and pulled on the blanket to get it away.

“What’s going on? What’s wrong with Time?” Wind inquired while falling closer to panic.

“Overheating!” Wars snapped with a growl. “Fucking hell. Those son of bitches!” He snarled while forcing Time’s shirt off once he had the blanket away from him. “Get wet towels!” He commanded. “Cold water!” He half shouted after the few youngster that snapped into work. “They just had to mess with your body temperature, eh…” He whispered almost underneath his breath. “Those bastards just had to fuck it up. Cold during heat waves, hot during too cold winters.” He shook his head while trying to use the sweaty shirt as a fan.

Wild, Wind and Sky returned quickly with wet towels. Wars took them swiftly and started to do his best to cool his brother’s skin. “Damn it, Sprite, wake up already!” He commanded while having no idea how long his brother had been out of it. “Fucking shit, I should’ve figured it out. I should’ve stayed awake. I should’ve guarded you.” He mumbled while his actions weren’t working.

“Warriors…” Twilight called with bit wavering voice.

“Fuck this! I’m taking him to hospital!” Wars almost shouted while pulling his brother up from the bed. “Call the ambulance to the entrance of the town! Tell them Sprite’s having very bad case of overheating and he��s not waking up!” He commanded while rushing the five years younger male to the first floor. “Sky, Twi, you two drive the other two cars! Hyrule, you’re with me and Sprite!” He snapped the orders out while having carefully put the one eyed male down to the floor before quickly throwing on his jacket, snatching the keys and already putting the shoes on.

The seven youngsters of the ranch’s owner were swift in getting ready. There was no changing of clothes but just putting on enough to stay warm in the cold night. The boys were freaked out but the fact of Wars being capable of commanding them around aided them to stay calm enough to function. The older males did their best to soothe the younger ones.

Wars drove as fast as he could once Time was laying on the backseat with Hyrule watching over him. He was grateful of the meadow and wide areas to see. It helped to keep check on possible animals such as deer or foxes. Luckily the drive to the parking lot at the outside of the town went well and the ambulance was right there waiting for them.

Hyrule called both Wild and Four to inform of having reached the parking lot and having gotten to the ambulance. He and Wars stayed out of the way as the medical personnel worked with better knowledge and equipment in cooling down Time. Things seemed bit better by the time they reached the hospital as the one eyed male’s breathing had eased out towards normal.

Twilight and Sky drove to the hospital’s parking lot. Hyrule had kept both teams of his brothers updated on how things were going and which room to enter. For the rest of the night none of the eight males slept. Even though things were out of the worst, it still would take a while to fully recover from the incident.

Time woke up late at the next day with a whine. Yet, nearly instantly he struck his eye open with a start. “The boys!” He shouted out while sitting up abruptly but that only got him to whine even louder while bringing his hand over his mouth. He was feeling hellish and nauseous.

“Whoa! Easy, Sprite!” Wars nearly screamed while already gently laying his brother back down. “You gotta take it easy, damn it.” He growled before sighing and relaxing his tense shoulders at the freaked out look Time gave him. “The boys are fine. I’m fine. You’re the one who’s at the hospital bed in here.” He pointed out firmly before picking up the glass of water with a straw in there. “You need to drink.” He commanded while already offering it towards the one eyed male.

The seven boys of the ranch’s keeper and Wars stayed at the hospital with Time but they kept their distance. None of them wanted to repeat the incident for any of reason. While at there, Wild asked quite well anything he came up with considering foods that could be given to a patient of overheating. Wars and the others queried for all the other information just to make sure the one eyed male would make a full recovery.

It took about two days before Time was set free from the hospital. Yet, instead of going straight back to the ranch, the caretaker of the seven youngster queried for a detour. Sky and Twilight had fetched Wars’ car to the hospital’s parking lot during the first day just make sure everyone would get home without needing to wait for Wars to get his car.

The shop the ranch’s owner chose was selling beds, bed sheets, pillows, blankets and such. “What are you searching for, Sprite?” Wars inquired while following his little brother and looking around.

“I’m surprised you haven’t figured it out.” Time replied almost mischievously before shrugging. “But you’ll understand when I find it.” He continued while making his way straight into the section of blankets and linen. Once at there, he already started to go through them until grinning as he found what he was searching for. He knew it would end up bit pricy but it would definitely be worth it.

“That’s…” Wars half whispered as he stared at the gigantic blanket.

“The biggest there is.” Time replied while already fully knowing what he was doing. After finding the linen for the giant blanket, he searched out much smaller ones of both parts.

After paying and getting back home, the eight males with the ranch’s owner did as much as they could to help. They got the linen washed and kept close check on Time. They made sure he didn’t overdo himself and that he drank and ate often enough to keep the nausea, dizziness, dehydration and such away while recovering. At the next day, by the one eyed male’s instructions, they got the old bed sheets and blanket off.

The gigantic blanket was handled first and laid over the bed. After that came the smaller one into middle of the king sized bed. Only after that they put on the bed cover. “I’m still not getting it.” Wars stated out after everything was done.

“Before I explain…” Time started calmly before turning his gaze into the older male that had been like a brother to him for as long as he remembered. “Can I ask you something, Wars?” He inquired and the ex-Captain nodded without hesitation. “About my body temperature… Has it always been this crazy? I… I don’t recall it acting strangely until I was five but… My memory’s bit hazy on some things and, well…” He shrugged a bit while trying to put the pieces together.

Wars sighed heavily and shook his head. “No…” He half whispered before taking a deep breath. “Your body temp was normal until you were five. I don’t know what those bastards did to you but after that, for two years, it was going quite crazy. You had both hypothermia and overheating twice. It was crazy. I had to keep you warm during heat wave while everyone else was doing their best to cool down. Not to mention that you slept in a bathtub filled with cold water with me adding in ice cubes during winter while everyone else was trying to get warm. Your body just didn’t stop decreasing during summer nor did it stop increasing during winter. Spring and autumn were only times you had normal body temperature.” He explained sorrowfully.

“I don’t recall the other kids calling me on names because of it.” Time half whispered while frowning.

“They understood.” Wars replied with a small smile. “I let them know it was because of the keepers of the place. They knew it was one of the payments for you to keep them safe and out of their hands.” He sighed heavily while feeling bit like crying. “You were just a kid and still you were ready to go through hell just to keep everyone else safe.” He snorted softly and shook his head. “You really haven’t changed from that.”

The one eyed male gave a small smile with bit of a blush and shrugged. “What can I say? You’re one hell of a role model.” He countered fondly and slightly grinned as his older brother blushed a bit. “Anyway, about the bed…” He continued and turned his notion to the thing.

“So, I know most of you will gladly get underneath the blanket when you come over. Now it’s just bigger one. Though, I’m sorry for this but, this time I’ll be sleeping over that big one. On that way, even though everyone can get close to me, the hold won’t be as restraining as before. The smaller blanket’s mine only so it’ll be easier to take off. On this way, if it gets too hot, I can get the blanket off and cool down.” The ranch’s owner explained as calmly as he could while not being too happy of the slight obstacle between him and his boys.

“You think it’ll actually work?” Wars inquired while feeling uncertain of the idea. He understood the way it should work but he fully doubted it to go right in the end.

“Why not try straight off tonight?” Time countered with a grin.

“NO.” The oldest male of the ranch stated out firmly. “You’re still recovering. I am not—“ He started before trailing off as his little brother gave him his best puppy-dog-eyes. “Sprite…” He started bit uncertainly but that only brought out a miserable whine and slump from the one eyed male. Wars whined loudly while facepalming. “You still can’t whimper, huh?” He half mumbled.

The ranch’s owner bit flinched, sighed heavily and slumped for real. “I’m trying but…” He shrugged sorrowfully. “It’s stuck hard.”

Wars sighed heavily and nodded. “Alright. Alright, I’ll accept BUT with one condition.” He yielded before already giving a stern look to Time. “I stay up the whole night and keep check on the situation.”

“Wha… NO!” The one eyed male exclaimed roughly. “You need the sleep too!”

“I either guard your door and keep everyone from coming over OR you accept me staying awake and guarding.” The ex-Captain stated out firmly. He grinned slightly when Time sighed exaggerated.

“Fine.” The ranch’s keeper huffed and rolled his eye. “Yet, you’ll sleep at the morning. And I’ll guard you at then.” He countered with a wide grin.

“Fine by me.” Wars replied and matched the grin. “Been missing you acting like a weight blanket.”

Time blushed with a start before chuckling a bit nervously. “I’m not that kid anymore, you know.” He reminded while smiling bit shyly. “Gained height and weight.”

Wars snorted and shook his head. “Seriously, little brother, you’re way too skinny for my liking.”

The one eyed male blushed. “I’m just lithe!” He exclaimed and huffed in fake annoyance as his brother laughed.

“Honestly, you need to actually gain weight, Sprite.” The older male countered.

“Oh for that I’m going to squish you tomorrow morning! I’ll show you I weight just enough.” Time promised boldly and Wars just chuckled while grinning. The younger male just huffed and turned his gaze off. Yet, when he heard and saw from the corner of his eye his older brother moving towards him, he turned back to face him.

The ex-Captain smiled fondly and hugged Time tightly. “You’re just perfect the way you are, Sprite.” He whispered fondly and felt the one eyed male relax in his arms. He kissed the side of his brother’s head before pulling off.

Wild had been more than ready to increase the meal portions of his caretaker’s but he scratched that idea when it turned out to have been just bit of teasing around between Time and Wars. Yet, he was happy of listening the duo banter off like that since it brought out much calmer and happier side of the one eyed male. Plus, it very much let the ranch’s owner to give out stuff from his past much more freely than before.

At that night the eight males did pile on Time. His body temperature still warmed up the bigger blanket from close by and with all there, the combined body warmth did increase the heat nicely. Yet, as they had awaited, the one eyed male did get too hot during the night. “You gonna help me?” He inquired when he woke up while sweating.

“Only if you’re unable to do what you claimed to be capable of.” Wars countered while actually wanting to already pull the blanket off. Yet, his little brother just nodded, apologized to his boys while promising to give his arms back to be hugged and worked the blanket off. The one eyed male folded it few times before using it as an extra pillow.

“See? All’s fine.” Time told almost smugly while worming his arms back into the hold of Legend, Hyrule, Twilight and Wild. Wars calmed down and simply nodded.

“Just sleep, little brother. I’ll guard you.” The older male whispered and the ranch’s owner nodded before yawning. Wars smiled fondly and kept close check on the situation but with the blanket off, the sweating had stopped and things were just fine. Time slept peacefully through the night without further incidents.

