#and if I was separated by the sunshine that is Sam i too would be very mad

[fluffysucker]

Miss Americana & The heartbreak Prince

Bucky Barnes x Reader (AU)

In no world were you meant to be together, but in every universe, you were meant for each other.

A/N: I present you grumpy sunshine wrapped in enemies(ish) to lovers with Beefy Boxer/Biker Bucky.

Written in Third POV. No use of Y/N. However, the reader is referred to as a female. Likes, comments, reblogs are VERY VERY highly appreciated.

Also, I tried to be as inclusive as possible. But my delusion couldn't be controlled I'm sorry.

Ngl this is for me more than anything.

Also, I'm thinking about making this its own universe and maybe write more of it. Tell me what you think

Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist

You hated Bucky Barnes, and he hated you.

The two of you should have never crossed paths. Your worlds should have never met. But the wall separating you could only hold for so long.

The infamous boxer was a phenomenon in his field. Unbeatable and astute, Bucky Barnes held his reputation with pride. He was stronger than all and the smartest the game had. His jab was as numbing as the winter. His techniques were as calculated as a soldier's. Bucky Barnes was as hard as nails. A legend.

To keep up with the notoriety, it was rumoured that Barnes and his team were also a biker gang. It was never confirmed, but the black leather jacket he always had on, the long hair touching his shoulder or tidied in a low bun, the motorbike barked in front of the gym, and the intimidating sense lingering around him. It was never denied, either.

In the mornings, Bucky Barnes ran a successful gym with his two bestfriends, Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson. Both played occasionally, but only Bucky was the professional, so they were more his trainers. They also trained other players and armatures. They tried to gain other normal customers, but it didn't always work. With a reputation like theirs, attracting customers wasn't easy.

It was usually the same for nights, unless they had matches. Most of their fights were held on Stark's property. He ran an empire, and boxing was the dominant centre, led by the biggest champion. And Stark lets Bucky have it his way, just like he likes. As long as Bucky keeps on bringing these huge numbers into their pockets, both are happy and content.

So it was out of the nature for Bucky to have zero interest in the new restaurant that opened up right next door to the gym. They had their regularly frequented places. The bar run by Romanoff and Belova, a couple of blocks away from Stark's property, was more than enough. He didn't even bother to throw a glance at it. Even after he knew that the owner had come by and given out menus and promised them discounts if they stopped by, there was still nothing.

Until one night. Bucky got carried away in training. He had an important match coming up. He knew his opponent barely stood a chance, but Bucky enjoyed the thriller of the game. The sweat and blood that go into it He didn't remember a time when he didn't want to do this. It was like it was programmed so deeply in his brain. He was made for this.

Everyone left, one by one. Until then, it was only him. After so many hours, he finally got tired. He threw his gloves aside and went to take a shower to remove the evidence of his hard work before going back home. As he was locking the gym's door, he heard his stomach growl, reminding him that he needed food. He was starving. Before deciding to wait and order food once he got home, the big sign caught his eye. They did indeed have a restaurant right next door. He admitted he was too tired to cook or wait for delivery. He needed food, then crashed into his bed. So maybe the closest restaurant would be useful.

Once he stepped in, he felt out of place immediately. His dark clothes and huge frame made him look like a stranger compared to the light-coloured painted walls. Some had flowers, and others had stars drawn on them. There were fairy lights in some corners. The aromatic scent was everywhere. Bucky almost winced at how bright and colourful everything felt. This was an alternative universe that he didn't belong in.

"Hi, how can I help you?" An even sweeter voice rang and caught Bucky's attention, breaking him from his trance of observing the place.

He turned around to find the prettiest girl he had ever seen standing behind the counter. Your beauty caught him off guard. He never believed someone could be so beautiful before. But here you were, standing. Taking his breath away.

He recovered very quickly and moved to stand in front of the counter. With the most loving smile, you handed him the menu. He took a look at the menu and wanted to laugh out loud. Dish names were just as cheerful as the atmosphere.

Out of habit, you started explaining and recommending stuff for him. He interrupted you, putting in his order. You didn't give it much thought but took his order happily.

You apologised for the lack of waiters, as it was almost closing time and it was only you. No answer. With his blank stare, you told him he could sit wherever he wanted. Only then did he notice the empty restaurant. It was just you and him. It was that late. So he took a seat at the nearest table.

Not taking much, you returned with his order. You placed it in front of him with a big smile on your face. You knew right away who that was the minute he walked in. James Barnes. The famous boxer who trains next door You have been praying after your small visit to them that they would be regular customers. The business was doing great. But the more, the merer. Always. Lots of people warned you about the men next door. But you didn't feel like they were as bad as people made them out to be. You were always so trusting, unless shown otherwise. So you were happy that, finally, one of them stopped by.

You moved away, letting him enjoy his food. Unable to fight your nature, you started talking to him as you continued cleaning the remaining parts of the place. No answer again. He didn't even bother to look at you. Okay. Maybe he had a rough day. Not all people are used to chatting.

Bucky was one of these people. His eyes widened as you started talking to him. People were never that friendly to him. People avoided him. Nobody tried to open up a conversation with him. He didn't know how to react. And he was too tired to try. So he practiced his other specialty. Silence. But even if he wouldn't admit it, Bucky found your voice calming. So he let you talk instead of just shutting you up.

You reduced your talking to a minimum. Only little remarks there and then to avoid complete silence. The second time, you heard his voice since he walked in and asked for the check. You brought the paper to the table he occupied, keeping your smile up and telling him that he got the 'neighbour discount' as you called it. You almost heard his scoff as you left him.

You had your back to the door, so you only turned around when you heard the door close. You didn't hear his footsteps, and most definitely, you didn't hear his goodbye, goodnight, or even thank you. Now that's rude.

You returned to the table to collect the check. But you found the review note you attached to every check empty. Not a single penmark. And that was more rude. You made sure that filling out the note only took seconds. You genuinely cared to hear people's opinions so you could be better and have the restaurant grow more.

So he didn't speak to you for more than two sentences. Didn't say thank you or goodbye. Didn't fill in the note. Okay, maybe you didn't want them as customers if they were all that rude.

It turns out they weren't that rude. However, Bucky was more rude than you thought.

A couple of days after Bucky's visit, you were surprised to see Bucky with another two men. You guessed they were Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson. The trio was all well-known. You doubted if Bucky was the one to recommend the restaurant. You weren't sure if he even liked the food. And you were right. He would be caught dead if he brought up the fairy world you called a restaurant. Even when it served the tastiest food he had ever had,

It was a slow day. No intense training or excessive fight preparation The three men didn't have much to do that day. So when Steve suggested trying out the restaurant, Bucky neither objected nor showed excitement.

So when they walked in, you couldn't help the feeling of surprise along with the tiny bit of happiness, hoping it would be a nicer visit this time. After preparing their orders and sending them out, you waited for a bit before you left the kitchen to greet them. Not before making sure you looked presentable.

With the small space and their loud voices, it wasn't hard to locate them. You approached them with a big smile and positive attitude.

"I wanted to make sure you were having a good time." You followed up after introducing yourself.

"The food is amazing. This burger is to die for." Steve was the first to compliment you, with Sam nodding and agreeing.

"You have one good chef." Sam added as he took another french fry into his mouth. "Send my regards to them."

"Actually, I'm also the chef." The statement caused a shocked expression to fill in their faces. They asked for details, and you briefly told them how you were the core of the small business as the owner and main chef.

The two men were polite, and they didn't seem annoyed by your chatty personality. In fact, they interacted with you and asked questions to learn more. And all they had to say were nice compliments. Except one.

"So tell me, sweetheart, what was the inspiration for the place? Was it a fairy garden or Disney's latest cartoon?" None of you were ready for the sarcastic comment Bucky threw at you.

You didn't let your smile break in the face of his sarcasm. Nor did you give much thought to the pet name. You put on a bigger smile now, looking at him.

"A bit of both." That's one thing about you: you refused to let the world change about you. You never reciprocate rudeness with rudeness.

"I can tell." Bucky was taken back by your response. He expected you to get offended, but you didn't.

"Thank you. It was my vision all along." You replied, your smile never leaving your face.

And that started your hate relationship with Bucky Barnes.

After that day, the men became regular customers. And it wasn't just the three men. Little by little, it was most of the team. First, it was just to try the good food. Then it was because they wanted to. They wouldn't admit it, but your place was like a breath of fresh air. Something so different from what they are used to. From what they are known for. From what people expected from them. And you never judged them, treated them differently, or asked about the rumours that followed them. So it was a calm change, but much needed.

But their favourite thing was yours and Bucky's constant bickering. Or more Bucky's. Nobody understood why Bucky was doing this. You never partook in his constant attempts to make fun of you. You always had a sweet response to fire back. You truly were the living embodiment of killing them with kindness.

However, he never stopped. Every time he stepped foot in the place, you claimed it was your biggest achievement. He had something rude to say. Something to annoy you with. Something to bother you. Sarcasm and jokes spilling out of him with no end whatsoever.

The number of times you wanted to punch him or snap at him right back was increasing. But you refused to give in. To let him win. He wouldn't be the one to change you. So you kept engaging with him only with gracious things to say.

Besides, you chose to think that everyone had their own battles and demons. And for sure, Bucky looked like he had lots of them. He looked rougher than most. His job made him appear invincible, but he wasn't. Nobody was. So he may drive you mad, but he deserves the gentle treatment you offered all.

Bucky had no idea why he was doing it. Why every time he saw you, he felt the urge to tease you. It wasn't like him. But he didn't fight it back.

"How are you, Tinkerbell?"

"You should buy green carpets. It will finish off the garden aesthetic."

"Here is the princess who got lost."

"The pasta was great, Barbie."

Stuff like this flew from him all the time. And not once did you get back at him. You stayed nice and polite. Your sweet self never crumbling.

There was something in you that drove him insane. Your warm eyes. Your bright smile. Your cheerful voice. Your positive mindset. Your kind heart. Your friendly nature. Your hard work. Your delicious food. Your colourful wardrobe of dresses, skirts, tops, and cardigans. He couldn't pinpoint what it was. Maybe it was all of it.

The deepest part of him knew why he was doing this. He liked you. He liked you so much. From the moment he entered your restaurant alone, the first time And the more he knew you, the more he liked you. You were special. And you were everything he wasn't. He thought if he got closer, he would be tinting you. He would bring darkness to your shine. A moral thing preventing him from speaking his truth. even thinking about it.

So he acted like a teenager. He made fun of you. In hopes of making you hate him. He convinced himself and the others that he didn't like your sunshine personality.

Until one day

It started off like any normal day. Bucky had a match coming up. So they all had something to do. The day was going fine. Up before Peter Parker, who was usually on reception duties, ran in and said there was fire in your place,

For a second, blood ran cold in Bucky's body. He heard ringing in his ears. Were you okay? He collected himself quickly, wanting to check for himself.

He threw the gloves away, almost pushing everybody out of the way to get out. And he was the first to see the chaos in the street. A firetruck was parked, and firemen were going in and out of your restaurant along with some policemen. His eyes were searching for you frantically until he spotted you.

You had some dust on your face and your white clothes. You were checking that everyone was okay and out safely. But you couldn't hide the quivering of your lips or your shaking body.

He couldn't help himself as he ran towards you. You turned as you felt someone approaching you. Without your control, your face softened, and tears blurred your sight once you noticed who it was.

"Bucky." You whispered as a way to ground yourself from all the mess that happened and is still happening.

Following his first instincts, Bucky pulled you into his chest, wrapping your trembling form in his arms and holding you so close to him. And the dam broke.

Sobs fled from you. Tears mixed with his sweat. Your fists gripped his white tank top. Your face hidden away in his chest.

You didn't know how it happened. You had been holding up well enough during it all. You had been managing the situation the best you could. However, when Bucky got here, your mind stopped working. Your mind gave up on you, letting your emotions hit you with full force, breaking down your bastion with no guarantee you would be caught.

But you were. You were braced by strong amrs, rubbing your back, laying small kisses on your hair, and whispering words of comfort in your ears. "I'm here. I'm right here." "You're okay. You're fine."

Your sobs ceased, but your body still shook against Bucky's. Tears remained to fall freely on your face. Bucky's hold was still firm but secure around you.

You only moved away from him when a policeman approached you, informing you that you were needed at the police station.

"I'm coming with you." Bucky's stern voice left no room for negotiation. It wasn't up to debate. He wasn't leaving you.

"I'll grab my stuff in a second." He turned to the policeman standing in front of you, making sure it was okay that he joined. And he got a nod of approval in return.

He left your side, walking towards the gym. He paid no attention to his friends standing by, who were puzzled by the encounter. And true to his words, he came back in seconds, his black leather jacket on, phone in hand, and wallet in hand.

He got to you, letting his hand wrap around your shoulder. The gesture was welcomed by you as you rested your head on his chest. Something about having Bucky spread calmness in you

At the police station, Bucky found out what really happened. It wasn't just fire. It was a robbery. A bunch of armed men attacked your restaurant, demanding money from you and all the people inside. As you are trying to handle the situation without panicking more, it was discovered that one of the customers was a cop, which sent the robbers into an unexpected turn. So they took all they could from the cash register and your own things before setting the kitchen on fire to run away without being caught.

Between talking with the insurance company, the bank, and watching security footage from your restaurants and the street, you spent the rest of the day in the station.

And Bucky didn't leave your side for a second of it.

He didn't leave you until you both got out of the cap in front of your apartment. And he didn't leave until he made sure you got inside safely.

Something about you being hurt sent Bucky into a spiral. Who was heartless enough to hurt such a sweet soul as you? To look at you and not want to give you everything? Bucky would never know. All he knew was that he never wanted to see you so afraid and shaken like today. To not see your smile lighting up your face. So he would do whatever it took to make sure you were always fine.

Which was why you found him by your building the first thing in the morning.

"You have lots of places to go today. Said I would join you."

And up until you were handed the keys to your restaurant brand new after the insurance company had finished the repairs, Bucky didn't leave you. He was always there. Helping you finish papers, going to the police station to identify the robbers, and buying new stuff for the restaurants. Everything. He was there for everything.

And you had to admit. It was lovely to have him. A helping hand you needed. Physically and emotionally. Someone to share this unfortunate journey with. And Bucky didn't bother it for a bit. And you appreciated having him.

So, it only felt right for him to be your first order after the reopening.

The truth was, you never hated Bucky, no matter how much you tried. His huge form, his steel blue eyes, his signature stare, his playful smirk. They all made you feel something. He made you feel something you couldn't quite understand. But it was a pleasant something. He annoyed you so much, but you never took it too seriously. Maybe he hated you, but you didn't.

Now, you didn't need him. You were ready to carry on with your life. He didn't know how to get back to normal. He couldn't. He couldn't pretend you didn't make his heart beat faster. You made his days better. But he was so unworthy of you. And he knew you could never look at him. Maybe you hated him, but he didn't.

He tried to get back to his life. Only training and matches. Only visiting your place with the others who quickly figured out what was happening. He needed to get you out of his mind. That lasted for two days.

When Bucky was closing the gym, he heard something coming from your restaurant. With a frown, he moved to see you still inside. He looked at his watch to check the time again. It was indeed late.

"What are you doing?" He didn't bother with greetings as he entered.

"Hi, Bucky." Your cheerful voice rang through the empty place.

"What are you doing?" He repeated his question, looking at the paper in front of you.

"I'm sending out advertisements and deal offerings to different places." You answered him with a smile.

"Sweetheart, do you know what time it's?" Bucky signed as he looked at you, looking clueless.

"C'mon, let's get you home." He moved towards you, taking the papers out of your hand and putting them down without messing them.

"But I have a lot to do." You tried to protest as he gathered your stuff and helped you out.

"It will still be here in the morning." And he was having none of it.

"I need to get the business going." You added.

"You can do that in the morning, too." Bucky led you out of the restaurant in spite of your complaining.

He took the key from your hand and handed it back to you after he closed up. You expected him to move away, but he didn't.

"How are you going to get home?" He hoped you wouldn't give him the answer he had in mind.

"It's not very far. I was going to walk." And it was it.

Do you not care about your safety, or do you think you are James Bond?

Bucky had to bite his tongue and not scold you right on the spot. He knew you were stressed about the business, so he didn't want to add more.

"Great. I was going somewhere there, too. Let me walk."

"You were?" You questioned him, not believing him, but he nodded quickly.

As a matter of fact, Bucky didn't have anywhere to go other than collapsing on his bed. But over his dead body were you going to walk back home alone in this hour

"Lead the way, princess." The return of the name, but a smile on your face. He may mean it as an insult. You didn't care. It sounded good coming from him.

And the two of you walked.

And somehow, without planning, it became a routine.

Bucky would finish at the gym and come straight to the restaurant. It didn't matter whether it was late or not. He would get in and wait till you were done with the day. Then he would walk you home. Sometimes, he would help with stuff, but most times, you would make him sit down and bring him tonnes of food you prepared just for him.

"You train so hard. Don't want to burn these muscles. Eat and rest."

You weren't stupid. You knew he had nothing to do with where you were living. Yet he still chose to go out of his way, walk you home, and wait until you got in. He was taking care of you. So you wanted to take care of him too.

It felt strange to Bucky. Nobody made sure if he was eating well enough, drinking enough water, and resting enough. Nobody ever did. Everybody treated him like he was a machine. Like he He needed nothing.

Then there you were. Feeding him with delicious food. Letting him relax. Laughing at his jokes. Your hands grazing softly. It was all foreign to him, but very welcome. And he was getting attached. He knew it. How could he not?

He had the sweetest and most loving person on the planet, showing him attention and care.

Bucky counted the minutes until he could be with you. Until he could walk you home, it would be just the two of you. You did most of the talking, telling him about your day or an interesting story you heard. He would tell you briefly about his day.

He loved listening to you. Every detail you shared with him. You were the first in his life to be carefree around him other than his family. You didn't let his stiff demeanour affect your friendly one.

The extra time he spent back to his place from yours didn't bother him in the slightest. He found it reassuring that he knew for sure you were safe at home. It was all worth it.

Every single one of Bucky's friends knew what was happening from the moment he asked to postpone a match to go somewhere with you when you're repairing the restaurant. And it became so clear when he stopped hanging out at Natasha's bar after matches, claiming he was tired. But, in truth, he only wanted to be with you. And the days he knew he couldn't turn it down, especially after a grand victory, he would be glued to his phone until you texted him that you were home. Then he may start celebrating.

Bucky almost punched Steve in the face when he brought up inviting you to one of the matches, or at least to hang out with the whole team at Natasha's bar. Bucky wanted you nowhere near this world. He couldn't imagine you watching him while he was fighting. You would never look at him again. Yes, you were kind, but in the ring, he was a beast. You didn't deserve to see how bad he could be.

That's why he never acted on his feelings for you. He knew he was falling for you. He knew from the start. But you deserved better. So much better.

Your radiant nature had no place near him.

He even tried to stop seeing you, feeling guilty for ever getting close to you. But he failed miserably. You gave him something nobody did. A light in the darkness.

So he bottled it and felt grateful that you even let him be your friend. Or whatever you were.

Before a fact came crushing. You were single.

The days following matches were usually very slow. So he left earlier than usual just to come and wait for you. As long as you wanted. He had a bandage on his forehead and a compression bandage around his hand.

Sometimes you forget what his job was. Until he shows up bruised and bandaged like this. You knew he was strong enough to handle himself. He was the best in the game. But you couldn't help the twinge of your heart at the thought of him hurt.

