#That young lad reminds me of my baby brother | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

jj-5656 · 2 years ago

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Sneaking Suspicions With; Tangerine (Bullet Train)

A/n: Are we proud? Two uploads in two days. This is how I procrastinate doing any homework. Could not get this idea out of my head so here we are. This is my first for Tangerine, but I just recently rewatched Bullet Train and couldn’t resist. Had to add Lemon too because it’s simply not complete without him. Also, the bit about Thomas is all true, I was obsessed with that show when I was young. Enjoy!

Summary: The one where your boyfriend attempts to build a kitchen table, and nearly slaughters your neighbor...

T/W: A LOT of cursing, some suggestive humor, mentions of violence...duh

“Bloody fuckin’ hell.” You wince as tools clatter in the kitchen. Discarding your current task of rummaging through boxes with Tangerine’s scribbled writing marked ‘bathroom’.

You’ve finally moved in to the new place after months of preparation. Having been together for 8 months, it was about time you moved in together. Tan practically lived at your old place anyway, though taking this step was intimidating for both of you. His brother had egged you on for months, desperately wanting their shared apartment as his own.

Hence why Tangerine is sat on the floor, muttering curses as he attempts to assemble your dining table.

“Tan, why won’t you let me help you?”

“I told you, I’ve got it, love. Fucking bastards,” his shoulders tense with anger as he speaks. “Can’t even make a buildable fuckin’ table. I’ll show them ‘quick and easy’ right up their fuckin’-”

“Did you even look at the directions, baby?” He furrows his brows, turning to you like you’ve grown another head.

“Directions are for morons.”

“Or for people with zero table assembling experience.” You mutter, fighting a grin under his tense stare. He wipes a bead of sweat from his brow, only sporting a wife pleaser and trousers in the summer heat. You internally cringe at the reminder your stubborn boyfriend intends to install the air conditioner on his own as well.

“Maybe we could ask Brian across the hall, he said he does construction for his dad part time.”

“You chopping it up with that lad already? Right git, he is.”

“He’s nice, Tan.”

“He’s a flirt, and a shit one at that.” It forces a laugh from you, Tangerine frustrated that the sound still manages to ease the tension from his muscles.

“I’ll ring Lemon, then.”

“I swear to Christ, if you call my muppet of a brother-”

And that’s how Lemon ends up knocking at your door, takeout in hand and a bright smile on his face at the sight of you.

“Hello, lovely. Call for reinforcements already?”

There’s a distant “fuck off” from the kitchen, but you nod nonetheless, thanking him for the food and much needed company. Lemon’s rooted for your relationship even before his brother. Insisting he get your number that fateful night in that shitty club all those months ago.

***************

You’d been sharing drinks with a group of friends when a man bumped into you, nearly knocking you over with the size of him. He’d caught you by the shoulders before you could fall, sending the drunken, clumsy patron an icy glare before surveying you for any injury. He’d clasped both his hands around one of yours, profusely muttering overly-posh, accented apologies. You were ready to cuss out whoever had been so careless before you laid eyes on him, overwhelmed with the British charm and piercing eyes.

“Can I buy you and your friends a drink? I’ll be out of your hair after, promise.” His sincerity makes you want to request he sticks around the rest of the evening, though you shake your head. Polite commonalities ingrained in your nature.

“Not necessary, I appreciate it.” You assure with a kind smile, ignoring your friends gawking at the pin-stripe clad gentleman. He nods, not wanting to make you any more uncomfortable as he gives your elbow a gentle squeeze in one last apology. Heading back the way he came, sitting beside another well-dressed man at the bar. What looks like a round of chastising from the raven-haired man, and the handsome stranger is waving him off, glancing over at you and taking a generous sip of his drink.

“You did not seriously just turn Poseiden-incarnate down.” Your girlfriend finally manages to close her slacked jaw, frustrated with your shyness.

“He was just being polite, Brooke. I didn’t want to have him buy for the whole table in obliga-” A waitress approaches before you can finish, smiling brightly at the lot of you as she sets down a round of espresso martinis.

“The gentlemen across the bar insisted. On him, of course.” The older woman shoots you a wink, a chorus of cheers from your friends in salute to the man across the way. He sends a kind smile, tilting his own glass and looking like he hates the sudden attention. He meets your eyes for only a moment, starting up conversation with the man beside him in a silent obedience to his promise of leaving you be.

It’s hours before you see him again, headed outside for some fresh air after spending too much time on the dance floor. You’re sober enough to hold your own, comforted in the array of bouncers nearby if needed. You’re sat on a bench just in front of the club, craving some relief from your heels. There’s a flick of a lighter beside you, a curse when it doesn’t ignite any flame. You’re searching through your clutch instantly, offering up your own light without a second thought.

“Didn’t take you for a smoker.” You perk at the accent, trailing the extended arm to meet the man’s gaze for the third time that evening.

“Don’t. Not cigarettes, anyway.” He smiles through the now ignited stick, quirking his head in quiet contemplation. His eyes study you, and surprisingly, it’s almost endearing. There’s no suggestive indications to his observations, like most men you’d encounter. It’s contemplative, as if he’s trying to figure out.

“You always stare at strangers?” Your wit pleasantly surprises him, and his grin grows despite himself.

“Apologies, love. Just taking it all in. Mind if I sit?” You nod, thanking the cold for the constant flush of your cheeks that’ll hopefully conceal the blood that rushes to them at his words. “Never got your name.”

“Y/n, nice to meet you.” You take his extended hand for a shake, wincing at the formality of your words.

“Tangerine, pleasure’s all mine.” He awaits the usual ‘like the fruit’ with sudden irritation, but it never comes, so he relaxes.

“That a nickname?”

“Of sorts.” You don’t pry, not interested in scaring him off just yet. If he wanted to tell, you, he would. In his mind, Tangerine thanks you profusely. Pleased to have met someone uninterested in forcing information out of him.

“Whose your friend?” You mean the other good-looking guy beside him the entire night, who must still be inside.

“Brother,” he corrects, not unkind. “Hoping he won’t be trollied on the way home.” Your eyes narrow, unaccustomed to the slang. Tangerine exhales a stream of smoke away from you, wetting his lips with a twinge of amusement.

“Drunk, love. Or wasted, as you’d put it.” A laugh escapes you, thoroughly entertained with his dramatic mock of an American accent.

“That is not how we sound.” You nudge his shoulder with your own, defensive and patriotic for likely the first time in your life. “You guys are still salty we won.” He bellows a laugh this time, and the warm sound erupts butterflies in the stomach.

“Blokes chucked boxes of tea in the ocean in retaliation. The fuck kind of war crime is that?”

“One that proper fucked your economy.” You attempt your own dramatic accent, curious as to why he tries so hard to fight smiling. You assume he’s usually much more stoic without the aid of alcohol and new company.

“Bloody hell, that was awful.” He teases with no real ill-will, stubbing out his cigarette when his brother stumbles out of the building. You hear him mutter something about ‘shit timing’ as the taller man approaches, kind smile adorning his handsome features.

“You’ve found your Edwards!” He clasps his hands together, absolutely delighted before he sits himself in between the two of you. Tangerine looks absolutely pissed, astonished when you beam brightly at his intoxicated brother.

“Edwards?” You question despite Tangerine’s shaking head of warning.

“Edwards.” He assures, adjusting his suit jacket as he gets comfortable. “Wise, kind...We’ve only just met, I know. But, you see, I’m great at reading people.”

“Christ, here we fucking go again.”

“Everything I learned about people, I learned from Thomas the-”

“Tank engine!” You finish for him, the pair shocked at your enthusiasm. “That was my favorite show when I was little!”

“You don’t say?” The man beams, looking over at his brother with an undoubted stamp of approval.

“Swear it. Had the stuffy for years, an entire train table set too.”

“The one with the wooden tracks you could build yourself?”

“And the magnetic crane to lift up the figurines!” The two of you are absolutely enamored, enthralled in the conversation whilst Tangerine broods opposite you. Making a mental note to shoot his beloved brother in the foot the second he gets him alone.

“Bloody hell, I loved that set. What a coincidence!” He turns to his brother, shaking with anger.

“Fuckin’ unbelievable.” Is all he manages, messing with the rings on his fingers to calm himself from the outright cockblock. Fuckin’ muppet.

“Names’ Lemon. Pleasure to meet you doll, truly. A real Edward, you are.”

“You really think so?” The alcohol ends any fight to conceal your pleased expression, glancing over at Tangerine who forces a smile at your grant of attention.

“Know so. Brother over here’s a Gordon, don’t you think?”

“I could see that.” This time you’re the one to study said man, lip quirking when he shifts under your gaze.

“Alright, we should get you home.” Tan rises with a roll of his shoulders, ready to head back with his head hanging low in a failed feat. Lemon frowns, pushing away the strong arm that’s pulling at him so he can dig through the inner pocket of his expensive jacket. Pulling out a folded and well-worn sheet of paper.

“Here comes the fucking sticker book. Of course.”

“You know I bring it everywhere. Here, love.” Lemon peels the Edward sticker from the sheet. Sticking it onto your finger with a soft ‘boop’. You gasp, delighted.

“The lady’s real chuffed, Lemon. Let her get back to her friends for Christ’s sake.” He pulls the man to a standing position, waving down an approaching taxi with an ear-piercing whistle. “You got a friend getting you home safe, sweetheart?” You nod, pressing the new sticker to the back of your phone and pressing your case back on it. Aiming to keep it safe indefinitely. Tan suppresses a smile, finding it absolutely adorable. He buttons his jacket, straightening in self-discipline to push away the love-sick thoughts.

“Have a good night, you two. It was nice meeting you.” There’s a hint of sadness in your tone, the farewell and the unlikeliness of running into them again tugging at your heart strings. Weird, considering you just met the two men and you already want to get to know them more. Especially the handsome fuck with the unrelenting charm.

“Like-wise, love.” Tangerine ushers his brother into the backseat of the car, muttering something to the driver before turning on his heel to face you again. Brows taught in consideration. He battles with himself, weighing if he’s selfish enough to try and get to know someone as seemingly kind-hearted as you. You’d deserve better. He surveys you a final time, every nerve-ending in his body begging for more. You’re about to head back inside when he clears his throat, grabbing your attention.

“Any chance you’d be willing to give me your number, sweetheart? Just to make sure you get home safe?” He prays it doesn’t sound too hopeful, as desperate as he is for you to comply. You cock your head incredulously, and he swears his heart skips a beat.

“Just to make sure I get home?”

“And maybe to ask you to dinner. Or, you say no and I fuck off.” You chew on the inside of your cheek to suppress the excited grin. Hoping you appear nonchalant despite yourself. Taking a few steps forward, you extend your hand. Brows raising in expectation as he stares at you. He snaps out of it, digging into his pocket with a muttered ‘oh, right.’

“All right mate! Thought you’d never get the balls to ask her. Been going on and on about her since you nearly tackled ‘er”

“Fuck off, Lemon.” Tan seethes, eyes averting to you when you giggle through your rushed typing into his phone. “He’s drunk, pay no mind.”

“Trollied, right?” There’s teasing heavy on your tongue, and it takes everything in him not to pull you in for a kiss right there. On the curb of some mangy club whilst the impatient driver honks in warning.

“Right. Goodnight, love. Careful getting home, yeah?” You nod, mindlessly standing up on your tip-toes to press a kiss to his cheek.

“Night.”

And with that, you’re headed back inside. Feeling his eyes on you the entire time. Only looking back when the door closes behind you. Ensuring he can’t see you spying. He has his head down, biting a smirk from his lips before gaining composure, tossing himself into the cab beside his brother.

***********

“You’re not needed, I have this handled.”

“You don’t actually. I’ve seen corpses more capable of brain activity than this, mate.”

“Piss off.”

“I would, but I like your girlfriend more than you, and therefore don’t want to leave her with this,” he motions to the mess of tools and table parts, “all alone.”

The two of you sit opposite him, Lemon unfolds the discarded instruction sheet with a deep sigh.

“You’ve got the wrong bolt on that one.”

“No I don’t.”

“You do, mate. Considering I’m the one with the fucking instructions.”

“See, if I was a fuckin’ mug like you, I’d need the directions. But I’m not, so I don’t.”

“Well, you must be. Considering that’s the wrong fucking bolt.”

You rub your temples, fighting an oncoming migraine. Taking the drill from the floor and setting it counter-clockwise to remove the damned bolt. Tan takes it from you, setting his hand on your stomach to push your criss-crossed form backward.

“Hey!”

“What did I say? I didn’t want you doing this, Dove. You’ve just gotten those nails done. I-” He stops himself, taking a breath. “We got this covered.”

“This seems patronizing and sexist.”

“Quite the opposite. I respect you so much I’d rather not have you sit on the floor and do this.”

You huff, arms crossed as you glare at him. Too worn out to argue, and figuring there’s an array of boxes to be unpacked, you scramble to your feet.

“Fuck you.”

“Maybe later, love. I’m quite busy at the moment.” The cheeky response gets a laugh out of even Lemon, who straightens as soon as your heated gaze snaps to him. You flip them both off, no real anger to it as you head back toward the bathroom.

**********

Another couple hours pass and you’ve finished both bathrooms and are working on the master bedroom. Airpods in to block out the onslaught of arguments. You hum to your music, unaware of the eyes on you.

Tangerine leans against the doorway, finding comfort in watching you in your shared home. It’s weird, new, to share just about everything now. Scary, no doubt. Tan had walls around him so high it took months for you to even shake them. But you’ve done it, somehow. A little minx, he regards you, because you’ve managed to get through to him sometimes without him even realizing. He’s eternally grateful whatever scraps of good karma he had left accumulated to bring you into his life. Terrified it might one day be ripped away. Every time the thought passes his mind, his throat tightens, and he gets the overwhelming urge to hold you and never let go.

Your startled gasp snaps him out of it, a hand clasping over your heart in shock. “Christ, Tan. Give a girl a warning.”

“Sorry, sweetheart.” He swallows, a beat before continuing. “I love you.” Your eyes narrow at his sweet tone, trying to uncover the mischief in his sultry voice.

“What’d you do?”

“Nothing, honest. I can’t say I love you?”

“You can.” You turn your head from him, suppressing a smirk as you busy yourself with folding clothes. “Just...Not in the hall, okay?”

“What? Why?”

“It’s just,” you’re holding in a laugh now, a death wish for sure. “I don’t want Brian to hear, that’s all.” He crosses his arms, hiding his clenching fists at your teasing.

“You think that’s funny? Taking the piss like that?” You muffle a laugh with your sleeve, morphing it into a cough. “Tread lightly, my love.”

“You know, I bet Brian builds loads of tables. Must be real fast at it, considering he works in construction and all. Lot’s of strong men in that field of work.”

“Y/n.” Your name is rare on his lips, singed with irritation. You’re clearly well-past having him worked up, You press on, keen on getting him back for his suggestive comment from before.

“I always wanted to get to know a blue-collar type. So hardworking, great with their hands-” You’re in the air and flopped onto the mattress yet to have a bed frame before you can even process it. He cages you in, an arm on either side of your head to support himself as his eyes bore daggers into yours. Curls unruly and dampened with sweat.

“Stop it. Or beloved Brian’s in a body bag by tomorrow morning, yeah?” You know he’s not entirely serious, but also entirely capable, so you nod. You press your lips together, thoroughly amused. He takes your jaw in his hand and uses his thumb to pull your lips free. Tugging you into a kiss, he’s only satisfied when you gasp after your bottom lip is bit. Not too hard, he’d never hurt you, but it’s enough warning to shut you up. He gets up, hands on his hips and breathing heavy as he watches you get to your feet. Wordlessly, he sweeps a leg under yours, chuckling when you’re collapsing back into the mattress with an umph.

“You really are a fucking Gordon, you know that?” There’s no time to scramble away from his lunging form as he tugs you by the ankle toward him. One hand grabbing your arm and the other on your leg as he hoists you over his shoulder, cheekily reminding you of the power imbalance as he carries your squirming form down the corridor and into the kitchen. Where Lemon lays sprawled out on the now standing table. The air conditioner hums across the room, and the faux argument is ripped from your mind as you survey the accomplished tasks.

“Nothing a little teamwork and drive can’t do,” Lemon boasts. “You know where I learned that, Tangerine?”

“If you mention the fucking trains, It’ll be the last thing you fuckin’ do.”

*************

“Tan, could you pass the lo mein?” Your boyfriend chews thoughtfully, considering it for a moment before extending it to you. Your eyes narrow when he pulls away as soon as you reach.

“Maybe you should ask Brian.”

“My god, we’re still on this?”

“Should have known better than to tease him with another man, love. Gordons are prone to jealousy.”

“Fuckin’ pipe it, Lems.”

“It was a joke, baby. Are you gonna hold this over my head forever?” You find it endearing, hard to believe Tangerine could think there’s even a hint of honesty to your teasing.

“Until I’m sure you’re proper guilty, yeah.” There’s a hint of play in his tone, and you know he only wants to hear you repeat your devotion.

“Tan, love, baby, sweetheart, love of my life, will you please pass the lo mein to your dutifully devoted girlfriend?”

“Sure thing, love. Could have just said so.” The playful banter is stuttered to a halt when Tan sets the box beside you, the legs of the newly built table creaking as they give out. With their instinctive reflexes, Lemon and Tangerine keep the entire thing from collapsing. You’re slack-jawed, in utter shock at the absurdity and slight victory of being right, as god damn usual.

