#and he'll kick Lady out of the kitchen if she comes in

[dmc-questions-anon]

I think that after Vergil learns to bake stuff he'd have a really hard time not eating some of the ingredients and even the dough. Cue Lady coming in and eating the stuff he is so desperately struggling not to and his resolve crumbles to dust, he can no longer stop himself.

[uselesssomebody]

𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕦𝕡 - post!d&w!logan howlett x reader

complete masterlist | logan howlett - coming soon!

words || 𝟚.𝟡𝕜

summary || in which the reader gets stood up, and logan consoles her - in more than one way

a/n || self indulgent :)) guess what happened to me guys !!

➵ i know i've been literally dead but i may be back! not sure fully yet lol but i've missed writing. shocker, college is in fact hard and i've spent a whileeee adjusting. that also means my writing is prob a bit shit here but i just wanted to get this out

➵ first time writing logan - i watched deadpool & wolverine and oh my godddd this man can fucking get it. haven't watched the x-men movies so i kinda had to guess his accent, sorry if it's inconsistent. this is set after the events of deadpool & wolverine

➵ shall i revamp the blog theme guys? i don't have any ideas but idk if you guys are bored by it haha

➵ send me requests if you have ‘em. enjoy!

warnings || fluff/smut/a wee bit of angst

➵ fingering

➵ age gap (not a plot point)

(tell me if i miss anything)

having 2 people in a one bedroom apartment was already cramped. 3 is insane. as much as wade tried, he felt bad for poor hugh's - *cough* logan's back for constantly swapping between the dingy couch and the mattress on the floor to sleep.

and the wolverine was never the type to ask for help, it pissed him off. they had been nearly atomized together for christ's sake!

another room on the floor had opened up, and as much as wade wanted to kick blind al off to that room instead, he knew the old lady wouldn't be able to pay the whole rent herself, and he had to make sure she didn't use too much fun-time sugar under fox's watchful eye. luckily, neither did logan have to live alone, as wade was quick to find a down-on-her-luck college girl who needed cheap rent.

so, now wade's stuck with an ornery old woman, and pretty-boy - well, man - logan got to have a cute girl as his roommate. just his luck. he checked in on his fellow invincible often, and as much as logan didn't talk, wade knew he didn't mind her one bit.

she tried to be a good roommate - cook breakfast for the both of them, pick up a sweet treat for him too if she was getting one for herself, and trying to keep to herself with the studying. but she couldn't help the little crush that she had on her roommate. like, come on.

older, mature, mysterious, downright yummy? what's a girl to do? she kept it to herself, but seeing him smirk or chuckle when she realizes she's accidentally been staring at him in that leather jacket or shirtless going to bed. at least she doesn't make him uncomfortable, but it feels pretty dismissive - how he sees her as such a fucking kid that he can't even take her attraction seriously.

logan took it very fucking seriously.

every day was a mental challenge - truly, god gives his worst temptations to his strongest soldiers. the liquor on his breath was still strong, not now because his life was ruined, but rather because his mind was.

this cute, young girl who looked at him like he was the solution to all her relationship issues, like his old-man body was good enough to fucking eat? it was a miracle that he hadn't taken her. and she just looked so beautiful as she got ready for bed, or as she bobbed her head to music while she studied, or as she buzzed around the small kitchen to cook her third cheap pasta for the week.

it didn't help how she'd always ask how he is, buy him little things to keep his mood up, and always offered to take the couch. he'd rather eat glass than let her sleep on the couch, but nonetheless, she offered every day.

fuck. it was impossible to sleep when she was just behind the wall, in her fucking shorts and tank. unbelievable. he needed a fucking drink.

some nights, he'll come home in the evenings to an empty house. it's rare - she doesn't have too much money to go out, but when she does, she'll usually warn him she'll be home late. he always makes sure to stay awake until she gets home, and even had the privilege of going into downtown to pick her up after the friends she was with had managed to lose her. she had hiccuped, tearing up in embarrassment as she watched him approach her drunk form leaning on a tree outside. she had thought the stern arch of his brow was because of her calling him so late, when really, he was just angry that her friends had the audacity to put her in such a dangerous situation.

"it's windy." he grunts, and she looks down at her short, strappy dress, ashamed.

"s-sorry. we drove here." she tries to explain, and logan relents, brow going from angry to grumpy.

"yeah." he finally sighs, walking with her back to their place. seeing her hands go to cradle her elbows, he places his leather jacket over her shoulders, and she swallows thickly.

"you don't have to-" but he's lighting a cigar as she speaks, in just his wifebeater he'd been lounging in. she decides to shut up, silent until they reach the house.

he helps her in and then waits outside to finish the cigar, and after she gets in, she sighs softly, carefully placing the jacket down. she starts trying to make logan some dinner as a thank-you, but passes out at the dinner table half-way through. luckily, she hadn't had the stove on, and logan's heart melts as he sees her, halfway through mixing a few eggs, head lolling off the chair as she drools a little.

cutie, he thinks, separating her fingers from the fork and bowl, and carrying her into the bed. as he tries to set her down, her fingers clutch his arm, and a small, sleepy whine leaves her.

logan's not a man to blush, but hearing that little beg for him to stay makes him fucking burn. he looks down at her, a hand running through his hair, and he gently tries to let her down again. she just holds on tighter, groaning, "warm..." a little mumble escapes her, and logan huffs. of course it's not that she wants him, she's just cold. he sighs, sitting down and letting her cuddle into his arm.

he had planned to leave once she'd passed out, but it was late, and he was old, so he had ended up just sleeping next to her anyways. the sun's rays the next morning pierce his eyes, and he sighs softly, waking up next to her. he swallows thickly, watching the way the sun hits her form, bathing her exposed skin in orange and amber.

the moment is broken by her startling awake. for a moment, she sighs happily, thinking that this was just a continuation of her dream about logan, where she wakes up next to him after a night of great sex, and they both live happily ever after. then she blinks.

his bicep feels bigger than in the dream, his face looks a little more real, he's- real?!

she squeaks, immediately sitting up.

"logan?"

"don't go getting any ideas in your head." he immediately defends, sighing. "you called me last night."

she bites her lip.

"you took me home?"

"put you in bed too. then ya fucking kept me on ya like a boa." he's joking, but she still struggles to tell between his grumpy voice and his joking grumpy voice.

"fuck, i'm really sorry, must have ruined your night-" she starts, and he gets up, ruffling her hair.

"it's okay. better knowing you were safe." it leaves her a little star struck, especially when he then goes to continue making the omelette she had tried to make last night.

he's cooking for her for once and she gets such a nice view of his broad back in that wife-beater. maybe things aren't that bad.

knowing how she always texts if she's out late, he's a bit confused to come home to an empty room. he huffs, trying not to panic, but he can't help how much he care for the girl. he leans back, lounging on the couch.

as an hour passes with no texts, he's about to get up and ... do something. look for her, call her - something.

just then, she walks through the door, purse dropping on the floor with a thud.

that's an attitude he hadn't seen before. she looks like a deer in headlights when she notices that he is in fact home.

"o-oh." she blinks, quickly picking up the purse, as if to console it. "wade said you weren't home." logan raises a brow, a little curious why the other man would say that.

"long day?" he finally comments, and she breathes out.

"shit day." she corrects. logan's brow furrows.

"hmm." he murmurs, stretching his arm out over the back of the couch. an open invitation. she hesitates but... he looks warm.

conservatively, she sits beside him, hands in her lap. she's not even paying attention to whatever channel logan has on as background noise.

theres maybe 5 solid minutes of silence.

finally, she sighs.

"i'm gonna go to bed." she murmurs softly, getting up. logan wraps his fingers around her palm.

"talk to me." he mumbles gruffly, and she knows that's a pretty big first step for him. she bites her lip, sitting back down, and takes a deep breath.

"got stood up." it's little more than a whisper, and she feels a pout forming on her lips, which she tries to reverse, to little avail. it's silent again, and she wonders if logan heard her.

of course, he did - spending a moment processing who the hell would stand her up.

"i'm sorry." his rough fingers press over hers, comforting, and she can't help but sink more into him than the couch cushions.

it feels nice, more right than the kisses she'd shared with the guy she'd been seeing.

"whatever." she tries to mumble, trying not to show her hurt.

"he's an idiot." his hand slips around her shoulders, and he can feel her pulse quicken.

"i'm an idiot."

"he's an idiot." he repeats sternly. "who was he?" she bites her lip.

"some... guy." logan suppresses a scoffing bark.

"not if he's got you like this." he looks down at her. she's ashamed to look up at him.

"i don't know... i just really liked him. i thought he liked me too." she feels a tear slip out, and logan's fist squeezes in anger as he sees her quickly wipe it away.

"he should be singin' his prayers that he even got your attention." that makes her giggle - strained, but there. he prefers the sound to her defeated mumbles. "look at me." he murmurs, taking her chin and angling it to face him. his eyes travel down to the cute dress she'd put on for her date - low cut, perfectly form fitting, "he's a fucking idiot." he whispers, hand slipping down to her waist.

"yeah?" she whispers, significantly less focused on aforementioned 'fucking idiot' now.

"yeah, princess." he murmurs, hand gently running up and down her side. he knows he shouldn't, but he can practically feel the jump of her heart at the endearment. "you like that? princess?" his voice almost has a teasing lilt, and her lids flutter at the difference in tension from 2 minutes ago.

"a little." her face looks so bashful, so unsure. after that depressing feeling of not being wanted - god, he wants to pull her out of that so bad.

"should be treated like a princess." she shifts imperceptibly closer.

"got a guy who'll do that for me?" she teases, and logan scoffs softly.

"you know i do." his voice carries that gruffness even with how quiet he is, speaking into the small space between their lips. "you know, princess."

she breathes out shakily, leaning forward, when logan pulls her chin, pressing his lips to hers. she whimpers softly, finding her hands and placing them at his nape, not wanting to let go. it's not rough, but needy, his other hand slipping to the hem of her dress on her thigh. she hums into his lips, as he pulls away, a little breathless.

"don't - we shouldn't." he whispers, and a pout graces her lips - a proper one.

"why?"

"yer upset." he sighs, but doesn't move away.

"about?" she says playfully, having fully forgotten about her evening; she'd been waiting for this for so long. he lets out a gruff bark of a laugh, pulling her closer, and she adjusts, getting on his lap.

"come on, bub." he scolds again, and she hums, leaning down to kiss him.

"please?" she whispers, against his lips. he groans.

"jesus, what're y'doin' to me?" his head tilts back, and she giggles, exhilarated that she's got him like this. her hands trail down his arms - god, his arms - tracing the veins, somehow always bulging, as she gently leans forward again, kissing him. this time, theres a bit more tongue, and he pulls her closer roughly, gnashing their teeth together. she moans softly into his mouth, fingers finding his rough palm. he grips them tight - not enough to hurt, but just enough to show that he's holding back.

"i'm not made of glass." she teases, and he scoffs softly.

"i could snap ya'n half." his mumble finds his way back into her lips, and she has to control herself to not showhow much the little quip affected her.

"maybe i want you to."

"jesus." he flips her over, onto her back, "got this pretty little dress on, fuck, that guy's an idiot." his hands travel down her thighs, and she bites her lip, a massive grin on her face.

"you like it?" she murmurs softly, playing with the strap of her dress.

"whadya think?" he huffs, and she giggles.

"and if i told you i got it for you?" logan presses a hot kiss to the side of her thigh.

"i'd tell ya to get a dozen more." his lips move up her thigh slowly, and she lets out a shaky breath.

"god, logan." her whispers of his name are like music to his ear, and he leaves a small bite by the hem of her dress.

"gotta tell me if i hurt you." he mutters, more seriously, and she smiles.

"only fun if it hurts."

"i'm serious, princess." she relents.

"i'll tell you." he sighs in content, gently riding her dress off.

"this okay?"

"more than okay." she helps him, pulling the dress over her hips, her lacy panties peeking under the fabric. when he spends just a bit too long staring, she giggles, "you can touch." she affirms, and he barks out a gruff lap.

"could'a guessed that much." his fingers trace the hem of them, travelling down her inner thighs. her breath hitches, and she gently rolls her hips, desperate for more.

"please, logan." she whispers, breathing a bit labored. though he'd love to tease, he's getting desperate too.

"gotta tell me what ya want, princess." he murmurs, and she bites her lip, almost shy again. it's cute.

"touch me?" she murmurs, almost like it's a favor she's asking. he kisses her thigh again, before gently peeling the panties off. he lets out a soft groan at how slick she is, fingers catching her arousal as they travel down her slit. she lets out a shocked gasp - practically a moan - and he fucking loves it.

`'need them, princess?" he smirks at her, and she nods, almost pathetically.

"god, i do." he obliges, gently prodding her entrance with his middle finger. he slips in with little resistance, but jesus, he can feel how tight she is.

"fuck, yer gonna be the death of me, princess." he groans softly, and she lets out a breathy giggle.

"thought that doesn't happen to you?"

"well, never had a girl as pretty as you." he murmurs, slipping another finger in. she flushes, back arching as his fingers do, body warm as she rocks her hips in time with his ministrations.

"faster?" she begs softly, and he could never say no to those big doe eyes. he starts moving faster, her slick absolutely coating his fingers, and she moans louder, hips moving in a more stuttered rhythm.

"like that?" that teasing lilt is in his voice, and she nods furiously.

"j-just like that-" she stammers, mind already foggy, "god, i'm close, please don't stop."

"not in a million years, princess." she lets out a loud moan as she can feel herself unraveling, the orgasm so powerful that her thighs shake around him as she cums. she pants as he helps her ride through it.

"good girl, just like that, princess," he consoles, "so fuckin' pretty for me, ain't cha?" he grins, as she starts to come down. as her breathing slows, so too do his fingers, before slowly sliding them out of her. he gently rubs her clit, just to see her jolt at the stimulation, before chuckling, and placing his soaked fingers onto his tongue.

she lets out another moan as she watches him, with lidded eyes.

"i'll cum again." she warns, playfully, and he's gleeful. she tastes like fruit.

"i plan on it, princess." she feels her cheeks warm.

"that's the hardest i've cum in a while." she admits shyly.

"sounded like it." he teases, but before they can get anything else out, there's banging on the wall that connected them to wade and blind al.

"these walls are paper thin!" al's screech sounds a little traumatized, and her scolding make both her and logan whip around, embarrassed.

"for once in my life, i agree with her! shut up, lovebirds, i wanna fucking sleep!" wade's voice is equally exasperated.

there's silence, until she calls back a bashful, "sorry!" she turns to logan, almost laughing, but still flushed with shame. "maybe we should stop. he scoffs.

"nah, just means i gotta teach ya to be quiet."

safe to say, she's not thinking at all about her date tonight.

[balsee]

Hear me out? What if reader gave Sanji an apron that says “Kiss The Chef” she got it as ‘a joke’ and now, any time he makes/cooks something for the crew he only puts it on just for her and asks for a kiss before he gives her a plate of food. 🤣

I HEAR YOU LOUD AND CLEAR! <33

It started as a joke.

It's nearly lunchtime on the Thousand Sunny, and you innocently make your way from your bedroom onto the deck, holding your purchase behind your back. The rest of your crew was so wrapped up in their own leisurely pleasures that you walk by them, completely unnoticed, and make a beeline for the kitchen. Upon entering, you see Sanji putting together a plate of finger sandwiches, and he doesn't even notice as you walk up to him; he's much too focused on putting little garnishes on the plate. (Cucumber roses, you notice. You could die on the spot it's so cute).

You clear your throat. "Sanji?"

He glances up from his work, and immediately breaks out into a grin. You'll never get over that, how easy it is for Sanji to smile at the sight of you. It's as if your mere presence alone was enough to make him happy, and while you were never the self-deprecating type, never did you think that you would have that sort of affect on someone.

"Yes, darling?" He asks, wiping his hands on a dish towel. "Lunch is almost ready, but if you're hungry now, I can give you a small plate of fruit salad until it's time to eat."

You smile. "No, thank you, Sanji. Actually, I have something for you."

At this, Sanji blinks. "You do?"

"Yup!" you're starting to fidget, unable to tamper down a giddy, goofy smile, and he notices.

"What is it, love?" he asks with a laugh, and you bounce on the balls of your feet before you pull your hands from behind your back in a dramatic flourish.

It's a pink apron, with the words, "Kiss the Cook" in black cursive printed across the front; a red kiss mark replacing the dot of the letter 'i.' "Ta-da!" you sing, brandishing the apron. "Do you like it?"

Sanji seems at a loss for words, and whatever he's currently feeling, he manages to mask. "Where did you get this?"

"At that spring island we left yesterday," you explain. "I saw it in a window when I was shopping with Nami, and I thought it was perfect for you."

"F-for me?"

"Yes, silly, it's a gift!"

You're expecting Sanji to get embarrassed, or to take it in a way that clearly shows he's forcing himself to like it; but to your surprise, he positively melts.

"You got me a gift?" his voice is almost awed, and before you can say anything, he takes the apron from you. "Thank you, darling, really." You're a little taken aback, he's so sincere that you laugh.

"It was a joke, Sanji. A gag gift. I don't expect you to wear it."

"Of course I'm going to wear it!" he insists, and his usual lovesick enthusiasm comes back. "A beautiful, enchanting lady bought it for me! How could I deny such a heartfelt display from you?" and then to prove his point, he puts the apron on. "See? It's perfect."