So you prepared extra food and drinks for him. Once it was evening, you kept your best table for him. You even brought the air freshener with the scent; he commented once that he liked it. Everything to help him relax.

You kept telling yourself you were only doing this because he liked to help everyone. But you knew it was very different. He was very different.

So when he stepped in, your big smile got bigger.

You tried to come and talk with him whenever you could, but it was a busy day. He had no problem. He enjoyed watching you work. You were so dedicated and smart. He wanted you to be the most successful chef and owner in the world.

But maybe he shouldn't have been watching. He should have paid attention to anything else. So he wouldn't have seen the man who had been flirting with you since he walked in.

It was taking everything in Bucky to not get up and throw the guy away. But he heard it. Your answer to his question "Yes, I'm single." And he was reminded of the cruelty of the world. You weren't his. He shouldn't be jealous. He shouldn't have been biting the inside of his mouth when the guy tried to touch your hand as you handed him his bill.

And he most definitely shouldn't be feeling like crying and burning down the world when the guy asked you out and left his number.

Wasn't that what he wanted? For you to have better than him. To have someone who wasn't surrounded by blood and pain. Someone who wouldn't defile your glimmer That guy looked decent enough. Maybe that was your chance to find love.

However, he wanted to tear that paper to pieces. He wanted to punch the guy for asking his girl. But you weren't his girl.

Bucky was conflicted by his emotions. He didn't know what to feel or how to think. So he did the thing he was the best at. He stayed silent.

You noticed right away the change in his mood. He wasn't the most talkative person, but this silence was different. He looked like he was somewhere else. Somewhere, that wasn't so nice.

"Are you sure that you are fine?" You asked as you came to a stop in front of your building.

You only got a nod as an answer.

"You know you can tell me anything. I'm always going to be here."

Your words finally made him look at you after you left the restaurant.

"You are?" His hesitant tone made you frown.

"Of course." You answered very quickly.

"Are you going to go out with this guy?" It was quiet; you almost missed it, but you didn't.

Bucky didn't know what happened. He promised himself he wouldn't bring it up. It had nothing to do with him. But he couldn't. It fell from him.

"Do you want me to?" Your reply was something he didn't expect at all.

You couldn't say you weren't disappointed when Bucky did nothing when the guy started flirting with you. You didn't know what you wanted him to do. But you wanted him to do something.

Instinctively, Bucky moved closer to you, standing right in front of you.

"No, I don't want to."

"Tell me why I shouldn't go out with him."

The space between the two of you was almost nonexistent. You were so close to each other. His blue eyes piercing into yours. His eyes were filled with something so warm that you couldn't quite figure it out.

Bucky didn't know how to answer your question. Why didn't he want you to go out with the guy? Well, he didn't want you to go out with any guy. So he threw caution to the wind and followed his heart.

You almost tripped, but his hands on your waist steadied you. The feeling of his lips on yours was something out of the world. His lips were a bit bruised, but they were soft. It was all so good that your mind stopped working.

Bucky was about to pull away and apologise profoundly when you didn't kiss him back. As he was about to move, your hands wrapped themselves around his neck, pulling him closer to you and kissing him.

The kiss was gentle, and it was filled with emotions. Loving ones. It sent electricity through your bodies. It spread warmth all over you.

Your need for oxygen made you break the kiss, hands still around each other, eyes only looking at each other.

"I thought you hated me."

"Never did. Not for a second, princess."

Bucky's lips smashed against yours once again. And it was like every piece was falling into its place. The puzzle was completed. The rainbow after the rain

You were the shining star in Bucky's dark sky. He may not deserve you, but he was going to do everything in his power to get you to shine more.

Because you were made for each other.

[its-callum-everybody]

I CANNOT DRAW. That’s how I’m starting this off. So I, sadly, cannot give you all the visuals for this lovely woman. However! What I can give you all is a In-depth analysis of her character and Creation! Of course, we’ll be breaking this into parts.

Part 1 — Basic Character Information / Relationships

Part 2 — Everything to do with her Unique Magic

Part 3 — Lore

Part 4 — Appearance

PART 1 ➤

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Name: Cyrielle [No Known Last Name]

Name Meaning: Lordly

Nicknames: Ce-Ce [Cater], Killifish-Chan [Floyd], Madame Profiterole [Rook], Yam [Vil], Henchman/Second-in-Command [Grim (she got ranked up)], Little Imp [Sam]

Age: Presumably 17

Height: 5 foot 8 inches or 173 cm

Weight: Never ask a lady this [146 lbs]

Gender: Female

Birthday: 8/18

Star Sign: Leo

Hair Color: Charcoal Black

Eye Color: Dark Grey

Sexuality: Undetermined

— (•) —

Dominate Hand: Right

Favorite Food: Breakfast Sandwich

Least Favorite Food: Pickled Eggs

Likes: Aesthetically pleasing things, being right

Dislikes: Dark Chocolate, amnesia

Hobbies: Dancing

Talent: Sword-Fighting

— (•) —

Year: 1st

Dorm: Ramshackle

Class | Student No.: 1-B | 34

Best Class: History

Favorite Class: Practical Magic

Club: N/A

Favorite Teacher: Sam (If that counts)

— 1st Years

Ace: Best Friend #1

Deuce: Best Friend #2

Jack: Mutual Respect. Don’t say their friends, understood to be friends.

Epel: He goes to her to get Junk Food and she happily feeds him. Friends.

Sebek: Begrudging Friends. She takes care of him like a stray cat and he complains while accepting it.

— 2nd Years

Riddle: Friendly Divorced Co-Parents of ADeuce.

Azul: Would smite him on sight with the sweetest smile on her face. He fears her. Slightly calmer after his over-bolt. Slightly.

Jade: Neutral. Can have decent conversation.

Floyd: Try to kill each other while smiling and laughing. Friends.

Ruggie: Hated him during Book 2 but they’re actually pretty chill afterwards. If they see each other in the halls, he tries to make her laugh by making someone do something weird with his magic.

Kalim: She’s number One sunshine protector. Was one-hundred percent ready to fist fight Jamil during his over bolt if she had too.

Jamil: Pre-book four, they were at a neutral standing. During his overbolt she was fully ready to just rock him. Post-overbolt, they’re very quiet around each other but nice. She sometimes just goes to Scarabia to sit there while he cooks.

Silver: She’s very nice to him and he doesn’t understand why. He woke up from a nap one day with his hair braided and a blanket over him. The only reason he knew it was her was because some birds told him. So he tries to be polite back but genuinely has no clue why she’s so nice and it freaks him out. She likes him.

— 3rd Years

Cater: Made a Separate Magic-cam account called ‘Cyrielle’s Adventures’ which focuses on him introducing Cyrielle to TWST pop culture and its a hilarious mess. Cater proclaims them BFF’s.

Trey: Dorm-Dad TM. She may not be in Heartslabyul but she’s always a welcome guest. When she comes over, she sits on the counter while Trey bakes. He lets her stir and eat the leftover batter.

Leona: One she actually did end up punching during his over bolt. She couldn’t stand him before or afterwards. During book three when he begrudgingly helped her and Grim though she loosened up. She can respect his intelligence though. Kingscholar would be more admirable if he had a bit of tenacity.

Vil: He kind of annoyed her pre-overbolt, after the over-bolt she did felt some level of sympathy for him. To always be the villain. That fact alone resonated with her for some reason those she can’t recall why.

Rook: He makes her uncomfortable. She can put up with him, but whenever she knows he’s nearby she can’t seem to let her guard down.

Idia: She didn’t really have any sort of feelings towards him before book 6. After book six though he ended up getting punched, then an awkward head pat. Needless to say He’s awkward around her and she ends up trying to nicer in the end. Even if he just runs away from her half the time.

Lilia: He caught her when she was covering Silver with a blanket and was sworn to secrecy. He knows very well about her crush and casually likes to drag Silver into spending time with him, find her, then leave them together.

Malleus: She invited him in to have tea one day and he ordained her and Silver’s wedding at that moment (because of course Lilia told him everything). Both can be the Yapper to the others Listener. Lilia forces him to play matchmaker too. So he casually tries to tell her about what Silver likes. He’s not good at trying to hint at it but he’s trying.

— Other

Grim: Her son. Will defend him with her life and soul. Do not touch her boy.

Ortho: She gets sad when she looks at him, even before book six. Something about a child that isn’t fully a child because they aren’t a person… it reminds her of someone she can never seem to remember. So she likes to treat him like a little kid even if he can do almost anything with his robotic abilities.

— Staff

Crowley: Fresh-out-of-Jail Uncle and Put-him-back Niece.

Crewel: There is blatant favoritism towards her and Vil. He does not hide it.

Vargas: Takes it easy on her in gym class because she’s one of the only girls; he watched her pick up Jack one time with no struggle and still does this.

Trein: She stays after his class sometimes to ask more questions about history. Lucius likes to chill in her lap during this time. Grandpa vibes.

Sam: Literally her adoptive dad.

[hauntedheroines]

James & Sarah ♫

(ಥ◡ಥ)

Anon, you are my favorite type of person. I've a playlist for Flawed, but I'm taking only my four most fitting examples:

Mr. Brightside - The Killers

Jealousy Turning saints into the sea Swimming through sick lullabies Choking on your alibis But it's just the price I pay Destiny is calling me Open up my eager eyes 'Cause I'm Mr. Brightside

"Coming out of my cage and I've been doing just fine" - I do have a sense that James was good at pretending he was normal around his friends and wished for that kind of normality. He was out there hanging out, working, even finding a girlfriend before Sarah was, so you'd think that he was emancipating too. I think he was trying to and believe he could add things like friends and a girlfriend to his life so that his entire world wouldn't revolve around Sarah and their house and his mind wouldn't be so fucked up.

But the interesting thing is that, even while James was putting himself out there, he did not allow Sarah the same privilege and, as soon as she forces her own emancipation, his mental state starts to gradually decline. It becomes too real: yeah, one day you and your sister will split up.

Now to other lines of the song: literally, everything started going downhill after James kissed Sarah.

It was just a kiss, Sarah. It's no big deal.

The once soothing childhood lullaby now a sick reminder of their codependency. James hearing Sarah's lies while she was seeing Sam.

The fact that James, more than Sarah, had to bear the consequences of growing up in an abusive environment - that the siblings tried to escape the cycle, but replicated their parent's toxic behavior to an extent. That James' ending was nothing more than what was destined to happen since the day his parents unknowingly designated him as his sister's protector. Sarah was outgrowing the past and becoming her own person - James could not.

How James endured with the thought that one day it would be just his sister and him, that his idea of happiness as a young adult was the same as when he was a boy. He was still that eager boy, waiting for the moment when the pain would go away, always hoping.

Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper

Sometimes you picture me I'm walking too far ahead You're calling to me I can't hear what you've said Then you said: Go slow, I fall behind

"Promise to never leave me."

I'm always taken aback by the fact that although James romantic interest was unrequited, their love was mutual. Accordingly, their imminent separation causes hurt and confusion for Sarah as much as it does for James. Both believed, all their lives, that it would be them against the world until Sam stepped in.

"That's your whole problem - you and James don't know where he ends and you begin."

I think this song skips between James and Sarah's POV about the present, past and the unknown future. I imagine Sarah looking through the window of Sam's bedroom, worried about her brother, as James is laying awake in his bed streets away, imagining his sister as she slips away to somewhere he can't follow, both flaskbacking through memories.

Yes, time after time. But times have changed.

Hoax - Taylor Swift

My only one My smoking gun My eclipsed Sun This has broken me down My twisted knife My sleepless night My winless fight This has frozen my ground

My enclipsed sun -- please don't take my sunshine away. They have hold on to a plan to escape the hell they lived in. Sarah changed that and, just with a sleight of hand, nothing made sense anymore.

"I don't know who I am without you. I don't want to. I need you more than Sam does, but you don't need me. God, it hurts." "Tell me you're not with him. Tell me and I'll believe it."

My winless fight, my barren land - fighting to keep Sarah by his side was pointless, even if she did chose to stay by the end. Neither should act out on anything other than fraternal love. Keeping her was farming a barren land: the fruits he wished for would not grow. Which is the reason why she is "the only shade of blue" Jaime's wishes for. He would rather have half-a-Sarah than no Sarah at all.

I'm Your Puppet- Gregory and the Hawk

I'm your puppet I'll learn to love it And I'll undress If you need it But please don't need it If you need it I'll scream out

The last stanza is James. The first two stanzas are Sarah. I cant' find the words to describe this song right now. It hurts so bad.

"Why can't I be enough? I wanna be enough so fucking bad."

I had to make a full hands on analysis because I can never talk enough about this book. It breaks my heart everytime.

Send me a ♫ with the name of a ship and I’ll tell you a song that fits them perfectly

[wmufranniefabray]

FRANNIE: In a way, would it really be an awful thing if we were moved to different dorms? I'd miss you a lot - extraordinarily so - but it would mean we wouldn't have to worry so much about sneaking around. Or feeling guilty that Coach Sylvester will find us. [ A LONG PAUSE BEFORE REPLYING ] FRANNIE: Sam, my parents are not the kind of people you want to meet. Every time I see you talk about your family, I can see how warm, fuzzy and happy you are. They're your happy place. It sounds bizarre, but I wanted to keep you separate from my parents because they're not...good people a lot of the time. And you are good. You're kind and you're smart and you're the human embodiment of sunshine. I was worried by combining the two worlds that you'd view me differently, or change your opinion. FRANNIE: The difference is that I'm aware that Cody has a complex relationship with his family, too, so that initial fear of judgement wasn't there. FRANNIE: I'm sorry I didn't explain this before leaving. The last thing I'd ever want to do is make you feel like that. FRANNIE: None of this weekend can be any kind of indication of how strongly I feel about you or how much I like you. Because I do. A lot. And I really, really, really do not want to be your friend.

SAM: Right?? I haven't breathed a word to anyone other than your sister. That I can think of... I just don't want this getting back to Sue and her pulling us into her office to see if there's truth to the rumors. We were told to keep it in our pants. Which we've technically done but I'll admit I've thought about taking off your pants way more times than I can count SAM: What can I say? There are a lot of sexy shapes out there. SAM: I'm gonna be real honest here because that's what we've always done with each other. I can see why you're into Cody. If I didn't think of him as my brother I probably would've flirted with him at some point. He's funny, got that fun off the wall kind of thing going which is fun to be around, good looking and is in killer shape. What's not to be attracted to? He also looks good in a suit. I'm not blind to any of that. Now, am I a little insecure when it comes down to it because you invited him to meet your folks instead of me? Sure. BUT, I get it. You guys probably been talking longer. Got more in common. There's a bunch of reasons that are none of my business. It's not gonna change how you and I are unless you tell me we've gotta keep it on a friends level. Which I'll respect. 100% SAM: I really like you, too. A LOT. Like a lot a lot. But I recognize we've gotta do things the way we are because we live together. And...well... I've had shit luck with past relationships. They didn't end on bad notes. Nothing like that. Just I get broken up with and don't know why. I'm always told it's got nothing to do with me. Which makes no sense because then why end things?

[lostdreamr-blog1]

Book Worm and the Hunter

Requested by the lovely @leigh70, thank you again love!

Pairings: Dean Winchester x Female!reader

Warnings: Lots of fluff, mild swearing, and more fluff

Word Count: 2.2k

A/N: Thinking about turning this into a series. What do you all think? Comments/suggestions are always welcomed!!

Content would be the way I would describe my life. It isn’t horrible, which I feel like is all we can ask for, and it has its moments where happiness is the only emotion I seem to have. After losing my family to hunting, whether it be actual death or the inevitable spilt that seems to happen when one person hunts and the other doesn’t, I learned that I had to live like there was no tomorrow. To some people that might mean emptying the bank account and having a wild party. But for me, it meant following my passions in life and never letting the social norms get to me. Which I why I own a small hole in the wall book shop filled with any genre you could imagine. There was always something about getting lost in a book and losing sense of reality around you. It provides that small escape you might not know you even need. But what I find truly rewarding, is helping someone find their new favorite story. Some people might not understand the importance of a good book, but I know better. My family saved people from things that go bump in the night, but I save people from something far greater. Which is how I met my best friend Donna.

Years ago, we ran into each other in a coffee shop, literally ran into each other. Coffee went everywhere and I don’t think either of us could apologize quick enough. I was normally not one for small talk, never really knowing what to say. But Donna quickly launched into conversation and asked what I was reading. Two new coffees and a few hours later, it was like we had been friends for life. There were times our friendship was strained, like when she found out what is really lurking in the shadows, but we always managed to find our way back to each other. Even though I wasn’t too thrilled about her pursuing the hunter life, she of all people managed to separate them for the most part. Until she begged me to meet her friends.

To say she was happy would be severely understanding everything about her. If there was anything in this world I wish I could have, it would be a fraction of Donna’s cheerfulness. She could have the worst of days and still find the bright side in things. And that ray of sunshine is what put a smile on my face when she walked through the doors of my shop. “Hiya, Y/N. How’s it going?”

I gave her a wave, “Good as always. You?”

She leaned against the counter replying, “It’s been tater tots and lemon drops. I wanted to run something by you though.”

I raised my eyebrows at her to explain. “I have a few friends coming in town and I wanted you to meet them.”

I tilted my head to the side and studied her. She seemed like she was suppressing some of her excitement, or at least trying to. Her constant tapping of the fingers gave her away.

“And do these friends of yours have a name?”

She bit her lip when the names, “Sam and Dean” came out. I knew two different sides of the Winchesters. The one Donna constantly talked about which made them seem like pretty stand-up guys. And then the side the hunting world talked about. While it wasn’t necessarily a negative side, but I knew what being dedicated to hunting meant. Living to grow old with a family they loved wasn’t on their list of things to do. To each their own, I guess. But Donna was normally a good judge of character, so I was going to give her the benefit of the doubt and meet them with a clean, judgement free slate.

I could see my friend nearly bursting with anticipation at my answer. She knew my past and how I felt about hunters, but they seemed to have a piece of Donna’s heart. “When do they get in?”

Her happiness at that simple question had me playfully rolling my eyes at her. “Tonight! I was thinking we go grab a few drinks and if it’s really horrible then we can fake some sort of emergency!”

I don’t know how I managed to get a good of friend as Donna, but I was thanking the heavens for it. “Sounds good. I close up today around 7. I can meet you there if it isn’t far.”

She was already shaking her head. “No, no. We can meet here and all walk together. I wouldn’t want you to walk in the dark alone.” I nodded my head at her, and she said she would be back before closing.

The rest of the day went by quickly and before I knew it, I was closing up the store. The sound of the front door opening caused me to poke my head around the book shelf I was organizing. Two of the tallest men I have ever seen was standing in the doorway. “Sorry boys. Stores closed for the night.”

The tallest one offered me a smile. “Are you Y/N? Donna told us to meet here.”

Curse that girl for not getting here before them. I was already awkward on a good day. Maybe that emergency will come into play sooner than I thought. I forced myself to walk away from the safety of my books. “Yeah sure am. You must be Sam and Dean.”

The same guy offered his hand out for me to shake and it was nearly comical watching my hand completely disappear in his. “I’m Sam and that’s my brother Dean. It’s nice to finally meet you. Donna talks about you a lot.”

I chuckled, “She has told me all about the two of you as well.” I looked over to Dean and my breath caught in my throat. I don’t know if it was the millions of romance novels I’ve read, but this man was something from my dreams.