At the next morning the seven boys went to handle the ranch work while making sure Time and Wars stayed at the bed. “Thank you, boys! You are such sweethearts!” The one eyed male fondly called after them and the youngsters just nodded with a slight blush. “Now…” He continued with mischievous grin while turning towards Wars. “Your turn!” He half shouted before already pushing the older male down and pulling his own blanket over him. After that he just laid over his brother as fully as possible.

Wars gave out a startled yelp at the push before gasping at the blanket being brought over him. He chuckled a bit when Time fully pinned him down to the bed. Yet, he smiled fondly and wrapped his arms around the taller male. This was exactly what he had been missing for long while. His little brother in his arms safe and sound. “Love you, Sprite. I will always protect you as long as I’m capable of in any way possible.” He whispered fondly while meaning each and every word.

“Love you too, big brother.” Time replied quietly before tad grinning. “Now hush and sleep.”

Wars chuckled and kissed the side of his little brother’s nose. He grinned at the slight start of the younger male. Yet, after that he closed his eyes while calming down and smiling fondly. Time calmed down too and relaxed with his older brother. He didn’t mean it to happen but he ended up taking a nap too while Wars slept beneath him. They both felt as safe and secure as back in the orphanage whenever they had a chance to sleep like this. Guarding one another and making sure each other was safe and sound with them. They were once again at home with family.

[moonshynecybin]

ok so. i’ve been thinking abt the same age au again (an all timer!! one of the best aus we’ve ever discussed i think. always on my mind and in my heart) and. marc visiting vale in tavullia for the first time. when and how does it happen. and does it include marc meeting baby luca….

also in the same vein, vale WOULD be visiting marc in cervera here, meeting the family, meeting alex! marc does not invite many riders to his home but ofc he invites vale.. do they share marc’s bed in the room he shares w alex question mark. maybe so.

WONDERFUL BEAUTIFUL ASK... hmmm... i think its more likely that marc visits vale first than vale visiting marc... like i could see vale wanting to pull a lil bit of a power game. inviting marc to HIS spot rather than getting mobbed by marc's entire extended extremely involved family etc. (side note: marc's huge close knit family vs the comparative adolescent turmoil of vale's. interesting to explore. does vale feel a lil weird about how thin he thinks his life is when marc is like HEY can i bring ALEX ? and call my MOM? and my GRANDPA? and he looks at his two too-young somewhat distant parents who have new kids/families... does he not want to be confronted with what it'll mean internally to put himself in that position around MARC? at MARC'S HOUSE? yeah hes doing his in italy. at least for the first time)

so anyways. i think its somewhat like irl where its ostensibly this causal invitation to come train that is actually a like. somewhat horny attempt to scope out the competition while also being a very genuine desire to simply hang out. rosquez contain multitudes. and vale honestly spends a lot of time with teen marc hanging off the back of his bike that his dad bought him that he initially hated until it got cool (it is cool now and marc REALLY likes it. expected to be bored bc he doesnt like road biking but vale is doing his typical cop-skirting joyful mildly illegal and highly unsafe speeding shenanigans on these windy tavullian backroads that goody two-shoes marc LOVES). it does NOT go without a hitch because they both feel weird about whoever 'wins' their training sessions AND this is maybe the first time vale introduces marc to uccio (speaking of power games have you ever been introduced by a new friend to their BEST friend and it is very clear that they dont like you. and you both maybe wanna fuck the initial friend. its very that its HUGELY covertly bitchy) BUT marc also gets to hang out in vale's rad 90s teen bedroom with the bugs bunny plush and maybe make out with him a little in an extremely fraught manner

[flamingspud]

"Thanks for helping me close-up," he thanked. "No problem, Dad." Tango paused. "What?"

Things get a little awkward at the Ranch.

Fic under the cut

It had been a busy day at the Ranch, and Tango had been beginning to think the day would never end. When it finally did, there was still a lot of clean up to do before they could close up.

Luckily for him, Jimmy was a keen worker.

"Thanks for helping me close-up," he thanked.

"No problem, Dad."

Tango paused. "What?"

Jimmy's eyes went wide. "What?! No, I didn't say anything- actually I just remembered I can't stay because, uh, Grian's burning the house down, yep! Sorry I couldn't help more, see you tomorrow!"

Before Tango could get a word in, Jimmy practically ran out the door.

"Jimmy...!" Tango called after him, but it was no good. "Damn it..."

~~~

"And then he ran out," Tango said with a sigh. Once he had gotten home, he and his roommates had started trading stories from their days, which inevitably led to the incident at the Ranch. He hadn't heard from Jimmy since, and felt guilty for embarrassing him.

"I should've pretended like I didn't hear him." 

"Well, look on the bright side Top, you've got dad status! Not even Etho's kids call him dad," Skizz said in an attempt to cheer him up.

Etho and Impulse looked at him incredulously. "Not cool man," the former stated.

"He doesn't have a good relationship with his dad," Tango pointed out, still defeated. 

"It was probably a sign of respect," Impulse reasoned. 

"That still doesn't negate the fact that I scared him off."

Skizz let out a long sigh. "Look, the kid said something embarrassing and left, it happens! He might be awkward for a few days, but soon enough it'll be like nothing ever happened."

Tango looked at Skizz. "I hope you're right."

“I always am, aren’t I?”

“No. I can think of at least four times off the top of my head-” Etho began, but Skizz cut him off.

“Shh, yes I am.”

~~~

"How long has he been like that?" Grian asked, walking over to Joel with a bowl of cereal.

Joel shrugged. "Since he got back from work, so like, twenty minutes?"

They were watching their brother, Jimmy, who was sitting on the couch and staring into space. "My life is over..." he muttered.

"He speaks!" Joel exclaimed, bounding over to him. 

"Why's your life over?" Grian asked, mouth full of cereal and sitting across from him.

"Gross," Joel commented, and Grian made a face.

Jimmy let out a long sigh. "I called Tango dad."

Grian choked on his cereal.

"Oh, you're toast," Joel responded, grinning wildly.

"It's not funny!" Jimmy insisted, hitting him with a couch cushion."

"Hey!" Joel dodged. 

"Well, what did he say?" Grian asked.

"I don't know, I ran away before he could say anything."

"Jimmy!"

"Yup, toast," Joel reiterated.

Jimmy put his head into his hands. "He probably thinks I'm a complete weirdo."

Joel and Grian gave each other a look.

"Yup," Grian agreed.

"He totally does," Joel added.

"You guys are not helping!"

"I think you're being dramatic," Grian said. 

Jimmy didn't say anything.

"You've totally done more embarrassing stuff. Like remember that one time on Bdubs' birthday-" Joel started, but Jimmy quickly cut him off.

"Ok, I get it! It's not the end of the world!" Jimmy said, putting his hands up in surrender. "Jeez, you guys are the worst..."

“We try,” Grian said sweetly, before standing up. “I’m going to my room.” He then proceeded to do exactly that, cereal bowl in hand.

Joel decided to get up as well, and as he walked toward his room he gave Jimmy a pat on the shoulder. “You’ll be fine.”