***

You soon realize that the apron poses a problem. Sanji isn't embarrassed to be seen with it on, far from it, actually. But when Zoro made some crack about him being 'whipped' one evening in regards to the apron, Sanji had kicked him out of the kitchen after dinner was over, claiming that the "empty-headed, brain-dead" swordsman was too stupid to understand the importance of such a gift. And while you were happy Sanji ended up liking your little joke, a new problem starts to surface.

He'll put the apron on only for you, and tries to get a kiss.

"Y'know, for a simple kiss, I can sneak you another slice of cake." he said one night, when the dishes were cleaned and he was piping frosting along a pound cake.

"In your dreams, Sanji." you sing, and swipe a finger of icing before heading to the door.

He had tried several times after that, so sly and genuine that you almost felt bad for shooting him down. On his fourth attempt, he begs outright, completely and utterly shameless.

"Can't you see what you're doing to me, Mon coeur?" he asks, a steaming plate of paella in one hand yet to be given to you. "A kiss from you would mean the world to me, there's nothing else that would compare." he leans in ever so slightly, slightly pink-faced and pleading; there's a ruined look on his face that has your blood spiking dangerously. "What more do I have to do, sweet thing?"

You scrutinize him closely. Seconds tick by.

Sanji starts to compose himself, an easy smile on his face, as if he hadn't just made a fool of himself mere seconds ago, and his voice is soft. "Ah, don't worry, I'm just teasing. Perhaps another time--"

Before you can back out, you lean forward and kiss him, true and sweet. Time stops in a moment of pure perfection before it resumes. In a flash you pull away, but the soft feeling of his lips against yours remains. "There you go!" you smile at him, as cheerful as ever, and quickly take the paella from his hands before heading to the door. Normally, you don't eat food on the deck aside from sweets, but you want to hide your shaking hands and the incredible blush rising to your face.

As the door swings shut behind you, Sanji all but collapses onto the counter, and thinks that he's never been more grateful for a joke.

[ai-manre]

The women in asoiaf and their desire to find safety, to make safety, in a world that doesn't empower them to keep themselves safe, in a world oh so cruel to women. In a world that tells them its the men's job to keep them safe.

When she was done, Drogo was frowning. "This is the way of war. These women are our slaves now, to do with as we please."

"It pleases me to hold them safe," Dany said, wondering if she had dared too much. "If your warriors would mount these women, let them take them gently and keep them for wives. Give them places in the khalasar and let them bear you sons." - Dany VII, AGOT

"The time for that is past, my lady," Mirri said. "All I can do now is ease the dark road before him, so he might ride painless to the night lands. He will be gone by morning."

Her words were a knife through Dany's breast. What had she ever done to make the gods so cruel? She had finally found a safe place, had finally tasted love and hope. She was finally going home. And now to lose it all … "No," she pleaded. "Save him, and I will free you, I swear it. You must know a way … some magic, some …" - Dany VIII, AGOT

Again the shouting began. Catelyn sat despairing. She had come so close, she thought. They had almost listened, almost … but the moment was gone. There would be no peace, no chance to heal, no safety. - Catelyn XI, AGOT

Sometimes men went to sleep safe in their beds and were found dead in the morning, all burnt up. Arya didn't really believe that, and anyhow it had all happened a long time ago. Hot Pie was being silly; it wouldn't be ghosts at Harrenhal, it would be knights. Arya could reveal herself to Lady Whent, and the knights would escort her home and keep her safe. That was what knights did; they kept you safe, especially women. Maybe Lady Whent would even help the crying girl. - Arya IV, ACOK

She flew along the river walk, past the small kitchen, and through the pig yard, her hurried footsteps lost beneath the squealing of the hogs in their pens. Home, she thought, home, he is going to take me home, he'll keep me safe, my Florian. The songs about Florian and Jonquil were her very favorites. Florian was homely too, though not so old. - Sansa II, ACOK

He was going to take me home, she thought as they dug the old man's hole. There were too many dead to bury them all, but Yoren at least must have a grave, Arya had insisted. He was going to bring me safe to Winterfell, he promised. Part of her wanted to cry. The other part wanted to kick him. - Arya V, ACOK

"I could keep you safe," he rasped. "They're all afraid of me. No one would hurt you again, or I'd kill them." He yanked her closer, and for a moment she thought he meant to kiss her. He was too strong to fight. She closed her eyes, wanting it to be over, but nothing happened. "Still can't bear to look, can you?" she heard him say. He gave her arm a hard wrench, pulling her around and shoving her down onto the bed. "I'll have that song. Florian and Jonquil, you said." His dagger was out, poised at her throat. "Sing, little bird. Sing for your little life." - Sansa VII, ACOK

"I never knew my mother," Brienne said. "My father had ladies . . . a different lady every year, but . . ."

"Those were no ladies," Catelyn said. "As hard as birth can be, Brienne, what comes after is even harder. At times I feel as though I am being torn apart. Would that there were five of me, one for each child, so I might keep them all safe."

"And who would keep you safe, my lady?"

Her smile was wan and tired. "Why, the men of my House. Or so my lady mother taught me. My lord father, my brother, my uncle, my husband, they will keep me safe . . . but while they are away from me, I suppose you must fill their place, Brienne."- Catelyn VI, ACOK

"I am sorry for all the trouble I put you to," she said, "but I have no need of boats and ships now."

"But it's all to see you safe."

"I will be safe in Highgarden. Willas will keep me safe." - Sansa II, ASOS

"We thank you for your hospitality, my lord," Robb replied. Edmure echoed him, along with the Greatjon, Ser Marq Piper, and the others. They drank his wine and ate his bread and butter. Catelyn tasted the wine and nibbled at some bread, and felt much the better for it. Now we should be safe, she thought. - Catelyn VI, ASOS

I was going to take you home! Her dragons sensed her fury. Viserion roared, and smoke rose grey from his snout. Drogon beat the air with black wings, and Rhaegal twisted his head back and belched flame. I should say the word and burn the two of them. Was there no one she could trust, no one to keep her safe? "Are all the knights of Westeros so false as you two? Get out, before my dragons roast you both. What does roast liar smell like? As foul as Brown Ben's sewers? Go!" - Dany V, ASOS

"The only game. The game of thrones." He brushed back a strand of her hair. "You are old enough to know that your mother and I were more than friends. There was a time when Cat was all I wanted in this world. I dared to dream of the life we might make and the children she would give me . . . but she was a daughter of Riverrun, and Hoster Tully. Family, Duty, Honor, Sansa. Family, Duty, Honor meant I could never have her hand. But she gave me something finer, a gift a woman can give but once. How could I turn my back upon her daughter? In a better world, you might have been mine, not Eddard Stark's. My loyal loving daughter . . . Put Joffrey from your mind, sweetling. Dontos, Tyrion, all of them. They will never trouble you again. You are safe now, that's all that matters. You are safe with me, and sailing home." - Sansa V, ASOS

And there was one girl who took to following her, the village elder's daughter. She was of an age with Arya, but just a child; she cried if she skinned a knee, and carried a stupid cloth doll with her everywhere she went. The doll was made up to look like a man-at-arms, sort of, so the girl called him Ser Soldier and bragged how he kept her safe. "Go away," Arya told her half a hundred times. "Just leave me be." She wouldn't, though, so finally Arya took the doll away from her, ripped it open, and pulled the rag stuffing out of its belly with a finger. "Now he really looks like a soldier!" she said, before she threw the doll in a brook. After that the girl stopped pestering her, and Arya spent her days grooming Craven and Stranger or walking in the woods. Sometimes she would find a stick and practice her needlework, but then she would remember what had happened at the Twins and smash it against a tree until it broke. - Arya XII, ASOS

She thought wistfully of Highgarden with its courtyards and musicians, and the pleasure barges on the Mander; a far cry from this bleak shore. At least I am safe here. Joffrey is dead, he cannot hurt me anymore, and I am only a bastard girl now. Alayne Stone has no husband and no claim. And her aunt would soon be here as well. The long nightmare of King's Landing was behind her, and her mockery of a marriage as well. She could make herself a new home here, just as Petyr said. - Sansa VI, ASOS

Arya did not like the way they kept surprising her. The hooded man was tall, enveloped in a larger version of the black-and-white robe the girl was wearing. Beneath his cowl all she could see was the faint red glitter of candlelight reflecting off his eyes. "What place is this?" she asked him.

"A place of peace." His voice was gentle. "You are safe here. This is the House of Black and White, my child. Though you are young to seek the favor of the Many-Faced God." - Arya I, AFFC

And Littlefinger was no friend of hers. When Joff had her beaten, the Imp defended her, not Littlefinger. When the mob sought to rape her, the Hound carried her to safety, not Littlefinger. When the Lannisters wed her to Tyrion against her will, Ser Garlan the Gallant gave her comfort, not Littlefinger. Littlefinger never lifted so much as his little finger for her. - Sansa I, AFFC

"As he loved you." Dany stroked the girl's hair. "Say the word, my sweet, and I will send you from this awful place. I will find a ship somehow and send you home. To Naath."

"I would sooner stay with you. On Naath I'd be afraid. What if the slavers came again? I feel safe when I'm with you."

Safe. The word made Dany's eyes fill up with tears. "I want to keep you safe." Missandei was only a child. With her, she felt as if she could be a child too. "No one ever kept me safe when I was little. Well, Ser Willem did, but then he died, and Viserys … I want to protect you but … it is so hard. To be strong. I don't always know what I should do. I must know, though. I am all they have. I am the queen … the … the …" - Dany II, ADWD

Arya's struggle to find a safe place and slowly losing hope over the course of her journey of ever being safe, being unable to trust safety, disbelieving of the very idea that she would be safe.

Sansa's many suitors dangling her safety as a bait to lure her in, her hedging hope after hope on each of them to give her some safety.

Dany who is so desperately yearning for a safe place and person ALL HER LIFE, who has never been kept safe and wants so badly to keep others safe the way she should have been.

Catelyn who'd played by all the rules her society had taught her, every single rule to try to create safety, yet to be betrayed so horribly.

The unsaid promise, the social contract that women should not take up arms and in return they would be protected and kept safe by those around them. They kept their end of the bargain so well, been such good girls and women, and what do they get? That social contract broken in so many ways for all these women.

There is no reward for being a girl, no matter how many promises they make you.

[blank-house]

ohh so you have more cast's lifestyle habits 👀 could you share some without spoilers? some of them are... unexpected lol? i really like the cast, they're all so cool! 🧡

oh, absolutely. i ran these quickly by marina too, so:

percy's in the habit of saying to jamie and elio when they come back to the house: "do you want to have dinner? a bath? or me? ♡" before anyone asks, he'd say that to an mc he's in a serious relationship with but he does like joking he's functionally married to the other two. sometimes, he'll throw in an anata.

if he knows he doesn't have plans for the day, percy will just not leave his bed. man's just fully marinating. he could be convinced out if the impromptu plans develop with a good friend, but otherwise godspeed trying to get him to move.

cameron listens to as many male groups as they do female groups, but there's something about a lady idol doing a run (in a singing context) that makes them have to stop with a hand over their heart and one in the air like they're hearing gospel in a church. it kind of is a religious experience.

to that end, cameron's what the kids call a k-boomer. they listen to the earlier first into second generation bands and are convinced no one will do better. that's groups like shinee, girls generation, 2ne1, so on. no, i'm not projecting.

elio will never take more than one trip to carry groceries. ever.

elio has a tendency to treat the kitchen like his personal one-man orchestra. he'll slap a pan before he uses it or purposefully clink his dishes together (which is why some of them are noticeably chipped) or rattle spoons as he's putting them away or using them.

as part of the "napping with percy" saga, jamie finds himself being used as furniture more often than not in their own house. the others might put something in his hands to hold, or they might just drape themselves across his lap if he's sitting on the couch. he once famously was a coat hanger and glorified ladder.

jamie would be considered a world-class bargain hunter and likes going to farmer's markets and swap meets. he won't negotiate with the hard work of farmers, but he will negotiate down to the dime at a swap meet. he does have a fanny pack and a wide-brimmed hat to protect his delicate skin every sunday.

chores with deja is a war of attrition. as long as you do your part, she won't say anything. but, say you leave your dishes in the sink. she'll do the same and she'll keep doing it until you're both eating cereal out of a mug. keep the sink clean or she'll kill you.

deja doesn't keep a running tally on how much she's spent on food. she kind of just works on the pay schedule of "i owe roughly 12 dinners, and am owed 15 dinners" between her, mc, cameron and reynah. this also applies to drinks.

reynah's favorite fruits are coconuts, pineapples and watermelons. not because she has any preference for their taste. but, she just kind of gets a kick out of the process of breaking them down so she can eat them. cracking open a coconut's hard. pineapples have all those eyes. watermelons are huge.

while she isn't messy, reynah does have the habit of leaving half-finished seltzer bottles everywhere. it's just a lot of drink and she just kind of forgets to keep drinking them when she gets pulled away to do something or another. if asked, though, she'll say it's not because she's forgetful but that the first few sips are peak carbonation. everything after isn't as appealing.

[possessionisamyth]

exactly one person asked for a men's list when it came to my cooking headcanons list for the ladies so here ya go!

Chris Redfield- Actually a decent home cook because he was old enough to want to give Claire some of their mom's cooking when he could. Unfortunately, any time he tries a new recipe for the first time he burns it. The second or third time things come out fine, but the first time he does something new he's opening windows to let out the pan smoke or returning to coals in the oven.

Barry Burton- His wife does all the cooking as he's hopeless in the kitchen, but since they got married she's never had to wash a single dish. He always made sure there's a working dishwasher in their house for when he's away too long to do his usual chore.

Albert Wesker- Can make the fanciest looking food in the world. We're talking Michelin star $100 a plate in appearance only. His dishes have zero flavor. They taste. No one understands how this happens.

Leon Kennedy- Breakfast King. I know the line in damnation is too overused, but breakfast is actually the easiest way to start learning how to cook. Box mix pancakes, bacon, sausage, and eggs, all require him to put something in a pan on low to medium heat with some oil and poke it around until it's done. There's little effort exerted in monitoring since that's half his real job anyway. Of course it translates to cooking. He's perfected the timing. Everything else is take-out though.

Carlos Oliveira- He had no idea how to cook until he got out of Raccoon City and went home to his family. He tried learning from his mama, but she'd always take the knife or pan from him, so he learned from a sibling and is pretty good at it. He makes a lot of marinades, so the blender is his friend.

Luis Serra Navarro- Absolutely under no circumstances does this man belong in a kitchen. He will concoct the most wretched smelling health food that's full of vitamins, minerals, and "a healthy dash of vinegar for flavor". He's wonderful to have at the dinner table, but never at the stove. Makes a real tasty cup of coffee though.

Jack Krauser- For some ungodly reason, this man can take someone's most hated foods and make them taste good. No idea what the hell he does to it as he will kick everyone out of the kitchen until he's done, but he's just like that. Barely cooks not because he hates it, but because he has to be in the mood.

Piers Nivans- He's the king of the grill. Will lecture anyone in earshot about the important difference between gas, charcoal, or wood when it comes to maintaining the flavor of the meat. He also believes salt and pepper are all you need for a great burger which must be cooked to medium at the hottest lest it lose it's tenderness.

Jake Muller- Salads, smoothies, and overnight oats, he's the one making meals that are able to be eaten fast or on the go. Fruit counts as a dessert to him. He does enjoy experimenting by eating the "weird" or most unfriendly tourist foods while he travels so he has something to brag about, even though he could never figure out how to cook any of it himself.

Ethan Winters- He tries his best. He'll help Mia in the kitchen with food prep or clean up. He makes good dips for chips, has a delicious cookie recipe, and researched how to make baby food for when Rosemary stopped being breastfed. This somehow translated into him figuring out how to make very good custards and parfaits. Although, he got super frustrated trying to figure out how to make bread and has given up the fight.

i will happily do this again for any characters not on either of my lists since i love cooking and baking, and this is fun to think about

[dehydration-stati0n]

Strawhats living together HCs (Modern AU)

The strawhats living in a house together.. ha

Rules Word Count: 1.1k Spoilers: None

Luffy

The crew has to constantly send someone to the store cause this man won't stop eating everything in the fridge

The cops get called to the house by the neighbors for all the noise Luffy makes

His room is arguably the dirtiest in the entire house. Like there's actual clumps of dirt in the carpet.

The neighbors hate him, but the bugs hanging around his room sure don't

He, Usopp, Franky, and occasionally Chopper he cries when he loses will sit in the living room and play Super Smash Bros or smth

Sometimes the crew will lock him outside in the backyard

Fell off the roof once

He has clothes all over the floor in every room. Clothes in the living room, clothes in the kitchen, and he probably has socks in the yard.

There was almost a petition signed to kick him out of the neighborhood

Zoro

They had to throw him and Luffy into a room to avoid making the other rooms smell bad, but he doesn't even really sleep in there, he just kinda passes out in the hallway.

He uses his shared room to work out in so it constantly smells like sweat

He's one of those people who like to sit on their front porch and drink beer. Franky probably sits out there with him too with his coke

Usopp and Nami make him do all the yard work like mowing the yard or raking leaves

Only thing he contributes to the house is tiddies forced labor. Won't be much help in anything else.