He caught me staring and smirked. “You work here?” Sam tried to cover up a laugh at his poor use of small talk.

“No, I felt like robbing the place of all its books. I just clearly underestimated how heavy they would be.”

He ran a hand through his hair, “Yeah I deserved that one.”

My smile came naturally and as bad as it sounds, I felt better knowing he was just as awkward as I was. “It’s my bookstore. Opened it quite a few years ago. It isn’t much but I enjoy what I do.”

Sam shook his head in awe at all the books. “It must be nice being surrounded by this all day.” I hummed in response and watched Dean venture deeper into the store. Despite telling myself to stop, my eyes seemed to follow the hunter wherever he went. He stopped suddenly and I nearly smacked myself in the face for forgetting what was in the furthest corner of my store.

“Are these books on lore?” That caught Sam’s attention and I sighed as both of the Winchester’s were now combing through my collection I managed to grow over the years.

“Well, I might not hunt like my family did, but I can at least help out here and there. Where do you think Donna got some of her information?” Sam laughed and I looked up to see Dean studying me. I couldn’t tell if it was a look of shock or admiration. For my own benefit, I chose the more positive of the two.

I nearly jumped as the front door banged open and my blonde friend was bent over trying to catch her breath. “You okay?”

The boys made their way back up front as I asked the question and Donna waved a hand at me. “You know, I do cross fit, but I don’t think I get in as much cardio as I should. I lost track of time and then my car wouldn’t work. So, I thought, what the H-E-double hockey sticks, I’ll have a nice jog there and reward myself with a drink. Woah buddy I was wrong. My lungs feel like they are going to burst any second.”

I put a hand over my mouth to hide the smile that was forming. Donna seemed to notice the boys for the first time and threw them into a hug. “Hiya fellas! It’s been too long.”

She looked over to me with an apologetic smile, “I see the three of you have met. How does a drink sound?”

Sam clapped his hands together, “Sounds great. We can catch up while you catch your breath.” Donna poked him in the side, and I grabbed my keys to lock the door behind us. Donna had her arm looped through Sam’s as they walked off, lost in conversation but Dean stayed back.

“You don’t have to wait on me. I won’t be long.”

He put his hands in his pockets and shook his head, “Too much cheerfulness for me.” I snorted at the comment and finished what I needed to do. The two of us started heading towards the bar in a surprisingly comfortable silence. Something about this handsome man beside me had me feeling safe.

“Donna said you aren’t too big on hunters.” That was one way to break the ice.

“I come from a complicated past like everyone else. But I knew the two of you have treated her right over the years and it was only fair to give you a chance. You both staying in town long?”

He glanced over at me and smiled, “Longer than what we were originally planning.” I wanted so bad to read into the look he gave me to match those words, but I wasn’t trying to break my own heart. I had only met the man a few minutes ago. Clearly, I needed to slow myself down and remind myself that this isn’t like one of my books.

Donna’s voice cut through my thoughts and waved us over to a table. “We got the first round of drinks while you two were walking slower than molasses.” I shook my head at her and sipped my drink. Dean said he saw a pool table and was going to make some quick cash. Sam followed behind him which left Donna and I at the table.

“What do you think of Dean?”

I took a longer sip this time to try and think of what to say. “He isn’t what I expected.”

Donna nodded her head, seeming to understand what i meant. "He is a little rough around the edges but honestly the best of us are. I know it isn’t your thing to randomly go to dinner with a guy you don’t know, but I think the two of you would hit it off. What do ya say? Wanna give it the ole college try?”

I glanced back over to the pool table and saw the green-eyed hunter looking at us. He gave me a wink and I felt my cheeks heat up. “I don’t even know if he’s into me.”

Donna squeezed my hand, “Sam said Dean was shy around you. That for him is a rare occurrence. Honestly, Y/N, you should just go for it. All he can do is say no and then you and I can sit around watching cheesy romance movies and eat ice cream out of the tub. But you know I would only eat the ice cream for you. So, you better feel special. I don’t think he would say no to you though! What’s not to like?”

She was right. I needed to get out of my comfort zone for once and what better way to do it than with a guy who isn’t staying in town long. “You’re right.” Donna squealed next to me causing both boys to look over at us. Sam said something to Dean that had him walking this way. I went to say something to my friend, but she was no where in sight.

Dean sat across the table from me and opened his mouth to say something, but I cut him off. “Before I lose all of my confidence in this, I need to ask you something. I know the two of you aren’t staying for long, but I was wondering if we could get dinner before you left.”

I was biting my lip and staring at the table, afraid for his answer. A finger touched under my chin and lifted my head up to look at him. I was met with a warm smile, one I’m sure he didn’t use often, and a response of, “Sweetheart I would love to. I was actually coming over her to ask you myself after Sam told me to get my head out of my ass.” A blush covered my face which only made him smile bigger. “And I told you on the way here that we were staying longer than planned. It was because I wanted to get to know you more.”

My heart fluttered at his words, and I shook my head, “Dean Winchester you have no idea how happy you just made me.” Maybe love stories do come true.  

Tag list: @winchestergypsy90

[wormstacheangel]

happy birthday @archervale I know I'm late but here is one of our many ideas! Hope you enjoy it <3

wc: 1.3k summary: Dean gives Cas a little kiss and it breaks the angel

Dean didn’t get much sleep last night considering the bed felt too big and empty without his boyf—Cas. They’re still relatively new—like 35 days since their big reunion confession—and Cas was a busy guy. Once again helping Heaven get their shit in order along with Jack. So he didn’t have time to stay the night and be a fucking pillow, not that Dean would ask him.

He already takes too much of his time with stupid shit like movie night or a long drive. The world didn’t need Dean Winchester to save it anymore but it sure as fuck still needed Castiel.

Dean sighed, dragging his feet to the kitchen, and wondering when would it be a good time to send Cas a little message like, “Hiya. When are you gonna come down from that cloud of yours so I can give you a stupid ki–no.” Dean cleared his throat and ran his fingers through his growing hair feeling embarrassed as he stepped foot into the kitchen doorway.

“I came down early this morning.” Dean looked up at the kitchen table when he heard the familiar voice. Cas was warming his hands with a large mug of coffee, one that read ‘Not today Satan’ that Dean had bought as a joke while smiling softly at Dean. His coat was off, folded up on the seat next to him, and his sleeves were pushed back. He looked so…so nice.

“What did you want to give me?” Cas asked, eyebrow raised in question.

Everything. “I um,” Dean cleared his throat again, pulling his robe closed as he walked in. Without really thinking, his mind was a complete mess with just wanting to touch Cas, he quickly walked over and pressed a kiss to Cas’ cheek.

Feeling the brush of stubble on his lips and the scent of fresh rain wash over him, he lingered for a bit. His hands wanted to grasp at the miracle in front of him but instead, he pulled away with a quiet, “Morning, Sunshine.”

And as quick as that action was, he turned on his feet and marched over to the fridge. “Now breakfast! Gotta get that done before Eileen comes in here. You thought I was grumpy in the morning! Ha!”

He got his phone out, an excuse to ignore whatever Cas was about to say or not, and played his music loud. Space Cowboy started to fill up the room before he started to crack the eggs.

Heat rose up his cheeks and not because of the burner in front of him.

They really haven't done much in the couple category, busy and all with the whole Empty situation and then the Heaven situation. Shit, Sam even goes down to hell to help Rowena with her Hell situations. Not to mention Jack even brought back Billie from the Empty to reprise her role as Death.

So many boxes to check out and that pushes their new relationship down on the priority list.

Though it was nice. Having their relationship on the list at all.

“Morning.” Dean hears the familiar yawn of his brother behind him. “Hey, Cas.” Sam walks over to look over Dean’s shoulder. “Are those the eggs I bought?”

“You mean that nasty fake egg crap? No.” Dean pointed with the spatula to a different covered pan. “I made those separately. Not even your girlfriend will eat those.”

Sam ignored most of his words and patted his shoulder. “Thanks!”

“This vegan crap can’t be healthy for you, Sammy! Humans need meat to survive.”

“You coming out to me again?”

That little shit. “I can still kick your ass.” Dean kicked Sam’s legs while he laughed and walked away to get the plates ready.

“Morning!” Eileen walked in and Dean turned to face her, signing ‘Morning’ right back. “What’s for breakfast?”

Dean showed her the pan and the side of sausages. “We also got toast!”

“Yum!” She grinned and helped set the plates up but not before kissing Sam’s shoulder.

It was so easy and simple for them. Dean wondered if he would ever get there with, “Cas! You just gonna sit there or do you want me to get you a plate?”

They all waited for an answer but nothing. No slight of the head tilt or nod. No thumbs up. Not even a sound.

“Yo! Earth to Cas!” Dean threw a piece of bread at him, positive that he would catch it with his restored angel mojo and all, but it only hit the back of his head. Dean flinched and quickly rushed over to check on him. “Shit!” He brushed the crumbs off his boyfriend’s head and shirt. “I’m sorry, man. Thought for sure you would-Cas?”

He leaned closer to get a glimpse of Cas’ far-away stare. His mug tilted as if to take a sip but he was frozen where he sat. Like a statue frozen in time.

A little worried, Dean waved a hand in front of Cas’ face. “Cas?” He was fine just a few minutes ago. “What the hell?”

“What's wrong with him?” Sam walked over to Cas’s other side and poked his shoulder.

Dean shrugged, reaching to take the mug away but it wouldn’t even budge. He knew if he used any more strength it would shatter. “I was just talking to him. You think an angel wire got loose in his head or something.”

“Don’t think that’s how that works.” Sam then turned when Eileen tugged at his shirt, asking what’s going on. While he gave the little information he knew to Eileen, Dean sent out a prayer out to the universe.

Hey, kid. Breakfast is ready. Also, think you can come down and check on your Dad. Love ya. Bye. He still didn’t know how to end those prayers but not a second later he heard a flutter of wings and saw a big bright smile.

With a hand raised in a greeting, “Good morning!” He walked over to Cas and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Oh!”

“Oh? What do you mean oh?”

Jack looked back at Dean with a smile. “Dad’s fine. He was just surprised. No need to worry.” He took the seat next to Castiel and his smile got brighter when he asked, “Can I have chocolate chip waffles?”

Now Dean’s wires are loose at those words.

“Surprised? What could have surprised him enough to make him so…still?” Eileen looked between them all but all eyes fell on Dean for an explanation but he had none.

“How am I supposed to know? He was fine one second and the next he was…” Dean felt heat rise up his neck and up to his ears. “I mean…it can’t be because of-no. No!” He chuckled nervously before shaking Cas’s shoulders again. “Hey! If you’re like this over a little kiss then I’m never doing it again!”

“A kiss!” Both Sam and Eileen say at the same time with a stupid teasing grin plasterd on their faces.

He ignored them and looked back at Cas. “Are you listening? I swear not even a fucking hug.”

And with that, Cas caught Dean’s stern glare. His bright eyes, round and sad. “That is cruel.”

Relief washed over him but didn’t last long when annoyance took over. “You scared that shit out of me! Don’t do that!”

“I apologize.” Cas set his mug down. A small twinkle of a smile tugs at his lips when his hand reaches to lay on the cheek Dean kissed earlier. “I was taken by surprise by that gesture. Very…unexpected. New.”

“Yeah. Well…get used to it.” Dean didn’t meet anybody's eyes when he turned towards the stove again. “Does anybody else want waffles? If not, I won't make a lot of batter.”

Just Jack got waffles and when they were done, and it was just the two of them in the kitchen cleaning the dishes, Cas reached over to kiss Dean’s cheek. Softly. Warmly. So filled with love that it made Dean shiver but Cas ignored it as he whispered, “You already gave me more than I ever hoped for.”

[sweetwolfcupcake]

The Forest: The Beginning

The Forest: The Beginning

Yandere Namjoon x Reader

****

“The forest was vast, but smothering, not a ray of sunshine could penetrate the ominous grounds. It looked sad but menacing. And…GRRR!”

The little girl gasped and turned to her grandfather, eyes wide until he began to laugh- hearty, loud but warm.

She had been eyeing the woods all along while her grandfather recited to her one of the tales from the storybook he had gifted her for last Christmas.

She was perched up over the little space the window of her room offered along with it. 

The window faced the woodland that surrounded her mother’s hometown. And the thick greens were separated by high walls and a rather narrow clearing around the town. Her grandparents’ home was nearest to the walls, offering her a closer view of the edge of the woodland.

“What are you looking at?” he asked when she turned to face the window once more

“The woods, it’s beautiful,” she replied, she turned to him once more “But you never take me there!”

“You are not old enough, Muffin.”

“But mother goes with you, I am old enough- I go to college!”

At this, the wrinkled man let out another hearty laugh “You go to college huh? Do you even know what it is?”

“Yes, Samantha goes to college, and she says that she is my friend, so I go to college too!” she asserted.

“Sam adores you so much, but she is much, much older, okay? So she can go there. But never alone. We never venture there alone, Muffin.”

(Y/N)(L/N) was a curious child, as curious as a five-year-old could be. And she had always had an eye for the forest surrounding the town. She did not ask further. Her grandfather would always say the same things- she was not old enough to accompany him and his group into the woods and that one must never venture alone.

------

 And she should have listened to her grandfather.

“You know, it’s not far from here, we can even see the edge.” Michael stood with his toy gun, eyeing the tip of the tall trees visible. Other than that, mostly they could only see the towering walls.

The tree-tops appeared to be peeping from the walls.

Michael’s family resided in the next house, a little further from the looming walls. Michael was seven and faster than her. But he often burst into tears, and (Y/N) would be immediately worried. He cried so much and feared too many things. Even butterflies.

So the sudden burst of bravery confused her “Grandpa says we should—”

“Yeah, yeah, shouldn’t venture alone, barred from entering after sundown and crap. It’s summer anyway.”

“You aren’t afraid?” (Y/N) was curious now.

Her friend bit his lip and looked at her “You don’t want something to remember? You’re going back next week.” 

She sighed and her lips fell into a pout “Yes– but this just—”

“Aren’t you curious too? I see how you look there. Besides, I need to prove ‘em that I’m not a coward.”

“You’re not. You killed that cockroach yesterday.”

“And I was screaming too. Do you know what they call me in class? Wimp. They call me a wimp!” he turned towards the forest. “We’ll go and get something from there- I’ll show ‘em all.”

“But Grandpa will find out.”

“He’s gone fishing with his mates.” Michael countered

“And Granny? Mom?”

“They won’t find out if we won’t let them.”

“And man guarding the gates?”

Michael looked at her, grinning. He was up to no good.

-----

(Y/N) knew that she had disobeyed the elders- it was wrong- but the closer she got towards the woods, the towering trees seemed to pull her nearer. There was something so sweet about the place. It seemed to lure her in, and she could not resist the urge to walk into the woods.

Michael always had something up his sleeve. (Y/N) did not even remember what he told the man guarding the gate, she had just moved along. And the moment he was out of sight, they had slipped out of the smaller door built with the massive iron gates.

And now, with the afternoon sun shining over their heads, they were rushing towards the forest. Her heart thundered more with excitement than the running.

As they crossed the clearing, she could see the woods. Even though the day was sunny and clear, the woods seemed…darker, it was misty within.

“It’s damp and cold there. How?” she questioned absentmindedly, still peering into the woods.

Nothing much was visible except the towering tree trunks, the trees were larger than any of the mountain trees she had ever seen.

“Must be the density, look at the mist there,” he commented

“Michael, we can’t see much.” 

“Yea.” that was all that came out of his mouth.

They both had stood there for a few moments, she had expected birds singing and sunlight filtering into the woods- there was nothing- it was just…silence.

“What if we get lost, should we run back?” The sight of the woods still tingled her curiosity, but the darkness within was intimidating to the little girl.

“I have a compass. I just wanted to be quick with it. Come on, we won’t venture far.” he sighed and stepped in. 

Spearing a glance behind, towards the walls of the town, (Y/N) quickly followed him in.

.

.

.

“Why is the compass not working?” Michael hissed. He had taken notice of it only after they had ventured far enough.

“You don’t even know how to read one.”

“I do, Dad taught me. You don’t.”

“But it’s not working and…and it’s cold and dark here.” (Y/N) whined, her curiosity was no more appealing, the prospect of getting lost in the dark, cold place daunted her.

“We can still see the clearing from here. We will get through this, okay? Let me just  find—”

Snap!

Both the children gasped in unison and turned towards the source of the sound- nothing. It was silent, utterly silent for even the sound of a breaking twig to appear so loud.

Their eyes looked around frantically, the mist had seemed to thicken, nothing was visible.

“Michael…” she whispered out, reaching for her friend’s hand.

It was cold and shivering slightly, but his grip tightened. It did not feel right, they did not feel alone anymore.

“Michael…I don’t like it here anymore,” she whispered out to the frozen boy. She no longer felt like it was only two of them.

“Let’s just—”

His words were cut out by a low grunt and they froze, it was far from anything human they had heard in their short life and it felt too near. 

Their breathing quickened.

And then, she saw it- the faint shadow of…Something.

Something massive and four-legged. And that was enough for both the children to scream and sprint away. 

Neither of them let go of their grip on each other’s hand, Michael was faster and he was pulling her faster.

But she could feel it. The ground beneath them thrummed with the fast-approaching predator.

It was catching up on them and it was big and fast. But they did not stop running.

Yet, (Y/N) dared to turn back. It was already too late.

It lept in the air, pouncing through the mist and she screamed her lungs out.

**++**

She gasped and woke up. Her breathing was ragged and her forehead was glistening with sweat. 

“Hey, Hey (Y/N), it was a nightmare, it was just a dream okay? Just a dream.” she turned towards her concerned roommate who had sat up and hand grasped her. 

“Wha-What?” 

“You were screaming, I woke up and realised that you were having a nightmare. Again.” Cindy’s voice was laced with concern with a hint of panic.

She had not even realised that she had actually screamed. But the nightmare felt so real…She thought they had stopped, they never did.  It would always be regarding the forest, she and Michael getting inside and something following them. The nightmares returned soon after her twenty-first birthday

“It was the same?”

She remained silent at Cindy’s question. The said girl began to rub her shoulders.

“You know it wasn’t your fault right? You both were just kids—”

“And we had been warned so many times to not go there. And yet we did. I could have stopped him, I should have.” she felt her throat closing up and her eyes stinging. 

She did not even remember what was chasing them, but it felt nowhere near friendly. All she remembered was screaming as loud as she could and shutting her eyes tight.

And the next time she opened her eyes, she was sitting, hunched over, head between her knees, terrified- that was how her grandfather and the group with him found her.

There was no trace of Michael.

It was just her, with lapsed memory and a lifelong invisible but throbbing scar.

“(Y/N), you have to stop blaming yourself. Please, it was not your fault.” she looked up at Cindy, realising that tears were already tracing her cheeks.

She had no one to blame but herself for the tragedy. She had not returned to the town since. It was her grandparents visiting her after the incident.

But now, they were waning as well. And deep down, (Y/N) knew that returning to the town and having to face Michael’s parents was inevitable.

****

[romanarose]

Sunshine, Starlight, Sweetheart, Brightside: Chapter 14

Masterlist here

Chapter 13 : Chapter 15

Marc Spector X Fem!OC

This is a part of an ongoing story, but you can read as a separate fic using context clues.