“Dove,” your boyfriend’s voice strains under the exertion, meeting your eyes “be a doll and take everything off here?” You’re up in an instant, quickly snatching the array of food and plates off the surface. Lemon begins to laugh despite himself, and Tangerine seethes with frustration.

“Maybe we should-”

“Don’t. Don’t even think about saying that fuckin’ muppets name.” Tan stares daggers into his brothers eyes, paying no mind to your stifled giggles. When they finally set the table on the ground, you approach him. Tugging at his arms so you can wrap yours around his waist. You press your chin into his chest, running a hand through his unruly curls.

“Baby.” You’re soft, tone so sweet and eyes big and pleading.

“Lose the puppy eyes, doll. It’s a no.”

“I personally would like to finish dinner not on the floor. But that’s just me.” Lemon purses his lips, brows raised expectantly at his brother.

Tan releases a deep, shaky sigh, dark gaze softening when he meets yours. He tries to tug his head away when your hands hold it, but you’re insistent, making him face you again.

“I’m all yours, alright? I promise.” You kiss both his cheeks and then his neck, some tension leaving him. He tilts his head in faux irritation when you stick out your pinky to him, grinning when he finally gives in and wraps his much bigger one around yours.

**********

“It’s already so nicely decorated in here.” Brian surveys the room with a polite smile, turning to you. “All this is your eye, y/n?” You straighten, hoping the man won’t notice your boyfriend’s homicidal stare.

“Tan has more taste, admittedly.” You’re not just trying to take the attention off you, it’s the truth.

“Well that should be obvious, he got you.” Lemon coughs, setting a hand on his brother’s shoulder with tight, grounding grip. The slightly shorter man boils beside him, eyes boring into yours in an enraged ‘I told you so’.

Your neighbor places his work bag on the floor, cringing at the sight of the flattened table. He approaches the brothers, clueless, patting their arms with sympathy.

“Should have gotten me earlier, guys. You know you can call me over any time for some help. Handiwork isn’t for everyone, some things are just left for the professionals.

“No kidding.” Tan mutters, letting Lemon pry his fingers from the biggest kitchen knife you own when the man’s back is turned to them.

“We’ll have to grab brunch sometime, y/n.” He’s blissfully unaware as he talks between rounds of the drill. Unscrewing mistakes and penciling out where they should actually go. “I’ll fill you in on the rest of the neighbors. Some of the ones to avoid and all.” Lemon’s practically wrapped around his brother, praying to a god he doesn’t believe that the clueless fuck will shut up. You cross the room while he drills away, placing your hands on Tan’s chest and pressing into him. He can’t even see you, can’t even feel you as his blood burns his own skin. Considering the fasted method of kill and cleanup over and over again in a final stitch to calm himself.

“You’ll have meet Cody first, of course. I’ve already told him there’s finally another young couple in the building. Thank god.”

“S-Sorry, mate?” Lemon loosens his grip in realization, fighting a bellowing laugh.

“My bad, I tend to drill when I’m talking. Cody gets on me for that, too, This is what I mean, sweetheart. We need to escape the doting boyfriends for a little. Enough to drive anyone nuts.” He shoots you another smile, pleased to see you nodding profusely.

“Absolutely.” You turn to Tan, whose brows are taught in utter confusion. “They can be a real pain sometimes.”

“But, alas.” The drill whirs, he stops talking for a beat and then releases the trigger to finish. “We love them.”

“To bits and pieces.”

Tan collapses against the counter, right exhausted from the strain of keeping his composure. Pure relief washes over him, and you let him pull you into an embrace.

“Boys, would you mind helping me turn this right side up? i think I’m all finished here.” They comply, Tan reluctantly pulling away and kissing your temple in silent apology. Together, they set it upright and each give it a good shake to ensure it’s stability.

“Thanks, mate. I owe you.” Your boyfriend gives the now beloved neighbor a firm shake, a hint of guilt in his eyes.

“British and handsome, you two are truly a killer pair.” Brian gathers his things and checks a notification ding on his phone. Sighing fondly. “Speak of the devil.” He waves his phone to you with a lighthearted roll of his eyes. “See you all soon.” Giving you a quick hug, he exits as soon as he came.

“Most definitely not a diesel, that bloke.”

#tangerine #tangerine x y/n #tangerine x you #tangerine and lemon #lemon #bullet train #tangerine imagine #atj #atjohnsonedit #aaron taylor johnson #bullet train imagine #tangerine and ladybug #imagines #fanfic #aaron taylor johnson imagine #lemon x tangerine #lemon x reader #diesel #gordon

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the-brothers · 6 months ago

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.Adoption.

"You kids know how I've been wanting to expand the family," your father started as the four of you had gathered around the dinner table.

"But Pops," you interrupted, "isn't it a bit late to be adopting more kids? I mean you're already so busy and not as young as you used to be."

His golden eyes narrowed slightly, "I'd like to remind you lass, that even though you are mature beyond your years, you are in fact only sixteen." he sighed, "These boys really need a home and can only be adopted together. You yourselves know how hard it is being grade school age in an orphanage."

You and Marco frowned. It had been almost eight years since your adoption, but you could never forget the way potential parents lit up when they saw the nursery. Not to mention all of the people who wanted to separate you from your self-professed twin. The social workers would always tell couples you were actually two years apart and not blood-related. You'd cry and shout to make things difficult, Marco would roll up his little sleeves and challenge anyone who dared to take you away. You were his sister and your DNA had nothing to do with it.

The day Edward Newgate arrived the two of you were separated to meet the man before he could take you home. It was less likely for you to act out if you didn't have your brother. When you entered the office, you were greeted by the enormous blond and another kid who had to be in his late teens. You were terrified, and shy having left all of your confidence with Marco.

After introducing himself and Thatch he began to ask you about your interests, typical stuff favorite colors, animals, what you wanted to be when you grew up, to which you murmured quick one-word answers. You also kept your distance.

"They told us you're quite the entertainer lass." Newgate pressed trying to figure out how the outgoing singer that was described to him was this timid girl.

You shrugged looking down.

Before you could think of a response there was a scuffle outside and the door burst open revealing the seething ten-year-old.

"Marco!" a worker desperately called after him.

He stood protectively in front of you scrunching his face at the man, "You can't take my sister, yoi."

"Sister?" Newgate sat back surprised, they hadn't told him you had a sibling.

"He isn't actually her brother," the woman corrected, "they've just been here for the last three years and are fond of each other."

"No," Marco growled, "she is my sister and you can't just take her."

Newgate watched you cling to the little blond, tears streaming down your tiny face. He was impressed by the boy's will to protect you and the bond you shared despite not being related.

"If they feel this strongly why on earth would you split them up?"

Your eyes snapped toward the man.

"That's just how it works sir, sometimes even siblings have to be separated. Our goal is to get them into a loving home, sometimes it's by all means necessary." the woman replied taking a step toward Marco.

"Marco was it?" Newgate leaned forward, "How would you like to leave here with your sister?"

Marco remained guarded but gave the man a nod.

"Then there we have it." he boomed, "Do you kids have any special belongings you'd like to bring?"

"But sir, you've only done the paperwork for F/N." she gaped.

"Then make copies for the lad," he smiled at her, "I'm doubling in fees. One would think you'd be thrilled."

"Boys?" you asked, "as in more than one?"

"Three." Pops nodded.

"She's just upset she won't be the baby anymore, yoi." Marco teased.

You swatted the blond.

"Two seven-year-olds and a four-year-old," Thatch confirmed.

"Awe~" you sang, "They're just babies!"

Marco rolled his eyes while Pops smiled and shifted.

"We'll go shopping tomorrow they've given me the boys sizes and the youngest will need a booster seat for the dinner table and the car." your father rumbled.

_____________

"They're here, yoi!" Marco shouted up the stairs.

"I'm coming!" you covered the receiver of the phone to reply, "Shanks, I have to go my little brothers are here."

"Call me tomorrow, babe." your boyfriend cooed, "Good luck with the rug rats."

"Of course. Now I gotta go before Marco drags me down." you flushed and said your goodbyes before hanging up and excitedly rushing down the stairs.

Thatch entered the house first with the small raven haired toddler in his arms. The two older boys followed with wide eyes taking in their new surroundings. The youngest shifted against Thatch's chest and turned toward you with an adorable grin. Immediately your heart melted, every fiber of your being was beckoned to protect him for all time.

"This is your new brother, Marco and your sister, F/N." the brunette introduced pointing at each of you

"I'm Luffy!" he chirped, tiny voice full of confidence.

"This is Ace," Thatch pointed to one of the boys who looked up at you with large ruby eyes that only accentuated the smattering of freckles on his face, "And this is Sabo." he motioned toward the other boy with messy blond hair.

The older two crossed their arms remaining guarded though Ace gave you a curt nod Sabo's green eyes refused to acknowledge you or your siblings.

"They've been to a few rough foster homes so give them some time." your father piped closing the front door behind him.

"Well, welcome home." you murmured, "Would you like to see your room?"

Luffy reached for you wrapping his legs around your waist.

"You guys have to share for now, but we'll be moving soon, and you'll have your own spaces, yoi." Marco added.

"We're used to it." Ace muttered following you up the stairs with Sabo far behind.

"Can I stay wis you?" Luffy asked squeezing your neck.

You squealed internally that the cutie in your arms already seemed to be attached to you, "Of course you can! I'll even read you a story."

After giving the boys a tour of the house and backyard Thatch called everyone in for dinner, which was a bit of a mess to say the least. Luffy rocked back and forth and side to side in his booster seat after clearing his plate trying to snatch food away from your and Sabo's plates as you both were stationed on either side of him at the table.

"I've never seen a toddler eat so much." Thatch said quickly fixing Luffy a second helping.

"Please hurry I can't fend him off much longer." You muttered blocking the kid again.

"He's always like that." Ace commented handing Thatch his plate to fill next.

"Are you not hungry?" you asked Sabo watching the blond poke at his food.

His green eyes moved toward you before quickly glancing away. He had been like this all evening carefully listening and watching but refusing to speak or make eye contact. It bothered you that he seemed to distrust the family so much. He must have survived some trauma in foster care.

"He'll eat when he's hungry, lass." Your father rumbled, "No pressure lad, if you don't like it there are plenty of other things to eat."

"But this is real good," Ace added.

The blond scrunched his nose at the freckled boy as if he were betraying him somehow. You could only hope he'd warm up to the rest of you in time. As you reached to wipe Luffy's face clean there was a sudden clatter of dishes and cutlery. Ace seemed to have passed out in his food splattering mashed potatoes everywhere.

Marco panicked and stood yanking the boy from his seat as he groggily opened his ruby eyes and muttered, "I'm not done."

"He has narnolopsy." Luffy chirped.

"Narcolepsy." Sabo quietly corrected.

"Does this happen a lot?" you asked watching Marco help Ace wipe his face and clothes.

"Yus." Luffy replied.

"If I'm still for too long or bored I guess. It's not so bad." the freckled raven replied getting back to his food.

After dinner, you set the boys up for a bath. It seemed the three felt comfortable all going at once though you worried if two seven-year-olds could really keep an energetic toddler in the tub or from drowning for that matter. So, you waited outside the door listening for any distress until they were done.

Luffy rubbed his eyes and yawned wide as you tugged him into the living room to pick a kid-friendly chapter book off the shelf. Not knowing what he was looking at he just picked the one with the most colorful cover and handed it to you.

"Pirate Adventures? Good choice." you hoisted him up on your hip and took a seat in the old recliner in the corner of the room.

Leaning back and covering up with a throw you read until Luffy was sound asleep snuggled into your chest and your eyes were too heavy to keep open. You dog-eared the page and set the book aside before drifting off yourself.

Some hours later your slumber was interrupted abruptly by the blaring pinging of the home security system. Not feeling the weight on your torso anymore your eyes shot open in a panic. Luffy was gone. Covering your ears, you stumbled to your feet and bolted up the stairs as the house phone began to ring.

Marco had already burst into the boy's room and was holding Sabo by the back of his shirt. All three boys had full backpacks strapped to their backs and the window was half open. Finally, the alarm cut off as Thatch entered the room still speaking on the cordless phone.

"No worries, it was just our little brother's opening the window," he spoke politely as he frowned at the boys.

The coming days, weeks, months, years, were sure to be interesting.

#the brothers #whitebeard pirates #monkey d. luffy #portgas d ace #marco the phoenix #thatch #whitebeard one piece #spin off #mdni #Lyndsyh24

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theboysfromaustin · 1 year ago

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July 17, 2015

Gav stared at the cookbook, hands shaking. Tomorrow was the day. The day. Ian looped one arm around his waist, "We trust you absolutely. You and I have spent a lot of time baking together." "Never a wedding cake!" "Doesn't have to be ornate, we're not fancy, don't forget we spent last night on the couch eating bananas wrapped in peanut-butter covered tortillas for dinner."

"Heh…Um, so…cake flavor?" "Strawberry and chocolate, alternating layers since we're doing four." "Hey, queers, I'm out!" Kazuo waved as Maureen pulled up - they were going to pick up flowers. "Bye, baby! Don't wear yourself out!" "Oh, I won't, sex machine!" "Be good, Kaz! Say hi to Maureen!" Kazuo laughed as he left.

"Alright. Step by step. Big task, but we're two very capable bakers." Anders arrived, lugging in cases of drinks - a lot of it alcohol, "You got a dolly?" "Right side of the garage near the back." "Thanks," he went outside. "Okay. Cake first, we have a stand mixer and a hand mixer." "Can I have the stand mixer? Less chance of me getting my goatee stuck." "Go ahead. Chocolate or strawberry?" "Strawberry." "We have fresh ones to puree. And we're doing a vanilla buttercream to frost."

"Thank you for not saying fondant." "God, I hate fondant." Anders dropped off several boxes, "Gonna get wild tomorrow." "Neighbors should brace themselves." "Dad, what advice about marriage would you give to a single guy?" "Live with them for a while. Years, even. If your weirdness doesn't drive each other away, then congratulations." "Married at 76, what's one old guy thing you'll never give up?" "Peaches and cottage cheese," Ian began measuring ingredients, "You got more?" "Yup." "Good. Load us up.""Dad Kaz out?" "Went with Maureen to get flowers."

"He won't be much help."

"Yes, well, the other option was having him in the kitchen. Helping us." "Okay, flowers are better. He does love hanging out with Maureen, though." "Love her." Anders left to get more drinks, "I'll finish this up, then I can help you. Food truck's ready for tomorrow." "Mmmm, barbecue." "Thank you," Ian dug into his pocket, pulling out a couple hundred dollar bills, "For your time and effort."

"Good dad." "I try." "Too bad you're too old to be a ring bearer." "At least we Maureen's pup Robert to do it. And Martha as the flower girl." Anders left to get another load of crates, Ian and Gav focusing on prepping batter.

"How ya feelin'?" "Like I have to puke. But I'm excited," Kazuo grinned, "I was afraid it was never going to happen." "He's been waiting a long time. I wish Shirley were here…Jeremy…his parents, his brother, your mom and grandparents…" "Lot of people will be missing. I wish aunt Ayaka could make it, but I get that she runs a hotel."

"With this, I have everything I ever wanted. A husband, another partner, a kid…well, if Anders gives us a grandkid, that would be great." Maureen looked over, Kazuo's lower lip quivering, "Hey…" "For so long, I was told I wasn't worthy of love. I proved everyone wrong. If they could see me now…"

"Your mom would be proud of you." "I wish she could see me with my family. See how happy I am." "She knows you're in good hands. She loved Ian." Kazuo smiled, "That's always good to be reminded of." They pulled into the flower shop. Kazuo was suddenly aware that he was wearing a Strapping Young Lad shirt, rainbow belt and strawberry-patterned Crocs. "Don't worry, it's all paid, they're not going to turn you away."

"Still probably the weirdest man to limp through their doors." Maureen put her arm around him, "Anyone bothers you, I'll deck 'em, just like Shirley would." Kazuo grinned, pushing open the door. The woman at the counter looked up, "Hello, how can I help you?" Kazuo stepped up, "Hi, we're picking up arrangements for the Mitsuwa-Gabriel wedding." "Alright, two standing arrangements, and a dozen large table arrangements."

She began to bring them out, Kazuo stiffening. The arrangements were ornate, white and blue flowers intertwined. A tear worked its way down his cheek. "Kaz?" "They're beautiful, and…it's happening. It's really happening." "You deserve it. You've both waited a long time." Kazuo smiled, "Thank you so much. Let's get these home."

Ian leaned on the counter, "Okay. They're baking. One part done." Gav leaned on him, head on his chest, hands on his hips, "I'm happy." "So am I. I've wanted this ever since I was a young man." "You two are perfect together." Anders came in from the backyard, Martha in tow, "Once those are out, can you help me set up tables and chairs? I got the lights." "Yeah."

Ian perked up as the screen door at the front opened, Maureen and Kazuo entering, flowers in hand. "I'll watch the oven," Gav let Ian up, the older man and Anders going to unload the car. Ian kissed Kazuo's forehead as he passed, blush immediately coloring his cheek. The arrangements were set on the table. Ian stepped back, hand to his mouth, eyes shut.

Kazuo slipped one arm around him, "You okay?" "I-I'm sorry. They're beautiful, it's what I've always wanted. Everything's coming together, and…." Kazuo pivoted to his front, hand to his cheek, "This is our beginning. Our forever." Ian hugged him tightly, wincing a bit from the healing tattoo on his chest, "I can't wait for tomorrow." "Neither can I. We're gonna run down that aisle." Ian rested his chin on Kazuo's head,

"I can't wait, husband."