Jimmy let out a huff of irritation. His brothers sure have an annoying way of giving a pep talk.

~~~

The next day, when Jimmy went into work, he clocked in and tried to keep his head down. Either Tango was doing the same thing or he was genuinely busy, because Jimmy barely saw him for the first part of his shift.

Eventually, Ren sidled up to Jimmy. “Hey, what’s going on with you and Tango?”

“Huh? Nothing, why, did he say something?” Jimmy asked quickly.

Ren seemed amused by this. “No, you’re both just acting weird.”

So he does remember, Jimmy thought.

“Look man, I don’t know what happened, but you two are normally joined at the hip. Whatever it is I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

Jimmy didn’t answer, so Ren got back to work.

It wasn’t long later until Jimmy was asked a question by a customer he couldn’t answer. Ren had gone who knows where for his break so the only person he could ask for help from was Tango.

Not wanting to lose his job, he reluctantly went to find his boss. “Hey, Tango?”

The older man seemed surprised that Jimmy was talking to him. “What’s up?”

“There’s a uh, customer out there who wants to know what kinds of oils we have?” He asked.

“Oh, um yeah, of course,” he said, “I’ll deal with that, why don’t you take your break?”

“I still have fifteen minutes left,” Jimmy pointed out. 

Tango waved him off. “Things have been slow, and you’ve earned it.”

“Well, if you’re sure.”

Tango grinned. “Sure am.”

Jimmy watched him walk out front to deal with the customers, relief washing over him. Tango was acting completely normal, thank god. He was worrying for nothing.

With a renewed spring in his step, Jimmy headed to the break room.

[cherry-pop-elf]

Weasley Ranch

New au just dropped. Cowboy Weasley Au. Do they still have magic? Yes because wizard cowboys. And my cancer doctor unit care appointment is tomorrow so I need to distract myself badly

William ‘Bill’

Would be the town historian/artifact collector type. Often would go hunting with Charlie as well. He’s going to be the guy you go to if you ever have a problem with anything at any hour at any time. Except the full moon. Ain’t no one allowed to mess with that man when the moon is full. Unless ya like to leave with a few new stories to a few new scars

Charlie

The horse wrangler. Never been a horse he couldn’t tame, because he doesn’t tame em. He respects them, and they respect him. Not a single breed he hasn’t been able to get on and ride. Your man, on the ranch, you go to for any horse related issues ever. Need a horse? Wondering why yours is sick? He’s got it all handle. He’s also got a few tricks up his sleeve for the other wild life liking folks

Percy

Town doctor. No doubt about it. He’s always patching people up. Making sure everyone is healthy, and properly caring for their wounds. Keeps mostly to his books, and had plenty of test subjects for his care. When you have five brothers, and a sister, on a ranch you learn a thing or two about medicine real fast. Especially when you grow your own herbs to begin with

Fred and George

They run the General Store. But they sure don’t run General things. If you know what you want, they’ll be sure to make sure you get what you want. Won’t be cheap, but they’ll have the highest quality around. The best gun powder, the best guns, oh they got it all. With candy for the kids, so you can go home with a slice of home

Ron

Grew up to be the towns Sheriff. Not like the last one was any good competition to begin with. He’s doing what he can to take care of everyone in the town. He’s doing more than what the plate has room to offer. He’s trustworthy, and if you have a problem he ain’t afraid to play bounty hunter for you

Ginny

She is still figuring out what she wants to do, in life, given all her brothers have some kind of successful job or another. Until then, she’s the best ranch hand you’ll ever damn see. Can ride a horse that can rival the likes of Charlie. Can shoot any target you give her, and lasso any bastard you need. She’s a jack of all trades. You’ll often see her helping teach the other girls some trades as well. Trying to make the world have a few more cowgirls to love

[bumblepony]

I got my final commissioned illustration for Boy I Was Back Then, my Tommy and Maria Ranch Hand AU, today, and I am so happy to share it with you all.

This is the wonderful Artist who created it for me @alyona11 . Thank you so much for your wonderful work. I could not be any happier!

[hcdragonwrites]

Spring Grooming

(a @digitalagepulao Fanfic)

I had brain fire from listening to Hoizers music so - HAVE A LITTLE FIC OF COMFORT AND BROTHERLY TENDERNESS !

The pines gave off their fresh and sharp scent as the rain continued to drip from them. Needles couldn’t hold the heavy drops up and instead shook them off when the weight became heavy and made their barren bases wet and cool. Pine needles crunch beneath horse hooves, spicing the air further. The rain cleansed the mountain air only for the pilgrims to churn the forest floor in their wake.

Spring was heavy in its breath upon the earth. The rain would have been snow if the sweet kiss of the turning season hadn’t warmed the earth. Instead her rain triggered a riot of colors and initiated animals and plants both to begin to grow again, to seek life, and to awaken from winters cold rest. Ba Longma felt his coat heavy on his body. As a dragon he had never felt the strange mammal tendency to grow hair king in a winter coat to stop the cold from stealing over his bones.

However his horse like form had other instincts, and one was to grow fluffier and thicker about. In the deep snows and the cold hail, when the sleet had slashed the other pilgrims and made their teeth chatter, he had been thankful for his bodies sudden growth. As eldest disciple, the eldest of the brothers among the merry band, it fell to him to carry his Master and tend him. He had spent less days in his humanoid form, and more as a horse - determined with will to carry his master through the worst of storms. To break paths in the frozen snows. The cold couldn’t touch him. Even as the ice formed in his mane and fetlocks, across his body where the sweat rolled off and in his tail.

Now spring was here. Ba felt his body sweating in the heat of the now warmer world. What had given him an edge, an advantage, was now making him suffer. He longed to scratch it off- to seek a low hanging batch of pinewoods and rub himself against them. He had tried to get out of the heat as a man but when he returned to this horse body, it held stubbornly to its habitual rotation. He was a magical steed but even that didn’t prevent the instincts of the seasons from effect his body. Sweat beaded beneath the saddle and it’s blanket, creating a crust of salt that itched and chaffed him. The girth that swung beneath his belly and held the contraption of leather and wood to his back, rubbed and creaked at each step he made.

Ba Longma had noticed the slight cracks beginning to appear in the leather- stiffened by the salt of his body and cracked by the movement. They would need to replace it or Master would experience an unexpected fall when the leather finally cracked and the cloth gave beneath the weight. He held his tongue, walking slowly onward.

When Tripitaka called for a stop for the day, for the mid meal and a bit of rest for himself, along a felt relieved. The terrible itch of his sweat, of the excess fur, had built from annoying buzz to a incomprehensible urge. His instinct was to rub, to roll, to cake his backside in dry cool dirt and to rub himself free of the fur and sweat. It had taken all his will power not to shake himself and beg his Master for a bit of relief.

As Wujing and Bajie set about starting the fire and cooking the rice and setting to chopping and mixing brown sugar into bowls with fruit to make candied sweets for snacking on, it was Wukong that came up to Tripataka and Longma.

“Shifu.” The stone monkey held out a hand and Trip took it. He dismounted, legs bowed from the long day in the saddle. Longma felt a twinge of worry. Did Shifu suffer from saddle sores? Had he been too rocky in his gait? Did he jostle him too much in the saddle ? These things hummed in the eldest disciples mind as Trip made to start taking the tac from his body. A monkey paw reached up and stopped him. “I will take care of Longma.”

“Are you sure Wukong?” Tripataka asked again. He had his hands on the bridle, fingers over the buckles that kept it in place.

“Of course Master. Go go- make sure that Bajie doesn’t eat too many palm fruits before they can be turned to candies.”

“I heard that!” The pig demon snorted, tusks flashing threateningly. They were not as sinister however at the flash of the cheeky smile of the youngest disciple. Trip hesitated only a second more before he settled onto a long and rubbed at his inner calves, relieving the cramps built there from the long day of riding.

Wukong turned an eye back to Ba Longma and the dragon horse saw a twinkle of something there.

“Now brother- I’ve noticed your switching tail all the way from the pine forest to here,” the little monkey crossed his arms taking on a scolding tone, “and you cannot fool me. You are uncomfortable.”

“I am not..” Longma spoke so few times in this shape. It felt strange to have the words rumble up and out of his throat and between teeth that were flat except the canines he retained from dragon shape.

“You lie poorly.” Wukong undid the chin strap of the bridle, pulling the top of the bridle free of Longmas ears. He let gravity slide the metal bit out of his mouth and Longma champed and licked his mouth back into order. Having the bit in his mouth, the metal contraption that sat over his tongue and across his mouth had at first, been something to get used to. Longma didn’t think it was entirely necessary - until he realized that his master was so light of hand and leg that he hardly asked anything of him in the rider fashion. Riding depended on leg and pressure - and Tripataka was too kind to even press his heels to his eldest disciples sides. Longma had decided then to keep the bridle so he could better sense when Shifu asked him to turn or gave the reins a gentle tap to coax him into faster gaits.

“I do not lie Little Brother.” He spoke softly, always feeling ill at ease when he spoke in this shape. “I just silently endure.”

“BAH!” The Monkey set the bridle carefully on a overturned stump and came back. He went for the girth, that terrible bit of leather that made Longmas under legs itch. “I was the keeper of Heavenly Horses. I learned the body language and silent speech of them. And you may be a dragon in disguise but you speak quite clearly of your discomfort.”

“Swishing tail, ears flicking back at odd intervals- the stamp of a hoof - you are uncomfortable.” The girth came free in a jangle of buckles and bands and Longma breathed out in a gratified snort. The saddle came free, the sticky blanket with it.

Wukong pulled a few hairs from his head and chewed them. When he blew them out he had a brush, a metal band that looked like a comb, an a curved iron piece.

“Let me tend you Brother. You carry our master day in and day out. Let me help as I know how.” The little brother asked, holding up the metal comb. Longma sighed. What he really wanted was to roll very undignified like in a nice patch of earth or sand. Instead he cocked one ear towards the stone monkey and nodded.

Wukong gave a little whoop of triumph then set to work. Though it had been five hundred years since he attended and took care of the horses of heaven, the knowledge of that time hadn’t faded. Wukong took the brush and began to tackle the sweat patch on the dragon horses back. He had to get the worst of the sweat off before it settled into a crust of hair and itchiness. So he set to brushing, first moving in little circles over the withers and down the back to break of where the sweat had tangled in the fur. Dirt and shedding fur came up in a flurry as the monkey worked his magic.

“Brother! You are shedding! You must be so uncomfortable in this heat.” Wukong tutted and cooed back, setting his hands to a flurry. Once the worst of the sweat and road dirt had been brushed and taken off the back, Wukong switched to the metal comb. Carefully and gently, to avoid the press of the metal on the points where the bone jutted or was closer to the surface, he brought the comb up and over. Clumps of the winter coat began to fly free in great flurries of white and grey.

The stone monkey was careful and diligent in his task. He found it soothing to brush and groom, to tend and care as he had when he had been in Heaven but also when he had been among his people. It almost pulled him into a trance like state, the task becoming enjoyable and habitual. Horse skin was sensitive, highly sensitive to the touch of flies on the withers, to the brush their velvet nose to feel sweet shoots of grass. He was gentle in the press of the comb, understanding that the metal bristles could hurt if applied with too much pressure.