Fic Summary: Steven meets Sam and they strike up a quick relationship, both kindhearted and loving, they fall fast. But both have a lot going on. Steven had Marc and Moon Knight, and Sam has mental health problems of her own. Slowly, Steven starts to put together pieces of her story as Sam starts to get to know Marc and Jake. The four of them learn to navigate Sam's depression, family, and traumatic past as Sam helps Steven Marc and Jake navigate each other.

Chapter summary: Sam has something important to tell Marc, Steven leaves for the evening to give them privacy. Antics ensue lol

Chapter warnings: SMUT!!! Finally, we get good Marc content. P in V sex, ass smacking, dirty talk, choking, general rough sex and manhandling stuff.

Bold is Steven's thoughts

Italics are Marcs

No Jake this chapter but I promise more Jake is coming

Marc, you have to promise to behave. Steven was walking the stairs to Sam’s apartment, where she was going to surprise Marc with dinner. It was a friday night, which they almost always spent together.

God, what are you talking about now

We’re going to Sam’s and I’m gonna leave

What? Why? Isn’t she supposed to be at work? It’s only 5.

Listen, it’s supposed to be a surprise, but she’s cooking you dinner, she wants to talk. Jess is covering her afternoon and she skipped her last class to prepare this. 

Why would she do that? What the fuck does she want to talk about?

Christ Marc, why do you have to be such a cock? It’s not bad

Then tell me what it is!

Marc just be nice. She skipped class right before finals, you don’t have to… ugh I can’t tell you what it’s all about but you just have to be nice, you don’t have go reciprocate, but don’t be a fucking dick. I don’t want a repeat of the scarf incident. 

Jesus, are you still mad about that?

Am I still mad about my loving girlfriend making you a scarf and you throwing it in her face? Yeah, I am

For fucks sake Steven I didn’t throw it in her face

You may as well have. They arrived at her door Now come to the front

No, not when you guys are ambushing me. 

We’re not!- ugh. Steven calmed himself Can you please just front? I’ll leave the headspace but I’ll come out if you need me, okay?

Marc sighed mentally Fine. Don’t be far.

I won’t

Marc fronted and gave himself a few breaths before knocking

“Come in!!” He heard Sam call from the inside. He recognized the tinge in her voice; she was nervous too.

Marc took one more deep breath and walked in. There she was, standing with the table in front of her, wearing a red dress and black tights (her favorite color combo). Her face was smiling, but the crease between her eyebrows was a dead give away how anxious she was. Sam’s face was all done up, so was her hair, curled into ringlets that went past the neckline of the dress that showed far too little cleavage. He loved her face as god made it, but something about when she wore dark red lipstick… Man, that drove him crazy. Did she know that? Was that on purpose?

“Hey” she squeeked out nervously, trying so hard to be casual.

Marc took a few steps forward, closing the door behind him “Hey Brightside… what is this” he circled the table. Was that Challah? “Sam, what’s going on?”

Marc noticed as soon as her breathing picked up “Oh god, this is weird, isn’t it? I knew it was weird the whole time I was making this.”

“Sam, it’s not weird… what exactly is it?” Red wine was on the table.

Sam wrung her hands together “Well… I wanted to talk to you so I decided to make you dinner for it and then I thought… well… it’s friday… oh god this is probably super inappropriate huh?”

“Is this…” he glanced at the table, then at her “Did you make me Shabbat dinner?”

“I mean, not really, I’m not Jewish… I just looked up traditional foods and made some kosher stuff… Well as Kosher as I could get… It started with the Challah and I just dove into it and next thing I knew… It was a whole thing…” She looked like she could burst into tears “I’m sorry if this isn’t something I’m supposed to be doing or if you don’t like it-”

“How long did this take you?”

“It’s nothing I just… I was hoping we could talk?” she pulled back a bit.

“Yeah, yeah of course… Are you okay?”

She finally smiled again “Yeah, I’m great, Starlight… There’s just something I wanted to tell you and I wasn’t sure when the right time was and I wasn’t sure how you’d react” 

Marc thought of the scarf and how hurt she looked when he rejected the gift. “What is it?” he was feeling anxious, she said nothing was wrong, but he wasn’t sure he believed her

“Well, you and I have been spending a lot of time together, sometimes without Steven and I really love seeing you-” Sam started rambling.

What the hell is she talking about? I’ve been an ass to her.

“And I remember you coming to get me from the bar, and us dancing to Mr. Brightside-”

Oh god, she remembers that

“And the way you dipped me and… and we kissed-”

She’s mad about that, I should’ve never let her kiss me drunk

“I think about that kiss a lot, I’ve been thinking about it all week, I want… I’ve wanted to kiss you again…”

What? She wants to kiss me?

“I think about you all the time, Marc-”

This is all wrong

“I love you” Marc blurted out, hardly believing he let it slip “Shit, sorry I wasn’t supposed to say that…” Marc began panicking. No, no backtrack you idiot. Take it back, you’re all wrong for her.

“You love me?” Sam couldn’t help but notice how much this scene mirrored her and Steven saying I love you the first time.

“I shouldn’t have said that, I’m sorry, I’ll go, I’m sorry” Marc started pacing the room “This is all wrong, I’m sorry, I’m sorry” he tugged at his hair with his right hand, but Sam grabbed his left, forcing him to look at her.

“Starlight, whatever could you be sorry for?”

“I shouldn’t have said that, Steven’s gonna kill me, I-”

“I love you too” She looked at him with a mix of love and concern.

Marc pulled his hand away, shutting his eyes. “No, don’t say that” he whispered.

“Why” she seemed so small, so quiet.

“I’m wrong for you. Steven is what you need, not me” he was squeezing his eyes closed, begging for this to all go away.

“I need both of you”

“No, no you don’t I will only hurt you, I hurt everything I touch…” Marc opened his eyes finally, as he echoed the words Steven had said to him when Marc first began revealing himself.

“No, you don’t Marc” Sam took his face in her hands, focusing him, grounding him.

He looked into her eyes, bright and blue, she looked so innocent, he couldn’t stand if he took that spark out of her eyes “You don’t want any part of this…”

Sam wanted to kiss him on his full lips, but opted to pull him in for a hug, arms wrapping around his wide center “I want every part of this. Do you know why I call you Starlight?”

He returned the hug. He knew he should pull away, but didn’t “No…”

“Steven is my Sunshine, that’s obvious. He’s like a golden retriever. He lights up my day. But days can’t last forever. Sometimes things get dark. But in the dark, there's always the light from the stars. It doesn’t take away the dark, but that’s not the point of the stars. The point is to guide, to orient. And that’s you. When things are dark, you are there to guide me. You are my star light, and I love you…”

“I don’t want to hurt you” he tugged her tighter.

“I know baby, I know. I don’t want to hurt you either.”

“You could never hurt me”

“People hurt people. It happens. We can work through each other’s problems, it’ll be ok… I just want to be with you. I want to hold you, to kiss you, protect you” She wanted to protect him? No one had ever said they wanted to protect him before…

Marc, despite his best efforts, felt himself getting hard. He tried to pull his hips away, but he didn’t want to end the hug.

“I will keep you safe, Brightside, I promise. No one will hurt you under my watch.” He stroked her hair, his other hand tracing her back “I just want you to be happy…”

“I want to spend my life making you smile…” Sam felt him growing hard as their bodies were pressed against each other “Marc…” She pulled her upper torso back, smirking at him “Love, are you getting hard at emotional intimacy?”

Marc laughed softly and touched his forehead to hers “Maybe…shhh” he wrapped a hand into her hair, tangled up in red, to take her into a kiss. 

When their lips clashed together, Sam knew immediately that despite sharing a body with her beloved Steven, he felt different. How that was possible, she didn’t know. Steven was passionate, Marc was desperate. He kissed her like she would disappear, like she was pleading with her to stay, god she wanted him. He pulled her closer, hand running through her body, trying to feel every bit of her at once. The hand in her hair tightened, pulling at her scalp as she lowered her hand to grab his ass. God, he really was thick everywhere “Fuck, what are you doing with all that ass”

 “I could ask you the same thing” Marc chuckled, smacking Sam’s butt.

Sam ground her hips against his at the feeling of the smack, she hoped that would continue tonight. She moved to his pants and started fumbling with the belt, but he stopped her, grabbing her hands.

“Ah, ah, ah. We gotta have dinner first”

Sam whined “Noooo”

Marc pulled back, fixing her hair and smoothing out her dress as she pouted at him, lip jutting out “You prepared this thoughtful meal, we’re going to eat it.” He walked behind her, wrapping his strong arms around her, swaying her a bit “Just think about all the things you want me to do to you, consider it foreplay” He let go, and pulled out a chair for her.

Sam sat down, squirming against the chair as Marc pushed it back in “Hell of some fucking foreplay…” she muttered.

The dinner was thick with tension. Marc kept the conversation going, despite the straining in his pants growing. Oh, the things he wanted to do to her… He wondered what she would let him do. It occurred to him that she might not have liked when he smacked her ass, given her past… she didn’t seem to mind though... Marc made a mental note to make sure to ask her.

The dinner was delicious. Marc was genuinely touched by the effort she went through to make something resembling Shabbat dinner. Of course, memories were brought back, memories of his childhood, his mom, his dad, the synagogue, Randel… But for some reason, the memories were good. That’s what she did to him. She always looked on the bright side of things despite everything life had thrown at her. Marc supposed it was infectious. And god, the way she was eyeing him all night… The way she would look at him, bite her lips and wiggle in her chair… he knew she was thinking of him, thinking of him taking her… I’m gonna take real good care of her… This is going to be everything she needs… I gotta make sure she’s happy… 

When diner ended, Marc took his plate and walked around to get hers, the look she gave him was pleading. He liked teasing her like this, making her squirm. He did the dishes for her as she leaned against her counter “Marc, please…”

“Please what?” he teased as he put the last dish away, even as his cock was aching for her.

“Please fuck me” She asserted.

He stared at her, open mouthed. Well, how was he supposed to refuse her?

Marc sped around the counter, yanking her to him, bruising his lips in the kiss, and even more so when she bit his lower lip.

“Tell me” he muttered into her neck as he kissed along her collar bone, hand floating up to her breasts “Tell me how you want it”

“I want” a gasp “I want you to do whatever you want to my body”

Marc growled, the things I want to do… but he needed more “That’s not gonna work, I need you to tell me…”

“I want…” Sam wriggled in his arms, catholic guilt stopping her from saying what she wants.

Marc’s tone softened “I don’t want to hurt you or do something you don’t want… I need you to be clear, because the things I want…”

Sam cupped both of his ass cheeks in her hands “I want what you want, I want this to be good for you… ” She spoke between kisses along his jawline.

Marc looked at her, concentrating on her features “Love, this will be good for me, no matter what. Just you is enough” A deep kiss on the lips.

“I want… Oh god this is awkward…” She cringed “I want you to be rough… I want you to manhandle me and… I liked when you spanked me…” she winced, but smiled.

Marc smiled back broadly “That’s what I want too… Are there things you don’t want? I don’t want to hurt you… Well, I don’t want to hurt you in a way you don’t want” he winked.

Sam giggled, hiding her face in his chest “Sorry, I’m so awkward about this…”

“It’s okay brightside, it’s okay”

“I don’t really have anything I don’t want… besides what I told Steven, do you remember?”

“Yes, of course”

“I wouldn’t really know what else I don’t like… Can we, how about I just tell you if I want you to stop?”

Marc pulled her off his chest, holding her chin in his hands “Of course, you tell me if you don’t like something, okay?”

“Okay. Now please” She grabbed his shirt tightly, staring into his chocolate eyes with wide-eyed passion. “Fuck me, Marc Spector”

He moved close to her ear “I thought you’d never ask, Brightside.” Without any warning, Marc turned Sam around and shoved her over the couch, lifting up her red skirt and smacking her right ass cheek, hard. 

“Ah! Harder, please” Sam begged

Marc obliged, hitting her harder and making her cry out, he soothes the red spot over. “Too hard?” His tone was light, but the question was genuine.

“It’s perfect” Sam squirmed her legs together, which gave Marc a front view of her ass moving in front of him, red underwear still covered in the mesh of her tights.

“Fuck, fuck baby…” Marc couldn’t take it anymore, he grabbed two fistfull of her tights and ripped the tights open.

“Marc!” Sam cried out.

Marc knelt down beneath where she was bent over “I’ll buy you new ones” he grumbled, moving one of the legs up to the couch to allow him access. He dove in, burying his face into her crotch, slipping a finger into her vagina and sucking on her over the underwear. Sam gripped the cloth on her couch, trying to keep herself up right but her leg was growing weak under the pleasure flowing through her. “Marc, fuck, just like that.” He ate her like a starved man, like it was his last meal on death row, Sam gripped out the couch as she was devoured, the stubble rubbing against her thighs. Marc moved a finger to swirl over her clit

. He worshiped at the shrine of her, kneeling, praying to the goddess that was above him. The only thing compelling him to change positions was that he needed to see her face, feel her body, and pull that beautiful auburn hair.

“MARC! Marc, fuck, I’m so close already” dinner really was forplay. 

He loved the sound of his name on her red lips “Not yet” Marc removed his mouth from her, making Sam whine.

“Marc please!” She pleaded, rutting against the couch, slipping a hand down to bring herself her own release.

Marc grabbed the hand, and put it behind her lower back, holding it there “You don’t get to get off that easy” He released his throbbing cock from the restraints of his pants “You don’t cum until I say you can, okay?”

“Okay” Sam groaned as Marc moved aside her underwear.

“Can you say ‘Yes sir’?” He lined himself up at her entrance, teasing her hole with the head.

“Mmmmm” Sam wiggled her hips against him, trying to get some sort of feeling.

Marc pressed the hand that was behind her back into her, holding her hips to the couch “Use your words.” He continued to tease her, dipping ever so slightly into her, feeling the wetness. He unzipped the back of her dress, giving her more room to breathe.

“Yes sir!” She cried out.

“Good girl” Marc muttered, ramming his cock into her, making her scream his name loud enough the neighbors probably heard. Good He thought. He let her hand go, and used it to brace himself against the couch, as the other moved to trace around her neck. “Can I choke you?” He asked gently “You can say no” He was ramming hard into her, hitting the spot deep inside her.

“Please” Sam said through pants.

Permission granted, Marc reached out and took her throat in his hand, squeezing along the sides. He was careful not to hurt her and not to actually make it hard to breath, but when she thrust her head back Marc saw a smile.

He drew his free hand back and smacked her again, hard. And he felt her body jolt forward from the pain. He watched her body, bent over the couch in the red dress raised up for him as he disappeared into her. He ran his handover her body: fingers entagnled in her hair, squeezing her tits, holding onto her hips. He had to know she was real, this couldn’t be a dream, not again. It felt like a dream. He knew he wasn’t watching Steven, no, Steven would never have her like this. But it didn’t stop him from doubting his eyes. It didn’t make sense, and yet, here she was. Bent over in front of him, her cute skirt riding up her ass, watching himself fuck her. “You like this baby? You like when I fuck you like this?”

“Y-yes sir” She mumbled.

Marc grinned, she was being fucked so dumb she couldn’t hardly put two words together, all because of him.

He pulled out of her, leaving Sam empty again. Before she had a chance to orient herself he pulled her to the bed, shoving her down on the comforter. Marc knelt down, ripping her weak underwear in his large hands, making her gasp “You gonna buy, hmmm, me new underwear too?” Sam teased as she felt him grip her thighs with a force that would surely leave bruises.

Marc was mesmerized at the sight of her cunt dripping for him “Baby, whatever I need to buy to get another night like this… I’ll do it” He slid two fingers inside her.

She laughed, entangling her fingers in his dark hair. “Just underwear will do.”

Marc wasn’t hardly paying attention “I’m gonna buy you so much fucking underwear”

When Sam felt his mouth go to her clit as his fingers worked inside her, she threw her head back and swore. Marc worked his hands and tongue against her, occasionally curling his finger up just to feel her hips buck when he hit that right spot.

“MARC!” Sam called out.

“Not yet, don’t fucking come yet” He muttered underneath her.

She writhed against the comforter, attempting to hold back the orgasm.

Marc came up, climbing onto of her to bring her in for a wet his, tasting herself on his lips. Marc assisted Sam in getting out of the dress, then the bra, taking her tits in his mouth as soon as he saw them. He swirled her tongue around the nipple, Sam rubbing Marc’s naked back in encouragement. He kissed down to her stomach, gripping her sides as he focused his mouth on the part of her body he knew she was insecure about. “So sexy…” He kissed around her belly button, to her hip bones, giving a gentle bite at her right love handle, giving the left side a squeeze.

Her hands were in his hair as she whispered “What are you doing?”

He looked up at her briefly before he sucked right below the stomach, hoping to leave marks on the sensitive, pale skin. “Appreciating every inch of you.” He moved over her, kissing on the scars on her thighs.

Sam felt her heart swell at the intimacy, how he loved the parts of her she hated. 

He kissed his way back up her body and cupped her face as he kissed her again, sucking on her tongue before he pulled away and smacked her tit.  “Hands and knees, Brightside” Marc thought Steven did not take her like this nearly enough. Steven said he liked to see her face. Marc liked having her submit to him.

“Yes sir” Sam did as she was told and scrambled to her knees, facing away from him. 

“You behave, and I’ll let you come, Okay? Can you do that?”

A small whine “Yes sir.”

Marc took a moment to marvel at the sight of her ass before him, caressing her, memorizing her. He couldn’t help himself, he bit down on her right cheek, hard. Sam screamed into the pillow. Marc went back to work, fucking her until sweat dripped down his face “Fuck, you feel so good, you’re taking me so well. I love the feeling of your tight cunt around me, the little sounds that come out of your mouth, you’re so fucking good, I just want to ruin you.”

“So ruin me” tears were brimming in her eyes.

Marc growled loudly, shoving her face into the pillow by her neck. When he released her so she could breath and she pushed herself up onto her arms, he smacked her tits as he pounded her. The sounds coming from between them were sinful; the pants from his mouth, the whines from hers and the wet squish from her cunt, god, he just wanted to imprint everything into his memory.

“You’re doing so good, such a pretty girl, such a good, pretty girl… Doing fucking amazing for me…” He took her hair into a makeshift ponytail, pulling her head up.

“Marc…” she whimpered “F-fuck baby, you feel so good”

Marc gripped her hips with a force, pulling her to meet his thrusts. He briefly thumbed over the indents her scars left on her body, he just wanted her to feel good, he wanted to make her feel good. “Are you ready to come for me?”

Sam nodded vigorously “Please, please let me come, please I’ve been waiting for this for months baby”

Another hard slap to her ass, then he reached around to play with the bundle of nerves right above where he was hitting, he leaned his sweaty body over her and put his face close to her ear “Come for me, Brightside.”

When the orgasm finally wracked through her body, Sam collapsed onto the bed. Marc adjusted his angle to keep fucking her, until he got his release. Sam didn’t even notice, too blissed out, her arms and legs were spread across the bed as the intense orgasm flowed through her. She felt like she was aware of every vein in her body, but somehow unaware of anything farther than the pillow she was on. Everything seemed so blurry, so peaceful. When she came to, it was to a warm washcloth on her back. Marc wiped her down, ending with cleaning her vagina of his come. 

Sam turned over on to her side, looking up at the man she loved. “Can you lay with me for a while? I gotta do some homework in a bit, but I want to just… be with you… please?”