#oc #original character

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vivienna-vivid · 2 years ago

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I posted 24,364 times in 2022

74 posts created (0%)

24,290 posts reblogged (100%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@strideerandflashlightgirl

@the-stray-liger

@captain-lovelace

@hotvampireadjacent

@bitterrosebrokenspear

I tagged 7,322 of my posts in 2022

#fate series - 1,527 posts

#catto - 515 posts

#video - 448 posts

#chainsaw man - 375 posts

#ultrakill - 284 posts

#his majesty prince dumbass - 209 posts

#guilty gear - 203 posts

#encanto - 187 posts

#tf2 - 161 posts

#milgram - 144 posts

Longest Tag: 139 characters

#casual reminder that karna mames a great villain in the mahabharata because his more extreme awful side is contrasted with genuine kindness

My Top Posts in 2022:

Kafka's Metamorphosis shows the true nature of humanity for without crushing capitalism weighing on us we would be skittering up the walls and ceilings like the little weirdos we truly are

38 notes - Posted June 27, 2022

In this house, we commit to jokes

39 notes - Posted April 22, 2022

Okay okay okay okay hear me out.

I think it's fair to say that Saber!Hektor would be buffed by Apollo just like babie!Paris is. But unlike the lad, be won't be kiddified and I can give you a lore reason for it.

In the Iliad, Apollo has this line to Hektor:

The way he speaks here makes it sound like he sees Hektor as an equal; as a partner. Apollo is willing to play second fiddle to Hektor and he keeps his word! This is a stark contrast with how he blessed Paris with the Achilles-killing shot by basically possessing him.

With Paris, Apollo takes his free will — shown in FGO with how he forces Paris to take a cuter form. With Hektor, he honors his free will. If anything, "Phobus Apollo of the golden sword" would become Saber!Hektor's weapon, fusing with the golden sword Durindana.

48 notes - Posted January 19, 2022

Arjuna's weakness is his family.

Arjuna can go through life as this distant, cold, but capable prince but that projected image crumbles easily when in the presence of a family member — for better or for worse.

With his brothers, he is an endearingly flappable middle son who teases and is teased often. He almost seems bratty in their presence.

With his elders, he is a soft and shy boy who cannot help but gaze at his own feet and fidget in their presence. Tense as he is, his smile radiates nothing but genuine adoration.

With his lovers, spitfires as they are, he is relaxed and somewhat clueless. In the presence of people so sure of themselves, so unlike Arjuna (and yet they chose him), he can't help but play second fiddle and try his best to keep composed as he basks in their passion.

With his sons, he is an attentive father. There's no use in projecting an image, he only wants to hold them close. There is an audible spring in his voice anytime he speaks with them, eyes bright and his smile genuine.

And with Karna, the brother he never knew he had... Well, we know that answer.

Which makes it all the more sadder when Arjuna Above Gods, the Final Lonely God, cannot crumble so easily. No endearing brattiness, no shy fidgetings, no awkward smiles, and no gentle attentiveness.

140 notes - Posted March 19, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

I know that Arjuna is designed to be young and prince-like so he can have that boyfriend-like quality to him so his kids are never mentioned, but honestly it'd be fucking HILARIOUS if FGO explored Arjuna as a dad.

Cuz, Arjuna is a fuckin chuuni. And he also tries his best to be a good dad but he's also a deep overthinker so if — say — Abhimanyu gets to Chaldea you bet your ASS Arjuna is gonna hide every chuuni part of him.

It'd be an inverse of the "I need to hide my cringe side from my parents". Arjuna desperately hides his cringy chuuni nerd side from Abhi because he doesn't want Abhi to judge him.

And meanwhile, Abhi is just shamelessly being a normal cringeass 16-year-old so really Arjuna has NOTHING to worry about but he's fucking overthinking dumbass and just suffers in his foolishness.

239 notes - Posted March 22, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#tumblr2022 #year in review #my 2022 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review

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eldrichboyo · 3 years ago

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Baby brother mc! Prt 3

[tags: mc is a minor./ M! Mc ( little brother!)/ belphie being a wholesome boi/ implied diaxluci/ barbatos becomes a surrogate father of 2 electric boogaloo/ dia spoiling little mc/

Belphegor-

- Brattyness at its finest.

- hes been the youngest for centuries and now suddenly you show up and hog all the attention?!? Belphie no likely >:(

- when you were first Introduced he didnt like you. his spot in the family pack unit was shifting. He was use to getting away with anything bc he was the baby of the house. But now he needed to " set a good example for you??" Ugh..

- regardless of if you are a young demon or a human child he will act the same either way.

- but as you grow closer he becomes very protective of you.

- He will wrap his tail around you when you are in large crowds so he can keep track of you. ( kinda like a kid leash?

- 👏nap👏 piles👏 are👏 mandatory 👏

- He will hold your hands and link arms when napping together. Lucifer once walked in while you two were asleep. It reminded him of that one marine mammal from the human world? What's that called again? An otter?? They hold hands so they cant drift away from each other while sleeping.

- the only "experience" he has with being an older sibling was when lilith was alive. After the fall he just shut down and lost most those skills. Now that you exist he feels like he's been given a 2nd chance. " I wont fuck up this time" he thinks to himself.

- the least likely to play with you but the most likely to bully/ tease you. " daaaawww does widdle baby have a cwuuuushh~" *kissy noises💔💔💋💋* " FUCK OFF YEEHAW MAN"

- you know how kittens will just Like. Attack their siblings? Regularless of what their doing? Belphie will be sleeping (or trying to at least) And you will be jumping on him, poking his face, pull his tail. 8 times out of 10 he will just sleep through it or grab you into a forced-cuddle session, but on a rare occasion he will yeet you out of his bed without hesitation.

- always knows where you are despite not seeing you for hours. You've asked mammon how tf that works but he just smirked, used jazz hands, and said " 🎇demon magic🎇"

- you make a lot of blanket forts for belphie. He thinks it's very cute. You'll ask Levi for one of his tablets and watch tv in your forts. Also You cant come in unless you know the password.

- you and beel drag him everywhere but honestly he cant complain. He's with his two favorite people so * shrugs*

- gets you into the " anti- lucifer squad" and you two get in trouble SO OFTEN. Lucifer despises it but it also makes him kinda happy that belphie is socializing with more than 8 people. ( introverted fucker)

- if beel isnt there to help you two complete a task you two will team up and get it done...slowly but surely..

* insert picture of you standing on belphie's shoulders to reach a cookie jar on a top shelf*

- you two gift each other cool rocks. He's been around for awhile and has quite a few cool rocks in his collection, and you...you try? You really try and that's what's important :)

Diavolo-

- As soon as You were adopted he made it his soul mission to spoil you rotten.

- you know when your parent gets a new boyfriend and they try to get on your good side to gain your approval? Yeah.

- maximum cool step dad energy.

- you'll walk in his line of sight and from all the way across the house you'll hear: " MC HELLO MY BOY HOW ARE YOU!" his voice booms. Hes spooked you a few times this way ( honestly how does a man that big move around the house so silently???)

- "hello lad! I saw this earlier and it reminded me of you, here" " sir this looks really expensive, are you sure you want ME to have this?" says the literal child.

- if you play any instruments; Lucifer will encourage you to play for an audience with the prince. You got stage fright mid way through the song and messed up.

- When tears of frustration started to fall from your eyes Lucifer and dia smiled, they were both very proud of you ( especially luci) , you did your best and performed the song well. You just got a bit of stage fright is all and its okay, you can practice and try again at a later time. :)

- Lucifer had to talk him down from gifting you with expensive or dangerous gifts.

- tries so hard to be hip...like...so hard.... " kids like battle axes ,right Lucifer?" "SIR I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU DONT-"

- he thinks it's cute how small you are. This man is a giant to it's cute to see you struggling to pick up something he could so easily pick up.

- he was an only child growing up but he remembers wanting play with adults and other demon children but wasn't allowed to. So he tries to play with you! He wants 12 more little ones just like you! ❤❤

- kinda scared he wont realize his own strength and might hurt you. The last thing he wants is to hurt you and ruin his image with his people.

- often the avatars will appear in photos with him. These photos are EVERYWHERE, the press always love to see pictures of the Prince and you In headlines:

"newest avatar of ___ and prince diavolo spend time sampling the newest chocolate ganache platter at the devil's kitchen!"

"Prince diavolo and mc steal the show! Wearing matching formal attire to this years' grand gala!"

" inside scoop from the Royal palace! The young mc, avatar of ___ helps himself to the throne! " if I was king I'd make pineapple on pizza illegal,gross!"

"family game night?? Prince diavolo, Lucifer the avatar of pride, and mc the avatar of ___ take a much needed break and hit the bowling alleys at ____. Read more to find out what mischief the young lad has gotten into this time~"

Barbatos-

- Now he has 2 little beings following him around like little lost ducklings. You and Luke have imprinted on him.

- you make him friendship bracelets all the time. He can't wear them 24/7 due to his job and he needs to use his hands a lot but he keeps them tucked away in a safe place.

- whenever you ask him his favorite color he changes his answer. So when you make him friendship bracelets you just pick a bunch of colors that look good together, he loves them no matter the color.

- he made you your own apron, its embroidered with your name on it in a pretty font. It matches with his but has little bits of your little artistic flair. You have buttons and pins on yours.

- you try to help. TRY BEING THE BIG WORD HERE... you arent strong enough to lift some of the stuff he can. Demon strength has its perks.

- he will hand you things that he knows you can handle. Small groceries.

- occasionally you'll go with him to get groceries. If you are good and helpful you can go get bubble tea and maybe a cookie! :D

- will help tutor you! Barb is a wonderful teacher!

- is very skilled in magic and can help teach you some very intricate spells.

- it will be time to go home and Lucifer will take your hand in his. " mc, we are going home now. say goodbye to the prince and barbatos" you turned to them, " bye barbatos! Bye your highness! Goodbye barbatos!" As you are leaving Lucifer asks "mc, may I ask why you said goodbye to barbatos twice?" You smiled at him " I like barbatos :) "

- if you break one of your toys he can fix it, regardless of how severe the damage

- has tried many times to get you to dress "like a little gentleman " but you are far to mischievous to stay clean for more than a few minutes at most.

- he will never admit it but he loves picking out all the tiny outfits for you. Something about small clothing is so adorable to him.

- he calls you " young master" a lot.

- absolutely will not tolerate bad table manners or bad manners at all. He WILL smack your hands with a ruler. No hesitation.

- wont let you eat too many sweets. It doesn't matter if you are a human or a demon, a tummy ache is a tummy ache through and through.

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theartistknownaslymond · 2 years ago

Note

A playlist for Richard in CM? Being angry at/worrying for Francis?

Ahh, you do like your painful playlists, Katherine! 😍

The Guiding Hand

A playlist for when you're worrying about your little brother now he's a global superstar in self-imposed exile from his family and all the headlines look bad

Kate Bush - Mother Stands for Comfort

Fairport Convention - Reynardine

Nick Drake - Fruit Tree

Yusuf/Cat Stevens - Father and Son

War - Me and Baby Brother

Simon & Garfunkel - The Boxer

The Clash - Death or Glory

U2 - Sunday Bloody Sunday

The Proclaimers - What Do You Do

Bruce Springsteen - Highway Patrolman

David Bowie - Space Oddity

Fairport Convention - Percy's Song

Joan Baez - The Altar Boy and the Thief

Christine Sevres - Robert le Diable

The Isley Brothers - Brother, Brother

Queen & David Bowie - Under Pressure

Joan Baez - It's All Over Now, Baby Blue

Faceclaims: for Richard with the guitar it's James Dean Bradfield, without the guitar it's a young Peter Falk. Francis is Johnny Flynn.

I tried to make it progress from Richard judging more harshly to being more understanding. Commentary below the cut! CW for some discussion of OD and suicide, motor accidents, WW2 resistance and concentration camps, and the Troubles.

1) Kate Bush - Mother Stands for Comfort Richard thinking of Sybilla's devotion to Francis even after all he's done: Mother stands for comfort / Mother will hide the murderer / Mother hides the madman / Mother will stay mum... 2) Fairport Convention - Reynardine All of Richard's worst fears about Francis: a 'sly, bold' rake, out to lead women astray under the guise of protecting his own dubious lifestyle: Her hair was black, her eyes / Were blue, her lips as red as wine / And he smiled to gaze upon her / Did that sly, bold Reynardine. 3) Nick Drake - Fruit Tree Richard's a bit of an ass, sure, but he's not going to miss parallels between his little brother and Nick Drake, framed as a suicidal genius who died of an overdose of anti-depressants partly in the belief that his music would only be discovered after his death (which is both reading a lot into this one song, and also the kind of self-fulfilling prophecy the music industry loves but it's all bullshit lads and Nick's friends and family have given different interpretations): Safe in the womb / Of an everlasting night / You'll find the darkness can / Give the brightest light / Safe in your place deep in the earth / That’s when they’ll know what you were really worth. 4) Yusuf/Cat Stevens - Father & Son Ignoring the title, the words 'father' and 'son' aren't actually used at all in the lyrics. It's an older man giving unheeded advice to a younger man (Yusuf has said it's about the Russian revolution, so bring in some of Richard's feelings about Francis being involved in the USSR if you like). It's not time to make a change (Away, away, away) Just sit down, take it slowly You're still young, that's your fault (I know) There's so much you have to go through (I have to make this decision) Find a girl, settle down (Alone) If you want you can marry Look at me (No) I am old, but I'm happy 5) War - Me and Baby Brother Older brother worrying about younger brother who used to be on his side, but seems to have gotten involved in trouble (jail?). Shiftin' on his mind / Is like drinking funky wine / By the river / Chippin' on his mind / Is like drinking funky wine / By the river 6) Simon & Garfunkel - The Boxer I think this may just be a song I apply to a lot of my blorbos, but it really did give me Francis feels off the scale. Anyway I want Richard to hear this on the radio after he's punched Francis in RC and to FEEL BAD. In the clearing stands a boxer, and a fighter by his trade / And he carries the reminders / Of every glove that laid him down or cut him / 'Til he cried out in his anger and his shame / "I am leaving, I am leaving", but the fighter still remains 7) The Clash - Death or Glory An older man again looking back at what he considers the folly of youth, bitter about the industry and the way it markets people and encourages fatalistic behaviour: In every gimmick hungry yob diggin' gold from rock 'n' roll / Grabs the mic and tell us he'll die before he's sold / But I believe in this and it's been tested by research / He who fucks nuns will later join the church / Death or glory becomes just another story... 8) U2 - Sunday Bloody Sunday Genuinely annoyed by how GOOD this is, I've spent my life hating U2 lads, what to do, what to do! Anyway, Richard likes it because it's an Irish voice calling for peace and moderation in the context of the Troubles (yes, he's side-eyeing Francis and those old rumours). He's not above seeing its applicability to his own family, either: And the battle's just begun / There's many lost, but tell me, who has won? / The trench is dug within our hearts / And mothers, children, brothers, sisters torn apart... 9) The Proclaimers - What Do You Do BIG Richard album this one, largely for him and Mariotta, but this one's for his political side and probably for straw man arguments he has in his head with Francis, assuming Francis would rather go for direct action than democracy: What do you do / When democracy fails you / What do you do / When the rest can't see its true? / Pat votes the Scots way / Just like her mother / But South always takes all / Just like her brother... 10) Bruce Springsteen - Highway Patrolman Brothers sticking by brothers despite one being a cop and the other committing a crime. :') Recognising that his brother Frankie has maybe been a bit messed up by his experiences and finding he doesn't have it in him to be the arbiter of justice: Me and Frankie laughing and drinking / Nothing feels better than blood on blood / Taking turns dancing with Maria / As the band played "Night of the Johnstown Flood" / I catch him when he's straying / Like any brother would / A man turns his back on his family / Well, he just ain't no good. 11) David Bowie - Space Oddity Richard's memories of watching the moon landing with his siblings, the fact it's impossible not to associate his brother with Bowie (his idol), and watching him soar away while knowing there's nothing much Richard can do for him anymore... This is Ground Control to Major Tom / You've really made the grade / And the papers want to know whose shirts you wear / Now it's time to leave the capsule if you dare / This is Major Tom to Ground Control / I'm stepping through the door / And I'm floating in a most peculiar way / And the stars look very different today... 12) Fairport Convention - Percy's Song Dylan but better because it's not Dylan take one: this is a much-covered song about a man jailed for life for being at the wheel during a road accident that killed four people. I think even in CM Richard's view of Francis' 'crimes' is tempered by the idea that family should get to judge him first and foremost. And the moral tangle of this one - there's a sentence to be served, but not like that, not that long! - is something I think would get to Richard, despite his worst assumptions. But, I knew him as good as I'm knowing myself / Turn, turn, turn again / And he wouldn't harm a life that belonged to someone else / Turn, turn to the rain and the wind... 13) Joan Baez - The Altar Boy and the Thief Ah yes, now we're really getting into later CM where Richard is worried and sad rather than just overtly judgey and angry. He's trying to understand Francis, and probably starting to see (through the Tories campaigning for Section 28) that a lot of the public charges levelled against Francis come from a place of bigotry and hate, not justice. Richard is probably not sure of band AU Francis’ actual sexuality (bi) until right at the end, either. At night in the safety of shadows and numbers Seeking some turf on which nothing encumbers The buying and selling of casual looks Stuff that gets printed in x-rated books Your mother might have tried to understand When you were hardly your daddy's little man And you gave up saluting the chief To find yourself some relief

Finely plucked eyebrows and skin of satin Smiling seductive and endlessly Latin Olympic body on dancing feet Perfume thickening the air like heat A transient star of gay bar fame You quit your job and changed your name And you're nearly beyond belief As you hunt down a little relief 14) Christine Sevres - Robert le Diable The song is titled after a medieval epic poem in which a woman who can't conceive with her husband and whom god won't help has sex with the devil instead, and the son is the cursed Robert le Diable - he's accomplished but clearly a wrong'un until he discovers religious asceticism, and lives as a dog/madman in the Holy Roman Emperor's household. He eventually goes to war against the heathen for the princess (iirc), gets stabbed in the junk and is sanctified (iirc??). The song isn't about him though! The song is actually a poem by Louis Aragon about his fellow poet Robert Desnos. Desnos was a surrealist and a member of the resistance in WW2, and he was captured and imprisoned in concentration camps, where he died of typhoid. People told stories of his whimsy and imagination saving lives - in the AU he's a link to the Crawfords' French background and to Sybilla and FRC's time in the resistance. And yes, the song addresses Robert as a narwhal (poet Gérard le Nerval) in the opening line :') Tu portais dans ta voix comme un chant de Nerval Quand tu parlais du sang jeune homme singulier Scandant la cruauté de tes vers réguliers Le rire des bouchers t'escortait dans les Halles Tu avais en ces jours ces accents de gageure Que j'entends retentir à travers les années Poète de vingt ans d'avance assassiné Et que vengeaient déjà le blasphème et l'injure

[there’s a shonky transation here] 15) The Isley Brothers - Brother, Brother The last one was a bit intense with symbolism. This is just about Richard learning to see Francis in a clearer light by the end of CM: You have always been so good to me / And though you didn't always talk to me / There wasn't much my loving eyes could not see / And I don't believe you need all your misery. 16) Queen & David Bowie - Under Pressure I think the brothers would get a lot from singing this one together :') Generally acknowledging the pressure in both their lives that has gotten in the way of mutual understanding: It's the terror of knowing what this world is about / Watching some good friends screaming, "Let me out!" / Pray tomorrow gets me higher / Pressure on people, people on streets... 17) Joan Baez - It's All Over Now, Baby Blue @stripedroseandsketchpads is a star for recommending I shift from looking for inspiration from Dylan to looking to Joan instead <3 This is another Dylan song that I don't want to hear him sing. Apparently the theory is that Dylan wrote it about himself and connected it with his turn away from acoustic folk music to plugged-in guitar music. All your seasick sailors, they are rowing home Your empty-handed armies are going home Your lover, who just walked out the door Has taken all his blankets from the floor

The carpet, too, is moving under you And it's all over now, Baby Blue.