Longma felt his head dipping lower and lower as the monkey set to work. Wukong combed his legs, his chest, his withers and shoulders. The relief! Longma felt the cool air kissing his skin as the old winter coat came free. A flurry of hair was gathering at his hooves, a great gathering of white grey fur. The two pilgrims stood in companionable silence, Longma soothed into almost slumber and Wukong consumed with the task of grooming. They were so absorbed they didn’t notice the birds of spring diving and gathering the great tufts of the dragon horses fur. Nesting materials this numerous were not to be frowned upon and the birds had a bountiful harvest for making nests and lining their woven work with the white down of Longmas winter coat.

“There brother doesn’t that feel better ?” Wukong finished removing most of the winter coat. The Monkey chuckled, seeing the half asleep expression upon the dragon horses face. It would be a time before the rest would give way. Winter fur always liked to cling and stay even after the dregs of spring have moved well into a summer balm.

“Alright Ba Longma, let me check your hooves.” The Stone monkey didn’t know if the senior disciple heard him. So Wukong set to the task of hoof care. He gently pressed into the horses leg and Longma lifted the foot instinctively.

“Brother! You have rocks all throughout the crevices!” Wukong truly was appalled now to see the state of the horses hooves. Such impaction with the hooves over time could lead to limping which could lead to further pain or, worse, lameness! Wukong champed his teeth and tutted more.

“You will go lame if you keep silent and then where will we be ?”Wukong spun the pick in hand and set it to the compacted hoof. He dug out the worst of the dirt and compacted little stones, careful of the sensitive parts in the middle of the foot called a frog. People thought horses to be tough and enduring animals when they needed as much care as a mistress of a fancy and rich house. They needed manicures and pedicures, grooming and tending, careful watch of diet and attention to detail. Each leg Wukong grumbled and chided the older disciple at his lack of self care and Longma simply sighed and grumbled. The dragon horse puffed in contentment. Now this… this was the life.

Wukong set the last hoof down and patted the white flank of his companion.

“From now on I will take care of you- we can’t have the senior disciple limping now can we?” Wukong chortled and left his brother to lie down and groan in relief.

“Thank you Brother…” Spring never felt so nice against Longmas now soothed and lighter fur, his brushed and tended body. The horse folded himself into the earth and closed his eyes, ready for a nice long and sweet nap. The birds flitted and landed upon the white flanks, plucking hairs and thick winter fur free. Longma felt none of their little ministrations as he drifted into a dreamless sleep.

[likesunsetorange]

anyways on a more positive note this is cowboy eren at all of mikasa’s shows 🥰

[forever-eternal]

Do you have any Texas headcannons?

Texas— Gabriel Jones! The Mama’s Boy :3

I have a few!

———————————————————————

-He goes by Gabriel, he’ll answer to ‘Texas’ but he doesn’t like it as much.

-Sometimes he won’t even answer to it, unless its one of the Government humans. They don’t get to call him ‘Gabriel’.

-Maybe you can tell, but he’s a Mama’s AND a Papa’s boy. He loves both of them very very much.

-If you asked him to pick when he was a little boy, he would cry. If you ask him now, he’ll ignore you and go hug his parents instead.

-Speaking of when he was little, it was very easy to make him cry. Very, very easy. Sensitive little boy turns into a sensitive man (who hides his emotions because he doesn’t know how to deal with them anymore).

-For many years, he hid in his Ma’s skirts or Pa’s coats when they went out. He still tries to do it despite being 6-12 inches taller than them.

-They let him hide! They’ll hold him but act like he’s not there to everyone around them.

-He has the most subconscious trauma from Before he was the State of Texas, back when he was the Texas Republic and when he was a colony of Spain.

-Which is part of the reason he hid from strangers and cried easy, he was a little man with big fears and big emotions.

-He is a BIG man, 6’8 with tree trunk limbs and a chest the size of a barrel. Easily 300+ pounds, able to carry everyone in his family with ease.

-He gets it from Georgia.

-Has a Blue Lacey dog. Her name is Buddy, because she’s his little buddy!

-She helps him around his ranch with all his animals and such, which are mostly cared for by his Cities since he’s been in the Statehouse.

-He still goes to check in on the ranch at least four times a week, he just don’t live there all the time anymore.

-He has a bay and white colored Clydesdale horse, his name is Ford.

-He drives a bright red, four-door pick-up truck. No one remembers the brand and it probably shouldn’t work as well as it does.

-They no longer make the truck or the parts used for it, he still gets his hands on replacements anyway. The truck is a little banged up but clean and works like its new.

-He has a Texan flag bumper sticker, and thats it. If someone sticks a new sticker on his truck, he’s out there scraping it off until theres nothing left of it.

-Cities don’t always look like their State’s personification (aka, their parent) but sometimes they are incredibly similar. Houston looks exactly like him, just an inch shorter.

-He does REALLY bad with cold weather. Most Southern States do, but he gets BAD.

-He and all his Cities pack it up and go to the Jones house when it gets too cold. Ma and Pa always have enough rooms for everyone.

-If he’s still freezing because of his State’s temperature, he’s buried in 20 blankets. He may be lying on top of his parents, or in a pile with his Cities in front of the fire place. He may just be dressed warmer than usual.

-His main house is a farmhouse, with several rooms for his Cities to stay in (several still live with him). It’s on a large plot of land he built his ranch on.

-All in all, he tries to act tougher than he is. I love him, I want to throw him out a tenth story window. I want to wrap him in blankets so nothing hurts him.

[stargazeraldroth]

oof, lot of room for self doubt on Ink’s part, with the initial unrequited crush… especially if Error’s initially a bit of a jerk. poor guy probably writes it off as hopeless because Error would never love him, right? (little does he know-)

I don’t know when Error would or should gain his crush, but I feel like it’s be really fucking funny if he had like. an idle realization while Ink is doing something silly/goofy/clumsy/what have you. just like “who gave this dumbass the right to be so damn cute” before realizing what he thought and bluescreening.

as for ages! not sure about horseland canon, but I’ve been imaging people in this au as being in the range of 16 to 20! kinda a mixed age group vibe, in my opinion.

Yes, I don't have the slightest clue how old any of the characters in the show are, but I know they aren't adults. I know that for a fact. And since everyone's saying that it's irresponsible to leave kids their age unattended, I guess the characters are on the younger side??? Like, maybe they're pre-teens? Regardless, I have been picturing the characters in this AU (with the exception of the animals ofc) to be in a range from teenagers to adults. All I know for a fact is that Zephyr and Top are older adults, Ink and Error are the youngest of their brothers (btw even though Geno and Error are related, I've changed it so that Fresh is not included in CQ Bros, and I do have a reason for this), Cross... is maybe an older teen? Like, a teen about to enter adulthood?

Part of me wants to make Errorink in this AU be a slowburn (I suck at slowburns), but at the same time, I don't want it to drag on forever. That's one of my biggest problems, pacing a story. I think it could be funny if Error and Ink are crushing on each other but not making a move for so long that everyone else, who are already painfully aware of how in love they are, is like "Just kiss already!" Fortunately for Error and Ink, these two idiots who don't know how to handle emotions, they have a mutual assistant: Missy!

OH- I have an IDEA. Picture Ink giving the dogs treats and having them do tricks to get them. That's when Error has that "This dumbass, who said he could be so cute"

[hannibalzero]

Wild at heart! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[theoneeyedgoldenwolf]

Deities of Hyrule (Bit of lore for my Ranch Family AU stories)

Putting this here as I doubt it’ll come much out in my stories. They might be mentioned here and there and I might write things into a story of where Time, Wars and the others pick their Guardian Deities. Not yet entirely certain of this but the main thing is that the Deities don’t really have any of significant role in any of way. Mentioned here and there but not exactly intervening. At last not until I write afterlife story at the end of the Ranch Family AU… Yeah, I’ll come back to this slight bit later but I’ll leave it as such for now. ^^;;

This came up for me when I wrote Lies to correct. In it Time was originally going to send a prayer for any God and Goddess of Hyrule whom would listen but then I started to think about it more and I changed it into him sending a prayer to Fierce Deity, the God of Protection.

Why? Because the whole story of my Ranch Family AU has expanded far more than I ever though it to happen. XD Originally the whole storyline was going to be the next:

Time’s past -> Time’s time at Lon-Lon Ranch -> Getting the boys and telling their pasts after they’ve been adopted -> Simple stuff such as helping the boys to heal and getting them to meet their blood relatives and helping them to get their dreams -> Possible extra lifetimes with bit of afterlife stuff in there.

Yeah, that’s not going to be the main stuff anymore. =/ As I began to write Ranch Family AU and, especially after I began to upload the stories, it began to have actual PLOT. There are actual bad guys and all. I really hadn’t waited for this to happen. ^^;;

So, about the Deities… I had NOT remembered how many Deities are actually mentioned or considered as such in the games! D= I had FULLY forgotten that Goddess of Time was actually mentioned in Majora’s Mask and SHE’S the one whom created the time loop to give Link and Tatl the needed time to stop Majora. Until now I had always blamed Majora for the time loop. >.< I mean, Goddess of Time is mentioned by Tatl, Princess Zelda and one to few of Termina’s people. AND Zelda told Goddess of Time is looking after Link.

Anyway, as I went through the list, I already had few ideas. Time and Wars are quite well the only ones whom learn about the Deities of Hyrule at much later age than the seven others do. Malon teaches of them to Time but I don’t know who teaches them to Wars or if he just finds the info by himself.

Sure, people can worship more than one Deity but usually they choose one that they feel the closest to. Hence I put Time to pray help from Fierce Deity instead of anyone whom would listen to him. That then led me into thinking answers for questions such as why and who would the rest of the characters pray to.

There’s no actual worshipping going or anything. It’s just a feeling of whom is closest to one’s ways or heart. It’s more of like asking for guidance or help but not really waiting for anything.

Yet, the Deities ARE there. Just not in Hyrule but watching over the people of the lands. There’s even Termina’s and Holodrum’s Deities along which is why their Deities have been added into things. Termina is going to be more of a part of Hyrule than its own lands. Holodrum’s quite unknown to me as I haven’t played the Oracle games. =/

(Should do a map of my Ranch Family AU’s Hyrule….)

Anyway, I’m still bit uncertain of some of the boys as to whom they turn to for help or strength or such. Yet, here’s what I’m thinking for so far:

Time: Fierce Deity Fierce Deity is the God of Protection. Time’s very protective over his family and will do anything for them. Hence this felt like the one he’d pray help and guidance from the most.

Wars: Nayru The reason’s quite clear as Wars is a tactician. To be a tactician one would need wisdom to do the right choices and see how things are. So, the Goddess of Wisdom felt like right choice for him.

Twilight: The Lord of the Mountain (Satori) I had Farore at first but then I read what was told of Satori: Watches over animals. And Twi’s very animal loving person. In fact, his work will be very much having everything to do with animals. ;)