“Of course, my love… Of course...” Marc laid down beside her, encasing his body around hers and tracing around her curves. He tried not to linger on the scars, he didn't want her to think he was staring at them, but he was. Some were so thick, some left indents and some were raised. Some were pink circles from the newer burns, and some were white circles whose scars pulled in the skin around them. The cuts were concentrated heavily at her upper thighs, closer to her hips but worked their way up. Marc ran the pads of his fingers over her stomach, feeling the scars etched in. He held back a wince imagining how badly that would've hurt. He imagined a young Sam, hurt and alone and scared, he knew that pain. It hurt him to think she was ever sad enough hurt herself, it angered him to think of every man that ever hurt her. He wanted to make her dad pay, he wanted to make Jordan pay. He wanted to make them suffer.

After a while of silence, Sam spoke “Marc?”

Marc snapped out of his anger, focusing instead on the woman in his arms. “Yes?” He was playing with an auburn curl.

“Can I ask you something, and you can’t laugh at me or make fun of me…”

Oh no “Of course not, what’s wrong?” Marc leaned over to look at her, but she was staring at a Bruce Springsteen poster on the wall. 

“You don’t think I’m… well, you like the way I look, don’t you?”

Mark sat up now, attempting to get her eye. “Of course I do. Whatever made you think I don’t? Did I say something?”

Still looking away, she answered “No, Starlight, you didn’t say anything, it’s just… sometimes I need reassurance… I feel your hands on my fat and I feel weird… I worried that once you had me, you’d realize I didn’t live up to expectations and… wouldn’t be attracted anymore”

“Baby… First of all, I’ve seen you naked countless times, I was already in love with how you look… And my hands are on your body because I love your body… I love every curve, your long legs, your tits, your pretty face, your blue eyes, the red in your hair… I love everything about how you look because it’s you. If anything changed, I would love that too, because I love what's in here” He tapped her head.

“Even when I’m a depressed mess?” she finally looked at him.

Marc chose his next words carefully “Not that I want you to be depressed, but I gotta say that fact that you are as incredible as you are all while fighting your brain… well that just endears you to me more.”

She smiled a little bit, looking at him with adoration. “That’s why you’re my Starlight”

Marc kissed her forehead “Take a nap, I’ll wake you in a bit to work on your homework.”

Marc stayed true to his word, waking Sam after she got half an hour of sleep. He wanted to watch her sleep forever, she deserved to rest, but he didn’t know how much she had to do. What’s that song? The one from that one movie with the chick from Lord of the Rings? “I could stay awake just to hear you breathing, feeling your heart beating while you’re far away dreaming” He hoped that if she dreamt, it was only good dreams. She sat up in her bed and asked Marc to hand her a shirt, he grabbed the one he had been wearing when he came over. Sam was finishing the final essay for her Preschool Practicum class, and she asked Marc to proofread after she had gone through a few rounds.

Marc was hesitant. “You sure you want me to look at it? Isn’t Steven better suited for this?”

“I’m spending the day with you, Marc. You are just as capable of picking up grammar mistakes as Steven is.”

“I don’t know about that… What if I change something to something wrong.” Marc muttered as he picked up the laptop.

Sam took Marc’s face in her hand and turned it towards her “Marc, honey. You are very smart. Just because you can’t list every single Egyption pharaoh doesn’t mean you aren’t smart. Okay?”

Marc wanted to fight her, he wanted to shrug off the compliment with a joke or argue it. But she looked at him with so much love and sincerity… he couldn’t help but almost believe her. “Okay.”

Sam hugged him, it was a small, quick, and awkward hug, but a hug nonetheless. He would never tell her what the hugs meant. He wouldn’t want them to become diluted into something she just did because he liked it. No, he wanted them to come from her. He would never tell her how such a chaste, innocent, wholesome act melted his heart or how he felt like little pieces of himself came together with each one. No, no she wouldn’t know that. But every time she hugged him, he wanted to stay like that forever.

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHOSE BEEN INTERACTING!!! I seem to get less and less interaction which makes me sad, but I have a story to tell and I will tell it! Reblogs really help a LOT! Tumblr doesn't really have an algorithim so reblogs (with or without tags) are the best way to spread my work! comments mean the world to me!! I literally get so hyped every time! I'm glad y'all seem to really like Sam as a character. I don't mind doing reader fics but I can't stand Y/N. I like my characters to be real characters, not just a blank slate.

Comment if you'd like to be added to ttag list!

I'm working on a one shot request for Moon Knight, I'd like to get more one shots going but between this fic, my Han solo fic on AO3 and really wanted to get another Bruce Springsteen fic out per a request, I got a lot to do and I'm moving to college soon!

@ahookedheroespureheart @cherryvalentine1 @kr-mlk

[atlaese]

Healing wounds - b.b.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader TW: fatws spoilers? cussing, injuries etc A/N: i was listening to Hypochondriac by Sasha Sloan and man it hit me HARD!! Anyway, enjoy :)

MARVEL MASTERLIST | BUCKY BARNES MASTERLIST

The ritual had started when he had injured his right arm, making it difficult to clean the muck that stuck between the vibranium plates of his left arm. He had struggled to reach further than his elbow, not being able to reach that far. A deep sigh had left his mouth, frustrated with the fact that his arm would probably short-circuit, cause a shit ton of pain and he’d have to contact Shuri again so she could fix it. He hated having to depend on other people as is, but this high tech arm made it all the more difficult.

When you first came into the picture, he never mentioned the hassle of cleaning the arm after a mission. He figured it was best to not bother you with situations that alluded to his rather complicated past. This relationship had to stand free of his history, free of all the stuff he did. He didn’t want to pollute you with the dark thoughts that shot through his head every time the lights shut off in his bedroom or when loud sounds on the tv gave him anxiety. You had to be this separate entity in his life, that when he looked at you, he was a new person without a past filled with too much baggage one person could barely handle.

After Steve had left, he had dropped into this deep pit of despair. He didn’t know who he was anymore, his identity altered every time his mind had been wiped. It resulted in him completely losing every sense of who he was. You were this ray of sunshine the first time he met you. His dark presence was the polar opposite of your personality that was filled with a million different colours. Every time after that, a little bit of your colours started seeping into his monotone personality. You made him a person again, someone who was worthy to live life again. He started to take care of himself again, cut his hair and trimmed his beard.

The first time he dared to take off his gloves was after you’d kissed him for the first time. You had looked at it for a second, but your eyes then shifted to his again, slowly intertwining your digits with his metal ones. The gesture felt more intimate than the kiss you’d given him minutes before and he felt himself being put together piece by piece.

He slowly let you into his life, giving you bits and pieces of himself and he fell in love with you, the way you never judged anything that came out of his mouth or when he was in an emotionless state after a memory had made it’s way back. You were always patient and loving even when he was not.

He started telling you about the missions he sometimes went on, he opened up about his history with Steve and he’d tell you about Sam and the shield. You grew closer and depended on each other. You had never cared this much about someone before, but you still felt that he was hiding something from you.

So when the knocking on his door grew more and more impatient, he knew he’d have to tell you about what happened. He opened the door and the look on your face shifted from angry to worry in an instant when you scanned his face. Cuts and bruises littered his face and even more disappeared under the white tank he wore. His right arm had a few deep cuts, the knife yielding psycho that attacked him knew this arm was more vulnerable thus deciding to focus all his force on it.

“Oh Buck,” you croaked, all anger that had pent up immediately leaving your body. You had made him promise you to call you after every mission, whether he’d return at 5 in the morning or 10 at night. You needed to know he was okay and safe at home. When he hadn’t called after this mission and wasn’t picking up his phone and it was already 10 in the morning and he promised it wouldn’t be later than 6 am, you decided to go over to his apartment.

He looked down at his shoes, refusing to meet your eyes. You weren’t supposed to see him like this, like an inhuman machine made for killing, like who he used to be, like the winter soldier. He had tried so hard to erase this image, to make sure he had cleaned himself up before calling you, but here you were.

The bloody rag in his right hand and the deep cuts captured your attention, a small sob leaving your lips.

“You’re not okay,” you whimpered as you stepped closer and he immediately took a step back, avoiding the hand you were stretching out.

“Please, don’t, I’m- I don’t want you to see me like this.” He was still avoiding your eyes, hiding the rag behind his back.

“Bucky, I-I don’t understand? You’re hurt,” you grabbed his right wrist and carefully turned his arm so you could see better.

He wanted to pull away, but when he finally looked up at your face, he saw how much it hurt you as well, that he hid this part of his life.

“I’m sorry,” the strained noise left his mouth as he tried his best to keep in the tears that were threatening to spill.

“No, no, no,” you shook your head repeatedly, “please-, please let me help you.”

He finally nodded after a few seconds. You closed the door behind you and softly grabbed his right hand to pull him towards the bathroom.

He stood in front of the mirror and tried to clean his left shoulder again when a hiss left his mouth again.

“Bucky, please,” you begged and motioned towards the bathtub and he sat down. You pulled the dirty rag out of his hands and tossed it in the trash, opening his cupboard to grab a clean towel.

You sat next to him on the tub and looked at his face, softly whispering, “tell me if it hurts, okay?”

He nodded and looked down at his feet again.

You started at the plates on his shoulder, carefully removing any blood or muck and slowly moved down towards his elbow. You’d stop every few minutes to watch his face, checking if he was still okay.

You were brushing off the plates on his elbow when he turned his head to watch you. The concentration on your face made him smile a bit and he relaxed under your soft touch.

When you finally reached his wrist, he cleared his throat and you looked up at him. His blue eyes shone brightly when he was looking at you, they were cleared of any self-loathing and you gave him a small smile.

“Almost done with this arm,” you whispered before continuing.

“I can do the rest,” he immediately said. You had already helped him so much and he didn’t want to burden you any more.

“Bucky, please let me- let me take care of you,” you replied as you stood up after cleaning his digits. You stood between his legs now and held his face between your hands.

“Please,” you whispered against his lips and he let out a shaky breath before he nodded. You kissed him softly and pulled away to open his cabinet and pull out a first aid kit.

You disinfected the wounds on his arm and put plasters and bandages over them. You gave each bruise on his face a small kiss and when every injury was tended to, he grabbed your hand before you pulled away.

“Thank you,” he kissed your knuckles and looked back up at you, tears present in his eyes.

“Let’s make this a thing, alright?” You said as you sat crossed legged in front of him, love radiating out of you.

He licked his lips and nodded, a small smile forming on his face. You leaned your side against his leg and he caressed your hair, smoothing it down and you hummed, enjoying the feeling.

You stood up again after a minute to clean up everything.

You put his first aid kit back in his cabinet as he came to stand behind you, circling your waist with his left arm and he pressed a kiss against your neck.

You closed the cabinet and the mirror then showed the happy look on both of your faces.

“I love you,” he whispered against the side of your face as your eyes connected through the mirror.

You turned in his embrace and cradled his face in your hands, tears threatening to spill because of all the love you felt for this person, “I love you too, Buck.”

* * *

So that’s how the ritual started. The first few months he’d call you immediately after a mission and you would come over to help him clean his vibranium arm. When you moved in together, he’d flick on the nightlight in the corner next to your bed if he returned at night. The small glimmer of light would wake you softly and that way he wouldn’t have to touch you with bloody hands.

Once you were up, you would go to your bathroom to find him sitting on the side of the tub, a fresh towel waiting for you on the hamper. Standing in front of him between his legs, you’d tip his head back softly with your hands to give him a forehead kiss that lingered for a few seconds. After that you’d help him out of his dirty clothes, careful to avoid any injuries that he sustained, soft hands brushing against his collarbones to the scars on his left shoulder. You’d clean the vibranium plates carefully and he would watch you in silence. After the arm was clean, you pull him with you in the tub to relax. You’d lather his hair with a few pumps of your soap, so that his senses would fill with everything that was you.

Relaxing together in the tub, you’d tell him about the day you had, or what you were planning to do tomorrow and he’d listen. You'd kiss him senseless until he didn’t know what was up or down anymore and his smile would reappear on his face.

The longer this ritual went on, the more open he became and the more he accepted he wasn’t him. He started taking care of himself more and even opened up about you in his therapy sessions. He found himself again because you helped looking for him. He found himself again because you were always by his side to pick him up.

And so when you all gathered at the docks and you saw playing him with Sam’s nephews or talking to Sarah, you knew he’d be okay. You knew he had found himself because the smile on his face would be genuine. And when he picked you up around your waist to twirl you around and dance with him on the dance floor, you knew you had found your person, because he didn’t realize yet how much he had helped you find yourself as well.

[readyforthegarden]

Summer in the City - Part Two

Part Two

Read Part One if you haven’t already!

Pairing: Mainly Sam x Female Reader, but uh...things happen.

Warnings: 18+ MINORS DNI!!, drug usage

Taglist:  @streamsofstardust​ @myownparadise96​  @sing-against-the-sky​  @mannick​  @screechesincoherently​ @garagebandvanfleet​ @theweightofstardust​​​

You sat on the floor of the van, the milk crate too hard for you to sit on for hours at a time. You grew bored with watching the scenery of California pass by in the windows, so you reached up and ran your hands through your hair. You parted it down the middle and started to french braid it. Sam had glanced up at your movement and was watching your fingers twist and twirl sections of your hair together. You tied the end with a string of yarn you’d brought with you, and did the same with the other one.

“Can you do that to my hair?” you looked over to Sam, who was smiling softly towards you. You simply nodded and sat yourself up on the crate, and he was crawling across the floor to sit himself in front of you, shaking out his brown locks. You gently fingered combed it, noting how soft and silky it felt. You tilted his head back a bit, just enough to run your two index fingers back from his hair line, and separating your starting piece. Sam’s eyes fluttered shut and you felt him relax against your legs as your fingers danced through his hair, tracing lines on his scalp. Once you finished the braid, you started to look for another piece of string to tie it, when he stopped you. “Can you undo it and do it again? It feels really good.”

“Sure,” you answer, combing the braid out and fluffing his hair. “You have more hair than my great aunt’s Irish setter.” Sam chuckled and shook his hair out more, making you giggle as some brushed across your face. You combed out the small tangles and started braiding again. When you finished this one, he asked you to redo it again, looking up at you with wide, doe-eyes and a gentle, comforting smile. He didn’t need to ask again, you realized, as you would have continued braiding and unbraiding those silky strands until your fingers bled.

“When we get to home, I want to show you everything.” Sam murmured to you as you weaved through his hair for the umpteenth time. “I think you belong there. It’s sunny and warm. You seem that way.”

“You think?” you asked, your stomach fluttering at the idea that this handsome stranger had thought about you in any way at all. He opened his eyes and tilted his head back, looking up at you.

“You’ve got an aura around you, you know?” he waved a hand around you, like he was tracing you. He leaned forward and you let go of his hair as he turned around and knelt in front of you, much like he did yesterday. He rested his forehead against yours and your breathing hitched in your throat. “It’s like laying in a patch of sunshine, being close to you. You’re so warm and bright.” you kept your eyes down, watching his smile.

You didn’t know what to say, no one had ever complimented your aura, whatever that was. You didn’t dare look up to see if his eyes were open, knowing in your soul that if you locked eyes with him at this proximity, you’d never be the same again, life would be meaningless without those eyes in them. After a few moments, Sam moved away, and you let out a shaky breath once your space was no longer occupied. He smiled at you and pulled a different looking cigarette out of his pocket, and you looked at it curiously.

“Don’t worry babe, I’ll share.” he hummed, lighting it up. Unlike with the cigarette yesterday, he held his inhale for a few moments before letting it pass through his lips. The smell hit your nostrils and you immediately recognized it as marijuana. You’d been around it a few times, but never directly partook. Sam gave you a knowing look and beckoned you over. Now you were crawling across the van floor, placing yourself next to him. He placed the joint in your hand, and guided you through it like yesterday, only this time instructing you to hold the breath you took for as long as possible. Your eyes watered a bit as you held back a cough, and Sam chuckled at you. Finally, you couldn’t hold it any longer and coughed, expelling the smoke. Sam rubbed your back, and you heard Jake and Danny laughing behind you guys again.

“Hey, don’t get her too high now, man.” Danny turned around in the passenger seat. Jake was driving today, and glanced back at you guys. “You want her to make a good impression, don’t you?” Sam rolled his eyes and took the joint back from you.

“Josh will love you,” Sam whispered. “He loves everyone. Don’t sweat it.” you gave him a small smile, trying to ignore the fact that his free hand was still on your back, thumb gently sweeping back and forth. You tried to tell yourself that you’d only known this young man for less than twenty-four hours, it was ridiculous to be crushing this hard on him. But something in you pushed away the logic. You came out here for something different, and you were going to listen to your heart over your head from now on.

Four hours later, after traveling down winding dirt roads for a while, Jake parked in front of a large, old house. The paint that had coated the wood was flaking away, some of the shutters on the windows were hanging on for dear life. You noticed people walking around the expansive yard, some were tending to a garden, others were putting together what looked like a shed or storage structure. Sam opened the sliding door and hopped out, stretching his limbs with a large groan and then turning to you.

You pulled your tote bag over your shoulder and took the hand he extended towards you, once again helping you out of the van. You fully expected him to drop your hand after, but he clasped it tightly, nodding for you to walk with him, and try and catch up with Danny and Jake. You stumbled a bit, not knowing if it was from being locked in a smoke filled van for hours or trying to keep up with Sam’s long legs. You glanced around, and were met with curious looks from some people, although you recognized multiple glares from some of the women that had noticed you.

“We’re back!” Jake shouted as he walked through the front door of the house. The foyer bled into a living area, where various, tattered couches were placed. Crocheted afghans were strewn about the furniture, and you noted some clothes peeking out from the blankets. There was movement in the shadows and a man emerged, smiling softly.

“Welcome home, brother.” he said. The man was dressed in all white, various strings of beads hanging around his neck. His curly hair was brown, just like his two brothers, and you marveled at how all three were so nearly identical. He was the only one with any facial hair, a thin mustache and small goatee. He stepped forward and embraced Jake, patting his back. He did the same with Danny, then stepped back to regard Sam as he took him into a hug. His eyes flicked over to you and he paused his movements, and he tilted his head slightly. “We have a guest?”

“Her name is Y/N.” Sam explained, tugging your hand and bringing you more in front of him. “We picked her up yesterday outside San Francisco. She was heading here, so we figured we’d bring her home with us. Y/N, this is Josh.” your eyes moved from Sam to Josh, and you saw the man studying you. It was like he was trying to figure out every secret you’ve ever hidden away, and it made you shudder. Josh’s eyes found your hand clasped in Sam’s, and he squinted a bit. You noticed Jake and Danny shifting nervously behind him, eyes trained on Josh as he moved forward.

“Y/N, is it?” he asked in a hushed tone.

“Yes sir.” you nodded, your voice barely a squeak. Josh burst out laughing, wiping his hand over his face. You felt confused, watching the other men laugh along with him.

“Sir?” Josh shook his head, his curls bouncing with the movement. “There’s no need for that. You can call me Josh. We have plenty of room, plenty of food. You can stay here as long as you need.” Josh opened his arms, and you glanced back to Sam. The taller boy finally let go of your hand, pushing you gently towards his brother. You stumbled a bit into the embrace, Josh chuckling as he wrapped his arms around your shoulders. He squeezed you tightly, nearing choking the breath out of you. Once he let go, he moved to Sam, giving him the same hug.

“You should see her work, Josh.” Jake nodded towards you. “She can sew. We thought she could work for us for a bit.” Josh turned back to you, his eyebrows raised curiously.