Leaves the toilet seat up

Offered to help clean once and now there's a closet that's so full that it'll be like an avalanche the next time someone opens it

Probably orders takeout to piss off Sanji but then reluctantly apologizes when he runs out of money and wants to eat

Nami

so close to setting this place on fire

she pays the bills every month since she doesn't trust some of the others to get it done other than Robin and Jinbei

Constantly has to apologize to the neighbors

"You'll owe me 100$ if Smoker shows up again."

I could see her fostering kids? Like she comes back to the house with Momonosuke or Tama or any of those random kids they always have with them and they'll just live in the house for a little.

She manages their garden with Usopp

Forces Luffy and Zoro to clean their bathroom/room

She'll bribe some of the crew members with money to do chores but she has never paid them and never will

Usopp

The one constantly getting sent to the store

Has a lot of plants in his room

He bought 2 dartboards, one for Franky's garage and the other for his and Chopper's room

Most of them come to get him if there's a spider

He and Chopper have a shared hat collection

Only one who vacuums the place

Whenever something breaks or goes out in the house, Franky will teach Usopp how to fix it

Bro bought a ridiculous amount of blankets (mostly for Zoro and Brook who sleep anywhere except their rooms)

Sanji

He'll host a neighborhood barbeque every once in a while to show off to the ladies

All of his products take up half of the sink in one of the bathrooms

There's a drawer in the kitchen that's full of his cigarettes

Makes them take 'Family photo' type pictures so the walls aren't completely bare.

Only calm on Tuesdays

He wants to get a dog for the house

Says he hates the kids Nami fosters but he's always seen playing games with them and teaching them how to cook

They have a homeless man living in their front yard because Sanji fed him once (it's barto)

Chopper

Had Dr. Kurhea sign a permission slip for him before he moved in

it's a good thing he's there cause otherwise, Zoro would've died of liver failure

Has bunk beds with Usopp

He puts the crew's Christmas tree up right after Halloween

Checks the mail every morning and gets so excited when something's addressed to him

He'll write a script and then get Brook and Usopp to put on a play for the rest of the crew

Was so excited when his family photo made it on one of the walls in Franky's garage

Robin

In the mornings, she'll sit in the kitchen with Sanji and Jinbei and read

Has a mug collection and it's overflowing some of the cabinets

decorated the house to make it look nice but it went downhill fast when everyone moved in so now she just cleans up here and there

puts letters in the mail addressed to Chopper just to see him happy

She also sits at the table and helps Chopper with his homework when he comes home from school

Franky renovated the house and made her a library

The neighbors are a little scared of her after talking to her for a little at one of Sanji's barbeques

Franky

He was the one who suggested the idea of living together cause he liked the idea of living in a frat house with everyone

The garage was turned into his SUPER cool man cave

man's fr got bazookas and those really funny propaganda posters hanging on the wall

It's where he sleeps

He bought a mini fridge for it and its filled with coke and milk

Has like 5 cars that everyone can use, they run well too since he built them himself

They have the best security and wifi systems because of him

Way too loud in the mornings

The dinner table is always covered with his stuff.

Brook

Has concerts in Franky's garage. He put a disco ball in there specifically for that

He also just kinda sleeps wherever, usually on the couch tho

Has a huge fish tank with only one fish. It's named Laboon and it's his pride and joy

Gets too excited about Halloween and spends all their money on candy

Leaves the chip bags open and they always go stale

Blast's music without realizing it sometimes

Bought a coat rack for the front door but he's the only one who uses it

Jinbei

the only thing keeping this house together

His room is always clean

he will sometimes make breakfast if Sanji is feeling tired

reads stories to the kids Nami fosters Robin does too but then they can't sleep

Has one of those designated dad rocking chairs

He probably wakes up the earliest to make coffee for everyone except Luffy, who's banned from having caffeine

Lines everyone's shoes neatly at the door

He probably sews festive sweaters for everyone during any holiday

//Overall//

it's a fucking madhouse

good news is, they don't have to worry about anyone breaking in

bad news is, CPS is always getting called on them

it's a warzone whenever they eat because of Luffy

Holidays are always a blast

A few arguments but it's an all-around good time

[traumadumpwriter]

Heavy trigger warning! This story includes heavy themes of ab*se, r*pe, self h*rm, mental illness and violence.

You can check out the other chapters by going on the Freedom tag on my page!

All likes and comments are massively appreciated

Freedom: A John Shelby mini fic

Chapter Six: 5310 words

A week passed and there had yet to be another date. In fact, the pair had hardly seen each other.

John and Tommy had been in Manchester for a few nights, just coming back that morning and much to Alice's dismay; John said nothing when he finally walked into the kitchen. Everyone was sat eating breakfast, watching the two blood stained men pace across the room. John didn't even give Alice a look of acknowledgment as she smiled up at him.

Arthur and Polly shot each other a seemingly knowing look. He stood up and immediately paced into the office, slamming the door behind him as he did.

"What's going on? Is John okay?" Alice asked Polly with concern.

The older woman could see the budding love and affection Alice had for her nephew, just from looking into her eyes when she said his name. It partially subsided any worries she might've had about the girl breaking his heart in the destructive manner she'd once been known for.

"I'm sure he'll be fine." She nodded with a drag from her cigarette, although she herself was also slightly concerned. It was business that she'd told them not to do and they did it anyway. If something terrible had happened then that was on their conscious and not hers - so she decided not to check immediately, at least not in front of Alice.

The younger woman was fighting every urge inside her body; to shout at Polly, to curse at her, to demand the truth, to run into the office and see for herself. A few years ago it would've been her instant response with no after thought. But alas, things had changed, so she sat in silence and finished her breakfast before promptly leaving to head to The Garrison.

It was a couple hours until opening but there was some cleaning and stock taking that needed doing. And besides, she liked being there. The silent mornings in that pub, sun shining through the tinted windows and all doors locked, had become a therapeutic time for Alice - the only time she was ever really alone.

Counting the till was tedious though this particular morning, her mind racing with angry thoughts of Polly and worried ones for John. His expression was something she'd never seen on him before and she could only assume the worst, thinking perhaps he'd brutally killed someone or seen something awful.

"Or maybe he's found another lady while he was away." The insecure thoughts began to seep in. "Maybe they're gonna kick you out because of it and that's why they all looked at each other funny."

She couldn't help but feel extremely betrayed at the imaginary notion, thinking back to the private things she'd told him and now starting to question if he'd have told anyone the things she said. This was the first time she'd ever doubted his care was true since that night; insecurity and paranoia suddenly seeping in by the gallon. Rationally, she knew that his mood that morning was probably unrelated to her- he did lead a rather tumultuous lifestyle after all. But now that seed had been planted it started to quickly grow, forming into a big, tangly, sharp thorn bush.

It was a few hours of the thorns digging into her brain until she finally gave in and physically reacted, heading to the utensil drawer. There was one particularly sharp knife that she'd desperately wanted to steal, small but with a weighted wooden handle it fit perfectly into her palm when she'd used it to cut lemons once under Harry's watchful eye. She could tell that he would immediately notice if it went missing and definitely know who took it - the answer was stupidly obvious.

The clock struck eleven and she knew that she'd have to unlock the doors in an hour and deal with customers or even worse; if she weren't quick Arthur or Harry could arrive at any time and catch her in the act. A split second decision was made and she found herself in the lavatory, the knife in her hand and blood dripping down the sides of her thighs into the toilet bowl below.

It was deeply satisfying for her to see and feel. Having not given in to her urges for the last few nights, it almost felt like she had a surplus of blood and perhaps more was coming out than usual. Or maybe it was because of how sharp the knife was. She couldn't tell.

Either way, the woman sat in silence for a minute as she watched the red liquid flow, the thorns finally shrivelling and the bad thoughts stopping.

However, her moment of comfort was cut short as she heard the back door being unlocked and a moment later Harry's voice.

"Alice? You in?" He spoke loudly to be heard in all rooms.

"Fucking typical." She muttered to herself before starting to dab at the wound.

It then occurred to her that she didn't have a rag or bandage to wrap around her leg, and nothing to stop the bleeding other than thin strips of toilet paper. There was a first aid box under the bar, but then she would have to explain why she needed it to Harry. 

"Fuck!" She hissed, looking down at the blood that was still pouring out.

"Alice?" Harry called again through the building and she knew she couldn't keep ignoring him.

"Yeah, I'm just in the ladies!" She shouted, scraping her brain for an idea until like an arrow one shot into her head.

"Do you think you could bring the first aid box in here?"

He brought it to the door although suspicious and questioned "Why do you need it?" to which she immediately responded "I-I'm on the rag! It's just started and it's super heavy and I didn't bring anything-"

"Alright, alright." He cut her off "Box is outside, save me the detail next time."

Alice could've squealed in excitement, so pleased that her plan had worked. She awkwardly bent around the door to retrieve the box before sitting back down in the toilet and wrapping the cut.

—————

She had no more wins that day; every minute dragging and every customer being ten times worse than usual. There had been two separate incidents of wildly inappropriate sexual harassment, both being removed from the premises but still leaving Alice feeling vulnerable.

The first one, a man had had the nerve to grope Alice's arse as she was bringing out drinks. She instantly put the drinks down and slapped him  across his bloated face before getting him kicked out.  The second one had been another drunk man - this one considerably more so. He decided to get his penis out and shake it at Alice whilst his friends stood and laughed at him, instantly getting the whole group kicked out.

This time, she didn't immediately react. Staring in shock at the man's genitals, her mind shot into all of it's darkest corners before settling in one - Jones.

So now she stood, wiping down the bar as the end of the day neared closer. Harry had picked up on her vibe shift since that incident and slightly worried, offered for her to go home. But she declined, desperate to earn every single penny she could and get out of Small Heath on her own accord.

All of a sudden, John, Tommy and Arthur stepped into the pub, not a word leaving their mouths as they headed straight into their booth. Alice hadn't even thought about John in hours, distracted by her traumatic memories and the rage she felt for them. He sent her a quick nod, his face just as void of emotion as it was that morning, instantly adding those worries back into the boiling pot.

"At least he acknowledged my existence this time." She thought bitterly to herself, her scrubbing getting more intense by the minute.

Meanwhile in the cubby, the three men were still trying to perfect a plan to deal with some business that had gone wrong. John and Tommy had travelled to meet a business partner but were ambushed and barely made it out, leaving John rather shook up as he truly thought he was going to see his brother die that morning. It also brought some of his own mortality into perspective and had his mind focused on ideas for the near future rather than waiting any longer.

There was a sense of dread hanging over the men's heads until they started drinking, Harry handing them pints through the partition door whilst Alice cleaned until it got late and he left.

By now the men were ordering whiskey and it was Alice handing them through the partition. John watched her soft hands pass the glasses to Arthur's rough hands and felt slight unease, wishing that she were sat in the booth beside him rather than on the other side of the wall serving him.

Alice wasn't thinking much of that though, her mind preoccupied and her face remaining blank. She hadn't even bothered trying to be polite to David when he swaggered in just a few minutes after the Blinders, already pissed.

"You look fucking incredible today may I say Miss Shepherd." He grinned, slamming some change on the counter "Get me a rum n coke!"

She rolled her eyes, making the drink, handing it to him and taking his money in silence.

"What's got your knickers in a twist? On the rag or something?" He chortled, earning a harsh glare but still she kept silent.

There was another group of men in the pub, loudly chatting from their sprawled positions across the tables. None of them seemed to notice the exchange, even as David grew annoyed by her silence.

"Alright then slag, I'll fuck off." He scoffed, standing up and skulking towards the corner booth.

She didn't care enough to acknowledge that either, her eyes remaining transfixed on the bar in a trance like state as she scrubbed the same spot again and again.

About half an hour later, the large group of men left. Alice nearly didn't even notice their departure; the dark thoughts entirely ravenous at this point, eating at her brain. She'd even opened a tab for herself, pouring shots of vodka and whiskey to have in between every task. It was no help for thoughts, but it made her feel slightly more in control somehow.

Her brain was in a particularly nasty spiral, the woman focused blankly on the till, until she suddenly heard the sound of something breaking, causing her head to shoot up in shock.

David was the only one left in the pub besides the Shelby's in their private booth and the noise certainly hadn't come from them.

"I dropped my glass, sorry." The man slurred, earning another eye roll from Alice as he stared at her from across the room.

With a huff, she picked up the dustpan and brush from under the bar and headed towards him, sharply glaring. He had a smug smirk on his face that only pissed her off more, mentally mocking him. She hesitantly bent down and started to collect the pieces of glass, feeling his eyes jabbing at her body her like daggers.

"Stupid fucking prick I ought to-" her thought was cut off by his hand suddenly grabbing the back of her head and pulling it towards his crotch. His other hand was preoccupied with getting his dick out of his trousers.

The panic that instantly shot through her once she realised what he was attempting to do gave her an intense rush of adrenaline and rage - something she hadn't felt in a while.

"Get the fuck off me!" She shouted, shoving him away although he soon stood back up as she looked around for something to attack him with.

This noise instantly got the attention of the Shelby brother's, who all shot up from their seats and darted out of the booth. Already though, Alice had picked up a bottle and swung it at the man's head, causing him to stumble back again for a moment.

"I should fucking kill you!" She let out a guttural scream, picking up a wooden chair and going to throw it at him before a pair of arms suddenly enveloped around her and pulled her away, only sending her into more of a panic.

Desperately, she started to kick and punch at whoever was holding her, screaming as her adrenaline increased. It was only when she heard John's gentle coo that she realised who's arms were holding her back, slowing her attack slightly.

"Alice calm down. What's happened?" He said softly but still she didn't calm down, bubbling with rage as she stared at the man in front of her.

"She's fucking mental is what happened." David slurred, drawing the attention and loosening John's grip for just a second. Instantly the brothers noticed his undone flies and cockhead poking out of the gap, quickly turning their confusion to anger.

But before they could react, Alice took that second of distraction and broke from John's grip, grabbing one of the bigger glass shards from the ground and lunging at David like a hungry tiger. Everything moved in slow motion for John. The glass cut David's face deeply and in a split second he stupidly reacted by striking her with such force that it sent the woman to the ground.

She was ready to get up and continue attacking, but John and Arthur had leapt on the man and Tommy was holding her back, the guilt he felt about Jamie's promise weighing heavily in that moment. Her breathing was erratic, making deep panting sounds and she desperately tried to escape his grip - having no luck, no matter how hard her arms punched and and legs kicked.

"You're safe Alice. You're safe. You're fine." He kept repeating, trying to comfort her but she could only hear Jones' voice.

"Get the fuck off me! I'm not your fucking wife!" She screamed so fearfully and loudly, that it caused John to turn from the bloody, beaten man on the floor to look at the pair.

It was clear to him what was happening; like what would happen with Danny Wizzbang but not about war - about men. Tommy seemed to pick up on it too, trying to ground her like he did with Danny but his foreign touch feeling invasive and instead triggering her more.

"Don't fucking touch me!" She screamed again, shoving Tommy off her as he loosened his grip.

Arthur was still noisily beating David in the corner, mostly oblivious to the happenings behind him whilst his brothers eyes stayed locked on Alice, who was looking around the room manically as she backed away towards the bar; a mix of distress and rage plastered across her face.

All of the voices in her head were shouting at max volume; violence, fear, trauma, anger. Every bad urge she'd had separately throughout the day was now morphing into one intense need and she quickly rushed behind the bar before one of the brothers could stop her.

Of course they turned and rushed towards the woman, but before they could take a step further Alice pulled out the weighted knife and held it firmly in her hand.

John's mind was already racing, full of murderous rage for the scumbag that he'd just beaten - now it was full of intense concern for the woman in front of him. The mad gleam in her eyes was something he hadn't seen since she was a reckless teenager but now it was even more mad - aided by the deep hurt behind them.

Seeing the shiny, silver blade pressed against her small, scarred wrist instantly made John extremely anxious. The cloud of worry that had been hung over his head all day felt like nothing compared to the fear watching Alice putting herself in harms way.

"Don't fucking do any-" he began to loudly plead but as an instant protest Alice swiftly ran the blade along her left arm, blood immediately gushing out.

He and Tommy both flinched, disturbed by how she didn't react. Neither of them knew exactly what to do, it becoming abundantly clear that if they got any closer she would make another cut.

"Let me cut off his fucking dick." She hissed, holding the knife to her wrist still.

The words went right past John's ears, all he could focus on was her arm and how it needed bandaging up. Blood seemed to gush from it like a waterfall and yet she showed no care, still focused on her rage.

"Put the knife down and give me your fucking arm, Alice." He spoke sternly and loudly but she ignored him, turning to Tommy instead.

"Let me cut his fucking dick off." She hissed again, louder and angrier this time.

Although obviously disturbed by what she wanted to do, he could see that whatever had happened while she was gone had done a true number on her. Maybe letting her mutilate this man would help her somehow - and therefore help to shed some of the guilt he felt?

"Alright, alright. Just put the knife down and bandage your arm. We'll keep him here for you when you're ready." Tommy said slowly, his eyes remaining intensely on hers.

She didn't break eye contact with him, still feeling wound up and animalistic, she panted and gripped the knife tighter. Tommy wasn't someone she particularly trusted - seeing the way he'd manipulate everyone around him and the half kept promise to her dead brother - so she decided against his deal.

"No. I'm going to cut it off now and if any of you come near me I'm going to slit my wrists to the fucking bone. You understand?" She said with gritted teeth, looking around at the three brothers with thinned eyes.