Legend: The Season Spirits Originally I had Legend and Twilight have the same Guardian Deity of their choice but then I thought about Legend’s apple trees. And so, his Deity became the Season Spirits since the apple trees do need good seasons to thrive.

Wild: Hylia -> ?? Wild is still bit of a question mark. I know already that he starts, due to his family, with Hylia but I feel like he’ll be changing his Guardian Deity eventually. To whom, I don’t yet know. Sadly, there’s no Deity for cooks. ^^;;

Wind: Jabun / Lord Jabu-Jabu / Zephos and Cyclos / Golden Chief Cylos Wind’s a HUGE question mark for me. I don’t yet know if he’s up for getting a Guardian Deity for the sea or for wind. >.< Yet, he’s a kid (seven years old) when he comes into Time’s care so he has lot of time to figure this out. XD

Sky: Levias Originally, obviously, I was going to go with Hylia as she has wings. Yet, then I thought of the fact that he’ll be a pilot and flying and safe skies are more important at then. Hence the Guardian of the Skies for him. =)

Four: The Four Giants of Termina At first I had Din for the strength as Four’s going to be a smith. Yet, then I thought of his name and the colors of his and how those impact him. The Four Giants of Termina felt more appropriate at then. Besides, Goht is from the mountains and guardian of Gorons so strength comes from there. ;) I will be thinking more for this but it just feels right for him.

Hyrule: The Great Fairies Hyrule’s bit of a question mark. He’s no fairy of any kind in my Ranch Family AU but he does have fascination of them. I thought for some others too but none of them really felt appropriate for him. Partly I thought he’d be the one to keep all three Golden Goddesses as his Guardian Deities as he’s still going to be a Traveler, or an explorer more so, as he grows up. Yet, I thought he’ll be searching for the fairies and such so… Yeah, I’m going with the Great Fairies for him. =)

As extra:

Malon: Malanya This probably was the easiest one. XD I don’t think I need to explain a thing but… Lon-Lon Ranch is mainly a horse ranch. ;) And Malon definitely is a horse girl.

There are several other characters too but some of them I’m still thinking through. Yet, so far there are at least three main bad guys within my Ranch Family AU. One I’m still unaware of whom the person worships but one holds Demise as their Guardian Deity and the other one holds Majora as such.

[jupiter-reimagined]

Not Sylvester just leaving, damn. Love the fact that you don't even know where he's going, RIP to you.

yeah. he's on a one-man journey. butcher might just be tracking the bike like "?????" before going "well. i guess i'll keep my volume on in case he presses the emergency button"

i hate this guy sometimes. bro just decided to walk away from the nice wholesome family reunion plotline

anyways, imagining mohandas being lowkey overwhelmed/surprised by how many people/"family" members stone keeps close and around. and like how he's really missed out on being in his life, for really no reason

i do like stone being like "this is butcher. he's my husband's ex boyfriend but not really, and he's also the father of my son, except sylvester is also the other real father of my son"

[the-whispers-of-death]

yknow i cant stop myself so. heres the butcher ask too. cuz i love him <3

first things first, he's just surprised he called and is like "what, didya sneak into laila's phone to get my number? i never gave it to you, pretty boy... but anyways. what, didya want my current location so you can get your revenge? i bet you do. thats cute."

if stone updates him on the sylvester situation, he'll wave it off too like "oh, i know. my brother told me. what in gods name do you want me to do about it? pump him full of drugs until he doesnt know his own name? .. wouldnt take much. last i remember, he's got low tolerance. but then again, that was what, 20 years ago?.. i mean. i could, but figured you'd be against the stuff."

he (and me) is confused as to why stone wouldve considered calling him in the first place

also. young sylvester and young butcher lore i guess. i think its funny if theyre actually longtime buddies and met when sylvester was still young and stupid and couldnt stop having run-ins with both the mob and the law hgkhdg,, it basically writes itself lol

Even Stone's confused why he called Butcher. He just panicked and was calling all of Sylvester's friends for help. He does end the call in like five minutes because he just became done with Butcher.

Doesn't matter now, because Ainārs helped. So they can both just pretend Stone didn't call Butcher. He knows Butcher might just use that against him, somehow.

On the topic of friends...

I don't know why, but I feel like all of Stone's friends are just... not talking to him. Even Kali, who seemed to be the only one to react positively to Stone coming home, is not talking to him.

And I think it's all because Stone stupidly lied to Bear. They all had trusted that he would never lie to them and then he did, he ended up lying to someone when he hates lying. They don't understand, nor does Stone, so they're all just like "We can't be around you right now."

So I guess Stone is currently friendless and the only people he's seeing on a daily basis right now are Mārīte, Laila, and Sylvester.

[harryspet]

rough hands, soft chains [1] r.cameron

[warnings] dark!grey!rancher!rafe x bimbo!cowgirl!reader, arranged marriage, rancher au, manipulation, size difference, future smut, little editing, READ AT YOUR OWN RISK 18+

A/N: This is an au I'm trying out where Kildare County is actually in Montana and all the pogues and kooks exist within a ranching community. Hope you enjoy!! I would really appreciate feedback, reblogs are most appreciated!

In which your dying father struck a deal with Ward Cameron, he promised the family land in exchange for your safety. But protection comes with a price, and that price is Rafe Cameron.

word count: 5k

rafe cameron masterlist

After the funeral, you flopped down on the old leather couch in your living room, absently twirling a lock of your hair as you stared up at the cracked ceiling. Your black dress, meant for the sweltering summers, fell just below your knees. You’d paired it with a shawl you found tucked away in your mother’s dresser, a pretty, soft thing with little patterns you didn’t understand, but it smelled like her, so it felt right.

People at the funeral said you looked “so grown up” now, which filled you with a sense of pride. They said nothing about the dirt under your nails from wandering around the yard barefoot earlier that morning or the way your mascara smeared from crying too much. No one ever took you seriously anyway. 

The quiet of the house was deafening, pressing in at you at all sides. The lack of his presence weighed on you. He’d built every corner of this house, your mother painted every wall, and you were grateful for the life they’d built you. Three bedrooms, a wrap-around porch where you’d once dreamed of watching your children play in the yard as you rocked in your chair, and the old, red barn that had weathered time alongside them. You knew you couldn’t lose it, but you weren’t sure how to keep it either.

A loud knock at the front door made the house shake and snapped you from your daze. It was not the knock of a kind neigbor delivering a sympathy caserole, the knock was firm and authoritative. You half expected the sheriff to be behind the door but instead found yourself staring back at Ward Cameron. 

You pushed back the curls that had fallen into your face. He stood before you, tipping his finest black cattleman hat with deliberate grace, lifting it from his head and placing it over his chest in a quiet gesture of respect. His square jawline was sharp, his striking blue eyes unflinching, and though the gray streaks in his hair hinted at age, they only added to his rugged handomenss. 

“Miss,” he greeted you smoothly, his voice as sharp as the crease in his shirt. He looked out of place here, too clean, too polished for the worn edges of your family’s ranch.

Your anxiety peaked, “Uh, hi. Can I help you?” You gripped the handle of the door tighter than you expected. 

“I think you know why I’m here.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “It’s time we talked about your father’s arrangements.”

Arrangements? You shifted nervously, trying to make sense of his words. You knew your dad had debts, but it wasn’t like he told you all the details. You knew that a significant amount of your father’s debt was to Ward. It humiliated your father to lease the Cameron’s grazing rights but he only did it to keep the ranch afloat. Money and paperwork were never your thing, and your dad always said not to worry about it. “I—I don’t think there’s anything to talk about. I’ll figure out how to pay you back, okay?”

Although Ward wasn’t the tallest man, most people towered over you, and as he leaned in the doorway, you knew he had your stature in mind. 

Still, his smile was empty, “Why don’t we discuss this in your father’s office, hmm?” 

“Um, no thanks,” you said quickly, shaking your head. But before you could shut the door, his hand pushed it open with way too much ease. You stumbled back, your cheeks heating with embarrassment as he walked in like he owned the place.

“Excuse me! You can’t just barge in here!” you squeaked, hurrying after him, his expensive boots, tapping against the creaking floor of your home. 

He made his way down the downstairs hallway, barging into the room that not even your father wanted you to step in. Immediately as you stepping inside, a coldness touched you. he heavy oak desk sat like a monument to your father’s stubbornness, papers scattered across its surface in disarray. Just looking at it made your brain feel fuzzy. Ward moved behind it as if it were his own, his hands brushing against the chair’s worn leather.

“I offered to come speak to you, before all of this drama, but your father insisted I wait until he was gone,” Ward gestured to rickety chair that sat in front of the desk, “Sit.”

You ignored him, crossing your arms in stubborness, “What are you talking about?”

“Do you know how much exactly your father owes me? How much you’d be taking on?”

His words, like they had certainly intended to, made you feel stupid. Your father made sure you were uninvolved in the ranch’s finances and he had just passed this week, you hadn’t thought about entering his office and disturbing his things. 

You blinked, your mouth opening and closing. “Well… um… I know he owed some money, but he didn’t really tell me how much.”

“It’s more than the farm is worth, Y/N.”

The weight of his words settled heavily between you, thickening the already suffocating air in the room. You clenched your jaw, refusing to show any sign of the panic tightening in your chest. The farm, your father’s legacy, your mother’s dreams, was supposed to be yours to save.

“That can’t be right,” you said, though your voice wavered slightly. “My father would’ve told me if it was that bad.”

“Would he? It’s nothing you should’ve worried your pretty head about,” Ward continued, his eyes sharp and assessing, “We parents try to protect our children. But he was too prideful. Pride doesn’t pay the bills and banks don’t wait forever.”

“The bank–”

“The bank would’ve taken the entire property if your father hadn’t already signed the land over to me.”

Your heart sunk into your stomach at Ward Cameron’s words. Your breath hitched as you stared at him, trying to process what he’d just said. You shook your head in disbelief, “He wouldn’t do that.”

The land was the only piece of your father that you had left. A hundred acres that your family and only a few ranch hands tended to.There were dwindling amounts of livestock, mounting debts, but it was your home. Humble in comparison to the Cameron’s thousands of acres but it belonged to your family. Even if you were the only one left. 

“This all would’ve been easier for you if your father had explained all of this to you before. I think he was scared of you hating him.”

“I don’t understand.”

Ward’s expression didn’t falter. If anything, he looked almost bored with your responses, “We came to an agreement a year after his initial diagnosis. Instead of losing it to the bank, he would sign it over to me.”

“I promised to take care of you.” Ward’s words were slow, deliberate, as if he were explaining something to a child. “You’re unmarried, no prospects, and this place is a sinking ship. Someone was bound to take advantage of you eventually. You don’t have the resources to rebuild.”

“T-take care of me?” you stammered, your face scrunching in confusion.

“You’ll come live with my family for the time being. And eventually you will marry my son, Rafe.”

Your eyes went wild, “Are you crazy?”

Ward’s expression didn’t change. If anything, he looked even more smug. “This arrangement keeps the land in the family, ensures your safety, and gives you a future. You’re not equipped to handle this ranch on your own, Y/N. Your father knew that. I’m offering you a way out.”