#band au: checkmate #playlists: period-appropriate #character: richard crawford #character: francis crawford #ficspiration: lyrics

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stephspurs · 3 years ago

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A Family Affair | Euro 2020 Football Fanfiction

BESTIES!! PART 10 IS A HOT ONE!! Enjoy reading it as much as I did while writing it (and re-reading it because its probs one of my fav parts of the whole series) Love Always, Steph xx

Part 10 | parte dieci

warnings; heavy-petting, almost-smut, and a hot jack grealish - read at your own risk ;) word count; 2469. writing tools; third person until dashed line, first person thereafter. next update; Monday 16/08 5pm AEST. Updates are three times/week (Monday, Wednesday & Friday)! tags (as requested by users); @footballffbarbiex @obsesseds-world @abysshaven link to fic masterlist here

Longing glances and shy smiles. That was how Amelia and Ben both spent the next morning at Cobham together, prior to travelling to Stamford Bridge for the fourth match of the season against Aston Villa. The two had spent the rest of the evening relaxing on the couch; no additional kisses were shared between them as they had both agreed to keep things friendly, and no matter how hard Ben tried, Amelia had no intentions of going any further just yet. She had admitted to him something that she had never uttered out loud before: she still needed to work out how to exist without Fede.

While their situationship had been as unconventional as it was, it was still something that Amelia had grown to live with and love. Fede’s personality was unlike no other she had come across, perhaps closest to that of Jack Grealish. Friendly, flirtatious, charming, to the point where she found herself blushing sometimes - not many people had been able to make her shy enough to blush, but Fede had, and now Jack was too.

hot boy grealish

mornin mils, can’t wait to see ya today.

I’ll be the hot one with the good hair and even better ass.

hot gal mils

morning my dear jacky, looking forward to seeing you too.

Is Tyrone not playing?

His bum has always been my fav bum to stare at.

hot boy grealish

cut it out, you.

Banter-filled texts had been a constant stream of entertainment throughout the days leading up to the match. Jack has been preparing Amelia for the possibility of her losing, constantly picking on the girl for being an overachiever and saying that she needs to be brought down a few pegs, having been quite some time since her team had lost a match. Amelia however, with enough self-confidence to rival that of the villa boy, wouldn’t even let him finish his sentences. Far too superstitious for that to happen.

The girl believed in superstitions, and she was not about to tempt her fate. She even went so far as to have her family name and a small Italian flag embroidered onto the inside of her collar of every polo shirt she would wear for match days. She did it at Juventus and organised for it to be done to her new Chelsea uniform. It was a personal choice, something that happened to run in her family also, her father and brother also having the White family name stitched to the inside of their kit. It was a way of keeping them all tied together, no matter what side of the pitch they were on. The Italian flag was there to remind her of all that the country had given her: her grandparents and a chance to be brilliant at what she loves most.

Arriving at Stamford Bridge off of the team bus, Jorgi had insisted she sitwith him and they spoke exclusively in Italian for the 30-odd minute drive from Cobham. Despite Amelia purchasing a new car a few days prior, Jorgi insisted they continue to carpool. It worked out well because now Amelia wouldn’t have to catch the team bus back to the training ground after the match. She had spent the better part of an hour out on the pitch with some of the boys, running through the plays she had in mind before she ushered them back into the changeroom, allowing the Aston Villa men to have their time out on the grass.

______________________________________________________________

“I would know that bum anywhere.”

“Hello Jack, nice to see you too. I’ve been well thanks, so has my bum. I’ll let my face know you said hello, too,” I spoke as I stood up from my crouched position, where I had been tying my laces.

“Just kiddin love, actually no I'm not - I love your bum. But I am happy to see your beautiful face too!” Jack spoke, as he pulled me into a hug - wrapping both of his arms around my head, effectively pushing me further into his chest.

“You saw my face a couple days ago when we were on FaceTime!”

“I saw your bum a few days ago on FaceTimetoo, doesn’t mean I'm not happy to see it!”

“So that's why you like helping me do my laundry, so you can see my backside as I reach into the machine!”

“Now I’m not a religious man, but I have prayed to God a few times that you drop a sock or two riiiiiiight in front of the camera.” He laughed back at my shocked expression.

“Jack! You are ridiculous! Stop being such a perv! No wonder you don’t have a girlfriend” I play-shouted at him as I smacked him with my rolled up matchday program.

“I’m holding out for you, my love.”

“Always the joker, Jack. Get out there and prepare for the worst match of your season.”

“Dream on Mils, we’ve got this in the bag.”

“Sure thing Jacky, sure thing.”

I walked further up the tunnel towards the changeroom, getting ready to deliver my strategy talk to the boys.

“Stop looking at my ass, Grealish!” I shouted without turning around. The boisterous laugh that followed my exclamation was enough to know that I was correct. I didn’t need to turn around to be able to predict what the laddish lad was already doing.

60 minutes of football later.

Amelia was correct in saying that Chelsea were going to win the match, her quiet confidence only getting louder and louder as each premier league match went on. She was apprehensive at first to see if her tactics were going to work in the Prem, or if there was to be some compromise on skill due to the fast-paced nature of the game. So far, however, the Chelsea men were quick learners and even quicker to execute.

One thing she wasn’t prepared for, however, was the absolute worldie that Jack had scored just before half-time at the Bridge. There was an element of familiarity in his goal, recognising the play as one of her own. A small smile crossed her face after he scored, running to celebrate with the away fans before jogging down past the bench and mouthing a quick “all you baby” at her as he moved back into position. She must have told him about it back when she was in Italy, knowing that there was no chance she would have exchanged her trade secrets to an enemy in the same league. It warmed her to know he paid enough attention to her to be able to practice that on his own with his team and execute it flawlessly in a live game.

What Amelia also wasn’t prepared for was for anyone else to recognise the play. Behind her on the bench sat an oddly-inquisitive Ben. He saw the tactic as it was playing out, recognising the run that Jack had to make to put himself in the box at the exact moment that John McGinn crossed the ball. Better yet, he saw Jack run down the sideline, nowhere near where he should have been, and mouth those words to Amelia. He wanted to know what was going on, was that why she wasn’t ready to commit to him?

Later that same evening.

After a hot shower, Amelia was curled up on the couch, ready to continue the docuseries she was watching the night before when she had an unexpected visitor pop round and confess his feelings to her. Thinking back on the night prior, she was happy that things ended up working out the way they did. Of course she wasn’t exactly thrilled with just how they happened but she could forgive the sweet boy. His intentions were pure and that's not something she was used to. It made her giddy to think about him, and about where things may go in the future.

A ring of her doorbell, almost to the exact hour that it had the night prior, made her get off her couch and walk down the small hall to the front door with a smirk on her face. Expecting to see the same brown-haired, blue-eyed boy that seemed to enjoy ringing her bell after hours. What she saw on the other side, however, was not what she was expecting.

“Jack, what on bloody God’s earth are you doing here?! You should be halfway back to Birmingham by now!”

“Are you gonna let me in love, it’s bloody cold out ‘ere tonight. Come on, shove over,” The slightly-less-than-6-foot-tall footballer commandeered her hallway, shutting the door behind him and locking it. This, coupled with his overnight duffle bag hanging off his shoulder let Amelia know that he had no other plans but to stay with her.

“Sure, Jack, I suppose you can come in and spend the night crashing in my spare room.”

“Now now, don’t pretend that you’re not happy to see me, love. And a spare room? I believe you promised me a cuddle.”

Rolling her eyes, she couldn’t help but smile at the charming young man. Feeling the blush start to spread from her chest up her neck and across her cheeks, she quickly turned and walked into her kitchen, calling out over her shoulder to ask if he wanted a cup of tea. Feeling a sense of deja vu from the night before, she shook her head and reminded herself that this is nothing like the night before. How could it have been - there was no kissing involved.

“Was that a blush I saw? Do I make you nervous, Amelia?” Somehow, Jack had moved to be right behind the girl at her kitchen counter. Hands on her hips, chest to her back, lips to her ear. Amelia felt herself freeze, and then relax into his hands.

“Jack, please, I don’t think we should do this.”

“Why not, Mils? You can feel it, too. The tension through the screen’s enough to force me into a cold shower most nights.”

And just like the night before, the whistle of the kettle was the only piercing sound resonating around the townhouse. Whilst all she saw was truth behind Ben’s eyes, Jack's eyes were clouded with lust and affection. Just once, she could give in, right?

Leaning her head back to rest on his right shoulder, he attached his lips to the left side of her neck. Hands rolling from the side of her hips, to underneath her shirt, feeling the small navel piercing between his fingers and smirking.

“Didn’t take you for being the kind of girl to have a piercing, Mils,” He spoke into her collarbone, a small nip to the sensitive skin as the girl continued to focus on her breathing.

“Piercings, Jack. I have more than one” She breathlessly spoke, knowing exactly what she was doing now. The admission of having more than one piercing that he could not see was all of the consent Jack needed to continue his exploration of her body.

“Are you going to let me see them, darling?”

“If you’re lucky.”

“I’d say I'm the luckiest guy in the world right now, especially in this position.”

She was unsure how it had happened, but Jack had pressed her further into the countertop. With her back still to his chest, his waist was at the perfect height to press into the small of her back. His leg had settled between both of her own and his hands had found the bottom of her bralette and were gently caressing her rib cage, desperate to get closer to where he presumed her other piercing was.

“We shouldn’t be doing this Jack,” she breathed out into the air, hot air escaping her lungs to resemble what she felt brewing in the pit of her stomach. Desire.

“Why the bloody hell not?” he mumbled into her sweet spot, where her jaw met her neck.

“Because I've been here before. This is bad.” With her eyes shut, he continued his way down her neck. The fabric of her top shifted so he could slide one of her straps down her arm.

“If it's bad, why does it feel so good? '' Whilst his lips got to work on her collarbone, and his hand was busy toying with the elastic line of her bralette, his other hand began to fiddle with her fingers. Entwining them with his own, the kind of strength she needed to feel to make her next decisions.

Pushing back off of the counter, meaning her ass had pushed right into the part of his body where he wanted her most, Amelia turned around and faced Jack. The two stood there, slightly panting, staring at each other. Amelia being the kind of girl that she is, decided that she wanted to have a little slice of the dominance pie. Maintaining eye contact, she lifted the bottom of her t-shirt over her head and dropped in on the floor, that second piercing now very clearly visible through the sheer fabric of her bralette.

“Come on Jack, aren’t you an athlete? What’s got you so out of breath? I thought you’d be able to last a little longer than some heavy petting.” She taunted at the smirking man, wanting nothing more than to mess up his hair as he nestled himself between her thighs. That's exactly the position that they found themselves in not more than 5 minutes later, this time upstairs in her bedroom.

Throughout the multiple rounds of passion that the two so-called friends shared that night, not once had their lips touched. Of course, her lips had touched parts of him and he had definitely been all over a completely different set of lips a few times (and from a few different positions), but face to face, eye to eye, nose to nose - their lips had never met. That told Amelia enough to set her anxiety on fire. Had she just gotten involved with a carbon-copy of the man she left behind in Italy?

The regret seeped through her bones and settled into her heart by the time that the Villa boy had fallen asleep next to her. What had she done? This was not the girl Amelia wanted to be anymore. She was done being the girl that was loved only when the lights went out. She wanted love under the sun, she wanted breakfast by the river, double dates, family parties. She wanted the kind of love that you could never try and hide even if you wanted to. She knew that this wasn’t what Jack was able to offer her. She was grateful for their friendship, she truly was, he made her laugh more than most people but for the first time in a very long time, she was certain that that's all she wanted from him.

Part 11. | parte undicesima

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missymurphy1985 · 3 years ago

Text

The Strip Club - Cillian Murphy X Female OC

A/N - Set in 2010, and I've used fictional names for his wife/children

A night out with his brother and closest friends doesn't end the way Cillian expects it to.

Warning - Smut

Taglist @queenshelby @margoo0 @being-worthy @peakyscillian @ntmynouis @janelongxox @elenavampire21 @noctvrnalmoth @ysmmsy @cloudofdisney @lauren-raines-x @namelesslosers @misscarolineshelby @screemqueen @cilleveryone

"I'm really not up for this Pad, can't we just go for a beer at the Anchor instead?" Cillian complained to his younger brother.

"You haven't been out with us in months, Dermot has had this all planned out for ages Cill, come on!" He rolled his eyes, knowing he couldn't get out of it, no matter what he said. Pulling his boots on, the two of them left the house, getting into the waiting taxi outside.

Walking into the strip club via the VIP entrance at the back, Cillian kept his head low and his brother and friends close around him so as not to be seen. Last thing he needed was photos in the press of him coming here!

"We're here for The Secret Show? Booked under Padraig Murphy?" Paddy told the bouncer, who checked everyone's ID and led them through a curtained off section at the back of the club. No cameras, no members of the public, completely private.

The boys sat around the stage area, a waitress coming over to take their drinks order. Once she returned with them, the lights dimmed and the music from the movie Burlesque began to play through the speakers. A single spotlight on a stool on the stage.

Cillian could feel his cheeks burning, he genuinely had never felt so uncomfortable in his life. He'd never been to a place like this, had always avoided them like the plague. The idea of a stripper had never appealed to him. Someone he'd never met, stripping to her underwear to please him and his drunk friends and even more cringe-worthy, his little brother, was not something he was remotely interested in.

The dancer came out, swaying her hips as she walked to the stool. Perching herself on it, legs crossed. Dressed in a black corset, short black skirt, fishnet stockings, black stiletto heels, and a black masquerade mask covering the top half of her face. Her long, silky brown hair flowing loosely down her back.

She was beautiful, there was no mistaking it. Cillian spotted Paddy nudging Dermot and whispering something in his ear and rolled his eyes. Probably something incredibly inappropriate about the young girl in front of them. He couldn't help feel sorry for her - lecherous old men creeping all over her as she danced for them, throwing money at her like she was a cheap prostitute...

The routine began. Cillian remained stoic, arms folded across his chest while the other lads cheered, louder each time an item of clothing was sexily removed from her lithe body. Her heels had been kicked off, her stockings slowly moving down her thighs, he couldn't watch any more. Standing, he made his way over to the bar to order another Guinness.

"I'd have thought you'd be over there enjoying the show with your friends?" A familiar voice from behind the bar startled him.

"Kate?"

"Long time no see," she smiled.

"Wow! Last person I expected to bump into tonight, how are you?"

"I'm okay, I see you're doing pretty well too." He nodded, his latest film, Inception, had been a box office smash. Professionally, at least, he could say he was doing well.

"Yeah, I guess so." His head lowered slightly, as Kate placed his pint in front of him.

"You guess? You okay?"

"What? Oh yeah, yeah I'm fine. Although, no disrespect? Kinda wish I was anywhere but here right now!" He chuckled. Kate smirked.

"I get off in 20minutes, fancy a walk?"

"You know what, I'll take you up on that Kate. I'll meet you outside?"