Arthur had stepped away from David by now, the man left bleeding and groaning on the floor. He was instead just as stunned as John and Tommy, knowing she wouldn't take no for an answer.

"Alright." John quickly replied, growing more anxious about her injury by the second. "Just don't bloody hurt yourself again!"

She ignored his plea, keeping the blade pressed tightly against her wrist as she stepped out from the bar.

"Bring him here then." She sent a casual smile to Arthur, who instantly nodded and complied.

It made John feel extremely uneasy and although none of the brothers disagreed with what she was doing, they didn't feel great about it. Soon, David was sat in a chair facing Alice while Arthur held him down. He was covered in bruises and his own blood already and now his shirt had been shoved into his mouth as a gag.

She took a deep breath and pictured it was Jones in that chair, kicking and screaming as he tried to get away from her. Another smile crossed her face and she bent down to be at eye level with him.

"You really thought you could get away with trying to force your vile fucking cock into my fucking mouth?" She shouted that last part, getting close to his face. "Without even asking, how bloody impolite."

His eyes were wide as he stared into hers, regretting every decision he'd made to reach this point.

"Do you really think you deserve to have one now? Because I don't." She scoffed.

David had already pissed himself when he was getting beaten up but he was pissing himself again, screaming louder and trying to resist against Arthur's grip.

Alice on the other hand, was loving every second of it, his fear fuelling her. She slowly started to pull down his boxers, laughing as he tried to kick her off. John couldn't quite believe what he was seeing, it was like every violent outburst she'd had as a kid but a million times worse, yet he couldn't take his eyes away, every movement fascinating him.

In the times he'd spent with Alice recently, she'd been this authentic, strong yet sensitive, angel of a woman. What he saw in front of him now was the true damage of the horrors she'd only partially described yet had been stuck in his mind ever since hearing them; a painful fall back into their reality and just how fucked up it was.

"Of course you think you deserve to keep it. Men like you think you deserve everything." She continued with a venomous hiss, grabbing his cock in one hand while pressing the knife against the base of it with the other. The man was frozen in fear whilst the brothers were frozen in shock.

As soon as she turned the knife so that it's point dug into the skin, the man instantly started to move again; screaming into the gag, his eyes bursting and his legs kicking.

"The thing is..." she slowly started to drag the knife upwards towards the tip "as much as I would love to chop this small, smelly, evil, ugly thing off.." blood started to run heavily from the cut she was making, his screams getting louder by the second. "We all know that you would bleed out in seconds.." the knife had reached just below the tip "And death is far too good for a cunt like you."

John was less shocked than his brothers by her choice, knowing just how sensitive and smart she truly was - although the shock was still there as a big part of him had feared that she'd snapped and this would be the moment to finally cement it. His relief wasn't very substantial compared to the sadness it all made him feel though, and besides - he was far more concerned by her arm than the state of the man she was tormenting,

It became clear that the cut was perhaps deeper than intended as it continued to gush with blood, all down her arm and dripping onto herself, David and the floor. Her skin even started to seem slightly paler and her posture started to sway.

"She's going to fucking bleed out if this goes any slower." John thought, frustrated.

Although before he could get any more impatient, the sound of the knife clattering against the wooden floor suddenly echoed through the thick momentary silence.

"If I ever see you again, I'm going to leave you much more disfigured than just that little cut. You understand? Now leave." She spoke more quietly than before but still through gritted teeth.

David didn't react, making small whimpers into the cloth and his eyes remaining wide.

"I said get out!" She shouted, the sudden change in decibels making the man jump before she scurried out, his hand clasping his genitals and a trail of blood left on the floor.

Everyone stood in stunned silence for a moment except for John, who hastily picked up the knife from the floor before grabbing Alice's arm to look closely at the damage. The cut had started to congeal and dry in spots but was still slowly oozing thick red liquid, making John shoot Tommy a nervous look. His brother instantly unfroze and quickly stepped over to give his own inspection whilst Arthur headed to the bar for the first aid kit.

Like a snap, all of the fight had left Alice now and she stood numbly, ignoring the frantic worry from the men around her. They were talking but she didn't hear any of it, staring over at the bloody mess she'd made, wishing David was Jones and that she'd actually followed through with her words and killed him. Arthur and John had obviously given him a good beating and she'd definitely left a permanent mark on his penis, but that wasn't enough. It didn't make the pain stop.

She wondered if even mutilating the man was worth the tax on her soul. He wasn't Jones, but he was still a pig.

"Why don't I feel any better? Oh well, I've done it now, they're gonna send me to the loony bin. I should've bloody killed him." She thought, slightly amused by herself until John started to violently shake her, getting her attention.

It took a few seconds for her eyes to focus as she looked up at the man, shooting him a confused look.

"What?" She asked, earning a frustrated huff.

"What do you mean what? I've been saying your name for the last bloody minute!" He scoffed, his eyes going from her face and to her arm, which she realised he was wiping with a handkerchief.

He was slow and delicate with it, his hands huge compared to her wrist. She didn't realise how much blood there was until that moment, looking at it staining John's skin as he tried to stop the wound from bleeding.

"Are you feeling faint or anything? Do I need to take you hospital?" He looked into her eyes, his intense marble gaze sending a shiver down her spine. Before Alice could answer, Arthur went to wrap the wound with a bandage from the first aid box, but she instantly flinched away from his touch and moved closer to John, an embarrassed blush crossing her face once she realised what she'd done.

"God they must be thinking so many things of me. Maybe I really have fucked up." She thought, feeling weaker and more embarrassed by the second.

"I'm fine. I'll just wrap it really tight." She said quietly, refusing to meet the eyes of any of the brothers as she opened the first aid box Arthur had placed on the table beside her. Her adrenaline had completely ran out at this point and she felt faint, extremely struggling to maintain her cool facade.

She had to prove that she was fine though.

So like it was nothing, she laid her arm out flat, put a thick layer of cotton and then wrapped the bandage tightly around her wrist. But she couldn't secure it, her hands shaking too much to tie an efficient knot and blood starting to seep out the sides.

The three brothers had all exchanged many glances all throughout the whole ordeal, this time it was just Tommy and Arthur exchanging glances before heading to the bar whilst John bent down and started to help Alice.

"I'm fine, I can do it myself." She tried to speak confidently but her voice started to shake as she felt more embarrassed by the second.

John ignored her protest and she did nothing to stop him as he wrapped the wound properly, his gut secretly twisting the whole time.

"You shouldn't do this to yourself. Why'd you do it just then? Makes no bloody sense." He furrowed his brows and was audibly annoyed, only making Alice shrink back even more.

Her mind was racing with anxieties and regret, fearing that she'd now scared away the man she was falling for and potentially pissed off his family too. There was so much blood, and what if there were bad repercussions for what she just did? What if David was a part of another gang and now they would be after the Blinders?

"Huh? Why'd you want to hurt yourself like this?" He finished tying the bandage before looking up at Alice's face again, surprised to see her eyes watering and her bottom lip quivering.

Instantly upon making eye contact, she looked away and started to blink away the tears, taking a deep breath and desperately trying to calm down before she could be any more embarrassed.

It was too late though.

John wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly, placing small kisses on the side of her head as she cried weakly into his chest. From across the room, Tommy and Arthur were both silently surveying the scene, sipping their whiskey and smoking their cigarettes. They knew there was a discussion due about what had just transpired, but for now it was best to leave them to it.

"It's okay. It's over. You're safe." John was repeatedly whispering in her ear, one of his hands moving to rub circles into her back.

She hated feeling so weak in his arms again, cringing as she realised how much he'd seen her cry in the last three months. Even one time was too many. His words did give her strength though and his touch gave her comfort, some of the worst thoughts instantly washing away with it.

"You don't think ill of me do you? For what I just did... Was it too far?" She finally spoke, looking up at him as her tears started to dry.

John smiled slightly and moved a hand to gently stroke her face, unintentionally leaving a red blood streak with his fingers.

"I would've bloody killed him Alice. I've got half the mind to go chase the cunt down and finish the job now. And I recon Arthur would've cut off his fuckin' knob and shoved it down his throat... So no, I don't think you went too far." A small chuckle at the end of his answer made the air lighter and Alice even let the corners of her lips rise.

"You are fucking nuts though." He added with a grin, earning a playful eye roll from Alice as she slightly regained her confidence.

"Is that such a bad thing?" She smirked, finally maintaining eye contact.

John as per, found himself completely dumbfounded by her sudden mood swings - the way she went from being quiet and afraid to cool and calm with the flip of a switch.

"I don't fucking know." He scoffed truthfully, his eyes doing quick darts from her face to her arm to her blood stained dress then back to her face again. "But I like it, so maybe I'm bloody nuts too."

He held her and she they stood silently for a few moments until Alice broke it.

"Well I suppose I ought to tidy all this up." Her voice was seemingly confident and her demeanour relaxed; as if she hadn't just slit her wrist and mutilated a man.

She walked over to the bar but Arthur let out a dry chuckle and stopped her.

"You two go on home, me n Tommy will get this cleaned up."

Alice was way more pleased with that answer than she let on, offering to stay and clean again but John swiftly put his arm around her waist and walked her out the pub, sending his brother a quick nod before closing the door behind him.

A moment of silence passed, Arthur and Tommy staring at the door, before the eldest let out a light scoff and shook his head, stepping away from the bar and to the bloody chair in the centre of the room.

"Fucking nutter that girl is." He mumbled. "She could've just bloody gutted the cunt! Didn't need to slit her wrist!" He looked up at Tommy. "Ey? What the bloody hell she'd do that for?"

Tommy stared back at him, taking a long drag from his cigarette before answering.

"Because she wanted to." He said plainly. "Because for some reason, in her brain, pain feels good.. But that's John's problem for now anyway."

"Right." The elder brother answered, thinking through the words and eventually smirking as he thought of John. "That boy is fucking whipped, suppose it is like fate how she came back though, right into our path that night... You ever found it suspicious Tommy?"

Thomas scoffed before answering "If she had bad intentions for any of us, I'm sure she would've acted on them by now. Girl is more a danger to herself than anyone else."

They both took another swig from their glasses before Tommy's eyes averted to the blood puddle and onto his brother.

"She's still a fuckin' weapon though, keep your eye on her. I think I've come up with a plan - but John ain't gonna like it."

[mrsbsmooth]

NSFW Headcanons: Lewie

Started doing these again, lol. Not even waiting for an ask to come through for this one. Under the cut!

(This got long FAST, I have a lot of thoughts lol help)

-> Boyfriend dick. Boyfriend dick. "Big enough to make your eyes roll back, but not so big you walk funny the next day." Perfect length, perfect thickness, the perfect everyday dick.

-> He's a one-woman man. No threesomes. He wants all her attention, and he wants to give all of his to her. Might consider a MMF if that's something she really, really wants.

-> Canon number - 13. Mostly been in LTRs, there are a lot of girls trying to lock this down so you know he's doing something very right.

-> Painfully straight. This man has never had a queer thought in his life. (Such a shame).

-> "I'm cool, calm, collected. Except for on the pitch... and in the bedroom..."

-> He is demanding. Those baby blues are flashing dark as soon as he gets her alone. He wants it, and he wants it now.

-> Will strip her down and carry her across their place to bed. Might leave her heels on for special occasions.

-> Ass and thighs, ass and thighs. Sucker for an hourglass figure.

-> Occasionally likes to get her off without even undressing her— one of those thick, muscular thighs between her legs while they’re making out on the couch? He’s not stopping until she’s shaking.

-> When he goes down, he goes down properly. He's making an absolute fucking mess of her, too, but puts a towel down, because he was with her when she picked out the linen and it was expensive.

-> Likes biting her, leaving hickeys and marks all over her, in places he knows only he will be able to see. The insides of her thighs, under her breasts, anywhere he can trace his thumb over the next day and go in for round two.

-> His girl on her knees as soon as they walk in the door? He's halfway there already. Likes her to go slow. Tease him a little. Loves to watch, but his head falls back when she hits the right pace.

-> M A N H A N D L I N G. (@sparxaf thanks for this one, I'll be thinking about it forever 🔥🔥🔥). Will toss her over his shoulder, will drag her down the bed by her legs, will throw her onto it, will fucking break it if he has to. No rolling over, he'll pick her up and flip her. It's not rough, he's taking charge.

-> One hand on the headboard, one angling her hips back so he can go deeper. Pillow under her hips. Ex girlfriends are useful- he knows all the tricks.

-> Two moods: Tender and Not tender. Tender he likes missionary because he likes to kiss her. Kissing her makes him go harder. He likes stealing the moans right out of her mouth.

-> When he's in one of his 'not tender' moods, it's not so much how, but where. He's bending her over the kitchen counter. Sitting her up on the vanity. Lifting her up and fucking her against the wall with her legs spread wide while he groans into her ear.

-> STAMINA. Midfielders run like 6km a match. You want a sprint or a marathon, babe? He can do both.

-> Canon - likes to be handcuffed, so occasionally likes it when his girl takes charge, especially if it's just to tease him and get him riled up. When he’s riled up he’s getting a little aggressive. Will kick through a bedpost to get to her if he has to. 🔥🔥🔥

-> Canon - likes lotions. Massages her. Takes liberties with said massage.

-> Been in so many LTR's that he's not at all intimidated by toys or vibes. He hasn't got any of his own, but he knows how to use them, and will g l a d l y d o s o. Not intimidated by shark week

-> When he's close, he's getting vocal. Groaning. Moaning. Swearing and breathing heavily. Voice goes lower. Growls it into her ear. "I'm close."

-> Ladies first always. Holds off until just after her. Watching her get there is what gets him there. Gets off on getting her off.

-> No degrading here, and no hitting or choking. Light spanking during okay if she's been a very bad girl.

-> Finishes inside her always. Never on her, he thinks it's disrespectful. If she's into being disrespected, look elsewhere. Manhandled, yes. Disrespected, no.

-> Doesn't pull out right away. Likes to lie with her for a while, kissing her, telling her how beautiful she is and how much he loves her. Sometimes ready for round two almost straight away.

-> Shower together? Yes please. Gently kissing, holding her to him, making silly faces under the water at each other. Then back to bed for more cuddles.

-> Canon - Will make breakfast in the morning, and it's a freaking good one.

[80pairsofcrocs]

baby scarab || 61

@m4xedout - Dude, y/n starts getting all these weird pimples and zits on her lower body and thinks she's all gross and lashes out on her dads when they make an unfunny joke about it, then they all make up and then happy ending

~~~

anon - ooh what if u wrote about baby scarab meeting the other two peters

~~~

A/N : ok so the requests arent written good bc i have an actual plot thought up for the chapter lol

masterlist - marvel masterlist - series masterlist

A/N : THERE IS NO MORE SCHEDULE, IM SORRY also thank you all sm for the support and requests :)))

please enjoy, and don't be shy if you want to be in the taglist, just ask <3, sorry for the long wait

pairings : steven grant x (platonic)reader, marc spector x (platonic) reader, khonshu x (platonic)reader, jake lockley x (platonic)reader, layla el faouly x (platonic)reader

TW : medicine (pills), spidey stuff, violence, language, angst, very rushed and hard to read, doctors, throwing up, needles, mention of child abuse, scars, mention of sex, just overall doctor stuff. let me know if i missed anything.

~~~

steven had indeed been freaking out.

you assured him he'd be fine, and that he was going to do great but like always, he didn't believe you.

you waited in the lobby of the museum, a different one than the one he used to work at, this one a little farther away from home.

he was in there for the interview for a good hour, and you didn't have your phone since you were still grounded, so you were extremely bored.

you sensed something, and saw the door open to the office he was in, steven shaking the man's hand before coming to you.

"hey, how'd it go?" you ask, standing up.

steven sighs. "he said he'd call me" he mumbles and you purse your lips, taking his hand in yours before leading him out the doors.

"i'm sure he'll calm with good news then" you assure him and he smiles down at you.

steven let's you guide him down the couple steps, and to the drugstore at the corner right before the car.

"wait- why are we in here?" marc asks and you stay quiet, looking for something specific while hanging onto steven, who doesn't mind the detour.

"because i need something" you answer, finding the acne lotions and looking at the labels to find the right one.

you pick the one you seemed was right for you and proceeded to drag steven over to the ghost town of a drug store.

the cashier told you the price and while you dug through your pockets for cash, steven handed her his card, making you freeze and look up at him.

"steven i-"

"shush, you don't have to waste your money on this stuff. if it's a need and not a want- depending what it is- then we'll gladly buy it for you" he quickly says, the lady handing you a bag with the acne lotion.

"thank you, have a nice day" steven says to the lady before then guiding you outside to the car.

you get in and set the bag on the floor, and stare ahead.

"darling, you alright?" steven asks and you shake your head a bit, looking over to him.

"yeah"

"are you sure?"

"mhmm" you nod, kicking at the bag on the floor.

steven gives you a quick look of pity and gives up the body when he realizes you noticed it completely.

that makes you curious, asking marc about it as he starts the car.

"what was that look for? why did steven look at me like that?" you ask marc but he stays quiet.

you decide to let it go for now, not watching to upset anyone accidentally while marc's trying to drive.

~~~

"okay- are you guys going to tell me what's wrong?" you ask the second marc closes the door behind you both.

you're taking your shoes off at the same time marc sighs.