“What can you make?” you flushed, tugging on the shirt you were wearing to show him the small daisy that covered the worn hole in it.

“I can embroider, a little bit. Fix holes, stitch things together. I’ve never really made any clothes. I’m afraid I wouldn’t be too useful.” Josh touched the stitching on your shirt, and you dug in your tote bag to show him some of the other things you’d had to stitch over the past few weeks. He inspected them carefully, and smiled up at you.

“There’s a place for everyone here.” he affirmed. “And we could definitely use someone who can mend clothes, at the very least. Would you mind helping us?” you smiled at Josh, nodding.

“Anything I can do to help, I’ll do it.” Josh grinned at you, taking your hands in his and kissing your knuckles. You peeked over to Sam, who was beaming at you. Josh noticed the look you shared and spoke again. “Danny, will you take her upstairs and let her get settled into one of the spare rooms?”

“Sure,” Danny stepped forward and stood next to you, he gestured for you to follow him towards the open staircase.

“I’ll come get you in a little bit, Y/N.” Josh called as you ascending the stairs behind Danny. “Give you the grand tour.” you nodded and smiled, stealing one more glance at Sam, who was talking quietly with Jake now, his eyes darting between you and Josh.

Danny led you down a dim hallway, coming to a stop in front of a door with a flower spray painted on it. He opened the door and ushered you inside. It was a small room, with peeling pastel purple wallpaper. A twin bed was in the corner adorned with a patchwork quilt and an old, lumpy looking pillow, along with a small dresser and armchair. You dropped your tote bag on the bed, turning towards Danny.

“Thank you,” you said. “For picking me up yesterday. I realized I never properly thanked you.” Danny waved his hand in the air, as if he was dismissing your comment.