"Deal."

Thirty minutes later, after Cillian had made his excuses to his brother, he was smoking a cigarette walking along the canal with Kate at his side.

"Did you travel the world like you planned after school?" He asked, stubbing the cigarette out on the floor.

"I did, a full year of travelling before I went to university."

"Where did you go?" She told him about Australia, backpacking across Vietnam and Thailand, before heading to California for three months on a work visa.

"It was amazing. Truly wonderful. I met some great people over there. But all good things must come to an end, right?" She looked at him, and quickly looked away.

"I couldn't stand in the way of you living your dream Kate, you know that. We ended on grand terms though, right?" She linked her arm through his and squeezed it.

"We did. Promised we'd stay in touch though didn't we..."

"Yeah, I admit that was my fault. Tanya wasn't overly keen on you was she?" His ex wife. Or soon to be ex, anyway.

"I'm sorry about what happened Cill. Are you okay?"

"I'm getting there, you know? If she'd rather fuck her friend's husband instead of her own, then so be it," he smiled as much as he could.

"Well if it's any consolation, she's clearly lost her mind." She squeezed his arm again, and he found himself moving it so it was wrapped over her shoulders. He could feel her shivering and pulled her a little tighter against him.

They approached a small apartment block around 100yards further down the canal, and Kate dug her keys out of her handbag.

"Thanks for walking me home. It was good to see you again," she smiled, unhooking herself from him.

"Maybe I could - " he was interrupted by the door opening, and a younger girl stood in the doorway with a toddler in her arms.

"I'm so sorry Kate, I gave her Calpol an hour ago but I couldn't get her to settle..."

"Hey it's okay, I'll take her now. Get yourself home sis, I'll see you tomorrow yeah?" The young girl nodded, before nodding at Cillian and heading off down the street.

"Liane grew up!" Cillian laughed. The last time he'd seen her she'd still been in primary school. "And who's this little one?" He reached for the toddlers hand, grinning when she took his little finger and squeezed it.

"This is my daughter, Lily."

"Well Lily, you've certainly got your mama's eyes, haven't you?" Cillian glanced quickly at Kate's left hand.

"Her Dad isn't around Cill, I'm not married." He bent his head down. Busted.

"Then am I allowed in for a coffee at least?"

"If you don't mind sharing me with a teething baby, then yes, you can come in!" Kate led him through and fetched the teething granules from the cupboard and a teething ring from the freezer. Cillian offered to take Lily while she prepped a cup of warm milk for her.

Seeing him bounce her on his arm made her smile.

"Reminds me of Jack and Niamh when they were teething. Had to be moving around, constantly needed distraction. You okay if I take her a walk around after? See if I still have the magic touch?"

Kate nodded, and took her back to give her the nurofen, teething granules, followed by her sippy cup of warm milk. Once she'd finished, Cillian offered his arms out for her. She reached up for him, surprising Kate as she normally shied away from strangers, and off they went around the apartment. She watched from a distance as he took her around, showing her the ornaments on the window ledge, her reflection in the mirror, bouncing her up and down as she giggled lightly.

After around fifteen minutes, he made his way over to the radio in the kitchen, fiddling with the buttons before he found the station he was looking for. Soft, gentle classical music played through the speakers. He turned the volume down so it was barely audible, and leaned Lily into his shoulder, rocking her side to side gently. She nuzzled into his neck, Kate watching, smiling, as her baby's eyes grew heavier. She could feel past feelings coming back as she watched them. As much as she'd pretended losing him when he left University to pursue his acting career was fine and she had gotten over it, she never had. And now, bumping into him again all these years later, those feelings were coming back with some force.

Lily was snoring gently in his arms now, and Kate gently took her from him. Taking her into a small room at the back of the apartment. Coming out ten minutes later and closing the door as quietly as possible.

"I'd say you still have it Cill," she laughed, switching the baby monitor on in the corner of the living room where he sat on the sofa, two glasses of red wine in front of him. "You read my mind."

She sat next to him, clinking her glass with his.

"Did you meet her Dad while you were travelling?" He asked, after taking a sip.

"Yeah.. he erm.. he died not long ago. Cancer."

"Shit I'm sorry... Oh Kate that's awful..."

"No it's okay.. it was just a brief fling you know, we weren't together or anything. But it's sad for her. She'll never have that father figure. Just me and her against the world now." She felt his fingers brush her hair out of her face and gently down her cheek. Turning to him, she put her glass down on the table and turned to face him. He placed his down too, and moved closer.

Their faces centimetres apart, she could feel his warm breath against her own.

"I should probably go..."

"Again?" She whispered. She didn't want him to leave her again, as much as he had no intention of actually leaving. Their lips met, a kiss that was fifteen years overdue.

"I haven't spent a day not thinking about you, Kate..." He smiled, pulling away.

"You mean that, or are you just looking to get your end away?"

"Which is why I'm going to kiss you now, and go home. But I want to see you again. If I can?"

"And what if I don't want you to go home..." She kissed him again, this time straddling her legs over his thighs on the sofa. Even if this was a one night stand for him, she needed him, and he wasn't getting away this time.

"Then I'm not going home." His hips rose to meet hers, gyrating over his erection under his jeans, both of them removing each others clothes in record time until they were left in just their underwear.

"My god, you're incredible... Let me taste you..." He flipped her onto her back on the sofa, spreading her legs and placing gentle kisses along the inside of her thighs. His fingers teasing against her underwear, softly caressing her mound, before sliding a finger inside and groaning at how wet she was already.

"Cillian please...." She almost whimpered underneath him, her hips squirming against his lips and fingers. He pulled her underwear down her legs, and unceremoniously threw them across the room before moving his lips to her open slit, drawing his tongue slowly up and down her folds. Her hand flew to her mouth, stifling the cry of ecstacy within it so as not to wake Lily.

"You need to be quiet, you're not going to want me to stop once I've started Kate..." He smirked, before attacking her clit with his mouth, drawing it between his lips, rolling his tongue over it, increasing the pressure. His fingers pressing into her thighs, surely leaving bruises, as his mouth worked magic on her, her hips rocking against him.

"Oh god... That's so good, please don't stop..." Her words coming out in breathy little moans as her orgasm built quickly. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him where she needed him. Two fingers suddenly entered her, making her gasp as they found the small bundle of nerves deep inside her, pushing and rubbing against it hard, matching his motions against her clit. Suddenly his mouth was off her, his fingers pumping into her, the palm of his hand pressed against her clit now as he moved his body up, his lips now pressed to hers. The taste of herself on him turned her on further, and she could feel herself letting go.

"Cum for me..." He whispered in her ear, sending her over the edge with a small cry into his shoulder, her body writhing against him. His fingers removed, replaced with his now solid cock as it pushed inside her quickly, picking up the same pace his hands were, hard and fast thrusts as he hooked her leg up under his elbow, forcing himself deeper.

Her nails scraped over his shoulders as she buried her face into his neck, frantic thrusts against each other, fifteen years of buried feelings coming out of them with a force that took her breath away.

"Yes... God yes..." Her moans into his neck drove him wild, her walls contracting around him pushing him closer. He could feel another orgasm building inside her, and angled his thrusts to hit that magical spot inside her perfectly.

"I'm so close Kate... So fucking close, you feel so good around me..."

"Cum inside me Cillian, please..." He grunted against her ear, nibbling on it gently as his hips pounded into her relentlessly now. Reaching his high, he flooded her, spilling inside her with a deep groan into her neck, sending her into her second orgasm, her legs wrapping tightly around his back pulling him even deeper inside her as she felt his cock pulsate, emptying into her.

He rested his forehead against hers, both of them panting, smiles forming as they looked into each others eyes.

"You're on the pill, right?" He chuckled, coming back to his senses.

"No." He lifted his head quickly.

"What?" She started to giggle, grinning at him.

"I'm on the coil, you're fine, don't worry!" He rested his head back into her neck, breathing a sigh of relief.

"Good to hear. I think three kids between us is enough for now, don't you?"

"What do you mean, for now?"

"I made the biggest mistake of my life leaving you Kate, I'm not planning on doing it again," his lips gently kissed the side of her neck, running the tip of his nose along her jawline softly.

He pulled out of her with a groan, taking her hand and leading her into her bedroom - he'd clocked which one it was earlier that evening.

Kate smiled watching him grow hard again, knowing not much sleeping was going to be done once they got in there...

#cillian x oc #cillian x smut #cillian x fem OC #cillian murphy x smut

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ijustwant2write · 4 years ago

Text

The Tomboy-Shelby Family x Shelby!Sister!Reader

(GIF credit to @mutlulugumhayallerim)

Masterlist

Prompt List

Tags: @jenepleurepasbaby @amirahiddleston @bloodorangemoonlight @haphazardhufflepuff @mzcrazy2

Requested by anonymous: ‘Hi!! I was wondering if you could do one where the reader is a major tomboy and the youngest Shelby and people start to bully her because she never acts like a girl and she comes home crying and everyone comforts her and next time she goes out the boys stand up for her? Thank you!!!’

Characters: Thomas Shelby x Shelby!Sister!Reader (siblings), Arthur Shelby x Shelby!Sister!Reader (siblings), John Shelby x Shelby!Sister!Reader (siblings), Finn Shelby x Shelby!Sister!Reader (siblings), Ada Shelby x Shelby!Sister!Reader (siblings), Polly Gray x Shelby!Sister!Reader (aunt)

Meanings: (Y/N)=Your name

Warnings: Swearing, homophobia, bullying, crying, fluff

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Woman tutted as she watched past, instantly whispering to each other once she was out of earshot. Men would take a double glance, frowning at the woman’s attire, shaking their heads as they thought about what kind of body was hidden beneath those clothes. (Y/N) never took any notice, knowing that she stood out from the other girls.

Besides being a Shelby, she was known for not wearing the usual attire a woman of their time would wear. Although she was mostly spotted in suits (falling in love with them after her aunt Pol had showed up in one), (Y/N) surprised those around her by slipping on a dress sometimes, but that was an extremely rare occasion. (Y/N) liked covering up, she wasn’t ashamed of her body, it was just that this was comfier; and leering men wouldn’t ogle at her, she wouldn’t give them the chance. And round Small Heath, there were plenty of people like that.

“That’s a new one (Y/N).” Ada noticed (Y/N) in a new suit as she spotted her across the street.

(Y/N) looked up and down the road before crossing, smiling at her sister and nephew.“Indeed it is. Got a bonus on a job Tommy gave me, thought I would treat myself. Alright Karl?"

The young boy nodded, about to say something when his mother interrupted him.

“A job?!” Ada exclaimed.“Why did Tommy send you?”

“Because I’m perfectly capable. Finn’s starting to take on more jobs, and he’s only a year older than me.”

She huffed, rolling her eyes.“You’re too cocky for your own good. Speaking of the other baby in the family, have you sorted out Finn's birthday present?"

(Y/N) ignored her sister's comment."I have actually! So you are going to be there tomorrow night, at the Garrison?"

"Yes, why do you sound surprised?"

(Y/N) shrugged."Just heard you and Tommy arguing the other day."

"Oh, that was Tommy being an idiot."

"So nothing out of the ordinary?"

Ada laughed."Nope."

"I'm not allowed to go." Karl huffed.

"What?" (Y/N) acted surprised."Why not? It won't be a party if you're not there?"

Ada sighed."Don't encourage him."

"And with that being said, I need to head off. See you tomorrow night Ada, bye Karl!"

She winked at them as she walked away, cheekily smiling to herself when she saw her sister's disgruntled face. She was glad that she wasn't a parent yet, it looked far too stressful.

The day of her brother's birthday had arrived. (Y/N) still lived with her aunt, but left the house early that morning to visit Finn in his new flat. It wasn't the most glamorous place, you would be surprised to find out a Shelby was living in such a place; nevertheless, he was still lucky to have a place of his own. With his presents in her arms, she passed women coming back from a night of working the corner, a few homeless man, and those leaving for work, but she kept a smile on her face. Finn wasn't expecting her, and she knew she was way too excited for his birthday.

Walking down the hall, she was almost at his door when she heard the woman she just passed by mumble something. (Y/N) would have ignored it if the woman didn't continue staring at her.

"Can I help you?" (Y/N) boldly said. She was never afraid to call out someone.

This woman was older, she must have been around Polly's age. She looked away, sighing before speaking."I just don't understand you people."

"'You people'?"

"Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. You women, if I should even call you that...women that enjoy the company of other women."

"Are you calling me a homosexual?"

"It's pretty obvious isn't it?"

"Do you know who you're talking to?"

"Look, I was minding my own business-"

"But you weren't, were you? You decided to make a comment about me under your breath instead of keeping it in your little head."

She scoffed."Oh, there's that attitude, not surprising whatsoever."

"Fuck off you old bat." (Y/N) knocked on Finn's door, praying that he would answer soon.

"Hope you're not seeing some young man, wouldn't want to disappoint him."

"Didn't I already tell you to fuck off?"

Just as she finished her sentence, Finn opened the door, looking confused as to why his sister was there and what was going on. He leaned against the door frame as the woman walked away, glancing down to see (Y/N)'s scowling face.

"Bringing trouble into my neighbourhood?" Finn mumbled, rubbing his eyes from tiredness.

"No, your neighbours are just twats. Anyway, happy birthday!" she exclaimed the last part of her sentence, shoving the presents into his hands.

He stumbled back into his flat, managing to shut the door after (Y/N) let herself in.“Uh, thanks. What are you doing here?”

“Coming to wish my brother a happy birthday?” she sarcastically replied, disappearing into the kitchen before returning with a bottle of whiskey.“And to make sure he starts the day off right!”

“You’ve definitely started to pick up on Tommy’s bad habits.”

Although she was having a good time with Finn, (Y/N) couldn’t stop thinking about the comments made about her. Of course it wasn’t the first time, but she noticed more and more people openly staring or saying something. It was confusing to her as people new who she was, they knew what family she was apart of; she could get them beaten up or even killed. So where had the confidence come from? And why were they even saying anything in the first place? However she wasn’t going to let that show, and she certainly wouldn’t let it effect Finn’s birthday, especially since they were enjoying drinking at such an early hour.

Finn had a suspicion that they would end up in the Garrison that evening, even if there wasn’t an actual party being thrown. He let his sister take him out to a nice restaurant, buy him more presents (though he didn’t mind that when they turned up at the suit shop she frequently visited, they knew how to tailor), and he pretended he didn’t notice there was an edge to her that day. He had seen how easily she flipped her emotions off, though he had also seen the anger and hurt as he opened the door. (Y/N) was a tough Shelby, she would feel belittled if he tried to help her, despite his brotherly instinct desperate to take over.

(Y/N) was awful at acting casual as they approached the Garrison. Finn bluntly told her that he knew people would be waiting for him inside, she profusely denied that, her mouth hurting from trying to suppress a grin. Theatrically opening the doors (that was due to how drunk she already was), Finn flinched as everyone inside cheered, screaming ‘happy birthday’. It was mostly drunk punters who were probably promised free drinks if they acted like they cared, but that didn’t matter to Finn. His brothers, sisters, in-laws, aunt and friends were there. He was handed a glass of whiskey from John, a hard slap on the back following.

“See?” (Y/N) slurred from beside him.“I told you there was a surprise!”

“(Y/N), you told me there wasn’t a surprise.” he reminded her, feeling lighter but he wasn’t at the same level as (Y/N).

She pouted as she thought.“Oh. Well, cheers!”

(Y/N) concentrated on Finn, gripping onto her glass and keeping her focus on the story he was telling, not the group of people clearly talking about her. There were men and women squeezing into a booth, not so subtly pointing, glaring and chatting away about how she looked and acted. (Y/N) was leaning against the bar just as any other man would, hand in a trouser pocket with the other holding her beer. Apparently it was most entertaining to gossip about her.

“Excuse me?” one of the girls had approached her when she was alone.

(Y/N) sighed, looking down into her drink.“Yes?”

“We were just wondering why you dress like that?”

(Y/N) frowned, a tiny part of her hoping they were being serious.“What?”

“We just don’t know how you could wear something like that? Have you not seen some of the beautiful dresses out there? Seriously, a suit does nothing for your figure.”

(Y/N) scoffed, slamming her drink down on the bar.“And what if I don’t want to show my figure?”

“You should.”

“Why?”

“It might be the only thing going for you if you don’t change how you hold yourself.”

“I suggest you go sit back down.” (Y/N) sneered as she began to turn away when some men started hollering.

“Don’t bother the gentleman!”

“The lad is just trying to enjoy a drink!”

“Sorry mate, women am I right?”

They all found themselves hilarious, erupting into laughter as the girls returned. People around them would glance back and forth, waiting for the show to start; what would the Shelby’s do about this? Instead, (Y/N) couldn’t find the strength to stay there and ignore it, storming out of the pub and down the street. Her breath was shaky as she sobbed, unable to hold it in. Her hands fumbled with the keys to the house, slamming the door shut and heading to where the alcohol was kept. She groaned when she didn’t find whiskey, settling for gin and collapsing into the arm chair. As if it were water, (Y/N) drank away, cheeks soaked with tears, wiping her nose with the back of her jacket sleeve, ugly noises escaping her as she let it all out. It was only now that she felt how much emotion she had been building up and holding in; now that she was crying, it was all too overwhelming.

“(Y/N)?” Polly called out as the front door opened.

Polly quickly headed towards the sounds of crying, sympathetically sighing when she saw her niece in such a state. Taking away the gin, she knelt down to eye level with the girl, lifting her face by the chin to make sure she was listening. Tommy and John followed, standing back as they let Polly take the lead.