"stop sighing at me" you say, making a face. "just spit it out"

"kid.. you..." marc trails off, which makes you frown, tilting your head at him from where you stand.

"..marc... what is it?" you try to ask again but he unknowingly forced steven to front instead.

"steven" you greet tensly.

"darling i have something to tell you" he starts quickly, guiding you to sit at the kitchen  table.

"just- just listen, okay?" he starts, sitting across from you as you nod.

"we- as in all three of us decided on something behind your back" he takes a shaky breath and you purse your lips.

"i don't understand-"

"y/n please. you have to understand we did this for a good reason" steven looks almost on the verge of tears, which honestly scares you a bit.

"steven.. you guys are scaring me, what's going on?" you ask as calmly as you can, tensing where you sit.

"please keep in mind that we are all very sorry" he takes another deep breath. "we.. we thought since you got suspended and got into a fight there needed to be some kind of.. more serious punishment" he almost cringes at his words and you look up to the ceiling.

"okay so-"

"wait i'm not finished" steven interrupts, clearing his throat. "we agreed that marc would call a doctor yesterday" he starts and you feel your stomach begin to churn.

"and we scheduled you an appointment-"

"i'm not going" you cut him off, and he gives you a sad look.

"darling-"

"steven. no. you can't make me go- i won't go" you ramble, slowly getting up from your chair, feeling extremely sick.

"no, y/n please we just want to make sure you're healthy" steven gets up as well, slowly walking towards you as you walk backwards towards the direction of your room.

"steven you don't understand. i can't go to the doctor, please" you try to convince him but it seems his mind was already made up.

all of theirs were.

"it's tomorrow-"

"steven stop" you feel your eyes fill up with tears, making stevens face blurry.

"kid, come on it'll be over before you know it. 24 hours from now you'll be resting here after-"

"no! marc i said i not going!" you exclaim, making a break for your room, slamming the door and locking it, hearing marc front and rush over to try and open the door.

"come out kid! you know it's for your own good!" marc tells from the other side of the door as you back into the corner of your room, breath quickening faster than you can think.

the pounding at the door doesn't help, and neither does the sound of marc picking the lock to get it.

you curl into yourself on the floor of your room, burning your face in your knees, which dug into your eye sockets.

"nonononono please. i don't want to. i cant" you somehow manage to say to yourself while heaving in each breath in between words.

the door opens and in came an extremely worried marc, who crouches down next to you to try and calm you down.

"kid, come on it's okay-"

"no" you whisper, refusing to show your face for there were tears rushing down your cheeks.

"baby calm down, just breath and let me explain" marc says so you regretfully listen and manage to calm yourself down within two minutes.

"you said you were going to explain" you say, voice raspy from the sudden burst of tears and shouting.

marc puts an arm on your back, rubbing circles into it.

"we had to do this at some point, you know we did" he starts, and you glare at the floor, refusing to look up at him.

"we need to be sure you're healthy. plus if you're doing you know what with casper then maybe you could get prescribed birth control if you want" he cringes.

"do you realize that this is a huge invasion of my privacy?" you ask rhetorically, finally looking up at him.

"i know i fucked up but this is beyond unfair" you send a dirty look to marc, and he takes his hand back, giving you a look back.

"don't use that tone with me, you're going wether you like it or not" he starts. "it needs to be done. to make sure you're healthy" he reasons but you just shake your head.

"but i don't consent to it" you retort.

"but you're still a minor so it's part of my job as your dad to make sure you're healthy" marc explains and this time you stay quiet, getting up and moving to your bed, sitting down on it and staring down at the floor.

marc stayed in his spot on the floor, deciding it's best to give you space but where he knows you won't quite literally jump out of the window and leave to god knows where.

just to get away from going to the doctor tomorrow.

marc sighs, looking to the mirror across the room from him, seeing steven.

"can we bribe you with anything? reasonable though of course" steven asks you but you ignore him.

"love, we just want to help you. you can't stay mad at us forever" it seemed that stevens voice was more calming than marc's was.

marc was almost always straight to the point, whereas steven always dodged things as much as he could.

however, steven was just a natural with kids, and especially teenagers it looked like.

marc and jake, not so much. they would never want to engage in conversation with kids if they had to.

but with you it's different, which is why they made this tough decision.

"i'm scared, steven" you suddenly confess.

"i'm terrified" you take a shaky breath in, and an even shakier one out. "the last doctor i was around was when i was in that asylum"

"what if they know that i'm crazy and they take me away from you guys?"

"baby, don't even think like that" marc shoots down your negative ideas.

"si, he's right. you're not crazy and nobody could ever take you away from us" jake pipes in from wherever he was listening in from.

"i don't want shots. or anything to do with needles. i hate it- i'm gonna be sick-" you cover your mouth and shoot up to basically sprint to the bathroom, marc getting up and following you.

you emptied your guts into the toilet all while marc held your hair back with one hand and filled a small disposable plastic cup of cold water with the other.

"i'm sorry honey, i know you're freaked out now but there's no reason to make yourself sick because of it" marc sighs. "it's my fault-"

"no. don't say that. please" you pant, taking the water from him with a nod.

"i understand why you're scared, darling" steven pipes up, and you just slowly take sips of water while listening.

"you have bad history with doctors, i get it, but i promise you that we found a good one. she sounded very nice on the phone and we'll be there with you the entire time if you'd like" he offers and you just nod, regretting not trying to get out of it more.

"fine. but you guys owe me" you breath out.

"anything you want, princesa"

~~~

"this isn't exactly what we had in mind but it works" steven says to himself, watching as you contently sipped hot chocolate from your favorite mug while wrapped in blankets on the couch.

after you made yourself sick out of fear, you brushed your teeth only half a dozen times before settling down.

steven made sure to put extra whipped cream and chocolate sauce on top of the cocoa too, just how you liked it.

you were staying quiet while just thinking.

were you really going to just go to the doctor without a fight? you had good points not to go but so did your dads.

your fear of needles came from being put in the asylum and getting all sorts of drugs put into you, and then the blood test that one guy did on you when you were kidnapped.

and then the fear rooted off that and now you are also afraid of sharp objects.

like the knife that was used to carve the word 'harrow' into your arm.

which you still hated and you now realize the doctor would be able to inspect all of your scars and probably wonder if your dads were abusing you.

plus other unspoken scars. like the scars around the letters themselves from scratching at them so many times to draw blood attempting to get rid of it.

plus the scar over the bridge of your nose and on your cheek from when you got scratched by a kid at school after you first met two out of three of your dads.

you feel a tap on your shoulder, making you stop thinking to pay attention to reality.

"you alright? you spaced out" steven informs and you nod.

"i'm alright" you close your eyes, leaning your head back on the couch.

"i know that you're not but i'm not going to push it" he says bluntly and you scoff, opening your eyes to look up at him.

"but i can promise you that you will be okay" he grins.

~~~

it was not okay.

you were currently recovering from losing your breakfast the next morning while jake was the one to help you.

"but papa i'm sick i can't go" you try to make at least some effort to get out of this doctors visit.

"that's more of a reason to go. ella puede diagnosticar cualquier mierda que me estés diciendo" he says and you just blink up at him from where you sat in the bathroom floor.

jake sighs and almost forces you to stand up, leading you out of the bathroom while fishing a stick of winter mint gum out of his pocket for you.

"but papa-"

"don't 'papa' me. i know your tricks" he gives you a pointed look, gesturing to your shoes at the door.

"finish getting ready and calm down. you're panting again" he notices and you stop breathing all together realizing how noisily your breathing was.

you let out a couple deep breaths, and move to slowly put your shoes on, taking one of jakes leather jackets off the coat rack and putting it on.

it smelled of cheap weed and cologne. and it was pretty roughed up, it was one of his favorites.

jake eventually ushered you outside, leaving you to fidget in the car, picking at your fingers.

a bad habit you had caught from casper.

"hey" marc gets your attention from the rear view mirror.

"you're going to be okay" he tries to reassure you, but you just look out the window.

"i should've fought you guys" you say, making jake give you a side eye.

"you would've lost" he answers right back with an attitude.

you stay silent after that, staring out of the window as if it was making time go slower.

and then you pull into the parking lot and that's when you snap.

"hey jake?"

"hm?"

"i'm gonna be sick again" you warn, opening the car door and getting out, crouching down after closing it.

you hear jake rush out of the car, and at the same time he comes around the front of the car, you sneak around the back.

jake froze in his tracks, also crouching down in front of the front tire, so if you looked under the car you wouldn't see him.

and when you do look, your eyes widen, and you also freeze.

you feel a presence behind you, and judging by the large shadow over the car it was khonshu.

you sigh and bang your head against the cars door where you were hidden.

jake took that as the go ahead to stand back up and walk around the car, almost slipping on the ice.

"nice try, come on" he lifts you up by your arms and keeps them there until you get into the building.

your stomach felt more sick than ever. the certain smell of the doctors office made your eyes water.

jake agreed to have marc front, since your name was technically spector on most of your documents now.

since he was technically the original.

whatever, anyways.

you absolutely refused to make eye contact with anybody in the room, even he two other kids with their parents.

"hello, how can i help you both today?" the receptionist asked while she smiled in your direction.

"we have a 10 o'clock appointment for y/n spector" marc answers and the lady types a few things on her computer.

"alright, doctor miller will see you in a few minutes, you can wait anywhere" she smiles and marc nods, guiding you to a couple seats in the back of the room.

your leg bounces up and down while you stare at the door that presumably leads to the rooms.

marc put a hand over your knee, stopping the movement before taking it back.

"you need to calm down. it'll be worse if you're all worked up" he murmurs, making sure he wasn't too loud to disturb the other people in the room.

"i'm trying my best here, okay?" you snap at him, whispering, staring him right in the eyes.

a few minutes later, you audibly gasp when the door opens, and a tall thin woman walks out.

she had her dark hair in braids, and the white coat and scrubs went well with that and her darker skin.

she had a small smile on her face as she spotted you.

"y/n spector?" she asks, assuming it was you.

marc helps you up, holding your hand all the way to the door, where the doctor gestures to follow her into a small room down a hallway.

she led you and marc through the door, where there was a cushioned table pushed against the wall, a window with the blinds closed, a counter with a sink and a garbage can and a couple chairs.

there was also one of those dress things on the counter.

"first things first, i'll leave you to change into that" she points to it with her pen. "you can keep your underwear on but everything else comes off" she instructs and you gulp dryly, nodding.

"do you want me to leave?" marc asks once she exits the room.

you shake your head. "just turn around, i trust you guys" you wave him off, starting by taking the fabric from the counter.

~~~

you were sitting on the table in nothing but your underwear, socks, and the sheet of fabric that was weakly tied behind your back and at the base of your neck.

you stared ahead, looking at the soap dispenser attached to the wall and up by the sink.

there was a knock at the closed door, to where marc said 'come in'.

the doctor came in to stand in front of you.

"i'm doctor miller, i'll be taking care of you today" she holds her hand out to you. "it's nice to meet you, y/n" you shake her hand shortly with your shaky one.

she seemed to sense your nervousness from your hands and the fact that you kept darting your eyes to marc.

"i'm just going to ask you some questions, is that okay?" she asks and you slowly nod, taking a few calming breaths.

she sits down in one of the chairs by the counter and clicks her pen, looking at the paper on her clipboard.

"since you're new to this office i'll also need some information from your dad before you leave today" she says out loud, and then she clears her throat.

"your full name is y/n y/m/n spector, is that correct?" she questions.

"yes" you respond quietly, staring down at the floor now.

"and you're 17?"

you nod when she looks up at you.

"perfect, it looks good so far" she says and you begin to calm down.

you guess your dads picked the best of the best to make sure you wouldn't panic too much.

"now do you have any allergies? to foods, medicines, anything like that?"

"i'm allergic to raspberries" you say,embarrassed.

doctor miller scribbles something down on the paper.

"are you taking any medications?"

"yeah, olanzopine for schizophrenia" you almost regret not lying to her, but she just wrote it down without blinking.

"how's that working for you?" she looks up at you.

"it's the best one i've had for it" you answer.

"alright, next question is.." she trails off, trying to find where she left off.

"are you sexually active?" she looks back to you, who's lips are pursed.

you exchange a look with marc, who's giving you a glare right back.

"absolutely i am" you answer, making marc reach other to pinch your arm, resulting in you smacking his hand away while doctor miller giggled to herself.

"safely i'm guessing?" she asks rhetorically and you nod. "have you thought of taking birth control at all?"

marc nods for you. "we talked about it the other day, would it effect anything else? like her medication?"

"okay so some side effects would be nausea, headaches, and mood swings which could either be for the first couple months or long term" she starts "there's also breast tenderness or enlargement over time-"

"perfect" you mutter to yourself, and doctor miller laughs again.

"and don't forget possible weight gain" she finishes, marc nodding.

"i think i'd like to try it" you say more to marc than the doctor.

"i can have the prescription in your pharmacy within the next few hours" she nods to both of you, making a note on the margin of her paper.

"alright, now i'm going to take your height and weight, would you like it to be just us? don't let me pressure you though it's up to you" doctor miller stands up, leaving the clipboard and pen on the counter.

"he can stay" you mumble.

she nods and gestures for you to get off the table and make your way to the scale.

you look at it with a frown, walking over to it as slowly as you can until you have to actually step onto it.

the doctor writes down your weight and moves onto your height, which was y/h.

"for this part, your dad does need to leave though, but he'll be right outside-"

"wait what are you going to do?" you ask in a panic, stepping back from her a foot.

she sends you a calming smile. "i'm just going to be checking your body for anything harmful. nothing will hurt but you may feel some discomfort" she says in guilt and you sigh, sitting back down on the table as marc leaves the room.

~~~

after you were checked, doctor miller washed her hands while you stood in the middle of the room after she checked the scars on your back.

you had a talk about all the scars she saw, including the letters.

all you told her was that you were okay and you were recovering.

which was half true. 

marc came back in, and you were sat back down, and marc made eye contact with the doctor and nodded, which left you confused.

"it's time for the last part of this visit" doctor miller starts and you hold your breath.

"i'm afraid we'll need to collect blood-"

"no, isn't there any way we could skip that?" you ask and she purses her lips while marc grabbed ahold of your hand which rested on the table next to you.

"i'm sorry, but we need to make sure you don't have iron deficiency" she says and your breathing quickens.

"it'll be okay, just a small pinch and then you're done" marc stands up to get in front of you, holding both your hands now in his.

"don't look, you can squeeze as much as you need to" he tells you, squeezing your hands once while your eyes blurred and you felt warm tears slide down your cheeks.

you were embarrassed to say the least. a 17 year old crying in front of her doctor because of a finger prick.

"okay, i need to see your hand" she says so marc guides your hand to her while you begin to hyperventilate.

"i need you to calm down" marc says gently, pushing your face into his shoulder to make sure you didn't look while the doctor took blood.

yes, it was just a pinch. but a pinch that made you yelp and squeeze marc's hand as tight as you could.

marc feared you'd break one of his fingers with how hard you were hanging on.

it was done and you were at your lowest.

you were sweating and crying while trying to keep yourself together, and of course there was bad news.

"i deeply apologize but we also have multiple vaccinations we have to give you since you've never had them" doctor miller says and you try to get up and away from marc, but he ends up holding you down to the table by your arms while you kicked at him.

"get- get off!" you shout in marc's face, and he just frowns down at you, using one hand to keep you on your back while he used the other to hold your legs down.

you struggled against him and choked on sobs while the doctor carried over a tray with half a dozen syringes.

"dad please! you can't do this" you lose your strength while your whole body wracks with sobs.

marc just stared down at you while your struggling slowly stopped.

the doctor decided to give you the shots in your legs since marc had to hold you down mostly by your arms.

plus you couldn't see her, but you sure as hell felt her.

"let go! please!" you scream after the first shot.

"i'll do anything just make it stop- i can't breath!" you let out a pained groan, gritting your teeth together as the second needle breaks the skin in your leg.

"dad- guys please! i don't want it!" you continue to yell at them, squeezing your eyes shut at the third shot.

"i- i don't- i don't want it anymore" you quiet down slightly, too tired from the sudden change in mood and emotion.

your tears didn't stop, they just kept running down your face while the doctor finished up.

marc slowly let you go, and once he did you shoved him away from you to cover yourself with your arms, staring down at the bandaids that littered your legs.

"i'll leave you two" the doctor starts to leave. "you can change back now if you'd like" she goes after that, closing the door behind her.

marc stood next to where you sat until you started to get the fabric off of you, putting your clothes back on as fast as you could.

you wipe your eyes with the sleeve of jakes jacket, cringing at the horrible job the leather did at soaking up your tears.

marc didn't look at you, but at the ground.

you sniff once, and run at your reddened eyes again before moving towards the door.

marc followed and handed you the keys to the car.