You gaped at him, your thoughts spinning too fast to make sense of anything. “I… I want to talk to a lawyer or—or see his will or something!”

“You’re out of options. It’s either this arrangement or being out on the streets. I’m tossing you a lifeline.” 

 “I didn’t agree to this,” you said, your voice shaking with a mixture of anger and disbelief.

“No,” Ward admitted, standing and adjusting his cuffs. “But your father did. And a Cameron always honors their agreements.”

You wanted to scream, to tell him to leave and take his deal with him, but the weight of your father’s decisions pressed down on you. The debts, the ranch, your future—it was all tangled up in a web you couldn’t escape.

“I’ll give you until tomorrow to pack your things,” Ward said, placing his hat back on his head. “Rafe will come by to collect you.”

He turned and walked to the door without another word, leaving you standing alone in the office. The walls seemed to close in around you, and although you’d be crying for a week, you cried again. 

You thought that if you weren’t at the house when Ward’s oldest son came to collect you, they might just give up and leave you be. Maybe you’d slip through the cracks of their plans, vanish into the quiet of the countryside. You could disappear for a little while and return in a few days. It would be rough surviving outside but you could make it on your own. You’d packed a small bag of essentials and took Juliet, the chestnut-colored mare that had belonged to you since your fourteenth birthday.

“Okay, Jules, we’re gonna go on a little adventure,” you whispered as you fumbled with her saddle. 

Her large, liquid-brown eyes blinked at you with trust as you led her down the south path, the one behind your family’s ranch, overgrown from years of neglect. You left before the sun had a chance to rise. You didn’t want Ward Cameron or his scary son to find you, after all.

You tried to dress for comfort. Your long jeans would keep you warm, and you layered a jean jacket over a soft white cotton shirt. Perched atop your head was your trusty white cowboy hat, its wide brim offering protection from the sun, taming your unruly curls, while keeping your face shielded.

Juliet made a snorting sound, and you patted her neck. “Don’t worry, girl, we’ve totally got this. Like, what’s the worst that could happen?” You glanced back at the ranch, its dark outline fading behind the trees. 

You mounted Juliet after deciding the direction you were going to travel in. You wanted to be much farther away by the time the sun came up. The air was cool and crisp, a reminder of the coming morning. You looked behind you although you were sure no one was following you yet. 

The path twisted and turned. “Okay, so if we head toward the old fishing shack by the river, we can stay there for, like, a day. Nobody’s used it in forever.” You spoke out loud, pretending that Juliet could respond. “I think it’s... that way.”

You continued down the path in the direction you remembered the fishing shack to be located. The sun rose slowly, bringing light to the dark path. The shack was tucked away on the outskirts of the ranch, sitting in the bend of the river, most of it shielded by tall grass. The water flowed gently, the sound caressing your ears, it’s hues reflecting the red in the sky. 

A clearing sat nearby covered in wildflowers, the bright colors splashed against the muted landscape. You hadn’t ventured this far out since the previous spring and were surprised to see how the flowers had held their vibrancy, defying the chill of the cooler months. 

You hopped down from your saddle, taking Juliet’s rein before you tied her to a nearby tree, allowing her room to graze. The shack was small and weathered, and you rested on a rickety cot that you had to clear of cobwebs. It felt safe. At least for now. 

If only staying still was your strong suit. A few hours later, boredom quickly got the best of you. You could only talk to Juliet for so long and you’d failed several times to nap inside the dirty shack. The silence pressed in on you. You decided to wander out into the wild flower fields, tugging your cowboy hat low over your curls. The vibrant colors were calling to you. 

An hour later, you held a thick bundle flowers in your arm and a crown of daisies wrapped around your hat. Before you knew it, the shack was almost out of your sight and you faced a long trek back to Juliet. 

You didn’t hear him at first.

“Hell of a hiding spot.”

The deep drawl froze you in place. Slowly, you turned, heart pounding, your eyes landing on Rafe Cameron sitting tall on his horse a few yards away. His blue eyes sparkled with amusement, though the tight line of his jaw hinted at something darker.

Rafe’s quarter horse was even more intimidating. It’s coat was midnight black, sleek and imposing. There was a wild, untamed quality to him, a fire in his eyes that mirrored Rafe’s own.

“I… I was just…” You stepped back without thinking, the urge to drop your bouquet and bolt creeping up. You’d seen Ward’s son from across a room before, but no one had ever bothered to introduce you. Still, you knew enough from the whispers and rumors. He was wild, always getting into trouble with the Kildare County police, and everyone said he was gonna take over his dad’s power and influence one day. 

He was older than you remembered, more rugged, and definitely more muscular. His black button-up shirt clung to broad shoulder and his sleeves rolled up to reveal sculpted arms. A baseball cap sat atop his head, the bill slightly bent, with the Cameron Ranch sigil stitched on the front—an emblem of a stallion rearing. His light brown hair peeked from beneath it, slightly tousled. 

“You’ve been wandering around all morning. Half the town’s already seen you,” Rafe leaned forward slightly, eyeing you curiously, “If you were gonna run, thought you’d go a little bit farther.” You gained the courage to finish your sentence, “I wasn’t running …or hiding. And you can’t tell Mr. Cameron that.”

“Why do you think he sent me?” He smiled devishly, “I’m the one you gotta worry about, darlin’.” 

Your lips parted in shock and Rafe watched you take another step back. His jaw clicked before he swiftly hopped down from his horse. His heavy boots hit the dirt with a thud that seemed to echo, and you couldn’t help but notice the sheer size of him. Though he wasn’t much older than you, it was clear he towered over you, his presence demanding attention in a way that made your knees feel weak.

“I’m not coming with you,” You stated with all the strength you could muster, “It’s not right. You can’t make me.”

He stared back at you. Where Ward was bored by conversation with you, something about your Ward’s made Rafe’s eyes fiery, “And I guess you’ll make your living by what … selling flower crowns?” 

Your eyebrows furrowed. You hadn’t considered that an option. In fact, you hadn’t dwelled long enough on what you would do once Ward gave up on this arranged marriage nor did you have any idea of how to make the ranch profitable again. The idea seemed wrong. Flowers weren’t the key, were they? 

“I’m kidding,” Rafe spoke again after a moment of watching you reflect, “That’s a bad fucking idea. You know…I think your father might’ve been right about one thing in his life. You do need someone to look after you.” 

“You don’t know me,” You looked away, your face heating up with embarrassment, “And I don’t want to go with you.” 

A yelp escaped your lips as he started to close the distance between you, his long strides closing the gap in a matter of seconds. His smirk widened at your reaction, and quickly, you dropped your bouquet and made a run for the fishing shack. Rough hands easily snatched you up by your waist, lifting your feet off the ground, and making your head spin, “You’re real cute, darlin’,” Rafe drawled, hardly breakin a sweat as he dragged you back towards his horse. His grip on your waist was firm, unrelenting, and no matter how much you kicked or squirmed, it didn’t matter. He only hoisted you higher. 

Heavy boots crunched against the dirt. You could hear your breathing and the sharp pounding of your heart in your ears. You lost your hat and subsequently your flower crown in the struggle. Scared that you might spook Rafe’s horse, you found yourself succumbing to his force, letting him lift you onto the saddle. 

“Please, let me down,” You whispered, tears beginning to fall. Rafe was next, hoisting himself onto the black stallion, squeezing himself behind you. You were pressed against him so much that you could feel the flexing of the muscles of his stomach. An arm wrapped tightly around your waist. 

Rafe shushed you, and surprisingly, you felt him settle your hat back on your head. You hadn’t even seen him pick it up. You were never supposed to ride without a hat, that’s what your father had taught you. You barely had time to process it before he urged the horse forward, the powerful animal's hooves pounding the earth beneath you as Rafe held you tightly, “M-My horse, Juliet!” You remembered, panicked, “I won’t go without her, Rafe!”

“I didn’t forget your horse,” He spoke calmer than you expected, though his tone still had an edge to it, “She’ll follow. Unlike you, she seems to have a decent amount of common sense.” 

He kicked the horse into a gallop, the powerful animal responding instantly, the sound of its hooves hitting the ground like thunder in the otherwise still air. The wind whipped through your hair, stinging your face. You gripped the saddle tightly, to anchor yourself, despite knowing that Rafe’s grip was strong enough to keep you from flying. 

This wasn’t the escape you wanted. Not even close. 

Sure, he’d heard the rumors that you were a little …daft. And maybe that was true in some ways, but you were more than he had anticipated. He followed you, watched as you handled the horse with ease, and found himself intrigued. Your confusion, innocence, even your stubbornness drew him in like a moth to a flame. 

The last thing Rafe wanted was a wife. He resisted the way his father felt like he could stll make decisions for him. Rafe was losing with this arrangement. Your father’s hundred acres was nothing in comparison to what he family already had and would acquire. But perhaps his father had seen exactly what Rafe was seeing now. You were raw, so unpolished, and that meant you could be shaped. 

Once you were under the Cameron’s roof, Rafe had the power to do whatever he wanted. 

Proving himself to Ward was a constant battle, every choice scrutinized, every misstep noted. To run the ranch one day, Rafe needed to show he could manage it all, the land, business, and now a wife. Building a home and keeping you in line was just another test.

That morning, Rafe had never expected to chase after you on horseback. He had arrived in his truck, scouring the house for any sign of you, only to realize you were already gone. In frustration, he called John B., one of the Cameron ranch hands, and sent him to bring Trigger, his horse, to the Y/L/N ranch.

When you both returned, John B. was already there, waiting. Thunder cracked above, a sunny morning turning into a dreary afternoon. Rafe barked orders to ensure Juliet and Trigger were both stabled at the Cameron’s ranch.

He lifted you down from the saddle, his grip firm on your wrists before you could bolt. It only took a second for him to realize the urgency in your voice as you spoke, trying to talk to John B., who was already taking Juliet and Trigger’s reins. “She gets nervous when she’s in new places. She doesn’t like to be rushed,” Rafe overheard, catching the panic in your tone.

“Yes, ma’am. Don’t worry, I’ll take it slow with her,” John B. assured her although Rafe only glared at the worker, jaw tight. 

“Come on,” Rafe pulled your arm, “We’re leaving.”

Your small hands grabbed where he’d wrapped his hands around your arm. You dug your boots into the gravel in front of the house, “Wait, I don’t have everything. I-I need to grab some things,” Rafe’s gripped only tightened as his irritation grew. 

“You should’ve thought about that before you made me chase after you,” He took one more look at your teary-face before he snapped. Taking you home should’ve taken thirty minutes, not four hours. Without warning, he scooped you up over his shoulder, ignoring the surprised gasp you let out. 

Your legs kicked in the air, “Hey! Please put me down!” Rafe didn’t spare your house on John B. a second glance as he trudged over to his dark, blue truck. Please, that made Rafe brow furrow. Rafe took the opportunity to cop a feel, of course, he had to know exactly what he was working with. You were his future wife, after all, “Rafe! I don’t like being upside down!” 

“Scream all the way there for all I fucking care,” He muttered under his breath, his voice cold as he finally reached the truck and tossed you into the passenger seat.