“What happened?” she demanded to know, though her tone was soft.

“I just don’t understand.” (Y/N) loudly whined.“Why are people so hateful? They don’t have to fucking say anything!”

Alright, alright,“ Polly calmed her,“they disrespected you?”

“Yes! They even came up to me and made a scene, and there was some old bitch from this morning. Why do people hate the way I dress?! How does it effect them?! IT’S NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS!” she screamed the last part.

“(Y/N),” Tommy said,“what other people think, it doesn’t fucking matter. But if it upsets you this much, you need to tell us.”

“Yeah, we need to give them a reminder about who their talking to.” John smirked.

“You don’t hate the way I dress, do you?” (Y/N) asked much more quietly.

“Of course not. You’re our (Y/N).” Polly reassured her.“You’re (Y/N) Shelby, you do whatever the fuck you want. You’re royalty here.”

“(Y/N), we’re going to walk back in there like nothing happened, because it didn’t. It was just a bunch of drunk twats running their mouths.” Tommy said.

John chuckled.“And you know what we’ll do if they start anything else.”

(Y/N) felt nervous as they headed back to the Garrison. Her brothers and aunt walked in before her, and she heard the atmosphere die down as people realised they had returned. (Y/N) expected the noise level to rise once they got their drinks, until she saw Arthur standing up on a chair.

“Oi! All of you listen up!” he shouted, everyone going silent and looking at him.“This ‘ere,” he pointed to (Y/N),“is my baby sister. I fucking love her! And if any of you disrespect her in any way, you will be banned from this pub! Not only that, but you will be hunted down by the Peaky Blinders, and you don’t want to know what we do to people who go against our family!”

(Y/N) smiled at her eldest brother, knowing that he was drunk too, but Arthur still meant every word. Once the tension left, the music and chatter became loud again. He clumsily got down, slinging an arm around her shoulders.

“How was that?”

“Couldn’t have said it better myself.” (Y/N) giggled.

“It was all true, we all love you. Don’t give a fuck what you wear.”

“Thank you, I’ve got the best family ever.”

“Too fuckin’ right.”

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yeetus-feetus · 9 months ago

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de-aging au

Duke is a much smaller Duke one day, he's lost all his memories beyond the young age he is now and he's scared and confused. He doesn't know where is. But then there's Tim, his Robin! And suddenly everything is

The bats have no idea what's going on, but Duke refuses to go to anyone but Tim. He's also a little ball of energy bouncing off all the walls, and Tim is SO tired. "Robin- Tim, come play tag with me!"

One night Tim ends up passing out at his desk, a sleeping Duke cuddling into him on his lap.

Except when Duke wakes up Tim is small too. And he doesn't remember who Duke is!!

So Duke reintroduces himself and Tim let's himself be dragged downstairs to the actually Batcave!

Bruce is looking at them in absolute astonishment, they're so small!!

Damian laughs at Tim's smallness and Tim gives a cold glare. Maybe age can't change some things.

"where are Nightwing and the new Robin?" Tim asks.

"I'm Robin."

"no, I meant Jason!" Tim huffs and crosses his arms. Ah, he's so young he still believes Jay is Robin.

Duke is still clinging to him, but Tim can't bring himself to mind all too much.

Bruce doesn't know how to handle these boys, between a hyperactive Duke and an absolute menace Tim.

Dick tries to help, but even he can't keep up with the mischief and shenanigans they get up to together.

"dick pick us up!"

"yeah! Pick us up pick us up! And swing us around until we get dizzy!"

"again!"

It's time to bring out the big guns, and by that they mean calling Jason over to the manor.

Tim settles immediately, but Duke remains overly weary around the large man with guns strapped to his thighs. He's kinda scary.

But Tim likes Jason well enough. At some point he ends up cuddled up with Jason who's stretched out on the couch, and Duke is just a little bit jealous.

"hey stop hogging him! Tim is mine," Duke pouts.

Jason raises an eyebrow at the boy, and Tim tilts his head. "You know there's enough room for both of us up here, right? Jason is a lot bigger than he used to be."

Duke considers this. "Mm okay, but only because you're up there". And he climbs up into Jason's lap to cuddle into Tim's side.

It's calm for a moment, until Duke starts to fidget, not able to stay still for too long. Jason let's put an annoyed noise and looks at them over the top of his book. "Would you quit it I'm tryna read here".

"what are you reading?" Duke asks.

"Macbeth."

Tim scrunched his nose up. "Why are you reading that?"

"I like it. Reminds me of school", and Tim catches something in his tone that Duke absolutely doesn't.

"it sounds silly. Will you red it to us?"

Jason looks at the both of them for a very long moment before signing. "Sure, but you've gotta stay still, your knees are already in my ribs."

The three of them all end up falling asleep like that, tucked into the lounge and curled up together.

Except when they wake up in the morning, Jason is scrawny little boy, even smaller than Tim and Duke.

Tim explains what he can to the tiny Jason as Duke sneaks some snacks from the kitchen cupboard for them.

Cass catches them stuffing their faces with junk food and squeals. "Three baby brother's now!" And scoops them all up as the quick and try to squirm away.

"gotta tell B"

"wait who are you exactly?" Jason asks.

"big sister", Cass smiles and pets his curls.

"no way! Really? I've never had a big sister before", he exclaims.

Cass carries all three of them down to the Batcave because she's so strong and cool! And Jason can't believe he ends up with such a cool sister.

"Batman!!!" Jason shouts in pure excitement, and Bruce turns around and almost cries.

Because look how small!! Oh baby Jay lad!! So precious and smol!

"I think the de-aging syndrome may be contagious", Tim speaks up. "You should have us all properly quarantined until you can find a cure."

quarantine is fun, for Jason and Tim at least (tiny Tim is plotting revenge on whoever caused this, Jason is reading and occasionally shouting at the characters). Duke can't stand having to stay still in the same one room for so long.

idk where this is going, but consider this awesome 3am idea of mine

#It is literally 3am what am I doing lol #Why can't I get to sleep?#de aging #de aged tim #de aged Duke #de aged Jason #tim drake #duke thomas #jason todd #batfamily #batfam

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chibi-pix · 3 years ago

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Okay guys, I finally did it. After watching Voltron: Defender of the Universe, both the lion and vehicle forces, I finally got to watch Fleet of Doom. And I actually ended up sitting there to watch it instead of drawing. I know, surprising. Now then, let’s go!

Kinda glad they brought Cossack along for the ride in this. He may be a bad guy, but he amuses me. And seeing the Vehicle team again. I know it wasn’t that long ago, but I missed them. Even with that slight, momentary error I think I saw in Cliff’s uniform being the wrong colour. OH well. I will admit, it was strange that Zarkon and Lotor seemed to be on decent terms. Weren’t y’all wanting each other dead before? You know what, screw you two. Like father, like son. Both idiots. “I hope you Drules keep up your end of the bargain.” I mean, Zarkon says it as though they aren’t the same race. I know technically they aren’t with their source materials, but still. No matter... And them wanting to conquer the other. Typical idiots.

Continuing on, I just adore Pidge’s excitement, especially about his brother. And that flashback was even more adorable since I’ve literally only seen like two stills from it. I loved it! And Lance and Wolo pulling Cliff into the pool. That was amusing. If I were Cliff, I wouldn’t trust them around a pool again. Or push them in the next time for funsies. And Allura wants girl time with the ladies. Yes, let her enjoy girl time!

Seeing Keith’s childhood memories/dream. Poor baby. He needs to be hugged and told that it will all be okay. I expected a normal princess kidnapping. I did not expect Haggar to steal Allura’s spirit. Good way to catch me by surprise, Voltron. But can I just say Pidge listening for Allura’s heartbeat? I mean, it’s pretty innocent, but boobs. Resting his head on her chest. You were quick to decide that, Pidge, instead of checking for her pulse in general. But we still love you, buddy. And with Alfor taking Keith to find Allura, his “yes” as they disappear was just way too creepy. It did not sound right... And Keith taken to a forest. Be brave, Keith! With such a place being conquered by courage and imagination, I’m sure I’d be fine. It’d be a walk in the park.

Allura really doesn’t give up on others, huh? Always hoping for the good in others. Good for her, though, at least she still tries. Though Haggar used to be good? And it was Zarkon’s fault she became who she was? Huh. Intriguing. When Lance, Hunk, and Pidge were in trouble thanks to Cossack, I had honestly hoped that the vehicle team would show up and assist them. Lance finding a way to fight back when Cossack tried to turn them into a crane game was good, too.

It was nice being able to see the two Voltrons side by side. I’d love more of that, but alas. I shall live with this. And Lotor making his own robeast Voltron... it just has me thinking of VLD with Lotor making the Sincline mech. Now seeing this, I’m definitely seeing the reference there. Very nice. I’mma be honest. Coran and Hawkins should have gotten their rears in gear sooner to protect the planet/base and fight off the Drules. They shouldn’t have waited for the others to point out that they need backup in keeping things safe. Really dudes?! Lotor shouts out his moves though in control. He reminds me of an episode of Pokemon where Meowth was battling for his right to keep Togepi. And then he has the nerve to complain about the others ganging up on him being unfair. Dude, you’ve never been fair before. Pot, meet kettle.

Haggar going to trick Zarkon, making herself young and beautiful. Zarkon is a total creeper. Though I wish I knew what happened next with that. I want to know how that interaction ends. Though I guess I can daydream and assume.

Ah, and everything ends, everyone is happy and shaking hands. But I sure wish we had more Pidge and Chip interactions. I love the lads.

Anyway! That be it! Voltron: Defender of the Universe and Fleet of Doom is complete! I surprisingly got through all of this. I’ll admit, sometimes my brain just screamed, especially at voices or 80s frequencies, but I made it through. And I actually enjoyed the series overall.

Well, until next time!

#voltron defender of the universe #voltron DotU #Lion Force #Vehicle Force #vehicle voltron #VV #fleet of doom #chibi writes #chibi watches #chibi wants more twins #i love the lads #makes me glad for my vv/vld au #giving twineractions there

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killiansprincss · 4 years ago

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Never Forget You Ch.13

Season 6A Canon Divergence.

Emma is happy. Finally happy with her parents, son and boyfriend. But this happiness is taken away from her when the Evil Queen curses her and turns her into a toddler.

Heartbroken and angry, Killian and Henry run away to Neverland to wait for Emma to break her curse. But when she does break it and comes looking for them 25 years later, she soon realises this Neverland is very different now it is no longer under Pans rule.

Will she be able to save Henry and Killian in time, or will this new ruler of Neverland keep them hostage forever?

Also on AO3

Chapter 13 of my Neverland fic is up :))) please go check it out if you’re a lover of CS and especially angst. This fic is about halfway through and it’s my baby so give it some love!

________

“Tonight.” Henry tells his mother after her constant pestering.

“What?” Emma asks, “What happens tonight?”

“The Lost Ones. They still come to the Island at night in a dream state.Killian and I help them, or at least he used to. Don’t give up on Killian just yet, show him you’re not leaving. True Loves Kiss or something might wake him up.”

Emma smiles at her son's enthusiasm, “I don’t think True Love's Kiss will work, he isn't under a curse, but you’re right I do need to show him that I am going to stick around. I was so afraid of losing him until he showed me he wasn’t going anywhere, so now it’s time to return the favor.”

And so Henry tells his mother all about the Lost Ones of this New Neverland, how they come from all the realms, magical and non magical, Pan's shadow no longer steals them from their beds, it’s how it was before Pan, lost kids travel to Neverland and they think they're dreaming. The magic from Morpheus allows them to travel in their dream state and Henry likes to help as many of them as he can, if he never sees them again he believes it's for the best, that they aren’t lost anymore.