"go wait, i'll be out in a minute" he mumbles, so you do so without a word.

it was going to be a tense ride home.

~~~

you haven't said a single word to marc in hours.

you already skipped breakfast, and now lunch, and you were planning on skipping dinner as well.

you still felt too sick anyways.

you were alone in your room with pedro and luna sleeping at the edge of your bed, while you were curled up on your pillows with your knees to your chest.

before you all got home, marc picked up your birth control that you will start taking on a sunday after you start your next period.

there was a gentle knock at your door.

"love? you alright?" steven asks from the other side, and you were about to answer when your window opens suddenly, making you jump up.

"what the fuck" you mumble, moving towards it, and seeing nothing.

you then saw a masked figure peak its head in through the right side of it.

"peter?" you ask, seeing that the mask was familiar.

but different all at the same time.

"what's going on in there?" steven asks again and you sigh.

"i think peter came back" you answer, looking back to see the person still staring at you.

"peter? you can come in, you know" you say as if it's obvious.

he swings in all of a sudden, and that's when you realize.

that wasn't peter.

this guy was taller than him, and the eyes on the mask were different- hell, the whole suit was different.

you freeze up and are about to swing your fist when he does so first.

making your world go black while steven pounded on the door.

~~~

A/N : happy new years everyone! i hope everyone had safe holidays! hope you enjoyed this chapter and i hope to see you hopefully next week

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[xxchthonicreaturexx]

Low key gonna blow your inbox up but I just love your writing sm. How do you think the boys would be with someone who loves to cook/bake? :)

Awww thanks darlin :) <3

Darry Curtis

Honestly helps him so much. Like- considering the gang is almost always leeching off the food in the house and he's usually working or taking care of the boys, you cooking helps him so much.

Also double points if the boy's like your cooking too. Gives him time to relax and not hear anyone complain about he cooked the damn food.

Definitely the type of boyfriend that would come up behind you and hug you from behind while you mixed something or cut up some veggies. Also a worrywart if you happen to cut your finger or burn yourself on a pan or something. May yell at you to be more careful because he can't afford a hospital visit over some sliced carrots.

Sodapop Curtis

He thinks it's kinda cute. Definitely the type to ask you to cook some random ass box of brownies he found at 2 am. Little midnight baking dates. Definitely to spend time with you though and not because someone usually calls dibs on the bowl before him.

Oh yeah, he automatically dibs licking the bowl and spoon. He doesnt care about the raw eggs. Fight. Him.

Brags about you nonstop. Like you could walk into the DX for a quick visit and he'd be bragging to this old lady about how good your cookies are compared to anyone else's. Sorry grandma.

Ponyboy Curtis

You remind him of his mom. Kinda wholesome and kinda sad. A good amount of memories he has with his mom is standing on a chair as a young kid and helping her mix some stuff for dinner.

He'd probably be the one that preaches constantly about the recipe. "YoU cAnT gUeSs! UsE tHe MeAsUrInG cUpS." A huge gremlin about following the recipe precisely. He helps you but you might have to kick him out so he'll shut up about how you didn't put enough salt into the batter.

He's kinda a 7/10. Helpful if you're precise and he loves to help you out with making food, but sucks if you know your stuff and go off taste. because you don't need no damn measuring cups.

Steve Randle

Ughhhh such a pain. Kick him out. He like- he'll offer help but will literally just make everything ten times messier and worse on you if you accept his offer. Like he sucks in the kitchen with a passion. He always compliments your cooking though. Compliments to the chef.

Begs you to bake him cake and pastries and encourages you to cook constantly. This dudes always hungry but like he usually cleans his plate. Biggest motivation right here. Probably has competitions with Soda over who has the better lunch for work. He usually wins lol

Twobit Matthews

Will ask if you can research how to make homemade beer just for the hell of it. He's actually not as big of an alcoholic as he's told to be, but he does wonder if he could create some homemade beer because honestly? Free and he won't have to use a fake ID.

Other than that he's pretty chill about it. He thinks it's cool you can cook. Probably asks you to make him and his little sister dinner sometimes whenever his mom and stepdad are out. I headcannon him as someone that burns absolutely everything. Somehow almost burned the house down by trying to make warm milk for his sister when she was much younger. He's probably too scared to offer his help for the sake of not wanting to mess up any of your cooking, but he usually lingers around while you cook and watches what you do.

Also is not afraid to pick you up and distract you from your food though if he's excited about something.

Dallas Winston

Pain in the ass 2.0 He's worse than Randle.

"Doll, why cook when I live above a bar?" He definitely doesn't have a great diet. Mfer lives at DQ whenever he's not at Buck's or the Curtis house. His diet consists of Dairy Queen, random ass bar food that Buck finds to give people, sometimes meals at the Dingo if he's not too busy flirting or causing trouble, and stolen ice cream from kids off the street.

"You're just wasting money on all those ingredients. We have plenty of good food all around us." Probably doesn't even own a fridge. Probably the type that has a mini fridge but it's not even plugged in and he just puts sodas or alcohol in there and constantly complains it's broken even though he doesn't think once to look at the plug.

Lol anyways, after you feed him a few good healthy, non leeched, meals, he'll probably shut up more. Still doesn't quite understand, but he gets it a bit more once he tastes the stuff.

Johnny Cade

Honestly probably the only one that actually can cook. He doesn't spend a lot of time in the kitchen, but after watching a few times he's somehow a natural? Like the best one out them all to help you cook because he may even be a better cook than you without trying (no offense.)

He doesn't spend a lot of time at home and or good reason, so it's safe to say he probably doesn't get decent meals a lot unless it's from the Curtis house, but I think that's why he's so good with it? Like- he's so grateful for homemade food because it's rare that he gets it that he just subconsciously is super good at making it. Does that even make sense?

Anyways, like I said the BEST to help with cooking and baking. Even draws cute little hearts and stars with icing when you guys make cake <3

Tim Shepard

Similar to Darry but less open about it. It helps him, it really does, especially with Curly who eats like a horse, but he won't be as sweet or verbally thankful about it. He'll offer to help if he has time, and would hit the backside of Curly's head if he ever made a negative comment about the food, but that's pretty rare so 🤷

Will ask you however, if you can wear nothing but an apron. You'll have to smack him for such a bad flirt.

He'd actually be super soft though if you made him breakfast in bed one day. Like, he'd gently tell you he doesn't deserve you and has you sit so he can share the food.

"Good shit."

Curly Shepard

Like I said previously, he eats like a horse. I don't care how lean and scrawny he seems, he can outeat a neighborhood. But it's okay, he runs it off lol

"Geez guys, slower than usual today because my doll made this bomb ass pasta tonight, ya dig? Almost ate the whole goddamn thing."

Goes on this mini rant about how he'll miss your cooking at the reformatory.

Definitely begs you to leave school with him at lunch time because he doesnt want that shitty cafeteria food now that he has his own personal chef.

[waywardxrhea]

Part Twenty-Three: 27/16

[slow burn romance between Steve Rogers and SHIELD agent Emma Baker]

Warnings: 18+, contains humor, fluff, mental health, family trauma, romance, angst, language, violence, (potentially smut later on).

installment list

Word count: 1.9k

Emma doesn't celebrate her birthday, but Sam insists that this year be different.

One day in late November, Emma is curled up in a blanket sitting at the kitchen island doing research with Sam and Maria. The three of them are looking more into Ant-Man and what he ended up doing with the tech he stole from them.

"How did you tell Steve you knew about this Ant-Man guy again?" Maria asks Sam.

"I told him that we were doing research much like we are right now and found him," Sam replies.

"I still have the footage you know if you want to show him someday," Emma teases.

"If you show him that, you'll have to show him you getting your ass beat too," he tells her. "Oh, and shooting me out of the sky."

"Samuel, you told me to do that!"

"And I thank you for your effort in saving my ass, but it still happened."

Maria puts a hand up and says, "Will you two stop your bickering and look at what I found?"

The two of them peer over to her laptop as she turns it around. On the screen, they see a kid in a red hoodie and mask fighting criminals in Queens. Emma is the first to speak, asking, "Who is that?"

"He calls himself Spider-Man apparently," Maria replies, pointing at the title of the video.

"What's he do?"

"Well in the more popular videos he is stopping petty criminals from stealing bikes and food, sometimes from hurting or assaulting people on the streets, but mostly he seems to help old ladies cross the road and give directions around Queens."

"He sounds like a nice kid, why does he interest us though?" Emma asks.

Sam had turned his attention to his own laptop while they were talking and brought up a second video. After watching it, he turns the screen to them and says, "Because of this."

On the screen, the kid lifts a car with one hand like it was nothing so he could get someone's skateboard out from under it. Emma's jaw drops as she whispers, "Oh wow, that's why." She pauses for a second, watching the kid, and then she adds on, "That kid's gotta be stronger than Steve."

"No doubt," Maria agrees.

"There's no way, look how scrawny he is," Sam says while watching another video of the Spider-Man.

"Looks can be deceiving Sam, remember how tiny Lang was when he kicked your ass?"

"You know what Emma," he says while laughing.

"Why aren't we moving to get him on board for the Avengers?" Emma asks Maria.

"Well all of this is relatively new, he just surfaced a week or so ago, so we need more time to gather data on him. We don't want to spook the poor kid," Maria tells her. "I have told Tony though, so he'll keep an eye on him if we end up needing him."

Sam nods and turns his laptop to himself again. "Let's take a break for a bit, this seems like a good stopping point for now."

"You just want to figure out how that kid does that," Maria teases while closing her laptop and getting up to get a drink.

"And you would be absolutely right."

While they take a break, Emma takes the opportunity to check her emails and clear out the junk mail. As Maria comes back to the island, she tells her, "Emma, you really need to put a program on your laptop so you don't get all that junk."

"I do have one on my work account, just not my personal one," she replies while clicking through some emails and deleting them.

One of the emails she clicks on explodes confetti on her screen, and it catches Sam's eye, bringing his attention away from the Spider-Man videos. "What's that about?"

"Oh, nothing, just junk mail," Emma replies casually.

Sam leans closer and sees the words on the screen before shouting, "Emma that isn't junk, it says happy birthday! When was your birthday? Also, how do I not know your birthday?"

"It was yesterday, and you don't know because it isn't a big deal, okay?"

Sam's jaw drops and he looks at Maria, asking, "Did you know it was her birthday yesterday?"

"Yeah, why do you think the two of us went out for sushi?" she asks as casually as Emma did.

"I told you we didn't even have to do that, Maria," Emma tells her as she continues scrolling on her laptop.

Sam looks between them and asks "Why are you two so nonchalant about not celebrating Emma's birthday?"

Emma shrugs and replies, "It's just another trip around the sun. I never celebrated growing up. Even with my grandparents, I only had four birthdays with them before I moved out when I was 18. I haven't really celebrated since."

"You're telling me you haven't celebrated your birthday in like..." he pauses and does the math before exclaiming, "nine years!?"

"Sam, keep your voice down," Emma tells him, "it's not a big deal."

"Of course it's a big deal," Sam says.

At that moment Steve pops his head into the kitchen to see what the commotion was about, asking, "What's a big deal? Did you guys find any leads?"

"That's not important right now, what's important is-" Sam tries to say, but Emma interrupts him.

"That we found another enhanced individual in New York!"

"That's not important right now!" Sam interjects. "Steve, yesterday was Emma's birthday and she refuses to celebrate."

"Because like I said it isn't a big deal," Emma says, jumping off the stool she was sitting on to grab a drink from the fridge.

She grabs a drink and starts to walk out of the kitchen area when Steve says, "Let us at least get you a cake."

Emma stops walking and sighs. She can't help but smile at Steve's gesture, so she replies, "Fine, but only because I like cake."

Steve smiles and the two of them head out to the garage before heading into town to get a cake. While driving there, Steve asks Emma, "So why don't you celebrate your birthday? I never even knew when it was until all of SHIELD's files were leaked. I never brought it up though because you never did."

"Oh, so you checked my SHIELD file?" Emma asks in a teasing tone.

Steve chuckles, replying, "Yes I did, but it was to protect you. I wanted to make sure if there was anything in there someone could use against you I would know about it. For your safety."

Emma smiles and replies, "My hero."

"I'll always have your back, Em," Steve tells her with a smile. "Now tell me about this enhanced individual you guys found out about." Emma nods and dives into the story about what they saw on Spider-Man while they drive to a nearby town to look for a cake.

When they get to the town with a cute little downtown area filled with shops, Steve parks the car and the two of them set out to find a bakery. After walking down the street a bit, Emma hugs her arms to her body. When they left she neglected to grab a jacket because she thought she could handle the cold. Steve sees this and takes his jacket off to wrap around Emma's shoulders. He smiles as he pretends not to see the blush on her cheeks at the gesture. "Steve, you don't have to, I can tough it out," Emma tells him after regaining her composure.

"It takes a bit for me to get cold, you need it more than I do, Em. Now let's get moving, I think I see a bakery sign up ahead."

Emma nods and tells him "Thank you" before they both continue their walk down the sidewalk. The smell of Steve's cologne on the jacket surrounds Emma and she pulls the fabric closer to her body to stay warm. She had never wanted to be in Steve's arms more than she did at that moment.

When they get to the shop, Steve holds open the door for Emma and they make their way into the small storefront. The smell of baked goods hangs in the air and Emma closes her eyes to fully enjoy the scent. When Emma reopens her eyes, they are met with a case filled with cakes of all sizes and colors. She crouches down and admires them like a kid. From behind the counter, a little old woman asks, "What can I do for you kids?"

"We're looking for a birthday cake," Steve tells the woman. "Preferably white chocolate raspberry if you have it."

Emma looks up at Steve and smiles. "You remembered my favorite cake flavor."

"How could I forget? You made it for me when I first got off the ice, it was fantastic."

Emma smiles even more, and the woman looks between the two and says, "I have just the thing. This one right here in the middle. Now, what do you two lovebirds want the frosting to say?"

Both of their cheeks become tinted red at the question and they both refuse to look at each other as Steve manages to get out the words, "Happy birthday Emma."

The woman nods and smiles at the two of them. "Here, try a sample of some of my other pastries. They're delicious."

"Thank you," Emma tells her as she takes the small tray.

They sit down at the two-person table in the corner of the store and try the pastries. "These are really good," Steve says, avoiding the subject of the two of them as a couple.

Emma nods as she pops a piece of croissant into her mouth. After she finishes it, she looks out the window and notices little flurries of snow start to fall. "Oh look!"

Steve is distracted for a second by the whimsy in her eyes before finally looking out the window at the snow falling. "The snow's really beautiful in a small town like this. Back home in Brooklyn it just isn't the same."

"I know what you mean," Emma replies with a nod. "Growing up we moved around to many small towns like this. The wintertime was my favorite because of the snow. When I moved to the city, like you said, it just wasn't the same."

After Emma says this, the little woman comes up to them with the cake, opening the box to show them the beautiful writing on top. "It's wonderful, thank you," Emma tells her.

"You're welcome. Happy birthday, sweetie." Emma smiles as Steve pays the woman and they head for the door. The little woman waves to them as she calls out, "You two be safe out there."

"Thank you, ma'am, we will," Steve tells her as he holds the door open for Emma who carries the cake.

The two carefully make their way to the car, making sure not to fall on the accumulating ice. They get back to the car and Emma buckles the cake box into the backseat before getting into the front. When she settles into the seat and cranks up the heater, she looks at Steve and says, "Thank you. For all of this."

"Anytime," he tells her as she puts the car into gear to head back to the compound to celebrate Emma's birthday with the rest of the team.

a/n: the fluff!! I cry lol

also the intention with the chapter title was inspired by 30/90 from Tick… Tick… Boom! so we’ll add that song here too!

link to the next part

[mama-qwerty]

What do you think Callie would make of Darkling Wade, should the two universes ever meet?

Hmmm . . . .

Okay, there are two ways this could go.

1 - Callie is a background character in the Darkling Wade universe, meaning he is the one who cares for Silver, Shadow, and Eclipse. They're not dating (as I believe that Wade is aro/ace, right?), but might be friendly, as she is with most everyone in town.

She'd find the attitude change some townsfolk have toward him ridiculous and angering, as he's still the same person, just looks different. (And seriously, the town's been through how much else, with other aliens and giant robots and magic gemstones, and THIS is what they turn their nose up at and say "Nope, not accepting it"? Like, REALLY??)

I'd imagine she'd try to reach out, especially when she realizes he's been hiding himself away, ashamed of what he's become. Bring over some meals, offer to help with the kids, that kinda thing. Just be there for him when he shouldn't be alone. Even when he doesn't want her to, in the beginning. He's a monster, he doesn't know what he's capable of, he may hurt her, she should stay away.

But she keeps coming. Because she's stubborn like that. And maybe when she reaches a point where she considers giving up, she sees how Silver is suffering, and keeps trying to offer some kindness for his sake.

And maybe, one afternoon, Wade snaps and does behave in a threatening manner toward her, because he's a monster and no one should be around him, least of all some lady he barely spoke to before all this happened. But she stays calm and tells him that he needs to get himself together, because his boys need him. HIM, no matter what shape his body is. Because inside, he's still their father, and they still need THAT Wade, regardless of how he feels about what he looks like. Then she leaves, and Wade stands in his kitchen feeling confused and ashamed and sick to his stomach for a while.

And then maybe, once he's had a chance to mull over what she said, he'll pick up the phone. And they'll talk. And maybe she'll come back, this time with some pizza in hand.

Maybe this whole experience is what kickstarts a real friendship between them.

OR

2 - This takes place in the Qwertyverse, and Callie and Wade are either dating or good friends, which is why Eclipse saves him. The boys are really attached to Wade, as he's a really nice guy and Mom likes him a lot. So when Eclipse finds him after the accident, his instincts kick in and he transforms him to save his life.