Rafe sped off moments after he pressed start engine on the vehicle. You went quiet and he hoped to be alone with his thoughts, soothed by the soft pitter patter of rain on his windshield. Fifteen minutes down the road, he heard your breath hitch. He looked over to see you were staring straight head, eyes wide and wet with tears. Smudged mascara beneath your eyes. Your chest rose and fell rapidly and you clutched your hands tightly in your lap. Your lips were shaking, moving as if you were whispering something to yourself. 

Your legs began to jitter, restless, and Rafe looked away. He managed to tune out your obvious panic for nearly an entire minute. He had a rare feeling. One he didn’t fully understanding. The angel on his shoulder was telling him to reach out, to try and comfort you. He thought about what Wheezie might think if this was the disheveled state he brought his future wife to meet her in. He let out a quiet sigh, knowing it was only going to get worse as the reality of your situation set in.

“Hey,” He spoke without that sharp edge, channeling a voice he might use with his youngest sister, “I didn’t mean you’d never get your things. We can come back, when you’re more settled …And I’ll send someone to get all your keepsakes. Okay?” 

“Okay, okay, okay,” You repeated though your voice sounded empty, “Okay.”

He thought those would be the magic words but you hadn’t even turned to look at him. You were doing the same thing, shaking like a leaf, barely taking in enough breath, “Fuck,” Rafe cursed. He pulled over to the side of the road with a sharp jerk, the gravel crunching under the tires as the truck slowed to a stop. Without thinking, he shifted into park and turned to you.

Rafe needed to be more deliberate in his actions. He had eyes on him, his entire immediate family, and he wouldn’t have them thinking he couldn’t handle you. 

He tried to calm you, squeezed your hand, told you to breathe over and over again. Nothing. You were spiraling, letting your thoughts consume you. Rafe had been too rough. It was all too much too fast for you. He wanted to mold you, not break you. 

He leaned in, taking your face in his hands, and pressing his lips to yours. You went frantic but he only deepened the kiss. He held your hand and slowly felt your tension lesson. He entwined his fingers in yours and slowly felt you move your own lips against his. You tasted like cherries, dark red, and perfectly ripe. His hands moved to the back of your neck, his fingers pressing lightly, urging you to focus, to let go of the panic.

He pulled away only when you stopped your heaving. 

“You’re okay,” he murmured, his voice low and steady. “You’re okay now. Breathe with me.”

He waited for you to come back to him, cradling you there. You had no one left, Rafe realized in that moment, the truth settling heavily in his chest. And maybe that was why he couldn’t bring himself to be cruel. 

No, taking care of you wasn’t just an obligation, it was an important responsibility. One he’d shoulder completely. Whether you liked it or not, Rafe would make sure of it.

Rafe Cameron tasted like whiskey, with a faint hint of mint that lingered now even as you stood in the foyer of your new home, Tannyhill Ranch. The white house was sprawling and pristine, situated amidst of sea of green fields. Windows sparkled even in the storm that was coming down, and although the roof’s shingles were weathered, it was hard to believe the property had been there for more than a century. 

Workers, chefs and maids, bustled by but no one spared you or Rafe a glance despite the dry tears on your face and disheveled appearance. 

The interior was grand, the hardwoods polished until they shined, and the ceilings were higher than the ones at church. Everything screamed old money. You felt a hand on the small of your back, guiding you through the grand entrance hall and then up one side of a grand staircase. Portraits line the walls, serious faces, Camerons and previous owners of the estate. 

Their eyes watched you, “Rafe, where are we going?” You asked him quietly. 

“To your room,” He spoke low and firm. There hadn’t been any rough grabbing of your limbs or unwanted rides on Rafe’s shoulder since your kiss in the car. You hadn’t fully let you guard down but you preferred when Rafe was calm, and so you remained calm too, “You can settle in.”

Rafe led you down the upstairs hallway, stopping at one of at least six bedroom doors, and pushing it open. The room was breathtaking, a four-poster bed draaped in white linens, oak furniture, blue-white toile patterns, and large windows that overlooked the property. It was beautiful, yes, but none of this belonged to you. 

Your fingers absentmidnely traced the fabric of the bed’s comforter before you got a grip, turning around to say something in protest, “Don’t look at me like that,” Rafe interrupted, hands tucking into the front of jeans as if to give off a non-chalant appearance. The position emphasized the silvery belt buckle that sat on the middle of his waist. 

“I don’t want to live here,” You spoke softly, your voice still weak from all the crying. 

“I know,” Rafe continued, sounding exactly like his father, “Your father did though. You still love your Daddy, don’t you?” 

Rafe’s words made you think. Really think. Of course you loved your father. He was a smart man and he always did right by you and your Mother. However, deep down, this all still felt wrong. You stood there, caught between the beauty of the room and the unease of what you felt.

You nodded, “But–”

“But this is what he wanted, darlin’,” Rafe spoke in a way that carried a sense of finality. Rafe stepped closer and suddenly his body was a brick wall keeping you from leaving the room. His lips pulled into a smirk and he leaned down to speak in your ear, his breath fanning over your cheeks. Whiskey and mint, “You always did what your Daddy said, right?” 

“Yes,” You answered too honestly for your own good. 

“Now you’ll do what I say. That’s how it works. A young lady belongs to her father, and one day, after she grows up, she belongs to her husband,” He straightened up and you blinked your big eyes up at him. Slowly, your eyes traveled down to his lips, “You’ll thank me, one day.” 

Gently, he tucked a finger beneath your chin, lifting it even higher. You held your head exactly in the place he placed it, making something flicker in Rafe’s eyes. A heat bloomed in your core. You could only think about that kiss, your first one, despite the fact that he was one of the men completely ruining your life. 

“You ever seen someone break a wild horse?” 

His question caught you off guard, and your brows furrowed slightly as you searched his face for meaning. The smirk on his lips deepened, and his hand dropped from your chin.

“Takes patience. Takes strength. Takes knowing exactly when to push and when to pull back. But eventually, the horse figures out who’s in charge.” His blue eyes darkened, the intensity of his gaze pinning you in place, ”Out on the ranch, when we get a wild one. It’s my favorite thing to do. Watch em’ go from fighting you to starting to trust you. Really, there’s no point in fighting. The one’s who don’t submit, we don’t keep em’ around. They’re dangerous.”

“Oh,” You managed to say, shifting uncomfortably, “That sounds … hard.” 

Rafe chuckled in response, “Hard? Yeah, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing.”

You opened your mouth to respond, but before you could, Rafe’s smirk returned, sharper now, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“You want me to kiss you again. I can tell.”

His words sent you stammering immediately, “No!” 

“Tell you what,” Rafe interrupted smoothly, ignoring your denial as if it hadn’t even registered. “If you settle in, get all dolled up for dinner…” His voice dripped with false generosity. “I’ll give you another one.”

You stared, dumbfounded and frozen until the young rancher casually turned and walked out of the room. Your fists clenched at your sides as a storm of emotions swirled inside you, anger and fear. One emotion simmered quietly beneath the surface, unwelcome and disorienting. Anticipation.

Reblog and let me know your thoughts to be added to the taglist!

[snoopyracing]

wanna be yours 2.0 // ln4 social media au // part two

part one | part three

pairing: lando norris X american!reader / mclaren photographer!reader and slight pato o'ward X reader

warnings: swearing

summary: a remix of my fic wanna be yours in social media au form. or basically lando and the reader both being in love with each other but being too stubborn and scared to say anything so they suffer in silence until one finally crumbles.

contains: best friends to slight strangers to lovers, pining, angst, jealous!lando, asshole!lando, clueless!lando, and perhaps a little lando or pato? situation.

masterlist

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

may 21st, 2024

y/n.jpg added to their story @4:19 p.m.

patriciooward replied to your story

↳ UBER DRIVER???

y/bsf replied to your story

↳  he picked you up from the airport and got you frozen yogurt.. girl 🤭🤭

may 22nd, 2024

may 23rd, 2024

liked by patriciooward, y/bsf, logansargeant and 104,000 others

y/n.jpg: a perfect day

patriciooward: with the perfect girl ❤️ -liked by author

y/bsf: 😏😏

↳ y/n.jpg: do you to be want blocked?

patriciooward: wait my eyes are closed in the last pic… you're a photographer and couldn't get one with my eyes open??

↳ y/n.jpg: you wouldn't stop squinting 😣

logansargeant: gonna miss you this weekend. be sure to consume enough red 40 and ranch for the both of us.

↳ y/n.jpg: i may or may not have a couple bottles of ranch already in my suitcase to bring back...

↳ logansargeant: I LOVE YOU -liked by author

user1: HELLO??? HOW CAN I BE NORMAL ABOUT THIS???

user2: oh this is practically a hard launch

user3: lando y/n truthers stay strong

landonorris: so this is why you can’t respond to my texts

↳ this comment has been deleted

may 24th, 2024

y/n.jpg added to their story

liked by patriciooward, y/bsf, landonorris and 120,000 others

y/n.jpg: carb day you are always so much fun. how do i convince the fia to create their own carb day?

y/bsf: EVERYONE IF YOU END UP EVER GOING WEAR SUNSCREEN!!! i'm miserable 😣

↳ y/n.jpg: i told you to wear sunscreen

patriciooward: how did you sneak off to the snake pit??

↳ y/n.jpg: don't even act like you weren't there with me

↳ patriciooward: 🧍

martingarrix: i'll get the ball rolling by nominating myself to be the dj.

↳ y/n.jpg: well good because i only had you in mind.

user1: lando in the likes?!?! is my family done fighting?

user2: is this us finding out that y/n and martin know each other and that means lando introduced them and that they are close enough for him to comment on her stuff?? oh the y/n lando lore goes deeper than we thought.

user3: isn't it like 2 in the morning in monaco.. lando go to bed... she's mine.

user9: the way you guys talk about lando and y/n is ridiculous. he literally has a girlfriend or did everyone forget??

may 25th, 2024

Sky Sports F1 Post Qualifying Interview

y/n.jpg added to their story at 7:10 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

y/bsf replied to your story

↳ WHAT????!!!?! THE HELL????

taglist: @coff33andb00ks @daisyfreecs @mel164 @hurtblossom @the-untamed-soul @ameliaalvarez06 @ahnneyong @landotd @spideylovin @wobblymug @vizzzashley @urfavsgf @lunamelona @sunflowervol18 @kiwi43-81 @horneybeach1 @czennieszn @dontworryboutitokie @weekendlusting @deamus-liv @lexiecamposv @nikki1dxx @eggingamazinglove

[chxrryhansen]

౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ Cherry’s Cevans Series Rec List

thought i’d make a list of all the best cevans (characters) series i have read!! i have lots more to add and will continue to update this list🫶🏻 i will also create a one shot fic rec list in the near future💖💘💞

Preying On You Tonight - @evansbby

“Steve is the cocky, brash and domineering alpha who makes your life at university a living hell every day. You’re the complete opposite - quiet, meek and reserved. You’re convinced Steve hates you, but what happens when he finds out you have a boyfriend? (a/b/o dynamics)”

Wicked Games - @evansbby

Ari is the campus fuckboy and you’re his little plaything. But he’s telling the truth when he says he’s going to make you his girlfriend soon, right?

What A World - @onsunnyside

S.H.I.E.L.D. had a lot of secrets, you just never expected one of them to be an actual person—a blue-eyed giant, wild manbeast at that. [tarzan!Steve Rogers x doctor!reader, nomad!steve, size difference]

Just Because I Won’t Die For You, Doesn’t Mean I Won’t Kill For You - @dbnightingale24

Lloyd Hansen is just another job for you. Your last job. However, when he decides that he wants to take you for a ride and have a good time, well...how’s a girl supposed to say no?