Henry also tells the story of why Killian no longer helps the Lost ones.

~~~

Killian didn’t know how long he had been back in Neverland. It had been a while, but he wasn’t sure if that meant weeks or years.

Morpheus, god of dreams allowed sleeping children to travel to Neverland who felt lost or lonely. Being in Neverland they could do whatever they wanted, eat cake for hours without feeling sick, and even fly. It made Killian happy that Neverland was being used to bring joy to kids without Pans evil tricks.

There was one little boy who he took a liking to and wanted to help. Eli Brewer. He was a young lad of maybe 10, short, dark hair, dark skin, and the lost look in his eyes that was all too familiar.

“So I can really do whatever I want here?” Eli asks, still amazed at what this island can offer.

“Yes lad, what you want, wish for it and it’ll appear.” Killian says crouching down to his level.

Eli closes his eyes. “I wish. I wish for the chocolate cake I stole from the bakery for me and Hugo that one time,”

Killians heart aches. He remembers Liam doing something similar for them once.

Eli’s eyes light up when he opens them to find a slice of chocolate cake in his hands.

“Where do you come from lad?” He asks, wanting to know how best he can help him.

With chocolate smeared round his face, he replies, “I come from the kingdom of Mirimois, it’s just a half a mile away from Longbourne. It’s just my little brother and me, our mother died years ago and our father ran away. I have to look after Hugo, we’ve been sleeping in between barrels at the nearby ports. I’m hoping someone will give me a job so that we can receive shelter and food.”

Killian was all too familiar with this situation. He and Liam would sleep by the docks after their father left, nobody would say anything, the sailors and pirates would leave them to sleep for a night, maybe even offer a blanket. Then in the morning they would be gone and on the hunt for another place to sleep.

“Well enjoy the festivities Neverland has to offer tonight, and if you wish to return tomorrow you may.”

Eli did enjoy what Neverland had to offer. And he came back, night after night, for weeks. And it was night after night that Killian took a liking to him, and wanted to make a change.

“Lad I’ve been thinking about your situation. You come from Longbourn, correct?”

Eli looks up from his cake he’s eating. “Yeah why?”

“There’s a kingdom nearby Thiroris. The king there is a kind man.” Killian did not like royalty, a habit of his pirate days. But in the missing year he came to know the Prince of a kingdom, who spent most of his time in the tavern where Killian and his crew drank. He was a good prince, and cared for the orphans in his kingdoms, and he learnt during his time in Storybrooke that his father had died and he was now King.

“I’ve heard of that kingdom. Our mother was from there.” Eli tells him with an excited smile.

“If you and your younger brother were to ask for refuge at his palace, I’m sure he would help you and give you a place to sleep and food to eat as magnificent as this chocolate cake.” Killian smiles at the lad, he reminds him so much of Liam. No boy his age should have to find work or worry about a safe place to sleep.

“You think?” Eli asks with the brightest smile on his face.

Killian just nods and allows him to enjoy his, hopefully, last night in Neverland.

Eli doesn’t return to Neverland that night, or the might after that. Killian takes that as a good sign. Eli never steps foot in Neverland again.

But it wasn’t a happy ending.

Some time later though a little boy the image of Eli yet younger appears in Neverland.

“My name is Hugo, my brother Eli and I were on our own for a while. Then he told me that if we go to this other kingdom a nice king would help us. But there were guards with arrows, and my brother got hit. He said he was in a better place, that he was going to see our mama. But now I’m all alone.” He explained and suddenly it made sense why Eli hadn’t returned to Neverland. He’d been caught in the crossfire of an arrow not meant for children. And now Hugo was a lost boy, he’d lost his brother like Killian had lost his, just at such a harsher age.

Killian now related to Hugo, he knew what he was dealing with, losing his brother and being all alone. Obviously this 7 year old boy couldn’t become a pirate or run away like he had done, but he could give him advice on how to deal with losing a brother.

He could have done those things. But he had ruined this poor boy’s life by giving his brother advice that got him killed. Instead, he stayed out of his way, didn’t give him advice and just was there to let them know the rules of Neverland and it’s dreamworld.

Many lost kids came and went and he didn’t really notice when Hugo stopped visiting.

_______

Emma can hear the cries of the Lost Ones. It’s what she heard the first night she was back here, and her very first night in Neverland 30 years ago.

When she was younger (orphan timeline) she wished she could escape to Neverland and be like the Lost Boys. That was before she knew the Disney Movie was nothing like the real story. She wanted to escape, be somewhere where it didn’t matter if she didn’t have parents or a family who loved her.

But then when she was 28, she had found her family. Granted she didn’t believe she had at first, but in her defence, who would believe a 10 year old saying he lived in a town with fairytale characters? And then it was a long and rocky road until they felt like a family. And then the Evil Queen pressed a reset button and she had the chance to grow up feeling loved and never felt alone. She was grateful in some ways, but now she was conflicted, was she still a lost girl, an orphan who found her family at 28, or was she the girl that grew up with her family who loved her.

So when Henry told her about the lost kids, and that he tries to help them, her heart cried out. She wished she had someone to help her, keep her on the right track in life. Don’t give up hope. There is a family out there for you, whether biologically related to you or not. When she came to Storybrooke the first time, and thought Henry’s stories were well stories, she had found family, Mary Margaret was the first friend she had in a long time and she became her family, the way she invited her into her home and the way they defended each other when Regina framed or tried to undermine them.

She had learnt that family wasn’t always blood, it was those who cared about you. That’s what she would tell the lost ones, that finding someone who cares about you, is all you need.

“Mom! There you are!” Henry whispers shouts when he sees her at the clearing to the lost ones where he told her to wait. The lost ones clearing used to be Pans camp, so it was strange being back there and helping lost kids this time.

“Are you sure this is a good idea? What about Cecelia?” Emma asks, worried about when she eventually runs into the fairy.”

“Don’t worry, she’s never there throughout the night, she was here an hour ago to prepare the pixie dust, then tomorrow morning she’ll collect any dust left over.” Henry explains, calming her nerves, they still hadn’t decided how they were going to defeat her.

Emma and Henry walk into the clearing, and it looks pretty much the same as Pans camp did, with large trees and bushes surrounding the perimeter, and logs all around that serve as benches. The hammocks and beds were gone though, seeing as the lost ones no longer stayed longer than throughout the night. In the centre was a fountain that contained golden pixie dust that was glowing. There were a couple kids scattered around, one blonde haired boy was flying and giggling, another small girl was grinning as she was eating her ice cream, and a couple others were talking to one another on the logs.

Henry goes over to a boy with dark hair sitting by one of the trees, and gives her a look that says ‘go for it.’

She looks around at the kids, some are having the time of their life flying around or eating cake and ice cream. Others look, well, lonely. She sees a little girl around 9 with dark hair in two braids, she’s pretty tiny, short and very thin, maybe she’s not been eating well wherever she’s from. That lonely lost girl look on her face that’s all too familiar.

“Hey there, what’s your name?” Emma says as she approaches the little girl.

She looks up at Emma, not sure whether to trust her, “hi,”

Smart girl, not giving away too much information to someone you don’t know. Emma did this a lot when she was caught shoplifting as a teen. She sits down beside her. She could do this, she could help a lost girl,

“You know I was a lost girl once too.” Emma says staring ahead instead of saying it to her face.

The little girl looks up at her. “I’ve not seen you here before.”

Observant. Another trait of a lost girl, always looking at the details. “You’re right. I’m Emma. I was a lost girl once, and now I’m here to help.”

The little girl studies Emma for a few moments before saying. “I’m Elena.”

“It’s nice to meet you Elena.” Emma smiles at her.

____

If there’s one thing Killian had to bet on seeing tonight, it would not have been Emma with the Lost Ones. He walked into the clearing a little later than usual, and saw Henry talking with the same kids he had been talking to for a while, but saw blonde hair in the corner of his eyes.

No. It couldn’t be.

He looked over and saw Emma Swan talking to one of the lost girls. It really was her. This must be one of Henry’s ploys. Emma notices him and gives him a smile and a wave before returning to her conversation with a lost girl.

This woman doesn’t give up. She was a bloody marvel.

He watched her with the lost girl. He didn’t know the girl's name, she was pretty quiet and even Henry had trouble getting through to her.

So he sits on the log by the tree like he does every night and welcomes old and new lost ones.

“Welcome to Neverland. Morpheus has decided you’re a lost one, and has graced you with the chance to visit this place in your dream state. So enjoy Neverland. We have magic, you can fly, you can wish for anything to eat, go crazy,”

Killian says this speech to new lost ones almost every night and it gets tiring, especially now he knows he’s been saying it for 25 years. The first few years he was happy and upbeat, but now he said it in much more of a monotonous voice.

He keeps stealing glances at Emma throughout the night. And he was pretty sure she was doing that same. The lass she was with was looking more and more animated as the night progressed. She had a knack for this, that much was clear.

He wanted to go back with her. More than anything, but did he deserve to? And why does she still want him? Why bother with him at all? She should just take Henry and leave. She had lived her life again the way she was meant to, as a daughter that never doubted her parents loved her. After all that, why would she go back to a pirate who was abandoned as a child and lost everyone he loved?

The end of the night draws in, and the lost ones leave Neverland one by one. The girl Emma was talking to ended up being the last to leave. He nods to Henry when the night is up, avoiding Emma’s ever present stare.

“Killian wait.” He hears Emma voice as he walks outside the clearing on his way back to his ship.

He turns around to face her, “Swan. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Emma rolls her eyes at him. “Don’t play dumb with me okay. I showed up here tonight to prove I’m not going anywhere without you.”

Killian just scoffs. “I already told you Swan, forget about me. Take your boy and leave.”

“I don’t want that okay? Are you not listening? I don’t want that.” Emma practically screams at him.

“And what do you not understand about the fact that you’re better off without me?” Killian shouts back.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Emma asks her blood practically boiling. Why would he say that?

He studied her for a moment, noticing the veins popping out of her forehead now she’s angry. “You don’t want me. You grew up with your perfect princess life, with a family and town full of people that love you. You never doubted that your parents loved you. You probably have a long line of princes and noblemen that want your heart. You don’t want a broken lost pirate. For 25 years I have been in this god awful place waiting for a woman who had forgotten me and I had no idea if you would even be here after 25 years.”

Emma scoffs, “yeah you’re right. I never doubted my parents' love for me, and I dated a few guys and I really liked them while we were together. And you’re right there are probably a lot more guys that want to be with me, I am a princess like you say. But guess what? We are not in the Enchanted Forest, I’m no princess, I’m free to choose my own life and my own boyfriends. And you know what else? None of them are you, Killian. It’s you I want. Even when I was cursed, I never forgot about you, I always used to see you in my dreams, I didn’t know who you were but. But I didn’t forget about you.”

“You dreamt about me?” Killain asks, not quite sure what to make of this revelation.

Emma nods. “It started when I was a teenager, maybe 16, 17. I kept seeing dark hair, blue eyes, your blue eyes, I didn’t know who you were but I knew you were important, a soulmate dream or something. Then as I got older, I started seeing visions, memories of our time together, like how I kissed you here in Neverland, and then saying goodbye to you in the Underworld.” Tears begin to roll from her eyes as she remembers that horrific goodbye. “Have you just forgotten everything we went through, the Underworld and everything, surely you don’t think I don’t love you anymore?”

“You still love me? Your feelings really haven’t changed?” Killain asks, still in disbelief that she could still love him.

“Of course I still love you!” Emma says with tears in her eyes. She takes the chain from under her shirt showing him the ring he gave her all those years ago. “I still have your brother's ring you gave me back in Camelot. I put it back on the moment I woke up. Because I love you Killian. And I’m not scared to say the words anymore! Killain Jones I love you so much. I don’t care what has happened, you still loved me when I went dark, so whatever this place has done to you, I don’t care. You’re still the same man I fell in love with. What’s stopping you from coming home?”

Emma steps forward and takes his hook and hand in hers. Killian backs away shaking his head. “I can’t do this, I’m sorry. Emma, my heart has been broken many times over my life. When my father abandoned Liam and I, Liam looked after me, he did everything, he was always there. And then all of a sudden he was gone, and I was never going to see him again, my big brother, gone just like that. It broke me, I didn’t know how I was going to go on, but something inside me was telling me to keep going. And a few years later I met Milah, and all at once she was patching the hole Liam had left. Years pass by and I feel almost whole again, and then the crocodile had killed her, and again my heart was broken. 300 years pass of feeling like this and I meet you.”

He takes a deep breath before continuing, composing himself. “You were so unlike any woman I’d met, my usual tricks didn’t work, you were feisty and independent, and so strong. You pushed me away but something inside me told me to keep pushing.” Emma can’t help but smile at this, it was true, she pushed him away for so long but after a short while, she didn’t want to push him away anymore.

“And eventually you felt as I did. You had fixed my broken heart piece by piece, and I let myself envision a future for the first time. And then you were cursed. We spent day and night researching, finding a way to bring you back, but when I was told there was no use, that I would have to watch you grow up and not know who I was, not know that you loved me, all the pieces you filled had shattered once more.”

“You’re saying I broke your heart because of my curse?” Emma asks.

“Aye.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Emma tells him.

“You’re glad to hear my heart was broken?” He asks, having a feeling what she was going to say next.

“If it can be broken,” she says, taking a step closer, she can feel his heartbeat, she can hear his breath hitch. “It means it still works.”

And they’re both suddenly transported back to Storybrooke after the missing year when he said those exact words as Killian tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “You know I’ve heard that before.” Emma pushed him away all those years ago because she was so afraid of letting him in, but there was nothing to be afraid of.

Emma's eyes light up as she smiles at his words, “oh yeah?”

And then Killian puts his arms around her waist and pulls her in close to him and captures her lips. It’s perfect. It’s needed, it’s the first kiss they’ve shared in 25 years and it feels so good. Killian moans into the kiss, he feels stupid for thinking she wouldn’t love him, Neverland plays on your strongest emotions, but kissing her here, in Neverland, the place she first kissed him which made him realise he was falling for her, was incredible.

He breaks the kiss for a moment just to say, “I love you so much.”

And Emma wraps his legs around his waist as he moves them so she's backed up against the nearest tree. He kisses her lips, and then moves onto her neck, placing hot wet kisses all down the side of her neck leaving Emma breathless as she roams her hands in his hair remembering what he felt like after 25 long years.

“Stop. Stop.” Emma says breathlessly as she pulls away from the kiss.

“Swan if you dare say that was a one time thing I will take you down to the Underworld myself.” Killian says causing Emma to practically snort.

“No, no it’s not that!” She says through her laugh, “My family will be expecting me back. Believe me, I want to continue this more than anything, but they want me to report on what I saw and what our plan is.”

“You really think we can get off this Island?” He asks.

“We? You’re coming with us?” Emma asks grinning from ear to ear.

Killian nods. “Aye love, I’m sorry I was a fool, it’s going to take some time to be the man you fell in love with again, but I’m-“

Emma cuts him off with a final kiss, “hey, stop. You’re still the man I fell in love with all those years ago. I get that this place is hard and your heart is still broken, but come home and we can fix it together.”

“I'll tell Henry and we can all meet at his treehouse later on to discuss our plan.” He says giving her a quick kiss before heading back in the direction of his ship.

____

Emma feels relieved, Killian was coming home. They were in this together. She couldn’t stop smiling as she walked back to where her family was.

This night was incredible. Elena, the lost girl she was talking to trusted her enough to talk, and she hoped she had made a difference. Her mothee was a princess, but she felt lost most of the time, she was always working and her father was sick. She was an only child and wasn’t allowed out of the palace much. Her baby brother was also the apple of her parents eyes, he was only a toddler but he seemed to get a lot more attention. Emma understood this, when she got back from New York and her mother was pregnant, sometimes she felt they were looking at her to break the curse, rather than spend time with their daughter. And with her new life, as a child she did feel like her parents spent a lot more time with Neal than her, but as she grew up she realised this wasn’t the case. She could already see that a couple more days talking to her and she wouldn’t find herself in Neverland again.

She hears scuffling behind her.

“Killian? Henry?” She calls out to the noise.

Instead appears a beautiful woman with dark skin, a purple dress and iridescent purple wings to match. A fairy.

“Cecelia?” Emma assumes, fearing the worst.

The fairy smiles. “Ah, so you know of me. Well, I presume you’re Emma. Nice to finally meet you.”

“Look, I don’t want any trouble, I just want to get my son and boyfriend and leave this Island. I won’t come back.” Emma says backing away from the fairy slowly, she knew this fairy was nothing like the Blue Fairy back in Storybrooke, and also nothing like Tinkerbell who was on their side. No, this fairy was the enemy.

Cecelia’s wings flutter as she levitates in the air. “Well see that’s the problem. The two people you want to recuse I need here on this Island, so I’m sorry you are going to have to leave my home without them.”

“And if I don’t?” Emma asks, standing her ground, she needed to show she wasn’t afraid.

The fairy did not like this. She flutters towards Emma and says in a sweet tone, “Then I will kill you and your precious family.” and then turns small and flies away

#never forget you #Captain swan #cs ff #cs fic rec #my Writing #Emma x hook

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just-call-me-the-intrusive-thot · 4 years ago

Text

“That’s My Child”

@idontgiveafuckaboutshit

Prompt 31: “That’s my child!“

Pairing: Past Romantic Moceit, Familial Roceit, Familial Dukeceit, Familial Royality, Familial Intruality

Trigger Warnings: Divorce/ Seperation, swearing, panic attacks, kinda unsympathetic patton? It’s messy.. --

Janus was livid. He gripped the steering wheel in frustration as the car waited at the lights, the rain over head battering against the car the same way Janus’ thoughts battered his skull. With the bullshit he was constantly left to deal with at work, this was the last goddamn thing he needed on top of it.

“So,”, he sighed, the annoyance already thick in his tone, “What exactly was your plan?”

His passenger flinched, not making eye contact.

“Roman. I’m waiting.”, Janus’ voice was measured, firm but impatient.

“I told you, I’m Remus-”

“Don’t lie to me. Unlike your father, I can actually tell my sons apart-”

“Padre can tell us apart too!!”, ‘Remus’ retorted defensively. It would have been adorable if Janus wasn’t still fuming.

“Really? Funny that, considering he didn’t notice a goddamn thing until I had to call him and let him know you’d both switched!”

He really hadn’t meant to snap at him. It wasn’t Roman he was angry at, or Remus. No, his anger was reserved for his ex-husband and his negligence. But Janus knew he had to apologise. He waited until the next set of lights, taking a short inhale as he softened his tone.

“I’m sorry, Roman. I’m just… rather upset with your father right now. However, it wasn’t fair of me to-”

“It’s fine.”, Roman mumbled, not meeting Janus’ eyes. “... How’d you know I wasn’t Remus?”

Janus snorted, “You’re asking me how I can tell my twin sons apart? The same baby boys I helped raise together for six years? Come now, Roman, give me a difficult question.”

It was a joke, a rhetorical question at best, but as the car started again, Roman broke the silence so hard, Janus felt the whiplash almost immediately,

“Why did you and Padre break up?”

For a moment, Janus genuinely thought he had just been gut punched. Had Patton really never told Roman what had happened? He could have understood perhaps not telling the lad when he was still young - after all, they were just six years old when he and Patton split - but he was fourteen now, for fuck’s sake!