Immediately after he transforms, he reacts much like he does in Darkling Wade universe, ie, denial, revulsion, depression, etc. Eclipse feels a mixture of hurt and sorrow--he thought he was doing a good thing saving Wade's life (and turning him into a superior form, to boot!), but Wade is really sad about being like this? He's a freak? A monster? It sends the little gremlin into a bit of self-loathing. If Wade doesn't like being a Dark, then maybe he really didn't like Eclipse all this time, either. Maybe Eclipse is a monster, too. Lots of talks from Mom and big hugs needed for the little darkling.

Callie's sympathetic with Wade--to a point. Then she reaches the "okay, pity party's over. Time to quit feeling sorry for yourself and move forward" part of tough love, because frankly, she's got a couple little boys to take care of (one of whom is questioning his own worth right now) and Wade's moping around isn't helping. She'll support him and be right there for him no matter what, but it is what it is, and sitting curled in a dark room isn't going to change him back.

She's not insensitive--far from it. She loves Wade (even if it's just as a good friend, depending on their relationship status) and it kills her to see him so down on himself. But, as a depression sufferer herself, she knows how easy it is to follow that negative thought spiral until you're convinced you'll never be happy again. Which is what Wade's doing right now.

So she sends the boys to the Wachowskis for the afternoon and has a long talk with Wade. She reassures him her feelings haven't changed. She still loves him, and wants him to be part of her life. Yes, he's different, and she's not ignoring that fact, but that's just the outside. She loves who he is, not what he looks like.

And sure, she'll miss his brown hair, and blue eyes, and the way he blushed from his neck to his ears when he was embarrassed. And his smile. She'll really miss that.

But, that being said, she already loves someone with gold-on-black eyes. She already finds the crooked smile full of sharp fangs adorable. Those scales aren't nearly so cold and hard. And she's kind of jealous of the tail. She always thought it'd be neat to have one.

But, beyond all that, he's alive, and that's what counts. He got a second chance, all because her little gremlin child loves him, too. She knows it's hard when people who used to be his friends have turned against him, but this is still new. It took some people a while to get used to all the boys, too. Especially Eclipse.

But if he just keeps being who he is, those to matter will come around. They'll see he's still Wade Whipple, the guy who loves Green Hills, and is usually found standing right next to Tom when the town is in danger. The guy who stood right next to her when Silver literally fell into her life. And who has been there ever since.

And Wade will start this talk feeling angry and dejected, and that he's nothing but a burden to her now that he's this . . . thing instead of a man. But the more she talks, the more those feelings fade. Because she's kind. And sincere. And takes his clawed hand into hers, and touches his muzzle where his stubbly cheek used to be.

And she looks him in the eyes without frowning, or turning away quickly, or flinching when he smiles.

And he'll cry. Not for the first time since he woke up like this, not by a long shot. But these tears aren't angry, or sad, or frustrated, or scared. These are grateful, relieved tears rolling down his face. And then her hands are there, wiping them away as she says soft, soothing words to him.

"Everything will be okay," she whispers, and soon there are tears in her eyes too. "You're gonna get through this. I'm here. I'll always be here for you."

And he'll reach forward, pulling her to him in a hug, the first real hug he's had since he was human, and it feels different but she wraps her arms around him and squeezes tight.