Closer To Heaven And Closer To You - @georgiapeach30513

When your boyfriend, Ransom wants to take a trip back home to the ranch to meet your family, you are unsure.  Knowing that a rodeo is in town could only mean your ex, Frank Adler, was most likely riding for eight seconds, still trying to beat his best friend, Steve Rogers.  All you wanted was a nice time, not old memories bothering your brain.

Just Like The Caged Bird - @georgiapeach30513

You are a widow who moves back to her husband's hometown after selling your in Georgia home.  Moving in above your brother in law's garage.  Sharing the space with his friend Bucky Barnes, but your other brother-in-law Andy causes problems, along with your overprotective brothers.

Pretty Petals - @darkficsyouneveraskedfor

You go on a self-improvement retreat, but not all is as it seems. (multi-character)

His Koala Bear - @kinanabinks

you and steve have been best friends since you were 5. for the longest time, he has wanted so much more from you. and it's getting harder for him to stop himself from taking it.

Belong Here - @angrythingstarlight

Steve has been looking for his perfect girl and suddenly there you are stuck in this dingy restaurant. You don't belong here, you belong with him.

Finding Home - @navybrat817

Steve finds a home with you. (lumberjack Au)

Their Doll - @kaiparker-avengerssmut

y/n Stark, all records of her non existent, and yet Hydra still find her. When she is kidnapped by a certain super-soldier and no one believes her, she finds herself searching for unexpected familiarity in her not-so-distant past.

No Better Than Beast’s - @lokislastlove

You’re an animal rights activist who sets out to put an end to animal testing… but it’s a risky mission. (Dark!Steve Rogers)

Doppelgänger - @boxofbonesfic

Your husband’s twin brother has always made you uncomfortable, and after two years of marriage, you finally find out why. (Dark!Ransom Drysdale + Dark!Lloyd Hansen)

Million Dollar Man - @chrisevansgoodgirl

your relationship with ransom and his insane family.

Brooklyn’s Sweetheart - @spacesnail3000

Bucky and Steve had always been meant to keep her safe and happy. As far as anyone else was concerned, that was their sole reason for being alive. Unfortunately, the things that kept her safe were not always the things that kept her happy. Lately, she was making it pretty damn hard for them to compromise.

Let It Snow - @spacesnail3000

She was his Omega, and Steve had a plan. She would love him. He knew she would.

Sweet Renegade - @cevansbrat0007

A new arrival in town leads to an unexpected complication in the form of a sexy as sin Bounty Hunter named Ari Levinson.

Evergreen, Evermore - @babyjakes

loving husbands jake and ari had always believed they were all each other could ever want or need. but one unusual summer, when their world is turned upside-down by an uncanny girl from down the street, they find that having someone to love, nurture, and care for together is the missing piece that finally completes their perfect family and lives.

A Huckleberry Is Nothing Without His Hummingbird - @dbnightingale24

Lloyd and Y/N have been amicably(ish) divorced for four years. However, when earth shattering trauma come their way, will they lean into what they truly want, or will the flames from past traumas still burn too bright?

Civil war- Brooklyn - @saiyanprincessswanie

Ten years ago the Readers world was turned upside down when her father was killed by Hydras Brock Rumlow. She believes the loves of her life Steve Rogers and James “Bucky” Barnes were also killed while trying to avenge her fathers death. Reader is now working for the FBI on a task force that is meant to take down Hydra. She volunteers to go undercover to take down Hydra. In doing so she not only puts herself in the cross hairs with Rumlow but she gets to meet the mystery men causing Hydra issues. Who are the Captain and Winter Soldier? What lengths will you go through to uncover the truth and seek revenge?

The Boston Brute - @time-for-a-lullaby

When you graduated from Northeastern University, you had your sights set on the West Coast. And then you were offered a position with the Boston Bruins Athletic Training Department. And then you met Chris. A 6′3″, ruggedly handsome hockey player dead set on making your life a living hell by pushing every button and getting on every nerve. Despite your obvious disdain for each other and the ‘No Fraternization’ clause in your employee contract, you’re drawn together in a passionate, fiery love affair that seems to burn everything in its wake. 

Planet Evans Universe - @astranva

In which Chris was a nervous mess when he met his A+ list celebrity crush, highest-paid, and the most iconic actress, you, at Vanity Fair’s 2014 after party. (Following the life of overprotective!dad!Chris x wife!actress!reader!)

Don’t Speak - @darkficsyouneveraskedfor

Reader is a reclusive loner who ventures down to the library on a simple mission. Her task is complicated by the man she meets there. (Dark!Andy Barber)

Cat and Mouse - @queen-of-the-avengers

You’re called the Vixen because you were HYDRA’s favorite creation. You’re very hard to catch, and once you are, it’s even harder to keep you.

Let’s Ride - @starryevermore

You’re a single mom and have just moved into a new town. You have no interest in looking for love, but the funny thing about love is, it waits for no one. (Biker!Ari Levinson)

Out Of The Darkness - @sunshinexsin

Sienna Jons has lived in Boston for three years now after graduating and is running her own salon in the city. With a small group of friends sticking by her side, she's content with her life. Enter Chris Evans, a known and feared mob boss in Boston’s underground crime world. Coming out of a long relationship ended in a bitter divorce, Chris isn’t looking for anything serious until Sienna crosses his path. Trying to win her over proves difficult for the man who seemingly has it all and Sienna is not willing to be with someone who causes such destruction in his own hometown. Sienna soon finds herself entangled in the crazy, violent world of the mob and struggles to find a way to either live with the hardened man Chris has always been or get away from him before her own life spirals out of control.

Murder He Wrote - @wiypt-writes

You’re sent by your asshole boss to do a review of a Celebrity Host Haunted Mansion, hosted by none-other than the arrogant, wild-eye browed actor Lucas Lee, but you’re worried you’ve missed the boat…that is, until at the last minute, an email arrives to say they can let you in on the last admission that night, which just happens to be Halloween. (Dark!Ransom Drysdale)

Poison Paradise - @the-iceni-bitch

Robert Pronge was sure he could settle for a fake domestic life as long as he could go on killing. Little did he know that you could give him everything he needed.

A Bun In The Oven - @witchywithwhiskey

the leaves are changing—green fading into golden yellow, burnt orange and radiant red—and the days are getting shorter and colder as autumn settles in. it's the perfect time of year for baked goods, fall foliage, book stores, and to curl up next to (and get under) our favorite man with a plan, steve rogers

Wilford’s Demands - @sweater-daddiesdumbdork

Wilford places you in Curtis’ care so he can impregnate you.

In The Balance - @goodgirlofglory

One unsuspecting evening, the stranger Steve Rogers appears bloodied and in need of aid at your doorstep. You immediately catch his eye, and he forces himself upon you within the hour. Several months of repeated visits from him results in your pregnancy, and the night you find out, Steve intereceps you on your way to an abortion clinic and kidnaps you to his mansion. Will you carry the child to term? Will you buckle under the pressure of capitivity? Will you escape the grasp Steve has on you, or will you submit to it and your own, conflicted desires?

Drowning Siren - @rogerswifesblog

The Avengers found an old abandoned HYDRA base, that had been cleared after HYDRAs existence had been exposed. At least they thought it was cleared. It was the biggest experimental lab they had ever seen, the closest base to the ocean, full with creatures-dead creatures. Some of them laid still on tables, stripped with metal cuffs, open and already rotting. It was an awful smell. But then they heard something beautiful. A melody, a beautiful voice singing unbelievably gentle sounds. Walking into the building full with ocean creatures, they had no idea their life was about to change.

Vampire Kings Religion - @marvelcriminalhoe

In a world where fantasy beings roam every corner, the humans are on the bottom. Looked at as weak and disgraceful. The vampires are the opposite. They rule the land, and all of the creatures that take part of it. the current ruler, King Steven, has ruled for more than 150 years, alone. After many nights, and long talks with his most trusted hands, he comes to the long awaited decision that he will finally, take a wife. All female creatures, are to be evaluated, so he can find his perfect match. Of course, no one expects for him to choose a human. Especially not one from the church. Especially not the daughter, of the leader, of the church. The same church that detests the mythical creatures, wishing for nothing more than for them to perish in fire. How could this union possibly end well?

Ride And Prejudice - @pagesoflauren

A take on Pride & Prejudice, certain circumstances in your life have led you to take refuge and work in a farm village, particularly on the ranch owned by Steve Rogers. He doesn’t take kindly to you, having bad perceptions about city folk. Your only reaction to that is the one you deem acceptable: get annoyed at every little thing he does whilst doing your best to annoy him and still keep your job.

Love On The Brain - @howardpotts

You’re just a student, living her normal daily life in New York. One night changes everything, without you even knowing. Steve Rogers slowly introduces you to his world full of money, drugs and voilence. But are you able to handle what he has to offer? (MobBoss!Steve Rogers)

Flamingo King - @onsunnyside

The sun is brutal this summer, especially in Flamingo Trailer Park, the land of big hearts and cheap tricks, you’ve been here for years unlike your “new” neighbour, Ari. He’s older, bigger, and intimidating, the local rockstar, and you, well, aren’t you just the sweetest girl in the whole damn city?

Make It A December To Remember - @imyourbratzdoll

AGE AND SIZE DIFFERENCE IS ADDED TO ALL! SANTA AND THE GRINCH ARE LARGER THAN THE READER! THE ELVES ARE THE SIZE OF HER PALM! (a chris evans xmas universe)

This Love Is Bad - @wildestdreamsblog

You were just trying to escape your past, and Ari was trying to chase his future.

Nowhere To Run - @sagechanoafterdark

On the last day that Steve spent in your small town before heading off to basic training for the army, he made sure it was one you wouldn’t ever forget. Years later when he appears in your town he seems like a changed man in more ways than one, but you’re ready to show him that you’ve never forgotten that day. (Dark!Steve Rogers+ Bucky Barnes)

Nice To Be Kneaded - @rogersideup

Almost every news station in the country was covering the chase for the missing superheroes post-raft-escape following the Civil War. Steve Rogers face had been plastered on the cover of every news paper, fliers stapled to street lamps, posted on bulletin boards in what felt like every coffee shop in the country. It had been just a few long months shy of a year, just long enough to grow out his hair and beard to make himself as unrecognizable as he could manage. Though he was still the poster boy of disorder within the states, he found himself in the scanty town of Greenwood in the house right next to yours.

Forever And Ever More - @syntheticavenger

Ransom Drysdale may be Boston’s most eligible Alpha who has his eyes set on you. With his inheritance hanging in the balance, he won’t take no for an answer, whether you like him or not.

Hackers Heart - @bakugousaysdie

steve rogers has always been america’s golden boy, leading earth’s mightiest heroes and serving his country. you have always been bad with boundaries, a little too curious, and an absolute disruption. you are an absolute menace,so it’s only right you fell in love with the most adored man in the country.

Arranged - @time-for-a-lullaby

Living in this life, you’ve never gotten to have much say in anything. What you wear, who you hang out with, and now, who you marry and you’re dreading your arranged marriage to the Italian mob boss, Chris Evans. Expecting to suffer through a life of abuse while being kept under lock and key, you’re pleasantly surprised when Chris is nothing like you expected. He’s the most feared man on the East Coast, only brought to his knees by one thing and one thing only. You.