Being careful not to disrupt traffic, Janus stopped a little further down the street from Patton’s new home, staring out the front window as he gathered himself.

“..... Sometimes,”, Janus began, not making eye contact, “People fall out of love, Roman.”

He didn’t need to look to his side to know Roman’s bright green eyes were staring at him pitifully.

“Your father… your ‘Padre’ and I,”, Janus chuckled sadly at that, “We’d been together for years, thought the honeymoon phase would never end. That we’d never have an argument we couldn’t solve, or work out.”

The reminiscent smile on Janus’ lips quivered into a frown, “We were foolish. We kept sweeping little problems and issues under the carpet, and for a while it seemed fine. Instead it just got worse and worse and put a strain on our relationship. Patton and I thought that having you and your brother would fix things. But all we did was wind up hurting you both in the process. The fighting got worse and worse, and in the end, we decided we just couldn’t stay together.”

He heard Roman sniffle next to him, grasping his heart in an icy grip. Janus gently wrapped an arm around his son, hugging him close, “That doesn’t mean we regret having either of you, before you even think that.”

Roman hugged closer, an awkwardness in it, but with no lack of sincerity, “But… if it wasn’t for us maybe..”

“Patton and I wouldn’t have worked out even without you two. Some days, I have to remind myself that at least one good thing that came of the relationship was you two.”, Janus assured him.

His son gave a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, “You mean Remus, right? He’s your favourite-”

“Nonsense.”, Janus was startled to say the least, “You’re both my sons, I could never pick a favourite between you both.”

The thought nagged at him in the back of his mind, finally letting him voice the question, “..... Does… Does Patton talk like that, Roman?”

“....“, Roman let out a small hum, unsure of whether he should answer, ”... He… sometimes when he’s really stressed.... he says he’s glad you left me with him instead of Remus...”

Janus could hardly stifle the furious scoff that left his mouth before he could cover it. Without another word, he opened the car doors, only asking Roman, “Patton and Remus are the only ones home right now, yes?”

Roman nodded while Janus got out of the car, “Excellent, I’m going to have a word with him. Perhaps several.”

His son got out of the car fearfully asking, “Am I in trouble?”

Janus shook his head, “No, Roman. You’ve done nothing wrong.”

The way the weight lifted from Roman’s shoulders had Janus’ mind reeling with questions; just how often had Roman asked that question and received a far less positive response for his reaction to be so pronounced?! What was Patton playing at, treating Remus like he didn’t matter as much as Roman?! The rainy walk to the front door was spent mostly trying to calm the righteous anger he was feeling by the time they reached the doorbell.

That being said, Janus somehow still felt his lungs shrivel to a sixth of their size as the door opened and there stood his ex-husband, looking just as uneasy. Good, Janus had thought, serves him right. Clearing his throat, he greeted Patton politely, “Patton.”

“Janus.”

Well, that tone was less than inviting, but he’d expected it.

What he did not expect, however, was Remus sat on the stairs just in view of the door looking pretty frantic. His leg was bouncing erratically, his stare was a mile long, and his teeth were devouring his nails like he was a starving man left in the desert. Patton’s voice tore him from his musings, “Roman, come on, you and your brother can stay here for tonight-”

“Excuse me?!”, Janus hissed, “I am not leaving Remus here, look at him!”

Patton didn’t even blink, “It’s fine, they’re better off staying here, Janus-”

Janus gently put his arm out to stop Roman, Patton protesting, “That’s my child!”

“They’re OUR children, Patton!”

All three of them flinched; Janus had never raised his voice so harshly, but the injustice he felt outweighed his ability to stay calm. Remus’ gaze locked on to his father, and Janus choked back the lump in his throat at the relief he saw flash across Remus’ face. So much so, he couldn’t stop himself from uttering,

“What did you do?”, Patton faltered at the question, prompting Janus to clarify, “What did you do to upset Remus?!”

“Nothing!”, Patton protested, “He’s just been like that since you called-!”

“That was half an hour ago, Patton! Are you telling me Remus has been sitting having a panic attack for half an hour!? And you did nothing?!”

Patton threw his hands up defensively, “I didn’t know what to do! I didn’t want to make it worse!”

“And you want them to stay here!? When you didn’t even try to stop our son having a panic attack?!”

Patton muttered harshly under his breath, “Your son, you mean-”. He slapped a hand over his mouth in realisation. His blue eyes - the same eyes Janus once wanted nothing more than to be lost in forever - were wide and glinting with shame.

“I-! I didn’t mean that-!”

“Remus,”, Janus spoke softly despite the fire crackling in his veins, “Can you stand? We’re going home, and Roman’s staying over.”

“Janus, please don’t-!”

“Patton, I’ll drop Roman off tomorrow, and we will talk.”, he assured Patton, with a far more gentle tone than he believed Patton deserved right now, “But can you let me talk to Remus, please?”

Unsure of what else to do, Patton stepped aside to let his ex-husband in. Janus gently knelt next to Remus who clung to his father tightly, muttering over and over, “I’mSorryI’mSorry,ItWasMyIdeaI’mSoSorryDad-”

“It’s alright, breathe in for me, Remus....”

While Janus handled Remus, Patton and Roman stood in silence. Neither knew what to say ; what could they say anyway? Roman finally broke the silence, “We just wanted you and dad to get back together...”

Janus and Patton gave a silence glance as the former guided Remus out the front door.

“It’s alright,”, Patton assured them, trying his best to hold it together, “Your father and I will work things out...”

His ex-husband’s eyes locked on to Janus’ own, pleading with him, “Right, Jan?”

Janus inhaled steadily, trying to force the emotion out of his face. Hearing that petname again after so long.... a small part of his heart still fluttered at it. He gave Patton a shaky nod, “... We’ll see.”

-- Hahaha, I’m a child of divorce :D

Me projecting onto Moceit? Pfff... no.

This prompt was fun but man, my heart TTnTT

May write a follow up to this if I get more prompts, or one that works with the sequel I have in mind. Taglist: @somehow-i-got-an-account @cateye-glasses @fandomsofrandom @patton-cake @does-this-look-logicality-to-you @justalittlecorrupted @irritating-lady-knight @katlikethesword @ali_is_lazy

#moceit #patton sanders #janus sanders #roman sanders #remus sanders #my fics #sanders sides fanfiction #ask meme #angst #angst prompt #just to clarify #my parents divorce wasnt like this #i just joke to hide the pain-#okay i better stop yall are gonna get worried #patton #janus #roman #remus

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let-the-dream-begin · 4 years ago

Text

A Place to Belong Chapter 35: Le Protecteur

Chapter 34

Read on AO3

November 15, 1752

Another shriek from Jenny pierced the air, and she bore down fiercely on Claire’s hand.

“There you go,” Claire soothed. “Good, good.”

“Ye’re almost there, Mistress,” the midwife assured. “Few more pushes should do it.”

“Christ…” Jenny groaned in pained exhaustion, throwing her head back. “He’ll...he’ll be alright, won’t he…?”

“Of course he will,” Claire assured her, though her heart clenched even as she did. “You’re fit as a fiddle this time around, and it’s been a quick delivery. Everything will be fine.”

Before Jenny could answer, she was seized by another contraction. Claire was not lying; the odds were certainly more in their favor for this pregnancy. But the terror of burying another child was at the forefront of everyone’s minds, no matter how different the circumstances were.

When Jenny collapsed onto Claire again, a loud bang abruptly sounded, causing Claire to jump violently.

“What the bloody hell was that?”

Before Claire could get up and run to the window, Jenny screamed again, squeezing the life out of Claire’s hand.

“Here he comes, Mistress!”

With a final shrieking howl, the midwife was catching a baby, who immediately started wailing.

Thank the Lord.

“What a braw wee laddie!” the midwife exclaimed.

“He’s alright, Jenny…” Claire breathed, tears gathering in her eyes.

The midwife brought him before them, squalling and squirming, and Jenny chuckled breathily.

“He’s alright,” she confirmed, taking him in her arms with a heavenly sigh and pressing him into her breast. “And he’s feeding.”

Claire laughed out loud, wrapping her arms around Jenny’s shoulders and leaning her cheek into her head.

“Time we named one after the one that sired them, eh?” Jenny said, stroking his tiny cheek with her finger.

“Wee Ian,” Claire said, trying it out.

“Aye. My sweet wee lad.” She fervently kissed the crown of his head, and Claire kissed Jenny’s head as well.

Thank you God.

Jenny was moved into the bed, and wee Ian was properly cleaned and thoroughly inspected.

“He’s perfect, Jenny. He really is.” Claire was pacing the Laird’s room with him, drugged with sleep after his feeding, beaming down at him. “Perfectly healthy, and perfectly sweet.”

“Maggie’ll be over the moon,” Jenny said, leaning heavily into the pillows. “She’s been dying to hold a wee bairn again.”

“Little Jamie will be very happy, too,” Claire said softly, brushing at the little button nose on the baby. After the heartache the boy felt after losing his baby sister, the sight of a healthy wee brother would surely bring him joy.

“Shall I go fetch the children? I think the girls are just up in the nursery.”

Claire meandered into the hall, bouncing the little bundle and cooing at him. Suddenly there was another loud bang, a different sound than the last. It was the front door, followed by the clomping of several boots. Claire was reminded of the sound she’d heard just before Ian’s arrival: a sound that was most definitely a gunshot.

“Find the weapon!”

Why on Earth had someone been firing a weapon in the first place?

“Where is your mistress?” one of the soldiers demanded, and Claire saw that young Jamie, Fergus, and Rabbie were all struck dumb in the parlor below. Claire swallowed and hurried back into the Laird’s room as a small hoard of footsteps clambered up the stairs.

“You three search the rooms downstairs. MacGregor, come with me.”

Claire’s insides burned with hatred at the sound of the name, a Scottish Redcoat that had graced them with his presence a few times already. He was a thoroughly disgusting human being, with no respect for anyone, including himself if he could stoop so low as to betray his own people.

Captain Lewis strode in, followed by the traitor in question. Claire took several quick steps backward, flattening herself into the wall between the windows and pressing Ian’s face into her breast.

“Where’s the weapon?” Captain Lewis demanded

“Weapon? We have no weapons here, Captain,” Jenny said, clutching the blankets to her.

“My scouts heard a shot from the vicinity of this estate,” Captain Lewis went on as Corporal MacGregor emptied the wardrobe of linens and clothing. “So I ask again. Where are you hiding the weapon?”

“I canna answer fer what yer scouts heard, but I’ll tell ye again, I dinna know of any weapons here,” Jenny said, her voice calm and even. “We’d never risk such a thing.”

“I remind you, Madam, that as an officer of his Majesty’s Army, I am obliged to search this house should I have the slightest suspicion that the act of proscription has been breached.” MacGregor continued to clatter about, emptying the trunk at the foot of the bed and throwing its contents about the room. “And we will continue to do so until you comply with my request.”

Jenny’s eyes were wide with fear, but she steeled herself to continue. Corporal MacGregor tossed aside Jenny’s bed covers without a thought, exposing her wearing only a shift after having just given birth. “Captain,” she stammered, scrambling to cover herself up. “I have cooperated with every request made by His Majesty’s soldiers.”

Captain Lewis turned slowly to face Claire, who, upon instinct, pressed the baby further into her chest. His eyes swept the room, taking in the bloody rags and the hay in front of the fireplace.

“Have you just delivered this child, Madame?” he said over his shoulder to Jenny, keeping his eyes boring into Claire.

“Aye.”

“Is this the midwife, then?” the Captain sneered.

“No, sir. That is my cousin. Elizabeth Fraser,” Jenny said. “She always comes by to help wi’ a birth. She’s a healer, ye see.”

Captain Lewis was newly promoted. This was his first time paying a visit to Lallybroch, but of course he’d been told the suspicions of the two captains that came before him. The Fraser cousin and the red-haired child were certainly no secret, suspicious though they were.

Corporal MacGregor was suddenly tugging on Ian’s swaddle, and Claire fiercely tightened her grip on the child, shooting daggers at the Corporal.

“Hiding the pistol in there, are ye?” the man spat.

“It’s my child, Captain!” Jenny cried. “Please, dinna hurt him!”

MacGregor dug both hands around the little bundle, and Claire went blind with rage and fear.

“Corporal — ” Captain Lewis warned, but it was too late. Claire growled and yanked back on Ian, and then fiercely spit right into the Corporal’s face.

You’ll not harm another child I love as long as I live.

Claire panted heavily, like a fierce animal ready to kill for its young. MacGregor’s face was red with anger as he slowly and deliberately wiped Claire’s spit from between his eyes. Before another thought crossed Claire’s mind, he wound up his hand and brought it hard across her cheek with a loud slap, sending her tumbling to the floor.

Claire’s vision was blurry and her ears were ringing. She only vaguely registered Jenny’s cry of fear and Ian’s wailing; it all sounded like it was underwater. She blinked dumbly and curled herself around the baby as MacGregor wound his foot back to deliver a blow.

“Corporal!” Captain Lewis barked. “That’s enough.”

Claire was trembling, unable, in her dazed state, to stop frightened tears from spilling out of her.

“Here’s the pistol, Captain,” Mary MacNab’s voice floated into Claire’s hazy subconscious, and she picked her trembling head up to see that Mary had entered the room.

Corporal MacGregor marched over to her and seized a pistol from her hands. “ ’Tis mine.”

“Yours?” Captain Lewis said, skeptical.

“It belonged to my late husband, Ronald. It was the only thing I had left of him, so I kept it. It gave me comfort. Mistress Murray knew nothing of it.”

Claire finally gained enough of her senses to sit up and began hearing more clearly again. She bounced the screaming child in her arms, rubbing his back soothingly.

“And what occasion did you have to fire it?”

“I saw a raven land near the house while Milady was delivering her child. So I shot it dead.”

Claire felt liquid trickling above her lip, and upon touching under her nose, discovered that the blow the Corporal delivered had given her a bloody nose.

“Just one of their foolish Highland superstitions, Sir. Believing a common bird can bring ill luck,” MacGregor said, his voice thick with disgust. “Shall I take her into custody, Captain?” He roughly seized Mary by the arm, and she gasped, breathing raggedly.

Captain Lewis narrowed his eyes at her for several lingering seconds before answering. “We have the weapon. She’s no threat.”

Mary sighed with relief.

“But I warn you once more, Madam,” the Captain said, walking right up to Jenny’s bedside. “If another violation occurs, there will be no mercy.”

The Captain stormed out of the room, and MacGregor roughly threw Mary onto the bed. MacGregor made to leave the room, but he stopped, turning around to lay his beady eyes upon Claire, still curled into herself on the floor. He took menacing steps toward her and bent from the waist until she could smell his vulgar breath.

“I know ye’re a Jacobite hoor,” he hissed. “Ye may have everyone else fooled, but no’ me.” Claire’s chest heaved as she stared him down, blood from her nose running over her tight lips.

“Corporal! If you please!”

He straightened out at the sound of his Captain’s voice, but before he turned to leave, he delivered a final blow to Claire, stomping mercilessly onto her stomach.

Claire doubled over again, crumbling into the floor as she began sputtering with wheezing coughs, and yet never losing her grip on the baby. Mary scrambled across the room as MacGregor left, hastily taking the baby in her arms and delivering him to Jenny before dropping to the floor beside Claire.

“Mistress? Are ye alright?”

Ian quieted as Jenny brought him to her breast. “Sister? Can ye speak?” Her voice was pitched high with fear.

Claire continued coughing until her face was burning, and then she took a heaving breath that rattled her entire body.

“That’s it, Mistress. Breathe…” Mary soothed, dabbing at the blood on her face and smoothing some frazzled curls away from her face. “She’s just had the wind knocked out of her,” Mary said to Jenny. “She needs to breathe a moment, is all.”

Breathe she did, heaving and wheezing on the floor until she stopped seeing stars. When she finally felt air filling her lungs again, she reached her trembling hands toward Mary, and she helped her into a sitting position, leaning her against the wall again.

“Shall I fetch ye some water, Mistress?” Mary asked, and Claire nodded.

“Cold…rag...” she stammered. She gestured to her face, where already an angry bruise was blossoming.

“Aye, Mistress.” Mary scuttled off.

Claire looked up at Jenny from her position on the floor, new tears forming in her eyes.

“He’s alright, sister,” Jenny said. “Just a bit shaken up. Ye protected him jest fine.”

Claire sighed with relief, resting her head on the wall behind her and forcing herself to breathe deeply.

“Maman!”

Claire picked her head up and focused her bleary vision on a brown curly mop as it rushed toward her.

“I have brought you water. Mary MacNab is fetching the cold compress,” Fergus said handing her a glass. “Are you alright?”

In the corner of her eye, Claire could see wee Jamie had followed closely behind his cousin, and he was now sitting on the bed beside his mother, holding his new brother.

“I’m...I’m fine…” Claire said breathily, taking a grateful sip of the water.

“They beat you!” Fergus said, his face scrunching up with rage. “I will kill them!”

“You’ll do no such thing,” Claire said firmly, putting a hand on his knee.

“They are cowards! To beat a woman bloody! I will kill them!”

“Stop it,” Claire said, her breath returning to her enough to raise her voice. “That’s enough.”

“You are my mother and I must defend your honor,” Fergus spat, and Claire almost jumped. She’d never heard him raise his voice in this manner, never seen him so red in the face. “If they ever touch you again…”

He began slewing through all sorts of French profanities, some of which Claire could not even understand.

“Fergus!” Claire interrupted. “That’s enough. There’s a newborn in the room. Either calm yourself down right now or blow off some steam outside.”

Still red in the face, Fergus huffed impatiently and stood up, nearly bumping into Mary MacNab and her bucket of water on his way out of the room.

Claire sighed, exhausted, as Mary settled herself beside her. “D’ye think ye can get up, Mistress? To somewhere more comfortable?”

“I’m fine here…” Claire held the cold rag to her stinging, throbbing cheek. “That was very brave, what you did.”

“Aye, Mary. Ye did well. I thank ye,” Jenny added.

“It was the only thing I could do,” Mary said softly, dabbing gently at the dried blood on Claire’s face.

“You didn’t fire it, did you?” Claire asked. “I know it’s not really yours.”

“No, I didna.” Mary looked up at young Jamie, who was suddenly looking very bashful. “It was yer lad.”

“Fergus?” Claire said. “What on Earth was he thinking?” “It was as I said, he saw a raven and thought to protect the bairn,” Mary explained. “Foolish as it may have been, it was well intended.”

“Did ye know about this, Jamie?” Jenny said, looking down at her son. “Answer me.”

“Aye, Mam.”

“D’ye ken it’s punishable to fire a weapon?”

“Aye, Mam.”

“And yet ye still made yerself part of something so damnably foolish?”

He hung his head. “Aye, Mam.”

Jenny exhaled through her nose, lips pursed tightly at her son. “I’ll be seeing to it that yer father gives ye a thrashing. D’ye see the beating yer Auntie took because of yer foolishness? D’ye ken that Mary MacNab could hae been dragged away, never to be seen again?”

Jamie was weeping now; sad, broken little sounds.

“I just…” He sniffled, his voice stuttering. “I wanted to protect the bairn, Mam...I didna want to hurt another bairn…”

Silent tears leaked onto Claire’s cheeks, and Mary hesitated in her ministrations. Even Jenny took pause, her entire resolve shattering for only a moment as she took in his words.

“Aye. I ken.” Claire could tell she was fighting to keep her voice stern. “Yer love fer yer brother is admirable at that. God love ye fer it.” She fervently kissed the top of his head. “But ye must answer fer the danger ye’ve put us in. I’m sorry. Off ye get, fetch yer Da to me.”

Head hanging, Jamie slid off the bed and dragged his feet out into the hall, shutting the door behind him. Jenny exhaled shakily and quickly reached up to brush tears off her cheeks. Mary MacNab left Claire on the floor to retrieve the sleeping baby and place him in his cot.

“Ye’ll no’ be too hard on him, aye?” Mary said softly. “His heart was in the right place, ye ken.”

“Aye, I ken it was.” Jenny sniffled.

“He isna so old as the others. My Rabbie should hae known better. But yer Jamie is still wee.”

“No’ so wee...but aye. I see yer meaning.”

“Rabbie will be dealt a thrashing, surely,” Mary said resolutely. “Damnable fool.”

“How about Fergus?” Jenny said, pulling Claire’s attention from the spot in the floor she’d been staring at. “He’s no’ too old fer a thrashing. I can ask Ian tae do it along wi’ Jamie and Rabbie.”

“No,” Claire said quickly. “I...I want to talk to him.”

“Are ye sure?”

“Yes.” Claire sat up a little straighter and wet her rag again to make it cold again against her hot cheek. “He hasn’t been himself lately, and this was straw that broke the camel’s back.” Jenny and Mary looked bewildered at her choice of expression, and she sighed exasperatedly. “He just needs to be spoken to candidly. I can handle it.”

“Alright. I trust ye. He’s yer son.” Jenny adjusted herself so that she was lying down. “After I’m finished wi’ Ian, I’m going to faint dead away.”

“You need your rest.” Claire made to stand up, and Mary rushed to her side to help her up. Despite Claire’s usual loathing of depending on someone as such, she was quite grateful for the aid, as she was certain she’d have toppled over without it.

“And what about you, Mistress? D’ye think ye should rest before talking to the lad?” Mary inquired.

“No...I just need to get my bearings. I’m fine.” Claire took a grounding breath before releasing her vice like grip on Mary’s forearms. “I’ve been dealt worse.”

46 notes · View notes