And at that moment, Wade Whipple, former human, will feel hopeful. And that maybe . . . maybe things really will be okay.

~~~~

Whoops. I just can't help myself sometimes.

[xhatake]

alt!

Send me "alt!" and I'll introduce you to a character I've rped in the past, want to play in the future or are currently playing somewhere else! [ ellis cousland @higheverlost ]

It was supposed to be a good day. Ellis had risen with the sun, eager to stretch the light of dawn as far as he could. Fergus was supposed to march with the majority of Highever’s forces that day & Ellis still had a sliver of hope that he may be permitted to go as well. it was a long shot, but there was an ache in his hear that could only be satisfied with acclaim. It had always been a dream of his to become a hero, sheathed in the blinding light of glory & gore. He was a second son, his legacy would be carved by his own hand. Stories of Grey Wardens riding into battle on the backs of griffons had filled his head since he was a boy. Surely the blight was the single thing that could see these fantasies become reality.

Ellis had shared a quick breakfast with his sister, assuming that their older brother, Fergus was spending time with his family before he marched ... it was then, that he & Lily had been summoned to their father’s side. they had gathered in the great hall with lord howe, who implied that his daughter may be looking for a husband. ellis politely declined. though they had not made it official, his heart belonged to another. Astoria had left only weeks before & Ellis already missed her. he wonders if he'll be a hero by the next time they met. she would get a kick out of that, surely.

There was one man who stood out against the others. In the mix of familiar faces, warriors, lords, he was introduced to someone else.a real-life grey warden, Duncan,  had stood in their halls. He looked exactly as Ellis had always imagined, a stone wall of a man with two blades that had likely seen more battles than Ellis could count... & Ellis could count pretty high.

Excitement had boiled over in his chest when Duncan said that he & his sister were his first choice of recruits. To Ellis’ dismay, his suggestion was shot down immediately. His father needed them here, to watch over Highever while they battled against the blight. Where Ellis opened his mouth to try & fight his father on the subject, Lily was quick to cut him off. She didn’t seem too keen on laying her life down for Ferelden & was already threatened with the loss of Fergus... She needed at least one of her brothers to see the end of this.

Ellis had nearly missed a passing conversation in all the excitement. Howe had made a point to identify he & Lily as Bryce Cousland’s younger children. He had thought nothing of it, distracted by another pressing matter... But in hindsight, he would wish he had taken note of it.

On his way to say goodbye to their older brother, the duo was stopped by their sweet mother. Her silver hair reflected the sunlight, radiating a certain grace. With her was a lady she was supposed to be going north with, away from the greater part of the conflict. Ellis nearly misses their conversation in the eyes of one of her pretty companions but snaps back to reality at his mother's firm voice. He & his sister's hounds had gotten into the kitchens, seemingly to gorge themselves on lard. but things were not as they seemed, as Backup & Fergie had unveiled a grand plan to stop the rats that threatened their home. nan had carried on & on until she heard the word ‘ rats ‘. after that she had been quick to throw the dogs a treat & rush them on their way. They had likely been coming from an old passage in the pantry, trying to invade the kitchens through.

The rest of the day passes like a dream, filled with more emotions than Ellis knows how to comprehend. He had exchanged a tearful goodbye with Fergus & accepted that he would be left behind. When he marched from highever with the bulk of their forces,a sinking feeling ignnited many racing thoughts of death, fears of loss...He had decided to distract himself with a different sort of company, inviting the woman he had met earlier to join him in his bedchambers for the night. His heart may belong to Astoria, but the sentiment did not yet extend to his body. Sleep takes him, providing temporary relief from an uncertain future.

What he does not expect is when he is woken in the night. It's his hound that wakes him; Fergie whines at the sound of steel clashing in the hall outside of his room. Ellis throws on his clothes, collects his weapons & wakes his companion. She doesn't make it very far, as she is killed when he throws his door open to see what's going on. It's a bitter feeling, but he pushes through regardless. He tears through men in armor that reflects the dim light of the candles that lit their halls. Despair settles in his stomach as he realizes their numbers are too great. Every time he dances out of the reach of one sword, another is ready to meet him. He braces himself as a man threatens to bring down his weapon on Ellis' face, but something stops him.

The swift ' thwip' echoes across the hall Ellis has torn was way into, resolving in an arrow through Ellis' opponent's chest. It was a powerful blow & he raises his gaze to see his mother, at last. It is strange to see her in armor. Usually, she was dressed like a proper lady, in the colors of their family. But there was something legendary about the ferocity in her eyes as she defended her son. They tear through the rest of their opponents with renewed faith, stopping only after the last of them stopped breathing. there were still the sounds of conflict echoing all through Highever, a warning of what awaited them when they left this hall. Ellis kicks over one of the dead men, recognizing the men as one of Howe's soldiers.

One of Howe's men. Betrayal. Ellis tries to contain the rage that begins to grow in his chest, coming to a thousand different conclusions of how this came to pass. All he could think was how lucky the lord was to be elsewhere, or Ellis would ensure he ended up in the same pile of gore as his men. Despite his rage, there is one thought that cuts through every assumption.

" We have to go. " Ellis speaks before his mother can react, his mind already racing in regards to the wellbeing of his sister. His mother nods & they come to the understanding that this will be their last night together. What Ellis does not know, however, is how determined his mother is to insure the survival of her children. Ellis mind is already racing, as are his breaths. For all he dreamed of battle, he had never thought it would find him in the walls of his own home, " We have to find Lily. "

[sexylil-doll]

Eccedentesiast

Prince Heeseung x Princess Reader

Growing up as a Princess you thought everything was just like in a fairy tale story. Living in a big castle, wearing a crown and a dress, and having a Prince charming that'll love you till the very end. But that was just all your thoughts.

Being forced to be a grown up woman at the very young age is not what you expected it to be. Instead of playing toys, you were forced to do other things opposite to what you really want.

Instead of reading books and playing at the garden, you were appointed to find the prince you'll marry. So when your mother once again appointed you to meet the Prince of the Belift Kingdom, you took this opportunity to grasp the freedom you always wanted to have.

Once the carriage was out of your kingdom's border you kicked open the carriage door before jumping out. The knights that surrounded your carriage looked alarmed.

"My Princess!"

Your personal servitoare called for you, sounding so worried about your condition after jumping out, but even before they can move you immediately stood up to grasp your dress and run away through the woods.

You heard the knights order to follow you so instead of looking back you run as fast as you can. It was hard especially when you're wearing a very heavy dress.

As you go farther through the woods the noise of the knights and your personal servitoare became muffled until you can no longer hear them. Once you've make sure that you have lure them away you took this chance to take a breath.

Looking up, you found yourself in the middle of the woods. Birds chirping and crickets noise were the only sound you hear. Roaming around the woods seems dangerous for a Princess, but not for you.

As you took a long journey, you've found a small bustling town. A very neat and beautiful town. Once you stepped out of the woods some people have spotted you.

You wave them a small hi, before walking down the path that leads to the town's core. Everything in the town look so brilliant and astonishing.

"How come I've never heard of this small town before…" You whispered to yourself before getting startled by an old lady wearing an apron.

"Your highness, we're glad that you found our small town."

She smile and did a courtesy. As you were taken aback when she suddenly cupped your face. Her looks were full of admiration.

"You look just like your father."

Hearing those words from her your eyebrows raised. How did she know your late father? Perhaps did they met him?

"You must be tired. Come, with me."

She held your hand in hers as she took you inside the bakery filled with sweet scent. The scent was very intoxicating. She led you to the empty table before going inside the bakery's kitchen.

The bakery look so modern, actually the town itself is modernize. From the street lamppost, to the accents of each structure in the town. The town itself looks like a town from 19th century that you've seen from the books you read.

"You must be, Princess Y/n of Castria Kingdom."

The old lady said as she put a cup of tea and a plate with piece of cake on it surprising you. She patted your back before sitting down across.

"Your father, King Luther, was always here back then. He would always visit our small town. He even tells us that he always wanted a daughter that he'll name y/n for that name was his favorite."

Thinking about your late father somehow bring back the old memory from your childhood. He was the only one that let you be you. The only one that always understands and let you have the freedom you always wanted.

So when your father died, everything changed. Your mother became so strict, your brother Prince Yang Jungwon, became distant to you.

"How are you, dear?"

You looked at her when she asked that one question you never know what to answer. You wanted to burst out in tears, but princesses never do that. So instead of saying the truth you flashed her the smile you always show to everyone.

The smile that hide everything that you felt.

"S-spectacular."

You looked down to your tea cup when she looked at you straight in the eye. No one ever asked you that question before. Not even your mother, nor your brother.

So when she stood up and hugged you, you lose your cool and instantly burst out of tears. The warmth of her embrace make it more hard for you to stop crying and wailing like a little girl who lost her favorite toy.

"It must be so hard for you to loss your father, hmm. Don't over do yourself, your majesty. It was never wrong doing something you love."

She wiped your tears away and continue comforting you throughout the day. When the sundown came, you heard a noise made of a galloping horse.

You see someone through the wide glass. Base on his clothing, he look like someone from a royal family. He looked breathtaking. His hair was neatly brushed.

"Come with me, your majesty. I would like you to meet Prince Heeseung. He was very kind and generous. He somehow reminds me of your father. I'm very sure you'll get along."

She held your hand pulling you softly to the door to meet the Prince.

"Heesung-ssi, how are you, my dear?"

She greeted him without formality that surprised you. How long have they know each other that she called him without formality?

"Nanny Flor, I'm doing just great. I was appointed to meet my Princess, but she run away based on what her knights have said."

After hearing that your heart start beating. You lower your head and simply grabbed your crown off your head. The old lady named Flor, stared at you meaningfully.

"Are you perhaps meeting the Princess of Castria, Princess Y/n?"

You looked at the prince but to your surprise he was already looking at you and down to your crown. The side of his lips rose up like he discover something that amused him.

"Yes. I'm supposed to meet the runway Princess that was standing right across from me."

You sheepishly put your crown back before standing tall. He did his courtesy as you did yours too respectively.

"Your kingdom is on search for you right now, my Princess. Do you want me to bring you back to your kingdom?"

He said in a hushed tone. You and him were roaming around the small town as he keep you accompany. Nany Flor told him that you're new here and wanted to roam around so he volunteer to tour you around as Nany Flor still have a lots of work to do.

"It would be so nice of you to bring back your runaway Princess."

You smile at the towns people that were waving at your direction. While you were busy wondering around you never noticed his watchful eyes and amused grin that were directed to you.

How can somebody smile like that so easily after shedding a tear?

Others may think that you're happy, but not to Prince Heeseung. He knew very well what you were feeling, he too felt that. Being forced to do things you both don't want.

You're a gorgeous princess. Comparison to the princesses he have met before, they were nothing close to you. You were kind, generous, smart, a very stunning princess.

You're not afraid to runway like that. You respect all the people and treat them equally. For Prince Heeseung, you're the type of princess he always wanted.

But sadly, you weren't into royalties. You're a type of princess that prefer to be with a commoner than to be with him that'll soon run his own kingdom. You somehow reminded him of his little brother. Prince Sunoo.

He have met your younger brother, and he must say that your brother was very protective of you. The young prince even threatened to break his bone if he hurted you.

A small smile rose up from his lips at the thought of you being his.

What a wonderful dream

When you both arrive at your kingdom's borders royal knights welcome you. The relief in their faces was evident the moment they saw you together with the Prince of Belift Kingdom.

They escorted you both back to the castle.

People from your kingdom was also relieved that their Princess has comeback safely.

Upon arriving at the castle, the messenger announced your arrival together with Prince Heeseung. He never leave your side until you walked inside the castle.

You felt sorry after seeing your personal servitoare shed her tears upon seeing you safe and unharmed.

Your mother, the Queen, loses her cool upon seeing you. She ran to your direction and hugged you tight. Her sobbing makes you more guilty.

You never intend to scared them like that. You only want some freedom even in a little bit of time.

Even your younger brother Prince Jungwon was at the bridge of losing his mind just by thinking that you were in danger. His cold demeanor disappeared after his tears escaped from his eyes.

He may be so distant to you, but he still loves you. You're his sister.

"Don't do that again! You made us so worried! Never run away, again."

Your mother scolded you while sobbing. You nodded your head feeling so guilty of what you've done.

Your mother turn her heels to Prince Heeseung doing her courtesy. She was thankful enough to have you back safely.

"Thank you for bringing back my daughter, your highness. Please, join us for dinner. For the meantime my son, Prince Jungwon, will accompany you while they prepare for dinner."

You bid her goodbye before stalking your way back to your room with you personal servitoare trailing behind you.

It's been days since that happened. Your guards were doubled, and good thing they didn't replace your personal servitoare. Ever since then, Prince Heeseung kept on visiting you and giving you flowers.

He sometimes accompany you when you wonder at the downtown. You've grown closer and attached to him. You didn't understand what you're feeling but everytime he did something, it always makes your heart fluttered.

When their kingdom held a ball you were very excited to the point that you ended up deciding on what you'll wear. Unbeknownst to you, your mother, and Prince Jungwon, noticed your behaviour towards Prince Heeseung.

Your mother was glad that you've grown feelings for the Prince you're bound to marry. She may or may not admit it, she only wants what is best for you. She still wants you to marry someone you truly love.

And now that you've found someone as good as Prince Heeseung, she was relieved enough that you were in a good hands.

Once the sun bid its goodbye, the moon shone up brightly in the starry sky. The beating of your heart gets louder when you spotted the castle of Belift kingdom. It was standing proudly in the middle of their kingdom.

Lights were making it more look so magical. It was breathtakingly beautiful even from afar.

On the other side Prince Heeseung, himself cannot handle the nervousness he felt. He kept on paising around making his younger brothers hissed at him.

"Sit still will you."

Prince Sunoo hissed at his brother. While the youngest Prince, Prince Ni-Ki snicker at his older brothers miserable state.

"Do you think she'll agree to have me as her fiance? She might runaway again."

Prince Heeseung felt something tugging on his heart just by thinking of you running away. He has grown feeling for you ever since he met you.

All the times where he would held you close to him whenever you're riding in his horse, the times where he would bring you to the flowery field outside the borders.

Having you to his side was something he always wanted.

So when the ball started, he can't help but to grew more nervous. But upon seeing you at the entrance everything seems to stop.

The moment your eyes met his, your heart started beating crazier. You both did your courtesy. He was breathtakingly handsome. No other Princes can be compare to him. The beauty he hold is very unique.

"How are you, my Princess?"

Prince Heeseung asked caressing your delicate hand softly.

"Spectacular. How about you, my Prince?"

He smiled sweetly at you brushing the back of his hand on your soft cheeks affectionately staring straight to your eyes.

"Good and relieved, now that you're here."

He dances you in the middle of the ballroom. In front of every noble families. Letting them see how good you both are together. Every waltz is splendid.

After that splendid dance he walked you through the balcony. His arm were wrapped around your waist.

"Se agapó, Prinkípissá mou."

Even in different language you still understand what he said. You feel your heart harmed inside your chest.

You look at him straight in the eyes. You know you've grown feelings for him. But you never know that it was this deep until he said those words to you.

You flashed him a smile that melt his heart.

"Se agapó."

You said in a hushed tone that was barely inaudible. If he weren't that close enough he might missed it.

He cupped your cheeks in happiness. Prince Heeseung have never felt this way before. Everything felt surreal to him.

As your lips met, the fireworks exploded making you both look so magical from the balcony. With beating hearts and affectionate looks, you hugged each other and watched the fireworks that lit the starry sky together.

[sporadicthingcollection]

Idea: How would Cad react to Hondo being introduced to The Little Lady, and Hondo immediately claiming her as his goddaughter/niece/future apprentice?

oh my god this is genius

The Bounty Hunter's Guide to: Job Training

Summary: In which the Little Lady bags a little bounty -- with some help, of course.

Pairing: Cad Bane x F!Reader

Words: ~3.1k

Rating: General

Warnings: Mild child endangerment.

---

"Are you sure about this?" you ask.

Bane sits on the edge of the bed, pulling his boots on. "Positive," he says. "Just want her to get a taste of it. See if she can really shoot. If she doesn't like it, den she goes back to appreciatin' her regular life."

You sit up and kiss his cheekbone. "Come back in one piece. Both of you."

He smiles to himself as you lay back down. It's nice to be worried about. He finishes lacing his boots up. "Always do, missus."

You pull the blankets up to your chin and let out a loud yawn. "Just get out of here before I change my mind and drag you back to bed."

He chuckles and stands. "Don't threaten me with a good time."

You poke a hand out to flap your fingers at him. He takes the hint.

He walks into the hallway. Todo hovers outside of the Little Lady's bedroom, clutching something in his fingers. He sees Bane and putters over.

"I tried to wake Miss Mezerel, but she refuses to get up," he says nervously. He holds up one of the Little Lady's shoes. "She threw this at me!"

The jogan really doesn't fall far from the tree. "Go get de speeder warmed up. I'll take care o' her."

"Yes sir." He hands Bane the shoe and putters off.

He enters the room and almost immediately steps on the other shoe. He gently kicks it to the side.

The Little Lady is cocooned tightly in her blankets. He'll never understand how she manages to sleep fully beneath the covers without the stale air getting to her.

He gives what he thinks is her shoulder a gentle poke. "Wake up, li'l lady," he says softly.

She lets out a sleepy trill and pokes her head out, red eyes blinking in the dark. And then a second head pokes out of her side, its red eyes also bleary.

He jumps, but once the shock wears off, he can't help but chuckle to himself. "Boy, what're you doin'?"

Bambi yawns loudly. "I was sleepin'," he says, "an' then ya woke me up."

"Yer supposed to be in yer room," Bane says.

Bambi casts his eyes downwards, but the Little Lady speaks up for him. "He got lonely," she murmurs. "Can I have five more minutes?"

Her eyes drift back closed, and he gives her rostrum a tap. "If ya wanna come, ya gotta get up."

She huffs, but does sit up. She wriggles out of her cocoon like a drowsy moth and stumbles over to the dresser, nearly tripping on toys at least twice.

He chuckles to himself again, then scoops Bambi up. "Let's give her some privacy."

Bambi doesn't say a word, just wraps his arms around his father's neck and buries his face in his shoulder. He lets out a little trill as he settles in.

Bane steps into the hallway. He stands there a moment in the darkness, feeling his son breathe, his thin chest rising and falling. His frame is so narrow now, with his baby fat almost gone. Muscle has yet to replace it.

He smiles a bit, thinking about what a little marshmallow the boy used to be. Chubby little arms with fat wrists and little jogan cheeks that dimpled when he smiled.

How time flies.

He considers putting the boy back in his own room, but has a better idea. He opens the door to the master bedroom and steps inside.

Carefully, he peels back the corner of the blanket, revealing your sleeping face. You don't stir as he slips Bambi inside and tucks the fabric up to the boy's chin.

He steps away into the darkness. Moments later, he hears a string of slurred, high-pitched Zeltrian and a surprised trill. Satisfied, he closes the door and heads for the kitchen.

Breakfast is toast and scrambled eggs. Neutral in acidity, high in protein, and high in carbs, but easy on the stomach.

He's finished his own when the Little Lady trots down the stairs. It's odd seeing her in a simple shirt and pants instead of the loud dresses you usually put her in. But he always insists on neutral clothing -- less to snag on, less to fuss over, less chance of her getting snatched up by a man with ill intent.

"Eat up, girl," he says, pouring himself a cup of caf. "We'll head out when yer finished."

---

It's about as simple of a job as it could possibly get, and he was lucky to spot the listing when he did. Some nobody smuggler on the next planet over that's been undercutting a Hutt grunts' operation. Simply find, shoot, and bring to the middleman alive so they can teach them a lesson.

Perfect for a beginner.

"As soon as you see them, pull de trigger," he says, handing her a blaster. "It's already on stun. Drop 'em like a sack o' flour."

"What if I miss?" she asks. "Or it doesn't work?"

"You won't miss," he says, "and it'll work. Trust yer ol' man and trust yer instruments."

She gives him a cautious look. "It's a gun, Daddy. Not an instrument."

He chuckles to himself. "Just means don't hesitate. And one more word of advice." He places his finger on his lips. "Keep yer mouth shut. Don't let anyone get you talkin'. You'll get distracted."

It's the truth, but the real reason is that she's just too damn cute. Trying to sound intimidating will only make her even more adorable.

---

Warehouse security is non-existent. They walk right through the front door and split up after entering.

And by 'split up,' he means he tails her at a distance. Far enough away that she thinks she's on her own, but close enough that he can swoop in if a Battle Droid shows up.

...Not that a Battle Droid will show up, but now he's irrationally worried. He hasn't discussed fighting droids at all with her. He adds that to the top of the lessons list.

But she seems to be doing okay so far. Walking on her toes, hand on her blaster, scanning and listening carefully before rounding any corners. If anything, she'd make a decent scout. Or a burglar, which she probably gets from you. You oughta take her prowling sometime.

Bane hears the movement before she does. Muffled footsteps and the soft swish of moving cloth, coming right towards them.

He withdraws into a shadow before she doubles back. She climbs up onto a crate to literally get the drop on whoever is coming. Unwise and risky. He docks a few points for that. What she should have done is waited for them to pass and then got them in the back...

She hits the ground lightly, and he hears the click of her blaster.

And then he hears a laugh he could have gone the rest of his life without hearing again.

There's no fucking way. He sticks his head out to confirm. Hat, species, stature...

That's Hondo Ohnaka, all right.

Maker damn it all.

Ohnaka looks utterly nonplussed. "Careful where you point that, youngling. You might hurt yourself."

He's about to step in when the Little Lady replies. "Make this easy for both of us and come quietly, smuggler."

Just as Bane feared, Ohnaka throws back his head and laughs. "Ah, what is the galaxy coming to? Adorable little children threatening me." He crosses his arms. "Tell me, girl, what's your name?"

"None of your business," the Little Lady says.

Bane sneaks a big closer. Better angle to shoot Ohnaka in the face if he has to.

The pirate has changed a lot in the decade since he last saw him. His coat is gone, and he's less bejeweled. He's let the tendrils on his chin grow longer as well. Must have fallen on hard times. Same stupid hat, though.

Ohnaka shifts his weight to his back foot. "Well, Miss None-Of-Your-Business, Hondo is in a hurry. Step aside."

The Little Lady stands her ground, even taking a step closer. Her aim doesn't waver for a second.

Ohnaka stares at her a moment, then laughs again. "Such spunk! If you were a little taller, I might actually be afraid."

He walks around and past her. The Little Lady blinks at him, then chases after him. "Where are you going?!" she says, flustered. "I told you to--"

Ohnaka whirls on her. "Listen, youngling," he says, voice low. "I am in a good mood. Do not test me. Turn around and walk away."

She recoils slightly. Her gaze flits around, likely looking for Bane. "N-No," she stammers. "I'm a bounty hunter and you're my bounty. I'll shoot you. I mean it."

Something like anger flashes across the pirate's face. But it vanishes, replaced with a contemplative look. He strokes his chin. "Awful short for a bounty hunter," he mutters to himself. He returns to his normal voice. "I have a proposal, youngling."

Just shoot him, he wills the girl. He'd do it himself, but he doesn't have a good angle...

She keeps the blaster on him. "If you're gonna try to bribe me--"

"Bribe you? Never! A girl with such conviction would never fall for such a thing," he says. "I am in need of a... Diminutive personage. Hondo is tall, ship maintenance shafts are small, and his joints are not as well-oiled as they used to be. Why not be my cabin girl, hm? Join the crew of the legendary Hondo Ohnaka!"

The Little Lady lowers her pistol, looking somewhat intrigued.

Bane is reasonably certain that you'd never let him hear the end of it if your daughter joined a pirate crew. Time to stop this.

He clicks the safety off of his LL-30 as he steps out of the shadow. "Dat's enough."

The Little Lady jumps out of her skin, but Ohnaka's face lights up like a carnival when he realizes who he's looking at.

"Well, blast me to Corellia!" he chortles. "Cad, my old friend!"

He tries to hug Bane. Bane levels his LL-30 at Ohnaka's gut. "Touch me and I plug ya."

Ohnaka just scoffs. "Glad to see nothing has changed," he says. "Tell me, what are you doing here?"

"Wanted somethin' easy," he says. "Lookin' fer a two-bit smuggler. Guessin' dat's you."

It's subtle, but Ohnaka flinches slightly. "We all fall on hard times now and again," he says. "But Hondo is on the up and up!"

Bane lets out a low, rumbling chuckle. "Not if I got anythin' to say about it."

That seems to put the fear of the Maker back into the Weequay. He pales a bit, but keeps his nonchalance as he stands aside. "Well, you'll have to compete with the youngling for it. Go on. Have it out."

"She's with me," he says.

Ohnaka breaks into a broad grin. He's even more nervous now. "I always knew you had a soft side. Let me guess, a street child you took a liking to? No, no..." He thinks a moment, then snaps his fingers. "Ah! Long-lost relative died and you're her remaining living family? Or perhaps--"

And here comes the migraine. "She's my kid," he says. He hopes the shock of the statement will shut Ohnaka up.

And it works, for a moment. His jaw clicks shut and his eyes widen, but soon he's chatting again. "That Zeltron girl with the nice--?"

It's been so long since Bane has seen Ohnaka sober that he's forgotten how fast the pirate can move when he wants to. He closes the gap between the two of them in moments to grab Bane's shoulders.

"And you didn't tell me?!" He actually sounds offended.

Don't engage. Don't engage. He engages. "Why would I tell you anything?"

"Because I'm your friend!" he says. He releases Bane to pace around. "And I'm the reason you two got together, after all! That practically makes me the girl's godfather!"

The Little Lady tips her head. "You know Momma?" she asks.

Ohnaka laughs. "I do! Very well." The laugh turns... wistful. "Very, very well. If your father hadn't come along, I'd have stolen her for myself."

Bane literally bites his tongue and resists the urge to put a few holes in the Weequay's torso. Even a decade later, that's still a sore spot for him, but it's not worth losing the money.

Ohnaka squats down in front of the Little Lady. "Ah, you look just like her, too. Don't know how I didn't see it before. Let's try this again." He straightens up into a bow. "Hondo Ohnaka, my dear."

Despite not wearing a dress, the Little Lady crosses one leg behind the other and dips. You just have taught her that. "I'm Mezerel. Nice to meet'cha."

"The pleasure is all mine!" Without warning, he scoops her up into his arm. She squeals and giggles as he spins her around, her previous aggression forgotten.

Bane sighs inwardly. He should have just shot him. But, as per usual, just being within a meter of Hondo Ohnaka actively makes him stupider.

"Alright, enough." Ohnaka stops spinning the girl, though he keeps her in his arms. "Drop her."

"Oh, I don't think so. I think I may keep her for myself." The pistol is out before Bane even registers it, pointed right at the Little Lady's head. The poor girl goes stiff. "You let me go on my way or I put a hole in your little girl," he says, voice no less bright.

Bane grinds his teeth, trying to ignore the rage blooming in his chest. He should have seen that coming. It's just so hard to tell when Ohnaka is bluffing. That's why he never played sabacc with him after the first time.

"Ya really wanna piss me off like dat?" he asks. "Her mother would rip ya apart, too."

The Little Lady starts to speak, but he cuts her off. "Daddy--"

"Mez, shut up," he says. He feels bad being so harsh, but it's a necessary evil. "Drop her, Ohnaka."

Ohnaka does not. He starts to step back. "Here's what we'll do," he says. "I walk to my ship. Once it is ready for takeoff, I release little Mezerel. Unless you want to see her cold and lifeless?"

He does not want that. He cannot express in mere words how much he does not want that. But the credits--

He's mentally preparing himself to give up the reward when the whir of a stun round echoes through the warehouse. Ohnaka blinks a few times, then slowly falls forward. He hits the ground with a thump.

Bane pokes him with his boot before letting out a sigh of relief. "Nice timin', kid."

The Little Lady wriggles out from underneath Ohnaka, her rostrum scrunched. "He's weird."

He huffs a laugh. Good judge of character. "I don't like him either." He clips the binders on the pirate's wrists and heaves him up onto his shoulders. “Let’s go.”

---

Ohnaka is still out cold when he tosses him at the client's feet. He gets paid a nice stack of credits -- not massive, but fair.

He had the Little Lady wait in the speeder. She looks up as he climbs into the driver's seat, and her brow wrinkles as he places some of the credits in her lap. "What's this?"

"Yer cut," he says.

She counts them quickly, then compares it to his stack. "This isn't half. Where's the rest?"

He chuckles as he slips his creds into his wallet. "Seventy-thirty split, li'l lady. I told ya dat."

"I thought it was like a bowling term or somethin', not actual math," she grumbles. "I want hazard pay. He almost shot me."

"Ya negotiate dese things before de job," he says.

He goes to give her a little pat on the head, but she flinches away. He frowns. That's not like her at all.

"Y'alright?" he asks.

She avoids his gaze, preferring to stare at her boots. "... why didn't ya shoot him?" she asks quietly.

He has no idea how to answer that. The honest answer will just upset her, but he doesn't want to lie to his girl.

He takes a deep breath. "Sometimes, ya gotta make tough decisions," he says. He starts the speeder, and the engine purrs to life.

She finally looks at him, red eyes burning into him. "Answer the question, Daddy."

He drums his fingers on the steering yoke, trying to think of a diplomatic way to put it... Or he could deflect. "He wasn't gonna shoot ya. He was bluffin'."

"That's not the question."

Maker on high, she sounds so much like you. "No," he says finally. "I trusted ya'd come through. I trusted my instrument."

The poor girl's face falls and it falls hard. She looks away from him, back to her little boots. "Is that what I am?" she murmurs. "I thought ya liked me."

"I do. I like ya a lot." He reaches his hand over to take hers. It's still so little compared to his. "But de job's over," he says gently. "An' yer back to bein' my li'l lady."

After a moment, her little fingers curl around his. She lets out a sigh. "Okay."

He squeezes her hand before letting go, returning it to the steering yoke. "You want anythin' from anywhere?"

She shakes her head. "I just wanna go home," she says.

That's really unlike her. But he doesn't push it. "If ya think of anything, speak up."

"Mmhmm."

---

The sun is just starting to go down when he lands gingerly on the balcony, careful not to disturb the sleeping girl in his arms.

You open the sliding door for them. Bambi is at your feet, peering around your dress. He breaks into a smile and tries to run to him, but you hold the boy back.

"She alright?" you ask Bane.

"Dozed off as we were gettin' into orbit," he says. He gives Bambi a nod. "Evenin', boy."

You smile warmly. "It's the engine noise. Puts her right to sleep." You kiss the crown of her head. "Sweet dreams, sweet girl."

Bane tramps up the stairs and to her room. He sits on the bed and pulls her boots off before peeling back the blankets and slipping her inside.

The Little Lady chirps as she stirs, opening her bleary eyes. "Are we home?" she asks.

He nods. He lifts his hat off and rests it on his knee. "Ya did good today." He gently touches her cheek. She has his cheekbones, sharp and shapely. "I'll make sure ya don't get grabbed next time. Teach ya how to get out of a hold."

She nods, then lets out a loud yawn. Pulling the blankets up and over her head, she rolls over and curls in on herself. A perfect little cocoon.

"Sleep tight, missy," he murmurs. She gives a response, but it's so muffled he can't understand a word of it.

He stands and walks to her door, leaving her to get her beauty sleep.

But, as he walks out the door, he can't resist one last glance at her.

---

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