“It’s no problem, man.” he shrugged, giving you a smile. You heard scuffling sounds coming from downstairs, and furrowed your brow. Danny noticed and gave you a smile. “Jake likes to roughhouse. He’s been cooped up in a van for too long.” you nodded. “Josh should come get you soon, so sit tight. I’ll see you later.”

~~~~~~~~~~

You walked across the tall grass, a few steps behind Josh as he showed you around the commune. He’d walked you through the garden where various vegetables and fruits were growing, along with some suspicious looking plants towards the back. He explained how everyone that lived here worked together to make a sustainable home. They grew their own food, keeping to a vegetarian diet. Some of the people you had seen earlier were introduced to you, though a few still seemed to have a distaste for you, they seemed to hide it once Josh was in front of them.

“How long have you all been here?” you asked, looking at the makeshift huts and tents that littered the backyard of the house. There were at least eight of them, and you could’ve sworn you’d seen a few small children running into one.

“About a year now.” Josh answered. “We came down here after the Haight dried up. So many people tried to profit off the movement, sucking it dry. Fake prophets touting the words of love and light, and spoiling good people.” he shook his head.  “We had to leave. So we found this place, and started fixing it up. Most of the people here joined us on our travels down, others stumbled upon us when we’re in the city. You’re the first new person we’ve gotten in a while.”

“Well, I’m not sure how long I’ll be here, I’m planning on going into the city and looking for a job soon. Get a place there and build a life.” Josh’s eyes studied you, and he looked slightly affronted at your admission.

“Y/N, why do you need to build a life out there?” he asked. “It’s cold and heartless. We don’t need money, we don’t need material things. We all have each other. You can build a life right here. With us.” you considered his words, looking out to the land of tall grass and trees to the left of the property, where Josh was now bringing you. The evening sun was burning amber against the landscape, and you smiled.

“It does seem peaceful out here.” you sighed. Josh nodded, about to speak when a metallic clinging sound ran out.

“Supper time.” he nodded towards the sound. “Would you like to join me at my table? I want to learn everything about you.” You agreed and he took your hand, placing it on his elbow so he could escort you. As he led you around the house again, back towards the back yard, he continued on about how everyone was one unit. They all loved each other and that was the power that kept them all going. In the backyard, picnic tables were set up, torches lit to keep the insects away. On each table, there were large baskets of bread, and stock pots of what looked to be a stew. Josh guided you to a table where Jake and Danny already sat, a few other people there next to them. You sat down next to the head of the table, a large chair there where Josh sat down.

You felt movement on your other side a saw Sam easing himself onto the bench next to you. He gave you a small smile, and you noticed a bruise forming on his cheekbone. You gave him a concerned look and he waved you off, murmuring that he was okay. You were about to ask what happened when Josh spoke up.

“Everyone, I’m sure most of you have gotten word that we have a guest among us.” he gestured to you and your eyes went wide. “Let’s make sure that Y/N feels as welcome as you all were. We are all one. We are all love.”

“We are all love!” the group said back, clapping and clanging their silverware on their plates and cups.

“Now, let’s dig in before the delicious smelling meal gets too cold.” Josh grinned at the tables and they started serving up the food. Jake was serving the table you sat at, making sure plates were passed down and everyone had a serving before settling his own plate. As everyone began eating, Josh leaned over towards you.

“Where are you from, originally?” he asked. “Your accent isn’t Californian.”

“I’m from Indiana.” you supply, dragging your spoon through the thin broth in front of you. “A really small town there. Surrounded by nothing by corn and soybean fields.”

“Oh? We’re from Michigan, originally.” Josh mentioned. “We’re neighbors.” you smiled and nodded.

“Practically.” you agreed. The evening went on, Josh asking you questions about your life throughout the dinner. Simple, easy questions someone asks a stranger when making polite small talk. Once the meal was over, you went to help clear the table, when Josh stopped you, stating you were a guest at this meal. He told you that he didn’t want your hands to get too tired from washing dishes, or risk you getting a cut and not being able to mend clothes. You understood, but you couldn’t shake the feeling you were already making enemies in a this place that was so full of love.

[wearywinchester]

Hold On

Dean Winchester x Reader

Summary: When you’re injured on a hunt with a shapeshifter, Dean’s there to make sure you’re okay.

Requested by Anonymous: “Come here, I’ll carry you”

Word Count: 1.8k

Warnings: injuries, mentions of blood, mild swearing, fluff, kissing

A groan.

That’s all you could manage as you tipped your head back and let it thud against the wall, eyes squeezing shut as another groan fell past your lips. You were nothing short of exhausted as you slumped against that wall, one that surely had the outline of your body indented in it from where you’d been thrown earlier. Just how early it’d been, you weren’t really sure about that part.

What you were sure of was the incessant burning across your knuckles and the pressure behind your cheekbone, knowing for certain there was a cut running along your skin there. You were increasingly aware of the way your knee had a dull throb to it, your ankle a million times worse. That familiar pressure radiated behind your eyes as the tears stung and burned, frustration having built up and nearly boiled over. Between the pain of your injuries and the embarrassment you felt for getting them, it was enough to have them rolling down your cheeks, hot on your skin.

It was a shifter. One that’d turned into your very own twin, adding to the strangeness of it all when it cornered you in a room by yourself, the room you currently sulked in with the inability to get very far.

The saying you are your own worst enemy had taken on a meaning you never quite thought of in that moment, one that had your brows furrowing and the anger simmering within you. You knew it’d used your looks to it’s advantage for the brothers you came with, for Dean. You were his sweet spot and it seemed as though every monster in the very world you lived in knew that very fact and took full advantage of the seemingly universal knowledge.

But that wasn’t important right now. What was important was the fact that you’d gotten separated from the pair and were reduced to a hobble should you want to get up and find your way to them. That would be simple if you knew where they were—you’d heard some yelling and a miscellaneous shot fired, but it wasn’t enough to pinpoint where your beau had been.

Your hands were trembling as you brought them up to your face, adrenaline still having its hold on you as you rub your hands down your face despite the jolt of pain making itself known when your hand ran over your cheek. You grit your teeth and curse under your breath at the sensation, fists balling in your momentary irritation before they relax once more.

All around you were heaps of broken glass from windows and cabinets, shards of snapped wood joining it on the floor and you were fairly certain you were sitting on more than a few of those pieces. The couch was overturned and it’s cushions splay around the room in places cushions shouldn’t be, the table split down the middle and sitting in a pile of rubble much like the rest of the room. The paintings and pictures on the walls were torn, the glass in some of the frames broken and from where you’d thrown them in self defense. Something that also took on a new meaning.

You were tired, fatigue weighing you down as your heart hammered in your chest and sweat coated your skin. You were tired and miserable and desperately wanted to call it a day. A bubble bath seemed like a dream to you in that moment, contrasting to the way you felt having currently been covered in dirt and blood and sweat and most freshly—tears.

Your jaw tenses as tightly as you could manage when you rolled to your side, palm pressed to the floor as you leaned on your good knee. It was no easy feat getting yourself up off that floor, the smallest bit of pressure upon your ankle nearly sending you over the edge as you stood to your feet with a tear rolling down your cheek. Balance was something you lacked in that moment, never something you had down to begin with but it paled in comparison to this as you caught yourself on the wall.

“I am never hunting again,” you grumble to yourself, huff leaving your lips though you knew it was a lie.

“Y/n?”

You gaze lifted to the owner of the voice, relief washing over you as he crossed the room in as little as three strides. “Dean? Please tell me it’s really you because I can’t do a round two with that thing.”

“I could ask you the same thing, sweetheart,” he says, brows furrowing as his hand comes up to your cheek, the pad of his thumb brushing over your skin as the tips of his fingers hover over the very curve of your ear.

You could see every emotion that expressed on his face, that filled his eyes as they bounced over every inch of your face at each and every scrape and scratch and bump and bruise. You could see the myriad of questions and arguments sitting on the tip of his tongue on how you should have been more careful, how he shouldn’t have let you leave his side this time. It wasn’t hard to see, even if he’d deny it till he was blue in the face if you’d said those very things you saw.

His eyes fall closed for a moment as the relief falls over him, his forehead pressing to yours as his jaw tenses. He feels the anger simmering in the pit of his stomach at the thought of what’d happened to you and at the very fact that he couldn’t do anything about it. Wasn’t there to help you. If he was, your hands wouldn’t be shaking so much and you wouldn’t have those tears in your eyes that pull at his heart every time he sees them. You wouldn’t be shifting on your feet as you try and stand on a messed up ankle and you wouldn’t have felt scared. You hadn’t said it but he knew you were.

You wouldn’t be hurt.

“You okay?” He asks instead, nose bumping yours softly in the close proximity.

“Take a wild guess, Winchester,” you said, lips quirking up in a soft smile.

He pulls back to look at you then, lips pursed as the crease between his brows deepens. “You’re somethin’ else, you know that?”

“Yeah, I do,” you say, getting yourself an eye roll.

You muster up the strength to push past him, all hobbles with just an ounce of balance as your face twists in immediate discomfort. The groan you try to muffle doesn’t get past green eyes behind you, especially not the gasp you’re quick to inhale when that ever familiar searing pain burns up the length of your leg. It was beyond you how you thought you could play it off, but even then you still didn’t give up your efforts.

“Y/n,” he started, a warning tone in his voice mixed with exasperation.

“I’m fine, Dean. I got it,” you insist, though the half cry leaving your lips right after is less than helping your case.

“Would you quit it with the macho tough guy act?” He says and you’re quick to flash him a glare. His brows raise and he throws his hands up. He was right and he knew it. “Come here, I’ll carry you.”

“Are you crazy?” Your glare remains as your head tilts, his hands dropping to his sides.

“Don’t be ridiculous, sweetheart, ‘m not letting you walk so deal with it.”

You sigh as a smile tugs at the corners of your mouth, one you try desperately to stave off as you roll your eyes. He turns on his heel and squats down, head turning and brow raising as he waits. A huff sounds and so does a stifle noise of discomfort as you move, your hands pressing to his shoulders as you climb on his back. His hands rest behind your thighs as he stands tall, your arms wrapping around his neck as your head rests against his.

A quiet apology is immediate at the sound of your muffled complaints when your ankle is jostled more than you’d prefer, soft and sweet. You tightened your grip around him then, your chin resting on his shoulder as he kicked the busted door open, careful not to let it hit you.

The rain was drizzling outside as he started along the trail back to the car, the droplets cold against your skin as they pelted down over you at a steady pace.

“You’re taller than I thought,” you mumble, a teasing smile on your lips. “Maybe I should stop calling you short stack.”

His chuckle rumbles against you and you can’t see the grin on his face but boy was he sporting the sweetest smile as he shook his head at your words. “Oh really?”

“Yeah really,” you say, laughing to yourself. “But you are shorter than Sam, so I’m gonna have to take it back, short stack.”

He squeezes your good leg in playful retaliation, head shaking some more as he hikes you up further on his back. Even when you’re hurting you never miss the chance to pick on him and he swears you’re the embodiment of sunshine, he knows you are but he doesn’t know how he got so lucky.

“I meant it when I said you were a pain,” he says, his grin in his words.

You laughed then, one that has him smiling like a fool. You sigh softly, another laugh falling from your lips.

“I can’t believe I kicked my own ass,” you say, brows furrowing as you thought about it and his own laughter was immediate. It wasn’t all too amusing half an hour ago but in the current moment, it was kinda comical you will admit.

“You kicked mine too.”

You sigh, quiet and gentle as you look ahead over his shoulder. His stubble is rough against your cheek as your skin brushes against it, your hand that dangled over in front of him patting his chest.

“De?” You say softly, eyes focused on his boots with every step in the mud and gravel. He hummed. “You really are sweet.”

Sweet. It was something you called him often, something he’d beg to differ on because he feels you deserve more, but that isn’t even something he’d argue with you on. He knows full well he’d lose. But it’s got him smiling, one that only widens when you kiss his cheek and your smile presses into his skin, paired with a soft press of your lips to the corner of his mouth when he turns his head. He stops in his tracks and tips his head back, kissing you once, twice, three times before he turns once more and continues by the path.

It’s his wordless I love you, his wordless acceptance of your words as he’s got that goofy smile on his lips he’s glad you can’t see. You know you’ll be just fine as long as you’ve got him, and he knows he’s not going anywhere.

—

Tags: @flamencodiva @stixnstripesworld @dean-is-sams-apple-pie @elegantbutedgy @humanmistakes @campingmonkey

[harrysweasleys]

a little more touch my body // b.b

summary: babie!!! hi!! may i please request a fic based on into you by ariana grande pls? i'll leave the rest up to you, please surprise me (you can also choose if you want to write it for sam, steve, or bucky) thank you so much !!! <3

warnings: lil bit of sexy times, fatws spoilers if you haven’t watched, mentions of alcohol (beer), language 

word count: 2.7k

a/n: i chose to write this for bucky!! hope you all enjoy!

“Well, don’t you two look like a sight for sore eyes?” 

You huffed out a laugh at your own comment as you stepped down onto the boat, making sure to grip the ledge behind you to avoid losing your balance as the structure bobbed against the tides. 

Sam and Bucky sat looking exhausted, each with a beer in their hand, faces slick with sweat and grease. You could nearly smell them from here. 

“Where were you all afternoon? Said you’d help,” Bucky raised an eyebrow as he looked you up and down, beer bottle against his lips as he took another sip. As if he knew what he was doing, he leaned his arm back behind him, muscles and tanned skin glistening under the late afternoon sunlight. You peeled your eyes away from the sight just in time to catch the end of his question.

You placed your hands on your hips, giving him a grin, “Sorry to ditch, I was in town with Sarah picking up some stuff. But clearly, I’m devastated that I couldn’t be here to get all gross with you guys.��

Part of you was rather bummed you missed the action. You’d have loved nothing more than to be working alongside Bucky, both of you working up a sweat and sneaking in little touches here and there while Sam looked the opposite way. Little touches that would never really amount to more, but were fun in the moment. 

You couldn’t count how many weeks — no, scratch that — months, that you and Bucky had been building up this tension. The winks across the room, the lingering touches when you walked by one another, the inappropriate innuendos and jokes when no one was around. Except that one time that you thought no one was around and ended up subjecting poor Sam to your crude jokes over your earpiece. 

It was torture, but the best kind. Bucky knew exactly how to wind you up, and vice versa. Did you ever think this would amount to more? Probably not. You had overheard countless conversations between Buck and Steve about how he wasn’t ready to take a step towards intimacy just yet. Not so soon after regaining his mind and coming back from five years out of extinction, to be more specific. 

You couldn’t blame him, though. And you weren’t going to push for more. Not if it made him uncomfortable. No, for now, you were having a blast bubbling up the sexual tension. 

“I see that,” Sam motioned his bottle in your direction, “This is an act of betrayal, I hope you know.” 

You rolled your eyes, sitting down between the two. The wooden surface was boiling under your legs, so you lifted your knees to keep your skin from burning. 

“Oh, drama queen,” you grumbled, reaching your hand towards the cooler. You hadn’t done much physical work today, but the weather was still impossibly hot and a nice cool drink would help for sure. 

As soon as you lifted the cooler lid, it came slamming down. 

“Buck, what the hell—,” you turned your gaze to the super soldier, a small smirk on his lips. 

“Cool drinks are for the workers, sorry,” he was clearly fighting a shit-eating grin, much to your annoyance. His hand was gripped tightly around the cooler lid, thumb brushing against your own skin. 

“You two are going to drink all six?” you scoffed, tilting your head to the side as if challenging him. 

He raised his eyebrows and nodded his head, pulling his hand away from yours and taking another sip of his beer as if emphasizing his point before speaking, “I think you forget how high my tolerance is.” 

“Ah, of course,” you nodded slowly, “How could I forget? Silly me.”

Bucky shot you a wink, leaning back against the edge of the boat. The angle of the sun was hitting him perfectly and you wondered if the heavens above were testing you. The dark blue of his shirt accented his eyes, shining brightly as they looked you over. His dark hair had a few natural highlights — probably thanks to spending nearly a week here under the Louisiana sunshine. 

He was so distracting you nearly forgot Sam was behind you until Sarah called his name. 

“Sam, can you help me out for a second?” her voice was distant over the sound of the water hitting the boat and your own heart beating a million miles an hour. 

He stood up with a grunt, following after her. And leaving you and Bucky alone. 

“Just a sip?” you asked, eyes darting back to the cooler before meeting his again, “I’ll take one little sip and then you can have the rest of the bottle.” A fake pout made its way to your lips and you had to fight a smirk at the way his eyes darted down to watch before snapping back up to yours. 

“Nope,” he popped the p, giving you another wink. As he brought the bottle back up to his lips, you scooted closer to him, reaching your hand out and taking it out of his grasp before it could reach his lips. 

“What—,”

Before he could finish his sentence, you brought the bottle to your lips, giving him a wink before taking a rather large sip. The taste wasn’t great — it was the cheap beer that you guys had picked up yesterday at the corner store — but you were just trying to rile him up. You hadn’t really wanted the drink that badly.

Bucky’s eyes were practically glued to you. You could swear he didn’t even blink as you maintained eye contact, handing him the bottle back with a small wink. 

His tongue slid out to wet his lips, suddenly fidgety under the sun. You internally pat yourself on the back, but you didn’t show it. Instead, you maintained a steady staring contest with Buck, not sure who was going to crack first. 

God, your heart was beating so fast. Your skin was so warm. You could feel the back of your neck begin to sweat and you could swear that your hands were just as clammy. How did you ever get anything done around this man before? 

“I feel like I’m interrupting,” Sam — curse him and his horrible timing — stepped back onto the boat, causing it to sway a bit under his steps. 

“What? — It’s — we’re fine,” Bucky stuttered with a hoarse voice, clearing his throat as if you hadn’t noticed. Once again, an internal pat on the back. 

“Yeah, okay,” Sam chuckled, “Whatever you guys say. Just keep it PG around my nephews.”

You should be embarrassed by Sam’s jabs, but you couldn’t really bring yourself to feel that way. Instead, you were only focused on how close Bucky was to you. You could smell him — he didn’t smell too great right now, to be honest — but that wasn’t the point. Publicly, you guys never really sat or stayed close to each other. It was more professional if you guys didn’t show whatever was happening between the two of you, really. 

But now, relaxed and away from danger, you were both letting your guard down. Sam was sitting across from you, poking fun, but neither of you scooted away from the other like you usually would. It was nice, you thought. This little sense of normalcy. Feeling like you were just two adults insanely attracted to each other instead of two busy Avengers on a break. 

You brought yourself back to the moment as you stood up, giving them both a little smile, “I’ll give you guys some guy time, I’ll go help Sarah with dinner.”

Sam gave you a little wave, Bucky keeping his mouth shut as you made your way off the boat, holding onto the little railing as you made your way back onto land. You pulled your shirt down, covering the little bit of your stomach that had been exposed while scooting closer to Bucky. 

Shaking your head and trying to un-rile yourself, you made your way over to the Wilson household, a small skip in your step as you did so. 

The lasagna and garlic bread that you and Sarah collaborated on went down quick — unsurprisingly, since Sarah had more tips and tricks in the kitchen than you could possibly hope to count — and before you knew it, you were bidding everyone goodnight. 

Your pull out couch in the basement was calling your name and normally you couldn’t wait to get under the covers and snooze right off. Except tonight, as soon as you got under the covers, you felt wide awake. 

Bucky was in the other room, a small door separating the both of you. You didn’t usually talk after everyone had gone to bed, not wanting to wake anyone up or prevent either of you from getting the proper sleep, but tonight you couldn’t help it. You were practically itching to go over and see him, and you doubted you’d get any sleep if you didn’t. It was like a magnet was pulling the two of you together and the harder you pulled away, the stronger the tug was.

You slipped on a pair of socks after getting out of the bed, the fresh air of the basement hitting your body like a gentle embrace. It had been stupidly warm under the blankets just moments before, so the coolness was very much welcome against your skin.

Your footsteps were muffled by the carpeted floor as you made your way to the door separating you both, knuckles gently knocking against the wood before you could take a second to think about what you were doing. If Bucky was asleep, you’d just be waking him up, and that wouldn’t be very nice, would it? However, if he was awake, what would you even say? 

“Yeah?”

Bucky’s voice was soft on the other side of the door, and the creaking hinges broke the beautiful peace as you opened it up, eyes struggling to see in the dark. A small lamp was lit on Bucky’s bedside table, his own blankets tossed off the bed as he sat on the edge. He wore a pair of Sam’s pyjama pants — which you had teased him about a couple of times now — but he wasn’t wearing a shirt. That fact alone was enough to get you to stumble on your own two feet.

“Were you sleeping?” you asked, trying to keep your voice as quiet as possible. You remembered Sarah mentioning the basement ceiling wasn’t properly insulated and voices very easily carried throughout the house.

“No,” he replied, eyes meeting yours in the comfortable darkness of the room. You suddenly felt awfully nervous under his gaze, picking at your fingernails as you leaned against the doorframe.

“Okay, that’s good,” you nodded awkwardly, mind still completely blank on whatever it was that you wanted to say. Bucky didn’t seem to mind the awkward silence, though, his eyes scanning over your body slowly just to make sure you were alright.

“I don’t really know why I’m here,” you admitted, finally picking your gaze up off the floor to look at him. His lips curved up into a small smirk and he patted the spot next to him on the bed. Trudging over slowly, you could feel the temperature in the room rise up by what felt like a thousand degrees before you finally sat next to him. He smelled better this time — thanks to the shower that you were so tempted to hop in on — and you could feel the comfortable warmth of his skin next to you as the mattress dipped under your weight.

“That’s okay,” he replied after a good long moment, “You don’t have to have a reason.”

You sat facing him, close enough that you could see the steady rise and fall of his chest, his skin holding a warm glow in the cozy atmosphere of the room. He was so painfully beautiful that you didn’t think words could capture the image. 

Feeling awfully brave, you slid one of your hands over to his, your warm fingers sliding against the coolness of his vibranium ones. You knew he couldn’t feel your touch, but he shivered anyway, causing you to slide your hand a little closer to his actual skin. His hand reached quickly across and grabbed yours, intertwining your fingers together. Your head fell against his shoulder, resting your forehead against the spot where skin met metal. Without thinking, you lifted your head and pressed a kiss against the same spot, immediately regretting it when you felt his entire body tense up.

“Sorry — I don’t know what I was thinking,” you stuttered, pulling away. 

Before you could get too far, you felt both of Bucky’s hands slide around your waist, tugging you onto his lap in an effortless motion. Your thighs landed on either side of him — practically straddling him — and your chest was nearly flushed against his. His forehead fell against yours and you swore you could hear his thoughts. The internal battle he was having with himself on how far he was willing to take this.

You brought one of your hands up to his hair, raking your fingernails against the sensitive skin at the base of his neck and watched his shoulders sag as he let out a sigh. How you two could go from being ready to rip each other’s clothes off on the boat to this, being intimate and close without having done anything yet, you’d never understand.

His hands slid under your pyjama top, gripping your waist in a way to let you know he wasn’t planning on letting go. And you were more than okay with that.

“Buck,” you whispered, the words hanging in the air before he pulled his forehead away from yours and met your lips with his. His kiss was hot — heavy, and you could feel just how much he had been holding back. He gripped you tight, making sure you felt exactly how badly he wanted this. And you felt the same, hands on either side of his face as you pressed your lips and body against his. 

You guys went from having an intimate, gentle touching moment, to having a battle of teeth and tongues within thirty seconds. He let out a low groan as you tried to get closer to him, rocking your hips against his. You hadn’t totally done it on purpose, your goal mostly just to be as close to him as possible, but you weren’t regretting the action one bit. 

His hands slid further up your shirt until it was tugged off of your body, breaking the feverish kiss for one quick moment before reconnecting at full force. Your mind was blank, numb, but your belly was erupting with every butterfly in existence as he slid his hands around your exposed torso. You didn’t even register the coolness of the metal — too focused on how hot you felt at the moment. He was grabbing at every bit of you that he possibly could, and you were doing the same to him.

For someone who probably didn’t do much self care, his skin was beautifully soft under your touch, hands sliding smoothly down his back and chest as you continued to kiss the life out of each other. It was intoxicating and you swore you’d be addicted to him after tonight.

He somehow managed to flip the both of you over so that he was hovering on top of you, using his forearms to hold himself up as his lips trailed sloppy kisses down your jawline, your neck, to your collarbones. Everything he did just felt so good, so right, that you could hardly remember where you even were at the moment.

Your eyes fluttered shut as he continued down on his path, leaving kisses in every possible spot that was available.

There was no way in hell you were returning to your own bed tonight.

[parkers-gal]

hiiii! can i please get a Tom x Fem!Reader imagine where he and reader have started dating and Tom’s brothers are weary of her because they’re protective etc incase people use Tom but they don’t know she has an actor brother who she helps with his career? Like maybe Taron Egerton or someone idk.. and they overhear her on a phone call to a film crew and they think she’s interfering in Tom’s career but she’s actually on the phone helping her brother? And just angst but end in fluff always ✨ tysm

requests are open (hope u like this)

wc: 1.1k

—

“You know they love you.” Tom says to you softly, quietly. The two of you are seated on a loveseat quite closely. You’re practically on his lap while his hand remains on the outer side of your thigh. You were with his brothers for the night, the “boys” if you will. They were in another room getting something, leaving you and Tom alone.

“Tough love, then.” You huff, looking in another direction. Tom frowns; he knows they’ve been just a bit cold towards you, sometimes even a bit hostile. Tom warned you things might be difficult, especially considering what happened last time when he brought a girl over.

“It’ll just take time.” He tries to assure you, hand rubbing up and down your thigh while he gives you a sweet kiss on the cheek. You nod, smiling a tight-lipped one as you attempted to remain cheerful for him. You knew the boys were very protective, especially about who they let into their tight circle. “Thank you for doing this.”

You smile a genuine one now, looking at him and giving him a soft kiss, short but passionate. “Anything for you.” You hug him closer and the boys come back into the room. They’ve almost been hesitant the entire night, but you’re all due for a day outside in the shops tomorrow, and Tom promised it would give you all time to warm up.

“Right then,” Tom smiled, eyes crinkling from the smirk. “Let’s finish this game of Clue.”

**

You’re holding Tom’s hand while you go from shop to shop. There’s no actual street separating the stores across from each other, so you’re free to walk wherever you please. Harry has a camera around his neck, Sam walking with a water bottle in one hand and Elysia’s hand in the other. Harrison is pointing out every stupid detail that could possible link back to the next season of Stranger Things. They’d been hung up on the last season’s ending, impatiently waiting for new episodes to arise. Tuwaine is feeding him on, gossiping about new theories. You’re laughing at them, adding onto the conversation as much as you can.

They’re not as reserved, today. Maybe it’s the sunshine of London, or maybe they’re just a bit overprotective when anything related to work pops up into the conversation or the mind. You don’t want to think much of it, though, because you’re still getting somewhere, and any progress is progress for everyone.

You’re stopped outside of a shop while Sam and Elysia are inside browsing the shelves. You’re all standing around the entrance waiting for them to return, but your phone rings rather loudly and consistently, so you excuse yourself to take the call, walking a way for some privacy.

“Hey, Tar.” You speak into the mobile device. “What’s up?”

Though you’re barely five minutes into the call, you can tell it’s going to be an important one — one that regards the script of your brother’s upcoming film. Sam and Elysia finally emerge from the shop while you're still on the call, and though they can only hear one end of the conversation, they urge to listen in. Tom had gone to get pretzels with Tuwaine from a small bakery, leaving the boys to wait for each of you to come back.

You’re still talking on the phone, though, and they’re listening to you frantically talking to your brother, though they don’t know it’s your brother on the other end.

“No, you should replace that second fade-in scene with the rough draft Jon wrote last week — yes the one from the producer’s room. The… yeah the cherry one too.”

After hearing what could’ve been you talking about Tom’s work, Harrison runs to get Tom before you can return.

“What’s up?” Tom’s licking his fingers from the cinnamon of a pretzel.

“Y/N…. she’s messing with your work.”

“What?” His brows furrow as he tries to understand what they’re saying.

“Yeah. She’s changing things about Cherry and something with Jon Watts-”

“And you know this because?”

Harry blushes. “We eavesdropped on her phone call.”

Tom raises a stern brow. “You know that’s not polite.”

“But she’s not even an actress or anything! What if she’s sabotaging your work?”

Tom tries not to laugh too hard. “You sound like someone from a Disney Channel show.”

“You can’t deny it’s a little fishy.” Harrison’s buff arms cross over chest and Tom sighs just as you’re about to come back.

“Just be careful with her.” Sam whispers as you arrive.

“What’re we doing now?”

Nobody manages to answer you, and you can tell the dynamic has shifted slightly. Tom had gone back to the pretzel shop for Tuwaine, and you’re left alone with the rest of the group.

“Are you meddling with Tom’s work?” Harrison manages to to get out after a few awkwardly silent moments.

“What?”

“We heard you on the phone.” Sam elaborates.

“I worked on Cherry with Tom, y’know.” He moves his camera slightly and you can see his demeanor grow defensive.

“Yeah… and?” You’re trying your best to understand, but there seems to be a gap for the misunderstanding.

“I think you should tell Tom what you’re doing to his work?”

“What’s going on?” Tom disrupts the circle that had once surrounded you, with questions and with people.

“Y/N has something to confess.”

Tom looks from Harry to you, wearily, curious as to where this is going.

“Yeah…” You trail off, thinking. “Your brothers have been listening to my conversations.”

“Within reason!” Harrison is quick to jump to the defense. “You’re a bit fishy.”

“I’m fishy for helping my brother?”

“You were talking to your brother about Tom’s upcoming movie?” Harry’s fast in deciphering your words. You’re stunned, face showing pure bewilderment.

“My brother happens to be Taron Egerton; we have this ongoing joke about fruits and scenes for scripts. Cherry is what we say for…. For the number two.”

“Oh.”

Tom rolls his eyes as the group realizes their mistakes. They’re looking down at their feet while Tom comes to your side, hand on the small of your back.

“Don’t you have something to say to my dear Y/N?” Tom’s rubbing it in slightly, and it makes you laugh.

“We’re really sorry. It was rude and impolite and… yeah.” The rest of them say other things along those lines, and you nod in forgiveness.

“It’s alright. Tom told me you all were… protective or… of the sorts.” They laugh dryly at your twist of words, and you return it with a smile. “We cool, though?”

“God yes.” Harry exhales with relief. “As long as you are.”

“Good.” Tom smiles, eyes still reading as the ‘stern older brother.’ “No more of that nonsense.”

[sinnabonka]

It’s spec time: Love always wins

(Okay, I promised it, I’m doing it, there’s no stopping me now.) 

For the last three days I’ve been all over the place emotionally, clinging to every post saying Cas is not dead dead, saying his story is not done, but then someone wrote the “but” post and, there I go again, down the bottomless pit of angst. 

I’ve been a Schrödinger believer for so long with this show, one can get used to it. 

I know I’m not the only one feeling this way, regarding whether Cas is coming back or not. We won’t know till we know ©

Ep 19 speculations here

But let's speculate!

Apparently, there's nothing better for me to do way past midnight on Saturday and on Sunday morning (when I’m writing this). 

What makes us think 15*18 might indeed be the end of Castiel’s story:

Everything the crew and Misha told us, officially, is pressing toward Cas dying permanently in this scene. “Proud ending”, indeed. 

Castiel’s story has the perfect symmetry this way, with the handprint, the “Hello, Dean” - “Goodbye, Dean”, and the whole “Dean Winchester is saved” theme.

He is smiling, while Empty takes him, he’s content with his sacrifice. 

Something about Castiel’s monologue didn’t sit right with me for some time. The whole point of happiness being not in having, but in being and saying, gave me an idea of it being the way writers say we can’t have Destiel, but we should be happy to know it’s real and to hear it said aloud after all those years. 

Supernatural had to be the story of two brothers and their journey, and Winchesters driving in the sunset is the most probable endgame we are gonna get. 

Even though all those points seem valid, we can’t trust any of it. 

Let me fix it for you:

It wouldn't be the first time the crew lied about someone being on set. 

The handprint was not scripted. I repeat, the handprint was not scripted.

Castiel’s monologue could be just about loving Dean, and it’s just my poor wounded heart looking too deep into it and seeing my angstloving reflection on the bottom of the well. 

And Supernatural might indeed be about family, but, as we know, family doesn’t end with blood, and doesn’t start with it either. Cas is family, after all. 

I’m glad be are clear on this one.

What tells us Cas is coming back and we are getting Destiel endgame:

(Brace yourself, it’s gonna be wordy)

1. The most obvious, without rewriting his memory or going OOC, there’s no happy ending for Dean (not the crappy bittersweet substitute) without Cas. 

Even without the love confession in place, we’ve seen what Cas’ death did to him before, it shuttered him to pieces. Imagine the damage it's gonna cause now! 

“I love you, I always did, bye bye now, have a long and happy life knowing my feelings for you have killed me dead.” Really? No win can make up for it.

2. My fave point, aka the natural dynamics of storytelling. The big loss predicts the big win. The deeper the wound, the brighter the prize. Following the roller coaster this season has been, we should be up for a pretty high damn up pretty soon. 

So, there’s The Big Loss (losing Eileen, all of their friends, all the people on Earth and Cas). 

Next - The Big Win (defeating God, getting their free will back, getting humanity back). 

Then, we should have The Big Regret and Reflect moment (Sam and Dean talking a lot at this point, realization of things which are important, what they want with Chuck gone). 

And at the end, there’s The Ultimate Happy ending waiting for us (see point 1 again in case you are not sure what that means).

3. You know what, forget it, this one is my favorite. The parallels. Throughout this season we’ve been spoon-fed with context (Geez, it feels nice to finally know we are not crazy, we are not seeing things, we got it all right!) and writers chose to do so via parallels, via reflections, subtle hints. 

It would be some lazy storytelling to shove everything to our faces, so, instead, we’ve got: Charlie and Stevie, Sam and Eileen, the world and humanity, Dean and Cas. 

Everyone separated. Forever? No, not really. And I don’t buy everyone getting their loved ones back, except Dean. C’mon.

4. Unresolved love confession. Yes, Cas might have died with a smile, meaning it’s enough for him to speak his truth and be gone. But Dean? Him sobbing in the dungeon, ignoring Sam’s calls (he literally never chose anything above Sam before), the “Don’t do this, Cas” part - it’s the lowest he’s ever been. 

To sum up, Dean didn’t get his closure. He might have needed five to six business days to process, but he still has his truth he has to find out and then give a voice to. 

And yeah, I know, he could confess via prayer or something, but we all know that’s something needed to be said face to face.  (Btw, he already confessed to Cas in purgatory via prayer once, you can try and prove me wrong, but good luck with that, sunshine.)

5. The perfect symmetry. If I were in SPN writers room, I would literally cry my eyes out of joy at the symbolism this ending gives. I would literally fight everyone against it. 

The broken man not deserving to be saved is dragged from Hell by the most loyal and righteous angel Heaven ever seen. 

VS

The fallen angel not deserving to be loved is dragged from Empty by the most loving and caring man the sun shone on.

I mean, c’mon, people. Poetry.

(We are nearing a very important thing here, fasten your seatbelts, please.)

6. The message the show wants to give the world has changed. From “it’s all about the journey, about saving people, killing things, no one ever gets what they deserve”, the philosophy has changed drastically toward the “good things do happen, you deserve to be saved, to be loved”. 

Come and see what lane we are walking right now: allowing yourself to love again, to experience things again / losing the love of your life a moment later / fighting for your love / winning your love back. 

I believe the final message is: love always wins. 

Love is not one’s weakness, love is power, love is strength, it’s a perfect fuel. 

Humans declare war in the name of love, kill and get killed in the name of love, but, most importantly, humans live and win those wars in the name of love, too. 

7. Go big or go home is on the table, and no one goes home this time. 

Supernatural was a bunch of broken glass for soooo long, I think this time writers are gonna give us something good, for a change. Not bittersweet good, but actually cotton-candy-almost-diabetes-sweet good.  

Why? 

Because *loud and clear* we deserve having good things happening to us! 

Also, it’s The End, the creators have nothing to lose, but, on the other hand, the ultimate happy ending would allow them to leave an enormous mark on the world and Supernatural to be known as the only show that actually could.

To sum up:  

Dean can’t be happy with Cas gone and, following the logic of prebuilt parallels, he won’t have to - everyone gets their loved ones back at the end, because love always wins. 

Cas might be at peace with speaking his truth, saving Dean and being gone, but it is not fair, Dean also deserves a chance to be heard. 

Few seasons ago I would laugh in my own face for these arguments, but the philosophy of the show has been transformed. During the last few years we were being prepared for this moment, slowly, gently being led toward this moment. 

Supernatural has to give us the Destiel endgame to prove their point.

click x click for more

[clementinesjourney]

Heart made of glass, my mind of stone..

A.N. : This is kind of where i am these days, so it's rather writing out my feelings and things i wish for just putting it into the fanfic world. It helps coping :)))

Warnings: depression, loneliness, mentions of rape (past), other than that just fluff.

Words: 1,8 k

Pairing: Bucky x reader

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You were always this cheerful woman, who were always there to pick up your teammates. You watched movies with Wanda and Sam, went all mechanic with Bruce, drank a whiskey with Tony in silence, trained with Nat, went to the farmers market with Steve (with an occasional detour to see his old home), and played with Bucky's hair while he calmed down, and fell into a peaceful slumber after a nightmare. You managed to find everyone's way to deal with their problems, and helped them this way. Giving them what they needed. They never really thought about you having problems since you were always smiling, cheerful, chatty... just a ray of sunshine really.

Missions always tire you out, most of the times you would be locked in your room for the rest of the day, or the next day tops. Then you would come out as if nothing really happened. Lately you slowly took more and more time to recover mentally from the missions. At first it was just not talking, barely limping to your room before locking it, then staying in a day or two.. Sometimes you fell asleep on the jet, so they had to carry you to your room.

The last mission however broke something deep inside. You, Bucky, Steve and Sam were to wipe out an old HYDRA base which they didn't seem to use for years now, yet there was intel on agents swarming in and out. When you jumped from the jet above the base, your heart almost stop. The frantic shouting in your ear through the comms what what brought you out of shock, your teammates were shouting at you to open your parachute, and when you found yourself completely frozen, Bucky dove in to rescue you by pulling the cord. You could see the anger in his face, laced with a slight worry.

You cleared your throat, before muttering a small sorry, that almost nobody heard.

-Kid, you better pay attention... - said Tony through the comms.

The plan was to separate, and cover all exists, going through all the floors, rescue who needs to be rescued, and kill who needs to be killed. Should be easy right?

You all went alone since there was too many exists. You went to the basement first, from the south. You started to have flashbacks about your past. From the times you suffered an screamed all night cause the unknown serum burning you from the inside out. That's how you got your powers. Telekinesis, and the ability to read minds. When they found out that your serum was weak, they decided to put you down in the basement with their other "failed tests" and test their other weaponery on you. You were a young girl, with a slender body, quite some HYDRA agents liked you, so you were put in a separate cell alone, for the tests of the pollen... Of course it was only you who got it. They only went in when it was safe, and by that time you would do just about anything for release. On your clean moments you ofter cried that the one thing you wanted to keep for "the one" was taken away from you in a sickly manner, just cause they knew you would never agree. You spent three years there before fleeing.

Bucky was working his way through the basement as well from the north. He was more then halfway through, when he asked where are you. Normally you would be faster than him. There was no answer, and he could hear the sighs from the others.. He saw a HYDRA agent standing in the door, readying his weapon, when he shot him. Then ran to the opened door. He saw you, carefully touching a pair of chains, fixed to the walls. He tried to call you once, twice.. then when he touched your arms from behind, you snapped out of it, and pulled your knife in a swift motion, putting it to his neck... Then you realized that it was Bucky. You looked at him with teary eyes, muttering a sorry before leaving without a word. You fought a few more agents, seemingly in an even more deadly manner than on your past missions.. Bucky was watching you worriedly.

The mission was finished, nobody got hurt. On the way back, you listened to some music, and looked out on the window, eyeing the night sky. When you landed, you were the first to hop off, and immediately headed to your room, locking it after yourself. You didn't heard Bucky calling your name, since you didn't bother to remove your earpods.

-Let her be Sarge.. Maybe she's just tired. - said Nat putting a hand on his shoulder as he looked at your bickering back with puppy eyes.

Then you didn't come out of your room after two days.

On the fourth day everyone seemed to notice that you still didn't come out. Your favourite chocolate is in the fridge untouched, your coffee mug was where Sam placed it after washing it for you before the mission. Something was wrong.. and it was uncharted territory for them. They never even saw you cry besides the times when you laughed so hard on something... You recieved multiple messages from them, but replied to none.

Tasha: Hey girl, wanna train? It feels like it's been ages..

WunderWanda: Hey panda.. Movie night? <3

Greenman: Hey kid, i have a new gadget i'd love for you to tell me your thoughts on.. What do you think? :)

IronINGman: Kiddo, don't beat yourself up, we all have bad days.. I have a new bottle if you wanna talk though..

Captaincook: Hey (y/n), farmers market tomorrow morning? Peaches are finally in season!!!

There were multimple knocks on your door, asking if you're hungry, or wanna have a chat, or a walk. But you answered none. You just laid in your bed, looking out on the balcony doors. Unmoving, as a statue.

When you didn't reply to anything and when they didn't hear any noise from your room, they could help but worry. What if something happened? Why weren't you talking to them? Did they do something wrong? The mission was succesful.. They just didn't know. Bucky tried to give you space, but after another week he just couldn't anymore.

There was a soft knock in the middle of the night. He only had to think about what he wanted to say, he knew you'd be reading his mind, as you did with everyone who knocked on your door.

Let me in? please? and with a flick of your wrist, the door unlocked, as a sign that he can come in. You didn't say a word. You just felt your bed dip as he sat on it, putting a hand on your side.

-What happened doll? why aren't you coming out?

-I'm afraid.

-You? the bravest human i know? What are you afraid of?

-The past creeping back to me.. dragging me back..

-Back?

-You remember the mission 2 weeks ago? That was the base i was kept in. I keep most of those times and memories to myself, but this time it broke me. The cell where you found me... that was my "home" for almost 3 years..

-But.. that was where they tested the..

-the pollen.. - you said not looking at him, just staring at the night sky with tears in your eyes, curled up in a ball.

-Why didn't you backed out of the mission? Everybody would've understand..

-Yes and then i'd have to tell everyone that i basically lost my virginity to HYDRA as well as my dignity, all just to test that fucking pollen.. Test how much would it take for it to make me beg, to broke, to willingly give away everything to any of the creeps who entered the cell... Just because two higher ups liked my body.. - you said whispering, stuttering.. Fear creeping in.

He laid behind you, pulling you to his chest. He unterstood you better than everyone else. It wasn't that they didn't want to help you, but since all they knew was how you helped them, that was the way they tried to go about it. Only Bucky seemed to pay enough attention to know that you just needed someone to be there.

He laid there without a word, and you were thankful for it, and the warmth and safety he gave you. For the first time in days you fell asleep..

When you woke up the next morning, he wasnt there anymore. You heard whispers in the common area... and they didn't know you could hear them.. Noone needed to know that you had enhanced hearing..

-I don't get it... she was held there by hydra? - asked Nat.

-I can't believe they used a sweet thing like her... for that.. - said Sam.

There were various sushing when you opened your door. They just stared at you, not uttering a word. You made coffee and retreated to your room.

This night Bucky knocked again, stepping into your room, looking at your curled up form.

-How could i make this better doll?

-Don't leave..

-If that's what you want.. i wont leave.

-Could you hold my hand?

-Can you show me your memories?

He pulled you closer to him as you faced eachother laying on your sides, while you put your fingers on his temples to show him your memories. All the torture, all the loneliness, all the pain, all the begging with tears in your eyes on the verge of death.. By the time you finished, you both stared into eachother's teary eyes. His thumb caressed your face, as he whispered his promise.

-I won't let anyone ever hurt you again. Hell, we can even get the jet, and blow up the whole place if you'd like.

You looked at him with a sad smile. It was so sad it almost broke his heart. Then you scooted closer, putting your head on his chest, as he interlaced his fingers with yours, as his metal hand rub lazy circles on your back.

-I wish i could take these memories and switch them to happy ones. I know being sad and depressed is sometimes a part of life, and i always noticed when your smile didn't reach your eyes... but the way you smile when you're really happy... takes away my breath and all of our pain.. You must be an angel... at least thats what i thought for months when you joined the team.. I still think you are... you must be.. - he said while drifting off to sleep.

The next morning you woke up in a warm embrace. It was a first, but certainly not the last... you smiled to yourself as you snuggled closer... as Bucky's arms thinghetened around you, as if even in his sleep he would want to protect you from the world..

[house-of-galathynius]

Only You ~ Rowaelin

A Rowaelin fanfic, set if Aelin’s parents had lived and she had met Rowan under normal circumstances, if Erawan and Maeve weren’t threats. Hope you enjoy!

Once again I want to say how sorry I am for how long it has been since I have updated! My family came to stay and I hadn’t seen them in almost 2 years and then life just got away with me and I didn’t have time or the energy to write. Either way, I am so sorry, and hope that you enjoy this chapter and I can promise it won’t be as long to wait for the next one! 

@jesstargaryenqueen @sailorsassley @sjmships @tomtenadia @endlessdaydream @aflickeringsoul @tillyrubes10 @fredweasleyhasadhd @rowaelin-cressworth @cookiemonsterwholovesbooks @rowaelinismyotp @rosegoldannie @maryberry @viajandosinalas @becarefuloflove @allthebooksunderthemoon @sheharahu @swankii-art-teacher @superspiritfestival @becarefuloflove @tanvee1231 @viajandosinalas 

Chapter Eighteen ~ Distances 

Chapter Seventeen ~ Chapter Nineteen

As much as Aelin had wanted Rowan to come back to her rooms with her and stay the night like he usually did, they both agreed that maybe it was for the best that they return to their own separate rooms. 

It felt strange when she finally nestled under the covers and there was no one next to her. She had gotten too used to him being beside her and now the bed felt cold and empty without him there. She rolled to her side and stared at Rowan’s spot. She cursed herself for being like this— in one week they would be able to spend every night together. She should count herself lucky. 

She tossed and turned for a while longer. Long enough for the fire in her room to reduce to embers. The air became chill and she flicked her hand and reignited the flames, flooding the room with heat once again. 

She turned over and caught sight of the box on her nightstand, it was flicked open to reveal the engagement ring Rowan had given her only hours earlier. The gold band shone in the light, almost glowing. She smiled to herself. How had it only been a couple of months since she had known him? Since her life had been turned upside down— in the best way possible. It seemed like only yesterday she had been leaving Sam’s apartment after a tumble in the sheets; completely unaware that the next day she would meet her mate. The words still felt unfamiliar. 

And so much had happened since then too. Orlon’s imminent retirement and her subsequent taking of the throne, her wedding, Lysandra having a child. Her life had always been a bit of a whirlwind, but it seemed the last few months had intensified even further. 

Aelin finally dimmed the flames and snuggled further into the bed. 

It seemed like the first time in forever where the future actually excited her. 

She tried to ignore the voice in the back of her head that was telling her it was all too easy. Finding Rowan at such an important time in her life. Sam accepting their fate… the general contentedness in Terrasen. 

That voice told her it was all going to end, that it had been peaceful for too long— that things had been too good. 

She took in a deep breath and released it slowly. The worries of tomorrow are for tomorrow. She did not need to ruin what had been a beautiful day with any of the what ifs. 

~ 

Aelin woke in the morning to bright sunshine streaming through the window. 

She stretched out, turning to the side where Fleetfoot was curled in a ball. Aelin smiled at the sight. The dog was fickle and liked to go from person to person— despite being Aelin’s dog officially. 

It was quiet as she stepped from her bed, the stone cold on her feet. There were no footsteps in the hallway, no crackling fire, no birdsong outside. Just silence. 

Despite the frigid temperature, she opened up the patio door and loitered just inside, but close enough that she was able to let the cold winter air caress her. The breeze was soft and light as it danced around her. She closed her eyes and let herself enjoy the moment of silence— for soon enough that silence would be broken. 

Her fae hearing picked up on the flutter of wings, and then the sound of footsteps crunching in the snow. She smiled as she scented who it was and opened her eyes to Rowan. 

He watched her for a moment and returned a smile as he took her in. Aelin remained in her nightgown, her arms and legs bare against the chilly winter morning. Her skin covered in goosebumps as the cold finally found its grip. She shivered and in a flash Rowan was there. He shook off his jacket, resting it over her shoulders as he spun her around and led her back into the warmth of the bedroom. 

“You’ll catch a cold standing out there in nothing but a nightgown.” He chided. 

Rowan directed her to the armchair near the fire and let her settle down into it. 

It felt odd going from being independent and not needing the help of anyone to suddenly having someone constantly there, concerned about her wellbeing. She watched Rowan pick a blanket from the bed and lay it across her lap. 

“Here. I won’t hear the end of it if you’re unwell.” Rowan tucked the blanket around her and then perched in his own chair, crossing one leg over the other. 

Aelin’s mouth twitched into a tender smile at Rowan’s fussing. 

“I’m surprised you’re up this early. I had planned to wake you up with breakfast… but I scented you when you came outside, and I wanted to make sure you were fine.” 

She shifted so she was turned fully towards him. “I forgot to close the curtains and the sun woke me up. I’m all good, just a little sleepy.” 

They fell into silence for a moment. Aelin had noticed it happened often— she didn’t mind it— but sometimes she worried that it would only get worse and they’d never have anything to talk about. She shook the thought from her mind and stood from the chair. She folded the blanket and placed it down, taking herself towards the bathroom. 

She padded to the tub and rested herself on the edge of it as she turned the water on. It spluttered a moment, barely a drizzle coming from the pipes. She groaned. Winter time was hellish for the intricate pipe system that had been integrated into the palace. The cold weather froze many of the pipes and it meant that she would have to send a flare of her magic out every few days to ensure they did not keep freezing. 

Aelin took in a breath, diving into the well of power she had and pulled it up. This wasn’t a dramatic display of her magic, she didn’t need her flames to appear, she just needed to envision invisible fire running through the pipes, melting the ice, but not hot enough to damage anything— that mistake she had made before. 

“You know—“ 

The flames she had been holding at bay flared slightly and she turned her head. Rowan was leaning on the door frame, arms crossed over his front. 

“I can unfreeze the pipes.” He pushed off the frame and strode towards her. “I’m surprised they haven’t cracked from the excessive freezing and heating in the winter.” 

“Are you an expert on plumbing?” 

He chuckled and turned the water on, a steady stream came out and Aelin grinned. “When I lived in the mountains with Lyria, I would have to do it regularly.” 

Aelin hated the feeling she had when he mentioned Lyria. They tended to avoid the topic, but sometimes it would slip into a conversation. And every time it did she felt hot jealousy rise up.

“Well, I’m sure everyone in the palace will be thankful.” Her tone slightly bitter. 

She turned away and poured some bath salts and her favourite bath oil into the water. The scent of lavender wafted towards her. She dipped her fingers in the clear water and almost groaned at the warmth. 

She felt Rowan’s presence still behind her. She knew she was being a child. They were mates and his wife had died. She could not hold that against him, she wouldn’t have to see her or interact with her ever… she should be grateful. But there was a part of her that detested her and the life she had had with Rowan. 

“What’s wrong?” 

Rowan followed her movements around the tub and finally blocked her path, laying his hands on her shoulders, his thumbs brushing her bare skin. 

“Nothing. I’m chilly and would like to get enjoy this bath whilst it’s still warm.” She flashed him a smile and ducked out of his grip. “I’ll see you later.” 

“Aelin.” 

She ignored him and went to fetch her robe and place it on the stool next to the tub. She then turned back to Rowan who was still in the same spot, watching her. 

“Are you upset with me? Because I mentioned Lyria?”

She paused a moment. Her pinky finger trailing in the water. 

“Really?” Rowan blew out a breath. “So I can’t talk about her?” 

Aelin blinked up at him. Rowan was running a hand through his hair, his face grim as he watched her. 

Aelin’s voice was quiet as she spoke. “I never said you couldn’t talk about her.”  

“But you’ll just get upset and bitter towards me if I do?” His voice was level, but she could sense the frustration in him.

Aelin was the one to let out a huff this time. “Am I meant to be filled with joy? Am I meant to love listening to you talk about the woman you would still be married to now if…” She trailed off, not wanting to speak the next words. 

Rowan was silent for a moment. “And you expect me to act like it’s not awful to be around Sam? The man who is actively still in your life?” 

“It’s different.” 

“How?” Rowan’s voice rose, she could feel the anger rolling off of him. 

“Because it is.” 

“You’re acting like a child right now, Aelin and you are being unbelievably selfish. She was my wife. She was a part of my life for a very long time, and you expect me to forget about her forever because you’re jealous of her?” 

“So what if I am jealous of her? You’re my mate, thinking about you with other women is... is horrid.” 

Rowan looked at her, bewilderment evident on his face. “Gods, Aelin. She is dead, she is never coming back. The fact that you are even suggesting I never talk about her is absurd.” 

“You’re blowing this out of proportion. I didn’t mean—“ 

He shook his head. “No. Just stop.” 

Aelin’s bath was forgotten as she followed Rowan back into her rooms and towards the door leading to the balcony. 

“Rowan, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean you could never talk about her. I know she is not a threat, but I just—“ 

“Just what?” 

“I don’t know.” Her words were barely a whisper. 

“That’s what I thought.” He turned towards the stone railing surrounding the balcony, his hands gripping the edges, his knuckles going white from the tension. “I will be going to Doranelle after all. Sellene is more worried about it than she is letting on.” 

Aelin’s chest tightened. “What about the ceremony?” 

He shrugged. “Postpone it, cancel it, do whatever you feel is best. You said it was an option before, so I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” 

“Rowan, can we please talk about this? I didn’t mean to say you shouldn’t talk about her, I’m sorry.”

He ignored her plea. 

“I’ll write when I’m heading back.” He eyed her slowly, taking her in. “Take care of yourself.” His voice softer than a moment ago. 

Aelin still tried not to flinch at his words. “What am I meant to tell everyone?” 

He hesitated slightly, his brow furrowing. “Just tell them I had to go back to Doranelle. I’ll be back for Yulemas.” 

Aelin nodded. Already feeling the giant, gaping hole that was opening up inside her. The thought of him being so far away, the bond stretched so far.

“Be careful.” She brushed her hair from her face. “I love you.” 

He nodded but didn’t reply. Then in a flash he flew away in his hawk form. 

She stood in the frigid air, her body suddenly immune to the cold biting wind that was whipping around her. In the distance more dark clouds were rolling in— an bad omen if she had ever seen one. 

She didn’t look away as she stared at Rowan’s disappearing figure, the white hawk slowly fading into the sky. She felt a tear drop but she wiped it away, sniffing once. She lifted her head, straightened her back and let herself glance towards him one last time. 

Aelin stepped back into her rooms, closing the balcony doors and heading towards the forgotten bath. It didn’t take long for her to have the water heated back up; but she no longer felt like soaking for a long time, instead she cleaned herself quickly, dried herself off and dressed in a simple maroon dress. 

She felt the mating bond twinge, a reminder of the distance between them. 

How could she have been so ridiculous? 

Lyria was no longer here, she was not a threat. Rowan was with her, he was her mate. But she let her immaturity and jealousy get in the way— she let herself get caught up in it. 

“You’re an idiot.” She muttered to herself. 

Picking some lint from her dress Aelin walked over to the door. She grasped the handle, catching the glint of her engagement ring from the corner of her eye. The sun reflecting on the ring, making it glow. Aelin squeezed her hand, unsure whether to put it on. 

She stared at it, the emerald staring back. 

Finally, she let go of the handle and moved to the bedside table, taking the ring and sliding it onto her finger. The weight felt nice, comforting even. She wished she could tell Rowan she loved him again, convince him not to go. 

But as she entered the hallway she did the next best thing, sending a pulse of love through the bond, hoping that wherever Rowan was, he would feel it.